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Chapter Text

FERAL

CHAPTER ONE

Cruel Gods, Wei Wuxian thinks, feeling exhausted, sadly it barely was half of his shift, he thinks, with sadness as he looks himself on the mirror of his room in the brothel. It is three in the morning, it worries him the fact tonight he hasn’t seen any potential client. He isn’t the favorite anymore, he hasn’t been in years.

Perhaps is his age or the fact he doesn’t have that innocent look in his eyes anymore. He isn’t exactly an old man but damn, life has sucked the youth out of him, this kind of job just could eat someone’s soul in just a few years. Wei Wuxian has been prostituting himself since he was in middle school, he left his twenties two years ago.

              His bunny ears shrink against the cold air, it has become his less favorite season, it gets all windy and cold outside, he isn’t making much money lately, his boss doesn’t like that and for that reason, he was taken to the last room in the building, which it sucks due to the room has a lot of holes, here and there, the windows are sealed with wood but there is always a crack where the wind comes in.

                Here there is no blanket to cover himself with, why would he need one? Clients pay to fuck him, this wasn’t a hotel where they could rest for the night, it was a surprise enough his boss gave him an old, used mattress to avoid his clients any further complain. He startles a little when he hears a knock, a knock in his door no less!

                He gets up from his misery in a jump, fixing his messy hair, keeping his lovely, white bunny ears raised to appear adorable. ‘’Hello there!’’ He uses his cheerful voice and smiles so beautifully for this… oh no. He smiles nonetheless and steps away from the entrance to give his former teacher space to get in. She’s a hyena.

                ‘’Oh, little bunny, hello, indeed’’

She closes the door behind her and leans against it as she stares at Wei Wuxian hungrily. ‘’It has been quite a time since last time we saw each other. Did you miss me?’’ No fucking way, Wei Wuxian thinks by inertia. She’s rough and brusque to the point once she sent him to emergencies for the internal tearing this woman leave in his most vulnerable sides.

  ‘’…Yes! Of course I miss you! My holes have been so lonely without you!’’

 He forces himself to say, he can’t lose this client too, he needs the money. He’s paying the medical bills of his sister, Jiang Cheng is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit and Wei Ying is paying lawyers who should be helping him to get his little brother free, in his shoulders weighs the responsibility to keep them alive, free and safe.

‘’Come on! I been waiting for you!’’

He takes her hand and pulls her towards the dirty mattress lying on the floor. He fakes out a moan of pleasure when she grabs roughly his right buttock.

‘’I’ll get ready for you, just give me a second…’’

He looks for the preservatives as she keeps kissing her favorite side of his neck, pressing her hard cock against Wei Wuxian’s smooth folds. Wei Wuxian looks at the half-open door and sees someone behind. Great, another client!                                                                                                                                         

‘’Oh, sorry sir, the room is occupied but I’ll be available in a second’ he says, almost smiling while she feels her teeth sinking lightly on his delicate skin.

Wei Wuxian feels his soul leaving his body when the stranger pulls out a gun from his elegant suit; Wei Wuxian startles as he and points at them, coldly, dead eyes and no remorse at all. ‘’Wait! No!’’ Wei Wuxian yells, the bullet is shot either way. He couldn’t even close his eyes on time, he doesn’t feel any pain, he’s too numb to feel anything; his face is warm with the splashed blood that matches with his wide eyes full of fear.

His former client, the hyena, lies on the floor, probably dead by the way she just lies there, motionless, with a hole in her brains. Sometimes there are some fights between clients when they want a turn with the same prostitute, however, they never had killed anyone because of them, their bosses usually tell them they are not worth it. ‘’…Nice shot’’ Wei Wuxian manages to say, laughing nervously. He doesn’t know the reason behind this murder, but he knows it has to do with some dirty business, the kind of dangerous ones he always kept Jiang Cheng away from when the hunger seemed to pushed him over those options. 

The stranger looks at him, head to toe, Wei Wuxian suddenly remembers he’s half-naked in a used mattress. He’s a tiger, he notices. He has the ears of one, in a particular amber orangeness tone. His tail is quite long, in the same color, he’s moving it in gentle waves; he has his eyes clawed in Wei Wuxian’s naked form. Wei Wuxian is frightened by the pair of empty eyes golden and black pupil, yet he does his best to relax and smile. He doesn’t want to die, he can’t die! What would be of his siblings if he dies here?

This may be his only way to survive, the stranger still holds up the gun. Wei Wuxian spreads his trembling legs even wider, as an invitation. The tiger seems interesting in the offer for what Wei Wuxian could tell; he doesn’t leave his gun yet but with his free hand he loosens his light blue tie.

The stranger becomes a client and does what his clients always do: Looking for pleasure with Wei Wuxian’s body. He thinks he doesn’t have the right to complain about this time, he’s scared but at least this person isn’t a brute, he touches him gently and almost caring; however, the thing is that he’s a feline, and feline’s cocks are always hurtful. He’s trying to be nice but his penis stabs and hurts Wei Wuxian as an arrow; he’s merciful it seems, to help him endure his pain, he makes to always keep him stimulate him by both sides. His cock is hard and hits places inside of him that any other person had touched, but it still a barbed cock and hurts like a bitch when he moves in the wrong direction; when he positions him on his hands and knees, the stranger looks for his clit to stimulate him, Wei Wuxian doesn't know if thats a good or bad thing.

Jiang Cheng hates it here; he hates this place because it prevents him from being at home with his family. His sister's health was a delicate situation, he couldn’t help her or his brother. They were alone, vulnerable. Wei Wuxian was probably still in that old and dark alley, selling himself for some coins to bring enough money home to pay the bills.

Jiang Cheng became another bill to pay, locked here in prison because of his stupidity. He didn’t want this. Stealing was so wrong, his siblings taught him no matter how desperate he ever was for money, stealing was never an option. Neither of them is aware of it, but Jiang Cheng is guilty of the committed crimes. It was him, he did it. It wasn't a mistake neither an incrimination.

Until the end, Jiang Cheng would think he did it only for a very good reason: saving his sister and taking Wei Wuxian out of the streets. He was planning on leaving the city, the three of them, and starting a new life in another place far from here; they’d have enough money to live comfortably and happy. ‘’Ow! Look! The little kitty is crying again!’’ Jiang Cheng represses a sob while he furiously cleans his face from any tear out of his face.

He embraces his knees against his chest and tries to hold back any sound. All those years worked sun to dawn by Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian, just for him to have a good education and a real chance against the world. The endless night of study, the fear every end of the month, scared about not being able to collect money enough for his tuition. His several diplomas carefully framed in the wall of their ugly department by his siblings, looking so proud and joyful of the achievements of their little brother.

How is he supposed to tell him he’s the criminal people think he is? Where would he find courage enough to face Wei Wuxian and tell him that he needs to stop paying that stinky old man that they have for a lawyer because he deserves to be locked up here? He can’t even imagine his sister's reaction!

He’d rather kill himself than ever disappoint his family, he won’t stand it. He shrinks against the wall, his pointing ears raising along with his dark brown tail; once or twice a month there are people who believe they could submit him in order to rape him, until this day, Jiang Cheng has defended himself with all he had, he won’t let them any chance to get hurt, keeping himself safe to get the fuck out of here is the only thing he could do for now.

Wei Wuxian can’t speak anymore, he can’t find air to fill his lungs, the tiger is heavy and crush him against the mattress, leaving him breathless while he never stops pounding him, hard and fast; he’s pinned down by the hair, white eyes and no strength left to do even lift a finger. It’s painful, despite his client isn’t a beast but having his penis inside of him isn't exactly pleasurable, the tip is too sharp, he cannot move away or the spines and spikes along the shaft will just rip him off.

He passes out every 20 minutes, the tiger seems to have stamina, seconds before he touches his climax, the nameless tiger is hard again. Wei Wuxian hides away his terror when the other animal places his fangs on his neck. Is he going to eat him? Was he going to die like this? ‘’Oh! No, no!’’ Wei Wuxian cries for a second, genuinely terrified. ‘’You can’t! Don’t do it! Please!’’

Some of his fellow sex workers have been eaten alive by their clients, during or after the sexual act; he remembers Mo Xuan Yu, a very gentle hybrid deer. He was bought for a few hours by a pack of wolves; it was upon Wei Wuxian and Xue Yang to clean what if was left of him. Just clean bones, it is said by a lot of people that the wolves took Mo Xuan Yu head as a prize; he’s going to have the same exact fate, isn’t he?

Wei Wuxian cries bitterly against the dirty cushion, he hopes at least the tiger will bite off his throat first, so he could bleed out quickly and die. ‘’Calm down’’ The tiger says, his voice is deep and serene, stopping any movement. He hums against the smooth bunny skin. ‘’I cannot stop now or I could kill you by accident’’ He should have thought it twice before involving himself sexually with a bunny, despite how beautiful this one was, his tender sides weren’t meant to take the sharp species of the felines, he wasn’t not only sharp but also big. He’s aware of it at least, he’s as gentle and caring as possible. He also should haven’t brought his fangs too close to his neck, to be honest, he was only tasting his scent, he didn’t have any intention of hurting him. ‘’Relax yourself, I’ll go just one more time’’ He says in a growl, going back down to stimulate him again, poor little bunny, he’ll make it up to him later.

Lan Wangji loves his scent. It’s… soothing. It washes away the smell of blood. He keeps pushing against his body and finds himself relaxing in the middle of a dark forest. He can detect some silver flowers and pine. He can’t help but growl again, the need to mark him, his possessive instincts kicking up again. Tigers are extremely territorial, with a heavy sexual hunger, difficult to satiate. His nose touches the white, long ears of soft fur.

He grew up surrounded by predators, his father and mother were both tigers, and so his grandfather. His brother was also a golden tiger; this time, the only exception was his uncle, Lan Qiren was born as a crane, he probably was the only reason his brother and him had a different view from the rest of the animals.

He makes an attempt to catch his breath, after what it seems five sexual encounters; carefully, Lan Wangji retreats his softened member from the bunny’s tender, puffy entrance; he tries somehow to soothe the marks, accidentally made by his claws in both soft thighs but the other man is no longer conscious, he slips out of Lan Wangji’s grip easily, hitting the bed in silence.

He still has the stupor, the orgasmic feeling tickling beneath his skin, for a moment forgot why he was there in the first place. Lan Wangji has his own private sex workers (as Lan Xichen), several individuals meant to satisfied his sexual desires, a mere sexual act. His race needed sex, as a rule, at least three times every day; he never stepped foot on these type of places. ‘’Ah,’’ he remembers everything once he sees the hyena flouting in his own bloody puddle.

He takes a look at the place, now that the delicious post-intercourse sensation is vanishing, he can detect the awful smell that it comes from the room, this tiny and neglected room that was used to have cheap sex. It’s disgusting, gross he thinks, getting up from that pathetic excuse of bed he was using just moments ago.

With the gun back in place, Lan Wangji looks for a pack of money, quite tick for have used one of the… more affordable sex workers in the brothel; thoughtful, he takes off his coat and covers the body that gave him so many good orgasms in the last hours. He’ll come back, perhaps next week, probably. For now he’ll need time to not only heal physically but emotionally.

‘’Mr. Lan?’’ he’s eventually approached during the exit out the building, it must be one of the owners of the place, judging by the rat ears and the irritating tone of voice that is only ruining Lan Wangji’s mood. ‘’Did you like our services, Mr. Lan? I was frankly surprised by the choice! I’m not saying you have bad taste but I can assure you we have better ones! Younger and prettier!’’

Lan Wangji turns his bored sight towards the man, perceiving him as an annoying bug. ‘’I am not interested’’

‘’But sir! We even have exotic specimens! Newly arrived from countries you couldn’t imagine!’’

‘’I want the bunny’’

‘’Sir…’’

‘I won’t repeat it’’ He says again, firmer. ‘’Su She’’ He calls one of his most loyal bodyguards. ‘’I’ll give you the task to see my bunny is moved to the best quarters of this… establishment. Miss Luo will come shortly to help you settle him accordingly to the instructions I’ll send her’’ He says this looking at Su She, who respectfully brings together his fist towards his open palm and bows. ‘’That bunny is no longer available to the public’’ With this last order stated, Lan Wangji gives a final nod before taking his wait out the building, behind him two of his people carried the heavy body of a hyena.   

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Jiang Yanli wakes up during the visit hours as she always tries to do so, seeing one of her brothers is was true keeps her breathing; the room is tiny and yet shared with at least six more people. The hospital isn’t the best despite the high prices, Wei Wuxian often seems ashamed of keeping her here while she’s avoiding dying. ‘’It’s only temporary, I’ll work harder and find a nicer place, okay?’’ He uses to say with his apologetic eyes, taking her hands on his, kissing them devotionally. The thing was Jiang Yanli didn’t want him to work harder because she knew what it means.

Sometimes Jiang Yanli wonders how better it would be if she just died. She wouldn’t be a burden anymore, the thought sounds relieving, if that makes her brother have a better life, she’ll kill herself if she could. She stares at the moldy ceiling. It’s really depressing, staying here. She hates it so much, she misses Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian and… even Jin Zixuan, despite what happened between them. She can't force herself to hate him.

Jiang Cheng, ah! Another wound on her heart. Her poor baby brother, incriminated and put in prison while being innocent. Her shoulders tremble slowly as a sadness takes over her. Their lives, what made a mess! ‘’Could you shut up your mouth for a fucking minute? All-day crying, you’re getting the rest of the patients upset’’ One of the nurses who attends them almost shouts at her, she sighs shakily and nods, looking down. ‘’Come on, sit straight, is lunchtime’’ She says, Jiang Yanli makes an attempt to, her body is weakened not only by the sickness itself but by the strong medicines that make her stomach burn and spit out blood sometimes.

‘’I can’t’’ She says in a very soft tone, she doesn’t have much strength left, the effort of even trying to push herself in a sitting position exhaust her quickly. ‘’I can’t, sorry, could you help me?’’ She says hopeful, looking at her with pleading eyes. ‘’Please?’’

‘’Do I look like your babysitter?’’ She says in such offended tone that makes Jiang Yanli look away. It won’t be a good day, it seems. ‘’If you don’t want to eat then fine, it isn’t as if your slut brother has paid the bills, yes, so if it is for me, you can just starve and I wouldn’t care less’’

Wei Wuxian wakes up several hours after. He groans, doesn’t even attempt to move when his body is sore and hurting. His legs are still shaking, even when he moves only a bit too much, a feminine hand leaves a caress on his forehead, slowly, Wei Wuxian opens his unfocused eyes. ‘’Hey there’’ the voice is calm and gentle. ‘’How are you doing Mr. Wei?’’

‘’Been better’’ he whispers, moving away from the touch, there isn’t many people with whom he does feel comfortable being around, and these were only his siblings for the moment; he takes a minute to look at the woman sitting next to him in the room, is a woman, probably recently into her thirties. He sees the dark brown fox ears, the red lips, and those calculating eyes that match perfectly with the rest of her face and confident body language.

‘’I can only but imagine. Mr. Lan usually leaves his sexual partners clearly worn out after a few rounds of sex’’ Wei Wuxian chuckles sadly. Free sex isn’t his favorite thing in the world, he should have charged him ten times over after what that damn tiger did. ‘’No need to put that face, he even left a tip for you’’ Her smile grows wider but faker, pointing at his other side with her chin. ‘’Cash only’’

Wei Wuxian looks at his left side and sees a thick money package, despite his pain, Wei Wuxian sat down and starts counting every bill immediately. This… this is enough to pay his sister’s treatment for a fucking half a year! And there would even be money for the lawyer!

‘’Careful there, you’re healing’’ She says with a certain disdain. Goddesses, she does hate greedy whores. They were the worst, all sticky every time they saw her bosses. It’s clear this one isn’t different from the rest on Lan Wangji’s harem. ‘’You can count the money later’’

‘’No… I have to make a…’’ transaction to the hospital but Wei Wuxian stops in the last second. He can’t just tell these people of his family. They aren’t trustworthy. It’s a stupid movement of him if he says anything. He cannot risk his family getting hurt if anything goes wrong, he doesn’t even know what is his current situation.

‘’A what?’’ She inquires with a raised eyebrow.

‘’Ah! Nothing, few payments I have to give to my landlord’’

‘’Mmm’’ she almost purrs out. Lan Wangji told him to look after him, make sure he was alright. He never mentioned anything else so she won’t do anything else, enough she was with the work waiting for her at home. ‘’Well, if that’s it, I’m taking my leaving’’

‘’No, no! Wait’’ Wei Wuxian needed to know what was going to him now; the woman looks at him like the worthless piece of meat he was, there are such boredom and irritation on her eyes and face, Wei Wuxian notices it immediately as the smart man he was. ‘’Sorry. Just a few questions before leaving, Ma’am, please’’

‘’What do you want to know? You’re my boss’s personal dumpster now. He’ll pay you well and keep you alive as long as you’re useful to him’’ That’s to say, Wei Wuxian better behaves or else she’ll personally take care of him. She has done it before without thinking twice, when they annoyed her boss, Lan Wangji usually just sends them away instead of killing them, for some reason. However, she knows they’ll eventually try to come back, no one was stupid enough to say goodbye to the Lan’s fortune. That isn’t something this new little toy knows, of course. ‘’Don’t annoy him. Be respectful. Keep your mouth shut until he tells you otherwise. Let him do as he wishes and don’t complain about it. He hates when people complain. If you disobey these basic rules, he’ll just cut that lovely throat of yours’’ She winks at her. ‘’Ah! And please keep your legs closed to anyone else. Unless it isn’t his brother, he hates sharing. See you later, darling’’

He sits down heavily on the edge of the bed, now even more terrified than before. He hears the door close in the distance as if he was underwater. Then… He’s already dead, isn’t he? He’s still breathing but it won’t be for long. He’s just a caprice, made to help someone else to masturbate with. Or maybe a toy a spoiled kid sees in display and decides he’ll buy and play for a while until he gets bored or breaks it.

The sensation of his mouth trembling assaults him. He feels a sharp needle-like pain in one side of his head that makes him close his eyes with fear. This is worst than the time he was forced to participate in those porn films. Worst than cleaning the blood of his deceased co-workers; he doesn’t want to die, he can’t die yet.

Once he took Jiang Cheng out of jail, and Jiang Yanli healed enough to move the hell away from this city, Wei Wuxian genuinely thought of having a chance. Perhaps studying something he liked, or…or having a little bar, a coffee shop, whatever else than working in the brothel! This can’t be just the end of his life! It isn’t fair! He may not be the best person in the world but this was something he definitely didn’t deserve.

Feasibly it could be the lack of a well-night rest, the food, sister’s hugs and brother’s jokes. He can’t even remember the last time they were happy and together. The stress, in general, pushes him to an episode where he laughs loudly and hysterically against his hands while his eyes cry out a desperate river.

Su She hears him clearly from where he’s standing, outside the door, guarding him against any possible danger. Poor guy, he thinks. His mother was a prostitute, murdered by some rich man when she couldn’t compete with younger and prettier people. Su She has a soft spot for sexual workers, especially, the ones who are forced or don’t have any other option than working here in seedy places, just to feed their children or survive in general.

He cannot do much to his displeasure; for now, he’ll make sure to keep him safe and sound. He couldn’t save his mother, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t do anything else for the people who just have bad luck; tough he doubts this new gentleman will ever suffer at his boss’s side. None of the men and women Lan Wangji frequent were ever hurt; when he decided to end the sexual-financial dynamic they had, Lan Wangji told his best friend to take care, that’s to say: gave them some money and keep them away from me. Of course, Mian-Mian translated this as: get rid of them.

And she had her own reasons, most of the times these women and men were taking more liberties than the ones they originally have, forgetting where their place was, acting disrespectful and disrespect was a thing that Mian-Mian did not allow, worse if it was against the Lan family, both of them were loyal and devoted to the people who took them from the streets, give them a place, food to fill their stomachs, education, and protection, still, Su She would like him to know that while he’s humble and respectful towards the Lans, nothing would ever touch him, even if Lan Wangji gets bored in the end.

Jiang Cheng waits patiently for his brother’s visit every month. Every time he comes he brings news about their sister’s health, even some pictures and videos of her saying how much she loves and misses him, basically food for the soul; he accompanies this with food and money that would help him to survive in prison.

He isn’t grateful or avaricious but he likes when Wei Wuxian just gives him what he needs and then immediately leaves. There is no need to misunderstand him, the thing is that Jiang Cheng can’t stand the state in which his brother comes every time: the split lips, black eyes, bruised face, and even that time where he came all beat up, his beautiful dark, long hair gone, for who knew what reasons, his brother refused to say a word of what happened, even years after the incident.

What hurts him the most are his tormented eyes and fake smile, almost twenty years of having sex in exchange for money. An interrupted childhood, stolen innocence. His claws constantly tingle on the metal table, handcuffed and all. He looks at the doors obsessively. Waiting for the neglected figure to come in, holding a bag of fast food, hiding some money under his clothes, he waits anxiously to see Jiang Yanli’s face through a screen and hear her voice in a video. ‘’Times is over’’

‘’No’’ Jiang Cheng shakes his head stubbornly. ‘’You cut off the time!’’ He yells at the officer when he takes him by the arm.

‘’Of course, I didn’t! It’s time over boy!’’

‘’My brother hasn’t come yet! He always comes! You’re lying!’’

‘’If the bitch hasn’t come yet it is cause maybe he’s too busy sucking dick’’ The room is filled with laughter about the sick joke. It is well known his brother’s job around here. ‘’Don’t concern yourself about him, I’ll visit him later, hopefully, he’ll use the red panties, those are my favorite’’ he hears them laughing still. Jiang Cheng sees red, it doesn’t matter what Wei Wuxian does for a living, he was a person who deserved respect or so was his last rational thought before going wild; somehow, one of the officer’s eyes ends up stuck in Jiang Cheng’s claws.

Back at the brothel, Wei Wuxian has taken a long shower and change his clothes for more comfortable ones, it wouldn’t be open until several hours at night. He has well secured the money underneath his clothes, there are payments to be done and family to visit, last time he saw Jiang Yanli was almost a month.

‘’Oh…’’ Wei Wuxian feels his head hurting again, there is an armed man guarding his door. ‘’Hello’’ Wei Wuxian says, again forcing happiness he stopped feeling years ago; the bodyguard slowly looks at him, is a dog. Wei Wuxian doesn’t like people hybrid dogs. They can be pretty nasty sometimes, he still has the marks. He swallows down his fear and pretends all calm and peace.

‘’You cannot leave the room’’ Mian-Mian told him he should stay in these quarters until he was healed enough to move around. It seems his boss was rougher than normal, or perhaps this simply wasn’t a specimen strong enough to mate with a tiger size. ‘’Return to bed, sir’’

‘’…I have to go’’ He insists, Su She eyes him, even while he stands his legs are trembling, he looks all pale and he thinks that he pushes only a little, the man would just fall down on his ass. He shouldn’t be here standing, and certainly not outside doing who knew what. ‘’I need… a hospital’’ He’s half sincere, he isn’t bleeding, which is a blessing, but checkout would be wise. 

‘’Are you hurt?’’

‘’…I don’t know… something doesn’t feels entirely go down there, you know?’’ Often those are the magic words for him to be left alone for a few moments. ‘’I need to see a doctor, please’’ he points carefully to not sound arrogant or demanding, hoping this would be enough.

‘’Come on then, I’ll take you’’ Wei Wuxian freezes in his spot. He doesn’t want him to go with him! He can’t know about the existence of his family! Su She sees him, sees his state, the fear, the stress, and exhaustion. ‘’I won’t hurt you’’ Wei Wuxian chuckles, because that isn’t true. He’s one of that man’s people. He’ll do whatever his boss tells him to do, which’s why he is here. That’s what people do to them.

‘’Okay’’ but Wei Wuxian doesn’t have many options left, he’s already trapped in the tiger’s fangs, and it would be like that until someone else catches Lan Wangji’s eye.

Su She had family once, so did Mian-Mian. For the same reasons, they were forced to say goodbye and start this path. It isn’t something they hate or like but they are used to. It was this or starve, the city is a very somber place, poor, not many jobs, filth lurking around every corner, rich people aren’t numerous and the ones that lived here weren’t as compassionate as the Lans did.

‘’How are you? Huh? Did you miss me? Did you miss your baby brother?’’ when Su She sees him kissing his sister’s forehead, it reminds him of the family he had years ago. ‘’Are you hungry? I brought something for the two of us to eat!’’ She barely nods, weakly but smiling, nonetheless.

‘’I missed you’’ her voice sounds all soft and gentle, too low though, Su She can’t hear her from where he’s standing, not that it is any of his business to know what are they saying. He’s here to make sure Wei Wuxian is safe from any retaliation; his boss is an obsessive person, he doesn’t like when people touch what it is his, this isn’t strictly sexually.

Her hand trembles as she tries to caresses Wei Wuxian’s battered face, her brother takes her hand in his before she tires herself out, kissing her hands lovingly. ‘’You are getting skinnier than ever! I’ll ask the nurse to feed you more, my lovely sister is all bones!’’ Wei Wuxian keeps chatting as she helps her to accommodate on the bed. ‘’Is your tail comfortable? You want me to help you with it?’’

‘’I’m alright’’ She says, eyeing the soup her brother has brought, it smells delicious, after almost a day without having anything in her stomach but pills, her mouth is watering, famishing. ‘’Let’s eat’’ Wei Wuxian smiles sincerely to know she’s having an appetite, that was a good thing!

He offers to feed her, Jiang Yanli’s hands were shaking, despite this she refused to let her brother spoon the food to her, she wants to get even more exhausted, this way, once the visit ended, she’ll go back to her sleep almost immediately, time should feel faster if she’s sleeping. ‘’How’s going A-Cheng’s case?’’ She asks the same question every time Wei Wuxian visits, by this time he should be prepared to answer it, Wei Wuxian fails every single time nevertheless.

‘’Good, sister! He’ll be out of prison in no time! It’s just that the process can’t be a little slow, you know how bureaucracy is!’’ She doesn’t know, Wei Wuxian doesn’t either, they left school sometime after uncle Jiang ran away with his lover: Jiang Yanli’s condition worsened over a certain time during their childhood, aunty Yu worked her ass off to after her husband stole all their money to leave the city and her daughter was dying for the first time; in the meantime, someone needed to stay at home and take care of baby Jiang Cheng. An older baby taking care of a younger one.

‘’But what the lawyer says?’’ She asks, worried. ‘’He’s being paid but he doesn’t give us many answers, A-Cheng shouldn’t be in prison, he’s innocent’’ Wei Wuxian sighs, sadly.

‘’I know. I’m sorry, sister. He shouldn’t be there, he wouldn’t ever steal a cent. The lawyer says that his reputation is playing in his favor though! In previous jobs he’s known for be an honorable man! Also, he’s behaving excellently back there! It’s just a matter of time, I promise I’ll take him out that horrid place, even if I have to dig a tunnel from our home to his cell’’ It soothes her heart to know Wei Wuxian would believe in their brother’s word to the end. He takes the spoon to his mouth and then stops. ‘’How many spoons do you think  I’ll need?’’ Jiang Yanli giggles softly against her own.

How curious, Lan Wangji thinks, wrapping a fluffy white towel around his waist. It has been three days since his sexual encounter with that nameless bunny. After that, he had sex several times with his personal sex workers, to his surprise, the scent of the bunny still lingers in his skin as an expensive perfume that refuses to be erased.

It had to do with mating? That’s to say, his body was asking him to find a proper partner to have offspring once and for all? Uncle Qiren would go wild with happiness to hear it but from Lan Wangji’s point of view, a child wasn’t in his plans yet. He can’t picture himself as a father, not at the moment and certainly not in ten years.

He can’t just imagine his child being assassinated by their enemies. He can’t imagine the pain of losing a child or a significant one, he has lost his parents already, it took him far too many years to finally get over it, he doesn’t wish to create new bonds with anyone else than the family he already had. ‘’It is time for children’’ His uncle told him once, his fingers caressing the thin lines around Lan Wangji’s eyebrows. He isn’t that young anymore, he could even see some silver hair, a thread or two.

It isn’t that easy. Some species, especially the felines ones, did not reproduce just with any other specimen unless their body consciously chooses another one, a compatible one with whom they could not only mate successfully but actually have a pup or even a liter if they have enough compatibility. ‘’Nonsense’’ He says to himself aloud in the middle of his room, spreading some lotion around his neck and clavicle. He waits for a few moments for the perfume to finally settle down and hide the scent away.

Chapter Text

Chapter three

Lan Wangji hasn’t feel good lately. There is certain anxiety, an unsettling feeling that keeps digging into the bottom of his stomach. ‘’Wangji’’ His brother calls him out when he seems to be lost again. ‘’Do you wish to share something with me?’’ They have a good dynamic as a family. It isn’t that Lan Wangji has more violent and bloody instincts than his older brother: Lan Xichen could handle violent situations perfectly but he simply chose not to. He could have dinner at the same time he sees his men torturing someone, however, he didn’t find it pleasant to do the torture himself. He’s more of a businessman.

‘’No’’ On the other hand, Lan Wangji goes outside, kills, threatens, and mutilates when it is needed, he doesn’t find pleasure in it and doesn’t have issues doing so, in the meantime Lan Xichen chooses to lead from home, keeping Lan Qiren away from any violent affair. Sometimes the world works like this, they are comfortable in their tasks and duties, is easier. ‘’Everything is fine’’ Lan Wangji says but Lan Xichen smiles kindly at him, with his knowing eyes, his left ear twitching, and curious tail.

‘’Is that so?’’ Lan Xichen won’t pressure him for an answer, not for now at least. Is it clear that something happened, judging for the new aroma Lan Wangji carries now? He won’t torment his little brother any further, not today.

‘’Mm’’ Lan Wangji returns to his impassive look, enjoying the last of his breakfast, today there were many tasks to do before being time to return home. ‘’Uncle Qiren won’t have breakfast with us?’’ He says, hopefully, his brother will understand his reluctance and leaving him alone for a few days before Lan Wangji could understand himself.

‘’He left this early morning’’ The Lan family had several treasures, on top of that list remained Lan Qiren, he was beloved in their small family, acting as the parental figure they lost when their parents were murdered. ‘’For charity reason he mentioned. I believe he should be at home by dinner’’ Lan Qiren was the face people chose to look at, the man who carried the reputation of a benevolent man who helped the poor, while his nephews massacred the city.

In the end, Wei Wuxian goes to the doctor days after visiting his sister for the first time, just to have an excuse to visit her again and pretend everything is in order; in all this time the man called Su She hasn’t left him alone but when Wei Wuxian finally returns home, and even in that way, he still feels watched.

Now he’s in the hospital again, for his periodical revision. His doctor treats him with the same coldness and disrespect as the rest of the people when they find out what he does for a living. Wei Wuxian cannot feel offended anymore, he barely feels anything if he’s honest. He has been humiliated, harmed, and assaulted in such ways, that some rudeness is hardly something noticeable to him. ‘’I have not finished yet. Stay in your place’’ the doctor practicable barks at him, Wei Wuxian stops any further movement and stays still on the examination table, his once bright eyes lost somewhere in the room.

Wei Wuxian’s tights were burning, he spreads some ointment around them, careless, Wei Wuxian looks away when he sees the annoyance on his face. ‘’Everything is okay?’’ He had sex with felines before, not his favorite thing in the world but yet part of his job if necessary. However, his last client was the biggest he had of that kind. ‘’He didn’t cut or tear me?’’ He asks again when he’s ignored. ‘’Dr. Yao?’’

‘’What do you want me to tell you? Is your sexual life, not mine. You should know better than I do’’

‘’Then why the fuck did I let you see between my legs?’’ Wei Wuxian argues, now truly bothered, his voice goes out broken this time. He doesn’t have strength for this, it is just too much. Living is a constant fight with anyone who knows what he does, who looks down at him and sees a criminal, an immoral individual when in reality he’s just a person like everyone else, with a job that isn’t nice but that it was one, he deserved the same respect as the rest of the people around him.

‘’And? Don’t come to me with that attitude. I perfectly know what you work at. Don’t pretend to have some sort of respect for yourself now’’ The doctor says with such arrogance that makes Wei Wuxian see red for a moment. He wants to kick the hell out of him now, in other times he’ll have done so, if it wasn’t for the fact his sister was staying in this same hospital, he couldn’t risk being kick out from here.

Fuming, he gets out from the table, and limping he goes looking for his clothes. He doesn’t use the privacy screen. This doctor has been in the brothel, he never chose him, the doctor was looking for younger ones, he has the never to judge him of being immoral. He needs to leave, go home and rest before going back to the work again. He doesn’t have time for this, or energy left. He doesn’t… ‘’By the way’’ Wei Wuxian stops when he reaches the door, the doorknob on his hand before turning around, his eyes firmly fixated on the doctor. ‘’Your wife will love to hear about your little adventures with the immoral people you hate so much but yet you love to fuck’’ He says, blunt and angry, without caring in what the doctor has to say to him, or if he pissed him off. Wei Wuxian needs some reassurance that his sister won’t look down as they do with him, she stays here most of the time, he needs to know she’ll be okay, keeping the doctor in line may be the only solution he can think of.

‘’Come back here you little…!’’ But Wei Wuxian has opened the door, by the time he reaches him, Su She is on view. Tall and scary as always, Wei Wuxian takes advantage of him and hides behind the bodyguard, as a little boy would do.

‘’Is there any problem, sir?’’ Su She uses his unfriendliest tone. ‘’Mr. Wei, are you okay?’’ Su She asks him, unmoved from his place.

‘’You know what?’’ Wei Wuxian finally seems to realize as he looks at Su She. ‘’I’m not okay. He’s the rudest doctor I have ever met’’

‘’Is he?’’ Su She asks, gently touching the old gun packed around his waist, showing him off for only the doctor and Wei Wuxian to see. ‘’Disrespect isn’t tolerated. Do you want me to take care of him?’’

‘’Yes,’’ Wei Wuxian says without thinking. ‘’If my sister dies in this hospital, if I ask her if she’s mistreating in any way and she says she is, If he insults me, I want you to do to him, the same thing your boss did to my last client’’ The doctor is too terrified to say anything in his behalf. This city is plagued with people of this type: criminals; Su She steps inside the room, followed by Wei Wuxian.

He isn’t like this, usually. Wei Wuxian can be a lovely thing, his siblings only knew that part of him; of course, things change as soon as someone dared to touch the people he loved, for him, there was nothing else he could rescue but his brothers were untouchable.

Su She’s big hand closes around the doctor's throat. Wei Wuxian has an anxious feeling tickling his chest from the inside. ‘’Wait, wait!’’ The doctor yells that’s enough for Su She to tighten his hold over his neck to make him shut up.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t enjoy this at all. If he could have the opportunity to skip this sort of violence, he’d do it. The only thing he wants is a happy, peaceful life, full of smiles, love, peace, and tasty food. ‘’I think I can let you live for a little longer, it won’t be free though’’ He's bitter to know he needs to act like them to survive. His doctor looks at him with fear printed on his face. He wants desperately to erase that image from his mind. ‘’Also, a little respect here to me won’t hurt anyone’’ Wei Wuxian talks again. ‘’But if you aren’t happy with it, you can talk it with my big friend right here!’’

Lan Wangji starts feeling again that troubling sensation going through his body despite his strict self-control, he feels hot to a point he can’t stand wearing his three-piece-suit this particular night; he mated at least two times in the morning, it was hardly afternoon, he still feels… aroused, the scent that hasn’t left him doesn’t seem to help him at all. It must be de season, he tries to reason; the season, his age, the normal, animal instinct to reproduce.

Wei Wuxian returned to the brothel as he always does, ready to begin his shift. He was surprised the first time he came here a day before sleeping with the tiger because he was taken back to that nice suite in the building, one of the nicest. Once he’s there, he dresses up for the occasion. He knows he won’t have any more clients since now his holes were private property, however, he also didn’t know when the tiger will visit him.

Anxiously, he sits down in a corner of the room, safely wrapped in his weighted blankets for now. He hates being alone, he’s meant to live in a pack; he distracts himself from the thought of watching silly videos on his phone; maybe today Lan Wangji will come. Maybe not; if he is or not coming, Wei Wuxian already has displayed a bottle of lubricant, next to a box of condoms.

It seems as if was yesterday, when Jiang Cheng walked down to school, taken by Wei Wuxian’s kind hand, holding the lunch his sister had made for him so lovingly. Neither Jiang Yanli nor Wei Wuxian have the chance to keep studying once his mother died. For good or bad, Yu Ziyuan was a hard-working woman, a horrible personality but in the end, it was clear the love she had for both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli.

                Since young, Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian decided to take the head of the family, just for Jiang Cheng to keep studying, and perhaps in this way he could have more sources in a near future to keep fighting; his sister worked as a maid in the prestigious Jin Family’s household.

The paid wasn’t exactly generous if Jiang Cheng thought of the Jins as the wealthy and old family they were; once or twice Jiang Cheng visited the house along with his sister, until this day the only word he could find to describe such a home was: bizarre; the Jin’s home has several beautiful marble pillars, decorated with precious stones carved from the earth by starving miners.

They ate on golden plates and drink water from crystal glasses adorned with a stone or two. Jiang Cheng’s stomach growled every time he had the misfortune of seeing eat. They have so much money and food, he couldn’t understand how they paid his sister so lowly when she worked for them more than twelve hours, the entire week, no days off, no holidays.

As Jiang Cheng scrubs the dirty kitchen floors, the memory of him eating a warm meal after classes come to his mind. ‘’Aren’t you going to eat too?’’ He asked back then with an innocence he no longer has. ‘’Aren’t you hungry?’’ he was still too young to understand how bad the situation they were living at.

‘’We already ate, Kitty-Cheng’’ Wei Wuxian told him with a big and wide smile. ‘’Right, sister?’’

‘’Oh, yes. Don’t worry A-Cheng. We’ll just have some crackers, we’re still too full to eat anything else, maybe later’’ They looked so convincing while they were lying to Jiang Cheng on his face. How many times they kept themselves from eating so Jiang Cheng could have more strength and focus during classes? ‘’A-Cheng needs food to grow up big and strong’’ She always said, regardless of how old Jiang Cheng was turning.

He tightens his hold over the brush. They gave up so much because they trust him. He can’t keep from his mind the image of his sister, exhausted, sleeping over the nearest surface after a long shift at the Jin’s home, still wearing her uniform; ‘’It’s okay, I’ll carry her to her bed, you go back to sleep too, I’ll wake you in half an hour for school’’ Wei Wuxian said, it was around five and something of the morning, Wei Wuxian just returned from his night shift.

He couldn’t sleep, of course. He saw the exhaustion on Jiang Yanli’s face. He saw the bruises on Wei Wuxian’s skin. He saw all the effort and sacrifice they were doing, selfless, just for Jiang Cheng and his bright future. ‘’I need to get out of here’’ Jiang Cheng said with despair. ‘’I need… I have to’’ He got up from his place, wide eyes filled with desperation looking for the nearest exit he could find and use.

He’s fast, right? Caracals were marvelous runners, not as good as a cheetah but still pretty fast. Maybe… maybe he could…? He took a couple of deep breathes, eyes focused on the first entrance; his sharp ears twitched, and his long tail froze. He was losing his time here. He needed to go home, now. No excuses. He couldn’t waste another minute of the life his siblings wanted to live.

He’ll just leave and explain everything to his family. He’ll ask for forgiveness and then start again, somehow, he’ll find enough money to give them a better life, in another city. Jiang Cheng will make them happy, he swears it, even if he needs to do things his mother would be terrified of hearing of. When it comes to the family anything is wrong or too much.

‘’What you mean he tried to escape?’’ Wei Wuxian asks with a trembling voice, getting up from his comfortable hiding spot in his new room. ‘’Was he hurt? Did he hurt somebody?’’ They were doing good! His lawyer told him Jiang Cheng was behaving well! They’ll look for parole for Jiang Cheng so they could reduce his sentence! ‘’…a… a police officer? No? three of them? Three? How…’’

Stupid brat.

‘’No, no, keep talking. Tell me everything, I’ll take a taxi, I’m still at my workplace’’ He holds his old-screen-cracked phone between his shoulder and cheek. He is not a lawyer or something like that. He left school around eleven or twelve years old but he has learned some ways to convince people. He’ll speak to the judge and… do a few favors for him.

He’s so concerned about the possibility of adding more years to Jiang Cheng’s sentence, that he isn’t even thinking about changing his clothes. He can’t think straight right now. Half of his head is being screwed again with a million, tiny, little, and sharpy needles. The other half of his head is just anxiously overthinking about a horrible scenario in where the three of them will never be together again. Of Jiang Yanli dying and Jiang Cheng not being able to say goodbye to her.

The high heels almost make him tripped over the carpet, but he manages to have a hold of himself on the door; he waited for a week and something for his now unique client, of all those seven and more days he could have chosen to book his visit and fuck him, Mr. Golden Tiger of Barbed Cock decided to come right now. ‘’…Well hello! How is it going, sir? I missed you so much…!’’ He smiles immediately, raising his white, long bunny ears.

Mr. Golden Tiger doesn’t greet him, he’s all straight to the business, as his clients usually do. His kisses are passionate, almost furious. He locks one of his arms around Wei Wuxian’s waist, quickly enough he lifts him from the floor. Wei Wuxian hugs him with both his legs. The body of the tiger is… well-built, strong enough to carry Wei Wuxian’s body as he weighs nothing. He doesn’t remember kissing him before. ‘’A sec here…’’ He’s breathless, the tiger seems to give him half a minute before kissing him back, fiercer than before. It is wrong.

Lan Wangji touches whatever he has at reach, barely finding the bed before throwing the bunny’s body on the mattress. He can smell him, ready to get bred. He won’t, of course, he isn’t that primitive to follow his instincts, to mute his reasoning, and act brainless. He’s been waiting for this since he realized the bunny’s scent hadn’t left him.

He finds himself growling when the bunny tries to accommodate him between his open legs; Lan Wangji’s temperature is hotter than normal, he can feel himself growing harder and bigger; he easily ripped off Wei Wuxian’s clothes,  between his claws the fragile lingerie, the fabric is soft but the skin was softer.

Wei Wuxian tries to regulate his respiration, he feels he has the worst fever he had ever experienced. His cheeks are hot-red, he’s sweating, he’s trying to take air to his lungs. Focus, Wei Wuxian! Focus! A voice says in the back of his head, however, this only makes him spread his legs wider. This is wrong.

The pleasure was more or less a strange concept for Wei Wuxian, he’s a piece of furniture more than a living being. He’s degraded to the point he’s called by his race and not by his name, people never asks how he’s called but what does he do for a living, as time passes, Wei Wuxian starts forgetting the lovely boy of vivid dreams; then, he doesn’t understand what pushes him to respond at the kiss.

His job is moaning and doing sexy sounds, to exaggerate a feeling that he hasn’t ever felt. ‘’Fuck! What…What… are…’’ the tiger brings one of his slender legs to lay on his shoulder, then the… the tiger is doing something none of his clients has ever try. ‘’No…! Wait a…’’ Wei Wuxian shuts his eyes close when he feels a jolt of pleasure assaulting him. ‘’What…? What’s this?’’ Wei Wuxian asks to the empty air.

Lan Wangji’s tongue is… rough, made to lick meat out of bones. Wei Wuxian arches his back on the bed, shaking his head. He shouldn’t be enjoying this. Sexuality wasn’t meant for him, certainly not right now, this wasn’t because he wanted to, this is a job meant to be done, that’s the end of; the tiger feels his long fingers curling around his hair.

He’s very careful, perhaps in another tiger his tongue wouldn’t hurt at all but in this case, is different; the back of his tongue would be fine; he admits is a difficult task but that’s what he could do at least after the mounting he gave the bunny last time he saw him. Su She told him he limped for days after their encounter.

Wei Wuxian tries to roll on his side as soon as the tiger leaves him alone. He’s panting for breath, his tights wet and sticky, his cock pulsing, about a relief. It feels good but it is wrong. He needs to leave, the lawyer! Jiang Cheng! He cannot…!

Lan Wangji couldn’t hold back anymore, he flips the bunny on his stomach, he doesn’t find any resistance, he’s still stunned by the sensations he’s giving him; which makes everything easier; impatiently he brings out a condom from the box, once he’s wearing it, he returns, hungrier than ever; quickly he positions himself behind the trembling body, his nose is buried in the black ocean of silk hair and sniffs. Best perfume nature could ever be made; with both hands-on top Wei Wuxian’s, Lan Wangji pushes in.

Chapter Text

Chapter four

In oldest days, Lan Qiren remembers the pleasure of flying around the blue and dark skies of the Nightless City, when his family had the mercy to bring him home for a few weeks before sending him away out the country; he used to spread his beautiful white blueish wings, dancing with the clouds and kissing the starts.

The blessing to be young, he thinks now with bitterness, and the curse to remember; now, unable to fly anymore, he sits in his private quarters, his longing old eyes looking the cold landscape in one of the poorest city of the country, when he once lived in beautiful castles, surrounded by richness and culture.

It was long gone any of those dreams anyway, Lan Qiren needed to look after the Lan Empire and the wellbeing of his nephews. They were… good, pretty good to be honest. They had a good hold over the city, rules made by them that now were obeyed. They built a reputation, straightened the legacy left by their deceased parents but yet none of them have offspring yet; the lack of children meant no-future, it was all but their hard work thrown to air when there wasn’t an heir to continue their lineage.

Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were what they were thanks to Lan Qiren; he raised them but that isn’t what kept them alive until they have grown mature enough to defend themselves from attacks of other possible predators who wanted the Lan’s territory. Lan Qiren, beyond a man, a crane, an individual, a living being, above all of that, Lan Qiren meant peace itself.

Wen Ruohan didn’t attack them as soon as his brother and wife died, only because he wanted Lan Qiren. He could have taken Lan Qiren by force when the Lan’s were leadless and weakened but knew if he ever tried to impose himself on him or hurt his nephews, his children, would lose whatever love Lan Qiren have for him.

‘’I won’t harm your boys’’ Wen Ruohan told him shortly after Lan Qiren was left alone to lead the Lans, Lan Xichen just a child, Lan Wangji only but a toddler learning how to walk. ‘’There is no need to create a war between us’’ Lan Qiren remembers the warmth of Wen Ruohan’s hands, his red eyes looking at him, filled with excitement at the prospect of a union. ‘’Your father told my mother that one day you and I will create the most powerful union, we can defeat anyone who dares to cross our path!’’ Such ambition he saw in his eyes, for a moment, a brief breath, Lan Qiren was tempted to accept whatever Wen Ruohan had in mind.

‘’No’’ Lan Qiren said, hiding his broken voice masterly. ‘’I refused any sort of relationship between the two of us, Mr. Wen’’ He tightened the hold in his hands, Lan Qiren did not say anything about it. ‘’The Lan Family will operate, as usual, despite the death of his last head, it doesn’t mean now it’s decapitated permanently’’

‘’Who would take control then? You?’’ Wen Ruohan said a tone of disdain used to mumbled the feel of betrayal. Lan Qiren and Wen Ruohan were meant for each other. Specimens from the heavens weren’t common. Both Lan Qiren and Wen Ruohan were legendary animals, born to conquer them and rule them by an iron fist. ‘’You are not meant for that! You were educated to be bred!’’ Wen Ruohan couldn’t admit he wanted to build a family with him, that he desperately needed him by his side, as his lover, companion, friend. To come to him and look for counsel, to be his equal and submit the city and any other territory near them. He wanted to tell Lan Qiren they could just take the world all by themselves, cause Wen Ruohan felt unstoppable when he was around Lan Qiren. ‘’You are meant to be mine!’’ But his pride wouldn’t let him tell anyone he needed them. Lan Qiren, as much as he set his heart on fire with passion, wouldn’t be an exception.

‘’None has born yet to be called themselves my owner’’ Lan Qiren said, offended and hurt; he brusquely undid the hold of their hands. ‘’And much more than that. I don’t need to be bred, I don’t want to be bred, and I especially won’t be ever touched by you, Wen Ruohan. Ever, I’ll rather remove my womb before carrying any children sired by you’’ It burnt Wen Ruohan to heard him saying it, almost as much as Lan Qiren felt when was forced to say those lies. ‘’You disgust me!’’ He didn’t but he wasn’t precisely happy with him at the moment for his harsh words either, for said reason, Wen Ruohan should suffer as much as Lan Qiren.

‘’I’ll hold no mercy against you and your family’’ Wen Ruohan said. His face was tainted with an anger Lan Qiren had never seen directed to him. ‘’The moment I leave, you and I would become enemies. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life’’ He didn’t need to raise his voice anymore to intimidate him. It broke his heart to know what they have couldn’t ever be fulfilled, worse, that they weren’t even friends now but all the opposite.

‘’Expect the same of me, Ruohan. Now, leave my property before I order my men to execute you right here’’ He wouldn’t ever do anything to hurt him but he needed to convince himself of it. Wen Ruohan had a sharp answer about leave his mouth when they were interrupted by a childish and curious voice.

‘’Uncle Qi-Qi’’ Lan Qiren felt a tiny hand wrapped around his fingers. ‘’A-Zhan can’t stop crying’’ Lan Xichen said, looking concerned while he keeps pulling Lan Qiren’s hand to him, as an attempt to bring him inside to soothe him. ‘’Sing to him, please’’ Lan Qiren couldn’t smile or glare anymore, the only thing he knew is that this was the end between Wen Ruohan and him.

Lan Qiren’s gentle arms lifted Lan Xichen from the floor, the child secured a hold around his uncle’s neck. For a moment Wen Ruohan thought in asking forgiveness, to tell his crane to forget everything he had said in the last ten minutes, but he couldn’t allow himself such weakness; Lan Qiren was a specimen rarely born every few centuries but Wen Ruohan was a phoenix, last of his kind.

He couldn’t forget what Lan Qiren had told him. Couldn’t ask him anything else or it will be taken as begging, Wen Ruohan would never beg, not to Lan Qiren, not to anyone; if Lan Qiren didn’t go in his knees to him, Wen Ruohan would not accept him again. ‘’Is Mr. Wen staying for dinner? Would he sing too?’’

‘’No. Mr. Wen just came here to say goodbye’’

Jiang Cheng’s nature allows him to go unnoticed with a skillfulness that many would envy. Today he uses said skill more than any other day; here in prison weren’t only dumb men who did silly mistakes and got caught; there were also bigger and fatter fishes. ‘’Don’t you ever dare to look at me! We won’t ever be on the same level!’’ Jiang Cheng makes himself smaller between the corners of the cafeteria, he can’t eat here most of the time but he isn’t allowed to leave.

It isn’t a safe place, the cafeteria, the gym. The showers. It’s difficult for Jiang Cheng to keep himself intact, he’s all alone here, doesn’t have any friends who could help him if anything happens but he does his best to survive. ‘’Zhuliu, finish that bitch’’ Wen Chao and his bodyguard, who somehow managed to get in jail as well with him, doesn’t especially rule the entire prison but they have a good part of the ruling in said place, thanks to Wen Family itself. So far Jiang Cheng knows Wen Chao did something bad enough to make his father pissed off to the point he decided not to intervene in his sentence while in prison. They were also on the top list of people Jiang Cheng makes sure not to even see in their direction.

He can’t imagine how his family will react if someday the judge tells them he was beaten to death here. Far from home. No, no. He needs to stay alive. Perhaps escaping on his own was a stupid decision that will cost him a few years more locked here but even if he can’t be free yet, Jiang Cheng has to keep himself sane and alive. He won’t be defeated.

After lunch he’s taken with the rest of the prisoners to the backyards, he doesn’t spend much time there though. Two angry officers took him by the arms in an iron grip. Jiang Cheng almost smirk. They are still fuming after the assault Jiang Cheng committed upon the officers who had the nerve of speaking ill of his family; his arrogance barely lasts him a few minutes more before he faced his brother in a private room, along with their lawyer.

Jiang Cheng can’t make himself greet them at the beginning, for said reason Wei Wuxian speaks first. ‘’I’m trying to understand what the fuck made you attacked three police officers’’ Jiang Cheng looks down as the scolded child he always feels like when any of his siblings lecture him. ‘’And I better hear a good reason or I swear I will make you regret it’’ He spoke with a tight jaw.

Stubbornly, Jiang Cheng kept himself silent, pursed lips, avoiding his gaze and everything. ‘’Let me have five minutes with him please’’ Wei Wuxian said with a tired sigh. Their lawyer nodded indifferently before leaving the room. ‘’What we discussed before? Huh?’’ He began. ‘’Good behavior is one of the conditions that the judge demands you to have conditional release’’

‘’He started it!’’ Jiang Cheng says, finally meeting his eyes. ‘’They have been pestering me since I came here! They saw it coming!’’ Jiang Cheng hisses, his claws scratching the table that separates them. ‘’I was only defending myself from them! What do you want me to do?’’

‘’To use your fucking brain!’’ Wei Wuxian hissed back at him. ‘’Do not let yourself be provoked! You cannot hurt people unless it isn’t in self-defense! Do you have an idea of what this would cost us?’’ He hates when Wei Wuxian gets angry. Well, to be honest, Wei Wuxian has been angrier these last years, he doesn’t smile as he used to, doesn’t joke, or feels the same happiness Jiang Cheng saw before, despite this may have been faked. It stings his heart to know this, mostly because this time is Jiang Cheng who made him feel as such. ‘’We lost the possibility of a parole, they’ll probably double your sentence for attacking police officers and on top of this I have to pay all medical services needed, therapist because they are arguing they’ll need to see a professional to deal with any possible PTS thanks to the attack’’

‘’That isn’t fair! They are lying! I have seen them hurting prisoners! Don’t give them a damn cent!’’

‘’It doesn’t matter if they are lying or not! The point here is that I have to pay them all the same!’’

‘’No! Don’t pay them! Why would you! I’m the one who hurt them, not you! Why would you…’’

‘’And who’ll pay them then? ‘’ Wei Wuxian’s raises his voice for the first time. His patience used to be endless for Jiang Cheng but this time he cannot keep up with the rhythm of life they were having. It has been horrible years and yet it seemed it would be a horrible decade by the way Jiang Cheng seems to ignore all the legal advice his lawyer was giving him. ‘’You? Or sister?’’

‘’Don’t bring her into this!’’ Jiang Chen is way too defensive. The thing is he feels guilty, ashamed, and cannot find a way to tell his brother what happened. ‘’I didn’t do it intentionally! I… I was…’’ I was defending you. Trying to make them respect you. Because I love you and it infuriates me when anyone insults you.

‘’Just make us a favor, okay? Stop being a pain in the ass for five minutes. Keep a low profile. Behave. We need everything in our favor if we want you to get you out of here’’ Wei Wuxian’s tone goes softer and that only makes Jiang Cheng sink in his seat even more. Wei Wuxian takes his hand, Jiang Cheng squeezes almost desperately. ‘’Please, we want you back home’’

Wei Wuxian’s hands tremble as he smokes his seventh cigarette of the day; he must be stressed about the last events: The money he earned from the two nights with the Lan tiger was more than enough to pay for Jiang Yanli’s hospital, Jiang Cheng’s lawyers, plus his expenses, such as rent, basic services, and food; he lets a whimper of discomfort when he tries to sit in a less painful angle, he fails.

However, at any moment Wei Wuxian thought he’ll be paying compensation for three police officers; he tips lightly the cigarette over the ashtray while he takes a long sip of his black coffee mixed with tequila. More than half of the money will be wasted over those charges. ‘’Don’t panic, don’t panic’’ he says to himself, writing down the following words over his dirty notebook: Hospital. Lawyer. Rent.

The hospital must be covered, regardless of how hard earth shakes or any sort of unforeseen event, his sister cannot be neglected or abandoned, he cannot stop paying her treatment and stay, that’s final; on the other hand, he may have to come to an end with Jiang Cheng’s lawyers: He clearly said Jiang Cheng wouldn’t have a chance now that he has attacked people (officers to be precise) during his stay in jail, he keeps saying about how difficult Jiang Cheng’s case was turning, always speaking about the worst scenarios his brother keeps getting into, and his lack of cooperation.

Wei Wuxian promises he’ll hire another lawyer as soon as he earns more money. He won’t let Jiang Cheng rot in prison, this is just a temporary measure, he wouldn’t have to do it if he didn’t have more options; he’ll fire their lawyer and pay the injured officers what they are asking them to do so.

He takes a look around the old department he used to share with his siblings, he may need to find a more economic place to live; he drinks the rest of his coffee and leaves his place, if he hurries he could make all the payments of today in time to go back to work before nightfall.

You must control yourself, it says a voice inside Lan Wangji’s head. Two nights; well, probably less. Lan Wangji never spends a night with anyone, never stays that long after having a sexual encounter. It is pointless, his bunny isn’t an exception but he admits he was tempted last time: the bunny’s relaxed features, wild hair, lovely white ears bend down and lost in his dark hair. Hearing his gentle breathing almost made Lan Wangji stay with him, just to watch him over and make sure he’ll wake up the next day.

But Lan Wangji doesn’t have time for ridiculous things, if his uncle ever found that about his affair with him, he’d probably order his execution immediately. It was quite a miracle the fact Lan Qiren tolerated the several sex workers who lived in another little palace, at a safe distance from the Main Lan Home.

Lan Qiren didn’t like the fact his nephews have sex workers living with them (different houses but same territory); however, he could hardly do something since he was aware of why they were in the first place: a tiger’s libido wasn’t a joke, that race need constant sexual relief. The ideal would be to satiate that sexual desire within a formal mate, not with a bunch of expensive whores; well, Lan Qiren thinks, at least they are proper enough to keep their business out of noisy eyes, his boys were discreet.

Lan Wangji doesn’t want to imagine the scandal it would happen if his uncle finds out about this. He’s probably waiting for the right moment in which both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen finally find a partner, so Lan Qiren could just kick them out.

He wonders if he has something to do with the tangled feelings he had for Wen Ruohan. As far as he and his brother know, their uncle and Wen Ruohan had some sort of romance, decades ago, of course, this romance could never become anything else, for reasons their uncle has never shared with them. However, it was obvious the pain Lan Qiren feels every time Wen Ruohan goes around with a new pretty lady or lovely man.

After Wen Ruohan got married, thrice, and got divorced an equal number of times, he has only been seen with sex workers. It maybe had something with the deep resentment Lan Qiren now feels against them, or it was only how he was. Lan Wangji didn’t know, and he didn’t want to find out, he valued his life.

One of his several lovers tries to catch his attention, he kisses Lan Wangji’s throat and whines when he doesn’t have the same reaction he used to have before. ‘’What is, sweetheart?’’ Don’t you wish to lay with us?’’ Lan Wangji feels one of their hands going down his pants, caressing his member over the fabric, waiting for a reaction that it doesn’t come as strong as it usually.

He hums lowly, letting his sex workers do their job, despite Lan Wangji’s body doesn’t respond as before; however, he cannot let himself be trapped in the hands of a simple bunny when he had plenty more at home.

It passes a week after week until it turns a month, Wei Wuxian longs for the tiger to come back. He waits patiently but the truth is he’s too stressed and worried about his absence. Did he got bored of him already? The thought makes him shiver. It hasn’t even been two months, he couldn’t just get bored that fast.

The absence of Su she for the next days only makes Wei Wuxian more worried about all the matter. The thought of working in the alleys again crossed his mind, the fear of being found by Lan Wangji’s people stops him only for a few moments. He isn’t earning money by staying in the brothel’s room but if Lan Zhan doesn’t come back to use him, then he isn’t earning money either.

There are bills to pay, just one after the other. By the first month and two weeks without Lan Wangji’s visits, Wei Wuxian finds out all their belongings in the streets one day, surrender all by people as poor and desperate by him. Wei Wuxian fights them over to save his stuff (and his sibling’s) as much as he’s capable of doing.

He saves some pictures of their childhood, Jiang Cheng’s books from college, Jiang Yanli’s purple blanket, and some personal documents of the three of them. Wei Wuxian hasn’t felt this despair since he realized he had exchange sex for money for the first time.

Chapter Text

Chapter Five

Being homeless again is a painful reminder of what happened after his parents were eaten; Wei Wuxian has to take a deep breath to keep himself serene and find a solution. It’s okay, he thinks. He isn’t a child anymore, he isn’t defenseless, he can sort this out just fine; the good thing some of his belongings are in his room at the brothel,  he could just live there.

Living in a whorehouse isn’t something he especially enjoys, the best part of his job was when he left the building, he doesn’t believe anyone who lives there does enjoy their life inside those reeking walls and neon-cheap lights. Many of them long for a home, to be together with their families, mothers, and fathers, their children, brothers, and sisters; but it is what it is, and sometimes there is no way to change their fates.

Or so it was what Wei Wuxian says to himself to feel better. His current life isn’t his fault. If he would have chosen it, he’d probably still living on his tiny and beautiful farm next to the road. Feeding his precious chickens and roosters. Waking up early to see his loving cows, of all of them, he misses Mrs. Chocolate Milk, she was a friendly cow who used to lick his face every time his parents let him in the stables to play with some of the animals.

He wondered what happened to the livestock they owned? Perhaps it got lost? Did people notice their absence and stole their property? Perhaps they were eaten as well? He cannot recall what happened exactly to the rest when his childish eyes were focused in shock as he saw how his beloved mother and father were being attacked and eaten shortly after his mother hid him in a hole on the ground.

What would she think of her son if she could see him now? Wei Wuxian thought, sprawled on the bed, wearing another revealing outfit, waiting for an unexpected visit of his tiger. He stares at the door as he recalls the happiness he felt, with his arms hugging his father’s neck while he carried him on his back.

They all have blurry faces but he admits he can see his mother in his face, or so Jiang Fengmian told him once, in his eyes especially. That’s why Wei Wuxian tries to take good care of his face, it is the only thing he has as a memory from his mother, that and his rabbit blood, she was a bunny; his father, on the other hand,  was a… what was his father? He cannot recall his race anymore but he still loves him anyway, he was a kind man who accepted and loved his mother.

He feels a sudden burn in his eyes and immediately rubs them off, then he curses under his breath, remembering the makeup he applied not a while ago. He applies a make-up remover and then washes his face completely in front of the mirror; when he dries the water off and sees the result, Wei Wuxian’s stomach seems to touch the floor.

Sometimes he cannot believe who’s the person that looks back at him in the mirror. It’s difficult to recognize himself in that reflection. He wants to be that old and yet kid farm boy he was many years ago, no whatever this person was. ‘’It’s just temporary’’ He repeats as every year, adding some red eyeliner. ‘’Only until sister is cured and Jiang Cheng is free’’ He’s about to apply some red lipstick as well when he finds out those annoying pink stains on his face. ‘’That motherfucker’’ he mutters aloud, remembering. He’ll apply a thick layer of foundation to cover it up.

Ah! Sometimes he forgets he’s the luckiest man on earth: if his job wasn’t dangerous enough in matters of health, it is also dangerous when it came to his clients. Some of them were crazy to a point that they believed, for who knew what reasons, that they were having a relationship with him. It appears they tend to forget the fact they are paying him for having sex with him, and think they were having consensual sex when the truth was that if Wei Wuxian wasn’t being paid, he wouldn’t let anyone even greet him by gripping his hand.

As expected, some people simply didn’t like and/or understand the meaning of prostitution, thus they didn’t accept it; Wei Wuxian has lost counts of how many men and women got obsessed with him through the decades: some were annoying but almost cute, leaving notes, and flowers, talking about how much they loved him along with many other lies and silly dreams that they used to obtain some free sexual favors.

Of course, these were the ones Wei Wuxian preferred in comparison to the second kind. He’s being stalked, harassed, and assault endless times. He couldn’t even begin to enlist all the occasions in which people had tried to kill him in revenge. He touches the pink stains around the skin of his face and neck, he has more around his body, just tiny splashes here and there.

It isn’t strange to the users of the brothel to kill or torture some of Wei Wuxian’s co-workers, himself included. After all, if the price was high enough, they could be sold just like that; when anyone was harmed, usually their bosses didn’t do anything unless the said client who damaged the product didn’t pay a fair price for the inconveniences.  It didn’t surprise him when one of the clients followed him out of his place of work and tried to attack him with acid. His bosses did not care in the slightest when they were informed, quite the opposite, it was when his downhill began probably. It meant Wei Wuxian didn’t worth as much as before.

He wasn’t the same beauty he was once, his prices cannot be high anymore, there aren’t people interested in him as when he was fifteen, as his attractiveness vanished from him, he was forced to do things that still gives him nightmares to this day. Wei Wuxian feels his right eyebrow twitching, his heartbeat rising as the thought came to his mind.

Has…? What if the tiger saw one of his videos? Or what if someone told him about those nights when he was rent out for that family? Why if he isn’t coming because he has found real proof of how nasty and disgusting Wei Wuxian was?

He startles up from his seat and feels such nausea. That tiger has been the last of Wei Wuxian's hope, like water in the middle of the dessert. If he doesn’t come back, Wei Wuxian will lose his family; he cannot believe what he saw in those videos. Wei Wuxian will swear until his last days that he never wanted to, that he hated every minute of those long nights of recording, whether he was conscious or not, he never wanted any that happened to him to be filmed and published.

That’s probably one of the reasons Wei Wuxian could never have children. He cannot think what his children would think of one of their parents if they ever have the cruel luck to be crossed with a porn film in which Wei Wuxian was usually the protagonist. He wouldn’t be able to support the shame of people knowing his past, he could barely stand his present.

The makeup is ruined, again. He does all the process a third time, it doesn’t matter at the end, Lan Wangji did not come that night, not the following after that.

Lan Wangji returns to the city with a severe fever that almost makes him lose consciousness, stubborn as his mother, he refuses to go to the hospital and requests to be taken home and be treated by his doctor. ‘’Ah! A-Zhan!’’ Lan Xichen used his childhood nickname as soon as he saw him struggling to get out of the car, again, rejecting any help that implied physical touched. ‘’What happened?’’ he demanded to know, standing next to his brother, Lan Wangji immediately left his weight rest against him, Lan Xichen immediately smells the heavy scent Lan Wangji carried, it couldn’t be a good thing. ‘’A-Zhan you’re burning!’’ His anguish was clear in his voice, Lan Wangji’s skin was far too hot under Lan Xichen’s palm. It wasn’t only the fever but the irregular breathing, the clear uncomfortable sensation that seems to be eating him.

‘’He didn’t let us take him to the hospital, sir!’’ the driver told Lan Xichen, despite the Lans weren’t cruel to their people, it was well known what happened to the ones who betray them or disrespect them.

‘’Mr. Lan told us to keep driving him home instead. We thought he was having a cold, he took some anti-flu pills but it doesn’t seem to have any effect!’’ Lan Xichen processed the information but no possible reason came to his mind. Between one of the bodyguards and Lan Xichen himself brought Lan Wangji together to his quarters in the Lan Mansion.

Lan Wangji felt heavy, his older brother felt growing despair as Lan Wangji growled and groaned, dark golden pupils, dilating. When he was finally placed on the bed, the youngest tiger rolled on the bed every time someone else besides his brother tried to touch him. ‘’Get out my way!’’ Lan Xichen heard his uncle’s angered voice minutes after Lan Wangji’s arrival. ‘’What on earth is happening?’’ He asked, fuming, the classic mechanism he used every time he felt fearful.

‘’I’m doing my analysis, Old Master Lan’’ The doctor informed quickly, he didn’t want to be blamed if anything happened to the youngest member of the Lan family.

‘’It appears Wangji wasn’t feeling good lately and…’’ Lan Xichen couldn’t tell for sure what exactly made his brother fall in his state. Lan Wangji groans again, losing the little reasoning he was trying to keep. His ringed tail was all straight, sharp claws tearing down the white sheets. ‘’I don’t know why he’s in this state’’ Lan Xichen informs in the end, an afflicted expression settled on his features.

‘’What is wrong, my boy?’’ Lan Qiren asks, concerned, after a moment, caressing Lan Wangji’s hot forehead. Thank the Gods Lan Qiren wasn’t a feline, otherwise he would have questioned Lan Xichen immediately about that smell. All his life Lan Qiren was educated to serve a husband or wife and take care of the children that will eventually come once he got married and bred. For some reason, Lan Qiren never had the chance to get married or have children, for good or bad. Instead, he had the beautiful yet sometimes scary responsible to raise these men, he cannot allow any of them to die, they have no permission.

Of course, Lan Wangji doesn’t answer, but he did lean against the touch softly; the doctor keeps making examinations here and there, checking the temperature, his heartbeat, how his breathing changed, this and that, all under the guarding sight of Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren; poor doctor, must be nervous when he finally comes to the moment of revealing Lan Wangji’s suddenly sickness.

Wei Wuxian leaves the brothel during the day and returns at night.  He leaves that awful place carrying an empty plastic bag and goes straight to the street market; by this hour is empty and there is only trash and leftovers that Wei Wuxian picks up from the floor.

It does sound dreadful, it isn’t as bad as it sounds nevertheless; sometimes he obtains good quality food, vegetables especially, he would usually sell them again around the streets and gain some money. It isn’t much. Not enough, not good by any means but it is something.

He’s looking for a better job though; he doesn’t have much luck. They question him about school. Wei Wuxian always tries to avoid that topic but assures he’s perfectly capable of writing, reading, and doing basic math, so when they ask him about elementary school and papers. He swears he’ll do a good job, he just needs an opportunity, he won’t disappoint them. It doesn’t work, he doesn’t give up.

As time keeps going, he finds himself despising his last client. That motherfucker just came here to turn his life upside down, not in a nice way. ‘’Hope he fucking dies’’ Wei Wuxian mutters, angered while he counts the money he has made for the week. The resentment towards him cannot be explained.

He hated him for thinking he had every power over him; he forbade him from doing his job but yet he didn’t leave him more money or another source for him to keep up with his bills, Lan Wangji pays for the nights he spends with him, but when he doesn’t come in months, then what is Wei Wuxian supposed to do?. He felt such resentment but yet he felt more hatred to himself for allowing the feeling of pleasure last time they were together.

Wei Wuxian is growing more and more desperate as days pass, eventually, the end of the month will come and he needs to cover his need and his siblings’. So he’ll take the risk despite the warning it was given to him; he chooses the best clothes he has, or at least the ones from the little shit he had a chance to save after all their belonging his neighbors stole from him.

So he does exactly what that mean woman told him not to do: spreading his legs to someone who isn’t Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen. It’s very difficult if he’s honest with himself, he can’t work in the brothel anymore, so he goes looking for a street, like the old times, even when he finds a place, it takes him a while to finally have a client.

Lan Xichen understands what his brother needs. Once Lan Qiren is sent to the other wing of their home, accompanied by everyone who can be bred, where they will be guarded in case somehow Lan Wangji escaped from his room.

In his entire life, Lan Xichen has never seen his brother become this angry, insatiable beast. His doctor said the lack of sex in the last month might trigger instincts that usually are controlled by the reasoning side of his brain and it was probably mixed with the natural impulse of reproducing. The episode of rut should be fixed if his brother compensates for this lack of sexual relief with sexual stimulation.

Nevertheless, Lan Wangji rejected every single one of his sex workers from his harem, and even Lan Xichen’s. He’s a tiger, he needs to have sex, he wants to have sex but he doesn’t wish to touch or be touched by any of the workers they regularly have sex with. Lan Xichen didn’t know what else he could do but to call the last option they had: He’s aware his brother was seeing someone; probably that person was the owner of the scent used to marked Lan Wangji’s, well, it was a theory Lan Xichen couldn’t confirm yet but probably Luo Qingyang knew, she was Lan Wangji’s right hand and he dares to say that she was his friend as too.

Luo Qingyang and Su She weren’t in the residence, for now, this time they were busy with duties Lan Wangji left for the both of them during his absence; so Lan Xichen informs her the situation, well, part of it. ‘’I have known my brother has been… intimidate with someone in specific outside his harem?’’

‘…Ah! Yes, sir, he has. Do you need to contact him? I can do it for you if you wish. He lives in a… sordid place I’m afraid. You wouldn’t want to be involved in that kind of places’’

‘’No need to worry, you are already busy, I’ll go myself with my people. Please, send me the details and addresses’’

‘’I’ll do it immediately’’

Wei Wuxian almost forgot how much he hated giving oral sex, people tend to forget or ignore his needs to breathe, they just shove it without telling him first to at least get prepare. ‘’Don’t use your teeth you brainless bitch!’’ Well! He wouldn’t have done it if he just stops trying to fucking suffocating with his penis! It isn’t his fault but yet he’s smacked anyway, once again, violence against sex workers wasn’t something uncommon, he doesn’t even complain about it, he fears this man may walk away if he doesn’t satisfy him properly, he cannot have that luxury, his knees are already bloody, this must worth the struggle.

He does his best though, the only thing he wants is to finish this job, get paid, and get the hell away from here; his new clients have a different idea nonetheless, the man grabs his hair tightly by the hair and uses his mouth roughly. if it wasn’t because he had tamed his gag reflex when he was a child, he might have vomited a long time ago.

This sexual, bizarre scene doesn’t give Lan Xichen the best impression. He thought of Lan Wangji’s lover to be… different. Something cute, gentle, and innocent, more or less the type Lan Xichen expected his brother to bring home, and actually, the only kind it would be allowed to be part of the family.

But as he saw this… Wei Wuxian choking in another’s man cock in the middle of an empty street, well, any illusions and fondness immediately vanished. Why would his brother set his eyes on this kind of person? He was not a beauty at all. Not a pretty face or attractive body, or any other matter that could catch Lan Wangji’s eye. He sees the man, the client, throwing a pair of bills to the floor with disgust, and then he understands everything. He doesn’t know if he feels disappointment or just pure sadness.

Wei Wuxian wants to cry when he finally has the money in his hands and the man leaves him abandoned in the alley without giving him a last glance. All the degradation, insults, and hits for this. He sniffs softly and rubs his eyes with his forearm. He can’t stay here much longer, he still have to look for more clients, there are still some condoms in his pocket.

‘’Mr. Wei?’’ Wei Wuxian hears a masculine voice calling his name in a condescending tone, warily he looks turns his head around to see who’s at the end of the alley. It’s a tiger, it must be somehow related to his tiger, for the similar features and clothing: all elegant and expensive.

He stands up carefully and gives a step back. Fuck. There is burning shame mixed up with fear at the thought of being caught doing something they explicitly told no to do. ‘’…I don’t know that person, I’m sorry’’ he hasn’t known a single whore of a mob ending up in a good situation: they are used until they get bored or make a mistake, then they just cut them into pieces and leave them behind, somewhere in the middle of the road. Wei Wuxian cannot let that happen. ‘’I think I heard someone with that name… a couple of blocks down the street’’ He makes his best to sound calm.

‘’Su She and Miss Luo contacted me about you’’ Lan Xichen says, relaxing his body language. He didn’t agree or like his brother’s election of companion but he’ll fight anyone who ever tries to keep him away from someone he wanted. ‘’I’ll cause no harm, I promise’’ Wei Wuxian smiled cynically. Everyone said the same before doing something awful.

Chapter Text

Chapter six

Lan Xichen cannot begin to express his disappointment, he expected someone else, someone different and worthy of the Lan name in the future; he sighs sadly, what a true shame, to find this in their place. ‘’Is Mr. Wei healthy enough to practice intercourse, without the risk of contracting any venereal disease?’’

            He won’t judge Lan Wangji’s tastes, however, as the alpha of the family and primal leader, he has to make sure his family is safe, it was a danger to even kissing with this Mr. Wei, let alone doing something more intimate; neither Lan Wangii nor Lan Xichen were ever sexually involved with a street prostitute.

            Their sex workers were carefully selected, monthly tested, well taken care of. He doesn’t know how many people this man has slept with, honestly, he doesn’t want to find out. ‘’Yes, all his tests are negative, including the pregnancy one. He’s in a good age, clean but I’ll admit that his diet and weight worries me. He shows signs of dehydration as well’’ The doctor adds, not truly concerned or showing real empathy. ‘’May I ask when you started your sexual life again?’’ He opens his notebook, pages and pages of notes under Wei Wuxian’s name.

            ‘’I don’t know? I was like eleven or twelve?’’ Wei Wuxian, who has been there the whole time in the same room, listening to how they talk about him as if he wasn’t another human as well, responds. He would feel offended, if he wasn’t degraded enough on daily basis, these people are more or less being polite in comparison to what he faces in a normal nightshift.

            ‘’You mentioned you have been using protection since the beginning, am I right?’’ Wei Wuxian hums positively. ‘’Every single time since you were eleven-twelve years old? There hasn’t been any time without a condom?’’ The doctor inquires with a raised eyebrow.

            ‘’Well’’ He clears his throat. It is embarrassing to talk about this with someone besides his doctor listening, but it appears this man won’t go anywhere, so Wei Wuxian doesn’t much of an option. ‘’…It has been sometimes’’ more than he can count. ‘’in which  my clients haven’t used a condom, …’’

            ‘’That’s incredibly irresponsible’’ Lan Xichen immediately interrupts. ‘’You’re a sex worker, you cannot allow them to simply not use protection while having intercourse. It is dangerous for both sides! Why did you let this happen?’’ Lan Xichen, who has been living always surrounded by privileges, doesn’t seem to understand the predicament. When Wei Wuxian is rent, the client decides whether to use a condom or not, Wei Wuxian always begs them to use one, more people wear it than people who don’t but it is never because Wei Wuxian asks them but because they fear they may catch something from him.

            The accusation snaps something inside Wei Wuxian’s head. Of course, it would be his fault, it is always his fault: if he’s a prostitute it is because he chose it, if he gets hurt by a client it is because he’s exposing himself to that kind of life. If he’s rented for a party without his consent, whatever that happens there it would be Wei Wuxian’s fault, despite being sent drugged by his boss in someone’s trunk, only to be found out abandoned at one side of the road, naked with a plastic bag covering his head.

            Obviously, that’s all but Wei Wuxian’s fault. It has nothing to do with the fact he’s part of a minority that has no human rights at the moment they become a product of consumption. As expected, the people who use them for the pleasure of a few hours, or the people who keep them against their will have nothing to do this.

            It isn’t their fault but Wei Wuxian’s, but Mo Xuan Yu, or the dozens of people who were there first than Wei Wuxian but they have no voice to defend themselves anymore; for some reason, people thinks he enjoys his job, or has the misconception that he has ever tried to leave it several times in his past. Perhaps they believe Wei Wuxian loves easy money so much that he isn’t afraid of getting eaten or killed one of these days by the same customers he attends.  

            Since Wei Wuxian is no longer a human in the eyes of society but a stain that ruins the image of the city, a political issue that the local government tries to hide, despite they were users as well. Wei Wuxian is still very alive but he feels as silenced as his murdered co-workers.

Right now, sitting where he sits, Wei Wuxian looks at Lan Xichen and wonders how the hell in his right mind he believes Wei Wuxian is okay with this life; he wonders how exactly Lan Xichen views him because Lan Xichen returns his glance but doesn’t find any empathy or at least pity. There are judgment and accusations.

            ‘’OH! You are right sir! What didn’t I think about it before? I’ll tell my clients to use a condom before they rape me. That’s a good option, isn’t it? Especially when is a gangrape, so, when someone is having a turn with me, they could unwrap their condoms. Or I could ask them not to take out it while I am not watching because they are holding me down, no, no, wait! I already asked them that before! Guess I should ask harder’’ He says, his voice almost breaking in the process. He’s tired of being the only one who gets all the blame all the time.

            The regret comes slowly to Lan Xichen’s chest, shame feels like a cold shower. He twists his lips in displeasure. Of course, his uncle has always told him to think carefully before choosing his words, now, while he was in his ignorance for some reason forgot that street sex workers were not as lucky as private ones, probably this young man wasn’t even happy to be what he was. ‘’Okay, I’m sorry sir, I did not mean to say that’’ Wei Wuxian apologizes immediately, he cannot fuck up this, not precisely with this family, in particular, the brother of his tiger. ‘’But the use of condom is my choice, that’s my first condition but I’m not usually listened to, sometimes they take the condom when I’m not seeing them, it worries me too, I have…’’ a family, he can’t afford to get sick. ‘’I don’t want this either’’  Lan Xichen nods, dismissing that topic of the conversation, he doesn’t speak again.

Jiang Cheng is worried again, right now, hidden under his bed, as small as he’s capable to cuddle himself in his corner, claws ready to cut anyone’s neck if he needs to. It has been almost two months without any news of his siblings. Almost two fucking months without calls, visits, a damn letter! Jiang Cheng just needs to know if they are okay! He needs to be assured that he won’t be let here, alone and forgotten!

            He fears Jiang Yanli is already dead by now and that Wei Wuxian isn’t brave enough to deliver the news to him, that maybe that’s the reason why he isn’t having any contact with him, maybe he cannot tell him the truth about their sister. Jiang Yanli’s health has been hanging up from a weak threat that connects her between life and death.           

            Since he could remember, her sister has been always a sickly person, and yet she never stopped working herself to what seems an early death, Jiang Cheng blames himself for that. When they were children, it was common to sightseeing her tucked in bed, all pale and skinny, she couldn’t stay much time awake, mother said she needed to rest.

            Mother, Jiang Cheng thinks for a second. He doesn’t have many memories of her if he’s honest. Most of the time Yu Ziyuan wasn’t at home, without her husband and three children to fed, well, she couldn’t have the luxury of spending time at home, Jiang Cheng didn’t know her very well; he believes she loved them, he thinks, after all, she made a huge sacrifice for them.

            She was very loving towards his sister, Jiang Cheng has this vague image of her, holding her daughter in her arms, caressing her back lovingly while she said sweet words of comfort when Jiang Yanli was falling in despair. Jiang Cheng saw them from the door frame, big baby eyes and soft caracal’s ears twitching curiously as she sang a song Jiang Cheng doesn’t remember anymore.

            It will be okay, Jiang Cheng tries to calm his agitated heart when he sees the rest of the prisoners coming to their cell. It’s clear they want to pin Jiang Cheng down and have fun with him, they have tried several times but Jiang Cheng always fights until the very end, and he will rather die before ever letting anyone rape him.

While he waits for the battle to start, Jiang Cheng thinks in one of his happiest memories, it involves the three of them sitting in a park sharing the same ice cream cone.

It must be three of the morning, Jiang Yanli believes. She always wakes up at this time of the night. Weakly, she cleans off some tears from her dried cheeks. She hates this place, she hates it so much. She wants to be home and die between her siblings' arms rather than being here, dying slowly and lonely.

            It has been a long time since she saw her little brother. She loves Wei Wuxian but it is a truth that he also represents Jiang Yanli’s only connection to her baby brother. If Wei Wuxian isn’t here, then there isn’t any news about what’s happening to Jiang Cheng’s case. It isn’t fair! Her brother didn’t do anything wrong! He’s a good boy, he wouldn’t ever steal a single coin from anyone! She’ll give anything to speak to that judge herself and explain to them that Jiang Cheng was innocent!

            Oh, but she couldn’t! She’s here, chained to her bed. Her situation wasn’t much different from Jiang Cheng’s. ‘’You thirsty?’’ The mean nurse always asks her; despite her tone and facial expression, Jiang Yanli admits she has been more attentive and human towards her: she doesn’t let Jiang Yanli piss herself when she isn’t able to go to the bathroom on her own, she feeds her three times every day, she lets her drink water when she’s thirsty. Oh, and she also doesn’t yell at her anymore.

            ‘’Yes, It will be nice some water, please’’

            She doesn’t know if Wei Wuxian is involved in this change, she doesn’t doubt it but she isn’t sure if she wants to know the truth, it would make her feel only guiltier. Wei Wuxian shouldn’t be doing all of this for them, not risking his life in the way he does, not fighting everyone to keep Jiang Cheng out of jail.

            When Wei Wuxian came to their home it wasn’t because they wanted to, Jiang Yanli wasn’t there back then but in another hospital. Her mother was pregnant with her baby brother and her father had run away from their house shortly after dropping Wei Wuxian on their doorstep.

            As far as she knows, Wei Wuxian’s was probably, probably her father’s lovechild, Wei Wuxian’s mother was dead and legally Jiang Fengmian was there to respond for Wei Wuxian’s wellbeing or otherwise he’ll be paying a fine or going to jail. Her mother wasn’t happy at all at the news of taking care of another child, a child product of her husband’s affairs.

            She was furious, hurt, desperate at her current situation. Poor kid didn’t even know what he had done to earn that unknown woman’s wrath few weeks after months after losing his family.

            Then Jiang Cheng was born, everything turned worse than it already was, after Jiang Yanli returned home again, she remembers it nothing but chaos: Jiang Cheng’s endless crying, her mother yelling at top of her lungs, Wei Wuxian’s cries hiding somewhere, all stinky and malnourished.

            Eventually, things turned better. Her mother had a deep and vicious hatred towards Wei Wuxian in the beginning, violence was a common source of her against him but it turned better when he proved himself useful at taking care of Jiang Cheng, cooking edible food (not delicious), and helping around the house in general.

They were happy, at least until Yu Ziyuan was killed in a crossfire while returning home after work, carrying some cupcakes for her children, the three of them, it was a cold night of December when she was killed, but it was almost February when Jiang Yanli found out exactly what happened. Yu Ziyuan, until this day, doesn’t have a grave for them to visit.

            Jiang Yanli cleans her eyes for the second time and oh…! She feels the gentle touch of the sun on her face. Her mother. She misses her a lot, her hugs and kisses. Despite her nature, Yu Ziyuan tried her best in the worst times. ‘’Miss Jiang?’’ She shakes off the wishes to take a nap and tries to keep her eyes open. ‘’Miss Jiang?’’ Her nurse is calling her, with such an amount of respect that for an instant Jiang Yanli believes she’s already asleep and that she’s dreaming.

            ‘’Yes?’’

            ‘’You have visit’’ and then Jiang Yanli feels all the energies coming back to her body. Wei Wuxian is here again. She wants to cry again but this time of joy. Quickly, she squirms in her bed and tries to sit down.

            ‘’Let me help you!’’ Again, her nurse appears very helpful today, much to Jiang Yanli’s surprise, she is usually hideous towards Jiang Yanli. ‘’So, would you want me to tell him you accept his visit?’’

            ‘’Of course! Please tell him to come in! I want to see him!’’  Jiang Yanli says in her happiest tone. The expectation of seeing her family makes her want to live again.

            She sees the nurse leaving the room, for the first time smiling since Jiang Yanli got here, why would that be that reason? She doesn’t know but certainly doesn’t care, as soon as she keeps with her good attitude, Jiang Yanli didn’t care.

            Or so she thought until she saw Jin Zixuan himself getting into the room, holding this huge bouquet of lotus flowers. For a brief second, Jiang Yanli’s brain doesn’t appear to process the image in front of her. Jin Zixuan is here? Or is her imagination? No, no, she must be dreaming still.

            Jin Zixuan would never come to a place like this, and no after the painful broke up they had years ago that provoked her health to turn even poorer. ‘’What are you doing here?’’ Jiang Yanli’s shaky voice finally seems to articulate, she has received enough humiliations coming from that family.

            ‘’…I’m… visiting’’ Jin Zixuan said, gulping, holding his flower arrangement tightly between his hands; he looked around, there was a nurse and several patients in the same room. He could ask her to leave them alone but he couldn’t do the same to the rest of the patients.

            ‘’I don’t want to see you here or in any other place. Leave’’

            ‘’Could you leave give us a moment?’’ Jin Zixuan says to the nurse, who accomplishes what she’s being told, she perfectly knows who Jin Zixuan was, about the wealth his family means, the influences, and power.

            Jin Zixuan’s features carried a deep regret Jiang Yanli could taste perfectly, it was sincere, not that she cares nonetheless. She won’t ever forget how her heart hurt when she saw the rejection in his face, the anger in his tone directed to her when Jin Zixuan in the end chose to not believe what she was desperately trying to say.  ‘’I don’t want to have a moment with you, I want you out of this room now’’ She says, clearly upset, holding the dirty sheets tightly in her fists.

            He looks frantic about being kicked out of the room, just as what Jiang Yanli felt when she was kicked out from the Jin’s home years ago, taken by a thief, fired after years of working as a devoted servant to them. Jiang Cheng was already in prison, Wei Wuxian and herself were fighting fiercely to take him out but when she was fired, her relationship with Jin Zixuan coming to an abrupt end, her sickness turned harsher than before, enough to send her to a hospital, where, to this day, she’s still lingered here. ‘’A-Li, I’m sorry’’ He said, kneeling next to her bed, leaving the flowers on the tiny tea table near them. ‘’I need you to know how sorry I am about what happened! I should have believed you! I should have known it wasn’t you, you wouldn’t ever steal anything!’’ Of course, the fact Jiang Cheng was in prison for stealing didn’t do good to the Jiang’s image, after all, Jiang Cheng committed a financial crime and was taken down for it, Wei Wuxian was a prostitute, Jiang Yanli had to be something alike as well, or so the rest of the servants, and his parents, whispered. There wasn’t any way that Jiang Yanli was an innocent person if she had such criminals as brothers.

            Jiang Yanli’s heart stings when she remembers that horrible day, she’s aware of the intentions of Jin Zixuan’s lady mother, she wanted Jiang Yanli out of her home immediately, she knew what her husband had done to her, Madam Jin couldn’t risk her saying anything. Jiang Yanli wanted to tell him so desperately the crime Jin Guangshan committed to her, but how could she? If Jin Zixuan was convinced she had stolen who knew what.

            Everyone was pointing their fingers against her. Anything that left her mouth wouldn’t be taken seriously. In everyone’s eyes, she came from a family of criminals, she was a criminal as well, there wasn’t any point in trying to expose Jin Guangshan, no one would believe her. ‘’Why?’’ Jiang Yanli asks after a brief silence, her eyes clawed in Jin Zixuan’s ashamed face. ‘’Why didn’t you believe me back then? Why now? What do you want from me?’’

             ‘’I was wrong! I act stupidly!’’ Jin Zixuan says without thinking twice. ‘’I… A-Li, I’m incredibly sorry for not hearing you, for not trusting you. All these years in our relationship were beautiful, you gave me your love, you took care of me, you… you were an amazing and loving woman to me, and I betrayed you by not doing the same for you, for not protecting you’’ Jin Zixuan cannot look at her eyes any longer so he presses his face against the bed. ‘’Please… forgive me’’

            Jiang Yanli sees his shoulders trembling. He must be crying, she thinks. She waits for her heart to betray her, to feel the need to comfort him, for good or bad, this intrinsic instinct doesn’t come this time. Jiang Yanli stays in her place, her dead, broken eyes dried from all the tragedies that she has been crying over since her childhood.

            Jin Zixuan pressed his lips together, feeling a knot in his throat. A few minutes later he achieves to compose himself. ‘’I’ll make it up to you, I promise’’ He begins when Jiang Yanli doesn’t speak again. ‘’I’ll make things right, okay?’’ He’ll! This time he’ll give Jiang Yanli the place she truly deserves! ‘’I…I’ll pay for all your medical bills’’ for starters. ‘’I’ll make sure to take your brother out of prison! I’ll look for the best lawyer I can hire! We’ll re-open his case and everything!’’ He’ll bribe the judges if it was necessary! ‘’I’ll take Wei Wuxian out of that seedy place and give him a nice job, well-paid one, where everyone will respect him! I’ll do anything you want, just… just… Please, give me another chance!’’ If his words don’t convince her, maybe his eyes will.

            Jiang Yanli sighs, she wants to curl herself in to sob to death. If only Jin Zixuan knew. It is incredibly selfish to turn down Jin Zixuan’s offer just like that. It isn’t fair for Jiang Cheng, who hasn’t done anything wrong, and yet he’s paying a sentence he doesn’t deserve for a crime he hadn’t done. It is unbelievable unjust for Wei Wuxian, who’s doing beyond his limits just for the sake of his family.  However, Jiang Yanli cannot accept Jin Zixuan’s offer, she won’t ever be capable of facing Jin Guangshan again, getting back to Jin Zixuan will mean having his father in her life again, Jiang Yanli isn’t ready, won’t ever be ready to see his face again. ‘’Think about it, okay?’’ Jin Zixuan pleads, trying to hold her hand but Jiang Yanli undoes the hold the second it starts as if Jin Zixuan’s touch burns her. ‘’…I’ll come next month and… we can talk a little more, okay? If… if you need anything, please call me’’ Next to the flowers, he leaves a card with his phone number written. Jiang Yanli had it memorized.

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven

Wei Wuxian is informed of the situation about his client, briefly; it doesn’t worry him though, Lan Xichen vaguely mentioned to him about Lan Wangji’s state, and that he’ll be needed at home. He doesn’t mention the rejected personal sex workers, to be fair, he doesn’t tell Wei Wuxian about having any sex workers, Lan Wangji’s harem living in a palace next to the mansion, where they are treated as royal family; also, Lan Xichen omits about the aggressive state in which his brother was at.

                In any case, Wei Wuxian doesn’t need to know what he already imagines: He’s brought to be fucked, that’s it. Why else would he even be called if it wasn’t to have sex with him? He isn’t mad about it, it is what it is sometimes, he’s used to it; besides, he cannot complain of this situation, if this man paid him good when he came to the brothel, the old, stinky brothel, how much could he pay him if he did some delivery services? Good, probably a lot more.

                That’s the only thing he has in mind is collecting a good amount of money, he wants food, he’s starving; Wei Wuxian closes his eyes and leans against the door to deal with the dizziness and weakness due to the lack of food. Money for his family’s bills of course! Wei Wuxian feels guilty for thinking in himself first, him, who’s free and enjoying good health, rather than his siblings. After all, all the money that gets to his hands is not meant for him.

                Lan Xichen looks his brother’s… let’s call it escort, from the rear mirror, it appears he has fallen asleep. He must be exhausted, judging by the dark circles under his eyes; the dried-grayish skin, the dull hair. Poor man, he thinks. He will make him have a shower as soon as they reach home, perhaps even a warm meal if they are lucky. It isn’t that he’s cruel enough to keep him from eating, when they have large storages of food and magnificent cookers, however, Lan Xichen was worried about what could happen to his brother. His priorities between a complete stranger and his own family were clear.

Jiang Cheng’s wishes from escaping are itching behind his claws. He can’t stand it, being here. It’s suffocating. Only bad people are meant to be in prison, where are rapists, pedophiles, murderers were found guilty and sentenced to rot here, apart from the rest of the world. How on earth did he end up sharing a room with a man who killed his wife and children, and another guy who did horrible things to little girls?

                Why? He means… He’s aware he committed a crime, he stole people’s money: RICH PEOPLE’S MONEY. He didn’t let any person in a vulnerable state, never let a family without anything to eat, never touched innocent people, it doesn’t make him any less guilty of what he had done but exactly, specifically, why him? If thousands of people did financial crimes, leaving entire families with nothing but the clothes they wore once they were informed they have lost everything.

                Why Jiang Cheng was caught? Jiang Cheng’s breathing turns a little agitated minute by minute. It isn’t fair! He did it for a good cause! He wasn’t greedy or stupid enough to stole millions of dollars! He was just taking enough to start again, without luxury or ridiculous shiny cars! He only wanted money for his sister’s treatment, to save her life!  Bringing his brother to a safe place, where no one could touch him or degraded him again!

                Around Jiang Cheng, next to him, behind him, at both sides and all, were several prisoners as well, finding joy in the way Jiang Cheng’s tears filled his eyes and these ran down his cheek until its touched the floor. It isn’t fair, Jiang Cheng lets out this angry desperate scream from the bottom of his throat.

                Why him? Of all the people who were outside, actually causing harm to innocent ones, people who won’t ever be caught and pay for what they were doing, for what reasons exactly Jiang Cheng had to be caught?

                At some point, he passes from screaming in the air to yelling and cursing all the people he despises. He begins with Jiang Fengmian, of course, he was supposed to take care of them, to help them but yet he decided to ran away and left his mother to take care of a big family. Then he curses his teacher from elementary school, for taking advantage of his brother in exchange for sex, teaching him about prostitution, she pushed him against a path Wei Wuxian was still walking. He yells all the names he knows from the Jin’s family, for exploiting her, for being treated as a slave, squeezed like a lemon until she was no longer useful to them. He extra curses Jin Zixuan too, for breaking her heart when Jiang Yanli loved him with her soul. He leaves a couple of curses more to his teachers and classmates from all the educative levels he met at.

                Finally, he curses himself as well.

The doctor discreetly informs him that they shouldn’t have delayed that much, Lan Xichen doesn’t explain to him about the test they were running in Lan Wangji’s escort, he doesn’t need to. They shouldn’t be losing more time; he grabs Wei Wuxian’s arm in a gentle hold. He doesn’t want him wandering around the mansion, his uncle won’t appreciate it, his hatred for whores is barely containable, a whore of Wei Wuxian’s level would make him angrier.

                They are halfway when Lan Xichen finally detects, almost too late, his brother’s presence intercepting them. He… he doesn’t look happy, he wonders if it is because he was locked up in his room, if because he was left alone, or perhaps because Lan Xichen dared to put guards in his doors. Lan Wangji’s claws are clearly in a display, dripping fresh blood; his usually serene expression now is tainted with a dangerous glare directed towards his older brother.

                Then, Lan Xichen reacts, carefully, slowly, he releases his hold in Wei Wuxian’s arm. ‘’You… uh, this… this wasn’t part of… our conversation’’ Wei Wuxian says, faking a smile to hide his own fear. He’s a pray by nature, that could be understood as sexually yes, however, in it is pure form is also meant Wei Wuxian’s race was known for getting eaten, nowadays it wasn’t common to find bunnies anymore.

                Lan Xichen doesn’t answer him, while Wei Wuxian stays in his place, frozen, barely breathing, any wrong movement and Lan Wangji may attack him now that he’s feral. Lan Xichen must think the same because he walks backward carefully, without taking his eyes off from his brother’s stare: dilating golden pupils set in Wei Wuxian, his prey and bunny.

                Lan Wangji’s tiger ears twitch almost adorably along with his tail as soon as he gives off a sniff and Wei Wuxian’s soft, forest scent fills his lungs. ‘’He… he’s not going to eat me, right? I’m on my bones!’’ He laughs nervously, waiting for Lan Xichen’s response that never comes. ‘’You can’t eat me, please, please! I have a family to take care of!’’ Wei Wuxian begs, his heart about to burst into pieces by the tension. ‘’I’ll do whatever you want me to do, just… just don’t… please, my family loves me, they depend on me. If I disappear…’’ Perhaps the rest of the world won’t even care about him, won’t notice he’s gone, but his siblings will, they were the only people left who loved him endlessly.

Wei Wuxian makes the mistake of giving a step backward, that’s enough for Lan Wangji to growl and bounce at him, Wei Wuxian is fast but no way a rival to Lan Wangji.

                Wei Wuxian squirms, kicks, punches, and even try to bite Lan Wangji’s face but he only makes the tiger’s hold over his body tighter. Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath of Lan Wangji’s own scent by mistake, something curls in his most sensibility parts, his lovely fur bunny tail shivers, his long, white ears come straighten up; soon enough the tiger lifts him from the floor and carries him over one of his shoulders.

                He’s dizzy again, this time not because he hasn’t eaten real food in days. He doesn’t fight anymore, Lan Wangji might have felt his erection through his thin, battered clothes; fuzzily, his eyes register the blood near the door of his tiger’s quarters, it should be all smelly but thanks to Lan Wangji’s strong perfume, he cannot smell anything else but the call of mating.

                He’s thrown in the bed, a very comfortable one; he feels like jelly, like those times when his first clients thought it would be funny to drug him to take turns with him without the drama, just because Wei Wuxian was far too young for sex and he couldn’t stop crying and making a fuss about it. He admits this time he feels… more conscious about it. He can tell the color of the silk sheets he’s lying on, how the ceiling is decorated, how big was the room, or Lan Wangji’s blocking any possible exit.

                It doesn’t provoke him any fear any longer. He’s good in this, his most primitive part telling him that everything is fine, that his body wants this mate, despite not being one of his race. His body sees a probable companion make some beautiful half-breed pups. Wei Wuxian, regardless of not feeling in control as he would like to, rolls over himself, unbuttoning his pants and kicking them out, taking away his underwear as well.

                He presents to the tiger, his ass up and chest touching the bed. He feels like he’s burning, he cannot stop himself from taking his fingers to one of his entrances; his cock is hard as a rock, leaking already, just about the prospect of getting bred tonight and having tons of babies. He moans, not his made-up moans done with the mere purpose of turning on an average client. His fingers inside of him make such a delicious melody for Lan Wangji, who cannot resist Wei Wuxian’s music anymore.

                No preparation, therefore, Wangji introduces himself smoothly inside of Wei Wuxian’s body without any troubles. He isn’t as tight as during his previous encounters, which is a good sign due to means Wei Wuxian’s is sexually excited. Wei Wuxian makes sure to reward the tiger for putting his penis inside of him, with a spasm that makes Lan Wangji see stars for a moment.

                Wei Wuxian feels his barbed penis, he would love to move but he knows Lan Wangji is in charge because he knows how to move his tool better than anyone else; he founds out he likes feeling Lan Wangji’s hands when he secures his neck in a nice hold, he feels himself getting wetter; then his free hands goes under his shirt and lightly brushes one of his nipples, he didn’t know how badly want them to leak milk.

In Lan’s Household, it is forbidden any sort of gossip, it is ungraceful, not very safe for the business; of course, this may not apply to Lan’s Harems, only because they were most of the time in the palace (or having fun around the city). However, it is evidently that when they weren’t enjoying laying with their tigers, they also appreciate good gossip to be told or to be heard.

                This one isn’t precisely nice to heard: in the beginning, they were not worried, their First Master Lan brought some homeless guy to Lan home, maybe it was someone who was in debt with the family and was about to face a dangerous fate in the Lan’s torture chambers. They were having fun betting what torture Lan Wangji would inflict first in his victim, wishing violence will turn on again the fire in Lan Wangji.

                The story didn’t go any great when… they were informed some strange… activity was going on in Lan Wangji’s chambers. Growling, moaning, wet sounds, screams of pleasure. That kind of stuff that usually happened in their palace, within them. ‘’Can anyone see something from here?’’ Several women and men crowed against the windows that faced the main Lan Household, hoping they may have the chance to see what was all the fuss about, why they were not allowed to leave their zone.

                Being restrictive was horrible, they couldn’t swim in their own pool, or go outside to the malls and all the stuff they were used to do when the Lans didn’t request their presence. As if being rejected by Lan Zhan wasn’t humiliating enough, an issue that hadn’t ever been presented before.

                This day was the first time they weren’t only rejected, today Lan Zhan arrived from a business trip, a business trip in which he went alone! He didn’t bring any of them this time! Of course, he’d usually choose his favorites to bring in his private jet but… this time he didn’t say goodbye or told them about his departure. He just left, and when he came back he didn’t explain anything.

                No one explained them anything, which was worrying, however, now… this time was worse: another person, an individual who isn’t part of the harem, caught Lan Zhan’s eye, and by how the situation was occurring, the chances of being replaced were real, dangerously high. No more or exclusive clothing made of the finest fabrics. No more feasts at every time they wanted, or their precious jewelry, and… what about their spa days? What about all of their privileges? Would that all of that be lost just for one person? ‘’Do you think… it is serious?’’

                ‘’He needed sex but refused to touch us because he didn’t was waiting someone else. You tell me’’ A man responds, the oldest in the harem, the first one. The rest may be brainless sheep who only cared about their commodities here in Lan’s home, nevertheless, he knew that none of them would survive outside in the wild world on their own if Lan Zhan one day decided to kick them out from their home. No, no, his home. The rest could just fuck off, he was here first, this palace was his palace, he shared with them but at last everyone in the harem knew who the favorite of favorites was, who dictated the rules when Lan Zhan wasn’t nearby. He was not losing his safety and lifestyle for the sake of one.

‘’What?’’ Mian-Mian says, avoiding Su She’s look masterly.

‘’Why do you hate him so much?’’ He asked, sitting on the edge of her desk, crossing arms at the height of his chest.

‘’I have no idea what you’re talking about’’ she said using her calm tone.

‘’Why do you hate Mr. Wei?’’ Mian-Mian chuckles. ‘’What is so funny?’’

‘’It’s just hilarious how you address him’’

‘’With respect you mean?’’

Then Mian-Mian releases an exasperated sigh. ‘’You always do the same with whores, why? We have a building filled with them, you saw them. Only thing they do is eat, relax in their suites and have zero responsibilities or worries about the rest of the world. They do almost as much as Lan’s pay us, without the hard work and risks. Why would I feel pity for another whore?’’

                ‘’But he is not one of the pretty things our bosses kept in that private palace, am I right?’’ Su She inquires as he always does when something bothers her; they are friends, after all, they know each other far too well, they were brought to this family at the same time. ‘’Come on, just spill it out’’

                ‘’I don’t think so, also, I’m too busy for your silly interrogation’’

                ‘’I think he’s nice’’ He ignores her all the same. ‘’Fair but not naïve, gentle. Appears a good person’’

                ‘’A good person who’s earning more money than one of our bosses’ whores and yet it seems he doesn’t have limits, always asking and asking for more. He’s greedy and insatiable, how can I even like him’’

                ‘’He reminds me of me and you when we just arrived here’’

                ‘’Don’t compare me to that whore’’

                ‘’Do not use the whore as an insult. Do not use it at all’’ Su She interrupts her. ‘’My mother was a hard-worker woman who did what she could to feed my little sister and me. It always hurt her to being called as such’’

                ‘’…You know I don’t include her in this category when I say whore’’ Mian-Mian is sincere. She’s a little defensive when Su She talks about their past: Su She has never denied who he was, who his family was, he speaks of it openly, without any shame. However, she doesn’t like to even think about it. She only tried to exchange her body for money once and ended up stabbing the man to death. ‘’I know what kind of person he is, I don’t like him. He means problems, that’s all’’

                Su She’s gaze feels heavy. She hates him because Wei Wuxian reminds her of her before having this job. Before becoming the woman she was. ‘’I don’t like our bosses’ sex workers either’’ Su She confesses. ‘’They do are greedy and insatiable’’

‘’Why do you want me to like this one?’’

                ‘’Because we are polite and nice with people like us’’ Su She says.

                Mian Mian doesn’t enjoy the reminder. She wants to bury her past deep down in a place where no one would find it, he looks away, pretending Su She doesn’t exist, now is his turn to sigh. ‘’Sometimes you are too good for this job’’ She tells him after a moment. ‘’You’re a former mercenary who now serves a crime organization, don’t lose your time having soft spots for whores’’ Su She leaves the room quietly and refuses to speak to Mian-Mian for the rest of the following days. Mian-Mian regrets her choice of words but her ideals cannot be changed if she doesn’t want to.

Wei Wuxian’s cups Lan Wangji’s face in his hands; he hardly had a chance to have sex with him while facing him. He notices Lan Wangji’s has a pair of pretty eyes, truly a part of exotic jewels that seem to glow as the sunlight of the dying sun hits his face; he isn’t used to be taken in this position, Wei Wuxian makes sure to touch as much as possible of Lan Wangji’s body.

                He memorizes his birthmarks at the end of his neck, of course, he won’t ever forget his scent, one that could be taken as an expensive cologne; he’s marvelous by the texture of the tiger’s hair, he can see some threat of silver here and there. Then he goes up to his ears, when he touches the tigers seems to slow down his movements and returns Wei Wuxian’s gaze.

                They see each other for a minute, nothing to be said or heard but their agitated breaths. It’s only lust and the natural wishes of breeding, essential side in any races, they may look as humans but there would always be an animal side that sticks with them forever. This time Wei Wuxian has a slight advantage against the tiger, he’ll remember this rut far better than Lan Wangji.

                He’s still affected by the pheromones and the call of breeding, of course, but he knows more or less what he’s doing and what he’s exactly feeling. Right now he doesn’t think at all about Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, about how much their lives suck, or thinking on solutions to somehow make their lives better. He doesn’t think on the despair Wei Wuxian was sunk in because Lan Wangji decided to take away his right to work without thinking in the consequences that later affected Wei Wuxian.

                Wei Wuxian doesn’t want to remember that he’s here only to be fuck, because that’s what whores are pay for. For this little tale that might only last a few hours before Lan Wangji reminds his where is his place at or what he is, Wei Wuxian wants to memorize everything he sees. He wants to think that he’s a person, with a name and dreams. Before he goes insane, he wants to believe he’s just a man making love with someone who actually cares for him and sees him as a person.

                He’ll feel so ashamed as soon as the effect vanishes of them, however, today is today; Lan Wangji returns to his thrust against Wei Wuxian’s main entrance, not with the same force as before, still hard as a rock though. It appears he’s also finding pleasure in the intimate caresses Wei Wuxian gives to his cheeks, or when he feels his fingers going through his hair.

                Lan Wangji touches something inside of Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian moans again, the fever returning to his body stronger than before, which means Lan Wangji’s strokes grow stronger as well; the bunny locks his legs around the tiger’s back,  hugs his neck and kisses him fiercely. There would be plenty time to hate himself tomorrow anyway.

Chapter Text

Chapter eight

                This time Lan Qiren doesn’t have another option apart from sitting in the middle of his room, sad, old eyes looking outside, contemplating a life that could never happen; that’s the worst part of it, when he’s alone, when it is time to sleep and he cannot longer delay his thoughts and painful memories.

                It terrifies him the idea of this being the last he’ll live. Never a first kiss, the gentle touch of a lover. It is just him and him alone most of the time. He can surround himself with hundreds of people, either his two nephews, who were building lives for themselves or the servitude; it will end up like this, won’t he?... Not a mate in his life.

                Lan Qiren admits it makes him angry. He’s here, fulfilling a promise he made for Wen Ruohan; waiting for him while Wen Ruohan moved on, got married, and had children of his own. ‘’Pathetic’’ Lan Qiren whispers to himself. He shouldn’t be thinking about that in the first place. There is nothing left between the two of them. Wen Ruohan hadn’t directed a word since then, in any form.

                He clears his throat, looking away from his hands. It doesn’t matter. In a few years, maybe, one of his nephews will marry and have little ones, then Lan Qiren will finally be useful, running after children, as it was supposed to be. He only hopes his nephews will have more luck in this sick thing called love.

Lan Wangji wakes up after three entire days of rut. He doesn’t remember anything apart from arriving home and feeling feverish; by the time he finally opens his eyes, he’s able of recognizing his surroundings, he calms himself once he realizes he’s in a safe environment; he’s naked, yes but covered under a blanket, it’s okay though, it’s kind of a chilly morning and he enjoys some warmth.

                There is no phone or device at hand that could tell him what time it is, in consequence, he isn’t aware it has been three days and some hours. Eventually, he decides to get up from bed; he groans as he stretches: it feels nice to finally release the tension from his body, he finds out the unpleasing burn sensation settled on his back though, it reminds him of the feeling of tiny little scratches.

                He truly awakes for the second time when he realizes the heavy scent in the air, it is so thick that he could barely distinguish it from a normal perfume in his room.  He’s genuinely confused about the whole deal, if he has been avoiding being in contact with his bunny to gain some control over himself, he cannot leave much power in a simple person. Then, how exactly…?

                 The bunny in question is just around the corner of his bed, the scene lets him cold for a few seconds: The bunny is tied up, both hands and ankles together. He’s naked as well, he can see his private parts glistening in semen and natural lubricant; the skin is marked with several bruises, blue fingerprints, and Lan Wangji’s teeth as well, some of them deep enough to pierce the skin; however, what it worried Lan Wangji the most was the unhealthy position in which the bunny’s shoulder bone seemed to be poking his skin.

                Mating between tigers could get rough and intense, it wouldn’t cause this damage to another tiger, they would be built equally strong and firm, however, this one wasn’t a tiger, it was no match for Lan Wangji’s strength. Quickly, he undoes the tight hold of the knots of the harsh rope, the bunny’s limbs quietly fall to his sides, without any response. He gently brings him to his arms, his expression is serene, calm, for a moment it appeared he was just having a nice dream.

                Jiang Yanli grows anxious, pushing her to reject any kind of food that the nurses offers her. She doesn’t eat or drink anything, she’s no longer cooperating with the doctors, she doesn’t want to, this couldn’t be call life anymore, unable to move properly, around with several patients who were left forgotten as well by their families.

                No, she isn’t forgotten. Her brothers wouldn’t ever do such a thing to her, they loved her deeply. Jiang Yanli finds herself noticing that their love isn’t enough these days, as selfish as it may sound, herself being here in this depressing room hasn’t done anything good to her mental health, the only thing she thinks about is either Wei Wuxian visiting her or dying once and for all.

                It has been a long time since she felt fresh air from outside. For a moment she forgets the woman she once was, of waking in the early morning, preparing to work, leaving delicious dishes for Jiang Cheng to eat before school and Wei Wuxian’s after a long nightshift. ‘’Can’t believe you were so stupid’’ Her nurse tells her in an awful mood while she cleaned one of the patients' beds, Jiang Yanli could smell the stinky droppings from her bed, it may stick to her clothes and covers, again. ‘’If I have a man like that, I would immediately have accepted his offer!’’ Ah! Someone was eavesdropping on their conversations, Jiang Yanli wasn’t expecting otherwise.

                ‘’You are not me. Shut up’’ Jiang Yanli wasn’t only hopeless by this point but also angry against the shitty life her family was forced to live; she just wants to go back home and die peacefully while hearing her brother’s voices and feeling them hugging her tightly.

                ‘’That’s a bit of attitude of someone who can’t shit for herself’’

                ‘’As if you were helping me anyways’’ She wanted to die so badly.

Wei Wuxian wakes up a few hours later that same day. He’s in a nice hospital bed, probably worthen a little fortune. ‘’Well, that was wiiild’’ He says to himself before laughing, clearly still under anesthesia effects.

                ‘’Ah! You’re awake’’ Su She straights up from his posture against the wall. ‘’How are you feeling?’’ Lan Wangji did bring him to the hospital, didn’t stay afterward, Lan Xichen notified him of the amount of work they have behind but the real reason why he left was something far different from his worries about work, in his place, he left Su She to look after him, and keep him informed about Wei Wuxian’s state. ‘’I’ll call a… what? Are you okay?’’ He asks when he sees him startled in bed as soon as he notices Su She’s presence.

                ‘’I hate dogs’’ Wei Wuxian’s drags his words. ‘’My mom and dad were eaten by a pack of dogs in our farm’’ He spills out naturally as if he was talking about the weather.

                ‘’…Oh… Well, I have… I haven’t ever eaten anything… alive, not planning in doing it somewhere in a near future, don’t worry about it’’

                ‘’Ah’’

                After that, they are sunk in an awkward silence, or so Su She sees it as awkward, Wei Wuxian isn’t completely aware of what’s happening. ‘’When can I go home?’’ He speaks again, taking Su She’s chance to leave the room and find the doctor. ‘’I need to check up on my sister, she’ll be sad if I’m not around’’ Su She decides to find a chair and sit down.  

                ‘’You’ll be here at least three more days, just to make sure everything is alright. You have a dislocated shoulder and a fractured collarbone, you’ll recover just fine for what I have heard’’

                ‘’Well, it was the best fucking of my life, just for that I won’t get mad’’ Wei Wuxian replies with a lazy smile.

                ‘’…Too much information’’ Wei Wuxian laughs again.

                ‘’By the way, do you know much am I getting paid?’’ Of course, a drugged Wei Wuxian also means an all-business Wei Wuxian.

                ‘’Enough I believe, the boss always pays his sex workers pretty good’’

                ‘’His sex workers? He doesn’t seem like the type of frequenting brothels’’

                ‘’He doesn’t, he has his own at home’’

                ‘’… he has?’’

                ‘’Yes, like twenty or so’’

Wei Wuxian feels an uneasy feeling in the bottom of his stomach. Well, what else what he expecting, honestly? He’s just a cheap street-whore who is barely bought these days, he knows that no one would give a look at him and think something serious. He wasn’t hoping this could somehow change with a client who just given him a bit of attention and a nice amount of money.

                The money he gave him was nothing in comparison he surely has in his bank accounts. ‘’…I’ll call the doctor and tell him you’re awake’’ Su She senses he may or not have said something he shouldn’t.

                Wei Wuxian doesn’t answer him anymore, he leaves. Ah! Yes, Wei Wuxian, you’re a whore. Whore’s are used and paid, so make sure to take as much money of this man as you can; while Wei Wuxian is evaluated inside the room, Su She receives an unexpected message from Mian-Mian.

Still mad at me?

Absolutely.

Okay, okay.

If you have anything useful to say on your behalf…

I won’t say I’m sorry.
But I want to make it up to you.

Okay, I’m listening.

Reading**

Haha, dummy.

Alright. I was checking about this Mr. Wei.

Extra points for being a nice human being.

Keep going.

He’s currently homeless.

…I see.

And Mr. Lan gave me some important orders to be executed.

How may I help you executing these orders, Mr. Luo?

I’ll tell you only if we have dinner together.

I can do that.
One more question.

That will be dinner and a glass of wine at my department.

Agreed.
Does Mr. Lan know I’m executing his orders?

He didn’t specify it clearly.
But I feel you’ll do a very job than I.
You’re softer.

After his rut, Lan Wangji’s appearance turned better. His skin seemed to glow with health, his scent was heavier, the fur of his tiger ears and ringed tail was darker and softer. Physically he felt better than ever, stronger, relaxed, with enough energy to start his day, hardly feeling tired after a long day at work; he feels sexually satiated to a level that he doesn’t stop by his sex workers to have a few rounds as he used to. He hadn’t felt this… complete before; almost complete.

                Now, his mind and soul were a different case, there was no peace in his head, obviously, it wasn’t love or anything like what he felt. If he hadn’t developed any feelings for the people with whom he has been intercourse for years, why would he develop anything for this new one? People don’t fall in love through sex, it isn’t how it works.

                Perhaps it is more about an animal thing. He feels comfortable having sex with this person in specific, beyond that, he doubts there could be anything else besides that. Even before, Lan Wangji could not imagine himself being in love, with anyone in general, this person wasn’t an exception but he admits, in the quietness of his mind, that everything is turning more and more complicated.

                All his life, since he was a child, Lan Wangji thought of getting married by convenience, by arrangement, or stay single, the responsibility of bringing an heir to the family was up to Lan Xichen after all. He doesn’t want that to change, he hates the feeling of losing control over himself, is a horrible feeling, to drown down, unable to act as his own wishes, not somebody’s else.

                As much as they want to call themselves superiors humans, they are still closely linked to animals; he pushes slightly away from the heavy wooden desk with a groan, unable to stay in his place much longer. The more he thinks about him, the more it itches beneath his skin.

                He longs to be touched and to touch him. It infuriates him not to remember anything of those three wild nights almost as much as it infuriates him to understand that they do not belong together, they weren’t from the same race, socioeconomic status; the only thing they have in common was probably their age, nothing more.

Wei Wuxian wants to stuff everything to his mouth as soon as the nurse brings him something to eat, which isn’t much and not enough for the hunger that eats his stomach slowly, however, he isn’t allowed to eat more than the amount of food they gave him, it wouldn’t be a good idea to eat more food than he’s capable to process.

Fuck them, they are rich people, rich people had ever gone through the hunger Wei Wuxian is feeling right now. ‘’Sir! Please, eat slower!’’ But Wei Wuxian hasn’t seen a plate of decent food in months after going homeless. The primitive side of his animal mind doesn’t slow down, quite the opposite, he eats faster, until his cheeks are completely full with his meal, he covers his mouth when the nurse comes closer to intervene. No one is taking his food away! He might no be the best person in the world, but he knows he isn’t that bad to be deprived of food!

                The nurse watches the entire scene, horrified of her patient choking by accident, the only thing she finds useful to do is giving a couple of steps backward, preventing herself from stressing him. Wei Wuxian ends up vomiting and feeling ashamed afterward, doesn’t eat again for the rest of the day.

‘’I’m glad to see you recovered’’ His brother tells him sincerely as soon as they have the chance to see each other, Lan Xichen makes his brother get tested as well, make sure he’s clean and all. ‘’You gave us quite a fright’’

                ‘’…I’ll try to avoid another… episode of this in the future’’ He doesn’t find a way to tell his big brother that he’ll make sure to fuck the bunny on a daily basis without sounding vulgar.

                ‘’Yes, I like that, it’s good to hear’’ Lan Xichen pats his back brotherly. ‘’…I admit I got surprised when I found him’’ giving oral sex to another person in exchange for a couple of bills. It was nasty, unexpected, Lan Xichen could go on and enlist a long list of adjectives to describe his experience and it wouldn’t be enough.

                ‘’Why? He’s… different’’ another race, he admits that Lan Wangji was inclined to have sex with his same species, felines. ‘’Where did you find him, by the way? I heard he wasn’t in his department anymore but it was too early to be in the brothel’’ He changes the subject, unable to speak about feelings he hasn’t know how to process yet.

                Lan Xichen stays silent for a brief moment. A better question was what he was doing. I’m not usually listened to, sometimes they take the condom when I’m not seeing them. It worries me too. I don’t want this either. Then his mind goes back to what the doctor asked earlier: Mr. Wei was not an adult when he started working in the streets, he was a child. Now, Lan Xichen isn’t a man who is easily tempted by compassion and mercy, it isn’t just good for the business.

                The shame is there nonetheless, if something truly angers him it is the ignorance, Lan Xichen spoke and accused while being insensitive ignorant, for a second comparing Mr. Wei socio-economical status with his own. ‘’I think he was selling something in the streets’’ he isn’t sure of what exactly, Wei Wuxian mentioned but Lan Xichen doesn’t recall it because he did not put enough attention.

                ‘’…What kind of products was he selling exactly?’’ Lan Wangji asks with narrowed eyes, his tail stilling.

                ‘’Wangji, I don’t think I cared enough, perhaps rotten apples? Carrots? Turnips? Something alike, I’m not sure, I was too worried about you if I’m honest’’ Lan Wangji appears to calm down at his brother’s words, trusting him blindly. ‘’anyway, that isn’t important right now. What got me thinking is about the chat I had with Mrs. Luo earlier, I believe she mentioned to me that we couldn’t find Mr. Wei at home because he wasn’t living there anymore, the landlord said he hadn’t covered the rent in a while, he kicked him out’’

                ‘’…Where was he living at, then?’’ Lan Wangji asks, a sour feeling creeping down his chest.

                ‘’My men spoke with the owners of the brothel, they said he was living there with them, in the little suite they gave them after you and the bunny met. He spent the days outside selling stuff in the streets but returning every night dutifully’’

                ‘’…did he attend other clients?’’

                ‘’No’’ Lan Wangji nods, satisfied with the information. ‘’It should be a better option to keep him in a safer environment, you sent Su She to other places some nights and he wasn’t there to guard his door. You don’t know what kind of people frequent that place’’ Lan Xichen has his intentions for this suggestion.

                Lan Wangji had been thinking about it, for several reasons: He likes taking care of his sex workers properly; for the safety of both sides. However, he couldn’t bring him to the palace, where lived the rest of the harem. They will tear up the bunny’s throat as soon as Lan Wangji turns around, their sex workers came from a more aggressive species.

Wei Wuxian sits in the back seat, quietly, not making a single joke. He doesn’t want to go back to the brothel, his stay at the hospital was blissful, he doesn’t want to leave behind a safe place; however, he’s aware of where his place is at, where he belongs, so he waits for his fate peacefully.

                It isn’t that bad anyway. He appreciated the past sex, he was more conscious than his client, he knew what was happening and he let it happened, when he felt his bones fracturing, his body did not register the pain at all, focused on the pleasure life was giving him for the first time, he knows how happened, all his memories are there.

                This is the first time Wei Wuxian feels like a whore; in the past, he never enjoyed anything that people do with him, the forced penetration in his dried entrances at the lack of stimulation, his pain for their pleasure, everything that he endured didn’t hurt him as much as being part of the sexual act, to give himself time to like it, for the reason that in the end when he had sex with other people and they hurt him, he’d say it was okay due to it was his job. He could free himself from the insults and the guilt that comes afterward.

                Since Wei Wuxian wants to believe he’s a victim of the circumstances, and not the people his clients say he is, he’s convinced of this idea when all of the sexual encounters he had before were either painful or humiliating. Everything changes when he’s blind to his pain because he’s loving what another person is doing to his body, for money; he’s afraid of being judged, if someday the tiger decides he isn’t useful anymore and does something to get rid of him, people won’t say anything because they would know that at some point Wei Wuxian enjoyed being with him, which takes any trace of innocence left in him; he’s been accused of immoral depraved since he started working in this field, of course, he’s scared! Anything he does it is always seen as perverted! He’s paranoid at this point! ‘’What… what are we doing here?’’ Wei Wuxian asks, almost fearfully, truly a saddening image, seeing him in the backseat, small and vulnerable. Su She parked in front of buildings, suspectingly hotel-looking. Wei Wuxian doesn’t have a good feeling about this.

‘’Well, I have good news’’

‘’Do you?’’  He asks, warily. People don’t do nice things for free.

‘’Mr. Lan Instructed us to located you in a more reachable place’’ Wei Wuxian listened very carefully, holding his breath tightly in his chest. ‘’While you were resting, I took the liberty to pack your belongings left in the brothel, which are already waiting for you in your new home’’ Su She knew for certain Wei Wuxian’s retirement wouldn’t be taken kindly.

‘’…Why are you talking about?’’ Wei Wuxian voice is barely a whisper, his heart beating fast and tormented. It can’t be real; it is too good to not be a dream. ‘’You mean what I’m thinking?’’

‘’Mr. Lan bought you freedom’’ He says, turning around to make visual contact with Wei Wuxian, staying in his place. ‘’For what I know, he needs to have you at reach, this is why he arranged a new place for you to live; your expenses will be covered aside from your monthly payment, regardless of his presence’’ That’s to say, he won’t disappear again, leaving Wei Wuxian unprotected and threatened. Wei Wuxian looks at him, wide shocked eyes looking for a trace of lies. ‘’You don’t have to set afoot again in the brothel. He arranged a new place for you to live’’ Su She says, happy to deliver such great news, his smile makes Wei Wuxian feel comfortable for the first time.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t say anything for a while. He stays silent exactly five minutes, barely breathing, Su She waits patiently for any reaction. ‘’I am free!’’ Wei Wuxian says with a broken voice. ‘’I am free! I am free!’’ Wei Wuxian yells, looking at the ceiling, thick tears running down his cheeks. He tries to control his sobs and his laugh, Su She sees him holding his chest, trying to control whatever that was agitating him there. ‘’I won’t ever… no… not ever again’’ All he can think is that he’s safe now, despite he’s isn’t free but bought for a single person, he’s still a whore but it was an enormous difference between being a cheap whore in a brothel than being a whore of a rich man.

Su She looks at him both fondly and sadly; he's decides to give him some tissues that Wei Wuxian accepts with trembling hands. He can’t stop crying, he just closes his eyes and lets everything out. He wasn’t going back to the brothel, no one would insult him or hurt him in any way again, no more porn films, pain and degradations. ‘’I’m sorry, it is that…’’ Wei Wuxian tries to say but he doesn’t find voice to keep talking, he cannot even find words to describe the relief he’s feeling right now. ‘’I’m… I’m so happy’’

‘’I know’’ Who wouldn’t be? ‘’It’s okay, we have time, I can wait’’

So he does, almost an hour in which Wei Wuxian cries or tells what he’ll do now that he has a place to live and money, what it would be of his siblings, and many other things that he hadn’t say before because he never had a chance to speak of. His clients don’t pay for hearing talk, his co-workers have enough on their plates, he couldn’t worry his siblings about this.

So then, in that pretty car, with his new bodyguard of whom he felt so afraid of in the beginning but he could see now was the only one who acted kindly towards him, Wei Wuxian finally gives himself a chance to say what he feels about himself, it isn’t that he isn’t thinking about the benefits that will come to his siblings now that he has money.

It is about the fact that from now on, he’ll get up from bed, sure that will come back there tonight.

Chapter Text

Chapter nine

Lan Wangji concluded that he couldn’t keep his bunny living in a brothel. It was disgraceful, for both of them, Wei Wuxian didn’t deserve living in the streets, Lan Wangji wouldn’t ever allow such a thing to any of his employees, regardless of their jobs. ‘’It wouldn’t be safe, also, you need to keep an eye on him, he’s… well, he isn’t like us’’ Lan Wangji has never been with a non-depredator before.

                The only reason why he didn’t take him from the brothel before is that he never thought this… treat will last so long. As it was something he didn’t have before, Lan Wangji imagined it would be only a couple of times before getting bored. Then it happened the annoying but persisting presence of the scent, the emptiness when it came to his harem, and finally, the triggered rut. It was obvious this may last a little longer until he finds a solution for this problem, it wouldn’t hurt to keep the bunny closer.

                Hurt. Yes, he still doesn’t believe the fact he managed to hurt him; he wants to believe it was due to the strength difference and not a matter of Lan Wangji’s sadistic ways, which only comes when it is about killing, not sex. He doesn’t enjoy hurting his partners, definitely not this one.

                He won’t say the bunny is special, it would mean giving him more control than the one he already had. He needs to invert the positions, that’s why he’s giving him a place to live, in one of Lan Wangji’s buildings, paying his expenses with his money, and then giving him monthly payment, from his money as well. He wants him to know that he’s in the place he is because Lan Wangji decided to, not because Lan Wangji needs him.

                Tigers are territorial, rarely let any other race compete with them, it could be different if this Mr. Wei was, perhaps a lion? Or any other predator race alike, then probably it wouldn’t be as uneasy as it was right now. Lan Wangji is a dangerous predator, always alert, ready to attack to ensure his well-being and the well-being of his family as well, of the pack.

                He cannot help but imagine that a person who can’t beat him physically will then betray him, behind his back when he isn’t looking, or when he has trust enough and makes the mistake of getting relaxed, lowering his guard as a result. That’s what happened to his parents. They were excellent hunters, top of the food chain, they weren’t beaten until they got too comfortable. The error of trusting.

                Lan Wangji won’t trust anyone who isn’t part of the Lan family, or his very narrow circle of people he considered important, friends: his assistant, for example, the housekeeper, who was there since his parents were a couple of children, some bodyguards who had risked their lives for Lan Wangji’s in the past, because of loyalty, as Su She has done.

                Trusting this new person is not an option; he gives him an apartment then, one of Lan Wangji’s cages, and puts him under the vigilant eye of Su She, Lan Wangji’s watchman. The bunny will depend on him enough to not risk a dumb movement, such as betraying him or leaking sensitive information about him and his activities.

                Indeed, that’s all that comes to his mind when his inner voice asks him why he’s giving him so many privileges over the sex workers he has living in his house. Because he deserves them, he answers himself back, I’m only but paying fairly his… hard work; in the end, Lan Xichen worries about that red scrunchie that his brother wears on his right wrist for the following days.

Jiang Yanli had this depressing aura surrounding her since Jin Zixuan left. She hadn’t sleep in three days, the dark circles under her eyes are deep and concerning; her little brother hadn’t come in all this time. She forbids herself to think of anything, the tiniest idea made a whole movie in her head: she knows where Wei Wuxian works at.

                Dangerous wasn’t enough to describe that awful place. What if he’s already dead…? She doesn’t want to admit but the possibility scares her to a point that she already had two panic attacks in the last week at the mere thought.

                Her brother has the most beautiful smile once. All her memories are tainted with sorrow but there also great ones in which she sees her brothers, smiling, full of innocence, playing in the dirt, unaware of how dreadful the world could be with them. She doesn’t want to lose that, she can’t, she won’t recover if anything happens to him, she’ll die shortly after, her heart won’t stand it.

                And she can avoid it, she realizes. She can avoid Wei Wuxian’s death, she can give Jiang Cheng the freedom he deserves and that was unfairly taken from him. She can give them a better life, if only… the insults, the pain, the voice of Jin Guangshan while he raped her comes to her mind immediately, her breath itches again, sobbing silently she hides under the sheets. She doesn’t want to come back to the Jin’s Mansion and see him again! She doesn’t want to see his face ever!

She isn’t sure if she feels anything for Jin Zixuan, she can’t think in matters of love when her family is either in prison or in a brothel. She can’t say she’ll do it for love, it would be cheating, her family is first. Just as it is for Wei Wuxian… Wei Wuxian, who risks his life every night in a seedy place, just to make sure his sister’s treatment is covered, stretching the money as much as possible,  then, he also pays a lawyer for Jiang Cheng, also gives him money for him to survive inside the prison.

                Jin Guangshan may be a beast but his son is a good man, a gentle person who regrets his actions and wants to make it up for her. Jin Zixuan has the money and power to take Jiang Cheng out of prison; he can save Wei Wuxian from the brothel as well. He can pay for everything they need, he can put the three of them under a shield, and… everything could get better.

                Her little brother has done far too much for them, getting hurt several times in the way, without thinking it twice. She can’t be selfish, she can’t let him take all the responsibility and pain, despite existing the possibility that, in the end, they may not related by blood as they like to think. She needs to take action too. She’s enough of a burden lying in bed, Jiang Yanli can’t just turn down Jin Zixuan’s offer like that when she needs him.

                He said he’ll fight for Jiang Cheng if she lets him, he’ll give her baby brother the freedom he lost, and to his little brother a nice job, where no danger would touch him again. Then…, well, it is time to make some sacrifices herself. If she doesn’t die already to stop being a worry to her family, the least she could do was being useful for the first time in years!

                It means probably coming back to the Jin’s Mansion. Seeing Jin Guangshan in every family event. Having kids and forced to watch how that pig carries them in his arms as if he had never raped their mother, the wife of his son. Jiang Yanli cries harder, frustrated, hurt, scared. She doesn’t want to go back but she can’t let that chance slip out of her hands! She isn’t the only one doing uncomfortable things for the family.

                She covers her mouth, a look of terror on her face. She can’t, she just…! Why is she in this situation? Why, why? Why! No one should ever be in her place! Any person in the world should be forced between choosing to live with their rapist or letting one of their younger siblings be a prostitute, just because of survival, nothing more, they aren’t asking for the moon, o a mansion as beautiful as the Jins. They just wanted food, a decent job!

                Jiang Yanli startles, feeling a kind hand over her shoulder, above the sheets. She’s scared for a moment but she immediately smells her little brother, recognizing his touch. ‘’Sister?’’ He calls her gently, ashamed, Jiang Yanli lets him pull down the sheets, meeting his eyes. ‘’Are you okay?’’ Wei Wuxian asks, calmly, sitting next to her in the bed.

                First thing Jiang Yanli does is using the little energy she has and pulls his clothes. It is a bit clumsy, Wei Wuxian has a sling shoulder and some bandages around his collarbone. She doesn’t see it but he can’t help but winced when he finally gives her the hug she needed so bad, he doesn’t let her know though, hugging her harder even. ‘’You are hurt’’ She says in a whisper, she knows why, obviously, he’s reeking of sex, Jiang Yanli detects. Some bastard did this to her brother and Wei Wuxian let them because he needs money… Jiang Yanli has her answer now, she’ll accept Jin Zixuan’s offer.

                ‘’Only a little, you don’t need to worry about that silly stuff’ Wei Wuxian always minimizes his injuries, worrying his sister is the last thing she needs. ‘’Doctors say I’ll as new in a couple of days’’ couple of months. ‘’Now, tell me, why were you crying? Did someone hurt you? Tell me a name, I’ll kick their asses’’ Jiang Yanli sighs shakily against his neck, her caracal ears twitching here and now when Wei Wuxian scratches her behind them.

                ‘’I was so worried’’ Which is an undeniable truth but not the only reason for her state. ‘’I thought… ‘’ She starts to tremble again. ‘’I thought something awful happened to you, and… I cannot stand it, you’re so good, A-Xian. You’re the most lovable person I have ever met and… it isn’t fair, it just not fair’’ she sobs, her voice breaking.

                ‘’That’s sweet of you to say! I know I’m a charm!’’ Wei Wuxian tries to make her laugh, he’s a little disappointed when he fails. ‘’Life isn’t that fair with anyone, to be honest. If I’m the lovable one here, then you’re the kindest, prettiest one!’’ Wei Wuxian says, convinced, unaware of her selfish desires she hides, Jiang Yanli makes herself smaller at the reminder, her dark brown tail squirming nervously over itself. ‘’Jiang Cheng is the grumpiest. It doesn’t matter who is how. Life doesn’t care’’

                They stay hugged like this for long minutes, in silence. She doesn’t know when Wei Wuxian will come back, or how angry would he react when Jiang Yanli tells him about Jin Zixuan’s visit and the decision she has chosen; Wei Wuxian endures the pain skillfully. ‘’I need… to tell you something’’ Jiang Yanli says, hardly audible to him.

                ‘’Ah! Wait. I need to tell you something too, I need to do it first! You’ll love this news!’’ Jiang Yanli plays with his hands, anxiously, she needs to say it, she has to, she can’t keep acting as everything is fine when she has a bomb of time in her hands, waiting to explode. She nods weakly, pretending to smile, she’ll tell him afterward then.

                ‘’What is it?’’

                ‘’You have to guess!’’

                ‘’…A-Xian…’’

                ‘’…Okay, okay! I’ll tell you, only because I love you so much!’’ He looks in his pockets for a wrinkled envelope and opens it carefully under her gaze. ‘’So, we both know this place sucks, and I’m so sorry for not taking you to a proper one’’ Wei Wuxian says, looking away, mortified, Jiang Yanli immediately shakes her head.

                ‘’You did the best you could, I’ll always be grateful for taking care of me’’

                ‘’You deserve only but the best!... That’s why… I’m moving you to another place!’’ Wei Wuxian shows her the letter that gives details about Jiang Yanli’s new home. ‘’I was attended there! It was so beautiful! Big, everyone was so nice! You’ll love it there! I’m sure you’ll recover much better there!’’

                ‘’A-Xian… This… this is…’’

                ‘’Amazing? Great? Huh?’’

                ‘’Too expensive, I can’t go there!’’ He barely pays this hospital without going homeless…! She can’t let him pay for another place that is, who knows, how many times more expensive than here.

                ‘’And?’’

                ‘’What do you mean and? You can’t take me there, it is too much! You cannot spend all of this money on my treatment! It will eventually become impossible to pay!’’

                ‘’Actually, I can do it, I’ll do it! I’m not asking. In an hour will come an ambulance to move you to the hospital! You’ll love it! You’ll have your private room, a specialized nurse, and doctors! You’ll be out of this bed before we know!’’

                ‘’But… but… A-Xian I can’t let you do that!’’ Jiang Yanli perfectly knows how Wei Wuxian earns money. What if… what if he’s doing something else? Something riskier? More painful… What if Wei Wuxian is just letting someone doing something far more dangerous than all people have ever done to him? What if… ‘’Please, don’t, don’t do this for me, I don’t know what I’ll do if you stay a minute more in the brothel. I don’t want you there, paying this new place will chain you there forever!’’

                Wei Wuxian smiles sadly, kissing her forehead, hugging her again protective in his arms. ‘’I’m not working there anymore’’ Wei Wuxian says, unable to contain his own happiness. ‘’I have money, sister, I can afford this easily, I’ll pay Jiang Cheng a new lawyer too! You don’t need to worry about this again!’’

                ‘’You don’t?’’ Jiang Yanli cups his face devotionally in her hands. ‘’You don’t work there anymore?’’ Her heart beats painfully relieved in her heart. This time new tears accompanied Wei Wuxian’s, not from pain or sadness. ‘’A-Xian?’’

                ‘’Sister, I’m free! I’m finally free from that stupid place!’’

                ‘’How? Is everything okay? They won’t come back?’’ there would be any retaliation? should they run away?... But what about Jiang Cheng? They cannot let him here!

                 ‘’Everything is okay, I promise’’ Wei Wuxian says, very confident with his words, holding carefully each side of Jiang Yanli’s head, to establish eye contact. ‘’I’m not alone in this’’ Wei Wuxian has been practicing the lie he’s about to tell. He doesn’t like lying, which is not right, however, he can’t just tell her he’s still a whore, just an exclusive one now. ‘’I didn’t tell you before, but I met someone, he’s a very nice man, he saw my situation and he’s helping now. He took me out of the brothel, and he’s giving me a job in one of his stores; one of his friends works in the hospital I told you and…I’ll explain all once we are there, yes? Now, come on! We need to move, move! Where are all you stuff, I bought you a new bag and all! I chose lilac  because I didn’t find anything purple, it has some pink flowers, hope you don’t mind, it is pretty by the way!’’

                Jiang Yanli knows something is off for the way her little brother seems to babble this information without leaving her room to speak. However, she trusts her brother, she’ll give him the chance to do what he thinks he’s best, he’s living outside, he’s doing all neither Jiang Yanli or Jiang Cheng can’t do right now, he must know what he’s doing. Aside from that, Wei Wuxian is a good man, just as her baby brother. Neither of them would ever do something to hurt anyone, but they might do something that could hurt themselves.

 Wei Wuxian’s new home was beautiful: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a nice kitchen, and the living room. As neighbors he had two little families; well, mostly the entire building were either families or young couples newly married, ah! And an elderly couple leaving on the first floor. It was a very nice place, it gave Wei Wuxian such a sensation of safety.

                He accepts  Su She’s help to moving his little belongings in one ride, he’s still acting skittish and warily next to the dog, he doesn’t have any good memory with them, plus he feels a little… ashamed of crying so much in his presence a few hours ago.

                He still hiccupping by the time they are done with all the unpacking. ‘’Thank you’’ He says softly, taking the granola bar in his hands along with the water bottle. He’s hungry but hadn’t eaten anything yet, still tormented by the memory of days before.

                ‘’It’s nothing’’ Su She says patiently. ‘’I’ll go now’’ there is some business that needed to be done before the end of the day, he already spent more time here than expected. ‘’This is the side of the city controlled by the Lans, got that? You can anywhere you want here, as long as it within the limits; if you need to leave their territory then you tell me first and I’ll take you wherever you need to be’’ he’ll be also be reporting to Lan Wangji periodically any suspicious movements Wei Wuxian may do, including where he goes and with whom he talks or interacts in general. ‘’Any questions?’’ Wei Wuxian nods.

                ‘’Do you know any good hospital in this zone?’’

Delicately, Wei Wuxian helps her to get in the wheelchair, regardless of the presence of the paramedics sent by her new hospital, she’s too sensitive right now and won’t allow anyone else to touch her for the half and hour. Her muscles are sore but weak, she’s grateful once she finally is sat. ‘’It’s a little cold outside, don’t worry though, I have you covered!’’ Wei Wuxian says happily, putting the lilac blanket around her shoulders. Jiang Yanli smile is so big, she can barely keep her tears to herself, this is a nice moment, she can’t ruin it.

                ‘’Thank you’’ She says in a low tone, clearing her throat here and now when she feels her emotions overwhelming her. She’s leaving this place, she won’t see that nurse again, she won’t let her stain her sheets anymore. Jiang Yanli can finally move on. There is no need to see Jin Guangshan due to she wont’ go back with Jin Zixuan, despite she loved him so much in the past.

                But where was Jin Zixuan when her life went down? Where was he when she fell ill because of his family? Where was he when Jiang Cheng was arrested and later sent to jail because neither Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian could afford to pay bail? ‘’Thank you so much, A-Xian’’ This time her voice breaks again. ‘’I don’t know how I’ll ever pay you’’

                ‘’Ah! Sister! There is nothing to pay between siblings! You don’t owe me anything! It’s my duty!’’ She shakes her head, denying it.

                ‘’Mr. Wei, do you mind if we take her from here? You can follow us closely, of course. It is primordial to take Miss Jiang to our hospital immediately’’ Jiang Yanli already loves these people, they explain everything kindly, they are understanding when Wei Wuxian gets involve in her relocation.

                ‘’Yes, yes, of course! I’m sorry about it’’ Wei Wuxian laughs nervously but yet sincerely for the first time in ages. ‘’She’s my sister and I just want to be near her if she needs me’’

               ‘’Tha’s perfectly understandable sir, if you allow us, we can speed up the process of getting her in the ambulance, you can accompany us from there, is that acceptable for you?’’ Wei Wuxian nods eagerly, he makes himself always visible to Jiang Yanli’s point of view though, she’s already anxious.

                The treatment is completely different from the beginning; Jiang Yanli is installed in the stretcher inside the ambulance shortly after they took the lead, her little brother always there to make eye contact and smile at her to keep her calm. ‘’Do you like it, huh? Wait until you see your room! They let me customize and everything!’’

                ‘’I like everything’’ She whispers in a happy tone, her hand intertwined with her little brother’s. The way to her future new home is about an hour, in the meantime, Jiang Yanli is always is over professional’s vigilance, she’s stable, she’ll do it just fine. Wei Wuxian can’t help but keep thinking this new place will make Jiang Yanli walk again. Here, he wants to believe, his beloved sister would be cured of any illness, he’s sure of it. If he doesn’t believe then whom will?

                As Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian leave that horrid side of the city to never come back, coming to another bright, safe zone, a man leaves his privileged area of gold streets. The only thing these three people had in common, was the hope they were feeling.

Lan Wangji feels satiated of sex in the next week, he doesn’t even think in his harem in the slightly, which only makes them more nervous if that was possible; anyway, Lan Wangji has a lot of accumulated work now that he’s back from his unanticipated three-days-off; perhaps tonight he’d pay a visit to his bunny anyways.

                He isn’t craving for sex as bad as he did when he went into a rut, however, the mere thought of his figure and aroma is enough for a few rounds, it would be nice to have him warming his bed and hearing every single one of those delightful sounds he does every time Lan Wangji touches him.

                Mian-Mian report longs in his desk six days now. He pretends it doesn’t make him curious to know what she found about the investigation she did of this Mr. Wei. He wants to read it, however, succumbing to his curiosity will only prove he’s interesting; he has too much work anyway, he says, taking the folder in his hands, nevertheless, allowing the mind to rest it is good for mental health.

Chapter Text

Chapter ten

Wen Ning drives to work while hearing some soothing classical music in the background, he’s glad his shifts are long, sometimes more than twelve hours, 6 days of the week, it keeps him busy from thinking stuff he shouldn’t. He’s grateful for this life, almost. He’s thankful to not be part of the dangerous lifestyle of the Wen Family.

                Of course, it came with a cost, while Wen Ning was free from the mafia, his sister worked with them, that was the deal, if she stayed under their uncle’s rule, Wen Ning would be free and yet protected at the same time if anything happened; he hasn’t seen his sister in almost a year, so it is difficult to keep that positive attitude.

He’s concerned about their uncle; Wen Ning knows he’s a nice person, there is no doubt about it, or well, as nice as a criminal could be; Wen Ning has good memories of him; yes, Wen Ruohan could be ruthless and even cruel sometimes, but when it came about the family he was a different person; for example, he recalls a scene of many years ago, during his childhood.

He should have been around six or perhaps seven years old, by then there were already living with uncle Wen; Wen Ning was playing happily in those big and beautiful gardens, where Wen Ruohan had built some playhouses for Wen Ning to play with since he was the youngest of the family now; one of his sons, Wen Chao, did not like that idea, along with his brother, they shared a jealously for the affection Wen Ruohan showed towards Wen Ning and his sister: he never gave five minutes of his time to play with them but when it was about Wen Qing and Wen Ning, things were different.

When Wen Ning came to the mansion, Wen Ruohan took his hand and brought him to the playhouses, even spare some time to play with him before returning to work. Wen Chao did not take it kindly, Wen Ning still recalls the pain inflected in his body by Wen Chao’s bite but also of his own throat when he screamed, confused and desperate.

Ah! Boy, Wen Chao did have an extraordinary punishment, Wen Ruohan was furious, once his wrath was out, Wen Ning remembers Wen Ruohan's gentle embrace, his concern showing on his expression, hardly allowing Wen Ning out of his room after that incident.

When people think of Wen Ruohan, they are fearful of the vicious man who would do everything for power and control. When he thinks of his uncle Wen, Wen Ning only remembers a loving parent, to him and his sister.

However, the story is a little different nowadays. It isn’t that Wen Ruohan changed, but it is clear his patience has grown thin ever since to a point in which his sister was afraid of getting hurt in the crossfire, Wen Ruohan wouldn’t do anything to any of them, however, his actions were less ethical every time, he was making more enemies than ever.

Wen Ning believes that it is the absence of a mate that has driven Wen Ruohan to carelessness acts, his uncle has married more than once, none of those people had moved something inside Wen Ruohan’s heart, where only one person ruled.

‘’He’s pretty’’ Wen Ning was even younger back then, just a little boy who loved wandering around the mansion when he wasn’t attending his private lessons. One of his favorite places where Wen Ruohan’s room, its scent make Wen Ning felt safe and comfortable, it reminded him of his mama’s own natural perfume. ‘’He’s very pretty, like a… a… umm…’’ Wen Ning almost slipped off from the bed, the red sheets tangled around his ankles.

‘’Like a divine creature’’ Wen Ruohan answered, holding Wen Ning carefully from one of his arms, getting him back into place, his uncle looked  the large portrait of Lan Qiren, covering an entire wall. ‘’He may be a god as far as I know. He was supposed to be your other uncle. I’m sure he’ll love to play with you. Children were his life’’

‘’Is he gone, like mama and papa?’’ Wen Ning asked, climbing to his uncle’s lap.

‘’…Not exactly’’ Wen Ruohan said after a while. ‘’We… chose different paths’’

‘’Ah!’’ After that Wen Ning got distracted with some shiny buttons from his uncle’s shirt.

Not many people knew about the existence of said painting, Wen Ruohan guarded it protectively in his private quarters. Until this day Wen Ning doesn’t know what happened between the two of them: Lan Qiren never married, he’s still single, when his uncle got married, it was obviously seen the lack of love he had for his partners. He was making miserable himself.

Anyway, he can’t do much about it, he no longer lives there; after parking his vehicle, he hurries inside the building, he really needs to stop daydreaming! He can’t afford to get late to work! He’s aware he won’t get fired, not when they know who he is, however, Wen Ning doesn’t like taking advantage of his name.

Jiang Yanli’s new hospital room is… beautiful. To begin with, she has her private room with a bigger bed, more comfortable, enough for share even if it wouldn’t happen. The sheets and pillows are all fluffy and good-smelling, evidently fresh and new; the windows are wide, letting all the nice daylight get inside to illuminate Jiang Yanli’s depressing state, during the night a gentle nurse comes inside and asks her if she wishes to see the nocturnal landscape or if she’d rather keep the curtains closed.

                Her nurse always makes sure she’s being fed accordingly to her special diet, this means she eats far more than the misery they gave her in the past hospital. The food is fantastic, doesn’t taste bland or rotten at all. Jiang Yanli enjoys her meals happily, sometimes even chatting with her nurse, a pleasant hybrid black panther male named Wen Ning. ‘’How are we feeling today Miss. Jiang?’’ She likes seeing his smile and face in general, it gives her a peaceful feeling in her heart.

                ‘’Tired but I believe I’m doing better’’ it has been only a week, but results are speaking by itself: by any means she’s cured or anything, but these people were kind and caring with their patients, of course, she’ll finally show some positive results! It may not cure her sick heart yet but at least she won’t be spitting blood by the intense medicine she was forced to swallow with an empty stomach! ‘’That soup was delicious’’ it settled in her stomach pretty nice.

                ‘’I’m glad to hear that! I asked one of our cookers to make a special one for you since you’re one of the newest here!’’ Most of the day she’s under Mr. Wen’s care, doctors checked her up frequently, however, they cannot do much for the moment but waiting for the following evaluation once they saw some change.

                ‘’Well, it really nice. It remembered me of…’’ those cold nights of their childhood, where both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian cuddled with her on the bed while Yu Ziyuan was out of home, the three of them comfortable with their children’s tummies filled with warm soup made by their mother before she left for long shift night. ‘’Sorry, it is that… so many changes’’ she tries to smile, clearing her throat.

                ‘’It takes some time to get used to. Take as much as you need, there is no pressure here’’

Wen Ning is extra understanding and caring with this new patient: when Miss Jiang came here, she was in a poor state, underweight, medical treatments performed inadequately, several rashes in her skin, genitals mostly for the lack of hygiene they have with her, not washing her properly neither changing her clothes and sheets. Wen Ning was very offended by all the situation, he was about to call her the only relative in charge of her, to ask for explanations or either to formally put legal charges against him if was necessary. Jiang Yanli’s state was just unacceptable.

                Then, he felt Jiang Yanli’s trembling hand shaking his sleeve. ‘’He didn’t know’’ Jiang Yanli said in a whisper, while Wei Wuxian spoke to the doctor. ‘’Don’t let him know about this, please!’’ Wen Ning thought this was perhaps a case in which the victim tried to defend their abuser. ‘’He worked so hard to pay a hospital, it wasn’t the best but it was the only he could afford. He loves me, it would only make him feel guilty’’

                ‘’Miss Jiang…’’ Wen Ning still was not convinced about the whole affair. What kind of brother doesn’t know about something so delicately? His sister was clearly in a vulnerable state, he should have been more attentive and caring! His sister wouldn’t have left his side just to make sure everything was fine!

                ‘’He worked in a brothel, for me’’ Jiang Yanli says, holding Wen Ning’s hand as tight as she could. ‘’He has done the unimaginable to pay my medical treatments, the last thing he needs is being judged’’ Seeing her face made Wen Ning wanted to cry, something sad and hurtful curled in the bottom of his stomach. He’ll never understand why the most beautiful souls were hurt by the world

                ‘’… I understand, Miss Jiang, pardon me for my ignorance’’ Wen Ning immediately apologized, ashamed. Only then Jiang Yanli let his hand go and relaxed against her bed.

                ‘’What do you think about this place? I believe is so beautiful! Wait until you taste the food!’’ Wen Ning saw this not-so-young-man speaking excitedly to his new patient while he read the instruction left by the doctor, it seems he’ll be assigned to her full-time, Jiang Yanli was a very special case, she should be treated with the best attention possible.

                 ‘’I think it’s beautiful too’’ Jiang Yanli said, prompting her little brother to seat in her bed, Wei Wuxian enthusiastically did it. ‘’…A-xian… thank you so much for everything’’ Oh no, Wei Wuxian quickly shook his head.

                ‘’No, no! No tears allowed! Just pay me with getting better, so we can go home together, okay?’’ Jiang Yanli nodded, a trembling smile on her face nonetheless.

                ‘’Would you stay the night with me, please?’’ Wei Wuxian gives her a bright smile.

                ‘’Of course I’m staying with you! I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!’’ He says, regardless of certain fear at the possibility of the tiger going to his apartment looking for him and finding it empty. However, that time love was much stronger than any possible fear he could feel that night.

                For the first time in a very long time, Wei Wuxian slept safely next to his big sister, he could feel one of her arms around his shoulders, that was everything he needed to finally allow himself to relax. They snuggled closely to each other, grateful for the new circumstances they were facing.

                It was a relief for both of them. Jiang Yanli’s sleep schedule was either damaged or tense. Tonight she had her little brother wrapped safely in her arms, where she could protect him from any possible harm that could come from of the world, or so she felt such illusion, at least for a few hours, both deserved to feel the sensation of safety, even if this wasn’t real.

                Jiang Yanli had the pleasure to shushed him every time he seemed to have a nightmare, just as in back old days, she recalls Wei Wuxian’s broken eyes, and dirty bunny ears far too well that it hurts. She can’t wait to be free from these illnesses, and be useful for the first time in years! There is nothing worse than know your loved ones are suffering and you can’t do anything to help them! ‘’It’s alright A-Xian, Shijie is right here’’ Jiang Yanli spoke in a soothing tone when she heard the first whimper of the night.

Lan Wangji did not stay next to the bunny during his recovery; he couldn’t risk caring so much about it, people would notice and conclude he was more interested than he should, however, he didn’t let him alone on his own, he covered the hospital bills, plus a very juicy bonus for his services. ‘’Apologies, Mr. Lan, we are still cleaning your chambers’’ They were getting rid of any possible odor left there from their intense mating.

                Which was good, perfectly actually. He didn’t need that scent, it was cheap and vulgar, coming from a brothel. ‘’Leave his clothes in my bed’’ There are no more questions follow his orders. The room is clean, left spotless, smelling as it usually does, an exception by the clothes, which are mostly torn and ruined thanks to Lan Wangji’s doing, even if he hadn’t done that, to Lan Wangji’s eyes said clothing was hardly wearable: the fabric is low-priced, rusty at contact, it has lost its natural color.

                He should definitely get rid of this too, it couldn’t be worn anymore, he wouldn’t let his bunny wear it, he’ll send him soon with his private tailor, to make him some decent clothes in case he needs to leave the city for business, so the bunny is decent for any event in which Lan Wangji would need to attend.

                Carefully, he folds all of the bunny belongings, he’ll put those somewhere in his closet; as he does said task, by accident Lan Wangji drops a tiny red thing. A red scrunchie, soft, fluffy, heavy scented by the bunny natural perfume, it is labeled with WY, if he’s brutally honest, it appeared made it to be worn by a child, not an adult.

                Perhaps he bought it during his childhood. Maybe it was a gift from his deceased mother, he thinks with empathy. Lan Wangji still has all of his toys gifted to him from his mother, he wouldn’t ever dare to throw them away; Lan Wangji slips it around his wrist. It feels nice, as it belongs there from the beginning, it pulls his sleeve enough to hide the scrunchie as if he was guarding a terrible, dirty secret.

Jiang Cheng’s heart almost melts as soon as he sees the figure of his brother coming from the distance; he would have run away as soon as he spot him, if he hadn’t been taken so forcibly by the two police officers who were holding him by both arms, aware the kind of mess Jiang Cheng used to make here and now. ‘’You’re back’’ Jiang Cheng said, breathless, barely keeping himself together.

                His mouth is dry, it takes him a few moments to speak, which is good cause in the end the officers leave them alone in a corner of the visiting room, a little apart from the others. Jiang Cheng wants to say something else, but he can’t risk opening his mouth and letting out a sob, which would be even more embarrassing. ‘’Of course I’m back, silly’’ But when Wei Wuxian wraps his arms around Jiang Cheng’s slightly taller body, Jiang Cheng just breaks down.

                ‘’You… You are silly’’ Jiang Cheng says with a broken voice, returning the hug carefully, aware of the sling shoulder and the injury behind it; the younger man doesn’t know what to do because he can’t hide his face in Wei Wuxian’s neck as he used to do when he was a child. ‘’What took you so long?’’ Jiang Cheng says, complaining as that picky kid he used to be. ‘’What happened to your shoulder? Are you okay? Why is your neck bandaged? Is sister okay? I thought something horrible happened to you!’’

                ‘’Shh-shh. You’re being too dramatic now, come here, let’s sit together, I brought something in my way here’’ Brotherly, Wei Wuxian takes Jiang Cheng’s hand in his, he responds returning the grasp, tight and secure, he feels his brother’s claws but it is okay, Jiang Cheng know his strength, he wouldn’t hurt him, not even by mistake. ‘’Hope you are hungry’’

                Jiang Cheng’s stomach grumbles loudly, much to his shame. ‘’Don’t be a baby, just eat as much as you want! I didn’t carry all of this for you to stare at!’’ If he’s honest, Wei Wuxian just paid for the food, Su She did not let him carry anything under the excuse he shouldn’t be doing any effort that could ruin his recovery.

                He doesn’t need to be told twice, as soon as Jiang Cheng sees all of that delicious meat, he doesn’t even stop to find some cutlery and eats directly with his hands. The meat is so juicy, he can barely stop himself from purring, this tastes much better than anything Wei Wuxian has brought him, acknowledging with what money was bought it, and how Wei Wuxian earned that money ends by souring Jiang Cheng’s food.

                Carefully, he raises his sight and sees his brother eating as well, he’s relaxed, despite having a meal in a prison, the usual stress he has seen in his body language as a permanent trait, isn’t there anymore, or at least not with the same intensity. ‘’…How… how is sister doing?’’ Jiang Cheng manages to ask, he knows his brother won’t tell him why is he injured right away, he chooses another topic then.

                Wei Wuxian takes a few sips of his vegetable soup before answering. ‘’She’ll get better’’ that’s to say she isn’t improving but either getting worse. ‘’I got her in a nicer place now, I’m sure this time we’ll finally have some results!’’  Jiang Cheng seems to breathe again. She’s alive, she’ll improve, is just a matter of time. ‘’She always asks for you, I’m starting to think she has some favoritism! Just because you’re the baby brother doesn’t mean you are cuter than me!’’

                Any calmness that came with this peaceful meal is completely erased when another person comes inside of the room. Wei Wuxian sees the face of his brother tainted with unease. Discreetly, Wei Wuxian looks around trying to find the source of his discomfort. ‘’Don’t look back’’ Jiang Cheng tells him. ‘’Keep your eyes down’’

                ‘’Why?’’ Wei Wuxian asks him. ‘’Jiang Cheng?’’

                ‘’Nothing’’ So far, Jiang Cheng hasn’t had any issues with Wen Chao. Jiang Cheng does a huge effort to keep himself as invisible as possible, however, by the way Wen Chao yells at the police officers about why there isn’t anyone here visiting, he hopes he stays as invisible as before. ‘’Let’s change seats’’

              ‘’What’s wrong?’’ Wei Wuxian asks again but does what his baby brother says, this way Wei Wuxian is less visible, Jiang Cheng pulls the hoodie over his head as well, keeping the bunny ears out of sight too. ‘’I think I know him’’

                ‘’… from where?’’  Wei Wuxian gives him such a look that implies a passive-aggressive answer. ‘’Has he…?’’

                ‘’No, he wasn’t nice but it’s okay’’

                ‘’No, it is not okay!’’ Jiang Cheng hisses in a low tone. He knows how awful Wen Chao was, he can perfectly imagine what kind of treatment he gave to his brother. Wei Wuxian smiles sadly, distracting him by taking his hand in his.

                ‘’You won’t need to worry about that again’’ He begins in a fond tone. ‘’I’m not working there anymore’’ This time Jiang Cheng can fully ignore Wen Chao and his tantrum in the background.

                ‘’What? Are you serious?’’ Jiang Cheng says, almost falling from his seat. It has been two decades already since that fucker of their teacher took advantage of Wei Wuxian’s state before convincing him about prostituting himself when Yu Ziyuan died. Twenty years since Wei Wuxian gave up his childhood for him. ‘’You are not going back? Is everything okay then? Are you safe? Do you need to leave the city? Those are fucking pimps! They won’t be happy about you leaving… that’s why are you hurt?’’ Jiang Cheng feels overwhelmed by all the new information. He’s half scared and angry. Wei Wuxian won’t be able to defend himself alone if those fuckers get revenge because he left, which to begin with, leaving was never an option, once his brother got there, he couldn’t leave.

                ‘’No, no. Ah! A-Cheng calm yourself, I’m just fine. Believe, they won’t go after me’’ Su She assured his safety in Lan Wangji’s behalf. Now, lying is not right, that was not what Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian taught Jiang Cheng, lying wasn’t honest, it an attempt against their personal values, they may be poor but they knew about honesty, kindness, decency and integrity. ‘’I have a boyfriend now’’ Wei Wuxian says with a practiced smile.

                Jiang Cheng’s brain stops functioning for a few seconds. ‘’You what? Why didn’t you tell me before! I want to know who this person is! Where does he live? In what he works at? I want names and addresses!’’ Jiang Cheng demands; his brother deserves every bit of respect, he needs to make sure this new boyfriend is a good person, he wants to know what intentions he has behind, Wei Wuxian doesn’t possess the courage to tell his siblings he’s still a whore.

                ‘’He’s a businessman’’ He begins. ‘’I met him when I was accompanying one of my clients. He’s a sweet man, knew what I was going through in a difficult situation, and offered me help without asking anything in exchange’’ lying was so bad but sometimes yet so sweet. It feels good in his mind, Wei Wuxian wished so hard that wasn’t a lie. That his tiger is just a businessman, who doesn’t hurt anyone. Someone who sees Wei Wuxian as a person, not only a toy people buy for some hours. ‘’He bought my freedom and took me out of the brothel, I’m working for him in one of his stores, attending people while shopping!’’ No! He’s warming his bed! Wei Wuxian is just a temporary treat for a criminal, he will be discharged as soon as he bored him but he’s smart and takes what the tiger gives him. ‘’He’s also helping me with sister’s new hospital’’

                Jiang Cheng looks truly relieved, sinking his face in his brother’s hands. He isn’t out there to help his family and look after them. ‘’I’m glad to hear that’’ Wei Wuxian could see his brother’s sincerity in his eyes, it only made the wound sting more. ‘’You deserved that! That guy is a lucky man, he better treat you right or I’m gonna go pay him a visit!’’ But Wei Wuxian knows there is no a single person in the world who would consider him to have a formal relationship. ‘’Why are you crying, dumbass? I’m being nice!’’ Jiang Cheng says, panicking at the sight of Wei Wuxian’s lonely tears.

                ‘’I’m just happy. He’s such gentle man’’ at his mind comes memories of Lan Wangji shooting a person in front of him, splashing Wei Wuxian with blood in the way. ‘’He’s so respectful to me’’ Lan Wangji fucked him senseless with a corpse in the same room. ‘’He’s always there when I need him’’ The despair he felt during the homeless state comes back. ‘’I didn’t know what would I do without him’’ Stupid bitch don’t use your teeth! What would he do but returning to be a street whore? ‘’I love him so much’’ …

Chapter Text

Chapter eleven

…

Wei Wuxian consults a better lawyer, but he didn’t let him hire him, he says there is no much hope left for Jiang Cheng: his behavior isn’t up to for parole, there was strong proof about his crimes, plus the people who put those charges against him were not going backward; on top of that… there was well known that Jiang Cheng’s biggest mistake was messing with rich people.

                He advised him to wait at least a couple of years more, Jiang Cheng’s case is closed. Period. Wei Wuxian did not take it well, he doesn’t understand his brother was an innocent boy. He did not take that money, he would never do such a thing. He’s a scapegoat, someone who had the bad luck to appear in the wrong moment and place.

                It doesn’t stop Wei Wuxian from keep trying, money is not a problem now, he’ll find someone who can take Jiang Cheng out of prison, Jiang Cheng was the only valuable thing that Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli had, their biggest pride and joy. Wei Wuxian was decided to fight everyone on behalf of his brother’s honor.

                However, Wei Wuxian thinks as he adjusts his red garters over the lingerie he recently bought, that in the meantime he needs to keep making money. This job isn’t forever, tonight Lan Wangji may visit and fuck him, leaving some money left for his services, nevertheless, tomorrow he may find someone else, younger and more beautiful than him, plus, he was competing with an harem.

                Wei Wuxian needs to be in shape, and be as desirable as possible, he’s made for being used and then throw away, he’s aware of it, he accepted it, the little time he has with this tiger needs to be as productive as he’s capable of it. He can’t give him a reason to throw him sooner than expected.

                So, Wei Wuxian waits on the couch of the living room, already dressed up for a wild night, a dark eyeliner disguising his sadness, with all the scars life has given him were well hidden this time; he wonders if…

                Many things are going inside of Wei Wuxian’s head. He’s a criminal’s whore, a dangerous criminal’s whore. The urge of getting Jiang Cheng out of jail grows harder. If anything happens to him, someone needs to be there to take care of Jiang Yanli; because Wei Wuxian feels, deep down in his heart, that something will come to hunt him down and end him, sooner or later.

                That happens to whores who are too closed to dangerous people, and that tiger was not precisely a good person, he’s a person of enemies that wouldn’t doubt in hurting whoever was in their way. Again, Wei Wuxian accepted he won’t have a peaceful death, not in this job; is okay if he dies, there is no point in staying alive if he’s not needed anymore by his siblings.

                That time hasn’t come yet, nonetheless, both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli are still defenseless, Wei Wuxian can’t leave yet; as he waits for his tiger to come visiting, if he ever comes tonight, he writes down an improvised will, he needs to make it official with a lawyer later that week.

                His bank accounts are now juicy, if he dies without someone to pass that money to, said money would be lost. He writes Jiang Yanli’s name as the main heiress, she’s severely sick but she’s free, on the other hand, whatever he leaves for Jiang Cheng would go to waste because he’s not here, the state won’t let him get anything.

Lan Qiren makes sure his door is double-locked before taking out that old box from under his bed. He’s too ashamed to admit he feels as if he was fifteen again. He wasn’t allowed to have many personal items with him through the years, not personal items, privacy or just anything that he enjoyed but not might be seen as fitting to his role, according to his parents and brother.

                In any case, he still treasures some gifts given by Wen Ruohan. He wanted to get rid of them as soon as their relationship was broken. He never found the strength to do it. Wen Ruohan was the only man who won Lan Qiren’s heart. Sometimes he’s weaker than other days and can’t help but look to the past.

                There are some poems about the time they used to fly together in the opened sky, several decades ago; no one would ever believe the fact Wen Ruohan used to write cheesy verses about Lan Qiren’s golden eyes. Sometimes Lan Qiren can’t help but laugh about it with joy, it helps him to fight away the nostalgia. After all, for cranes there is only one-life-partner, for Lan Qiren it was Wen Ruohan.

Trustworthy people are rarely found these days, Wen Ruohan thinks, bitter than usual; first, his youngest son was caught moving a shipment around a place he specifically told him not to be at, it resulted in the death of his oldest son, Wen Xu, and Wen Chao’s imprisonment. Furious wasn’t enough to describe the damn ire he felt when he heard the news.

                It has been almost three years since then, Wen Ruohan hadn’t visit Wen Chao at the prison, he wasn’t planning either. Right now he only had two children, those were his niece and nephew from his sister’s side, he felt them more as his children than those two he had the disgrace to sired. ‘’Master Wen’’ Wen Qing called quietly from the doorframe.

                ‘’Come in’’ He said in the same tone. He’s currently in his private study, one of the places few people could get in without losing a hand. ‘’What is it now?’’ He’s clearly not in the best mood. His power over the city and the nearer cities is strong, increasing even; Wen Qing is doing an amazing job keeping everyone in line but at the same time being discreet and mindful to keep a low profile, which helps them avoid any conflict with laws. Wen Ruohan is not that young anymore, and he doesn’t want to die and leave a messy legacy for Wen Qing to work with.

                ‘’I had never heard uncle sounding so sad about A-Ning visiting’’ With that said, Wen Ruohan saw a pair of pretty dark cat ears showing next to Wen Qing’s form. Finally, Wen Ruohan was able to lift the corner of his lips for the first time in what felt an eternity.

                Wen Ruohan wants to feel some remorse for what he had done to Zhao Zhuliu, it is difficult, in the end, he finds none. Zhao Zhuliu was a servant, not fitting for his family, none of his children would ever marry a common hybrid, despite Zhao Zhuliu was a very interesting specimen, there won’t ever be enough.  ‘’Hello, uncle Wen’’ Wen Ruohan got up from his seat and walked towards his children.

                It was a relief to see her uncle finally relaxing. It wasn’t good for his health (and everyone’s safety), to keep acting in the same cold and ruthless pace he was, until he started turning into a stranger, that was not the man who raised them. ‘’What are you doing here?’’ Wen Ruohan asks, the room is a little tense, he enjoys her brother’s visits but it is evident their home was not the same safe fortress once was, or so doesn’t feel like their childhood castle anymore.

                ‘’…I told him to pass by after work’’ Wen Qing responds first. ‘’I was worried about him spending too much time alone’’ Not really. Wen Ning lived in one of the safest zones of the city, in a Lan’s zone to be specific. The Lans respected the Wens as much as the Wens respected the Lans. Over the years there had not been any fight between each other. Wen Ruohan was still in love with Lan Qiren, former head of the Lan family. They may not be together, but everybody knew that if anything happened to Lan Qiren, Wen Ruohan would then actually lose the little self-control he still had. He’s the promise itself of peace between both families; probably those Lan’s boy knew how important Wen Ruohan was to their uncle, if Wen Ruohan was hurt by them, and then die, Lan Qiren would feel it and suffer the consequences. Wen Ruohan couldn’t live without Lan Qiren, and Lan Qiren couldn’t live without Wen Ruohan, they were linked.

                That’s why Wen Qing has been trying to get them together once and for all. It wasn’t easy at it sounded. Her uncle refused to speak of the subject once both Wen Qing Wen Ning were old enough to understand matters of love; on the other hand, Lan Qiren was guarded jealously by his nephews, hardly leaving the Lan’s home, and even when he did leave his home, he was unapproachable. Wen Qing could not find a way to contact him.

                ‘’I brought some pastries’’ Wen Ning added, shyly. He hopes uncle Wen won’t get upset about his visit. He’s aware he doesn’t appreciate it when he comes unannounced, it doesn’t give them time to prepare a good escort for Wen Ning to his arrival at the Wen’s Mansion.

                But this time Wen Ruohan’s heart must be aching sharply due to he doesn’t protest at all. He keeps himself silent, gently placing a hand in Wen Qing and Wen Ning’s back, fondly pushing them towards the nearest dining room. Right now, all he wants is to soothe his wounds with the affection left of his family. He needs to erase for a few hours Lan Qiren’s name, which is still carved in his chest, burning, reminding him that no matter what he does, he won’t ever have him again in his arms.

Lan Wangji founds his bunny sleeping on the couch around the three of the morning. He’s obviously cold, judging by what he’s wearing in the middle of the night, nothing else to cover his trembling body from the chilling. It leaves a good sensation in his body to know his bunny waits for him every night, ready to serve him, in all the extension of the word.

                Wei Wuxian left two glasses and a bottle of wine nearby the couch. He can’t help but watch him intently as he undoes his coat. It won’t be any action tonight it seems, however, rarely, right now Lan Wangji wishes to have a nap, that body next to him, after all, resting is also necessary, to his body and mental health, words said by his doctor, not him.

Lan Wangji is informed about the bunny’s absence last night, he slept somewhere else. He doesn’t make a fuss about the deal, Su She told him he dropped him at the new hospital with his sister, where whom he spent the night with.

                That’s… that’s good to hear, even for a moment, Lan Wangji almost felt his heart getting warmth at the thought. It makes the tiger see the bunny under a different light, the reminder that Wei Wuxian was a person, who was doing everything in his hands for his family. It is sweet. Lan Wangji gives the order to the hospital to accept Wei Wuxian’s money, and transfer said money to another bank account, this time he wants to pay this woman’s treatment and stay; Wei Wuxian’s money would come back to him by the end of the year.

                He’s not used to this kind of action, not even with his harem. Firstly, because his sex workers do not seem interested in sharing the riches Lan Wangji was giving them; secondly, if they do have any necessity to spend said money on a sick family member, Lan Wangji doubts he’d do the same for them, perhaps due to there was no greed in Wei Wuxian’s actions.

                Lan Wangji is aware of the deal, of exchanging a thing for the other. He gives money, they trade him sex. He gives protection, they do favors for him. People know what they could give, and what could Lan Wangji do for them; it wasn’t as bad as it sounds, both sides were always willing, there was consent between the two of them. Lan Wangji never forced anyone, and no one ever gives him anything they didn’t want to. Every time, it was a fair game. Until he met the bunny.

                As soon as he places his arms underneath the bunny’s knees and shoulders, Wei Wuxian opens his eyes, startled, trying to detect the danger immediately, almost hitting Lan Wangji’s face by accident. ‘’Oh…! Sorry! I didn’t hear you coming!’’ He apologizes quickly. ‘’I thought you weren’t coming tonight?’’ Wei Wuxian tries to disguise his nervousness; he feels like a pray about to be eaten for the way he suddenly woke up.

                Lan Wangji doesn’t say anything. Fine, this is his fault, for not alerting Wei Wuxian of his presence, it wouldn’t be uncommon to be mistaken for a predator, that and the… treacherous background his bunny has, which it didn’t help at all: first left orphaned by brutal reasons, then living in an unstable environment, sexually assaulted by his teacher and forced to work in the path of prostitution since a young age, with his own teachers as his first clients, in the same school where he was supposed to learn and be protected by the adults who worked there, just to support his family, which was under a very precarious situation. It wouldn’t be surprising that not even in his dreams Wei Wuxian could find some peace, also, this new apartment was still recently in his life, not yet consider a safe place, just safer than the brothel of course.

                If Wei Wuxian wasn’t a sex worker, and if he didn’t have a sick sister who needed medical aid, a brother in jail waiting to be free while trying to survive between bigger and more aggressive predators, Lan Wangji wandered if the bunny would come to him by his own will.

                That’s to say, would his bunny lay with him if he didn’t need his money? If he wasn’t in such a vulnerable situation? Lan Wangji doesn’t know, and, if he’s honest, he doesn’t feel comfortable knowing the answer to that question. As it was said before, in these cases, he’s used to a fair game; he’s not sure of how to react now that he has learned everything about Wei Wuxian.

                ‘’I’m sorry, I’ll be more careful’’ Wei Wuxian repeats, terrified in the core. He doesn’t want to make this man mad, he has done it in the past with members of the mafia, it hasn’t ended well, he can’t lose all the privileges he’s having now. ‘’You can punish me later if you wish’’ He adds, imitating a poor suggestive tone, overtaken by the nerves.

                Lan Wangji enjoys sex, it is truly one of the most beautiful wonders that life created, the opposite was rape, which, he has never… done it before, right? He sees Wei Wuxian’s face splashed with blood, clearly frightened of Lan Wangji, Lan Wangji who just murdered a person seconds before he positioned between his legs. To his mind comes the images of Wei Wuxian and his dislocated shoulders, roughly tied up, alone on the floor.

                He winces. That… Wasn’t… that didn’t make sense in contrast to what Lan Wangji wanted to think of himself. He comes back to the present as soon as he feels the bunny’s arms around his neck, his scent stronger than ever. ‘’Could we… start again?’’ Lan Wangji doesn’t know what exactly is he implying, or what he’s asking.

                ‘’Of course’’ but Lan Wangji won’t torment him anymore. He’s relieved at hearing Wei Wuxian’s own relief in a sigh. Assuring, he places his hand in his lower back, gently starts a massage in circles, until the bunny relaxes under his touches. ‘’We can start again’’  Wei Wuxian is cheered to hear this. He can’t screw this up.

                ‘’My Tiger is so understanding’’ Wei Wuxian says, kissing his cheek. ‘’So sweet to me’’ He lowers his tone, then kisses the corner of Lan Wangji’s lips. ‘’This whore is so happy to have him’’  He stops his massage for a moment.

                ‘’Use your name’’

                ‘’Huh?’’

                Lan Wangji doesn’t recall the last time they were this close to each other, probably it was after his rut. Wei Wuxian’s eyes fill with confusion were almost a pretty sight, until he understood the source of said confusion. ‘’What’s your name?’’

                ‘’…I’m Wei Wuxian’’ He felt stupid to say his name aloud.

                ‘I like your name, use it’’

                ‘’oh…!’’ He giggled against the tiger’s shoulder. Lan Wangji’s heart start beating astonished, seeing the bunny’s beautiful smile, both bunny ears raised, the black hair falling all over his shoulders. ‘’And how may I call you? Or you would rather keep calling you My sexy Tiger?’’ He looks away, a blush shining red on tip of his ears. How time passed since they met to this day? Hadn’t they introduced themselves yet?

                ‘’Call me Lan Zhan’’ Not his legal name but how his mother used to call him decades ago. It sounds nice and soft for a child.

                ‘’Okay. Lan-Zhan…! Would you take rather fuck Wei Wuxian in a bed or on a couch?’’ The offer is tempting, that was one of his primal intentions, he can’t deny it even if he wanted to. He’s a tiger, he needs sex as much as he needs to breathe and eat; carefully, he pushes Wei Wuxian against the couch, the bunny spreads his legs immediately.

                Lan Zha has a beautiful view of those red, lace panties; he undoes the knot of his tie without taking his eyes from Wei Wuxian’s hardening cock and slit. Wei Wuxian’s pulses go wild. Damn it, Lan Wangji was really hot, he loves how his white shirt sticks to his muscles and… of yes, yes! He has to stop himself from taking the tiger’s pants off. He’s getting a little impatient, Lan Wangji folds all of his clothes painstakingly next to them.

                He’s ready for everything the tiger wants to do. He prepared both entrances, he made sure to dilating them and lubed them appropriately, to avoid any kind of tearing by Lan Wangji’s barbed cock; he prepared himself to be tied down in a humiliating position, tight enough to leave raw marks in his wrists and ankles.

                When Lan Wangji presses his lips against his, Wei Wuxian doesn’t know what to do exactly. He knows what kisses are, of course, he does filthy kisses of any kind, in… any place; when it comes about this type of kisses,… Wei Wuxian freezes; Lan Wangji’s mouth was kindly against his, the primal goal was enjoying an intimate touch but Wei Wuxian can’t even close his eyes. Sex is easier than kisses.

                Jin Zixuan comes to the hospital in high hopes. He bought Jiang Yanli’s favorite chocolates, another bouquet of lotus flowers, this time three times bigger and more expensive, along with a huge stuffed, cute lamb in his car waiting for them. He can’t help but smile at the thought of seeing his little caracal’s reaction. Jiang Yanli has passed through a lot, she deserves everything money could buy, and Jin Zixuan could buy the entire world just for her.

                He takes a couple of deep breaths before finally opening the door of Jiang Yanli’s shared room, this time there is no nurse available who could announce his visit; it doesn’t matter though, it would be a surprise then; he knows for sure Jiang Yanli’s response by now: She has always been from a protective nature, undoubtedly she couldn’t say now. His ex-girlfriend loved her brothers with her entire heart, it may or not get Jin Zixuan a little jealous sometimes.

                Of course, he has pictured himself with all the patience of the world. She won’t be happy with him about it, at least not in the beginning, it is okay nonetheless. Jiang Yanli has every right to be mad at him, he chose his family over her, he abandoned her in the most vulnerable situation; Jin Zixuan’s smile vanishes. She won’t be happy if she’s depending on him, however, Jin Zixuan would make her know that Jin Zixuan is a good man who is not taking advantage of her situation. A man who’s worthy to be trusted.

                Jin Zixuan would never do something against Jiang Yanli, anything that she may not wants to do. She won’t own Jin Zixuan anything, he’s planning on getting back her affection before trying anything. Jin Zixuan wants her love back, for that, he’ll save her brothers from the unfortunate position they were at.

                Starting with the oldest one, for him, Jin Zixuan already created a vacant in one of his branches; it is ubicated in a fancy zone, the office is big and wide enough to have a nice view of the landscape of the city; Wei Wuxian wouldn’t have to do anything but sit down in that pretty office and pretends he does know something, it doesn’t matter, Jin Zixuan would make his salary far better than what he would make by selling himself an entire year in that brothel.

                Now, the youngest one, and the one that, under Jin Zixuan’s eyes, was more important and have more potential, keeping in mind this one studied and finished a career, and had done something useful than giving blowjobs for easy money. No, no, scratch that. He can’t even think like that anymore, Wei Wuxian is part of Jiang Yanli’s family, and anything that comes from Jiang Yanli was sacred to him. In any case, he’s already talking with some friends. It won’t be easy to take Jiang Cheng out, not only for his crimes but for his behavior during prison.

                But Jin Zixuan will do whatever that takes to free him. He’s A-Li’s baby brother, he cannot let him there! He already has a whole plan in his mind of what he’ll do once he moves Jiang Yanli from that horrid place. Eventually, he’s sure of it, by the end of the year they may be already married! Well…! He’ll give her time to think about it, but he wants her to know that he’s being serious with her! He wants to marry her and have a family! Be happy together!

                ‘’…Ah! Excuse me’’ he calls one of the nurses that were passing by. ‘’May I ask if this is the room of Miss Jiang? Jiang Yanli I mean’’ He questions when he believes is the wrong room, because there is no trace of Jiang Yanli, of her, or any of his belongings.

                A cold fear stabs Jin Zixuan’s heart with such force, that he may feel a hole in his chest. She cannot just… No, Jiang Yanli was not in her best shape, but she was definitely getting better, or so she’ll get better once he moved her out, with the best attention and specialists, under the best care. She cannot die, she can’t leave him! ‘’Ah! Yes’’ She eyes some pages from her notebook. ‘’Yes, Miss Jiang was transferred to another hospital, two hours ago’’

                ‘’What? That… That’s impossible’’ She couldn’t, her brother was broke! Barely able to pay this dreadful place! He did not have the luxury to move her! Not the right to take her away! ‘’Could you provide me some details about these… changes?’’ He wants to compose himself, it’s getting difficult, his grips grew harder and tighter on the flower arrangement.

                ‘’I’m afraid there is not much to share sir; this morning her brother came, an hour later there was an ambulance waiting outside. That’s it. He only paid this last month’’

                ‘’But… from what hospital that ambulance came? Listen, there must be a mistake, her… her brother doesn’t have the sources to moving her, are you sure you saw an ambulance? Was she taken while she was unconscious or…?’’

                ‘’Miss Jiang was conscious the whole time’’ she says ‘’…and just between the two of us… I believe her brother is doing something illicit’’ the nurse whispers such gossip with a passion… ‘’He could hardly pay Miss Jiang’s treatment these past years and now he moves her to a First Class Hospital? HA! That man is doing who knows what for money. Mark my words, that guy is just another criminal’’

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Wen Ning is happy to see how much time his patient’s brother spends with her. Wei Wuxian comes almost daily to visit; in his way he brings flowers and some delicacies that Jiang Yanli can eat according to the doctor’s orders, as long as it wasn’t too sugary. ‘’You’ll look so pretty with this’’ Jiang Yanli doesn’t say anything, just smiles in exchange as her brother paints her nails. She enjoys the cares and attention, the feeling of being loved and guarded. ‘’You should paint your nails too! A green aqua would match your sexy- nurse-outfit’’

                ‘’What? Oh no, no!’’ Wen Ning raises his hands and denies the petition. ‘’I couldn’t even if a wanted to, it’s against the sanitary rules I’m afraid!’’ Wei Wuxian pouts about the denial, doesn’t insist anymore but says that it’s a pretty color for Wen Ning due to he has beautiful eyes. 

                ‘’My brother is right, that color matches your eyes too’’ Jiang Yanli wasn’t too talkative before but since she was moved here, taken under respectful, true care, plus Wei Wuxian’s regular visits and love, Jiang Yanli was feeling better, enough to have the strength to talk more than before. ‘’When you go out for a date, keep that color in mind’’

                ‘’Oh! Are you going on a date? Are you dating someone? Come on! Don’t keep that juicy gossip to yourself! We are friends now!’’ Wei Wuxian said, blissful to have people to talk with who didn’t see him as what he was. ‘’come on! Sit right here with us and spill every detail!’’ He pats the space next to him in the bed.

                There always boundaries between patient-doctor-nurse, that Wen Ning strictly follows, however, he admits it is difficult when it is about Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian: he sees them every single day, and interact for several hours, while Jiang Yanli was somehow, quieter than Wei Wuxian, her brother was a different case, hardly keeping his mouth shut, also, his conversations were eloquent and funny, he was a very nice and interesting man. ‘’I’m not dating anyone’’ Wen Ning says, a shy expression on his face. ‘’That was too long ago, I don’t have free time for that stuff’’ He says, but the siblings detected something else.

                ‘’Mmm are you sure? Cause your face is saying otherwise! I can sense it’’ Wei Wuxian says as he cleaned the corner of Jiang Yanli’s nails. ‘’I mean, you could tell us if you wish, it isn’t as if we would tell anyone else! And I have a lot of time before going home, so…’’ Jiang Yanli is about to say him to stop teasing poor Wen Ning, when the panther looks hesitant.

                ‘’…Well’’ Wen Ning clears his throat, nervously. ‘’I had something with… certain someone. It didn’t end well’’ Uncle Wen didn’t approve it, he never approved anyone who developed an interest in Wen Ning or Wen Qing. ‘’that’s all’’ Even if he could speak more about his past affair with Zhao Zhuliu, he didn’t find any more words to explain himself; if she could, Jiang Yanli would’ve pat his cheek, comfortingly.

                ‘’Ow! Wen Ning, I’m so sad to hear that’’ Wei Wuxian shakes his head. ‘’Do you need me to introduce you to someone else? I have a lot of friends…!’’ Not really, but he didn’t know what he could say to make him feel better, Wei Wuxian knew for sure Wen Ning was a sweet person, taking care of his sister so lovingly, as it was someone of his family, not just a simple patient. ‘’But I can assure you, you’ll find someone much better! Someone who deserves you!’’ Nevertheless, Zhao Zhuliu was that person by Wen Ning’s eyes.

                ‘’I’m not interested in love, not at the moment’’ Wen Ning uses a soft tone. ‘’I’m dedicated to my work right now’’

                ‘’And you are doing an amazing job, thank you very much’’ Jiang Yanli says, she rewards them with such a beautiful smile, it makes Wei Wuxian kiss her forehead, and Wen Ning feels blissful to know that she’s improving, physically and emotionally, though there was a lot more left to do.

                ‘’Would you accompany us for lunch?’’ Wei Wuxian talks again after a while. ‘’This time I didn’t cook, so you don’t have to worry’’ Jiang Yanli chuckles, no, Wei Wuxian was never a good cooker though he made edible food.

                ‘’Oh, I shouldn’t!’’

                ‘’No one needs to know!’’ Wei Wuxian winked at him. Oh dear, Wen Ning couldn’t deny him anything; it has been around two months since Jiang Yanli came to the hospital, obviously, there was certain familiarity between the three of them; reluctantly, Wen Ning sits with them and gratefully vows when Wei Wuxian passes him a bowl of warm soup.

                Everything was going fine: Jiang Yanli’s appetite seemed to get stronger, of course, her diet was a strict one, several foods were prohibited by the doctors and Wen Ning, however, she still has a good, long list of things she could eat, nutrients and flavor were not crossed with each other, so she could enjoy a nice meal; Wen Ning was also happy in his place, it was nice having some company while he ate, he was used to eating in loneliness, so it was a good chance to have people to chat with, to remind him a bit of home and family.

                However, Wei Wuxian was sat in his place, hidden an expression of sickness in his face, he hadn’t tasted the food at all yet but it was clear he would not be able to do so, if he already seemed as he was about to throat out. ‘’A-Xian?’’ Wen Ning raised his sight, mouth full, when he heard his patient’s worried tone of voice. ‘’Are you okay? It’s your meal not up to your tastes? Or…’’

                ‘’No, no, everything is… fine’’ Wei Wuxian closed the lid of his container, he spoke with a tight voice, Wen Ning thought he was fighting the urge of vomiting. ‘’Excuse me, I need to…. I’ll’’ however, Wei Wuxian had to close his mouth, aware that he wouldn’t be able to say anything else without emptying his stomach right there in his sister’s bed, walking quickly but never running, Wei Wuxian found the nearest restroom, not in his sister’s room, to avoid worrying her more, he could feel the vomit almost running from his nostrils.

                Once he was installed in one of the restroom stalls, Wei Wuxian let everything go; for a second he thought he was choking, vomit was coming out of his mouth and nose, it was a horrifying sensation. It didn’t stop until Wei Wuxian had nothing left in his stomach, and even after that, his body was still spasming around emptiness, he couldn’t breathe properly for long minutes in which he was panting, trembling hands holding the toilet.

Lan Wangji slowly undresses from his soaked clothes. It was an agitated day this one. Murders are usually last of their resources, today it had to be used against some people; it was such a shame, this was one of his favorite suits and he just ruined it, there was just no possible way to repair it; he’s glad he left the bunny’s red scrunchie at home this time. It would really anger him if anything happened to that silly thing. It wasn’t personal or anything, he just… he wouldn’t like that, that’s all.

                He’s after visiting tonight, it was two days since the last time they have a sexual encounter, which it was enough to get in Lan Wangji’s nerves if he’s honest, besides, this is all but a medical thing, Wei Wuxian was medicine for the tiger. He washes carefully the fur behind his animal’s ears, with soap, under the running water. He grunts, annoying by the fact he’s body is already reacting to the mental image of the bunny.

                With clean hands, he sneaks a hand down his member. He shouldn’t be thinking about him, one thing is giving Wie Wuxian his own time to be inside his head, that is to say when Lan Wangji visits him in his apartment and have sex several times around the night, however, another thing different was giving him space in his mind while he was not there; Lan Wangji can’t help but fell in his trap.

                He sees Wei Wuxian’s face perfectly in his brain, his flirting eyes, and pretty mouth; his long legs, the defined muscles in his back, his shoulders. The warmth and pleasure he feels everything he’s sheathed inside of him; his hand tightens around himself again. He can almost feel him right with him in the shower, Wei Wuxian’s wet, dark hair, his skin turning pink because of the heat; his voice talking in Lan Wangji’s ear. Damn it, it feels so good. 

                Last time he masturbated alone seems like a long time ago, he almost forgot how it was, how good it could feel, Wei Wuxian’s sprawled open in his new bed, wild hair spilled around the red pillows, seducing pretty eyes looking at Lan Wangji with a naughty smile, the bunny ears down, completely relaxed and ready to take him in.

                The orgasm is reached quickly, Wei Wuxian’s entrances dripping Lan Wangji’s semen droves him to the edge; 30 seconds after cumming, Lan Wangji opens his eyes, his body unnervingly frozen. He feels an unpleasant sensation of shame and guilt afterward, as if what he had done was… forbidden, sick even.

Wei Wuxian shortens his visit hours with his sister. He couldn’t stay at her side when his stomach was so upset with him; even Wen Ning tried to speak with him to offer him help if he need some, judging by Wei Wuxian’s sick expression and trembling body. He barely found the right words to politely dismiss him, asking him to look after his sister instead, assuring both he was just fine, this was just a little reaction to the food, nothing more.

                Coming back home was a nightmare, he told the driver to drive slower, Wei Wuxian was getting dizzy when he turned around in the curves, the threat of vomiting the car was there, for both the driver and Wei Wuxian. Once his at the apartment, Wei Wuxian swallows down as many pills as he’s able to do, to keep the nauseas under control, he swallows them with half a glass of liquor.

                Only him could get sick, that’s the only thing that hadn’t occurred him, fucking luck the on the one he had. How was supposed to take care of Lan Wangji’s sexual needs if he was sick? No, no, he can’t afford that, there is work to be done, while he’s sick or not. Lan Wangji was not that lovely and understanding boyfriend his siblings thought of, first at all, Lan Wangji was not even his boyfriend; Wei Wuxian grows restless with that thought in mind, he needs to get better soon.

                He lays down in his bed, the Emperor’s Smile bottle next to him, in case he goes thirsty; perhaps is one of those sicknesses that just disappears if he naps for a few hours; that’s exactly what he needs, and that’s exactly what Wei Wuxian does, he sets the timer, in two hours Wei Wuxian would just wake up, feeling better, ready to take a shower and dress sexily for Lan Wangji’s arrival; as soon as he touches the bed, he’s sunk in a dreamless state.

Jiang Cheng passed most of the day hidden in his favorite spot as always, keeping at hand his claws and a taser that somehow Wei Wuxian managed to smuggled inside the prison, he didn’t tell him what the fuck he did to bring it to him, he didn’t want to ask but he was already grateful for having an extra weapon to defend himself in case something happened. He also left him money if he needed to buy anything as well.

                It was an uneventful day until an officer came by to his cell, Jiang Cheng detected him immediately and left his hidden spot, to avoid being discovered, quickly, the other two prisoners and him straight themselves up as soon as the officer opened the door. ‘’You’’ he pointed at Jiang Cheng with a moody expression. ‘’Follow me’’

                He was smart enough to avoid any questions and comments, he was handcuffed and taken with him, Jiang Cheng was pretty nervous about the whole deal. What were they going to do with him? What did they want? To where he was being taken? He could feel his instincts raising up, but it could also have been his own anxiety; he was taken to another room, far from all the cells. ‘’Wait right here, don’t do anything stupid’’ The tone was severe, Jiang cheng only nodded and shut his mouth, he understood the aggressive tone, he had done quite a mess in the past.

                Soon enough, the officer releases one of his wrists from the handcuffs, but still tied him to one of the bars of the table. It passed what it felt like an hour for him, but in reality, it was just five minutes before the officer come back, with an old phone at hand, against all his will, he was forced to leave it gently in Jiang Cheng’s hand. ‘’There is only one number registered, call it’’And so Jiang Cheng did, beyond confusion, however, he was left completely once the officer abandoned the room again.

‘’A-Cheng?’’ Was the first thing Jiang Cheng heard when the other person at the other side of the line answered. Jiang Cheng made a choking sound, a knot immediately slicing his throat in two from the insides, as he felt the tears setting in the corners of his eyes. That was his sister’s voice, the woman who raised him and hadn’t been able to see since they took him here, unable to even say goodbye, to apologize for putting them in that situation. ‘’A-Cheng, is that you?’’ Hearing her voice again was like having a kiss of fresh air.

                ‘’Yes, sister, it’s me, is Jiang Cheng’’ His voice sounded more mature than before, more like an older man. ‘’It’s me’’ he repeated, in case she couldn’t hear him for the way she was crying. ‘’It’s okay, don’t worry sister, I’m okay, no one has hurt me, no one can’’ half a lie, half a true, Jiang Cheng hadn’t been raped yet, he has defended himself every single time, technically everyone could hurt him, if he ever stopped fighting, but he would never do such a thing. ‘’You don’t need to worry about me’’

                ‘’How couldn’t I worry about my little brother? You shouldn’t be there in the first place, A-Cheng, you are innocent’’ Jiang Cheng saw the ceiling, with a guilty and helpless expression, he was not innocent, in fact, if Jiang Yanli ever heard the truth, she would absolutely die of shame. ‘’I’m sorry, forgive me, we should have tried harder, we could’ve pay your bail if I hadn’t went sick back then, it’s my fault’’

                ‘’No! Of course it isn’t your fault! Don’t say that! Ever!’’ Jiang Cheng said, frenetic. That’s the last thing he wants to hear, his beloved sister taking the blame for the stupidity of his actions. If he hadn’t been doing illegal stuff, stealing money that wasn’t his from his boss, then he wouldn’t be here now, that’s no one’s but his fault, not Jiang Yanli’s. It didn’t hurt anything in the world as much as hearing his sister blaming herself for the shit Jiang Cheng did. ‘’Let’s not think about that right now, okay? Wei Wuxian said he found a better lawyer, I’m sure he’ll take me out of here soon, you only need to worry about getting better, yes? Just that, leave the rest to us’’ He said, sniffing, cleaning his tears, he needed to get himself together! He wasn’t crying over this like the child people thought he was! ‘’Why don’t you tell me about you? How it has been in that new hospital? Is it as good as brother says or is he just showing off?’’

By the time Lan Wangji reaches the apartment, Wei Wuxian has composed himself considerably, has blocked his sickness with several doses of pills and medicine, drugs that are prohibited to consume during a pregnancy; he pushes some more down his throat, this time with some strong dark coffee, to make sure he’ll have some stamina while his night with the tiger, he’s a tiger after all! Lan Wangji likes when Wei Wuxian cooperates with him, when they both have sex, so he needs to be in his best shape.

                He refreshes himself with a lotion and citric perfume and boom! He’s ready for some action! He can’t just let himself go down like this! That would mean he’s too weak because of some nausea, after all, didn’t he had to work in the worst conditions ever at the brothel? Come on, Wei Wuxian, this is nothing to you, cheer up!

                As expected, Lan Wangji comes without knocking the door; Wei Wuxian gives a glance at the mirror one more time before sneaking silently into the kitchen. ‘’Hello there’’ He says, posing, using a seductive tone; he did the best he could, but in the end, his smile trembles a little; Wei Wuxian’s confidence is on the floor, people took that from him and used it as a piece of cloth to clean their dirty feet with. He was beautiful, years ago. Now he feels like a battered, old piece of furniture that somehow keeps interesting Lan Wangji, probably because he had never seen a street-whore like him. He wonders if he covered off the acid stains correctly from his face, if he doesn’t smell like vomit, if he doesn’t look ridiculous trying to act like nothing is wrong. It’s just too difficult to seduce someone when he feels his self-love somewhere broken in the ground. ‘’Did you miss me?’’’

                ‘’Mmm’’ It’s all what Lan Wangji says, leaving his glass of water on the counter, passing next to Wei Wuxian, avoiding his look; when he’s out of his sight, Wei Wuxian’s smile drops completely. Lan Wangji was only interested in fucking him, that’s the only reason why he was there, there was not even a friendship between them, so, if Lan Wangji lost the only motive for paying him money, Wei Wuxian then got nothing, he’d be kicked out soon. That was… sooner than he thought it would be. His lower lip trembles, his eyes went watery, he’s just too tired for this. It was an awful day, but it appears tomorrow would be worse.

                ‘’Could you wear this?’’ He hears Lan Wangji’s again, Wei Wuxian turned around, breathing in such relief... ‘’Please?’’ Automatically, Wei Wuxian thought it was a costume, perhaps to do some roleplay, it wouldn’t be weird, wouldn’t be the first time either.

                ‘’Of course I can!’’ whatever it was, Wei Wuxian was into it, with a bit of luck it wouldn’t be something either too disturbing or humiliating. ‘’I’ll back in a minute!’’ Lan Wangji watched him go with a serene look, he took a seat in the living room. Sweet Goods of all times, it was such a torture for him watching Wei Wuxian.

                Seeing him under the dim lights, leaning against the door with in his seductive looks, and not being able to touch him, feel him and kiss him. Wei Wuxian was turning in his addiction, and addictions needed to be controlled. He regulates his breathing, which in the end is a mistake, the entire place reeks of Wei Wuxian’s natural aroma, an inviting thing for Lan Wangji, however, tonight he needs to be in his right mind. He can’t act like a teen masturbating during shower time thinking of one of his classmates.

                When Wei Wuxian comes back looking stunning to Lan Wangji’s eyes. ‘’It was of your size?’’ Lan Wangji asks.

                ‘’Yes, it fits perfectly’’ his bunny is a little confused, he was expecting some kinky costume, instead he had a formal suit; well, he thinks about it a little more, that’s even kinkier… ‘’How do I look?’’ he asks, turning around, faking an innocent tone. The bunny ears contrasted perfectly against the suit fabric, but what it made ten times better, was the fluffy, white bunny tail; Lan Wangji was forced to remember his self-control while he stood up.

                ‘’Let’s go’’ He said, Wei Wuxian tilted his head again, especially when the tiger offered him his arm, which he didn’t have any other option but to accept it.

                ‘’Where are we going?’’ Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but ask, cautiously, Lan Wangji was a nice customer. He never asked more than Wei Wuxian could handle. There was not hitting in bed, no cutting, no chocking, no slaps, and if he doesn’t count what happened during the tiger’s rut, then he could officially say Lan Wangji never had done anything to hurt him in bed, which was something that Wei Wuxian wouldn’t say slightly from any other client he had; so, he wanted to keep thinking that as long as he behaves and pleases Lan Wangji, then, it wouldn’t be any reason to be killed or punished.

                ‘’We’re having dinner’’

Chapter Text

Chapter thirteen

The ride to the restaurant was not as uncomfortable as he expected, or so Lan Wangji thought; Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, was a ball of nerves in his seat. What was Lan Wangji waiting for him to do now? What he wanted him to do? It was a little unsettling, the tiger said they were going for dinner, yes, but still… To the bunny there wasn’t anything settled yet, everything could be dangerous to him.

                Opposite to his wishes, Lan Wangji brought him to a regular restaurant, well, regular to Lan Wangji’s standards; he’s clumsy with his feet when the other man guides him to the inside of the building, carefully, not exactly affectionate but certainly not completely formal, and… not in the way a person would treat a whore; he even lets Wei Wuxian sits first, moving the chair for him and all.

                So Wei Wuxian makes his best to have his best behavior, he sits carefully and keeps his lips sealed, he won’t say a word unless Lan Wangji asks him something, he doesn’t want to annoy him, at least not today; quickly, a waiter approaches them, and… oh no, they were speaking in another language, because Wei Wuxian couldn’t understand a single word, especially when the waiter turned to look at him, probably asking him what he wanted from the menu. ‘’Oh…! Sa-same as him!’’ He says, nervously, he’s not in the mood of eating anything if he’s honest, perhaps he may be able to take a few bites of something very light, some water, of course, but he doubts he could eat anything else.

                ‘’Are you certain? I’m having meat in my meal’’ Lan Wangji said, serene and calm as always when he wasn’t fucking Wei Wuxian.

                ‘’Ah! Of course, you are a tiger! Haha!’’ Wei Wuxian bursts nervous laughter, feeling stupid and uncomfortable with himself, it’s difficult to think correctly when he’s looking after any possible attack or threat. ‘’Apologies, I’ll read the menu very quickly and pick something’’ His hands were shaking slightly, this was not the kind of places where he used to work at, he wasn’t fitting here, a piece of furniture was more elegant and presentable than him, Wei Wuxian did not belong here; his panic grew bigger: he did not understand a word written down. Everything get’s worse, the nausea is coming back, slowly. The image of him vomiting in a place like this makes him go pale and shaking.

                Lan Wangji saw Wei Wuxian’s struggle, he mentally scolded himself for bringing to this place, it was a nice one, the food was marvelous, of very good quality, without counting the service, and the special spots where they could enjoy a nice dinner without being harassed or exposed, that’s to say, this place was discreet and quiet, however, he was unconsidered for not keeping Wei Wuxian’s upbringing in mind at the moment of booking this place, and how uneasy Wei Wuxian could felt here, in case he wanted to get help, no one would understand what he saying.

                In the end, Lan Wangji orders for Wei Wuxian as well; he refuses to let the silence reign over them awkwardly, so Lan Wangji does what he never usually did with other people: he starts a conversation. ‘’How… was your day?’’ Wei Wuxian stares at him dumbly in the beginning. How was his day? Well, saving the part of the day in which had the chance to speak and be with his sister, the rest was absolutely crap. Emotionally, physically and mentally. He’s overwhelmed with stress and fear. He arranged a call between his siblings, he was supposed to be there while everything happened but he couldn’t because somehow he got suddenly sick and he missed seeing Jiang Yanli’s happy face; his stomach feel upset with him, a little swollen even, he’s scared because he’s probably having sex with Lan Wangji later but he isn’t sure if he will resist it, he’s freaking out because last thing he wants to do if making Lan Wangji angry.

                Lan Wangji was a tiger. If something Wei Wuxian has learned so far is how important sex was to him; sex is the only thing Wei Wuxian can offer him, the only aspect he has in his favor: being a hole for the tiger to relieve his stress; he loses his last remaining charm, then he loses Lan Wangji’s favors, and then what is he going to do? He can’t go back to the brothel! They won’t accept him back! They’ll send him straight to the butchery!

                …Well, Wei Wuxian’s eyes are fixated on Lan Wangji’s face as his brain is overexerted thinking of solutions to problems that hadn’t happened yet; what would he do for money if Lan Wangji leaves him? The real question was what Wei Wuxian wouldn’t do for money. He’s aware of places in the city that would pay very well for Wei Wuxian, because he knows there are sick, disturbed people outside that could pay a fortune for doing awful, pretty illegal things to people, it wouldn’t be just sex but also mutilation of some kind, death even. It’s okay, Wei Wuxian is okay with that, he accepted it a long time ago. He can arrange his torture and death for a certain amount of money.

                It isn’t as if he’s going to live much at Lan Wangji’s side, sooner or later that man is going either to leave him or kill him; if the first happens then he’ll just have to sell what is left of him to another person, another client; of course, he’ll make sure to be paid first, put that money in his bank account with the rest he has, once he’s dead his sister will take care of it from then; it won’t be nice but it is what it is. Wei Wuxian can’t keep fighting his fate, he was not meant for being here in the first place, he shouldn’t be alive but here he is.

                Lan Wangji feels a sting in his nerves, being under Wei Wuxian’s lost, empty eyes, as if he was already a dead man. It disturbs him. What has done the world to his bunny to have that look on his face? Carefully, he takes the bunny’s hand in his, he doesn’t have the chance to give it a comforting squeeze when Wei Wuxian suddenly jumps in his seat, taking his hand away, startled by the tiger’s action. Wei Wuxian’s nervous laugher makes the sting hurt deeper.

                ‘’Oh! Sorry! Got lost a moment? What did you ask me?... Ah! My day, my day, of course, my day, my day…! It was a great one! I visited my sister at the hospital, have breakfast with her and the nurse! I like the nurse, he’s a very nice person to  my sister, I’m glad Su She recommended me that place, the service is wonderful, I’m sure my sister will glow back to health in no time!’’ Lan Wangji is glad to hear that, Jiang Yanli appears in the report sent by Mian-Mian, it appears she was a very delightful person, caring to her siblings despite her sickness, he truly hopes she’ll go back to her normal self, a healthy one this time, Lan Wangji will pay whatever it takes to make Wei Wuxian smile again when he had Jiang Yanli by his side in the future.

                That woman and her sibling, this Jiang Cheng guy. Lan Wangji doesn’t know what exactly to think about this last one. He knows Jiang Yanli was a hard-worker woman, slaved by the Jins,  standing harsh treatment in exchange for a poor salary. However, this Jiang Cheng seemed built of a different material, judging by the legal charges he has dealing with, there was proof of his crimes, solid proof, difficult to ignore; however, Lan Wangji was no one to accuse him, what authority could he ever have against Jiang Cheng’s small crimes? Lan Wangji has killed uncountable times. He has slitted throats, beheaded, shot, and murdered people in many other ways. He’s trafficking substances that were beyond illegal; he’s selling those substances and doing even more illegal things with it. What Lan Wangji hadn’t done?

                Then, what could he say against Jiang Cheng? Nothing, besides, Lan Wangji had a hunch of Jiang Cheng’s reasons for stealing: Jiang Cheng probably was the same worried brother as Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian. Harder for him even, seeing all the sacrifices they were doing exclusively for him, just standing there doing nothing but accepting their offerings; perhaps he took the wrong decision of stealing to the wrong person, for the sake of his siblings. Lan Wangji couldn’t say what he could have done if he saw Lan Xichen’s being forced to degrade himself under another familiy’s rule, or worse…

                Jiang Cheng is a good brother, he finds himself thinking, Wei Wuxian’s eyes twinkle every time he speaks about him, as a proud parent, of course he loves his sibling, it would hurt him deeply if anything happened to him while in prison, which it isn’t something he should worry about now, Lan Wangji arranged him a safe place to be at, while he isn’t able to take him out of jail just yet. ‘’…But that’s enough about me!’’ Wei Wuxian says once he has realized he may have spoken too much. He doesn’t want to bored Lan Wangji! Ever! He could shut him up with a bullet between his eyes.

                ‘’No’’ Lan Wangji said. ‘’Keep talking’’ Wei Wuxian’s nails were digging into his skin by the tension. ‘’Your voice is pleasant to hear’’

                ‘’Oh…! Well, thank you, aren’t you a sweet one?’’

                Once food is finally brought to their table, they eat in complete silence, matching with the quiet place they were at, honestly, Wei Wuxian was making such an effort: he was eating when his stomach was having a violent war inside, he was trying to sound as quiet as possible due to Lan Wangji didn’t seem like a person who liked hearing other people chewing, which was understandable; he gives small bites here and there, pushing everything down with water; Lan Wangji looks at his bunny, he’s still too thin. Wei Wuxian wants to scream when Lan Wangji’s orders a double portion for him.

                Wei Wuxian’s life is already memorized by Lan Wangji; he knows about his murdered parents, and how he ended up with the Jiangs, Yu Ziyuan’s death, his teachers’ grooming and rape ant their hands, how he started in prostitution before he was thirteen years old, why Jiang Yanli was at the hospital and Jiang Cheng in prison. He probably knows what Wei Wuxian ignores; he is not fascinated by his life, quite the opposite. It makes him angry, powerless; no matter how much power and money Lan Wangji had, he could not erase Wei Wuxian’s past and pain.

                It isn’t as it was his duty or anything. He shouldn’t be doing more than he already was, which is surpassing what would he do for one of his private sex workers in the harem. The thing was, that in fact, Lan Wangji was getting attached to this person, in a sexual way, evidently; but also in an… emotional way, he won’t say sentimental, his animal side processes his feelings in a different way than other species. Feelings means mate, and mate means… well, mating.

                And what is mating for? Yes, exactly: children.  Lan Wangji is growing older, of course, his uncle expects of him and Lan Xichen no less than one child from each one of them, their fertility will only last less than five years counting from now; he doesn’t feel ready to process feelings, and definitely not ready for a compromise so big and heavy as a child was, despite he was getting dangerously close to his forties.

                Was Wei Wuxian interested in having children? He was a bunny after all! It was well known that bunnies were fertile the entire year, they could keep popping child after child without any issues, sometimes an entire litter of five or eight; they could get pregnant as soon as they give birth. Wei Wuxian and him were on the same age, he wasn’t that young either, he should hurry up if he wanted children, if he wanted them. He surely looked cute while pregnant.

                ‘’Ah! Lan Zhan’’ Lan Wangji this time is the one who spaces out; Wei Wuxian believes it is because he didn’t shut his mouth up, he probably got bored of whatever tedious thing that was coming out from his mouth. However, right now there was something else that wanted to get out of his mouth.

                Lan Wangji hummed, straightening up on his chair, clearing his throat. ‘’Yes?’’ And it’s then when he looks at Wei Wuxian, he’s sweating, his battered features looked tormented but yet trying to keep up with his fake smile. ‘’Are you… sick?’’ Lan Wangji asks, Wei Wuxian forces a laugh, again while shaking his head very slowly, he’s holding his lower belly, pale as the moon itself, cleaning off the sweat out off his forehead, the dark eyeliner smudging his face.

                ‘’No, no!’’ Wei Wuxian says too quickly. ‘’I think is so hot in here! That’s all!’’ He tries to laugh again but this time it isn’t possible, he takes out that expensive coat Lan Wangji bought him, it feels so hot and heavy in his body. ‘’Do you mind waiting for me a couple of minutes? I need the restroom’’ Wei Wuxian can’t wait anymore to vomit everything he just ate today; this time he doesn’t wait for Lan Wangji’s response, instead, he just got up from his seat, lightheaded.

                First step he gives and he almost falls at one of his side, Lan Wangji is already there, holding him carefully by the moment he gives a second step. ‘’You can’t go by yourself in this state’’ Wei Wuxian wants to argue but he can’t, if he opens his mouth right now…

                He expects the tiger to eventually let go of him, so Wei Wuxian can find the way to the restroom by himself and empty his stomach in fucking peace but Lan Wangji rejects the idea of releasing him in a near future, this ends in his client holding him while Wei Wuxian is vomiting everything he was forced to eat this night; he doesn’t know how Lan Wangji has the guts to stay there the entire time, until Wei Wuxian is only gagging now as a reflex of his body trying to clean him up; he’s ashamed, embarrassed to the core, and obviously, fearful that Lan Wangji would do something awful to him after the scene Wei Wuxian made.

                However, Wei Wuxian tends to forget that a little vomit would hardly do something to a man who has slit open a man’s abdomen to take out his guts; is half-pathetic-half-adorable how Wei Wuxian stretches his arms to flush the toilet but now he’s officially too weak to move around anymore. He’s painting by the moments he finished, feeling dizzy and wobbling; Lan Wangji leaves him leaning against one of the walls, shortly leaving him.

                He doesn’t time to ask where Lan Wangji is, when Lan Wangji is cleaning him quietly with a wet handkerchief. ‘’Sorry, I…’’ The tiger cleans closer to his mouth, to avoid him say anything else; Wei Wuxian is trembling, again, he’s forcing his body to breathe out his mouth, he doesn’t want to stink the entire place, then Lan Wangji does this… creepy thing of sniffing him off. ‘’Don’t do that…’’ Wei Wuxian protests weakly.

                But Lan Wangji doesn’t hear him, instead, he sniffs harder, as if he was looking for something, Wei Wuxian groans because the restroom stalls must reek of his vomit and, ugh, the mere thought makes him want to throat out again; nevertheless, Lan Wangji lets out a deep sigh, the tiger looks up to the ceiling, as if he just realized something, Wei Wuxian is scared of whatever he figured out, what would that be? He asks himself. ‘’Are you pregnant?’’

                Lan Wangji’s body language it’s clear: he wants an answer, and he wants it now. Any lie might be detected immediately. He’ll have no patience in this case, he wants the true, and he’ll hear it. ‘’What?’’ Wei Wuxian’s bewilderment is almost funny. ‘’What you mean? Like pregnant-pregnant? Babies-children?’’ Surely there is no other meaning and answer to that question, the tiger was specific. ‘’No, I am not pregnant!’’ Wei Wuxian says, defensively. ‘’I’m not pregnant. No preggo. No baby, I swear it’’ He says a second time, less frenetic. Any client would ever be happy of hearing such news, definitely not this one. Lan Wangji doesn’t look like the type who’s looking forward to becoming a father, if that was the case then he wouldn’t be after Wei Wuxian, he’s sure he is not an option to be taken into consideration for building a family.

                Lan Wangji’s piercing look keeps Wei Wuxian in place, is too heavy to look at him. He was in huge troubles, wasn’t he? He has heard of some of his former co-workers who found out being pregnant, they usually have two options: the first one was the best, they usually terminate the pregnancy before it was too late, in secret. The second one, however… well, for starters, the people who sired those future babies were never interested in having any future relation, so they’ll avoid any responsibility about them.

                Some will try to keep their babies, their bosses then would make money out of their state, renting them at the double or triple price. If they survive, the baby was deliver but… Wei Wuxian wants to vomit again at the memory. It isn’t the same, he’s not pregnant, he’s sure of it, he cannot get pregnant in the first place, not yet; gentler than ever, Lan Wangji carries him easily in his arms, Wei Wuxian couldn’t do anything even if he wanted; he lets the tiger do what he wants for the moment, he couldn’t risk himself by enraging him.

                Wei Wuixan’s heart is going wild in his chest, he’s so scared of what’s happening next. He doesn’t want to get kill because of this. He knows that family won’t ever accept a bastard, which is stupid because he is not pregnant in the first place! It isn’t at it matter nonetheless! When has ever mattered what he has to say, anyway? ‘’I’m not pregnant, yes? Lan Zhan, honey, I’m telling you the truth, could you believe me?’’ but the tiger seems to ignore him politely while he ensures him in the passenger seat. ‘’We have been so careful in this, remember? Protection and all… How could I get pregnant?’’

                ‘’Have you been… intimate with someone else?’’ Lan Wangji asks when he’s in the driver's seat. Wei Wuxian gulps.

                ‘’No! Of course not baby, I’m all yours’’

                ‘’Did I use protection during my rut?’’

                ‘’…No, no you didn’t’’

                ‘’Then, there are high chances of a pregnancy by now, and hundred percent possibilities of me being the father’’

                But Wei Wuxian doesn’t know how to tell him the truth about his nature; of course, he’s fertile for children, many to be precise; yes he was able to mate any other specimen without risk. However, Lan Wangji did not know the full story, Wei Wuxian didn’t know how to tell him. ‘’I’m not pregnant’’ Wei Wuxian repeats, quietly. ‘’Can you believe me? Please?’’

                Lan Wangji drives them home, stopping by the pharmacy first.

As anticipated, the pregnancy test is positive, Lan Wangji holds it in his hands, thoughtful, four more positive tests s lined at his side. Well, what else could he expect? If he’s been fucking Wei Wuxian non-stop? As if HE was the bunny here. If someone was carrying the blame was no one but Lan Wangji. He’s paying him for sex, doesn’t he? If he wasn’t giving him money, then Wei Wuxian…

                ‘’I’m not pregnant’’ Wei Wuxian repeats, he’s still looking very pale. His eyes are open wide, looking distraught, that’s not good for the baby, Lan Wangji thinks immediately and stands up. He did this, he’ll either put an end to this or make himself responsible for the baby and Wei Wuxian as well. ‘’Something must be wrong with those tests! I can’t get pregnant, I can’t, I can’t!’’

                Lan Wangji doesn’t need to be a genius to understand that his bunny doesn’t want to have a child. It’s valid, his decisions are not to be questioned, having a baby wasn’t something easy or not to be taken easily. He couldn’t force him to carry a burden he wasn’t disposed to take. Wei Wuxian didn’t want one in his life, and that’s it, period, Wangji won’t ask for his reasons, he’ll directly pay for a specialist to take it out. ‘’Let’s finish this then’’ Lan Wangji says, looking for his phone inside of his coat, the movement must trigger something in Wei Wuxian’s mind.

                ‘’Don’t kill me!’’ Wei Wuxian falls to his knees as soon as he believes Lan Wangji was taking his gun out of his coat. ‘’Please! Have mercy! I beg you! Have mercy with this poor whore! I’m doing this for my family! I can’t leave them right now! I…! I’m sorry, okay? If… if… Sir! It was never my intention!’’ Wei Wuxian holds Lan Wangji’s clothes tightly in his hands. ‘’I’m just a hooker, I’m doing this to survive…! I never… I never wanted this!’’ Wei Wuxian has a hard time breathing. ‘’Whatever you want, I’ll do it, or you can do what you like with me, I won’t stop you, I promise. I’ll let you do anything, do you want me to eat meat for you? Will that entertain you? Or… or what do you want me to do? Just ask me and I will do it! Or… Maybe? Do you want to hit me? Impale me? Choke me? Stab me? Cut me?’’ Lan Wangji is horrified of Wei Wuxian’s words, of his desperation, it leaves him speechless in his place. ‘’Wait…! I can do this! I’m still very good at this! I promise!’’ He tries to smile for who knew what time of the day, going straight to Lan Wangji’s pants, ready to unlock his belt and pants but the tiger stops his hands before he advances. Wei Wuxian slowly releases Lan Wangji’s clothes and hugs his leg instead, defeated, unable to contain a sob.

‘’I’m not going to do any of that’’ Lan Wangji must be already done with anything related to him then, Wei Wuxian cries harder, this time in silence, releasing Lan Wangji’s clothes. This is the end then. His time with the tiger was over. Wei Wuxian knew this from the beginning. He was a temporary toy, not made for last beyond a few months. He is going to die this night. He won’t be able to see his sister and Jiang Cheng anymore, it was over; still holding Lan Wangji’s leg, sobbing. Lan Wangji sighs, heavily.

‘’Make it quick’’

‘’Make… what quick?’’

‘’Lan Zhan’’

‘’…Wei Wuxian…?’’

‘’I think I had… I have suffered enough while being alive, yes? Could you… could you kill me painlessly? I… I-that’s-that’s the only thing I’m asking you’’

Lan Wangji lowers to his height, in his knees as well, Wei Wuxian closes his eyes tightly, waiting for the shot that will finally put him out of his misery. Lan Wangji is still being gentle, as if he wanted him to have a tranquil death, Wei Wuxian almost appreciates that; when he feels his arms around him, Wei Wuxian allows himself to relax against his shoulder. ‘’I’m not killing you, mutilating you, or hurting you in any way you mentioned earlier’’ Lan Wangji explains with ease. ‘’I’ll never do such a thing to you, Wei Wuxian’’ But Wei Wuxian doesn’t know what to believe of a man like Wangji. ‘’Now, please breathe in and out with me’’ And so Wei Wuxian tries to do. It’s so difficult, he’s still crying. He just wants all of this over.  ‘’You don’t need to have a baby if you don’t want to. I won’t force you to do that. It is your body, not mine’’ He doesn’t know what to think of a child either.

‘’But I’m not pregnant…’’ Wei Wuxian argues again. ‘’I can’t get pregnant, Lan Zhan’’ Slowly, Lan Zhan unwraps his arms from Wei Wuxian’s body and they make visual contact.

‘’Explain me’’

‘’I…!’’ Wei Wuxian’s heart is about to explode in his chest ‘’I just can’t’’ He’s scared of offending the tiger.

‘’I need you to elaborate that…’’ But Wei Wuxian stays silent. ‘’Wei Wuxian’’

‘’Mama told me bunnies could only have babies if they were in love’’

Chapter Text

Chapter fourteen

‘’…I wouldn’t call it being in love’’ the doctor tries the most professional tone for  Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian was taken to the emergency room as soon as he was brought to the hospital: the pregnancy was confirmed, despite the tears and protests Wei Wuxian said to the tiger, eventually he was only upsetting himself beyond his limits and was carefully sedated. Whether he wanted to end or not said pregnancy, it would be up to tomorrow, when he was not having a panic attack. ‘’It is more about…’’ the doctor has a hard time finding the correct words for an explanation. ‘’Firstly, Mr. Lan, let me be honest with you: there is not much research about rabbits, if you tried to find a specialist, you wouldn’t succeed, the rabbit race do not tend to live much, they are preys, I dare myself to say that Mr. Wei is one of the few specimens left in the planet. This world is ruled by predators, they do not have more of a chance here’’ Lan Wangji understands perfectly, too well, he’d say. It makes him want to take Wei Wuxian to a castle, and keep there for the rest of his life, safe from any further danger.

                ‘’…Then? How would you explain it? How different is my reproduction to his method of reproduction?’’ Lan Wangji asks, rather impatient about the lack of answers from the doctor; he needed to take Wei Wuxian home, the sooner the better.

                ‘’…Well, Mr. Wei had a point about what he was talking ealier, opposite of the common belief, bunnies are fertile, 365 days of the year, but it does not mean they can be bred by anyone. There are several factors to be taken into consideration, between those, it is important to have at least some sense of safety between the place his kittens will be born, and the sire’’ She says. ‘’Of course, again, I dare to say that the kittens do not have many chances of surviving’’ Lan Wangji feels an uncomfortable, cold feeling at the bottom of his stomach. ‘’The Dam is not in good shape, there are several… substances detected in the test we performed’’ The doctor avoids sounding offensive. ‘’In general, the scenario is not very hopeful’’

                Lan Wangji did not say anything else. Maybe it was fate, not conceiving, which was good due to he didn’t even want kids to begin with. This was a blessing if he thinks it twice, he tried to convince himself; better for the two of them, Wei Wuxian wouldn’t have to take care of children he didn’t want to, and Lan Wangji wouldn’t have to carry the responsibilities of being a father.

A Win-Win

He personally comes to Wei Wuxian’s room to pick him up and bring him back to the car, rejecting the help of the hospital staff when Wei Wuxian barely tolerates Lan Wangji to touch him. ‘’no preggo’’ He’s still half gone by the soft sedatives still in his blood. ‘’can’t-babies’’ The tiger massages his neck, Wei Wuxian goes boneless under his grasp, it must have triggered something because the bunny moans relieved, and minutes later he can hear him snoring peacefully.

                So… There was a baby. No. no, probably babies growing up inside Wei Wuxian’s womb. Well, not babies yet but tiny little cells that will soon turn into something more serious if they let them. He has the same thought in his head going over and over as he drives them to the mansion, leaving Wei Wuxian in the department, alone, makes him nervous.

                He may be a cold blood killer but he cannot allow Wei Wuxian to spend time alone torturing himself for something that Lan Wangji did. That’s the truth, Wei Wuxian didn’t have much of an option, to be fair, Wei Wuxian had never had much of an option; he’s been struggling with all the hard positions life has put him at; until this day that bunny never enjoyed a chance to decide what to do because of his own will and not cause he was forced by his circumstances.

                With all the degentlelicadecity of the world, Lan Wangji takes off his shoes and the rest of the suit before changing it for more comfortable clothes to sleep on, he goes for a light blue pajama set that used to wear during his teenage days, he wraps him on fresh blankets and that’s it. Tonight this would be all they would do, Lan Wangji thinks with a heavy head, his frown back in place as he sits on the corner of the bed, his eyes gazing over Wei Wuxian’s sleeping, vulnerable form.

                Now what?

Jiang Cheng has been crying the last past hours. He can’t help but to think about how much he loves his brother, he cleans his tears several times but the thought of Wei Wuxian buying him protection in prison gets him very emotional every time it comes to his head. Despite everything that has happened, that he’s no longer at home, no longer a child under the protection of his beloved eldest siblings, he’s still being taken care of as their own child.

                There is an exclusive room for him. It has a private bathroom, with doors, a private shower as well, shampoo, liquid soap, toothpaste, and everything that was needed to be decent; and he hasn’t spoken about the bed yet! His fluffy bed with fluffy pillows!

                He comes to the conclusion that maybe… maybe Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli won’t hate him once they know the truth after all. They were family, they will forgive him and understand why he did it. He wanted a better life for the three of them, it was not the best decision, it didn’t end well too, however, Jiang Cheng saw his opportunity to take Wei Wuxian away from that dark world, and to save Jiang Yanli from working herself to an early death.

                His siblings were the best parents he could ask for, without disrespecting his mother, she must have loved him too, to the point she risked her very own life every day to go to work, however, as selfish as it may sound, Jiang Cheng was her child. Both Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian could just choose not caring about Jiang Cheng and leave him on the streets so they could see for themselves, but they cradled him and protect him from the world as much as they could.

                How could he not try to do the same for them? If the only thing he wanted was to take his siblings and bring them to another land, far, far from this hell of a place, to live happy lives. If anyone in this world deserved that were his siblings. Jiang Cheng wanted to shelter them forever, to not let anyone else hurt them in any way. They were too good for this world. This world did not deserve them.

                He’s gonna get out of here, he swears it. It’s matter of time, Wei Wuxian will take him out, and when that happens, he swears to every existing god, that Jiang Cheng will make it up to his sibling. He’ll find a very nice job, somehow, work very hard, day and night and give every single cent to them. He’ll buy a pretty house somewhere far from this place and start again. They’ll be a happy family.

                There is some comfort as he buries himself under the sheets, thinking about how good it would felt being between Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian, sleeping in the same bed, as good old time when they were children and were scared of hearing the lady living next door, screaming when her husband abused her.

‘’I’m sure Mr. Wei will call soon’’ Wen Ning tries to appease his patient. Jiang Yanli has done well lately, he would hate to see a relapse because having any strong emotions or news; however, it was obvious how concerned his patient was about her family, moving but frankly not the best in these moments, under this circumstance.

                ‘’He is not like that’’ Jiang Yanli tremble hands massages her head, stressed and worried. ‘’If he doesn’t come to the hospital then he calls me. When he arrives home he calls me. Yesterday he looked sick and left without saying goodbye. He always says goodbye to me, something is absolutely wrong’’ There was no power that could make her change her mind. ‘’Something happened’’

                ‘’Okay, I think it is time for some breathing exercises’’ Wen Ning quickly intervenes as soon as he sees any nervous episode coming. His voice is soothing and calm, regardless of his worry, for the same reasons. He didn’t need to be a specialist to figure out why his patient’s brother vomited. Most of the time he comes here reeking of sex, whoever with whom was mating, had a very strong scent and had been imprinting him for a while.

                For Wen Ning was clear: Mr. Wei worked at a brothel, as a prostitute, someone knocked him up; perhaps Jiang Yanli suspects is as well but feels too afraid of accepting it; she shakes her head several times but Wen Ning tells him that if she doesn’t cooperate and tries to calm down, it won’t do good for her heart and sadly, he’ll end up medicating her to make her sleep for a few hours if necessary. ‘’I’ll relax’’ Jiang Yanli says. ‘’I’m just too concerned about my little brother’’ she says, with her broken voice while looking at the ceiling. ‘’I’m… it isn’t fair, okay?’’ Jiang Yanli’s feline’s ears go done, her tail motionless somewhere hidden beneath the sheets. ‘’He’s alone when he needs me. He’s been needing us all this time but we cannot be there with him, it is truly unfair when he has been sacrificing himself all these years and we couldn’t be there in to make him feel supported’’ And then Jiang Yanli cannot fight her tears when she imagines her brother’s scared face. ‘’I… it is not fair’’

By the time Wei Wuxian wakes up, it was past ten in the morning. He still felt tired, confused, and sore, of course, his morning sickness did not let him rest properly, he barely has some minutes before finding himself vomiting what he didn’t have in the stomach yet; not a very nice way to wake up, if someone asks him.

                Nevertheless what it worried him more was the fact he woke up alone this time. There was no sign of Lan Wangji anywhere; he contemplated the idea of committing suicide for a while; he didn’t do anything, of course, he couldn’t do it yet. Slowly, with his shaking legs, the bunny proceeded to use some mouthwash to get rid of the taste.

                He stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, wondering what he should do next, if he waits here for the tiger or goes looking for him, the answer is obvious, he’s too anxious to sit down and dutifully wait for Lan Wangji to come in back to the room. Come on, he’ll probably eat his own tail before that happens.

                It is comfortable here though; Wei Wuxian notices the clothes he’s wearing are not his, however, he inspects himself and notices that Lan Wangji did not touch him at all. He’s… he knows when people rapes him while he’s asleep, and this time it did not happen; the shirt still smells as Wangji, which makes him feel protected for a second.

                Wei Wuxian’s head is messed up, he’s aware of it but can’t help but imagine a fake, perfect world where he’s just wearing his boyfriend’s clothes after a gentle night of lovemaking. In that world, his boyfriend is not a criminal but a businessman, and Wei Wuxian is not a whore but a painter, and Jiang Yanli is happily married to a good man who treats her like the queen she was. Jiang Cheng is a successful businessman too, always traveling around the world, making whatever businessmen’s do, Jiang Cheng is free and happy.

                And Wei Wuxian is pregnant for the first time, feeling happy about the idea of having kittens with his boyfriend, maybe planning a wedding before he reaches the second trimester because his boyfriend, this imaginary Lan Wangji, is a nice man who loves him deeply, who actually sees him as a person with whom he’ll loved to spend the rest of his life with.

                Wei Wuxian even smiles dumbly about the idea. He… that’s a nice, fictional world, wasn’t it? But the truth was completely different, and as much as it calmed him thinking in those fictional alternatives, he needed to return back to life; with a breathy sob, Wei Wuxian forces himself to walk to the door and look for Wangji. They needed to speak about this, now.

Lan Xichen has no idea of what the hell is going on with his brother. Last night he came home carrying his… lover? Sexual worker? Friend? At this point, he doesn’t know what else to think. He grew up with his little brother closely, but Wangji hardly lets him get in his life beyond the necessary. He cannot tell if Wangji was, perhaps, in love with this Wei something?

                He doesn’t like the idea, they do not know him, he doesn’t know if that man is playing with his brother, or if he’s only with him because of the money or power; it doesn’t let Lan Xichen feel comfortable with the entire situation, that bunny was taking too many liberties with his family.

                The situation could turn dangerous if they didn’t control it soon. Of course, he’s happy that his brother was… happy? He can’t tell for sure if Lan Wangji was happy, to his perspective Lan Wangji looked more obsessive and possessive than anything else, he was not precisely enjoying this new romance.

                He smiled less, spend more time out of home. When he was around them, he seemed daydreaming, or simply rejected their company. This relationship wasn’t doing him any good, and if he could, Lan Xichen might have already given the order of sending the bunny away, however, Lan Xichen perfectly knew that if anything happened to the bunny, for ridiculously that it could be, it would have severe consequences.

                And Lan Xichen loved Lan Wangji too much for risking earning his hate; there is only one thing he could do but being there in case Lan Wangji needed guidance or advice. He would put an extra vigilant eye over the bunny. He’s aware that the poor man is not a bad person, maybe just greedy as a result of the circumstances he’s been lived under, he really hoped he won’t have to come to some… drastic measures.

                Speaking of the devil… He sees the heart of his worries peeking from the door. ‘’Oh…! Sorry, wrong door’’ Lan Xichen smiles politely, rather fake but still courteous. ‘’I was looking for Lan Zhan. Have you seen him?’’ Too much familiarity, he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t let it show it.

                ‘’No, he left last night after he brought you here’’ The only good thing Lan Xichen appreciated from this entire situation, was that his brother hadn’t neglected his work and duties. In that aspect he’s very responsible and still trustworthy, he seemed to know how to separate business and… personal matters. Lan Xichen refused to call it love. ‘’Do you wish to go back to your apartment? I can arrange you a driver immediately.’’ Wangji wouldn’t appreciate coming back home and find his favorite sexual worker gone but well, Lan Xichen couldn’t have him walking around their home, his uncle wouldn’t like it, and anything related to Lan Qiren’s happiness and safety was Lan Xichen’s priority.

                ‘’…Thank you for the offer but I think I’ll wait for him’’ Lan Xichen didn’t like being disobeyed but this time he couldn’t do much, he was not his.

                ‘’Okay, but make sure to wait for him at his room, don’t let anyone know you are here’’ and Wei Wuxian know why he cannot be seen. Society has always been like this. They love fucking him at night but when sunlight comes back, he’s just a perv who seduces innocent man that he pushes them to sin and steal their money in the process; they are harsh with people like Wei Wuxian, but they never mention the people who use their services.

                ‘’Yeah, okay, I’ll be very discreet’’ Wei Wuxian says in a small voice, Lan Xichen feels again this uneasy sting somewhere in his heart, as if he has done something shameful or just cruel, and keep in mind he has coldly commanded the deaths of dozens of men.

                ‘’…I’ll ask them to bring you some breakfast’’ It’s the only thing the can think of.

                ‘’Thank you’’ he’s not hungry at all but he’ll only hurt the baby if he starves himself as if he hadn’t cause enough damage already. God, what was he thinking? Consuming all that shit? Wei Wuxian looks away, ashamed of himself, if he had known… he’d have taken better care of himself.

                Wei Wuxian wanted babies when he was a child, he was so young when that innocent thought came to his mind, he wanted children so he could have more playmates for him and Jiang Cheng; however, having babies now have an entire different meaning.

                He hardly survives taking care of his siblings, paying medical bills and lawyers; he couldn’t bring a baby right now, as much as the idea tricks him. He… he’d love the idea of being a father, if this child was born out of love; which is not the case, but then… why… why is he pregnant? Lan Wangji doesn’t love him, and Wei Wuxian doesn’t love Lan Wangji but the idea he has created of him, he’s in love with the man he invented and told his siblings about, because that non-existing man loves Wei Wuxian despite who he was.

                It doesn’t matter what he wants though, he’ll do what Lan Wangji tells him. He needs to keep him happy and content, and he knows that men like Lan Wangji aren’t the family type, quite the opposite, he was the kind of men who destroys other families, he’s sure he won’t like at all the idea of him being pregnant, he is not paying Wei Wuxian to give him a child.

                However, Wei Wuxian admits that having Lan Wangji’s baby may give him some… privileges; he hates himself a little more for thinking like that, all selfishly; but he needs to be realistic, Wei Wuxian cannot compete with an entire harem, he’s doing his best but it isn’t not enough, a child may give him some advantage against them.

                A child may save him but also it could make everything worse. He doesn’t know what exactly Lan Wangji thinks about a baby, if he needs an heir or if he’s going to kill Wei Wuxian to avoid any further problems despite telling him he wouldn’t hurt him, and respect whatever decision Wei Wuxian may want to take.

                He’s deep in thought thinking whether to interrupt the pregnancy now that he’s in time, or keep the baby and ensure his safety and place, regardless of how selfish it was. Wei Wuxian could play with his own life as it was worthless, however, when it came to innocent lives, it was a different matter. The thing is, Wei Wuxian is too busy thinking about what the hell is he going to do, still at the doorframe of Lan Xichen’s office, that he hasn’t realized his scent has reached Lan Xichen’s nose.

                The older tiger is frozen in his chair for the first minutes. He can smell the fertility coming from Wei Wuxian’s body, is like a forest in spring with blooming nature. Was he…?  No, it must be a mistake, certainly, his brother was not that reckless to the point of breeding the bunny, wasn’t he? Of course he wasn’t. Lan Wangji was a responsible man, all of his five senses well kept in their place. ‘’The rut’’ Lan Xichen says aloud unconsciously, looking at Wei Wuxian with something the bunny couldn’t figure out.

                Lan Xichen stands up so fast that startles Wei Wuxian and the poor bunny quickly turns around, ready to run away from any possible fight that he’s sure he wouldn’t be able to win. He barely has time to give a couple of hurried steps though. ‘’Ah! Sorry-sorry, didn’t see you!’’ Wei Wuxian holds his head, feeling dizzy while trying to help the person with whom he had collided with.

                They were both on the floor, kneeling between flying paper sheets all over the place. ‘’Running in the halls is forbidden!’’ Lan Qiren says, upset about the mess this nameless bunny had done.

Chapter Text

Chapter fifteen

For Wei Wuxian was a shock seeing a crane; some animals, such as cranes and phoenixes were considered as legend creatures around the world, every few ones were born between centuries; this crane was an old one, already showing some white treads of hair here and there. Still, very beautiful with his strict features. A creature born for grace and worshipping.

‘’I never…’’ Wei Wuxian babbles anxiously, the last thing he needs is pissing them off. These people were not to mess with. ‘’Sorry, let me help you with these, okay?’’ his hands are shaking, under the two severe pairs of eyes over him. ‘’I didn’t see you, it was not my intention’’ He keeps apologizing, picking up every paper sheet from the floor.

                ‘’…You just dropped my cooking recipes, it isn’t as if you have murdered my family’’ Lan Qiren says, still harsh but with a regretful feeling at the back of his mind.

                ‘’Still, I should have been more careful, forgive me’’ Lan Xichen sees the interaction between his beloved uncle and the other person who barely had a name thanks to Lan Wangji’s interest.

                ‘’He said it is okay. Please, return to your place’’ The soonest Wei Wuxian is out of their sight, the better: his uncle likes to know who are the people that comes to his home because after all, the Lan Mansion was Lan Qiren’s home first, he owned the right to know everyone there; Wei Wuxian was not a familiar face.

                Wei Wuxian doesn’t say anything more, he has done enough damage for a day, quickly he collects himself from the floor, giving a quick bow, avoiding any visual contact with the crane and the tiger. ‘’Why are you wearing my nephew’s teenager pajamas?’’ He may be old but not stupid, despite how much he was underestimated by his protective nephews.

                ‘’Uncle, please do not delay this gentleman from his duties, he’s already late enough’’ Lan Xichen remains calm despite the headache he started to feel, all because of the stupidity of his baby brother, did he let himself get tangled by this whore? Wei Wuxian looks down, intimidated by Lan Xichen’s disapproving stare.

                ‘’That’s Wangji’s pajamas’’ Lan Qiren insists. He doesn’t have the same powerful sense of smell like some other animals, however, he could smell something fishy going on here. Why was this man wearing Lan Wangji’s clothes? When his nephew barely let anyone get too close to him, an exception of the whores of his personal harem.

                ‘’Please, uncle, I believe you are exhausted enough for the day. Remember what the doctor said about your health’’ He keeps his polite tone, gently passing by Lan Qiren’s person and going straight to Wei Wuxian’s side. The bunny gives a step backward as soon as he watches the older Lan brother coming for him. He’s scary, Wei Wuxian doesn’t like him much, and he doesn’t like him anymore when the tiger caught his arm in his hand, letting his claws pressing against his skin lightly. And so Wei Wuxian is dragged away from the hall. Like he’s always dragged away from everywhere. Taken as a rag doll that people enjoy using for a while before getting bored. ‘’Make sure my uncle rests for the next following hours, in his private quarters.’’ Lan Xichen informs the first servant he sees. It was well known sometimes Lan Qiren’s health could get delicate, especially because of the distance he had from Wen Ruohan.

                Wei Wuxian tries to keep up with Lan Xichen’s pace, it is difficult, and he’s not feeling in his best shape after such rough days (decades). ‘’… Mr. Lan, I think…’’ Wei Wuxian speaks up for the first time, not exactly shyly but fearful. ‘’Your claws…’’

                ‘’You don’t think a shit’’ Lan Xichen snaps, roughly pushing Wei Wuxian against the nearest wall. ‘’You are not paid to think, are you?’’ it is a low blow, every time he tries to move on, there is always someone who reminds him who he was. ‘’I have no idea of who you get my brother in this, but it is ending right now’’ Wei Wuxian opens his mouth but has no idea of what to say. He hasn’t even think clearly about what is he going to do with the thing that is growing inside of him.

                ‘’Lan Zhan said…’’ Lan Zhan-Lan Zhan-Lan Zhan is the only person that comes to his mind. Wei Wuxian’s savior in comparison to these people.

                ‘’I did not ask what he said! And don’t call him that! You are getting far too many privileges!’’ Even Lan Xichen once showed him some sympathy when he heard Wei Wuxian’s version of his life but now it was different. It makes him wrathful the mere thought of whatever was going in Wei Wuxian’s head. What was he planning to do with this pregnancy? Tying Lan Wangji to him? Stealing as much money as he could from the Lans? Exposing them to the world?

                Wei Wuxian’s lower lip trembles, he has to press his lips together, afraid of letting the knot of his throat win. He doesn’t want this. He’s tired of this lip, of people either pulling him or pushing him away as if he was an object. Of not having a minute of peace, a place to call home for its safety. ‘’It is not my fault’’ he promises. ‘’You… you brought me to your brother when he was in his rut, what it was supposed to happen?’’

                Lan Xichen wraps his hand around Wei Wuxian’s neck. He’s a tiger, a predator, he’s meant to be feared and certainly doesn’t like Wei Wuxian’s attitude. He hates not having the reason, however, he hated more when an inferior animal called him out. ‘’I wonder what my brother would say if he knew you were… offering your sexual service in the middle of an alley on broad light?’’ Again, he’s a predator, he cannot let anyone be over him, he’s the one who rules. ‘’do you still remember how much did you make by sucking someone off?’’

                Wei Wuxian’s aghast face almost made Lan Xichen stop; Wei Wuxian doesn’t know Lan Wangji. Doesn’t understand his reasons for refusing to let him go, for being nice to him; Lan Wangji’s was a mystery; however… if Lan Wangji knew what he was doing out there behind his back, when he already swore fidelity to him, he knows he would not like it. Not because of some silly jealously thing but more cause’ Lan Wangji doesn’t like sharing. ‘’I was hungry!’’ Wei Wuxian difficulty says through Lan Xichen’s tight hold. ‘’He didn’t let me have clients at the brothels, I needed to eat!’’

                Maybe he’s right, Lan Xichen’s hears his voice of reason but right now he’s overtaken by his wildest instincts, he isn’t thinking clearly, otherwise, he wouldn’t be choking a pregnant person, someone who was carrying his first nephew or niece; Lan Xichen doesn’t respond him, he rather takes him by the arm roughly and keeps dragging him away towards the exit. ‘’You are having an abortion today’’ Wei Wuxian is sweating cold, with nausea again, he’s dizzy and it starts getting difficult being on his feet when Lan Xichen is pulling him so roughly. ‘’Once the procedure is done, you are going to pack your things and get out of the city, I’ll give you enough money to start your life somewhere else but if I know you are back, I’ll have no mercy this time’’

                ‘’I can’t go’’ Wei Wuxian would never abandon this city. No matter how shitty it was. He’ll never leave his sister and brother behind. Never; he tries to explain this but Lan Xichen’s touches only got angrier by his disobedience.

                Wei Wuxian asks himself what he had done wrong this time. What is he doing wrong again? Why does he keep having this treatment in exchange? He doesn’t get it! When he has ever said something mean or acted discourteously towards Lan Zhan’s brother? He more than anyone knew how sacred a sibling could be! ‘’It is not a suggestion!’’ Lan Xichen pushes him one more time to two of his men, who were speechless about Lan Xichen’s sudden outburst. He was out of his mind, and it was evidently by the way he was treated one of the private sex workers they owned. No matter what they did, they have never shown an attitude like this one, to anyone in general.

                ‘’Sir!’’ Wei Wuxian sobs in relief when he sees the protective figure of Su She at the distance; usually he was either Lan Wangji’s shadow or Lan Wangji eyes at wherever place Wangji needed him, however, probably doing some of his routines when Lan Wangji did not need him to help in a direct matter with the mob; Wei Wuxian takes his opportunity as soon as he’s given the chance.

                Su She straightens himself when the bunny runs to hide behind him. If something has characterized him from the beginning, was one of his mother’s rules: never hurt innocent people. If Su She stayed there and without doing anything to protect an innocent person, it would be the same as hurting him directly. ‘’Su She, move’’ Lan Xichen says, getting more and more impatient. ‘’Let them take him to the clinic’’ Su She had no idea of what was happening, honestly, he didn’t need to know about it, he needed to act. ‘’I said move…’’ Lan Xichen repeated, threateningly.

                ‘’…Apologies, sir’’ Su She bowed respectfully to one of his masters. ‘’I… I only received direct orders from Lan Wangji I’m afraid’’ and one of those orders was protecting Wei Wuxian, from any possible danger.

                This only increases Lan Xichen’s anger. Lan Xichen, who has always been known for a relaxed temper. Su She knows things are about to get ugly. He doesn’t wish to fight one of his master; Wei Wuxian’s fertile, bred scent is in the air, spreading itself thanks to the fear his feeling. Su She curses again in his mind. Well, he believes now he understands so far what is happening. It won’t be nice. ‘’He’s gonna kill me, isn’t he?’’ He hears Wei Wuxian’s terrified tone in the middle of the tense ambiance. ‘’I don’t wanna die! I’m pregnant because of him! He gifted me to Lan Zhan in the middle of his rut!’’

                ‘’He’s not killing you’’ Su She says in a worried tone. He’s probably killing me first.

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji had been close since their childhood days; when their parents died they were taken under Lan Qiren’s strict but loving care, despite what the world think of the oldest man: a crane raising a pair of tigers? Such a ridiculous thing! For years Lan Qiren was the laughingstock of the rest of the world.

                That until Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji started giving their first roars, then it suddenly felt as funny as before, Lan Qiren was seen differently, especially when it was public knowledge the things Lan Wangji did to any enemy of the Lans; they were close, obviously the two brothers. Their uncle was a person they would treasure to the end of their days, but Lan Qiren in the end would always be different.

                Or so Lan Xichen thought. Again, their relationship was a close one but these two were very different, they saw the world with other eyes, thought differently of the same subjects, and view the people around them in their own individuals' ways. Lan Xichen saw Lan Qiren as an old person who should be taken care of but not necessarily listed at. He may be a legendary creature, but tigers were on top of the chain, as more powerful predators; on the other hand, Lan Wangji saw Lan Qiren as a paternal figure, someone who deserved respect and protection, he saw innocence but not stupidity.

                For Lan Xichen, respect was reserved for certain people, under specific circumstances. He’ll never hurt women and children during a crossfire, it was forbidden to his people hurting them; he was more powerful, right? He was being merciful with the less fortunate ones, as he was merciful to Wei Wuxian once; not because he thought Wei Wuxian belonged to the last two categories but because of how generous he was.

                To Lan Wangji, the less fortunate ones were people like Wei Wuxian and his family, and before him, Lan Wangji had known people in similar conditions, however, he had never fallen in love with any of them. Lan Xichen chose the throne and the crown, Lan Wangji decided to pick up the sword and fight on the battlefield.

                It was what it was for the reason they chose, no one was more powerful than the other one. Lan Xichen did not force Lan Wangji to be the one doing the dirty work, and his brother did not think Lan Xichen was stronger and that was why he should lead them. Both of them were comfortable with their roles and lives. He was good at leading, he was good at killing. Lan Xichen likes commanding. Lan Wangji likes slaying.

                Lan Xichen’s mistake was not realizing how dangerous Lan Wangji when furious, especially if that anger was directed towards him. ‘’What… are you doing?’’ He came home to find Wei Wuxian’s trembling form behind Su She’s body, using him as a shield, a distressed expression on his battered face, white bunny ears withered as a pair of dying flowers. His bodyguard (and friend) with his dark brown ears raised and tense tail, ready to attack whoever came near them, Lan Wangji’s brother included.

                His brother doesn’t seem to like his presence, quite the opposite: Lan Xichen was thinking he could get rid of that bunny before Lan Wangji was home. He wouldn’t tell him where he sent him but hope he could understand his motives later: Lan Wangji could not have the first heir of the family with a whore, maybe with someone from the harem, yes, but not with a street-whore, someone who was not a predator as them. ‘’He’s going’’ He pointed at Wei Wuxian. ‘’You are sending him away once the doctor remove the… product that is growing inside of him’’  Su She closes his eyes

                His selection of words is beyond poorly, Lan Wangji doesn’t take it well, and it is clear for the way his pupils start dilating in wrath. ‘’that is not your choice to take. That’s not even my choice’’ Lan Wangji says, as if Lan Xichen were stupid. ‘’And whatever he decides, I’ll respect that, and I’ll make sure everyone respects that’’ Wei Wuxian can feel his heart beating wildly for Lan Zhan’s supportive words, not in the place he expected though. Not that it mattered.

                ‘’You don’t seem to realize the severity of this business, neither my authority in this family’’ Lan Xichen said. They have always supported each other, see after each other’s back. There against the world. Why was Lan Wangji choosing another side now? On the side of a stranger who could not be part of the pack, Wei Wuxian was not a hunter.

                Lan Wangji decides to ignore his brother. He doesn’t want to listen at him, or discuss these matters with him. Why would he? He was not going to put his life in danger while giving birth, either him, this was entirely up to Wei Wuxian’s decision. Speaking of the bunny, he makes visual contact to him, he can see the stress under his eyes, his uncombed, dull hair, and the mark of a pair of claws around his neck. Bewildered and fuming, he turns to see at his brother. ‘’You did not…’’ Their organization has always avoided hurting harmless people, and there wasn’t anything more harmless than a bunny, a pregnant one. 

                Okay. Lan Xichen thinks it is fair when his brother pounces at him. He shouldn’t have done anything to Wei Wuxian but saying offensive words, getting physical was his mistake, the ethics (as incredible as it sounded) were not messing with people who could not fight back. Both brothers are on their nerves. Lan Wangji was not attacking at killing but it was far from their friendly fights during his childhood. ‘’Yeah, you are going inside the car’’ Su She says, seeing the mess in front of him, Wei Wuxian shakes his head, he could not let the sire of his kittens get in a fight with a bigger tiger! ‘’There is nothing you can do but stay in a safe place!’’ Su She raises his voice considerably, enough for Wei Wuxian to hide  in the car by his own will.

                ‘’Stop it!’’ Lan Xichen yells. He doesn’t want to fight him, they are family for God’s sake! Everything was going to hell for what? Decades working together for what? A simple bunny? ‘’I said stop it, right now!’’ But Lan Zhan is about to tear out his throat. He’s still not able to process what he has done to Wei Wuxian in his state because oh dear! Lan Zhan knows his brother was aware of it, and he dared…!

                ‘’Lan Zhan! Lan Huan!’’ Both tigers grunt at the cold water being thrown at them thanks to Lan Qiren. He’s surrounded by several of the servants of their home, they look quite fearful of what they had done to their masters. ‘’What is the meaning of this embarrassing spectacle!’’ As if! Lan Qiren has raised them under the most delicate manners and strict education ever! ‘’Rolling over each other on the dirt like a pair of… animals!’’ Finally, the voice of someone who could calm him down in the worst of the scenarios. Lan Wangji gets off from his brother, still looking furious. ‘’Shame on you!’’ Lan Qiren continuous, his cheeks tainted in a dark red shade. ‘’Explain yourselves immediately!’’ Lan Xichen tends to forget how his uncle gets when angry.

                ‘’…Come on, tell him’’ Lan Xichen says, sitting down, holding his throat, he has a deep cut made by Lan Wangji’s claws, just a vengeful courtesy.  ‘’Tell him that you are going to have a baby with a whore you found in a brothel!’’ Lan Qiren’s face goes pale, looking speechless.

                ‘’What? Lan Zhan…!’’

                ‘’He is not a whore!’’ Lan Zhan practically yells, looking ready to attack again. ‘’Next time you call him that and I’ll feed my children with your liver!’’ Half of Lan Wangji’s face is also bleeding profusely for the scratches Lan Xichen left in his face, purposely avoiding hurting his eyes.

                ‘’I can’t believe you are changing our family because of someone you met just months ago! He doesn’t love you, Wangji! Once you are out of money he’ll go and find someone else who can keep financing him! You are not special to him!’’

                ‘’You know nothing!’’ Lan Zhan says. He knows that. Wei Wuxian is not greedy, he’s not like his sex workers from the harem; however, he’s aware that Wei Wuxian was with him for the money. He was not taking it for himself exclusively; he was trying to survive in this wrecked world. If Lan Zhan were poor, would even Wei Wuxian notice him? That is something he doesn’t know, something he doesn’t want to discover. ‘’That isn’t your problem in any case!’’

                ‘’It is! I can’t let you bring a snake here!’’ Lan Qiren wants to slap Lan Xichen for a brief moment: they brought a snake nest to his home, long time ago, they called it a harem. ‘’It is dangerous, Wangji, do not know him, you don’t know if he’s going to betray you!’’

                ‘’He would never’’ Lan Wangji finds himself saying genuinely, with a certainty that almost surprise him. ‘’He doesn’t love me but he’s loyal to me’’ after all, Wei Wuxian was pregnant, thanks to him.

                ‘’Money makes people loyal, just wait until you get poor’’

                ‘’I’m never going to be poor’’ and the day he does, he’ll kill as many people as possible to have his money and inheritance back; Lan Xichen lets out a sardonic laughter.

                ‘’Fine then, go, leave us’’ Lan Xichen says, little bitter after his laugh has died and Lan Wangji seemed in the same posture. ‘’Leave your family’’ Wei Wuxian was family. ‘’I don’t want to see you again’’ Lan Xichen does not mean his words, even when he says them, he’s pretty sure that it hurts him terribly. He loves his brother despite everything. ‘’You are not part of the Lan family anymore’’

                Lan Zhan comes closer to his brother, head held high. ‘’As long as I am alive, I’ll always be a Lan’’ He says. ‘’Everything that our parents left us is mine as much as is yours’’ Lan Xichen knows it, he would never take anything left by them from his brother, it was meant for both of them. ‘’Do not forget that’’

                Lan Xichen would love to say something else; to his luck, he started feeling dizzy, thanks to the loss of blood; Lan Qiren immediately orders his people to bring him inside to his doctors; when he makes sure his oldest nephew won’t bleed out, he already has lost his chance and cannot speak to Wangji again, he’s getting in his car, probably feeling the same symptoms as his bleeding brother.

                He doesn’t have a chance to tell him that this time no matter who the other progenitor was due to it will have Lan Wangji’s blood, Lan’s blood. He isn’t happy by any means but he wouldn’t deny Wei Wuxian’s child entrance into the family. He misses that opportunity, and as Lan Xichen is taken back home, the only thing he can see is that man wearing Lan Zhan’s old-teenage-pajamas, hugging Lan Wangji’s neck as Su She drives them away from the Main Lan Home.

‘’Lan Zhan’’ Wei Wuxian says in a broken tone. He just… His tiger has chosen, he has seen Wei Wuxian and an unborn baby(ies) that will probably die in his belly due to the lack of proper care, than his family. ‘’Oh! Lan Zhan, what have you done?’’ He says, crying against his neck, Lan Zhan’s arm goes around his shoulder lazily.

                Lan Zhan wants to regret his choices. Wants to feel the fear after doing something stupid and reckless but that feeling never comes; he decides to leave a bloody kiss on top of Wei Wuxian’s head. ‘’I want you’’ Love is a strange word that doesn’t completely fit with Lan Wangji’s feelings yet. ‘’I told you, I’ll protect you’’ Wei Wuxian hugs him tighter. His tiger… was no longer a client.

                ‘’I-can… I’m so sorry’’ But Wei Wuxian felt relieved. ‘’Thank you so much, Lan Zhan, I’ll never forget this’’ He’ll be by his side until Lan Zhan said otherwise. Until then, Wei Wuxian will be Lan Zhan’s lover, partner, husband, and friend. Whatever Lan Zhan chooses.

Chapter Text

Chapter sixteen

‘’What you mean they fight?’’ Mian-Mian had the bad luck of being absent during the altercate between their bosses. ‘’Like… arguing, perhaps?’’ Mian-Mian knows how well Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji treat each other. They were brothers above associates. In all her years of working with them, she has never witnessed even a bad word towards each other. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

                ‘’Fighting like Wangji ripping his brother's throat, and as Lan Xichen completely scratching Wangji’s face’’ Su She says with a sigh. It was… unexpected, wild, scary even, unable to do anything but watch. He was fiercely loyal to Wangji but he knew he couldn’t even stand a chance against Lan Xichen, it would be suicidal!

                ‘’I cannot believe you. At all. You must be either drunk or dreaming, that can’t be truth’’ She currently was taking care of one of their many warehouses, she wished to go home immediately. ‘’Let’s go for dinner, I want you to tell me everything’’

                ‘’I don’t think I can leave yet’’ Su She says, giving a glance to the Lan’s old home. ‘’I’m at the old farmstead right now, I don’t want to leave them just yet’’ Lan Wangji was sleeping, Wei Wuxian had not left his side since they were brought here, and… it just doesn’t feel right leaving them alone. He wants to say he knows Lan Xichen but after today… what could guarantee he will not try to do something else? In any case, he works exclusively to Lan Wangji, and he will make sure he and his… official boyfriend? Were safe.

                ‘’Leave them?’’ Mian-Mian did not like the sound of that. ‘’What do you mean by leaving them?’’

                ‘’I meant what I said. This got serious, Mian-Mian. I mean it. He openly fought his older for him, I’ll think my words about him twice from now on if I were you’’

A doctor has seen their injuries; it will leave scars, Wei Wuxian thinks that is such a crime, Lan Wangji was so handsome, he keeps saying in his mind as he stares at his tiger, they are both tucked in bed. He closes his eyes, hugging Lan Wangji’s waist, as he puts an arm around Wei Wuxian’s shoulders.           

                Today… today Lan Zhan has done something that Wei Wuxian would never forget, even if he tried. Lan Zhan defended him from his brother, he challenged Lan Xichen openly by what he did to him. And… Wei Wuxian cannot believe it yet! This is like the dreams he had of Lan Zhan. Maybe, and only maybe, Lan Zhan was… interested in him?

                It was a possibility, though it could only be because of his state. He is not sure, he doesn’t want to know though. He wants to believe he’s loved, regardless if he could give Lan Zhan a child or not. Still, he doesn’t know where he’s at with Lan Zhan right now but he’s feeling adventurous, he wants to take the risk to discover it.

                It almost hurt him when he’s forced to leaven Lan Zhan’s side on the bed, he needed to pee; gently, he unwraps himself from Lan Wangji’s grasp, the tiger opens his eyes immediately, by instinct grasping Wei Wuxian’s wrist, fearing someone could hurt him while he was away. ‘’Apologies’’ He says, still half asleep.

                ‘’Oh, no, no. It’s okay, I was only going to the bathroom’’ Wei Wuxian explains with an awkward expression. He… well, he doesn’t know how to act yet, or what they are exactly, though he knows he is not a whore for Lan Wangji right now. He’ll carry and give birth to his children, Wei Wuxian wishes that will give him a permanent status in Lan Wangji’s life.

                Lan Wangji doesn’t say anything else, he just cups Wei Wuxian’s cheek. Ah! Life has hit him so hard, without leaving him a moment to breathe. Lan Wangji sees the pink acid stains in his face and neck, old scars, the sadness, the vestiges of violence… his features infected of grief, pain, and sorrow; the pale skin looking dry. ‘’You are so pretty’’ Lan Zhan found himself saying, perhaps still under the sedative effects of the medicine.

He doesn’t remember last time he was called pretty with such innocence and sweetness; maybe his mother called him pretty? Ah! No, no, that was far too long ago! He couldn’t even remember her face now, definitely not her voice as well; last option he can think of is his sister. One of the two people that makes Wei Wuxian feel safe and sound; with some luck maybe there would be three people, a very small number.

Wei Wuxian can’t help but duck his face, hiding his face against Lan Wangji’s neck, very carefully, avoiding touching unnecessarily wounds. Whatever happens tomorrow can wait, the only thing he wants to know was to properly found some peace for the first time in years; as he snoozes off, Lan Wangji’s tail gets tangle against his wrist.

Despite the injuries, Lan Wangji wakes up a few hours later, Wei Wuxian cuddling next to him. He calms down while hearing him resting so peacefully; gently he rubs the tip of one of his bunny ears between his fingertips.

                He should leave him in bed for a few hours more, shouldn’t he? He still hasn’t rest properly, especially not after what his brother did. Only thinking back on Lan Xichen’s actions makes him get angry again. How dare he? How could he have the heart to hurt a pregnant person? Lan Wangji’s bunny to be precise.

                Lan Xichen was going to be an uncle, probably, if they could beat the possibilities of a miscarriage. He can’t still understand his brother’s fury. Lan Wangji looks at Wei Wuxian and there is only tenderness to be found, among other feelings that he won’t speak of, not tonight. Whatever reasons Lan Xichen had to hurt his bunny, Lan Wangji won’t forget it.

                He can forgive many things, especially to Lan Xichen, his big brother, one of the members of his tiny family, for years Lan Xichen represented an important figure for him, big brother, his hero, the person he always wants to make sure he was proud of; he takes a look at Wei Wuxian bandage neck, and sadly, the only thing he founds is anger and disappointment.

                Against Lan Xichen and to himself if he’s honest. Wei Wuxian was supposed to be safe at the mansion, it seems that Lan Wangji was too stupid, and on his oversight, Wei Wuxian got hurt, under the promise of protection from him. He could not let this slide; carefully, he sneaks a hand to Wei Wuxian’s belly.

                There… Lan Wangji put some babies there. Lan Wangji’s seed was flourishing inside of Wei Wuxian’s womb. He still has some problems processing it. In just a few months Wei Wuxian’s belly will be all big and round; of course, this is Wei Wuxian’s body felt safe enough to continue; if Lan Wangji fails him again...

                He pulls him to his arms, drinking in as much of his natural perfume as he could; his hands going beneath his clothes, just feeling the warmth of Wei Wuxian’s skin. As he had him in his arms, the only Lan Wangji could think of, was that he could give his back to the rest of the world, as long as he had Wei Wuxian with him. Is that how love supposed to felt like? Lan Wangji did not know though he did not care. Love seemed tasteless in comparison of what Wei Wuxian was giving him.  

Mian-Mian carefully gave some steps backward, silently. It happened, then. Su She’s words were true after all. He sees him at the end of the hall waiting for her with crossed arms. Su She had some brains to not come near that room unless he was called at, his boss would not appreciate at all to have another male around his pregnant mate.

‘’I thought you were joking’’ She said, still shocked. ‘’But… ‘’ She gives a couple of deep breaths. ‘’Okay’’

‘’Well, thanks for letting me know I’m trustworthy Mian-Mian makes a face at him, she could feel the beginning of a migraine right. ‘’They look cute though’’ He says, sincerely.

‘’Could you stop saying shit for like five seconds? We need to think in a solution!’’

‘’A solution for what? They looked happy, pregnant, how could find a solution for that? Is not even our problem to deal with’’

Mian-Mian looks at him as she was looking at a stranger. ‘’You haven’t realize the severity of this situation, have you?’’ Su She only raises an eyebrow. ‘’We worked for the Lans. That means Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji. Both of them, not individually’’

‘’I work for Lan Wangji’’ Su She clarifies. ‘’I respect Lan Xichen’’

‘’Half of our men are with Lan Wangji’’ it is obvious why. Lan Wangji has always been out there, doing the dirty work, exposing himself in pure danger without second thoughts. Killing, sending messages but also protecting them. Half of that money is thanks to him and his ferocity. ‘’The other half will be with Lan Xichen’’ Because Lan Xichen was the brains, he took the money and duplicate it, make it last, make worth.

‘’… they are brothers’’ Su She then finally appears to see the whole picture. ‘’They wouldn’t…’’

‘’They just fought over a streetwhore, what makes you believe they would not fight over the business?’’ Su She’s face hardens at the comment, Mian-Mian does not say anything about it. Fine, she should be more careful now, she didn’t mean it, she’s just too worried about what is going to happen next with the Lans.

Su She wanted to say that family was family over everything but he couldn’t say anything like that anymore. Lan Xichen crossed a line that Lan Wangji was not forgiving; it represented a big change for their lives, on the business, on the future of the city. ‘’Lan Wangji picked me up from the streets, he offered me a place to be, a job to do’’ Su She says, very sure of his words. ‘’I’ won’t  hear any order that is not coming from him’’ Su She warns her from the very beginning. ‘’I’ll do what he tells me to do, even if that means going against Lan Xichen’’

‘’He wouldn’t just kill his brother! They… they are just in a very heated posture right now. They will fight again, make a few massacres, much of a mess that you and I will end up cleaning up for them but that’s all’’ or so she wants to think.

‘’He almost torn Lan Xichen’s throat’’ He says, seriously. ‘’I was there when everything happened. Lan Xichen still have some time to restrain himself from hurting Lan Wangji’s eyes but he was even more furious, he could have killed him if he wanted to’’

‘’but he didn’t, didn’t he? Both are alive, we still have a chance to fix this’’

‘’How are we fixing this?’’ Su She felt considerably exasperated. ‘’We are not fixing anything, Mian-Mian’’ in this war they were soldiers, not generals. ‘’Like I said before, I’m with Wangji, I’ll proceed as he tells me to do so’’

‘’Is this a threat?’’ She was Lan Wangji’s friend too but she worked for the Lan family itself.

Su She sighs. ‘’No, it is not’’

‘’Are you leaving me alone in this then? Do I need to fix this all by myself?’’

‘’What I’m trying to say, is that you and me cannot fix anything. If you can talk to the Boss, then do it in the next few days. Tell him about the future of his children if he gets too stubborn’’

‘’Can’t believe that…’’ Mian-Mian has a hard time keeping away the word whore out of her mouth. She still couldn’t believe Wei Wuxian did what he did after all Mian-Mian tell him not to do. She should have killed him when she had the chance. ‘’Anyway… yes, that may work’’ That was perhaps one of Lan Wangji’s nightmares. Not fighting against his brother but having away on the city.

It would only mean that both his whore and bastards will never find a place to be at without the threat of Lan Xichen cleaning the Lan’s name with their blood, which he had all the right to do so. That’s something Lan Wangji wouldn’t want, the city itself was already dangerous enough, a war will only mean an intervention from other sectors of the country as well.

In any case, as Mian-Mian and Su She keeps discussing in hushed tones on the halls, Wei Wuxian opens the door warily, giving a peek from the doorframe; he sees two figures talking at the end of the hall, one of them is Su She and the other one is that lady he met during the next day after he met Lan Wangji.

He doesn’t want to be near her, she tends to be cruel, and Wei Wuxian is not having enough emotional strength right now to deal with another person who hates him for motives that he doesn’t understand. So he quietly walks along the hall, keeping his eyes on the ground, avoiding any unnecessary attention. ‘’Mr. Wei, good morning’’ Su She immediately straightens his posture, and pinches Mian-Main’s arm when she appears to refuse to do the same. ‘’Do you need help?’’ He shouldn’t be out here in the first place but recovering next to Lan Wangji.

‘’…Could you tell me where is the kitchen, please?’’ He asks in a low tone to Su She.

‘’Of course, I’ll take you there but… are you hungry? If that’s the case I can send you food to your room Mr. Wei, you shouldn’t be doing any efforts’’

‘’It’s okay. I’ll like to make something for Lan Zhan by the time he wakes up’’

‘’How thoughtful. Please, follow me, I’ll take you there personally’’ And Wei Wuxian smiles garatefully. He likes Su She, he has always been respectful towards him. Mian-Mian presence makes him a little nervous still, when he sees her following as well, Wei Wuxian can’t help but bit his inner cheek. ‘’I believe there is always some fresh ingredients left in case there is an unexpected visit’’

‘’That’s nice, I won’t be needing much’’ He is not exactly a great chef, that was his siter, however Wei Wuxian admits he can make something decent every now and then, today he wishes is one of those days.

It has been a long time since he cooked meat. That occasions were for his siblings, he can’t help but feel worried about it, especially when he has Miss Luo’s eyes over him, watching every movement. ‘’What do you have in mind for breakfast?’’ Su She questions gently despite being passed afternoon.

‘’Something simple’’ He says, there wasn’t much to work with. The Lan’s farm was an abandoned property, build by Lan Wangji’s father for his wife, since she was an admirer of nature. She always enjoyed some quietness after the being so much time in the loudly city.  ‘’doctor said Lan Zhan should eat something once he wakes up’’ the bunny says.

‘’How caring of you’’ Mian-Mian says, taking a seat. Su She gives her a dirty look. She should start being more respectful, Lan Wangji may be their friend but he would not take kindly any disrespect against the future father of his children. ‘’What? I just say a honest statement, didn’t I? Mr. Wei?’’

Wei Wuxian has no idea of what else to say, it was clear that he wasn’t welcome, neither with Lan Wangji’s relatives or his friends, Su She only exception. And he gets that, he’s perfectly aware of the aversion Lan Xichen and Mian-Mian had for him, about how is he viewed. Honestly, he does think he is not enough for Lan Wangji, he does not feel worthy of bring his children, of bringing any children at all to this world.

He’s… tainted. He’s a piece of filth and grime. He does understand the disgust they feel when they see him. Wei Wuxian feels the same disgust every time he looks at the mirror. He hates himself as much these people hates him, for the same reasons. If this baby is born, he doesn’t know how is he going to look at him without feeling shame.

‘’Is he okay?’’ Mian-Mian asks, slightly concerned when Wei Wuxian stares at the empty pan on the stove, dead, gray eyes showing nothing but hollowness. He shouldn’t be having any babies, he thinks. That’s… that’s something meant for good people. Wei Wuxian was not that, he believes he’s the exact thing people has been calling as for decades.

What would that baby think of Wei Wuxian when gets older enough to understand how the works? Would they be ashamed of being the son of a whore? A whore so used, passed around half the city, used by old, stinky men and women since he was, what? Eleven? What respect could they possible have for him?

He could… maybe he could come to the end of the pregnancy and then end everything, under the excuse of postpartum depression. Wei Wuxian cannot imagine what his child’s friends would think of him if someone ever send them one of the hundrends of videos Wei Wuxian was forced to make. When he was drugged, when he was councious. When he… No.

Su She sees a lonely tear running the bunny’s cheek, still having this inexpressive look on his face. Mian-Mian tells him in a silent way that she did not do anything beyond a sarcastic comment that was not even hurtful. ‘’Hahaha!’’ Wei Wuxian laughs, weeping off the tear. ‘’Sorry, the onions!’’ Anyway! It is too late for any regrets, Lan Wangji wanted a baby, if this one died, he’ll look again for the seed.

It occurs almost a week before Jiang Yanli finally has the chance to see her little brother; Wen Ning breathes out with relief as soon as he sees him. ‘’Hello…’’ he says, shyly, looking down, reddened cheeks.

Jiang Yanli, who has feeling much better than ever, still doesn’t seem to have enough strength to get up from her bed by herself just yet, though she makes such an effort in her desperation to hug her sibling and see for herself that he was in perfect condition. ‘’No, no, it’s okay, I’ll go with you, no need to get up’’ immediately he runs to her side, gently pushing her back to the bed, Jiang Yanli stretches her trembling arms and cups Wei Wuxian’s cheeks.

Wei Wuxian wants to hide somewhere again but this time Lan Wangji was nowhere to be seen. He could not hide from Jiang Yanli’s painfully stare. How didn’t she know it before? If the fertile scent was there all the time? Wei Wuxian was there all the time just next to her, reeking of sex. In her defense, her sense of smell was definitely not the same nowadays, she could barely detect any smells but now what she knows what she’s looking for, she can find it, weakly. ‘’Could you leave us for a few moments, please?’’ She says quietly to Wen Ning, never leaving her eyes from Wei Wuxian’s face.

‘’Anything you need, please free feel to call me’’ It is the only thing Wen Ning could say in these cases, giving a polite bow before abandoning the room, giving the siblings the privacy they deserve. It is both a relief and torture to be left alone to confront his sister about what is happening in his body right now.

‘’A-Xian’’ She calls, softly and caring, the last thing she wants is to make her brother feel judged or alone. ‘’Tell me about it, please’’ She may be a useless burden here on her dying deathbed but she tries to give her brother some support. ‘’How it happened? Are you going to… continue? Who… who is the other father?’’

Wei Wuxian lets out a shaky sigh, closing his eyes, his long lashes getting wet but not quite tears yet. Jiang Yanli doesn’t have a good feeling out of this. It doesn’t appear it was a planned or desired pregnancy. ‘’I… well, you know, I have, uh… I have a boyfriend’’ he says, this time that lie felt more genuine. ‘’and we… we, sister…. You know what we did’’

‘’Did he force you?’’

‘’No, he didn’t’’ Wei Wuxian won’t speak or think about what happened in the past, under what circumstances the baby (or babies) in question were conceived. ‘’I… I think I’m going to keep it’’ for Wangji. For the tiny part of himself that screams the need of having a family, stability and some happiness, he doubts anybody else would ever consider him worthy enough to carry their child, he could not waste this golden opportunity. ‘’I never… ‘’ There is just so much to say and Wei Wuxian can’t find the correct words to begin with, Jiang Yanli gets a little impatient, she needed answers and the uncertainty was only making it worse. ‘’I never thought someone wanted to have a baby with me’’ Who would ever glance at Wei Wuxian and think something kind about him? ‘’I thought… I thought I was not worthy enough for carrying a baby’’ Wei Wuxian confesses, ashamed, with the knot in his throat killing him a little more.

‘’Don’t you ever say that!’’ Jiang Yanli immediately argues. She doesn’t raise her voice exactly but the tone she uses is the hardest she has ever used since she fell gravely ill. ‘’The world is not worthy of you, do you understand me?’’ And Wei Wuxian looks away, unable to face her despite his sister cups his cheeks. ‘’A-Xian, I have never met anyone so sweet and loving as you. You’ve sacrificed everything! From your freedom to your own safety for the sake of us! You didn’t have to…! You… we are not even sure if we are truly related by blood and you still…!’’

               ‘’I don’t care about that!’’ Wei Wuxian says, scandalized. ‘’I’ll always love you regardless of everything! You and Jiang Cheng are my family!’’ Blood or not for Wei Wuxian these two were his siblings. ‘’I’ll do it all over again, I don’t care!’’ Was he supposed to leave them defenseless and move on? He couldn’t…

                ‘’You say this, and how do you still you are worthless, A-Xian? Look at you, ready to fight the world even if they can kill you in the process’’ This time Jiang Yanli’s voice breaks, unable to pretend everything was alright. ‘’Everything nice that is happening to you, you deserve it, don’t doubt it!’’ Because Wei Wuxian needed to understand it. ‘’Do you want to have that baby?’’ Sheepishly, Wei Wuxian nods however there is still something else that he hasn’t say yet. Something that keeps him nervous and scared to tell. ‘’Does…A-Xian, does this man is treating you well? Is he going to be responsible for the baby as well?’’

                ‘’That’s up to me’’ Wei Wuxian says. ‘’He tells me to choose what I wanted to do, he’ll support me in my decisions’’ But the relief is not in his words, which only unsettles Jiang Yanli even more.

                ‘’Then, what’s the problem, A-Xian? Is he treating you well?’’ And Wei Wuxian does not know how to tell him the whole story.

                ‘’Sister, I lied to you’’ He says with such remorse, face drained of all color.

                ‘’Lied to me? About what?’’ Jiang Yanli… she’s terrified of what her little has been hiding from her. Was this Lan man a bad person after all? Was he…? Was he the nice gentleman Wei Wuxian told him about? what if…?

                ‘’He’s… he is good to me’’ He clarifies first, there is no way she will know about certain details. Jiang Yanli eventually would found out about what Lan Wangji and his family do for a living. He can’t keep her in the dark for much time. ‘’But he is… He is a businessman, okay? Just not… not a… legal one?’’

                ‘’A-Xian?’’ She calls him in that tone that says she’s incredible confused. ‘’Please, explain me. I do not understand’’ Wei Wuxian did not want to.

                ‘’He is… Sister, Lan Wangji is a criminal’’ He says, letting out a shaky breath. ‘’But I think he may love me’’ Wei Wuxian does not believe anyone else will want him in the same way Lan Wangji was doing. It was not love but it was close at. ‘’and… I want to love him’’

Chapter Text

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Their routine was still pretty awkward to be honest due to their relationship was purely sexual in the past however, they weren’t only them right now. Lan Wangji wakes up about five of the morning, sometimes even earlier; Wei Wuxian feels it is his duty to wake up with him, despite the protests of the tiger.

                But Wei Wuxian couldn’t keep himself in one place; he was never a person who could stay still, doing nothing, Wei Wuxian has always been a hard worker; so he makes sure the tiger eats something before heading for work, you know the saying, it is easier to murder and cut some fingers when you have a happy stomach.

                He likes watching him from the window as he leaves, walking like the predator he was in the middle of his kingdom. The danger he represented at some point make Wei Wuxian felt… safer. Once he disappears down the hill, Wei Wuxian returns to bed to sleep a few hours more, still feeling comfortable knowing that he was not completely vulnerable regardless of Lan Wangji’s absence, after all, Su She was always around the perimeter, much to Mian-Mian’s anger.

                This new home was very similar to the one he used to have, well, in its richer version; never luxurious enough to intimidate him. It felt familiar, the main house was a big one, not the size of a mansion. It was warm in the insides, meant to be inhabited by a family, to have children running around their halls.

                It also had an old barn, stables for horses, cows, and bulls, Wei Wuxian was not sure, he did not remember well, maybe there was even space for some goats and sheep; of course, it was also space for henhouses. This kind of places suits him perfectly, far from the noise of the city, all of its curses and tragedies that were brought to Wei Wuxian’s life. He should have never been taken from his parent’s farm.

                Then, when he finally wakes up a few hours later, Wei Wuxian wakes up to clean the house. It was not in a bad shape the property though, it was well conserved but it had not been inhabited in years, decades even. Wei Wuxian didn’t know it but the last children who play in the yard, and brought dirty to those lovely stone stairs were Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen.

                ‘’Ey! You seem to know about this’’ Su She was a man of the city. He was born in some dirty alleys, slept on old newspapers out of a brothel when her mother was not able to do pay the reglementary fee to her pimps. With that said, Su She knew very little of anything related to farming, his Master’s lover looked familiar with scraping the soil on the ground.

                ‘’Thank you’’ Wei Wuxian replies with some shyness. ‘’It was one of the first things my mother told me’’ He cannot remember anymore her instructions, however, the image of her pretty hands scraping the soil were still in his mind, Wei Wuxian prayed that imagine never leave his head. ‘’I think this place has a nice ground, fertile one. It would be such a waste to not plant anything’’

                ‘’And what do you have in mind? I could take you to the local nursery’’ Su She offers. He could tell al the misery that poor bunny went through, and what happened some days ago not only wasn’t fair, it wasn’t doing any good in his state. If he could give him some peace for a brief minutes, Su She wouldn’t mind.

                ‘’Would you?’’ Wei Wuxian’s smile was so bright and innocent that makes Su She feel guilty for reasons he did not understand. ‘’Could you take me thereafter I water this little seed?’’ It reminds him of a child when a parent tells him about his secret Christmas present in the middle of the year. ‘’It won’t… it won’t interrupt your duties?’’ Wei Wuxian knew why Su she was there 24/7. It was a sadness, he surely wanted to do some interesting and worthy things with his time instead of wasting it here on the farm watching over Wei Wuxian.

                Now it is Su She’s turn to smile at him. ‘’No, Mr. Wei, it won’t interrupt my duties’’ because Wei Wuxian was his duty now. Whatever that happened to him will be paid with Su She’s blood. Su She should be his protector while Lan Wangji was away.

Jiang Cheng has dedicated his time in prison to something useful, he requested some economy books, these were brought to his cell the next day he asked; he needed to keep his mind active again, he’s sure at this pace that Wei Wuxian was taking him out of jail, and by then he wanted to remember how to be an economist, the first thing he was doing after leaving this damned place was finding a job to support his family.

                It didn’t look too urging this time, technically his family was in good hands, though Wei Wuxian hadn’t given him any name of this boyfriend of his, also, Wei Wuxian hadn’t visited him since then, he knew he was alright though, Jiang Yanli called him daily, if anything bad had happened, he would  already known by now.

                In any case, Jiang Cheng could not let himself rely upon other people apart from his siblings. He knew his siblings, knew their hearts, they were trustworthy people, selfless angels at Jiang Cheng’s eyes, the reasons why he had not strangle himself with his sheets yet, they were the fuel Jiang Cheng needed, and he’ll grow up stronger to defend them from any possible enemy.

                Constantly Jiang Cheng puts his reading in pause, he takes a look through the window, hoping to see his brother on his way to his cell, it never happens. It’s okay, he tries to console himself. Wei Wuxian must be busy at work, this time it doesn’t make him angry and concern that phrase due to Wei Wuxian was no longer a sex slave.

Wei Wuxian can feel Lan Wangji’s barbed member getting back home like every night. ‘’That’s… Ah! Lan Zhan, that’s good, that’s…’’ He says incoherently, he had already come twice on Lan Wangji’s mouth and fingers. The tiger takes him by the hips when the bunny seemed too impatient to wait for his thrusts. ‘’Please… I… I need it, I need it!’’ He doesn’t know if his libido has increased for the fear of leaving Lan Wangji sexually unsatisfied, or maybe the hormones in particular.

                ‘’No’’ Lan Wangji says in a dark tone. Not the tone he uses sometimes when he murders or tortures. He’s controlling his instincts, his violence must be placated, trained to the roots, especially during sex. ‘’We’ll go slowly’’ And Wei Wuxian wants to scream when Lan Wangji slows down so painfully good.

                Wei Wuxian will finish his first trimester next week, still, no miscarriage; doctors were still not making promises, Wei Wuxian was not asking them, anyway, if life took this baby from him as well, it would not be the first great disappointment and pain he’ll be facing. He’s willing to try again if he fails.

                 The bunny moans, feeling boneless underneath Lan Wangji’s majesty figure, his slender legs resting against the tiger's broad chest and strong shoulders, he feels again his calloused hands massaging his hips as he keeps thrusting inside of him, tender and slow. His tights are sticky, reddened, with some love bites here and there.

                They returned to their sexual life by mistake thought itself was not exactly a mistake. Ever since Wei Wuxian’s pregnancy was confirmed news, Lan Wangji admitted his sexual hunger was not the same as before, that’s to say his animal side saw its purpose achieved, he didn’t need to keep coupling many times every day, it wouldn’t drive him to another rut because he already had a pregnant partner, the fruit of said rut.

                He wouldn’t mind having sex, sex with Wei Wuxian was good, great nevertheless, behind the act was a lot of trauma, and emotional, physical scars for Wei Wuxian. He was scared Wei Wuxian may not be able to detect the difference between having sex by his own choice and consent and giving Lan Wangji sex as some sort of obligation or reward. He did not want him to believe he owned him anything for the things he had been doing for him. Wei Wuxian did not have to pay him with sex, at all.

                Lan Wangji remembers when it happened. He had come from a rough, awful day, he did complete the mission he had to do but in the process, his favorite car was crashed, as expected, he got out in one piece, few scratches in the course that did not need medical sewing. So he put himself under the cold shower to feel some relief from the burns of the swollen scratches.

                Everything was going fine these days, he was pretty much used to the lack of sex and was not either irritated, anxious or sick about it. Seeing Wei Wuxian on his bed, wearing some modest pajamas, sleeping peacefully, and looking adorable with his white bunny ears and precious white tail twitching moderately keep him in place, satiated enough.

                That day forgot to bring a towel though; Wei Wuxian was probably occupied doing some cooking for him to eat at work. It was… okay, that was cute, Lan Wangji thought. He was one of the richest men in the city, he could eat in an exclusive restaurant after doing his illegalities but Wei Wuxian still packed him some snacks inside cute containers.

                Then, his surprise was hardly bearable when he saw Wei Wuxian opening the door of their room, finding him completely naked, dripping wet from the shower. ‘’Oh…! Sorry, I didn’t’…’’   He heard him laughing nervously and avoiding to look to a place of the tiger but more or less failing; Lan Wangji looks for something to cover up however he only finds the mattress sheetless. ‘’I did some laundry today!’’

                This former Lan home though well conserved, its lacked of house clothing; Wei Wuxian had gone with Su She’s company to some stores during the last weeks but it was still a lot of work to do if they want to fully equip their new home. Lan Wangji did not know if he should return to the bathroom or stay there, he chose just to turn around while using both hands to cover his private parts. ‘’I think I left a towel in the last draw though!’’ Quickly Wei Wuxian runs towards the furniture that’s in front of Lan Wangji, quite a wrong choice of movement because Lan Wangji was being careful of not showing Wei Wuxian anything indecent but somehow Wei Wuxian found himself again facing him at his front.

                Wei Wuxian kneels down, Lan Wangji wants to look away but… He looked so appealing in those blue pajama bottoms, especially while kneeling, he could see the shape of his bump perfectly, not exaggeratedly big; Lan Wangii saw it between moderate and small, perky; for a moment he thought in pushing him against the drawer, slipping the pajama bottoms down and spreading his legs to fuck him to oblivion. ‘’I found it!’’ Wei Wuxian turns around, still on his knees. The tiger sees the bunny’s happy face, it should be a sin to stain that beautiful face while Lan Wangji was having such improper thoughts.

                Immediately Lan Wangji stretched his hand towards the bunny, looking for the towel. Wei Wuxian is human, hybrid bunny and everything of course but human nonetheless. He can’t help but give a fast peek at Lan Wangji’s crotch, he’s been fucked by that penis for months, probably half a year already. He’s actually preggo thanks to that, the funny thing is that Wei Wuxian does not know how exactly it looks, thanks to Lan Wangji’s hurry to put it inside him.

                Obviously he’s curious! He has not seen a tiger’s one! And his baby’s daddy had one! ‘’Wei Wuxian?’’

                ‘’Oh…! It really has spikes, doesn’t it?’’ Wei Wuxian says but his eyes are locked around Lan Wangji’s dick. ‘’So… did you push that inside of me?’’

                ‘’’…Yes, I did’’

                ‘’Could I…? See it closer?’’

                Lan Wangji is supposed to say a big no-no; however, this time… Well, this time his bunny is genuinely curious about his body, hesitant he takes his hands away from his member and gives a couple of steps with the sole motive of Wei Wuxian having a better look. Wei Wuxian gulps.

                It’s half hard, he wonders if it is always half hard. Ow, that’s a pretty head! Smoothly and on a pale pink tone, with clumsy touches the bunny leaves a caress, it makes him want to kiss it. And… wow… He’s puzzled when he looks at the shaft! It is all barbed, adorned with spikes from under the head until the beginning of Lan Wangji’s testicles. ‘’How can this get in my pussy and not rip me in the process?’’ He asks him. Smoother penises had been inside of them, and he recalls horrifying tears and ruptures that had taken him months to heal, sometimes even surgery needed.

                ‘’Have my tricks’’ Lan Wangji has very little coherent thoughts before feeling Wei Wuxian’s tongue pressing against the tip of his cock, at the taste he sees the bunny raising his white ears, looking thrilled.

                ‘’I’m sorry that I only can lick the tip’’ he says, looking truly apologetic about the whole deal, Wei Wuxian imagines Lan Wangji would love to use his mouth like a fleshlight, maybe leaving some semen in his lungs as some people have done, carelessly of his safety; but it would be too dangerous for his throat if some of the spikes…

                ‘’I don’t mind’’ It doesn’t seem fine to him the image of Wei Wuxian fighting for some air. Wei Wuxian’s head goes up and down. Up and down. When he tries to accelerate the process Lan Wangji held his head with both hands, always minding his strength. ‘’No’’ He knows where is this going. ‘’Go at your pace’’ Wei Wuxian nods, trying to smile. He doesn’t want to disappoint him, he wants to please him, he’s willing to break himself in the process.

                But that’s now how it works with Wangji. Wei Wuxian goes down, leaving a lot of kisses around Lan Wangji’s barbed cock, just lightly kisses until he finds Lan Wangji’s balls. The tiger’s gives up a moan. That… that’s nice. Oh no! That’s marvelous!

                Wei Wuxian continues worshiping his testicles with closed eyes, an expression of pleasure and delight in his face. ‘’…It’s like kissing a god’’ He says instead of just thinking in the quietness of his mind. Lan Wangji can feel himself blushing. He did look as a god, the dark hair sticking against his wet skin, his shoulder, his waist… his body adorned with old and new scars made by the dead people…

                The bunny moves his tail excitedly when he feels again Lan Wangji’s protective hands around his head, gently massaging his scalp, rewarding him for doing such a great job; that’s exactly how Wei Wuxian feels, weeks later as his being taken again by the tiger, not with the same brusquely than at the beginning of their meetings.

                Returning to the present, where Wei Wuxian is on their bed, their bed held high in Lan Wangji’s strong arms, the bunny hugs his neck, both sharing a look as their bodies coupling instinctively, their pupils dilated, as if they were either drunk or drugged, only broking contact when Wei Wuxian has to arched his back thanks to something Lan Wangji’s has touched.

                If they were in the right mind they might have feel some shame for Su She’s ears because there is no way their bodyguard couldn’t hear what they were doing; Lan Wangji can perfectly see that beautiful and nascent tiny curve in Wei Wuxian’s body when he’s arching of pleasure, he cannot appreciate much though, he feels the sudden wetness left by Wei Wuxian’s entrance. ‘’Shit!’’ he curses, agitated. ‘’Shit! I’m so sorry! I peed!’’ between their bodies there was also some of Wei Wuxian’s white cum.

                Wei Wuxian’s face is completely reddened by shame, he tries to get off of Lan Wangji but the tiger does not let him, it would only hurt him if he tried it without care, Wei Wuxian’s entrance was puffy. ‘’Not pee’’ Lan Wangji says, restraining himself from moving, a hard task if someone asks him, he can feel his ball tightening. ‘’You haven’t ejaculate before this way?’’

                ‘’…Ejaculate?’’ Wei Wuxian asks confused, ashamed, held up still by Lan Wangji from the hips. ‘’Lan Zhan, I peed?’’ Lan Wangji’s smile is almost sad.

                ‘’It isn’t pee’’ Gently, still inside, he deposits him on their bed, the bunny hugs his neck all the time. Wei Wuxian was a former sex worker, for two decades, he still knew so little of his own body. A body that was never his completely, only a borrowed thing he had sometimes when he was not being sold in a brothel. Before him, did Wei Wuxian ever had an orgasm? ‘’Don’t worry about, it only meant I was doing a good job’’  When Wei Wuxian has relaxed again, he tries to get his dick out but the bunny quickly wraps his legs around Lan Wangji’s hips.

                ‘’No! Keep going! I want to feel your cum’’ he loves when Wei Wuxian uses the word I want. With renovated energy, he finds a gentle speed again. The bunny tilts his head, breathing hard, closed eyes, again, Lan Wangji cups his cheek, he needs to see Wei Wuxian’s face as he finishes. There is no more arousing thing in the world than seeing his face tainted with carnal pleasure.

Jin Zixuan won’t give up. He’ll have her back eventually, he knows that! It’s just a matter of time. He’ll do the illegal if necessary but Jiang Yanli will be in a safe place, and she won’t need to depend anymore in anyone else but him.

                It is a… unsettling thought, he admits. He can’t help but be driven by his own desperation and madness. He needed to know where she was at, how was she doing. Was she improving? Was she getting worse? The possibility of her dying while Jin Zixuan was who knew where made him nervous; these feelings are pushing him to do things he may regret in the future, however, that was a problem for Jin Zixuan from the future, right now he was rescuing his beloved ex girlfriend, aware that he might not deserve having another chance with her, after the way she left him when she needed him the most.

                Unfortunately, Jiang Yanli did not have much family left, aside from her deceased mother, and the coward of her father who decided to run away before even taking care of his own family; of course, she had Jiang Cheng but Jiang Cheng was not exactly of much help being where he was, it meant Jiang Cheng could not give him a hint of the place Jiang Yanli was staying at.

                There was another brother nevertheless; as the nurse predicted it, it appeared that Wei Wuxian was doing some illicit business if they keep in mind his new association with Lan Wangji. Now, Lan Wangji wasn’t a nobody in the city, he was an infamous mafia boss, along with Lan Xichen ruled the city.

                They were people to not mess with; their names used to scare his father when pronounced without caution; as far as he knows they have no business with the Lans; Jin Zixuan suspects they were paying them a fee though. In conclusion, Lan Wangji was someone to be careful of, he did not like games.

                It was a smart move indeed, Jiang Yanli’s older brother managed to seduce the youngest Lan sibling, Jin Zixuan didn’t know if he was very good at his job or if Lan Wangji just has bad taste. For respect to Jiang Yanli’s family, Jin Zixuan pushes away those denigrating thoughts out of his head.

                His private detective brought him some reports but also some pictures as well; most of those photographs appear his brother-in-law-to-be and Lan Wangji, some in some sort of expensive building, the most recent ones were taken in an exclusive restaurant, the one Jin Zixuan used to have dinner at with important business partners.

                Jin Zixuan ignores them all, he doesn’t have the brains to think about the implication of his brother-in-law with a mafia boss, and how dangerous could that be for him. What caught his entire attention is the hospital the bunny visits, seven days of the week, he’s glad the detective wrote down his schedule.

Chapter Text

Chapter eighteen

As if Lan Wangji wasn’t scary enough, with those horrible, thick and bloody scratches around his face, he looked even grimmer: as he goes around one of their main buildings, their faithful men quickly bend over at his presence, as it should be. The ambiance is tense, of course, there is still uncertainty of what is going to happen with the Lan family.

                As expected, the news of a new heir was spread immediately around the city. Lan Wangji, one of the leaders of the Lans challenged his older brother and left him wounded due to he was protecting his mate, his pregnant mate. Indeed, Lan Wangji was going to be a father; there was little to be said about the other father and his upbringing, no one was ever stupid enough to mention Wei Wuxian’s past job. He was Lan Wangji’s, and everything that belonged to him was untouchable.

                Gently he opens the lunchbox Wei Wuxian bought him. It’s almost ridiculous how adorable his bunny could be. ‘’I have no idea where is it!’’ Today Wei Wuxian made an extra roll of roasted meat covered in some weird sauce that Lan Wangji hadn’t known before but now it became one of his favorites treats. ‘’I don’t have the key anymore! I gave him to Noung! He has it! I swear it! Mr. Lan Please!’’ The meat is a little burnt from the outside but on the inside everything is a little tasty, still tender, and bloody. Wei Wuxian says he is not a good cooker, and he’s right though he makes some nice meals every now and then. ‘’Please! Don’t! Don’t kill me! I got recently married! My wife is pregnant and…!’’

                Carefully he cleans the remains of the sauce from the tip of his fingers, it isn’t much of a mess, barely a droplet, he’ll wash his hand once he finishes though. ‘’Sir, please, please!’’ Ah! He’s forced to give a look at this… pathetic excuse of human being for the first time since he was brought to the room. He’s already missing a couple of fingers and a tooth.

                ‘’If you have cared so much about your wife and unborn child, you should not have taken what it is not yours’’ Lan Wangji says, calmly, still behind his desk. ‘’Family is sacred. Whatever we do will have consequences in the ones we love the most’’ He explains it as if he was speaking with a little child. ‘’However, it appears you have chosen your lowest, greediest instincts upon the feelings for your own wife. You preferred stealing my money than giving your child a father to grow up with’’

                The person in question is held down by two of Lan Wangji’s men. His role is the protector of the Lan’s Family and Money of course, someone takes a coin from them and Wangji will know it immediately, he’ll kill and take back anything that people have the balls to take from the Lans. He’s sobbing uncontrollably. ‘’There is not need to admit what I already know, if you cooperate with me, give me a few names I’ll give you a quick, unpainful die nonetheless’’ He was a man of his word, he could see the traitor almost relieved.

                When he hears what he asked for, Wangji hums and nods, taking his own gun, placing it on the poor traitor’s temple. ‘’A last pray?’’ He says, he is not that miserable to let someone die without at least giving pray to his gods to forgive him. Wangji can be merciful, sometimes, when he’s in a very good mood.

Wei Wuxian’s look was calm with love and adoration as he watched the wide room Lan Wangji arranged for his baby brother, it was full of books, food and blankets; happily, he sat down on Jiang Cheng’s bed, under his suspecting eyes. ‘’you smell different’’ Jiang Cheng was a feline, which meant he actually had a good sense of smell, however, the thing here was that he had no experience with pregnant people, thus he could find a difference but not tell the reasons behind. ‘’why?’’

                Wei Wuxian only looked away, shrugging his shoulders, dismissing the subject. There was no reason to tell Jiang Cheng about his pregnancy, not yet at least, he felt it could only make him restless, especially while he was chained here in his golden cage. ‘’Have you talked to sister lately?’’ Jiang Cheng nodded, taking a seat next to him, leaning against each other.

                ‘’Yes, she sounds much better now, doesn’t she? Is she doing well?’’ The love they had for their sister knew no limits. How much they have been suffering because of her health could not be described, as the relief they were finally experiencing.

                ‘’Oh, yes, doctors are being really optimistic about her state now. I told you she only needed the right treatment!’’ Both lay on Jiang Cheng’s bed. He couldn’t help but pull Wei Wuxian to his side in a gentle hug. Wei Wuxian sighs cheerfully in his hold. Cuddling was a normal and very common practice between the three siblings, they were always in an unsafe and wary environment, the best way to feel some safety was within cuddling.

                Wei Wuxian enjoys Jiang Cheng’s warm and presence as well, he wraps his slender arms around his torso and feels grateful to Lan Wangji for allowing him a moment with his brother in this way, away from the rest of the prisoners who were eager to rape and hurt Jiang Cheng. ‘’So, have you been feeling comfortable here? I mean, in this new cell?’’

                ‘’I have, yes’’ Jiang Cheng says, his chin resting on top of Wei Wuxian’s head. ‘’…Thank you for giving me this place… it has kept me safer’’

                ‘’No need to say thank you, at least not to me’’ It was Lan Wangji. He has done this without telling him, has seen the concern and love in Wei Wuxian’s eyes of his siblings, and understood how important they were. Everything he had done in his life was to protect them, it meant the world for Wei Wuxian when Lan Wangji protects Jiang Cheng as well. It feels… Maybe that’s how love feels. He’ll make sure to show his gratitude tonight.

                ‘’What you mean?’’

                Jiang Cheng almost feels his heart-melting when Wei Wuxian looks at him with his big, gray eyes filled with something so bright and precious.

On the other hand, Lan Xichen hasn’t been doing good. Unsurprisingly, his regret came to him a few hours after attacking his brother and kicking him out from his rightful home, though people will always say that it was Wangji who decided to leave the mansion.

                Lan Qiren has not spoken much to him every since. He’s angry, and hurt. His first grandchild, after begging for years to the gods to bring a child to his life, and now that it was happening, Lan Xichen ruined it. ‘’Uncle, you must eat’’ his oldest nephew says, he shouldn’t be out of bed though, he’s still healing from his wounds.

                He can’t believe what happened. Lan Xichen almost took out his brother’s eyes, and Lan Wangji almost slits out his throat, he tries to calm down his heart by telling that if they have wanted to actually kill each other, they would have not failed. ‘’Not hungry’’ Lan Qiren says, too busy knitting a few tiny clothes for Lan Wangji’s baby, if he ever let him be near his child, of course. It wouldn’t be surprising if he viewed Lan Qiren as an enemy more.

                It pains his heart awfully to feel the uncertainty of everything, about how Lan Wangji will act in the future if he’s going to let him meet the baby, if he is going to be there as they grow up. They were a family! And now they have split apart because of a stupid misunderstanding! Or so Lan Qiren wants to think.

                ‘’I’m afraid I do not have time to deal with this today. Please, make an effort for me and eat something, you cannot stay like this another day’’ But Lan Qiren does not want to eat. He wants a baby. He promises he’ll be the sweetest grandfather ever! He’ll sing lullabies, and tickle their baby belly, pinch their cheeks very softly and leave their face filled with kisses. He’ll do nothing but love and protect them.

                ‘’Why should I do such a thing?’’ Lan Qiren says in a severe tone. ‘’you never make an effort for me’’ He can’t help but confess. ‘’I’ve given everything of me to this family. I cannot say how many times I’ve sacrificed myself to make sure you and Wangji were happy and safe, with a legacy awaiting for the two of you’’ He says, grumpily, he’ll have to punish himself later for such improper behavior, his mother used to say that people like him were not allowed to show his feeling in public, they were meant to look pretty and please anyone who wanted.

                ‘’I will not discuss that aspect with you, due to I do not believe you’ll be able to understand it’’ Lan Xichen tries to sound caring and patient with his uncle, still not giving him the respect he deserved. ‘’Please, the chefs have prepared your favorite meal and desserts, you only to go to the dining room, or I could ask them to bring the food to your room if you wish’’

                ‘’Years, Xichen, years! That was the last time I was useful!’’ He is not allowed to raise his voice to his superiors. He’ll need to add another punishment. ‘’I could not have children of my own with someone who was not Wen Ruohan! This was my chance to be meaningful again! Why did you attack them? Your own brother and the one who’s carrying your unborn nephew or niece?’’ Lan Qiren is aware of how selfish he was being but he won’t say he’s sorry. His birth was planned, his childhood and youth was also planned, his fiancé was selected for him, he was lost when he could not have his own plans with Wen Ruohan, and when the phoenix seemed to not care at all about what could happen to Lan Qiren and just move on. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen did not need him anymore, they were either gone or seeing him as some sort of decoration. He needed to say how angry he was at him at least.

                ‘’How was I supposed to let him have a bastard with a whore?’’ Lan Xichen says, feeling again the fire of his anger. ‘’We do not know if the bastard was his, and you want me to accept it? That…! Lan Wangji is the one who lost his mind! You should be as offended as I was when he dared himself to bring a streetwhore to my home! Tainting our halls! My parents will be rolling in their graves if they knew!’’

                ‘’You don’t know that! You don’t know if the baby was his or not! We could have done a paternity test once the baby was born!’’

                ‘’I don’t need a paternity test! He was with my brother already and I saw him giving oral sex to a stranger in the middle of a street! Broad daylight, on the same day he spent his rut with my brother! We don’t even know what he did first that day!’’

                And Lan Qiren hates it, hates how Lan Xichen is becoming the same as his father and grandfather, with the same view of the world, the same small mind. ‘’You cannot even use that word when you have who knows how many rooms filled with countless whores’’ they call it harem but Lan Qiren calls it as what it is.

                ‘’It is different. It won’t ever be the same’’ Lan Xichen is having a hard time keeping it cool, he does not want to yell to his uncle.

                ‘’Why? Because your whores are willing and well dressed?’’ He scolds, grimly. He saw that poor boy, trembling, malnourished, the fear on his eyes was not a show. ‘’No matter how healthy your whores are, they are whores, and if I were you, I’ll watch my back carefully, the moment they see you weakened, they’ll stab you on the back and take your money before finding someone else who can keep giving them the same lifestyle you gave them’’

                ‘’I’m aware of it’’ Lan Xichen says, ignoring the feel of emptiness in his heart. That was was something may not remember now that he was with Wei Wuxian because now his eyes brightened, his pupils got dilated, and an avoidable smile came to his face. ‘’They are my sex workers, not my lovers’’ and it may or not hurt him to publicly accept that Lan Xichen does not have a special one in which he could trust. ‘’they are here to serve me, not to love me’’

                ‘’Good, I’m glad you know it’’ Lan Qiren says, giving the last knot to the small, precious, light-blue socks. ‘’Love lasts far more than an orgasm.’’ Another punishment is added for such indecorous language. ‘’I hope someday you’ll understand it. I also wish it won’t be too late’’

                Wen Ning had not come to the Wen Mansion lately, which is a good and bad thing, considering how unstable was the things going out there since it was public knowledge the fight between the Lan’s siblings. They were not yet separated completely, no war declared but it was in everyone’s mouth the lacerations they did against each other.

                However, what also kept Wen Qing interesting was the rumors of Lan Qiren abandoning his ancestral home by for the first time. Wen Qing did not know what to think about but she was sure Wen Ruohan already knew it, what he could do with that information was unknown to her.

Today was Su She’s free day, these kind of days were usually dedicated for dinners with Mian-Mian. They were not exactly dating yet, or in a relationship but either exactly friends-friends. Though this day he preferred to spend at home, alone.

                Wei Wuxian escaped to the kitchen while Lan Wangji was sleeping. He was… exhausted after long weeks of hard work on the battlefield. Sometimes avoiding Wei Wuxian when he came to their home reeking of blood, which was a nice gesture that he pretty much appreciated. ‘’Sister, so how much time should I leave it to simmer?’’ Now that Jiang Yanli could contact her siblings at any hour of the day, it was not unusual seeing her glued to her phone, with Jiang Cheng or Wei Wuxian. ‘’…OH! Okay, okay, then I should leave it a little more’’

                Sadly, this week and the next two more he would not be able to be with her, his doctor advised him to stay at home and rest. He’s on his fourth month of pregnancy, soon to be five. He has not miscarried, yet. He’s still healthy, though the doctors never give him any assurance, he’s still at high risk, the possibilities of the baby dying are never low but Wei Wuxian wants to be optimistic. ‘’Okay then, I’ll call you in ten minutes, yes? I have to decorate a cake!’’

                He sits heavily on the chair, his belly getting more and more heavy as time passes. In the next two weeks, he’ll go back to the hospital to find out the sex of the baby, though Wei Wuxian suspects it will be lither, doctors refuse to say anything about it though, afraid half of the lither will die, they do not want to risk Lan Wangji’s wrath.

                He’s still wary and certainly afraid on the inside. Everything has been going good. Too good. He fears it is only a dream, and that he’s having his last moments, trapped in a black trash plastic bag because a client hit him or fucked him too hard. Maybe he’ll wake up soon in the middle of an abandoned road, it would not be the first time.

                He made quite of a big cake, despite Lan Zhan could not eat much of this kind of food, however, he wants to give Jiang Yanli a piece of it, the same with Jiang Cheng, and Su She, of course Mian-Mian as well, he may not be kind to him but as far as he know, she was Lan Zhan’s friend, and the mere fact makes him respect her.

                It was a normal night. He’ll cook something while Lan Wangji recovers strength, they’ll eat later, and fuck for a few hours before going back to bed, sleeping wrapped with each other until sunrise. Wei Wuxian loves that routine, it was nice, steady, it made him feel all loved and cared; he finds himself enjoying a phase of beautiful domesticity until he heard a soft knock on the door, he froze on his seat.

                It’s okay, he can open the door, right? This place would never be touched by anyone else, it would be a direct challenge with Lan Zhan, and everyone knows at this point that Lan Xichen almost died thanks to his brother, so… no one would be stupid enough to ever come here with the intentions of hurting them, and especially knocking the door first.

                But Wei Wuxian knows life is too cruel, so he stays a few seconds more on his seat. He doesn’t want to get up and open the door to find something unpleasant on the other side. He just wants to finish his cake and turn down the stoves so he and Lan Zhan can have dinner once he wakes up.

                However, the knocks come again, this time just barely louder. He gives a glance towards his room, hoping that Lan Zhan will magically wake up for some reason, ready to protect him and his babies from any danger, of course, it doesn’t happen. He stands up carefully from his seat and with very slow steps he goes all the way to the door.

                He peeks out from the small slit of the doorframe and finds that beautiful and majestic crane that he met in Lan’s Home, Lan Zhan’s uncle to be precise. He feels calmer but still warily. Lan Xichen was not nice to him, he does not if his uncle will be the same, though he hasn’t done anything against Wei Wuxian in the first place but life has taught him better. ‘’…Good evening. Apologies for the hour’’ Lan Qiren says in his most polite tone he could find, still making it sound as sincere as possible. The bunny looks at him with an expression of apprehension and cautiousness, which at some point makes Lan Qiren feel terrible, as if he could do something against him, especially in his state, he just need to take a look at his big belly, the bunny tries to hide it away from the view with his red apron.  ‘’May I come in?’’ He inquires.

                ‘’…Yes, yes, of course, this is your home’’ Wei Wuxian moves to his side immediately. That’s good, Lan Qiren notices. He’s being humble, never pushing himself over Lan Qiren, despite he now had a much better position over the crane, Wei Wuxian ignores that or simply did not care about it. He could say no, he could kick him out of here under the excuse this was now his home anymore but the bunny immediately drags a chair for Lan Qiren to sit on.

                ‘’No, no, please, you shouldn’t be doing this in your state’’ Lan Qiren thinks quickly and avoids him any further effort. The next moment comes long and definitely uncomfortable to both sides. Lan Qiren wants to say sorry in behalf of Lan Xichen because it is clear his oldest nephew won’t do it, and he does not want to lose his chance of having grandkids.

                ‘’Are you hungry? Dinner is almost ready’’ Wei Wuxian offers sympathetically, looking at the floor, playing with the corner of his apron. Lan Qiren feels a tender caress in his heart at the kindness. ‘’I made my sister’s soup recipe’’

                ‘’…Sounds wonderful. I’ll love to join you for dinner. Thank you’’ Lan Qiren show his gratitude quickly enough. ‘’I… I brought you something, well, for you and the baby’’ It won’t erase the dreadful experience Lan Xichen made him go through but...

                ‘’Did you?’’ The sudden happiness in his voice makes Lan Qiren’s shoulder relax for once. ‘’You didn’t have to! How nice of you! Thank you! Don’t move from your seat, okay? I’ll bring you something to drink!’’ Wei Wuxian said, gladly. It isn’t about gifts but about the fact that Lan Qiren was not rejecting him as he expected to. And… not being rejected felt so good.

Chapter Text

Chapter nineteen:

Lan Wangji wakes up to find a pleasant image. Wei Wuxian and Lan Qiren were in the kitchen, eating some pastries and fresh tea; his uncle was in his characteristic stylized posture and warm tone, elegantly drinking from his teacup. Wei Wuxian also seemed to be enjoying their little chat, one of his hands was always on top of his growing belly, smiling genuinely and laughing gently at Lan Qiren’s stories. ‘’Since then, Wangji does not eat chickens’’ Ah! So the stories were about him, he can feel the tip of his ears burning because Wei Wuxian looked delighted at Lan Qiren’s telling.

            ‘’Ow! I hope he doesn’t mind if I bring some hens then’’ Yes, indeed, Su She mentioned before Wei Wuxian’s wishes of adopting some animals, Lan Wangji wasn’t sure at the beginning, besides the three of them, there wasn’t anyone else to take care of the animals, Wei Wuxian was not in shape to be following cows and bulls around the farm. It may be okay with some hens and ducks. Perhaps some bunnies even.

            ‘’We could discuss it later’’ Lan Wangji says, joining the meeting. Both crane and bunny turn their heads in Lan Wangji’s direction. Lan Qiren notices Wei Wuxian’s body language: his long white bunny ears raising quickly, bouncing a little side to side as well as his white, fluffy tail, his shining eyes, and the way he seems to melt when Lan Wangji kisses his forehead, closing his eyes; however, what also makes Lan Qiren breathe in relief is his nephew, he can see his assurance writing in his face as soon as he spotted the bunny safe and sound on the couch, the care and delicacy he has in his moves when he comes next to him, careful, avoiding any behavior that could be taken as aggressive or predatory, unlike his usual self. ‘’Uncle’’ Lan Wangji greets him as well, taking his hand in his, bowing respectfully at him. ‘’A pleasure to see you’’

            ‘’Ah! I believe the pleasure is mine this time’’ He can’t help but contour with the tip of his fingers the edges of Lan Wangji’s gruesome scars, he sighs in displeasure at the memory of the fight, how could his children do such a thing to each other? ‘’Your mate here is a nice host’’ He praise and looks in Wei Wuxian’s direction but the bunny is already gone.

            He could see a red shame of embarrassment on his nephew as soon as he mentioned the word mate. ‘’Uncle, please’’ He said. ‘’We are… we are not mates’’

            ‘’Ah! Then you are having babies as a pair of friends? I see’’ Lan Qiren scolded.

            ‘’…We are not friends either’’

            ‘’Then what are you two? Neighbors?’’ His tone turns severe. ‘’Your child is going to be born in just a few months, I’m expecting you are giving them our last name’’

            ‘’Of course, my child will be a Lan’’ There wasn’t a possibility of Lan Wangji leaving his baby without the Lan name. ‘’…Our relationship is still complicated’’ After all, Wei Wuxian met him during one of his executions, in a brothel, they have a relationship... a sexual relationship, with money involved. Wei Wuxian was his prostitute.

            ‘’Nonsense to me. Get in your feet and marry him, the sooner the better. What would the people say about us? That Lan Wangji himself is not a man of his word, a person who sires children but takes no responsibility when it comes to whom will deliver them?’’ Lan Wangji is dying to interrupt him and tell him that what he wants is to keep Wei Wuxian from any dangerous situation, he does not want him legally involved with him, if in the future Lan Wangji may be taken down. He does not want to force the bunny to be tied to him, however, if for some reason their relationship doesn’t work, he won’t ever stop economically supporting them. However, whatever Lan Wangji wants to say, stays in the walls of his mind due to he won’t ever dare to interrupt his uncle while he speaks. ‘’Give him some support, Wangji! Make him feel you won’t let him behind! He deserves a place next to you, and the rest of the world should know it!!’’ He says with more heat than he wanted, he may or not remember what he really wanted to yell at Wen Ruohan when they broke up, decades ago.

            ‘’I’ll consider your words. I apologize for any displeasure caused’’ Lan Qiren huffs in annoyance but otherwise doesn’t say anything else, and even allows the tiger to guide him to the dining room, where Wei Wuxian seemed to be hiding.

            ‘’Hope you two are hungry’’ Wei Wuxian says, rushing himself around the kitchen. ‘’The soup is ready! Cranes do not eat meat, right?’’ The bunny asked. It wasn’t strange to him to made different meals, his family was used to herbivorous and carnivorous diets.

            ‘’I rather vegetables, herbs, and seeds but I could still eat some meat’’ And so Wei Wuxian is about to serve him a bowl but Lan Wangji takes it from him.

‘’Lan Zhan, you were out two days, please let me serve you, rest’’ the bunny says in a whispering tone, just for the two of them.

            ‘’No’’ Lan Wangji can be stubborn when he wanted, gently he takes Wei Wuxian’s hand and makes him seat next to Lan Qiren. He should slow down from time to time by himself. He doesn’t, Lan Wangji or Su She in its defect has to be the one who tells Wei Wuxian to calm down and take a moment to breathe.

            At the action, Lan Qiren smiles proudly. That’s it, that’s what he raised, a gentleman, a caring man (sometimes a sadistic murderer but hey! Nobody is perfect). Not the violent, medieval beast he saw months ago, an attack between brothers! Such a disgrace! ‘’Listen to your mate, a pregnant one like you should stay all day laying on the bed, or sitting in the garden. You are not a servant, Wei Wuxian, you are carrying a Lan’’ He even takes the liberty of putting a lock of hair behind his ear, a finger under his chin to elevate him. ‘’Don’t look down’’ He says. A Lan should never look down, especially not one like Wei Wuxian. He more than anyone should always have a raised look, above the dozens of whores Lan Wangji still had. He was better than them. ‘’You have to learn a lot of things, little A-Xian, and I’ll gladly teach them to you’’

Today her brother left the hospital earlier, at Jiang Yanli’s petition. He shouldn’t be pushing himself every day to come here to see her, his feet were already swelling thanks to the extra weight, it wasn’t only a baby, it appears, probably twins, Jiang Yanli was very happy for him, he deserved every bit of happiness he was getting.

            ‘’Miss Jiang, I’ll have to leave you for the rest of the evening’’ Wen Ning says, rather hurrier. ‘’Apologies for leaving, I have a personal matter to attend, I’ll leave you under one of my coworkers care, I’ll get back as soon as I’m done’’

            ‘’Of course! No need to worry, go, go’’ Jiang Yanli assures him immediately. Wen Ning was one of the best things that ever happened to her since she was brought to the hospital. He was a gentle soul, very caring towards her, genuinely interested in her recovery, always making sure her stay in the hospital was above excellent, she hoped everything was good at home.

            In the meantime, she’ll relax in her bed, maybe take a nap if she feels comfortable enough. After all, she saw Wei Wuxian today, he looked happy and healthy with his pregnancy, she also has a long phone call with her baby brother, he told her he was doing good too, safe in his new room. She couldn’t ask for anything else, or… well, what she wants is not available yet, she won’t hurry, it was a matter of time, she thinks, sleepily. Yes, a nap sounded great.

            Jin Zixuan takes advantage of her serene state to get inside her room while there was not witness around him to stop him. It has happened quite a time since the last time he saw her; this time Jiang Yanli looked fairly better, with some rosy pink back in her cheeks, still pale, still weakened and sick but alive nonetheless.

            It feels like if he could breathe again. He couldn’t help but look at her for several minutes, afraid that she may disappear the moment he blinks. She doesn’t though. Jiang Yanli remains calmly in her bed, her chest going up and down slowly, reminding him that he was in time to fix his shit.

            The first few minutes feel pretty awkward and Jin Zixuan doesn’t know what exactly he should do. He couldn’t waste time, eventually, someone will get to their room to check up on her, and what would Jin Zixuan say to not look like a pervert? As expected, Jiang Yanli feels the change in the atmosphere, Jin Zixuan’s scent. ‘’…Hello, A-Li, how are you?’’ She immediately frowns at his presence, Jin Zixuan can’t help but feel the rejection cutting him deeply. He doesn’t have a right to complain about it. He made this.

            ‘’How did you get in here?’’ She asks instead of why is he here in the first place. She knows why, and she’s happy that her brother is anywhere near to Jin Zixuan, she doesn’t know how could end this if that was the case. ‘’I do not wish to be with you, please, leave my room immediately’’

            ‘’I can’t’’ Jin Zixuan says, gulping. ‘’I can’t go, I can’t leave you, please, let me explain myself, you won’t regret it!’’

            ‘’There is nothing you could tell to me to change my opinion. Please, I’m tired, I have to rest, you are upsetting me. It has taken me months to see some changes in my recovery, do not ruin it’’

            ‘’No, no! Of course not! That’s the last I want! I crave for you to get better! Every night I pray for you’’ and Jiang Yanli doesn’t want to feel anything at his words. She must remember that when she prayed for Jin Zixuan to come back in her most difficult moments, he was gone somewhere else why she was forced to see how her baby brother was taken by the officers for a crime of which he was innocent. ‘’Please, let me speak, I have a lot of things to say’’ Jiang Yanli sighs, exhausted but cannot do anything else but be quiet. She doesn’t wish to make a scene and call the nurses, whatever Jin Zixuan wanted to say, this was the perfect moment due to it will be the last one. ‘’I’m aware of my mistakes’’ Jin Zixuan says, kneeling on the floor, next to her bed. ‘’and… I want a chance to fix them if you let me. I… I do not deserve another opportunity but I’m still wishing for one desperately. I love you, I have never stopped loving you’’

            Jiang Yanli looks at him with pain in her eyes as Jin Zixuan speaks. The more he confesses his love for her, the more it hurts her. How could she explain to Jin Zixuan that she couldn’t bare the thought of being with the son of whom had raped her? Let’s to say that indeed, Jiang Yanli forgives his errors, for some miraculous reason. Jiang Yanli will still have to see Jin Guangshan at her wedding, will have to see how her cubs greet their grandfather, and the mere idea is agonizing. ‘’Please, A-Li, let me take care of you and your siblings! I’m already working in a team for Jiang Cheng, he’d be out of prison in no-time!’’ But Jiang Cheng won’t ever stand the fact of her sister doing the same their brother did for benefits. It was painful enough for Jiang Cheng to live with the reminder that Wei Wuxian became a prostitute to sustain their family, what would he feel if he knew that his sister was doing something similar.

            ‘’Have…. What do your parents think of this… decision of yours?’’ She avoids his face, she won’t be able to see him. ‘’What do they think of me?’’

            ‘’…They do not know of my wishes, I do not want to tell them, not yet at least. Their opinion does not matter to me anymore. The only person I care what she thinks is you’’ Maybe a lie, maybe not, Jiang Yanli could not know. ‘’Mother won’t be happy about our union. She’ll have to make do eventually. Her words won’t ever influence me again, I promise, please… come back to me’’

            No, Madam Jin will not be happy about her son’s choices, she never was, especially when it came to Jiang Yanli, a servant. ‘’…What thinks your father?’’

            ‘’He’ll understand too, I’m sure of it, he told me to get married and have children, never told me with who, so I have chosen’’ And Jiang Yanli knows she will regret this, deeply, however, there wasn’t another way. She could not live with this stuck in her chest.

            ‘’Haven’t he mentioned about the time he raped me?’’ and then Jin Zixuan can’t help but feel his world crumbling apart. His heart hurts, it breaks. He feels nauseous, scared, dizzy, wondering if he heard what Jiang Yanli just said or if he’s hallucinating. All this time… ‘’I guess that’s a no’’

            ‘’…My father’’ He could barely say that word, slowly, he gets up from the floor, with his shaky knees. Jiang Yanli fears he may turn violent and has a tight grip on her sheets. ‘’My father did what?’’

            ‘’It happened few weeks before your mother accused me. I believe she didn’t like the idea of having me around after realized what her husband did’’ Jiang Yanli is a very strong woman, it’s taking her a lot to keep her voice from breaking, however, she as Yu Ziyuan and Wei Wuxian, was a fighter as well. ‘’He raped me in his bathroom. I was cleaning it, I didn’t know when he got in the room. Last thing I knew it was his body over mine, and… I do not wish to tell you more details, you can imagine what happened next’’

            Jin Zixuan does not wish to imagine anything. He sees her in her bed, small, vulnerable, and very beautiful. Jiang Yanli was an angel. A divine creature fell from heaven itself. She’s so kind, caring, motherly, and protective of the people she loved. She is the best. The woman Jin Zixuan loves so fiercely. And she went through rape, at hands of his own father.

            Jin Zixuan feels his eyes filled with tears. ‘’No, not you’’ He denies. ‘’Please, tell me that he didn’t’’ she looks down, used to not being believed. ‘’Tell me he didn’t hurt you’’ he can’t imagine her, his beautiful mate being hurt in such away. ‘’Tell me, please! Tell me he didn’t do it!’’ He can’t even think of how horrible it surely was, physically, emotionally. Jiang Yanli, his girlfriend, was raped by his own father. ‘’Please, please, tell me you are fine, tell me it is not truth’’ Jiang Yanli pursed his lips, her watery eyes sadly looking at him.

            ‘’I’m sorry, A-Xuan. It happened. I did not say anything because I could not lose my job. I’m sorry’’

            ‘’Don’t say that’’ Jin Zixuan says with his broken voice. ‘’You have not to fault in this! You are innocent of this… assault! You have nothing to do with it! You did not deserve it!’’ That’s when Jiang Yanli finally allows herself to cry. That’s what she wanted to hear. That she was free of any guilt, that she never provoked it.

            When she feels his hand over his, she does not reject the caress for the first time, when it comes to the hug, she cannot tell him to go away either. The hug is so tight, she can hear Jin Zixuan’s beating heart clearly and also feel his tears landing on her face. ‘’Forgive, please, forgive, I… I should have known! I shouldn’t have done anything! On top of this, I believed my mother…!’’ Jin Zixuan was breathless, couldn’t process correctly what was happening. Too overwhelmed.

            ‘’It was not your fault either’’ As if Jin Zixuan would ever allow such assault towards her.

            ‘’I’ll kill him!’’ it was strange to say such words when he was holding her so sweetly. ‘’I promise, I’ll kill him, I’ll challenge him, and then I’ll tearing his head from his shoulders! He’ll pay for this, A-Li! I promise it!’’ Jiang Yanli pats his arm. That sounded good, to live in a world where Jin Guangshan did not exist. However, she loved Jin Zixuan more, she doesn’t want to see another beloved person of her in prison. ‘’I swear it, he’ll be dead, I’ll bring his head to you as a gift!’’

Wen Ning ran through the halls of the hospital as soon as they told them about Zhao Zhuliu condition. He hated Wen Chao more than ever this night. ‘’Are you a relative?’’ the bitter nurse asked him with a strict tone. ‘’Only relatives are allowed to visit’’ Somehow he was lucky enough to drive to the other side of the city without crashing his vehicle, and this woman here spoke to him as he was some sort of criminal. Wen Ning may have felt intimidated in another moment and may try to avoid any confrontation, but this time was different.

‘’Yes, I’m his mate’’ he says, sounding confident, the simple word causes him a shudder nonetheless. The nurse looks at him, suspecting but either way believing what he was saying.

‘’follow me, boy’’ grumpily, she walks ahead of him and Wen Ning dutifully follows her.

It is said that Zhao Zhuliu participated in that awfully-bad-planned mission that ended with Wen Xu’s life and put the Wens in evidence to the rest of the world. There was enough evidence to send Zhao Zhuliu to prison, breaking any ties with Wen Ning and anything they had before it turned into a romance.

Wen Ning didn’t want to say that it was truth but he couldn’t say something else: Zhao Zhuliu accepted the charges and declared himself guilty, he also told him to forget about him, Zhao Zhuliu didn’t want to have anything else with Wen Ning, it hurt him in ways Wen Ning has not healed yet. ‘’Will he get better, right? His condition is not severe?’’

‘’Probably’’ the nurse said, bluntly. ‘’You have ten minutes’’

When Wen Ruohan kicked him out of the family, Zhao Zhuliu accepted it. It would be pointless to persuade him to let him stay, someone needed to look after Wen Chao, make sure he won’t get kill in prison with that big mouth of his, though Wen Ruohan was not especially interested in his life, perhaps it was just an excuse to get rid of them at the same time.

            Back then Wen Ning and him only shared a meal. Not even in a fancy restaurant, as Zhao Zhuliu wanted, Wen Ning should only step his feet in places at his level, Zhao Zhuliu wouldn’t ever allow to denigrate him; it was clear what they felt for the other: attraction, curiosity. Not love, not yet, they needed more time to figure it out but they were sure it was very possible.

            However, then Wen Chao did what he did, Wen Xu died, and they went to prison. Wen Ruohan forced him to get accept some crimes he did not commit but yet he was doomed for them harshly, harder than Wen Chao. Crimes that make Wen Ning cried, and to look at him like a with his hurt, big betrayed eyes.

            Zhao Zhuliu did not have another option but to accept it, to do exactly what Wen Ruohan told him. Of course, he could refuse, he could have fought but Wen Ruohan was Wen Ruohan. Who was brave or stupid enough to go against his wishes? He was not Lan Qiren, he would face severe consequences if he ever tried.

            When he opens his eyes and sees Wen Ning face looking at him, Zhao Zhuliu sighs in peace. Maybe he died, yes, that should be. He’s dead and for some motives he does not understand, Gods were merciful with him and have brought him to a personal paradise where he could see Wen Ning’s beautiful eyes every single day. ‘’Do not move, Mr. Zhao’’ he obeys, of course, he doesn’t want this dream to come to an end. ‘’Those stabs were absolutely dangerous. A few centimeters deeper and you wouldn’t be here’’

            He would have loved to say that if death was his cost for seeing him again, then he could say goodbye to this wrecked world gladly. He’s still under the drugs' effects, there are so many things to say but he can’t. He isn’t even able to hear his voice clearly, it gets distant and fuzzy.

            Wen Ning also wants to say a lot of things to Zhao Zhuliu. Both gets frustrated by the lack of communication. If he only knew why Zhao Zhuliu did all those horrible things to innocent people, and if only Zhuliu could tell him that he didn’t do it.

…

Chapter Text

 Lan Qiren wakes up at the same hour as his nephew, much to Wei Wuxian’s sadness, he wakes up as well with a pout in his lips, as Lan Wangji changes Wei Wuxian goes to the kitchen, where Lan Qiren is already making breakfast. ‘’We need some servants ’ ’Lan Qiren points, he makes two kinds of food, only fines meats, and vegetables accompanied with some sweet fruits. ‘’The farm is too big for you to take care of’’ Wei Wuxian looks unsettling for a moment, unaware if this was an insult or just an observation. ‘’Last time we have around twenty people and it was not enough’’ Ah! Okay, okay, then this time is not his fault, so he relaxes his shoulders and goes looking for some milk.

            ‘’We… Uh, I hadn’t honestly seen the rest of the house’’ Wei Wuxian admits.

            ‘’Wangji hasn’t showed it to you?’’ the crane says, stirring something in a pan.

            ‘’We hadn’t much time, no’’ He defends the tiger immediately. ‘’Su She and I are often in the gardens though’’

            ‘’Oh! You like gardening, then?’’Wei Wuxian feels a tingling in his lower, pregnant belly at the approval tone.

            ‘’Yes, I like gardening’’

            ‘’Good, good, a fitting hobby for you. We can take a look at it and see what can we do to make it better’’ Wei Wuxican can’t help but smile shyly at the praise. Since young, Wei Wuxian grew wary of the adults. Adults were never nice to him, even Yu Ziyuan acted irrationally cruel towards him, he never blamed her though: Jiang Fengmian had left her, while pregnant and with a sick child, also taking with him the savings of their lives together, leaving behind a child product of infidelity for her to take care of. It’s okay, he couldn’t hate her, after all, Yu Ziyuan gave her a place to live at.  ‘’Go on,  I’ll make sure Wangji eats something, you should eat first’’ And Wei Wuxian is not sure of it. The strongest of the pack always should eat first.

            However he is not to make Lan Qiren angry. How could he? If he’s the first person older than him who seemed genuinely caring. He goes back to his seat and eats quietly everything that Lan Qiren puts on his plate. ‘’Are you attending your monthly appointments, I suppose?’’ Wangji’s uncle says, no entirely a question. 

            ‘’Yes, sir, Lan Zhan always takes me to them’’ despite his busy agenda, there was always time for Wei Wuxian and their child. As he should, the crane thinks to himself. that baby wasn’t made without help.

            ‘’And your prenatal vitamins?’’

            ‘’Everyday sir!’’ Lan Qiren hums thoughtfully as if evaluating Wei Wuxian’s behavior. He seems content about the baby, that’s good. Both mothers and fathers should give birth because they want to, not because they are forced to. He’s sure that baby will be blessed by the love of both progenitors. 

Lan Xichen stays at home lately. He doesn’t visit his sex workers either mostly to prove to Lan Qiren that he was not the desperate, empty, and lonely man he was told to be. He doesn’t last much, sadly a few days without sex is enough to feel his self-control slipping from his hands.

            Which only worked to prove his uncle’s point: He was lonely, surrounded by people but with anyone to be at his side. It was sad, depressing and many other things he did not want to think due to it woke up in him feelings he was not ready to deal with.

            Like the fact of his beloved brother being happy without him, on the farm of his family, his mother’s home was now tainted with the presence of the whore. Their father never dared to touch anyone else once he got married, or so people always tend to say when they speak about fidelity. 

            He could order his execution, many times he has been tempted by the idea of sending a snipper, the whore would be dead before touching the floor, and Lan Wangji wouldn’t even be able to stop it. That whore keeps his brother happy nonetheless. Lan Xichen doesn’t approve of it at all, he won’t ever see him as a family member.

            No the other father to Lan Wangji’s children. Even if they are truly his, Lan Xichen won’t ever call them nephews or nieces, won’t allow them to call them uncle. It is because of how much he despises the idea of his brother lowering himself to others? Is it because of the whore’s upbringing? Was it because of jealousy?

            He was not jealous of Lan Wangji of course. He has good taste, he was an admirer of beauty, at Lan Xichen’s eyes Wei Wuxian looked like a homeless, addicted man. However, what he did feel envious of was … what his brother surely feels every time he wakes up in the mornings.

            It must be… wonderful, to find someone sleeping next to you, to feel his warmth and think that this person in specific finds something appealing about you. Not the looks, not what a person can own, not materials matter but something that goes beyond of that. That’s what Lan Wangji feels, of course, ignores that he’s being used. 

            As Lan Xichen uses the women and men he pays for sex. 

Lan Qiren takes care of Wei Wuxian for the following days. He refuses to let him out of his sight unless it is necessary. It has been quite a time since the last occasion either Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen let Lan Qiren take care of them. ‘’Do you have anything in mind for the baby’s room?’’ Today he decided Wei Wuxian could not wear the same old and battered clothes he always does. He has no idea what the weck is Lan Wangji thinking, hasn’t he gave him enough money to buy something decent? It is very important Wei Wuxian’s looks, it entirely reflects the reputation of Lan Wangji.

            ‘’Not yet’’ Wei Wuxian says, still in his place as Lan Qiren compares his size against Wei Wuxian’s back. ‘’Next week we have an appointment, to see how many babies will it be, once we know, we’ll find a proper room and paint it’’ 

            ‘’I believe you’ll need help for that. No need to worry, I’ll gladly help you’’ Lan Qiren needed something to do besides appearing in charity events on behalf of the Lans!

            ‘’Oh! You don’t need to bother, I’m sure that Su She and I can do it’’ The last thing Wei Wuxian wants is to be a burden to Lan Qiren, whom to this moment has been nothing but kind to him. It is already surreal to have him here looking after and his babies. Lan Qiren looked like the kind of person destined to be around important people, drinking fancy liquors and eating exotic dishes. He does not want to become in something unpleasant. 

            ‘’... I have some free time, it will be liberator to focus in something else’’  there is anything else to focus. As soon as his nephews hit puberty, Lan Qiren became a fuzzy memory, Lan Xichen started taking decisions on the clan since a young age, Lan Qiren moved aside willingly, he never wanted to be part of the bloody lifestyle, however, he didn’t have much of an option anyway. 

            The short time Lan Qiren was the acting leader of the clan was… awful. He had to deal with a lot of issues and situations his parents did not prepare him to. All his life he was raised to be a husband and a father, to attend a husband and care for his children. However, life was cruel. He never had a husband, and either children.

            So he was forced to take a position of leadership where he was not respected or taken seriously. The only thing he could do was protecting the financials of the family. When Lan Xichen finally was able to be a leader himself, he was discarded and forgotten. 

            Which is understandable. Lan Qiren is aware he’s only useful in few ways, that’s why he tries his best in the few chances he has. Like this one, he has Wei Wuxian, a person that needs to be socially educated, but also watched, this without counting the babies to be delivered. ‘’We should look for a nice room at home today then. I have some options’’ 

            ‘’...Could we do it tomorrow?’’ Wei Wuxian asks, almost fearful. ‘’I have to visit my sister’’ Since Lan Qiren came to the farm he hasn’t left a single day. He’s always there, never intruding Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian’s privacy, he’s minding to not overstep his own liberties however, he also plays an active role in their lives as well. He had experience.

            ‘’You could ask your sister to come visiting’’ she would probably need to be educated as well. Lan Qiren would be nothing but blissful to have people under his care, to put at use everything that his parents told him he should do. ‘’Where does she lives at?’’

            ‘’She’s at the hospital’’ Lan Qiren almost wants to slap himself for not predicting such answers. ‘’She’s getting better!’’ Wei Wuxian immediately speaks when he sees Lan Wangji uncle’s face. ‘’She has a lot of medical conditions but she’s getting better since she was moved to a better place’’

            ‘’Either way, apologies for my rudeness’’ He should always predict the other’s thoughts. ‘’We could visit her today if you wish’’ if will be nice to know more of the boy’s family, where he comes from, how did he end with Lan Wangji, and everything that he should know. 

Wei Wuxian is not sure about it, he sends a quick text to his sister and hopes Wen Ning could read it for her. He wants to believe in Lan Qiren. He looks like a wise person, peaceful even when he is not scolding them; he knows better than to trust. Adults aren’t not trustworthy most of the time.

            He’s an adult as well. He often forgets it. He feels more like that scared little boy, cornered by his teacher in an empty classroom for the first time. He feels exactly in the same way though under different circumstances. 

            His teacher knew what economic difficulties his family and him were going through, they were orphans, hungry, full of needs, and abandoned. Jiang Yanli, despite her health, quickly looked for a job, leaving school without a second thought. Jiang Cheng was starting school this year, he needed uniforms, books, tuition, their landlord started charging a higher rent, it could pass a month or two before they could finally collect money enough to go to the market. The ways they were feeding themselves were just inhuman.

            Wei Wuxian succumbed to his teacher’s demands. He didn’t want to be touched but he needed to feed Jiang Cheng tonight, his baby brother had been crying to sleep the last two days because his stomach was burning so much thanks to the lack of food. 

            What else should he had done? ‘’Wait’’ He remembers to say, with his pants already on his ankles. ‘’I’m… I’m not sure’’ No child should be in his shoes, ever. ‘’It… it is going to hurt?’’ 

            ‘’Yes, but you’ll like it, you look like a slutty one’’ Back then Wei Wuxian did not understand what she implied.

            ‘’Like a what?’’

            ‘’Nothing, sweetheart. Just turn around, and bend over, I’ll do the rest’’

            Wei Wuxian shook his head, trembling in his feet. ‘’Can I go home? I won’t say anything’’ He regrets agreeing to this but the image of Jiang Cheng hugging his middle and crying against his battered pillow because he could not stand the pain made him hesitate.

            ‘’What you mean you wanna go home? You got me blue balls since a year ago’’ his teacher used a scolding tone that made Wei Wuxian want to hide under his desk. ‘’I have to stick this somewhere’’ Her member was insanity red and big, usual in hyenas.

            Wei Wuxian covered his face and sobbed, first quietly but when he heard her coming closer his volume grow up a little, this made her stop for a second. She was not leaving until she takes what she has been fantasizing about since he met the bunny. ‘’What about this? If you behave all nice and good to me, I’ll pay you good enough, I swear it., I’ll buy you a whole chicken and take you home myself, what about that?’’ Wei Wuxian was not exactly special to her, however, opposite of past jobs, this time wouldn’t be any parent asking her anything about their children’s internal wounds. He could kill the kid, bury him in the back of the school and no one will care about him. He had no parents, no tutors, just an older sister who already left school and a brother in kindergarten. She may want to pay him a visit to the latter as well. 

            And with that settled, Wei Wuxian let her do whatever she wanted for the next hours. He returned home pale due to blood loss, limping, and with his eyes swollen and red, his throat also hurt so much and couldn’t even speak properly. But it was worth it. Seeing Jiang Cheng eating that chicken, all happy and safe. 

            That was the first time he lied to Jiang Yanli. He knew she wouldn’t approve of what he did. Sweet Gods, Jiang Yanli would had made a scandal, she’ll have confronted his teacher, put legal charges and everything, she may be looked down when people hurt her, it was different when it came to her baby brothers nonetheless.

            And then what? She was not even at legal age to take care of two children. Her legal complaints will have been dismissed, and then the three of them could have been sent to different orphanages, and there they do awful things to little children. He knew it, he was thereafter his parents were eaten.

            Wei Wuxian kept exchanging sex for money with his teacher, and his teacher then traded him with other teachers and even the principal to her benefit. She still kept paying him, Wei Wuxian didn’t say anything. He’d do whatever they told him, if that meant he could keep feeding Jiang Cheng.

            Then his teacher was accused of sexual abuse by one of Wei Wuxian’s classmates. She ran away from the city for a few years, obviously, she never face justice for what she did to Wei Wuxian’s classmate, and for what she did to him. Wei Wuxian was frenetic when she left: the rest of the teachers did not want to get involved with him anymore, scared of being caught, despite Wei Wuxian promised them he wouldn’t say anything because he truly needed the money; when Wei Wuxian insisted, they blackmailed him: if Wei Wuxian ever says something about them, they’ll say it was Wei Wuxian who provoked them, the one who asked for sex on the first place.

            That scared Wei Wuxian. He didn’t even enjoy it! It was extremely painful sometimes! He could bleed for days when they tore him! They said that a child as him wouldn’t be loved anymore and that his sister would hate him and kick him out of the house if she knew. Wei Wuxian should have known better than Jiang Yanli wouldn’t ever do something like that, quite the opposite. However, we are talking about a boy who hadn’t reached his thirteen years yet, manipulated by several grown-up adults. When they showed him pictures and videos about him doing ‘’adult stuff’’, with the threat of these material being sent to his family, well… that actually scared him even more. Wei Wuxian kept himself silent and never asked them anything else.

            With this source of income now completely blocked at school, he found another on the streets, inspired by the things his teacher had taught him. It wasn’t nice, more dreadful if that could be possible but someone needed to put food on the table, Jiang Yanli was having a hard time, she was doing her best and yet they were still having issues to survive.

            Jiang Yanli won’t ever forgive herself for the things Wei Wuxian went through since he was a child. A child she should have protected better. She didn’t know about it, in fact, it took her years to find out about Wei Wuxian’s true job, by then he was already working on the brothel. 

            Wei Wuxian used to tell her that his teacher was really nice to him, and that she had put Wei Wuxian’s name in a list of social programs, or something similar if she’s honest, Jiang Yanli did not hear him completely, the only thing she heard was that someone was helping them! And when Wei Wuxian started bringing food and money…! 

            She’s a horrible person, wasn’t she? Jiang Yanli has it in mind from time to time. When Jin Zixuan is there with her, he’ll immediately say that it wasn’t his fault but the circumstances in where they were at. They shouldn't have been there on the first place. ‘’Stop thinking on thinks you cannot fix’’ Jin Zixuan says, spreading some of the body lotions he had bought exclusively for Jiang Yanli’s delicate hands. He’s careful of not being too intrusive, always mindful with his touches. It has taken too much to have just some of Jiang Yanli’s trust.

            She knows Lan Wangji. Well, not exactly. Lan Wangji is not… exactly a good man, he’s good with them though. However, she is not sure of how much is his mercy going to last, when he’ll decide this is enough and dump her brother. No, no, just to think about it hurts, she can see Wei Wuxian’s shining eyes when he speaks about this Lan man, however, Jin Zixuan has said that he still owns a harem at home, that even when he was with Wei Wuxian, he still had countless sexual partners. Wei Wuxian loves him but it doesn’t mean his love is reciprocated. 

            On the other hand… Jin Zixuan is mandly in love with her. It doesn’t mean he hasn’t done stupid shit, he has, he’s sorry, he’s trying to earn her love back. Jiang Yanli doesn’t have many options but to trust him. They need someone to rely on if Lan Wangji decides to withdraw the benefits he has been kindly, and selflessly offered to them. 

            They will need money to take care of the babies, and Jiang Yanli will eat her face before letting Wei Wuxian go back to his old job. Never again. If he already breaks himself for the sake of his (probably) siblings, what wouldn’t he do for his own children? ‘’I’m sorry’’ and Jin Zixuan wants to tell her that she should never say that for having her feelings. ‘’I… sometimes I can’t help myself’’

            She needs Jin Zixuan, she knows they can have something again. Jiang Yanli is not ready for a relationship yet, not that that matters right now. What she wants is an assurance of someone, protection, and economic security. ‘’A-Xuan, can I ask you something?’’

            ‘’Everything you want’’ Jin Zixuan is doing his best to be worthy of Jiang Yanli’s love again. He wants her to feel safe with him due to she is safe with him! He may look like a crazy creep over her but if he’s honest, he doesn’t have any tricks, doesn’t have ill intentions. 

            ‘’Would you marry me?’’ Jin Zixuan’s face goes blank. This is not how he expected his proposal will be, he didn’t even think she will be the one proposing! Because she’s proposing, right? Or maybe… maybe she is only asking a theoretical question and Jin Zixuan is making a whole picture in his head. 

            ‘’Yes! Of course, I mean…! Yes, I’ll gladly marry you!’’ He’s embarrassed of saying it out loud!

            ‘’...Oh! Sorry, I didn’t know I was interrupting’’ Wen Ning was coming to the room, holding a tray with some healthy snacks and freshwater for Jiang Yanli to drink. ‘’...I think I’ll return in five minutes, or more… So-sorry!’’ With an ashamed gesture, Wen Ning is quick in closing the door behind him immediately. 

            ‘’...I do want to marry you. Not right now, of course… Unless you want to, because if you want to I want to. I want whatever you want, and what do you don’t want, I can wait for you to want’’ Jin Zixuan is speaking nonsense to this point, Jiang Yanli smiles sadly to him. 

            ‘’And if your mother tells you not to? If she gives you a reason for it, would you believe her, again?’’ Ouch! that reminder hurts him harder than it should but he will get over it, after all, he has caused her more pain than everything she could do to him. 

            ‘’No. I won’t believe anything my mother says to me. Anything that people says to me about you. If it doesn’t come out of your mouth, then I refuse to believe it’’ He’s old enough to look after his own decisions. He decides to be with her. ‘’I only care about you’’

            Jiang Yanli sighs. Words can be so beautiful sometimes, she has learned enough to understand that words are only pretty things sometimes but useless otherwise. He can say all he wants about her and about how much he loves her but she needs a warranty. ‘’And yet I cannot tell for sure if you are going to be there when I needed you’’

            ‘’I´m not going away in the first place! I have no intentions of leaving your side!’’ He says, rather energically. ‘’I’m here to stay!’ and he sees the hesitation on her eyes. She still does not believe in his word, understandable. She was dying in a shithole thanks to him and his… and that man called Jin Guangshan. ‘’why don’t you believe me?’’ and he doesn’t ask in an upset tone, he’s not mad, there is no heat behind his words, he’s asking because he wants to know what he is doing wrong, he wants to fix it. 

            ‘’I want to have the certainty that you won’t go back on your promises. Tomorrow this Lan Wangji may wake up moody and kick my brother out of home, he’s helping us with this hospital, he’s helping us keeping Jiang Cheng safe at the jail. I want to be ready if that happens!’’

            ‘’Even if that happens, I'll be there! I can provide for you! the three of you! Wei Wuxian’s babies as well! While I breathe, I’ll pay for this hospital, I’ll buy security for Jiang Cheng, I’m already trying to take him out! Everything you can think of, I’ll bring it to you!’’ And Jiang Yanli’s looks away with a shaky breath. What is he doing wrong? How can he make it up to her? He feels on the edge, desperate. 

            ‘’I don’t know if you will wake up in a bad mood as well’’ Oh…! Okay, okay. He gets that, he understands it even. Jiang Yanly and her family are in a vulnerable position, they are not depending on themselves but on other people that are not entirely trustworthy. 

            ‘’...I know you are not ready for a marriage’’ he begins, his hands are sweating, his cheeks are apple-red, he’s suffocating but he won’t stop now that he has begun. ‘’I´ve spoken to my most loyal lawyers about a… premarital agreement? Since now i’m telling you that we’ll have a joint tenancy. If you ever decide to get a divorce…’’ he hopes that he won’t do anything stupid to make her want to leave. ‘’or if I die, half of everything I possess, or everything that I possess, will be yours’’ Now, that’s something different. That’s what she wanted to hear. They are with powerful people, both Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian but they were not powerful. 

‘’...Does your parents know about this agreement?’’ Jin Zixuan could do everything he was saying but Jin Guangshan was a corrupted man. Who knows what he wouldn’t do to keep his money in his pockets. 

‘’Not yet, it doesn’t matter’’ he looks evasive about her question, it doesn’t feel right. ‘’My mother doesn’t have much of power over our inheritance’’

‘’Your father won’t be pleased’’ they should be careful. Jin Guangshan was a dangerous man.

‘’You won’t need to worry about him anymore in the future’’ Jin Zixuan can’t help but  add darkly. 

            ‘’A-Xuan…’’ She says, surprised, almost disturbed. ‘’You won’t do … something unwise, right?’’

            ‘’He won’t go from this world without paying for what he did to you!’’ He says, a rage behind his words this time. Jiang Yanli was everything good in this fucking world. ‘’I’ll make sure of it’’ Soon he will be nothing but an old nightmare. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 21

It was an extremely uncomfortable, awkward scene to find fucking Jin Zixuan there in his sister’s room. Especially after everything that had happened between their families. Wei Wuxian is forced to calm down, he couldn’t do anything rash, not even a bad word to this man who did not deserve not even a look from his sister. Lan Qiren was there, attentive. He's always looking for Wei Wuxian's wellbeing but also for his baby’s health, those matters were really important to him and it should not be disturbed by someone who wasn’t worth it. ‘’Good evening…! Wei Wuxian, Mr. Lan’’ As expected, Jin Zixuan did know Lan Qiren for years. They were not close at all, Lan Qiren wasn’t closed to anyone but his family, nevertheless it was impossible to not encounter on parties from time to time.

‘’…Good evening’’ Lan Qiren says on Wei Wuxian’s behalf as well, he can sense how upset he is, unfortunately, he couldn’t ask him anything in public. ‘’Quite a surprise to find you here’’ He says, gently pulling Wei Wuxian’s arm, he needs to sit him down as soon as possible, he had been complaining about his feet since a few hours ago, Lan Qiren hadn’t given him much of rest lately, simply there were so many things to do.

‘’Good evening! Mr. Lan, Wei Wuxian’’ Jin Zixuan gets all clumsy on his feet, dropping the body lotion by mistake on the process. ‘’We… uh… I wasn’t expecting you’’ 

‘’Well, I can say the same’’ He says from his sister’s bed, sitting on the edge. ‘’How are you, sister?’’ he asks in a sweet, loving tone, he takes one of her hands and checks from any possible injury that that beast could have done to her, or anything but finds nothing in exchange. He does not ask her why is Jin Zixuan there, or why is she allowing him to be near her after his abandonment. There is no judgment, no questioning of any kind, just pure support, and understanding. What could he say against Jin Zixuan when he was with Lan Wangji? Not that he compares them! They have nothing in common…! Mostly. Lan Wangji was a criminal, he accepted that, but he knew he could trust him with his life. 

‘’I’m doing great A-Xian’’ She wants to ask him how is he feeling, bringing new lives to this world must be not only exhausting but also overwhelming, after all, Wei Wuxian was now sharing his body with more people, this time in a nice, innocent way. She looks at him with some doubt.

‘’This is Mr. Lan, Lan Zhan’s uncle’’ He introduces quickly, clumsy even. He’s not used to this kind of conversation. Wei Wuxian does not remember, not even a single time in which he has introduced a friend to his siblings. Why would he? If what he wanted was to keep his family away from the world he was sunk in. 

‘’A pleasure to meet you, Miss Jiang’’ Lan Qiren, a man of diplomacy easily takes the lead on the conversation to avoid any tense silence. ‘’Your brother has told me a lot about you, I was eager to meet you’’ He says, always kind, in a relaxed tone that sounds fatherly. Jiang Yanli could feel safe almost immediately if the fact of this man being part of a criminal family did not exist. She’s not judging, she is not being picky at all, however, there is certain intimidation that she tries to ignore but gets quite difficult. 

‘’The pleasure is all mine Mr. Lan’’ she would have bow if she could, Lan Qiren looked like a person to be venerated and respected. ‘’Thank you for taking care of my brother’’ 

‘’No need to say thank you, I enjoy spending time with my nephew’s mate’’ Lan Qiren says sincerely. It has been so long since the last time he was seen as a person with whom people could look after counsel. 

At the title, Wei Wuxian can help but to look down, certainly ashamed and maybe a little, just a tiny little bit of disappointed. He is not Lan Wangji’s mate. He is not his boyfriend despite that was what he told his siblings. He is… someone Lan Zhan likes to have around? A mix between a friend and a lover. 

It isn’t as bad as it sounds. Lan Wangji has been more polite and understanding to him in these past months than he has ever been. He is scared that this will come to an end once the babies are born. Lan Wangji has said that he’ll be responsible for the babies, he isn’t sure if that could mean that he’s taking the babies from Wei Wuxian or not. He hopes he will not do such a thing. He fought his own brother because of him, right? Well, maybe it was because Lan Xichen dared to attack him, the vessel of his children.

Tigers can be overprotective with their cubs. It would be a normal behavior. In any case, he’s accepting what Lan Zhan is giving him, the love and attention for the moment, even if it isn’t something permanent, it is nice, whatever they have. They haven’t talked about it, and Wei Wuxian is not touching that topic even if his life depends on it. He is not ready to hear that he's a good friend. 

Wei Wuxian remembers that Jin Zixuan is in the same room. That’s good. He means, Jin Zixuan was a damn fucker who did not deserve the love of his sister but if he was here it meant he wanted to take care of her. And that’s absolutely marvelous. They need a plan B in case he does not survive the birth, or if Lan Wangji for some reason decides to not be with him anymore. In the end, with his power and corruption or supported by the laws, Lan Wangji could easily win the guardianship of their babies. No one will let a defenseless baby with a whore, he may be going to jail if he tried to fight him off in this. After all, prostitution was a crime severely punished. He had some former coworkers who were caught and were now facing harder sentences than the rapist who hurt them. 

Jin Zixuan feels uncomfortable, getting caught under Wei Wuxian’s dead eyes is not a pretty sight. He also notices that he is not pretty anymore, even when he is not using those draggy clothes again, he just doesn’t look right. He sees the dark circles under his dull eyes, the combed hair but still lifelessly. The pale tone of his skin that almost matches Jiang Yanli’s. The scars, the stains of acid. This and there only make him feel more and more uncomfortable. 

He is not going to lie. He is afraid of Wei Wuxian’s eyes, of whatever he’s hiding beneath. He hopes so much, with his heart and soul, that his father has never done anything to Wei Wuxian too. Jin Zixuan knows his father perfectly (or so he thought), and he’s aware of how much he loved visiting brothels, any of them.

From the fanciest to the seediest. And he knows, oh he knows that the chances of him visiting Wei Wuxian’s is real and possible. Part of the pain that is behind his eyes is because of him. If he hadn’t believed his mother’s words and stayed with the Jiangs, when Jiang Yanli needed him the most, he knows that their lives would be far different from the ones they have today. He shouldn’t be depending on the hands of the mafia.

‘’A-Xian, come back’’ His GIRLFRIEND’S gentle voice seems to be the only thing that brings Wei Wuxian back to the present. ‘’Is everything alright?’’ Not really, he wants to cuddle, in a tiny hole on the ground and have a nap for a few days. He can’t do it right now. 

‘’Sorry, sister, you must be tired, should we let you rest?’’ Lan Qiren feels the same upsetting feeling he had the first time both Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji got sick the first time under his care. 

‘’No’’ Jiang Yanli says, almost too fast. He is not okay, she does not want him to leave her. ‘’No, actually A-Xuan and I were very hungry, we were thinking of having lunch, mind join in us? Mr. Lan, give us the honor to have a meal with us’’ Wei Wuxian has always thought that Jiang Yanli has been better with words than the rest of them. Wei Wuxian just lacks proper vocabulary, and Jiang Cheng could be too emotional (irritable) with people. He can bet he has learned this kind of stuff by staying with the Jins. 

‘’I’ll love to’’ He says, sharing the same concern Jiang Yanli had. Jin Zixuan waits patiently for them to choose whatever they want and order. His duty was to keep them happy. 

Another trimester has finished, Lan Wangji can’t help but write down. Wei Wuxian is touching his seventh month. He’s big, heavy, and very sleepy. ‘’Good morning’’ the bunny says, dragging his words before nuzzling next to him, the tiger welcomes him in his protective arms, he gently rubs his back in circles and accommodates himself to place his chin on top of his head, judging by his breathing he fell to sleep again.

It has been a rough week this one. He got shot, twice, he’s recovering without many complications but still, these incidents reminded him, in a dangerous way that he is mortal. He needs to work harder, he cannot allow himself the luxury of dying, his baby must have a father. He also has a meeting with his brother, it went as good as it could be.

‘’I have read the reports you have sent me’’ Lan Xichen says from his seat on his study, the study they used to play when they were a pair of children. ‘’It had corrected a couple of mistakes’’ Lan Wangji avoids any corporal response by the observation of his brother. ‘’It surprised me, you never made mistakes before’’ Lan Xichen accuses, still unable to establish visual contact with his brother. He cannot see his face, not yet, he does not possess the courage to do so, Lan Xichen finds fortress on the papers he is holding in both hands. 

‘’Such mistakes will be prevented in the future’’ It is only what he says. He wants to leave as soon as possible. He does not wish to spend another moment in the presence of whom has challenged him. ‘’I’ll take my leave now’’ He says and promptly turns away. 

‘’I have heard uncle is staying with you’’ Lan Xichen interrupts, visibly upset. 

‘’Yes, he is’’

‘’He is staying in the Jingshi’’ Lan Xichen repeats.

‘’Yes, he is staying with us. That’s the place I have chosen as my new home’’

‘’It is a familiar place. Highly intimately and treasured by our family, Wangji’’ He is preventing himself from saying that he does not approve of the fact his brother has brought a cheap whore to live there and share the same bedroom their father and mother had. 

‘’The Jingshi is part of my inheritance. It is under my name, left to me specifically’’ Lan Wangji remembers, almost sharply. He could burn that farm down if that is his wish, that place was his territory, was his to do and undo as he pleased, as much as Lan Xichen had other properties under his name. 

‘’W e grew up there together!’’ He says, raising his voice for the second time. Quickly Lan Zhan stills his tail and narrows his eyes, defensive. He does not wish to fight him again, he is already wounded, he does not want Wei Wuxian to worry about him when he comes to welcome him to the door. ‘’Our childhood is on that farm, uncle Qiren wanted us to be there and remember our parents. You cannot stain a pure, flawless place like that with…’’ He stops just in time because Lan Wangji is just waiting to give him the signal and finish the work they have pending. ‘’You cannot do such a thing.

‘’It is my rightful home as much as this place it is yours’’ Lan Wangji again forcibly remembers, growing in a dangerous mood. ‘’I cannot stain what it is already dirty. I’ll do the opposite’’ Lan Qiren told him they needed to get rid of certain areas and start again, there is still blood there, bones, and some items of torture. ‘’I’ll clean it with the laughs of my children, they will grow up there and be as happy as once we were’’ Lan Xichen shakes his head, clearly against everything Lan Wangji says.

‘’I’ll not call them nephews and nieces’’ He threatens as if that will make Lan Wangji change his mind. ‘’I’ll not see them as my family’’ and it hurts, he is not lying. It does hurt, it stings his heart to hear him saying these things about the unborn babies when Lan Wangji is already willing to die and kill for them. 

‘’Good’’ he says in the end, stronger than before. ‘’I never thought in allowing you to meet them. Now, sir, if our business has come to an end, I’ll take my leave then’’ Lan Xichen stays silent, trembling in his place in anger. ‘’And… Lan Xichen’’ he calls as a stranger. ‘’Call me next time. I will not come back’’

When Lan Zhan goes home he feels an unpleasant feeling on his chest. It is never nice when you have to say goodbye to your family but Lan Xichen had done something unforgivable and yet hadn’t any delicacy to apologize, quite the opposite, he was a stubborn man but Wangji could be even more stubborn.

‘’Lan Zhan?’’ He immediately turns around to find his pregnant mate on the doorframe, still wearing clothes for the outside, it is clear he hadn’t even tried to go to bed. ‘’Are you hungry? I can make something for you!’’ 

Lan Zhan is absolutely grateful for the lack of pressure he receives from Wei Wuxian in this sort of relationship. He never questions about what he is doing, where, and with whom. This is a good thing, he wouldn’t know what to answer if he ever asks him about his activities. 

‘’Go to bed. Rest’’ He says instead. Doctors had pointedly mentioned the risks Wei Wuxian is facing on this pregnancy. ‘’I can cook myself’’ 

Wei Wuxian purses his lips and goes to the kitchen anyway. He cannot allow himself to be lazy, no matter what. He cannot offer him sex lately, he is not exactly appealing anymore and he understands if Lan Wangji eventually stops looking at him with desire. He just wishes it won’t be too humiliating, he won’t bare to see the disgust on Lan Wangji’s face. He’ll be the happiest man in the world if  Lan Zhan keeps giving him just a tiny bit of respect, at least in front of their children.

Well, there is someone more stubborn than me, Lan Wangji appreciates and does not stop him this time, he believes it will give him more peace if he lets him be at least for today, and so he sits down and gives Wei Wuxian what the world has been denying all these time, a bit of happiness and freedom.

‘’How was your day?’’ Wei Wuxian asks, not in his usual tone, probably thinking about Lan Qiren’s sleeping state. He wouldn’t want to disturb him. ‘’did you…?’’ Has Lan Wangji killed someone today? ‘’Was it busy?’’

Lan Wangji looks thoughtful for a moment, as he hears him cutting some meat and carefully roasting it directly to the fire, not well seasoned. ‘’Yes’’  Oh, today was an interesting one, wasn’t it? He had lost a brother today.

The same loving brother who had protected him all his life. The one who was there to accompany him during his pain when he did not understand why there was no mother for them. The brother who played with him on this very own farm.

‘’A-Zhan, A-Huan, both of you, get up, it is too late to be in bed!’’ He remembers Lan Qiren’s voice, scolding but not cruel. No, never cruel. ‘’Up, up, up!’’

He’ll hear Lan Xichen’s giggling as Lan Wangji tried to melt in his arms and against his chest, his brother will kindly shield him from any attempt of their uncle. ‘’Just a few minutes more, uncle! Please’’

And usually, Lan Qiren wouldn´t have the heart to make them get up from bed. How could he? If both his children looked just so cute, hugging each other on the bed. Ah! He remembers those old days where they were just a pair of children and not the strangers they have become. All that has happened thanks to a person.

Lan Zhan lets his eyes fall on Wei Wuxian’s figure. His body is a complicated sight, it still carries the vestiges of malnourishment but also a big belly product of rut that they did not plan. Wei Wuxian is almost as tall as him but yet he looked so small and fragile. He wonders how many times his thin wrists have been broken, how much his body has suffered at the hands of other people.

Eventually, he stands up from the chair, unable to let the bunny do all the work when his ankles are swollen from carrying all that weight of their twins. ‘’Please, let me!’’ Wei Wuxian says when Lan Wangji kindly takes his wrists on his hands. ‘’M’okay, I can cook something for you, really!’’ He’s desperately fighting for a place in Lan Wangji’s heart, a reason to convince him that he can be somehow useful.

‘’Have you eaten?’’ 

‘’Yes, my sister’s boyfriend ordered a little banquet for us, we ate at the hospital’’

‘’How is your sister doing? I have not heard of her in a while’’

Well, Wei Wuxian never truly speaks much about his siblings unless it is necessary. Lan Wangji has so many important things to do and think of than hearing his annoying tales. ‘’She is doing much better, thank you for asking! Her nurse told us the bonds are helping her to stabilize her heart. She hadn’t experienced any episode lately, her heart is doing so good!’’ And Lan Wangji feels his own heart all happy and serene seeing the happiness on Wei Wuxian’s face.

For years he thought happiness was easy to buy, he had seen the same happiness on the members of his harem when he gave them all the luxuries they could think of. But this? Oh dear, this was a different kind of happiness, pure, gentle, and selfishlessly. ‘’Lan Zhan?’’ He asks, a little confused when the tiger’s ears go down. ‘’...Why… why are you crying?’’ Lan Zhan’s cries are not messy at all, just a tear or two going down his cheeks, a profound sadness showing in his eyes but a kind, a tiny smile on his face. ‘’Don’t cry, my love, it makes… Please don’t cry or I’m going to cry too and I don’t…’’ Lan Zhan’s smile goes bigger, he remained calm and serene while he held Wei Wuxian in an embrace, smelling his scent of fertile forest.

Lan Wangji wanted to say that there was something strong and beautiful growing inside his chest, meant only for Wei Wuxian’s existence. That even when his brother and he had cut ties, Lan Wangji was not alone, actually, Lan Zhan did not feel alone at all. He felt comfortable, at ease, happy whenever he was around his lovely bunny, and even when he wasn’t, the mere reminder that he had hidden at home make him happy. 

Lan Qiren, who had walked to the kitchen, with a jar of glass ready to be filled with fresh water stops at the door, hiding behind. Oh…! He can see the tears wetting his nephew’s slashes but at the same time, he sees all the peace on his face as he cradles the bunny protectively.

And that… is… Lan Qiren hugs the jar against his chest, a broken expression on his face takes control of him. His sight goes blurry for a moment, his throat hurts from the tight knot that it’s cutting him. That must be beautiful, to love someone, to reciprocate and respect the feelings you have carefully blossomed just for them. 

For that sacred love these two were having in the middle of a shitty and cruel world, Lan Qiren was willing to give up his own life if that meant they could have the family and happiness Wen Ruohan lost before they could taste it.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22

Xue Yang is one of the luckiest whores ever. He had been free for quite several years. Ever since Mo XuanYu’s death and Meng Yao’s escape, he knew he couldn’t stay in the brothel anymore, sooner or later someone will end up either killing him, eating him, or infecting him with a disease that could possible kill him, if the owners of the brothel didn’t do it first as soon as they see him as a burden.

            He has a nice job now, he thinks as he wakes up, surrounded by two warm bodies. ‘’Stay in bed a little longer’’ he hears the voice of one of his lovers, Xue Yan sighs in content when he feels Song Lan’s throat vibrating as he speaks on his deep tone of voice, he grins and hugs Song Lan harder, at the same time he feels Xiao Xicheng’s arms holding him delicately, leaning his cheek in the curvature of Xue Yang’s shoulder and neck.

            ‘’I’ll love to but I have work to do’’ He says though his tone and actions do not sound convinced at all of getting off the bed. He’ll rather stay here the rest of the day, but Song Lang had to go to work as well, he had his duties too and Xiao Xicheng too.

            ‘’Do it later’’ Xiao Xicheng says, happy to be lay in bed with his two favorite people.

            He has been living with them as a polyamorous family for the past six years, he has enjoyed every moment of those years, despite their first meeting was not very… peaceful. It does not matter now. He has what he always wanted, safety and a home in which he could close his eyes without the fear of getting murdered the second he lowered his guard.

            The happy family moments got interrupted as they keep hearing a mumbled whine, still too far from them but at the same time close enough to bother them. ‘’I swear to the Gods, that motherfuckers is screaming me to kill him!’’ He feels Xiao Xicheng’s hand rubbing his back, trying to placate his ire, it is too early for murderous wishes.

            ‘’Jin Zixuan said you couldn’t kill him unless he was present’’ Song Lan reminds him wisely.

            ‘’I know, I know. He just gets on my nerves. I hate him so much, he does not even deserve to be here anymore’’ Xue Yang says with clear disgust in his voice. ‘’He should have been dead from day one’’

            ‘’I believe Mister Jin wants him to suffer a little bit. You have to obey him, he’s paying you for torturing his father. He may want to kill him personally but that’s up to him’’ Xiao Xicheng says. From the three of them, Xiao Xicheng is the only one who is not directly involved in any illegal activity, besides being an accomplice with his silence.

            ‘’I know’’ he repeats again. ‘’He does not deserve to live’’ He says once again. ‘’After all the shit he had done’’ To him, to the deceased Mo Xuan Yu, to Meng Yao, to Wei Wuxian and the rest of his coworkers that he does not even know if they were still alive or not. ‘’It is not fair’’ And his lovers can sense the anger that makes Xue Yang’s voice break. ‘’Nevermind, I’ll go to work right away’’ he says with renovated energy. He was not going to cry when he has the person who made his life hell waiting for him in their basement.

Jiang Yanli hears the news about it, the disappearance of Jin Guangshan is news everywhere, her brother changes the channel every time the news starts speaking about that bastard. ‘’I’ll like to see the T.V for once’’ she scolds him gently, pinching his cheek very lightly, Wei Wuxian knows about what Jin Guangshan has done to her, she may suspect about her sibling knowing something about it but in the end, they are not brave enough to mention this topic in a conversation. ´´It is okay, A-Xian, the Jins cannot hurt us anymore, A-Xuan wouldn´t let them ´´She says, very confident of her words, Wei Wuxian purses his lips and looks away, unable to say anything.

            It is not fair. Of everything that could have ever happened, why does life was cruel enough to let her get hurt in such a way by that man? There are days in which he cannot accept that fact. It torments him to face that Jiang Yanli was raped and he did not do anything to prevent it because he was not there to help her.

            Jiang Yanli, one of the sweetest people in this awful world was raped. He lays his head on her lap, sighing shakily. She never told him about it, Wei Wuxian wouldn’t have found out if it wasn’t because of Jin Guangshan himself, when he bought Wei Wuxian for a party. He was tied up, taken from behind by Jin Zixun while Jin Guangshan raped his mouth, telling him about how better it would be if he had brought his sister with her to join the party too, after all, I’m sure her cunt feels much better now that I have given her first fuck. Wei Wuxian would have bitten his dick off if it wasn’t for the gang what prevents him from closing his mouth.

            It is just awful. Jiang Yanli shouldn’t have gone through that, and it is something that he will never forgive himself for letting it happen, for not taken care of her properly. She must have felt so terrified and lonely, he hates himself for being consoled right now when it is clear that Jiang Yanli deserved it much more.

            But Jiang Yanli suspects the reason behind Jin Guangshan’s disappearance. She is not thinking in that day when he was raped. No, no, she’s even smiling as she pets her brother’s hair. She knows it was her official boyfriend, soon-to-be fiancé if he has done what he promised her.

            Jiang Yanli is not a dark person. She is not greedy, either selfish, manipulative or ruthless. However, she can be dangerous when it is provoked, and now that she has been in a vulnerable state for years, far too much time, she is smart and recognizes power when she sees it.

            It does not mean she is seeing Jin Zixuan only as a tool or a bank. It isn’t like that. She truly loves him, with her entire heart but she is not stupid, she needs warranties, she needs to know that nothing bad will happen to her and her siblings. She wants to feel safe, damn it! They deserve that!

            And if Jin Zixuan is proving his word, then Jin Zixuan had a bride already. Once she gets better, because she is getting better thanks to Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian, thanks to their bonds her health was improving, and once she can get up from her bed, or, well, let's say that there is a lot of things about to change in the Jin’s family, her family now.

            Speaking of the devil (her devil), Jin Zixuan surprises her (not really) with another bouquet and more candies. Jiang Yanli indicates him to be quiet with a finger against her lips, Wei Wuxian has fallen asleep, just giving up with the extra weight, and emotions.

            Jin Zixuan does not say anything but nods and dutifully and leaves her gifts on the nearest table. He’s awkward about being there, just existing in the same place as his soon-to-be-brother-in-law. After all the shit he has thought about him but also said straight to his face when either Jiang Yanli or Jiang Cheng weren´t present. ‘’Haven´t you thought about finding a real job?’’ He remembers telling him once, while Jiang Yanli was getting ready on their room, Jiang Cheng was still at the university back then. ‘’Something less… nasty?’’

            Wei Wuxian looked away, a hurt expression on his face as he held the piece of cheap cake he was willing to share with him. ‘’It… it is not easy’’ This was not the first time he was questioned by Jin Zixuan about this, and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last one. ‘’I can’t leave’’ Wei Wuxian was under the control of very dangerous people, he could not leave just like that.

            ‘’Of course you can leave! You just need to walk away! This is not even legal, Wei Wuxian! If the police find out, you can go to prison, prostitution is harshly punished! Can you think on your sister a little more? Gods, you are disgraceful’’ He saw all the disgust and hatred the rest of society had for him on Jin Zixuan’s face that day. ‘’I don’t anything that has ever touched your hands, get it out!’’ he pushed back the cake and plastic cutlery back to bunny. ‘’sharing a table with a whore! Me! Ha!’’

            Until this day, those memories gets him chills. Jin Zixuan admits he has spent hours and hours staring to the ceiling or the wall, thinking about those words and those actions. He even recreates the scene on his mind with a version in which he is being kind and not a fucking jerk.

            Jin Zixuan is completely ashamed about this. If Jiang Yanli ever knew… angry wouldn’t be enough word to describe her wrath. He wants to make it up to them, to the three of them. Wants to be only the best for them, the urge of apologizing is burning him but he cannot do it in front of her.

            Jiang Yanli gives him a sign to come closer, it appears she has something to say. Like the obedient puppy he is, he does as he is told, his heart just jumps in his chest when he feels Jiang Yanli’s lips kissing his cheek, as a reward for the good job he has done. ‘’Thank you’’ she whispers against his ear. ‘’I accept’’

This time, unfortunately, Lan Qiren was forced to leave the peaceful farm of his nephew, which also meant leaving his new disciple, at least for a few hours. He is not a fan of leaving the safety of his territory but yet this time was necessary.

            He is a little frustrated lately with his nephews. Once is sunk in alcohol and whores and the other one has no idea of how to express his feelings and instead chooses to run away. Wei Wuxian’s eyes have been sad these days, Lan Qiren wishes to tell him to put himself together, but Lan Wangji has left the city under the excuse of supervising a shipment somewhere very far from where they were currently living.

            ‘’Sir!’’ Lan Qiren stops his way at the sound of a feminine voice calling him. He’s usually surrounded by his bodyguards and servants, however, since he left the Ancestral Lan’s Home, he only goes around with a bodyguard and a driver. Once he stops, he gracefully turns around, chin held high, cold eyes and his grim features tainted with impatience, he has so much to do at home, he does not wish to lose his time. ‘’Apologies, Mr. Lan, it is that I usually never have the chance  to see you and say hello’’

            It is more than clear that Wen Ruohan’s niece makes him feel uncomfortable. Lan Qiren and his mate did not end up on good terms, mostly because of the pride both have, Wen Ruohan wanted to dominate him and his family to form a single empire, Lan Qiren wanted to keep the Lan legacy by the time Lan Xichen was old enough to take care of it. None was willing to give up.

            Seeing Wen Qing makes him feel threatened. This is the family Wen Ruohan chose, which was alright, he could decide whatever he wanted, even marrying two or three times and having babies, babies that he promised will make with Lan Qiren but anyways, that’s the past. ‘’Greetings, lady Wen’’ He says, politely, not kindly. ‘’It is a pleasure to see you’’

            ‘’The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Lan’’ She can’t help but feel marveled by the sight of her uncle’s love. He is… impressive, looking like a piece of jade found in the middle of a desert. A precious stone of a forgotten civilization. ‘’I’m glad to find you here, could we have a moment?’’ She says, eyeing the bodyguard who has strict instructions of protecting Lan Qiren with his life, if anything happened to him, he’ll have a little chat with the Lan siblings.

            ‘’Unfortunately, this is not the best time for chatting, Lady Wen, I have some issues to take care at home at the moment, apologies’’ He doesn’t like leaving Wei Wuxian wondering around the city under Su She’s care, people may talk and get the wrong idea, and Lan Qiren was made to keep the face and reputation of their family.

            ‘’I’ll take me just a few minutes, you’ll be on your way home immediately’’ damn her and Wen Ruohan’s tactics because she already moving away, expecting to be followed, it will be rude to leave her alone. The crane purses his lips and gives a curt nod to his bodyguard but follows her against his will.

Jiang Cheng finds himself longing for Wei Wuxian’s figure to come to his room and sit next to him and together eat something tasty and talk about their family and plans of a future in which he is free. He has not come this month again. He is not angry, he is not disappointed.  That will be too much of his side, as if wasn’t his fault to be locked here.

            However, he cannot prevent himself from feeling the way he does. He is a human, and humans make mistakes, they do wrong and felt angry about their wronging. Hugging his knees he lets out a long sigh with closed eyes.

            He has lost count of how many lawyers had treated his case, of the fake hope he has every time Wei Wuxian assures him that he is going to get him out as soon as possible. It feels an eternity by now, he is scared of rotting here, of not seeing his sister again.

            Jiang Cheng startles a little when he hears a knock on his door. Exactly, a knock on the door. Someone asking for permission before intruding on his privacy as they usually do? ‘’Wei Wuxian?’’ he says by instinct, getting on his feet with his heart-crushing on his chest.

            ‘’Mr. Jiang, may I come in?’’ He does not recognize that voice. He has never heard it and while it is kind, Jiang Cheng knows better than to trust.

            ‘’No’’ He says, looking around to find something that could help him in his defense in case this person tried to hurt him. ‘’Who are you?’’ but around him, there are only books, blankets, and spoons.

            ‘’I was sent here by Lan Wangji’’

            ‘’Lan who?’’

            There is a silence at the other side of the door that only makes him more restless. Who was this person and what business wanted with him? He looks for his phone and calls his brother, one, two, three times but there is no answer. Calling their sister is not an option, Jiang Yanli’s heart was a delicate matter, Jiang Cheng will first kill himself before worsening her state. ‘’Please, Mr. Jiang, I was sent here to collect you’’

            ‘’No! I do not know any Lan person!’’ He truly has no idea of whom they are speaking of. His brother has never told him a real name, after all, always avoiding what ashamed him.

Lan Wangji has not been at home lately, Wei Wuxian notices with sadness. He does not pressure him, he never does, never asks where was he, with whom, or what was he doing. That is not his business, he’s afraid of that answer. Lan Wangji was already doing too much for him, the last thing he wishes is annoying him anymore.

            For now, on the farm there is only Wei Wuxian, Lan Qiren, Su She, and his security team. Lan Wangji has been absent for two entire weeks, sometimes he calls him, sometimes he does not, Wei Wuxian forces himself to get over it, tries not to torment himself any further with the thought of Lan Wangji’s harem still existing.

            He wouldn’t cheat on him, right? He’s pregnant and… Well, he rolls on his side, an anxious expression on his face. His sibling’s mom was also pregnant, wasn’t she? When Jiang Fengmian left her behind for someone else, she was pregnant with his baby brother and his sister was fighting to survive in a hospital.

            Lan Wangji could totally do the same, a child wouldn’t stop him from looking other people. The tiger has said he will provide for him and their child but that he has never said he’ll stay at Wei Wuxian’s side. He is not his mate either a boyfriend, a fiancé. And honestly, why is he so upset about it?

            Was he truly believing that someone like Lan Wangji would consider him worthy enough of a partner? No, of course, he doesn’t. Despite what Lan Xichen believes of him, Wei Wuxian knows very well his place, and wouldn’t dare to assume anything. He’s accepting Lan Wangji’s help gladly, he’s so grateful for the mercy and care he has shown to him, so grateful that sometimes he is blind to the matters that torments him.

            At 2 a.m. Wei Wuxian can not take it anymore and forces himself to get out of bed, it is difficult without help. Doctors had said that he’s expecting twins, girl and boy, he does not know yet what race is which one. He hopes he has a male tiger, he won’t know what would it be of them if someone from the harem gives him what Lan Wangji needs if he fails.

            He slaps himself harshly for thinking in such way but he cannot help but feel insecure again. He’s happy and comfortable when Lan Wangji is right there with him, assuring him how much he… he enjoys spending time with him? No, it is not a love confession or anything near, but it is the loveliest, and most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to him.

            ‘’Please, please, Gods’’ He prays on his knees, both hands grasping his sleeping robes. ‘’Do not take him from me’’ he says with a broken voice. ‘’Do not take my tiger, do not make him get bored of me, I’ll do my best, I promise, just… I can’t lose him’’ not only his family was too compromised in this, but his heart was also now in Lan Wangji’s hands.

            Which was a stupid decision. He shouldn’t ever fell for a man who has who knew how many lovers living in a house, waiting for his desires, people far younger and more beautiful than Wei Wuxian.

The poor bunny stays on the floor for the following hours, too tired and gloomy to get up from the place, he doesn’t wish to return to his cold bed when Lan Wangji wasn’t on it. Please, please, don’t look at anyone else, I can be better.

Lan Wangji is running away? Well… Yes and no. He does have work to do and cannot stay at home as much as he wishes it. Somethings has to be made by himself if he wanted to get it right. Is this an excuse for not formalizing verbally his relationship with his beloved bunny? Yes, it is.

            What is he supposed to say? What else is he supposed to do? He wants to believe he has done enough. He has taken him out of the brothel, giving him a home to stay at, warm food to eat, and every basic need a person should have. He’s giving him safety and… love. Sex also counts as love, right? Kissing and that stuff was also an expression of it.

            Hugging at bedtime, the way he comforts him when Wei Wuxian has a nightmare. That is love but love does not necessarily needs to end in marriage. They can do much better than getting married. They do not need to be legally united to be happy. He is happy right now, coming back home and finding his mate and uncle digging in the garden, planting need seeds…

            Yes, Lan Wangji likes this vague relationship. It would be much easier to send Wei Wuxian and Lan Qiren away if he needs to. There is a nice, discreet house in Italy, waiting for them in case somehow their business comes to a dangerous situation with the law. In that way, neither of them could be extradited here.

            He will not allow having his bunny being interrogated and harassed by the police for the shit Lan Wangji and his family have done. He cannot even imagine him, as if he hasn’t suffered enough already, no. If things get nasty, he’s sending them away, probably to never see him if that means they will be safe. He rather chooses a life without seeing them but knowing that no one will touch them, than a life with his children visiting him at prison.

            ‘’You are so thoughtful today’’ Mian Mian almost surprises him. ‘’Be careful, the ocean is rather angry tonight, the captain mentioned about a storm coming’’ Despite the danger of the situation, Mian-Mian speaks with such a calm while she offers him a cigarette. ‘’What’s going on your mind to put you in that state?’’ as if she didn’t know.

            ‘’A lot’’ Lan Wangji says but accepts the cigarette, even allow her to light it.

            ‘’Lan Wangji overthinking, that is new’’ She comments. The ocean appeared infinite and dark at this hour. Nothing to illuminate them in dangerous ways but the tips of their cigarettes. ‘’About what? Scared of becoming a father?’’ She needs to know her friend’s opinion about this matter, was it an accident? Was this planned by a certain, greedy little whore?

            ‘’Maybe’’ He admits naturally. ‘’I never thought it will be me the one siring heirs’’ He thought that will be Lan Xichen’s job, as the elder brother. ‘’Children were not… on my mind’’

            ‘’And now?’’

            ‘’Children are not on my mind’’ they will be on his arms, so it does not matter anymore what he was expecting and what he was not. ‘’I was thinking in an abortion when we found out about it’’

            Mian-Mian raises her eyebrows but does not say anything. Lan Wangji was not exactly a prodigious talker, she rarely had the chance to hear his true thoughts, she didn’t want to interrupt him. ‘’I believed he didn’t want to be a father, for the terrifying expression he had when the doctors confirmed us he was indeed pregnant. He seems comfortable with the idea now’’ But yet she doesn’t know exactly what Lan Wangji thinks about having children.

            ‘’He’s having a baby with a millionaire, I doubt he will be mad about it’’ Mian-Mian comments in a careful tone.

            ‘’No’’ Lan Wangji denies her. ‘’It is not for the money’’ he assures. ‘’It is complicated’’ he says. ‘’It is for the money but not in the same ways others have come to me’’ He admits, he is not stupid, Mian-Mian knows he isn’t. ‘’He needs the money, he was with me for the money but not for the pleasure money can buy. No. It is different. His brother was imprisoned for financial fraud at the company he used to work at. He may be truly desperate: Their sister was rotting in on a dreadful hospital, and his brother was working in a brothel against his will. Who wouldn’t want to do something about it? Even if it wasn’t legal’’ Mian-Mian exhales a breath of smoke and sighs.

            ‘’Plans didn’t go as planned I supposed’’

            ‘’It didn’t. That’s why Wei Wuxian needed the money, he wanted to keep his siblings alive and as safe as possible’’ whoever said that money didn’t buy happiness, they were dead wrong. ‘’They are Wei Wuxian’s life, if anything happened to them, he’ll die’’

            ‘’That does not sound healthy’’

            ‘’I tried to kill my brother a few months ago, I am no one to judge’’ and you neither get implied on the air.

            ‘’And what now? What if he uses those children against you?’’ She does not want to sound… poisonous. He just needed to know that this will always be a possibility. ‘’What if he is not the person you thought he was? Then what?’’

            ‘’Our doctors mentioned that even if there isn’t shown any complications, for now, we still do not know if the babies will survive to the end of the pregnancy’’ Wei Wuxian consumed alcohol, drugs and did not feed himself correctly. ‘’I haven’t told him yet’’ Mian-Mian almost burn herself.

            ‘’What? Why not? He deserves to know this!’’ As much as he hated the whore, they were about to have something in common: motherhood.

            ‘’You have not seen his face when he tells them stories. I cannot break his heart, cannot make the rest of the pregnancy a hell for him’’ he does not wish to put more tormenting thoughts on his head. ‘’What has to come, will come’’ the only thing they have left was to get ready. If their children do not survive, the doctors will know exactly what to say: the babies could not survive due to the different genes from a tiger and a bunny. It just was not made to happen, period. Wei Wuxian does not need to carry that burden too.

            Still, Mian Mian did not approve or liked this decision, however, whatever that Lan Wangji told him couldn’t leave her own lips. If someone asked her, she’ll totally support the race theory. Children with different race parents rarely survive long, especially if we were speaking about carnivorous and herbivorous.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 23

Today Wei Wuxian did not go to the hospital to visit his sister. The weather was far too cold and a wild storm had kept him locked at home for the following hours, which it sucked because Lan Qiren left just half an hour before the storm started but Wei Wuxian didn’t and now there is no one to talk due to Su She also left for unknown reasons. 

    He is not too worried for Lan Qiren, he knows that he is very well protected by everyone, he is pretty sure he is going to return home without even a drop of rain on his clothes. It gives him some relief though he is not going to lie, he does miss him having him around, Lan Qiren was the first adult older than him who treated him with respect.

On the meanwhile Wei Wuxian is stuck alone on the ranch with the security team. They are not bad people, he is aware Su She specifically selected these people, and he believes they are trustworthy. Wei Wuxian doesn’t. They are respectful, yes, they haven’t done anything to him, however Wei Wuxian does not trust easily. 

That’s why he has locked up himself on Lan Wangi’s room, with a knife hidden under his pillow, just in case. He does not feel safe when he is alone, and he’s been counting from 1 to 1000 back and forth. Lan Qiren is coming back soon to tell him that everything is alright, probably.

He just does not have good experiences with being brought to secluded areas. 

Jiang Cheng is about to piss himself. He is not sure what is happening, only thing he knows is that someone took him from his cell with who knew what excuses, no guards around, and when he got a little violent due to how frightened he felt, he was tied up and immobilized with a black cloth covering his head completely.

On the middle of his panic Jiang Cheng did not notice how careful these people were being, before he was bound Su She instructed to cover his wrists with a cloth, to avoid any mark or cut by friction. When they immobilized on the back of the car they made him lay over pillows.

Su She would wanted to avoid all of this. He wished to have a civilized conversation in which he could have explained to Jiang Cheng that the motive he was there was to take him out of prison and bring him towards his beloved brother, Wei Wuxian, all because Lan Wangji had decided to stop waiting for the judge to accept the bribery he was giving him. Wangji got impatient, rarely thing seen on him and chose to take matter in his hands. ‘’Do whatever is needed to take Wei Wuxian’s brother out of jail’’ And so Su She did.

Now he had a blacked eye, thanks to Jiang Cheng but oh well…! He’s sure Lan Wangji is paying him extra for this, and also he wished to see Wei Wuxian’s happy face for once, it is clear how important the Jiang siblings were. 

Thanks to the storm it takes him much more than normal to arrive to the Lan’s farm, the roads are tricky and dangerous, Su She choses to go slow, he’s traveling with a very precious and valued cargo, Jiang Cheng must be returned without a single scratch. ‘’Calm down, sir, we are almost home’’

‘’Fuck off!’’Jiang Cheng is not having it though. One of his mechanism of defense is violence. If he feels frustrated, angry or scared, he either throws punches or curses with such ill words sometimes. ‘’I’m eating your and your’s children fucking heart!’’ as if he’ll ever hurt any defenseless child. ‘’Just wait! Once I free myself…! You and everyone on this fucking car is regretting it!’’ But true to be said, Jiang Cheng is trembling with fear. He does not where he is being taken, by whom and why. 

‘’Mr. Jiang, we are almost there’’ Su She says politely as always. ‘’Your brother is going to be really happy’’ sometimes Su She can be truly naïve. He genuinely thought mentioning Wei Wuxian will make him calm down and understand that he was a good person, on his good side, they were just trying to bring the siblings together.

But oh dear! The effect was the opposite. ‘’What the hell did you just say? How do you know my brother? Where is he at? What have you done to him! Answer me you piece of…!’’ and from then Su She knew he has lost any chance to tell calm him down, Jiang Cheng was on the edge, about nothing of becoming feral and start biting off people. Su She sighed, this was not what he intended.

Lan Qiren feels uneasy as he follows Wen Ruohan’s niece through the halls of their ancestral home on Qisha Wen, Nightless City. Maybe it has passed more than two decades since the last time he was here as a guest, as Wen Ruohan’s fiancé. It is strange to be here, especially when they are still mates, or at least Lan Qiren will still see him as his mate until the last of his days.

It is pouring outside, it is cold, his wings are carefully folded behind his back, shaken. ‘’I am sorry, Mr. Lan, I wish we could change the circumstances of this visit unfortunately…''

''Yes, yes, I… understand why am I here'' he answers to Wen Qing, less impatient than usual. He's jealous of her, of the place she stole from their unborn children. ''You cannot control this and I appreciate that you advised me about this… situation'' he swallowed down his pride and showed his gratitude, He has seen what prides does to families, what pride has done to his, a look to Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen's relationship was enough to understand the damage that pride could cause. ''Doctors mentioned he hasn't improve?'' he asks, fearful to hear the answer.

She releases a sad sigh and nods. ''Unfortunately, our private doctors has mentioned Uncle Wen is losing this battle. We are not sure when he had fallen ill, it is possible for his age, the wounds he has received through these decades, or perhaps all the dust and gunpowder he has been breathing from the wars to this days'' Lan Qiren's heart beats painfully on his chest. Such a stupid man this Wen Ruohan, many times he told him to take care of himself, to be careful of his health as the more precious thing on the world, and what the hell ended up doing? ''I thought… that maybe your presence could help him heal'' 

''I'll be happy to help'' Lan Qiren says, after all that has happened between the two of them, he does not wish any ill wishes against Wen Ruohan, his death will not give him any pleasure, quite the opposite, it will probably kill him as well, and right now Lan Qiren cannot afford dying, not when he's about to meet his beautiful grandchildren. ''Where is he?''

''At his room, of course, doctors had strictly put him on bed rest. Here, please come in, I'll order some tea, you must be cold. Lan Qiren says his thanks once again and steps in the room with a heavy heart. What he sees is not what he would've expected.

''No. Move it to the east. These damn pigs have been sniffing all around these days. I do not want them near our territory more than necessary. No. Do not increase the fee we already paid them, we cannot let them feel they are more powerful than us'' Lan Qiren saw a perfectly healthy Wen Ruohan standing on the middle of the room, speaking with one of his men through a phone call. 

Wen Qing could almost see Lan Qiren's brain trying to process the image he had in front. She wait for a few seconds, evaluating their reaction before intervening. ''Lady Wen! What's the meaning of this!'' And just as she thought, Lan Qiren looked at her with an angered, offended expression on his graceful face, however, as soon as the majestic crane gave a step towards her direction, Wen Qing quickly closed the heavy wooden doors of her uncle's room, these ones were immediately locked by the fearful servants, hanging big chains around the knots. These two were having a conversation, whether they liked the idea or not.

On Wei Wuxian's life there are so little moments of his childhood in which he felt happy and content. One of those, he remembers well, was that day when he saw Jiang Cheng first steps. Back then Jiang Yanli was still hospitalized, Madam Yu was working more than 12 hours and Jiang Fengmian was gone.

On their tiny department were only left baby Jiang Cheng and little Wei Wuxian. The bunny had been around 5 or 6 years old, Jiang Cheng was learning to walk. There was much Wei Wuxian could do locked on the department besides cleaning and making food. ''You pretty, so pretty!'' Wei Wuxian said with a wide smile on his face, tickling Jiang Cheng's brown tail, the baby showed a scowl on his baby features at the touch and even tried to bit off Wei Wuxian's hand, he succeed, he always did, if that kept him happy, the older child will just let him do it.

He did not like when Jiang Cheng cried, it was terrifying having his baby brother crying his lungs out and Wei Wuxian being the only person around to calm him down and bring him protection, when Wei Wuxian himself had been crying to feel that calm and protection since his beloved parents were killed and eaten. 

Taking care of Jiang Cheng was a heavy duty for small child, especially for the consequences that may come if something happened to his  brother. Like that time when he accidentally made Jiang Cheng had a rash due to he wasn't able to change his diaper properly. Oh dear Lord, that was a beating that he wouldn't forget, even as an adult. Madam Yu made the skin of his butt turn purple and black. 

As an adult, he admits he has some good memories to tell. Like that other time where Wei Wuxian picked him from the kindergarten, he was already being sexually assault on a daily basis by his teachers. Jiang Cheng did not even understand completely the differences between boys and girls or herbivorous and carnivorous. However, he understood that his big brother was sad because he did not smile at him anymore. He did not eat, didn't laugh or speak.

''Your hand'' Wei Wuxian said with a small voice, stretching his hand, looking for Jiang Cheng's. The caracal immediately accepted it. In silence, they walked to their home, Wei Wuxian did not look at him even for a second, he was just walking there… souless, tormented.

It made Jiang Cheng's heart hurt so much. He didn't know why was this happening, why his big brother looked so devastated. If he had only knew, oh…! This adult Jiang Cheng blames himself everyday nonstop. His existence doomed his siblings to misery and suffering. ''Brother'' He called when they arrived home, Jiang Cheng dutifully seated on a big chairs, because he was a big boy and he could now use the same chairs his sister and brother used. 

Wei Wuxian did not answer, too gone, focused on something else than the fear of going back to school tomorrow and begin the same hell after classes as everyday, five days at week. He couldn't take it anymore. He looked on the fridge for Jiang Cheng's meal, he may eat later, if he could manage himself to swallow something down his throat when he had taken the loads of his teachers already. ''Brother…''

Jiang Cheng called him again, not exactly fearful but nervous. Wei Wuxian wasn't like his mother, she did not yell at them when she got angry. Neither Jiang Yanli. Besides everything, they were never mean to Jiang Cheng. Ah! They had been always the sweetest people to him, caring, loving and so self sacrificing. Maybe that's why Jiang Cheng was so willing to put his own freedom on risk if that meant he could pay for a proper hospital for Jiang Yanli, and keep Wei Wuxian from lustful people who did not nothing more than hurt him and take advantage of their economical situation.

At being ignored for the second time, Jiang Cheng's lip started to tremble and soon he let out a big sob, while holding tightly his old and sewn clothes on his tiny hands. He was crying so hard that he could barely breathe. It scared Wei Wuxian so much, he quickly threw away the plate he was holding. ''A-Cheng? A-Cheng! What's wrong? Are you hurt? Did somebody touch you? Tell Xian-Gege where it hurts!'' 

The only thing that crossed through Wei Wuxian's mind was that his teacher had fulfilled her words and indeed had gone after Jiang Cheng as she used to threaten when he did not immediately obey all her commands. ''Sorry!'' Jiang Cheng sobbed. His pretty baby eyes were filled with tears, and he could barely breathe for the intense crying that was assaulting him. ''A-Cheng did not want to be a burden'' He said. Jiang Yanli worked too hard to put a meal on their stomachs and pay that tiny department that prevent them from being homeless. ''A-Cheng did not want to upset Xian-gege! Sorry, sorry!'' 

Jiang Cheng cried against Wei Wuxian's chest, hugging him desperately, looking for a forgiveness that could help him soothe his heart. His siblings were giving everything for Jiang Cheng. They never doubt on sacrifice their childhood, health, innocence and safety, just for Jiang Cheng, so he could grow up safe and strong to become a successful person in a future. A happy one, someone who did not need to worry about a tomorrow. ''I'm so sorry!'' They should be playing too, laughing and running after children of their ages.

''Silly baby boy'' Wei Wuxian said in a fond tone, protectively embracing his little brother on his arms. ''You are not a burden, A-Cheng. You are our youngest brother, and for you, sister and I will do everything! We love you so much that we could fight off a dragon if needed! We love you with all our hearts that we want you to be as happy as we can make it possible. How could you be a burden, huh? Silly, silly A-Cheng!'' Wei Wuxian kissed his brother's head, Jiang Cheng was still hiccuping with sadness, pressing his sticky cheek against his older brother. 

''When… when I…'' He could barely speak between his sobs and hiccups. ''When I get all big and strong, A-Cheng is buying a big house!'' He said with such confidence, ignoring that in a few years he'll be fighting for his life at jail for a crime that he had committed for the sake of his siblings. ''A big house! And there we'll live the three of us, I promise!'' He stopped crying, Wei Wuxian only caressed the back of his head, shushing him and letting him know that he was there, and while he existed, Jiang Cheng will be saved.

Curiously, now as an adult, Jiang Cheng felt as the same little boy of decades ago. Seeing his older brother at this living room, in a house that he knew nothing about. '''Xian-Gege…!'' He could barely say, with his tongue feeling heavy and thick on his dry mouth. This moment was perfect for Su She, whom immediately knew he had to get out of the room to let the brothers have some privacy… they have a lot to talk about. 

Wei Wuxian threw the hiding knife, or on this case, the knife slipped out of his hand when he couldn't process that his beloved brother was back again with him, free, sharing the same room that was not visitors wing at prison. He would've loved to scream his name in joy at seeing him free, couldn't even give a step in his direction, his leg were giving up, carrying all the extra weight of these last months, two heavy babies growing bigger and bigger every week was exhausting him…

It was Jiang Cheng who finally gave the first step this time, and it was him who embraced Wei Wuxian this time. The bunny was desperately pulling his clothes in a failed attempt to take Jiang Cheng closer to him. ''You are here, you are here! I am not dreaming, you are truly here!'' He said mindlessly, hugging him so dearly. ''I am sorry, A-Cheng! I should had tried harder! I should have! I am sorry for taking so long!'' He should have pressured Lan Wangji on this, have someone convince him of taking him out of that hell of place much earlier.

''Don't even dare! I can't… I can't believe this! Why…? How…!'' Jiang Cheng was just so torn between the questions he wanted to ask. Why was he taken out? Why was his brother pregnant? Why he hadn't tell him about this? Who was the father? Did Jiang Yanli know about this?

''I can explain this, I swear!'' It was difficult to speak, for the impression but also due to the advanced pregnancy state that keep him breathless. ''I… I couldn't tell you before about the babies… it would only upset you for not being here with me, I didn't want to get you worried over this!'' Jiang Cheng shakes his head, bewildered. This was not something to be taken slightly! Was not just a ordinary secret to be kept!

''Ah…! You are the silly one today!'' Whatever that he had to explain, of the motive he was taken out of prison and why was he pregnant could  wait. Right now,  Jiang Cheng only cared about  his brother and his safety. As much as he enjoyed hugging him, he could not let him on the ground for much time! ''Come on, give me your arms… That's it, careful…! One step at the time'' Jiang Cheng says nervously when Wei Wuxian's knees appear shaking at walking. ''Let's sit down… here''

''No!'' Wei Wuxian refused, pulling Jiang Cheng back. ''I need my bed, please take me…'' He needed to lay down, his back was killing him, also, the room he shared with Wangji smelled as the tiger, that was one of the few places of this home that make him feel at peace when either Lan Wangji or Lan Qiren were near to let him know that he was safe on their territory. 

The rest of the night Lan Wangji stood outside his chambers of his ship. All alone on the tallest tower, looking back at the north, where his bunny was at. He wondered what was he doing. If he was sleeping? Eating? Thinking on him? Missing him, perhaps? His heart felt so happy and hurt about the idea of Wei Wuxian feeling sad about his absence. 

He should be back soon, once this shipment arrives to its destiny. On the meantime Lan Wangji truly wished the bunny was at least distracted with the presence of his brother-in-law. Probably Su She has done his job properly, as he usually does, and have brought Jiang Cheng to the Jingshi, where he'll be living from now on.

 Freeing was an idea that had been on his mind for quite a time. As mentioned before, Lan Wangji had been bribing Jiang Cheng's Judge in charge of his case, with little success. So far, Jiang Cheng has been released out of jail. Was it legal? Well… Legal can be an abstract word sometimes.

No, tomorrow morning the news about a prisoner escaping out jail at death of the night wouldn't be heard at all. No one will be reporting the fact that Jiang Cheng was released under suspicious circumstances, due to Jiang Cheng, if someone asked, was found dead on his private cell after committing suicide.

 Mian-Mian was already working on a new name and medical history for Jiang Cheng. He'll probably have to take care of not being recognized as Jiang Cheng anymore, wouldn't be able to say his name in public, of having social media and post pictures of himself. 

If Lan Wangji could have used another method, he would have done it without seconds thoughts. Jiang Cheng will start living another sort of prisoment, he'll be forced to live on the Jingshi with Wei Wuxian at least for the rest of the year, before being able to go outside and live like a new man.

Hope he didn't mind. After all, Wei Wuxian's family was his. His to protect and look after as Wei Wuxian himself. If anything happened to any of his siblings, Wei Wuxian wouldn't be able to recover. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were Wei Wuxian's sun, and the bunny was a flower. If they were gone… he was doomed to be withered.

🐇🐅

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 24

Wei Wuxian isn't completely sure of how his brother was there with him right now on the first place, he did not care though. The most important thing here was that he was the fact, period. That’s why he makes an efford and gets up from bed before Jiang Cheng notices and walks as fast as he's able towards the kitchen. He's worried about what they will eat this time, he must order some fresh meat soon! He has some in the freezer but it wouldn't be enough for more than 2 days. 

And his baby brother cannot pass any hunger under his roof! He gives a look at the window, outside it is still pouring harshly and it does not appear as it should stop, at least not  following hours to say the least. 

In any case! He must cook something! Living in prison, as much as he had to intervene and beg to Lan Wangji to provided him with some favors every now and then, a cage was a cage, no matter how little privileges he had. He's pretty sure Jiang Yanli would do a much better job on feeding their little brother, however, right now she's resting at the hospital with that peacock! 

He's dying to see her face once she meets Jiang Cheng again! She hasn't seen him around what? 3-years-soon-to-be-four? Who knew! He'll need to advise her before showing with Jiang Cheng in her room, her heart is still so delicate, the last thing he wants is giving her a heart attack.

      Wei Wuxian stops cutting some vegetables for a moment, hissing with a painful frown on his gaunted and not exactly young face, a hand cupping his lower belly. It hurts, it is not unbearable… It was… a kick, two kicks, and then three before going back to peace again. Wei Wuxian feels a wave of emotion, a feeling mixed between sadness and glee. 

    Children, two little ones that were created by Lan Wangji and him in a day of mindless sex. The result of a rut that wasn't planned but yet neither of them appeared to regret. He hopes Lan Wangji won't ever deny his own blood, that he won't look back down at them, despite other members of the harem may give him more babies if he told them to. His children deserved to have both parents who'll provide them with all the love and care that every child should have, as Wei Wuxian should had but life failed on giving him. 

    Another kick makes him return to his tasks and quickly keeps pressuring himself in order to have breakfast ready before Jiang Cheng wakes. If someone asks him, it was the youngest of them who cried harder, still bewildered and unable to believe he was sharing a bed again with this beloved older brother, in a home.

    There are still so many things Jiang Cheng wants to know, many questions that he avoided answering yesterday night, in the middle of their reunion, under the excuse of not having time to respond to such questions when they have many things to discuss first! Partially true but not entirely.

    Eventually he'll answer them. He'll have to explain who Lan Wangji truly was and how they met him, and perhaps even confess under what circumstances he got pregnant. But if he was sure of something, was that that day was not today. 

Jiang Yanli feels stronger this morning, stronger than the rest of her stay in every hospital. Such is her strength that she pulls herself up from her bed, planting both feet heavily on the floor, she's nervous about getting up by herself but Jin Zixuan is there, attentive to any movement that may make her fall, but it does not happen. ''My love! You are doing great!'' Jin Zixuan praises, sincerely, with his heart beating, relieved and excited.

    ''Miss Jiang, do you believe you are able to give a quick walk around the room? From the bed to the door would be fine this time'' Wen Ning says, never pressuring, more encouraging her to go to her limits. ''Doctors mentioned you were allowed to have some exercise from now on, we'll go easy of course, as much as you feel comfortable with it. If you wish to try it later, it is totally understable…'''

    ''No!'' she says, almost too fast. ''I want to, I want to walk, I can do it!'' she says, a little energetic. She has to, she has to get better, the faster, the better! She wants to go home, she cannot wait anymore to leave this place, as pleasant as Wen Ning's presence was, she had spent far too much time in hospitals. So much of her life was wasted on these hospitals trying on getting better and only failing pathetically each time. 

    Her legs feel heavy as her entire body, and soon she feels a thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead but she is not that tired yet to give up. Jin Zixuan sees her with his heart jumping full of joy, she's recovering, isn't she? She was going to get much better than before, they'll leave this hospital soon, and he'll bring her home, then they'll get married and have as many children as she wished…!

    It's even kinda difficult to think of the people who had hurt them. Jin Zixuan vaguely has the name of his father at the back of his mind while watching his beloved fiance. It was just absolutely poetic to know that while Jiang Yanli was recovering her health, and also her life, his father… Well, he was not doing any better. 

    And that makes him genuinely happy, to know he's suffering, as Jiang Yanli turns healthier, his father was slowly being tortured to a slow death. Though he is not getting rid of him, at least no yet, no, no, it will be too soon, what he has done needs more… time to self reflection with a bit of help. ''Did you see me? Have you heard what Wen Ning has said? Doctors are considering the idea of finishing my recovery at home!'' They are not sure of what home exactly means in this context: if it's whatever place Wei Wuxian is living at, due to it was clearly that Jiang Yanli will love to have her brother back with him, living on the same house, or if they were speaking about some of Jin Zixuan's multiple properties. He does not believe taking her to the Jin Mansion is a good idea, at least definitely not yet… After all, his mother was still living there, and if something was clear it is that that place must be plagued with awful memories of Jiang Yanli's violation.

Jiang Yanli's smile is so wide and blissful, with her cheeks tainted in a very healthy pink shade when Jin Zixuan dares to cup her face gently on his hands before leaving an innocent kiss on her nose. ''Soon we'll go home, I promise… You're doing so well, A-Li''

Wen Ning can't do much but sigh with a longing look in his eyes. It must be beautiful to have someone loving you so fiercely and yet treating you so kindly. Someone who wouldn't think twice on doing the unforgivable just to assure this person wouldn't leave your side. Carefully, he slips out of the room, unable to interrupt the couple's moment of love and privacy.

Returning to matters more darker, Xue Yang is having the time of his life. Has he mentioned how much he loves his job? Because he does! He loves, adores working in what he works! He is not only having the chance of torturing his personal enemy, the one who has humiliated him in ways he does not dare to pronounce to Xiao Xicheng and Song Lan for the fear of being looked down with disgust. He's even getting paid for this!

''What is it, little whore? Is it too much for your pussy to take?'' Xue Yang repeats the same words Jin Guangshan said to him during his first time. ''I bet you can take a lot more…!'' Though on this ocasión Jin Guangshan does not have the same orifices as him, he makes it work with what they had a hand. 

Jin Guangshan squirms on the floor, his toes rolling from the pain Xue Yang is inflicting him when he repeatedly stabs his anal cavity, bitterly crying against the gang that kept him from screaming openly, he's still being too loudly by Xue Yang's liking, how couldn't be? If the dildo is not only huge but sharp, he already is dealing with several internal cuts. 

And yet Xue Yang could assure that this was no punishment enough. ''What? why are you crying so ugly? Aren't you a man enough to support this? Where is that man then, huh?'' A particular short thrust makes Jin Guangshan choke on his own spit. ''So weakling you have been since your beloved son brought you here! Come on! Tell me where is that man that bought the first nights of his own bastards!''

Oh no…! Xue Yang is just merciless, unable to forget the look on Mo Xuanyu's face. He still recalls his hopeful expression on his face when he told him that his biological father had contacted him. And even after he was raped several times by Jin Guangshan, that boy still believed his father was taking him out of the brothel to make him part of his family as a legitimate son. Which, obviously…. never happened. 

Meng Yao was never that naive to think Jin Guangshan would look at him as a son to take care of after he bought his first night when he turned fifteen. That was what Jin Guangshan did, taking advantage not only of the poor situation they were in after being caught by the brothel's pimp but also of his pockets filled with corrupted money. Jin Guangshan always had the chance to be the first, Xue Yang's was not an exception, unfortunately. 

    Then Jin Guangshan finally seems to understand how horrible karma could come to bite off a piece of his ass, the same ass Xue Yang was making sure to destroy. He admits he feels an immense pleasure and relief on abusing Jin Guangshan. It helps him deal with his night terrors. It is just wonderful to have him at his mercy. However, he admits it is not a sexual pleasure. 

    Not even for a moment the thought of having any sort of intercourse with him is appealing, firstly due to he's so disgusted by Jin Guangshan that he wouldn't touch that bastard without wearing gloves and a shield mask to avoid his skin from getting contaminated with Jin Guangshan's blood. His skin is sacred, his body head to toe was sacred. He had learned that when he started sharing his body with people he actually loved.

    When he makes love to Xiao Xicheng, or when Song Lan makes love to him, or when the three of them are making love together… He can't just imagine bringing his skin tainted with the dirtiness of Jin Guangshan, for example. It should be a crime just to touch Xiao Xicheng with the same dirty hand that has raped Jin Guangshan!

The older man keeps crying while hyperventilating, barely being able to contain his hysterical sobs. ''A-Yang…?'' Xiao Xicheng's voice is barely heard around the room. Xue Yang grabs a thick wooden stick that he was planning to use later with some fun intentions, to hit Jin Guangshan straight to the stomach two or three times until that fucker was left breathless. 

''Shut your damn mouth, you are not letting him talk!'' He hisses, just outraged for no reason (well, he had several). 

''A-Yang'' Xiao Xicheng called him again, they were in the basement, he was probably calling him through the door, since Song Lan and Xue Yang strictly forbid him from going past the stairs that lead to the lower levels of their home. ''It's lunch time…'' 

With hurried steps he rushes up to the stairs. ''Don't open the door Xiao-Gege!'' he warns in a surprisingly friendly tone. ''stay there, I'll go up in a moment!'' He wasn't worried about the deer seeing a disturbing scene, his mate was blind after all, it worried him that he may fall, and, of course, he didn't want him to be seen by Jin Guangshan, no, that was a pleasure that he refused to give him, despite Xiao Xicheng was probably the nearest thing he'll know about heaven.

‘’Hurry up please! I brought you some candies for dessert!´’

.

It takes him quite a time before Lan Wangji sees it fit to return home. Fortunately for everyone, this was a peaceful trip. None uneventful situations to report, none of his people were either killed or injured, none of the merchandise was lost and was delivered safely to the Lan's warehouses.

He's absolutely exhausted about traveling on board. He is not a fan, the perfumes of the ocean are definitely not for his sensitive nose. He's more of… the forest, Lan Wangji thinks fondly as Su She opens the door for him. ''Welcome home, Master'' The tiger is about to say that there is no need to use his titles, however, Su She always insists, especially if they are surrounded by Lan Wangji's people.

He nods his thanks as his subordinate before walking towards the humble but ancestral Lan Home. The second heir of the Lan's also admits he feels slightly not-exactly-offended but slightly hurt about Wei Wuxian not receiving him as he always used to, always there to say how much he missed him, and how happy he was for having him back at home again.

This time is different. Lan Qiren is not at home, he notices, he is not worried, they were extremely protective of their uncle, however, at least Lan Wangji never viewed him as an object that only represented part of the history of their family. Never minimized or ignored the crane's own thoughts and wishes. If he is not here, that must be because Lan Qiren has his own business to do, as long as he's guarded by his people, Lan Wangji will not say anything against whatever he wishes to do.

In any case, the tiger is slightly distracted at the moment, it has been almost three weeks since the last time he saw his beloved bunny. He misses his scent, the moonlight touching his features every time he wakes in the middle of the morning. ''Anything to report?'' He quietly asks.

''No sir'' Su She takes his coat and folds it neatly. ''Mr. Wei spent his time at the hospital visiting his sister, or in the company of Master Lan preparing the rooms for the babies'' Ah! That's good, that is really nice to know, that Wei Wuxian was taking with delight and joy the arrival of their children. ''The rest of time, since Mr. Jiang was brought, they have been here together, the two of them'' Both very aware of the situation they were in at illegally releasing Jiang Cheng.

''Good'' He says. ''And my uncle?'' 

''Well…'' Su She desperately looks for a place to look at, slightly nervous. ''He's taking some… vacations with Wen Ruohan at Nightless City'' He says, almost too fast, Lan Wangji stops his steps, partially shocked. 

''What?''

''He did not inform me the reasons of his sudden wishes to visit him, however, he instructed me to stay here to take care of Mr. Wei, and then he sent my men back with a handwritten note telling me that he wanted to spend with him a few days, that he was safe and sound. Of course I also called him to verify but he insisted he was not in danger'' He's slightly nervous about Lan Wangji's reaction.

''I'll call him later. I appreciate you keeping me informed. Please, rest for the night, you are dismissed'' Grateful, Su She nods. ''Also, Miam-Mian requested your presence'' Lan Wangji mentioned a curious tone, not facing him anymore. ''Go see her. Tomorrow is your day off'' With a happy smile, Su She bows lowly before abandoning the room.

Lan Wangji may get a little possessive sometimes, he's aware of it, and often tries to refrain himself from causing any unpleasant situations to Wei Wuxian, especially when he's so advanced on his pregnancy. However, of course there is a certain uncomfortable feeling when he sees Wei Wuxian sleeping with another person on their bed. The bed where they have made love countless times.  

It's just strange to have his room tainted by another scent different from theirs. This is more selvatic, wild, like tropical rain in the middle of summer. Is not a bad one but Lan Wangji's has his own preferences, he is just not simply into it, not in his room, not surrounding his pregnant mate.

However, he is not stupid or cruel to make a scene, not when Wei Wuxian looks so happy embracing his brother on his arms, as the most valuable treasure on this disturbed world. He looked so peaceful, calmed.

Wei Wuxian;s brother must have felt his presence the minute he stood in because he quickly squirmed on the bunny's grap, much to Wei Wuxian's discomfort, the bunny sighed in the middle of his deep sleep. The younger man's brown and black ears straighten immediately, his eyes never leaving Lan Wan, not quite challenging but not exactly peaceful either.  Now is him who shields the sleeping form of his older brother on his arms, slightly showing the claws hiding behind his nails. 

Lan Wangji does not appreciate this at all. He is not used to living with someone who does not lower his head in respect for him, he's not being arrogant, he is just not comfortable with the aggressiveness Jiang Cheng is showing, nor how he touches something that belonged to him, especially when his mate was not only his person himself anymore.

However, he entirely recognizes he is being absolutely stupid and irrational about this. Jiang Cheng is not being disrespectful towards him, he's scared, defensive, ready to fight him off to protect the brother who had been taking care of him all these years, because Jiang Cheng has been in a vulnerable position since the day he was born, till this day.

He does not know Lan Wangji, and he has all the right to be in this position if he wished to, Lan Wangji can feel the understanding eventually, the empathy his uncle tended to show to the families that betrayed them, the children, the brothers, the mother and wives, the innocent ones. He comes to the conclusion that Jiang Cheng, as much as Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian was a victim as well, a tormented brother trying to protect his family from the world.

So he bends down his pride and nods before apologizing. ''Forgive me, I should have knocked before coming in'' Which is a little ridiculous, considering this room was theirs, why would he ever be knocking to get in? And then he restrains himself again, he has to do it simply because Jiang Cheng has been living the past three years of his live sharing a room with murderers, rapists, pedophiles and many other despicable people that stole any sense of privacy from him. Jiang Cheng is wary, frightened. ''Could you wake him up for me? Please'' It won't be a good idea to  come closer to them when he is not in his more approachable mood.

There is no need though, eventually Wei Wuxian keeps complaining about the tight grasp of his brother, and moves around, slightly opening his eyes, by instinct he looks for the motive that has interrupted his dreams but only finds Jiang Cheng's concerned expression, he tilts his head and then he sees the unmistakingly presence of his tiger already there.

Jiang Cheng does not miss how this big smile borns on his face, how his eyes turn all bright and lovely. ''You are back!'' It takes a lot of efford to sit down on the bed, Lan Wangji does not help but stays on his place safety reasons, Wei Wuxian hides that the fact hurts him a little but eventually stabilizes himself with his brother's help. ''I didn't know you would come today! You should have told me! I'll have made a little feast!'' But Lan Wangji only gives him a tiny nod again, no words. ''I've someone I'll like you to know!'' Wei Wuxian says, a little high pitched, growing between uncomfortable and nervous. ''A-Cheng, come here please'' He says, stretching his hands towards him, the caracal almost falls off from the bed while trying to reach him. ''This is Jiang Cheng, my youngest brother and light of my life!'' He says, teasing, his cheeks turn red at the silly praise. ''And, A-Cheng, this is Lan Wangji, my…'' He freezes for a second, looking for a word, he even looks at Lan Wangji asking him what else to say since they have never put a name to their relationship. 

''...I'm the father of Wei Wuxian's babies'' Jiang Cheng notices his brother's sad smile. ''It is a pleasure to meet you, Jiang Cheng''

''...Nice to meet you as well'' He says, more out of politeness than anything else. Wei Wuxian has told them about a man who treats him right and loving, who loves him profusely and that would do anything for him, a dream tale in conclusion, however, the only thing he sees here is a cold man who barely spares his brother at a glance. He keeps his distance from Wei Wuxian, as if his brother carried any infectious disease. 

The atmosphere is beyond awkwardness before Lan Wangji finally speaks again. ''Excuse us for a few moments, Jiang Cheng, I've to speak with your brother, you can return to rest'' He says, making visual contact with him, sounding not exactly kindly but yet polite. ''Wei Wuxian'' he calls with no familiarity at Jiang Cheng's eyes. 

Wei Wuxian's looks… nervous according to his body language. His smiles are worried but yet he manages to poorly convince him that everything is alright and that they are not in trouble, still he only makes Jiang Cheng more restless. His older brother follows Lan Wangji and gives him a last cheeky smile before closing the door after him, said smile vanishes as soon as he closes the door, he follows then with a concerned expression.

Lan Wangji on the other hand is hardly trying to keep his senses at ease. It appears that today he won't be sleeping with Wei Wuxian on the same bed, on their bed, and he knows that their privacy will be more or less interrupted since another person will be living with them for an undetermined period of time. It is not the same when Lan Qiren started living with them, he knew perfectly his boundaries, again, Lan Wangji slaps himself and his territorial behavior is not helping him on this moment. 

He gets inside the room Lan Wangji points at. He plays with his hands, waiting for the tiger to tell him what it appears to be really important that cannot wait for anything on the world. ''Thank you so much'' He says before he could stop himself, Lan Wangji places his golden and curious eyes on him. ''For saving my brother. I… I cannot truly say how much I'll be forever on debt with you for this…!'' He let's out a deep sigh of relief when Lan Zhan cups one of his cheeks, caressing his skin with his thumb. ''Thank you, Lan Zhan''

Lan Wangji would have loved to tell him that he'll do everything just to keep him happy, because Wei Wuxian's happiness was his own. ''No need to'' He reduces himself to say. ''He won't ever have to return to there, however we must be careful with his recently acquired freedom'' 

''Of course! We'll be very discreet'' Wei Wuxian hurries to say. ''When we go out…''

''No outs for a while, not until Mian-Mian creates a new identity, new Id's and documentation'' He says, strictly. At the mention of Mian-Mian, Wei Wuxian buries his fingers on the palm of his hand. That woman hates him so much, and she's gonna be in charge of Jiang Cheng's safety. Miam-Miam wasn't only Lan Wangji's right hand, she's also one of his closest friends as well, and she had so much power in comparison to Wei Wuxian, he's certainly a little terrified of her doing anything against to Jiang Cheng just for the mere pleasure of causing him harm. ''She's a professional, has done the same for people I care about and no consequences had come'' Yet.

''If you trust her, if you do'' He lies, she's looking for the first opportunity to kick him out of here. ''Could we… uh… Visit my sister? she had not seen him in like three years! Please, let me get them to meet each other again, please, it is very important to her, it must do well to her health''

''We'll talk about that later. Go back to rest too, you shouldn't be awake this late'' He's meant to kiss his forehead before sending him back to their room but Wei Wuxian won't be able to stand another rejectation, he quickly wraps his arms around the tiger's neck. ''Wei Wuxian…''

''Let me give you the welcome you deserve, A-Zhan'' He truly tries to not succumb to Wei Wuxian's temptations but it is almost impossible when Wei Wuxian speaks so close to his lips. He cannot help but let his hands wander over him, Wei Wuxian's heart bites fiercely at the thought of being still tempting to Lan Zhan's eyes. ''Would you, A-Zhan?'' Wei Wuxian begs him. ''There is a certain place of my body  that it missed you a lot too, can you feel it between your fingers how happy and wet that place is only for you?'' 

And oh…! Yes, of course he feels how happy this place is for seeing him. The bunny shivers with this touch. It has been so long since the last time they had any intimate touch, even without counting Lan Wangji's sudden trip. And who was him to deny his nature what a good mounting with his mate. 

Chapter Text

Lan Qiren was as offended as he looked, his body pressed against the door, never leaving his eyes from Wen Ruohan's. ''...This is quite a surprise'' Curse him and his stupid, arrogant smile! It has been decades and he still looks as petulant as ever! He hates him so much! ''I can barely recall the last time you visited me'' what a dreadful man! Lan Qiren thinks, warily watching him not exactly coming  closer but  circling him, as if predator with its prey. ''And? What has finally convince you from returning back to me to apologize?''

    ''Apologize?'' Lan Qiren says, almost shocked. ''Excuse me, sir, do you say apologize? What on earth makes you think I will ever ask forgiveness to you, with the only here who has remained faithful was me!''

    ''Faithful? How dare you call yourself faithful when you betrayed me first! You chose your stupid nephews over me!''

    ''Of course I'd have chosen! They were my family, they needed me because they were left orphans! Someone needed to take care of them, you thickheaded, stupid man!''

    ''Careful of how you speak to me! Do not forget whom am I!’’

    ‘’Who are you? A traitor? a whore-fucker? I was trying to survive leading the family while raising two children, Ruohan! I needed you and you were not there to even ask who was I doing!’’ Wen Ruohan almost laughs off his face. That’s not true. Wen Ruohan may never have been asked how he was but it didn’t mean he wasn’t there. ‘’I was so scared of not being enough to keep myself and my boys alive during those years’’ But Wen Ruohan never left, as he could, he kept them under his protection, those stupid children included. 

    ‘’Didn’t you have a choice on this? didn’t I say you could come here and live with me? You didn’t have to do anything else but look pretty and take care of me as you take care of those silly nephews of yours. You have a choice and you chose not to take it!’’

    The more he heard him talking, the more Lan Qiren wished to slap Wen Ruohan’s face. It was just insulting to think Wen Ruohan had any right on claim anything over him, after he was left alone, while Wen Ruohan lived his life as he wanted to, fucking whoever he wanted to, and have the children he wished with whom he wanted, while Lan Qiren had to say good bye to all of that.

    ‘’Lady Wen, open this door immediately!’’ Lan Qiren demands, he is not willing to spend another moment arguing with this beast. Of course, there is no response at the other side and before he yells again to be released from this unexpected prison, Wen Ruohan clicked his tongue up before picking Lan Qiren up in his arms, throwing him on his bed. ‘’Get your hands off me! Brainless animal!’’ Lan Qiren immediately tries to kick him off but Wen Ruohan was not only stronger but also smarter and quickly made room between his legs, holding his wrist on his hands to immobilize him. ‘’Stop this game!’’

    ‘’Look at me and tell me you haven’t been fantasizing with these moments for the past decades’’ Wen Ruohan wants to confirm that Lan Qiren still has the same burning passion, that he still represents the love and fantasies on Lan Qiren’s heart. ‘’Tell me you do not love me and I’ll leave you alone’’

    ‘’I do not...’’ Lan Qiren says, stubborn but unable to look at him.

    ‘’Ah, ah! Those pretty eyes must be looking at mine. Come on, tell me you hate me? that you don’t wish me to make sweet love to you?’’

    ‘’If you lay a finger on my, I swear I’ll make you regret it’’

    ‘’And what about a finger inside? Would that be better?’’ He loosens the hold over Lan Qiren’s wrist, big mistake since the crane takes advantage of this to slap harshly Wen Ruohan cheek. The phoenix closes his eyes, savouring the delicious pain, fine, he deserved that. 

    ‘’I’m not a whore, Wen Ruohan. I will not lay with you so you can dispose of me the next day’’ He is not sharing his body with anyone else for what he has left of life. ‘’Now get off, I do not wish to be with you’’ he lies. 

    ‘’Ah! My sweet crane, what makes you believe I’ll dispose of you? If there hasn’t been anyone else in the world that could even compete with you, my sweet, sweet love’’ he says, flirting, Lan Qiren huffs and looks away, a frown on his face.

    ‘’Do you have any idea of how much it pained me seeing you married for the first time? when the news announced the birth of your first boy? All of that was promised to me and I was forced to see how happy you were’’ Wen Ruohan sighs and rolls over the bed to lay next to him, a hand possessive taking his. ‘’That cannot be compared with me choosing my family. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were innocent kids without his parents. I did not elope with you because I had to take care of them and look for their future, their legacy. You wanted to take that from them and that I could not just allow to happen’’

    ‘’All my life I have been taking exactly what I wanted. Every single time. No one ever said no to me. We were supposed to get married, your father gave me his word that as soon as you were eighteen you were going to by sent to my surrounded by some other gifts’’ Wen Ruohan always hated the way Lan Qiren’s father spoke about his own son, the second, younger, that should have been protected and cared even more careful than the first one but at eyes of the father, Lan Qiren’s was a valuable treasure with the only motive of existence to be traded to someone of their associates. ‘’When they died before your birthday, you didn’t come right away, I understood and tried to be patient. When your brother finally died..., don’t look at me like that, he may be your family but he was an ass to you most of the time. I thought you'd be running straight to my arms but by surprise was big when again, you did not come to me, didn’t even ask me for help as I… wasn’t important’’

‘’Sounds like a stupid excuse for your behavior, do you want me to apologize for that?’’ Lan Qiren couldn’t believe his words.

‘’I want you to forgive me, for betraying you and breaking our promises’’  Wen Ruohan said, hating the feeling of being in control of another person, despite Lan Qiren wasn’t just another person. No, Lan Qiren was his mate. ‘’I hadn’t been the best… lover these past years, and I… I’m not willing to waste another day’’ They were not precisely younger anymore.

Lan Qiren sighs, broken, with such sadness in his voice that made Wen Ruohan feel even guiltier. ‘’A-Ren? Are you crying?’’ He asked softly. Lan Qiren sniffed and rolled on his side, refusing to look at him. ‘’Why are you crying? I said I’m sorry, I regret what had happened, why are you still mad at me?’’ The crane let him embrace him from behind, to nest his arms around his waist without more protest. ‘’What else do you want? Tell me, I’ll give you anything you ask for’’

As Lan Qiren felt warm tears rolling down his, hearing Wen Ruohan saying that he’ll do whatever Lan Qiren wanted, only made him sadder and sadder. He was devastated. ‘’I want to get married, I want a baby, my own family and home’’ He buried his face against the pillow. ‘’I want our 30 years back’’

‘’Would you be back for dinner?’’ Wei Wuxian knows his place, he can’t go asking Lan Wangji where is going or with whom, he can barely asks him if he should stay awake by the time he returns home. He’s the father of his babies but not his husband nor a figure with any authority over his life, that’s clear. 

    ‘’No, I don’t think so. Please do not wait for me’’ There was just so many things to do around here now that he had returned from his unpleasant business trip on the middle of the ocean, he needed to review a lot of reports, visit the warehouses around the city and its upskirts, and of course, take care of collecting several payments from differents clients. ‘’Please, rest assured’’ He says, giving a soft caress to Wei Wuxian’s cheek.

    ‘’...wait!’’ The bunny quickly takes the tiger by the sleeve. ‘’I… I wanted to know if we could leave for a quick visit to my sister? Would that be okay? You told me to wait for a few months at least before A-Cheng could be able to leave the farm but...We’ll truly want to see her’’ He’s asking too much, it’s risky, he knows that, he can’t help but try anyway. ‘’Please?’’

    And what else could Lan Wangji say, if his biggest weakness was Wei Wuxian’s sad, pleading eyes. ‘’Alright… You two can leave, a driver and some bodyguards will make sure you reach your destiny. Make sure to cover your brother’s face in public’’ Wei Wuxian’s smile is enough to soothe him. ‘’Take care’’ He says lastly before kissing his forehead softly before leaving.

    Wei Wuxian’s longing eyes follow him until he disappears down the hill, daydreaming a fairy tale that we’ll never have. ‘’Brother’’ Jiang Cheng calls when it appears that his brother-in-law has gone. ‘’I do not like him’’ he comments sincerely, and it is only then Wei Wuxian turns to look at him. 

    ‘’Don’t dare yourself to say that’’ He hisses, Jiang Cheng has never seen such a look on his face, not against him at least. ‘’He’s the reason you are with me right here’’ Jiang Cheng purses his lips uncomfortably. ‘’Be grateful!’’

    ‘’I’m trying!’’ He’s aware of his implication, that he’s out of jail just for the mercy of Lan Wangji’s generous heart, he knows not only him but his entire family is now depending on Lan Wangji’s will, for good or bad. ‘’I do not approve the way he treats you!’’ Wei Wuxian let out a bitter laugh.

    ‘’Oh! Jiang Cheng… None of my clients has ever treated me with the same respect Lan Wangji does’’ that makes a dreadful feeling curl on Jiang Cheng’s stomach. 

    ‘’Then that’s what he is, your client?’’ Wei Wuxian looks away. He just does not want to talk about this any further. There is no need for reminders about the vague relationship they share. ‘’You’re having his babies… That should mean something!’’

    ‘’Jiang Cheng, please, do not make this more difficult that already is for me’’ He says, sitting down on their bed. ‘’I… I always knew how he was viewing me, and I accepted that a long time ago’’ the fact that it hurts him is another story. ‘’He took me out of the brothel, he keeps us safe, and he’ll take responsibility for the babies and…’’

    ‘’That’s the minimum he should do!’’ Jiang Cheng says, exhaspered. ‘’Or what? Is it right to get you pregnant and keep you in a brothel? Didn’t you need help for making those babies?’’

‘’I am not in a position to bargain! He’s doing too much for us!’’ Jiang Cheng is not sure if he’s defending him or just in a deep stage of denial. ‘’I can’t get sensitive about this! It’s enough with all he has been doing for us, we should be grateful!’’

‘’No, no no!’’ Jiang Cheng just cannot accept it. This isn’t free to begin with! His brother is living with that murder animal! He’s fulfilling all of his sexual wishes! Treating him like one of his lovers in turn instead of what he truly was! His Mate! His very pregnant Mate! ‘’That’s not fair for you! can’t you see it? you deserve much more! ‘’ and Wei Wuxian sees him as if Jiang Cheng were speaking in another language because he couldn’t simply understand the concept Wei Wuxian had about himself. ‘’Wei Wuxian…’’

‘’Go change’’ He says, refusing to look at him. ‘’We have to meet sister soon and the hospital is about three hours from here’’ 

‘’Please reconsider…’’ Jiang Cheng does not want to shut up just yet. there is plenty more to be said and that his brother had to understand. Lan Wangji needed to do a lot more for him, Lan Wangji should be the one thankful for having Wei Wuxian in his life, because his brother is one of the most nicest, and beautiful people he has ever met. It was Lan Wangji who should show more gratitude. 

‘’Go change, damn it!’’ Wei Wuxian just didn’t want to hear anything more. It hurts yelling to his baby brother but right now he does not have the energy either the wishes to hear about anything he had to say. 

Jiang Cheng feels his heart beating painfully on his heart but nods in the end and leaves the room without saying another word. So Wei Wuxian stays on the bed, trying to control his bleeding heart, stubborn stupid heart that insists on feeling betrayed when there were no promises to honor. ‘’You just don’t understand’’

Jin Zixuan can’t help but feel a tender feeling every time he sees Jiang Yanli sitting on the bed, swinging her feet while happily eating a purple jelly provided by Wen Ning (who forgot to mention these were handmade by himself just because Jiang Yanli was his special case). ‘’Oh, no! Thank you, my dear, I’m full’’ Instead he offers her a napkin and delicately cleans the corner of her mouth.

It has been such good weeks, Jiang Yanli hadn’t stopped getting better and better, her health improving at such speed, surprising the doctors and Jin Zixuan included. Perhaps the only person who wasn't surprised by her recovery was Jiang Yanli herself. 

Jiang Yanli could feel her body returning to health in such a way… Her heart beating peacefully on her chest, all warm and secured, the rest of her organs at peace as well, working without in harmony, her blood becoming stronger as well. All thanks to the worries that started disappearing or getting under control.

Wei Wuxian was no longer at the brothel but living with the love of his life, about to have twins, and living in general a much better life than the one Jiang Yanli could ever give him. At the same time, her youngest brother was also under the protection of Lan Wangji at prison. ‘’May I ask you a question, A-Xuan?’’ she asks that same afternoon, both sitting on the bed, Jiang Yanli leaning against his body, feeling safe and comfortable. 

‘’Of course, anything you like’’ He says in a kind tone, both heads leaning against each other, holding hands like a couple of children, innocent from any evilness of the world. 

‘’I believe you are aware that my brother is with this man called Lan Wangji?’’ Until this day, she hadn’t been visited by this Lan person, which is not a good sign at all at her eyes. She does not want to appear arrogant or anything similar, however the fact that this man hasn’t met her yet in a sign of respect is… not well seen.

‘’...Yes, I´ve heard that’’ Jin Zixuan tries to appear not as nervous as he was. ‘’For a few months I think’’

‘’And you have you met him?’’

‘’Yes… kind of’’

‘’And… is a good man? What do you know about him? I personally haven’t heard about him before, not even when I worked for your family’’ and that’s to say a lot since the Jins just interacted with a lot of wealthy families around the country.

‘’I don’t want to… concern you about this, you heard Wen Ning, that you shouldn’t been dealing with stress’’

‘’That stresses me even more!’’ 

‘’No, no! I’ll explain you all I know, okay? As far as I know, the Lans own several business, not only around this city, of course. They have malls, restaurants, coffee shops, a stadium, I believe some supermarkets, and many other establishments'’ Jiang Yanli takes mental note of everything, she knew the Lan Wangji had some money, after all he was providing her brother with enough money to pay this hospital without any issues. ‘’But we all know the Lans are part of the mafia that reigns this city. They produce drugs such as heroin, have illegal opiums plantation, they also manage some gun trafficking to another countries, fraud, robbery, illegal gambling, have their own mercenaries, and ah…! My love the list is endless’’

‘’And… this Lan Wangji does all of that?’’ Jin Zixuan wants to be eaten by the ground to avoid answering that question. ‘’A-Xuan, please… tell me that my little brother is not dating such a man’’

‘’Lan Wangji is part of that mafia, yes. I’ve to say that, unfortunately. Lan Wangji is one of the current head leaders. His older brother, Lan Xichen is the leader, and Lan Wangji is like his second in command, he’s known by the White Death and takes care of all the dirty work. I’m sorry, my dear, but,... Yes, we are speaking about the same man’’

‘’and… and you know if he’s keeping my brother against his will?’’

‘’I don’t think so. They are living together in a residence far from the city, a charming farm owned by the Lans since several decades ago. I have some of my people guarding your brother, making sure he is not being mistreated by Lan Wangji. Most of the time when Lan Wangji is not a home he’s gardening and in company of Lan Qiren, their uncle, you have met him, remember?’’

‘’Yes, yes I do remember him… He didn’t look like a man of criminal family’’

‘’Well, he isn’t, he is not actively participating in these… activities, he seems to genuinely care for your brother. I can tell you that your brother is well taken care of at home’’ But that does not appease her. He does not want that man at her brother’s side. He is no good, he’s a living target, for whatever enemy he could have, for the police. Sooner or later he’ll get caught and her beloved brother and her nephews/nieces we’ll ended up being collateral damage. ‘’Please, don’t worry too much about it, I know it’s difficult but you must make an effort’’

‘’A-Xuan, my brothers are either in prison or at the hands of the mafia, do not ask me that! I’m here rotting on this stupid hospital bed, unable to do anything to make it better for either of them! I cannot calm down!’’ She hisses in a frustrated tone towards Jin Zixuan, the man lowers his puma’s ears, not offended but worried as well. He knows what happens to lonely people in prison at the mercy of bigger predators, and also knows what happens to whores when they are bought by the mafia.

Before they could continue discussing future solutions about their issues, a soft knock on the door interrupts them. She immediately straightens, and pretends that nothing is happening, burying her concerns somewhere  invisible. She cannot ruin this, her chance of getting the fuck out of here if possible. She wants to finish her recovery at home. ‘’Come in…’’

Next thing she sees is Wei Wuxian’s shy expression peeking out from the door. ‘’Am I interrupting?’’ He asks, hesitantly. 

‘’Of course not honey, come in, I missed you’’ Jin Zixuan kindly helps her to get on her feet, though she admits this time her legs are far steadier than any other day. She stretches her arms towards him, next time that happens makes her heart almost stop, in a good way for once.

Jiang Cheng peeks from the door as well, resting his head on top of Wei Wuxian. That makes her let out a squeal that could be a sob as well. She can barely see since her eyes are filled with tears. ‘’You are here!’’ Quickly Wei Wuxian steps aside and pulls him into the room before closing the door. ‘You are back, you are back!’’ Jiang Cheng does not need to be pushed twice, he runs straight towards her and embraces her with a tight hug. Jiang Yanli keeps mumbling reliving words against Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. ‘’I missed you so much, A-Cheng!’’

‘’I missed you more!’’

Jin Zixuan quickly gets up from his place and looks for a seat, the comfiest, fluffiest he can find in the room to take it as an offer for Wei Wuxian. ‘’Please, sit’’ He says, unable to look at him more than necessary, it may remind them of quite a few unpleasant moments they experienced in the past. Jin Zixuan does not wish to face the shame he feels, and that Wei Wuxian won’t bring up for the sake of his sister.

‘’Thank you’’ he says sincerely as a truce. Wei Wuxian is tired of fights, of tensions and troubles. He only wants to sit down for once, to enjoy his pregnancy and the little pleasures that life has decided to give him. ‘’Ah!’’ He says with a pleasant sigh as soon as he sits and his body finally relaxes, his feet are killing him. ‘’These were here last time I came here?’’

‘’No, they weren’t, I brought some… Hope you don’t mind?’’ After all, it is Wei Wuxian who’s paying for this place (Lan Wangji’s money of course). He didn’t want to offend him or anything. 

‘’Oh! No at all, That’s good actually. As long as my sister likes it everything is good’’ and he says it with a double intention: neither Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were happy about having Jin Zixuan near their beloved sister, however, as long as Jiang Yanli permitted, they would not say a word about it. Their sister’s happiness was far more important than their opinion.

 ‘’And… How has it been…? You know, the babies and that stuff’’ says Jin Zixuan, uncomfortable with himself whenever he speaks to Jiang Yanli’s older brother.  

‘’Everything is going as it should according to the doctors. I’m on my 8th month now, the babies are kicking a lot these days’’

‘’Ah! I’m glad to hear that. Do you have any names yet? Or… How many you have in there?’’

‘’I’ve two, a girl and a boy. I don’t have any names yet, I’m leaving my… I’m leaving he names to be chosen by Wangji’’ 

‘’I see’’ and as soon as the conversation started, it died. Both just dedicated themselves to see the emotional reunion between the Jiang siblings, without interfering. In that time and space, as he saw his siblings hugging each other for the first time in like 3 years, Wei Wuxian thought that everything he had gone through, from the kindest of the kisses given by Wangji, to the brutals of the rapes and tortures that sent him to the hospital around of the decades, were worth it, just to see his family reunited back together.

Nie Huaisang was the definition of wealth and privileges, and the best part was that he didn’t know that, which was a good thing. Knowing his position and power would mean knowing the cruel and suffering world could give them. As Meng Yao knew, of course. ‘’Come, my love, it’s nap time’’ the fox says to his son, Nie Huaisang does look kinda sleepy, fighting his heavy eyes. 

The toddler shakes his head, yawning adorably. ‘’Birdie’’ He says, pointing to the wild bird that’s currently resting on top of the tall tree in the middle of their giant garden. ‘’Birdie!’’ Meng Yao smiles before gently picking him up from the floor.

‘’We can ask your daddy for some birdies but that it will be after nap time’’ Nie Huaisang is not exactly happy about it but he’s too tired to keep arguing about it. He gives up, yawning once more and his chubby cheek goes to rest on his father’s shoulder, snoring softly shortly after.

‘’Master’’ He’s called by one of the servants. ‘’Master Nie instructed us to not let you or Young Second Master Nie too much time outside during this time of the year’’ Meng Yao nod, very much aware of the situation.

Nie Huaisang is turning 3 in a few months, and since he was growing up Meng Yao’s womb issues started. It was a tough pregnancy of high risk, both of them are here safe and sounds by a miracle, however, their health tends to be delicate on the coldest months of the year, though that it nevers stops Nie Huaisang from asking to go outside to watch the wild birds that stops by their home.  ‘’Has my husband called?’’

‘’Yes, he’ll be returning before nightfall along with Young Master Nie’’ They should be start cooking dinner soon then, Nie Rusong inherited the same strong appetite as his father, Meng Yao thinks and chuckles.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26

Everyone had a story to tell. From the more traditional of the families, to the strangest and weirdest. Xue Yang and his family had their own. By now I believe everyone knew who he was and how he came to be where he is: orphan, homeless from a young age until he was against his will by a brothel.

    At the brothel he was sexually abused in exchange for money that he rarely received. There he met, somehow, some friends. Like Mo XuanYu and his stupid but kind smile and dreamy eyes, eaten alive by a pack of wolves after getting raped multiple times and by several people. 

    During that same night Meng Yao, another somehow friend/coworker, ran away from the cabin in which Mo XuanYu and Wei Wuxian were rented for a few days. That’s how Meng Yao escaped and until this day no one knew nothing about him though there were rumors here and there that said he was killed by their pimps, others that said he commited suicide because he was too afraid of returning to the brothel. 

    Xue Yang wasn’t with them that night, he was brought a day before his death to clean out the mess they left behind, along with a shocked Wei Wuxian, the two prostitutes mopped the floor until there wasn’t a single droplet of blood and musk. 

    On any case, from that day Xue Yang knew he couldn’t stay a single day there, he had to do his best to escape or either die while trying. He didn’t have any hold that tied him to the city. No parents or siblings or anyone that depended on him to survive. He got stabbed four times but yet he managed to escape, by accident he ended up being rescued by Xiao Xicheng and Song Lan, and well, they three got in love with each other and the rest was bullshit.

    Song Lan promised him that no one will ever put a hand on him again, and swore to protect him until the end of his days, to keep him safe and sound, well fed and happy if he wished to. The wolf worked directly for the Lan Family, as one of their infamous lawyers that had kept them from stepping foot in jail for decades.

    On the other hand, Xiao Xicheng had a different story to tell. ‘’Shh, shh, I’m here, I’m here…’’ Xue Yang said in a surprising kind tone. ‘’She is not in the building, she does not know where you are’’ it wasn’t common these days, specilly since Xue Yang came to their lives, however, from time to time Xiao Xicheng had certain episodes about his life with his mother.

    As far as he knows, Xiao Xicheng was conceived in a some sort of a ritual, his biological mother was killed as soon as she gave him birth, he did not know her name. He did know the name of whom bred her, Baoshan Sanren, who claimed herself as an immortal woman, possesor of ancestral wisdom, fated to save the world. 

    For Xue Yang, as stupid as it sounded, she had a lot of followers around the country. On any case, Xiao Xicheng as her son, was believed to be an oracle that predicted the future, and for being able to see the future he had to abandon to see the present. 

    Song Lan tells that Xiao Xicheng was only a toddler when his own mother caused him serious lesions on both eyes. ‘’Are you sure?’’ Xiao Xicheng asks, fearful. ‘’What if she finds us? she’ll hurt you and A-Lan! I know her!"

"But she does not know us" Xue Yang said, very confident with his words. If he did what he did to Jin Guangshan for the shit he did to his friends and himself,  what wouldnt he do to Boashan Sanren if she tried to do something to Xiao Xicheng? If he was his moon and personal piece of heaven.

Jin Zixuan feels a little left behind though he does not feel like complaining about this. He’s just a guest on the Jiang Family. Like a new employee on their training month. His future brothers- in -law looked uncomfortable at his presence, so he kindly identifies that he needs to give them some space and time when the two Jiang siblings start caressing Wei Wuxian’s belly with such loving eyes. ‘’I’ll come back in a minute, I’ve a few calls to make’’ He says over the warm aura the three of them had made, barely acknowledging him.

And so the puma leaves the room, massaging his neck, looking exhausted. He sleeps the minimum: since the bastard of Jin Guangshan was kidnaped, Jin Zixuan had a lot of work to do.

From fixing and cleaning the family business, and all the mess his father left behind, to supporting his mother in these uncertain times for her. After all, his mother was blind to his father, always forgiving his mistakes and wrong doing, despite the fact that he ended up hurting more people. He has to pretend he’s looking for him, doing everything he’s able to do.

    On top of that his priorities as well is Jiang Yanli. The seven days of the week he visits her, he comes very early and spends a half an hour before leaving back to work, he comes back to have lunch together, he leaves and returns again during the evening. Ah! Obviously he spends Saturday and Sunday here as well, there is no power in this world that makes him leave her alone and defenseless.

    Eventually this awakes suspicion on her mother. What was her son doing? Where was he? With whom? Why did he look so calm every time he heard the news about his father? How could he feel such peace when he spoke to her, telling her that they should be more patient when there wasn't any news about her husband? ‘’Hello, mother’’ Jin Zixuan answered, not as kind to her as he used to be. ‘’How are you?’’ He asked out of habit.

    ‘’I’m feeling horrible, as always. Where are you? I called your office but they say you left early. Are you coming home soon?’’

    ‘’No, not yet at least. Do not worry for me, please have dinner without me’’

    ‘’Are you having dinner with one of our associates?’’

    ‘’No’’ 

    ‘’Where are you then?’’

    ‘’I’m with my girlfriend’’

    ‘’You have a girlfriend!’’

    ‘’Yes… I hadn’t mentioned it to you before due to the circumstances’’

    ‘’I can’t wait to meet her! When are you bringing her over?’’ That’s one of the best things she has ever heard in the last few months! Her baby son has a girlfriend! finally! He wasn’t that young anymore! He had to get married as soon as possible and have babies already! 

    ‘’I’m not sure, soon I guess’’ There is no way he’s ever putting Jiang Yanli in the same room with his mother if he can avoid that. It’s kinda hurtful to understand that your mother won’t ever approve you, however, at this point of life he’s more interested looking for Jiang Yanli’s approval. She deserves all that Jin Zixuan could give her.

    ‘’I’m just so happy to hear that you have finally got over that insipid girl, sweetheart. She was just not the right woman for either you or this family. I could never accept a thief in my home’’

    ‘’But she wasn’t a thief, wasn’t she?’’ Jin Zixuan can keep his mouth shut for many things: the unfaithfulness of his father, his dirty business, his mother’s classism, his own classism and selfishness at some point of his life. However, he cannot see himself hearing someone bad mouthing his future wife. He is not allowed to commit the same mistake twice. ‘’She never stole a single coin from our home. Jiang Yanli is an angel, the most honorable woman I’ve ever met’’ It is true, he says it with a knot on his throat though, he’s angry, offended. 

    Madam Jin is not capable of saying a word after hearing her son speaking about that woman again. She hardly keeps her phone in hand with how hard she is shaking. He knows, he knows exactly what her husband did and what she hid from him. Unable to answer him, she ends the call on the spot.

    Maybe it’s time, he believes. Jiang Yanli’s recovery was going beautifully, it was a matter of time before the doctors decided she could go back home to finish her treatment, now out of danger. However, what home was she going to go to?

    The old department she used to share with her siblings was occupied by another poor family. Jiang Cheng did not have a home to himself and was currently living with Wei Wuxian, who at the same time was living in at one  of the Lan’s properties. He did not want her to live in the same place where someone as Lan Wangji comes back home every night to wash off the blood from his hands.

    He is not judging, of course. He… Come on! Of course he is! Jin Zixuan does not want the Lan family or any other family that could be attacked so close to Jiang Yanli! That’s it, he said what he said. The Lans may be on peaceful terms with the Wens, however, it did not mean they didn’t have anymore enemies.

    On any case, it was his entire responsibility to take care of Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng. Wei Wuxian was more than anything an extra. For them he has already prepared a beautiful cottage home, with all the commodities and luxuries money could buy, taking care not to fall into eccentricity. The Jiangs were humble and luxury didn’t appear to be much to her liking.

Jiang Yanli needed a home, Jin Zixuan was giving it to her, and his mother must accept that, Jiang Yanli was becoming her daughter in law whether she liked it or not. She was giving her grandchildren. Summary, Jiang Yanli was becoming the next Madam Jim, it was a fact, not a negotiation.

When he returns back to the room he finds the three siblings safely cuddling in bed, talking in hushed whispers between each other. Jin Zixuan can perfectly see Jiang Yanli’s bliss written all over her face. A gentle expression of glee. She didn’t deserve anything less than what she had. 

Jin Zixuan couldn’t give her an uncertain status between them, or an unknown place in her family. What kind of people could claim to love someone when they weren’t even brave enough to stand for the ones that owned their hearts?

Most of the time Lan Xichen is seen in his study or locked in his room with his sex workers. He doesn’t eat as much as before and has started consuming more wine than he used to during dinners.

It has been like half a year since his brother and him put an end to their relationship, and Lan Wangji hasn’t called a single time to ask how he's doing now that he lives alone. His brother only calls for business purposes. If his uncle were here he’d say that how was Lan Wangji supposed to call him, when he tried to strangle  that stupid bitch, aware that he was pregnant.

Lan Xichen has his doubts of course. He’s not entirely sure that that baby is his brother’s, that man was a whore after all. Again, Lan Qiren would admonish him, telling him that if the bunny was pregnant was nobody fault but Lan Xichen’s. When Lan Wangji snapped in a rut, who was the one that brought him, forcibly, under his dishonest word?

Not that Lan Xichen cares much about what other people say, or about the facts. To him all of them are traitors. His brother is a traitor, for choosing someone he met a few months ago over him, just because he was told he was becoming a parent (which wasn’t even proven yet). His uncle was a traitor as well, for leaving him. It hurts less with Lan Qiren, at least he has left not entirely for Lan Wangji but for Wen Ruohan.

The latter was a good opportunity though. Lan Qiren and Wen Ruohan were getting married officially soon, he was invited to the engagement party. This also officially sealed the union between Lan and Wen for good. It meant an enemy was less to worry about it.

As he refills his glass again, he can’t help but feel his home is bigger and emptier than ever. The place that once was filled with life, with Lan Xichen’s family… was just now the lonely house of Lan Xichen and his sexual workers. He stares at the giant portrait of the Lan family, back then when his parents were alive, Lan Xichen was just a toddler and Lan Wangji an innocent baby. Who could have guessed that said baby would grow up to turn his back to his own family.

‘’As far as I know, the whore is living at the Jingshi with Wangji’’ both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen ordered a luxury building to be made, just to have a reach their personal sex workers. Lan Qiren will never accept them setting foot on the primal home, he was absolutely upset about the idea, his nephews respected his opinion and ordered another little palace to be built.

However, now that Lan Wangji was gone, around 20 people or perhaps more, were left alone, with little to do during the day. They were still being paid, still having the same commodities as before, nothing had changed yet apart from Lan Wangji’s presence. However, they were aware that sooner or later, Wei Wuxian will be asking Lan Wangji to get rid of them. This could result in Lan Wangji laughing on his face, telling him that there was none born in this world to give him an order, or, on the other hand, he may obey him. 

Among the sex workrs some were smart enough to look for a new client, Lan Xichen by instinct, however, the older tiger said a retund NO. Some were relaxed and unworried about the situation they were in, just enjoying the moment of doing whatever they wanted. 

Of course, they were ones who were plotting a way to bring back their rightful owner. They couldn’t harm the whore in turn for several reasons, the more important one is that it simply would be too suspicious to do something against him, without mentioning that this Wei-something person was carefully guarded by Su She himself, as if he was something valuable. ‘’I insist we must stop with this plan… It’s just ridiculous’’

‘’It is ridiculous to you putting our position in risk?’’ One of them snapped at her. 

‘’It’s just ridiculous to believe Lan Wangji is in love with anyone’’

‘’He attacked his own brother for this ‘’anyone’’ !’’

‘’He did it for territorial instincts, nothing more. He’s distracted by the baby but eventually he’ll lose interest, in his new toy and in the bastards as well. In a blink of an eye he’ll come back to our beds. Tigers cannot live without sex, and if the bunny is giving birth, Wangji can’t fuck him for 2 or 3 months, and you know how tigers get without fucking. We should relax, enjoy our free time…’’

‘’Once the bunny it’s our way I'll relax. Not before’’.

Eventually it happens, Jiang Cheng is deeply hurt by the way Wei Wuxian hands him his luggage, Jin Zixuan’s driver waiting for him outside. Jiang Cheng’s throat hurts. ‘’Why?’’ He asks for who knew what time. ‘’Why can’t I stay here?’’ Wei Wuxian smiles at him with sadness. 

    Wei Wuxian would never kick him out of this place if this place was his home to begin with. If the Jingshi were owned by Wei Wuxian, he’d welcome his two siblings here to live forever. But truth was that Lan Wangji, as loving as he could be towards him, had enemies here and there, he was already at risk, how could he put Jiang Cheng in the same position. ‘’Our sister needs to be protected, we cannot let her alone with that peacock, could we?’’

    ‘’But we can leave you alone with Lan Wangji’’ Well, there was nothing precious to protect, on the other hand their sister… ‘’You’ll be alone with just a bunch of bodyguards! Their uncle is no longer living with you anymore! I cannot let you here!’’

    ‘’There will be a day in which I’ll go with you all’’ He promises. ‘’But that day is not today and I do not want you here when it isn’t completely safe’’ 

    ‘’Wei Wuxian, for Gods’ sake! When it will come the time to think about yourself and your own safety!’’ Jiang Cheng wants to keep yelling and arguing with Wei Wuxian until he finally comes to his senses and understands how worried they were for him.

    In response Wei Wuxian lets out a happy sigh before wrapping his arm around his brother in a tight embrace. Jiang Cheng wants to shake him off but as big and fragil his brother was with his pregnancy, well, was pretty difficult. He can’t do nothing more but to cry on his shoulder, bitterly. ‘’Please, come with us, Jin Zixuan will protect us from any harm, I’m sure of it…! That idiot shits gold, he can put a fight against Wangji if he wants to…’’ He’s desperately trying to convince his brother to pack his things and run away with them once and for all. ‘’We can leave to another country if necessary….’’

    ‘’Someday’’ He promises again. ‘’Meanwhile, please take care of our sister, alright? I’ll be fine’’ 

Wei Wuxian irons one of Lan Wangji’s suit. He shouldn’t, there is staff on the Jingshi that takes care of everything that Wei Wuxian can’t keep doing when he’s barely ending his eight month. 

    Lan Wangji tried to do it himself, however, somehow he ended up burning part of the ironing table. Wei Wuxian immediately offered to do it himself, after all, he had learned all his domestic knowledge from his sister, though Jiang Yanli never burnt Wei Wuxian’s hands when he did it wrong, as Jin’s housekeeper used to do when she was around ten. The bunny is eager to service and be useful in any possible way he’s able to do so.

    The silence is half comfortable, half suffocating for Wei Wuxian. He never knows what the tiger is thinking, what is he planning and when. ‘’I think I’m done with the coat…’’ The bunny said, looking up to the tiger. 

    Lan Zhan was already wearing a white shirt, the bottom of the suit and a pair of shiny shoes. It was then when Wei Wuxian realized Lan Zhan was not dressing up for a business date. This night out was not for work. He froze in his place as the tiger accepted the perfectly ironed coat and went to their dresser, looking for some of his expensive perfumes. 

    The kind that Lan Zhan used for special occasions. Like back then when he took him out on a date for the first time, that atrocious date in which he brutally vomited and Lan Zhan found out about his pregnancy. ‘’Wei Wuxian?’’ Lan Zhan asked him when he saw his shocked expression on his face. ‘’Do you feel ill?’’ He said, an immediate concern biting at the end of his stomach. 

    ‘’No… not really’’ Wei Wuxian faked out a tone of cheerfulness. ‘’It’s… It’s nothing’’ He knew this was a possibility. He knew there was no future between the two of them since the beginning. A couple of babies did not stop the sexual nature of the tiger. He needed sex, lots of sex, and precesily sex was something Wei Wuxian could not give him anymore. He sits down hurriedly and tries to pretend that it is not breaking his heart seeing Lan Wangji getting ready to see one of his lovers. Was this a new one? Or perhaps it was from the harem? Has Lan Wangji been visiting the harem at his back? ‘’May I ask you something?’’

    ‘’Of course…?’’ Lan Wangi said, warily. ‘’What is it?’’

    ‘’When… well, you know, when the kids grow up and everything… Could you not… bring any of your lovers near them? I do not want them to know about the harem, and I do not want them to see their father with someone else… I know we are not a couple, but please… It will make me feel humiliated and I won’t be strong enough to answer their questions about why their father is kissing someone else’’ Wei Wuxian says this as he’s able to do so, it hurts speaking and it hurts more saying this all while watching Lan Wangji at the end. ‘’And when I’m gone, please do not let my children be mistreated by anyone. If you know wish to keep them, if you are fed up with them, please tell me and I’ll take them, or my siblings can take care of them if something happens to me. That’s all what I’m asking for, respect for my children’’

    It takes several seconds for Lan Wangji to process all the things Wei Wuxian was telling him. Why would he bring his lovers near his children? What lovers, to be exactly? If he hadn’t seen anyone from his harem since… well, for months. He does not wish to be back with them, especially not now. ‘’I’ll never expose our children to them. And…’’ Wei Wuxian’s upset expression made him feel only guiltier. ‘’Wei Wuxian, I’m not dressing up to any of my non-existent lovers. Today is my uncle’s engagement party’’

    ‘’...Oh…! I’m sorry, Lan Zhan, I thought… I didn’t know’’ because Lan Zhan hardly tells him where he is going and what he does. He can’t be blamed for thinking what it isn’t when the tiger kept him out of his life. ‘’I mean, you could be with whoever you want, I… I get it, from the beginning I knew what kind of relationship this was going to be. I’m not asking for what I’m not allowed to have, please just be discreet around my children’’

    ‘’I won’t do that, because I do not have anyone else beside you. Do you understand that?’’

    ‘’No, I don’t. Lan Zhan, I’m the whore that you kept living with because you knotted me up, I’m not even sure of what is going to happen to me after I give birth! and I’m not… I’m not complaining, okay? I have no right to do so, I’m completely grateful for all you have been doing for me and my family, I’ll be always be grateful for it, I cannot even pay you back with sex anymore and…’’ At least no with the same frequency as before.

    Eventually the words of his uncle started sinking in Lan Wangji’s mind. He was not a child, no even in his 20’s anymore to feel confused about his feelings when there was already two children on their way, still he is not sure of legally taking Wei Wuxian under his wing, giving his last name to his children is already difficult when there is always the risk of going to prison. He is not stupid enough to let it happen, of course but sometimes live is out of our own control, and if that happens he does not wish to have Wei Wuxian arrested for being abettor of Lan Wangji’s crimes. If anything, Wei Wuxian’s only crime was being born poor.

    ‘’I may not be able to take you as my spouse, you should know nonetheless, that no one else could take your place. As the mother of my children, as well as the one that holds my heart dearest’’ Wei Wuxian feels dizzy at the confession, there is always the possibility of Lan Wangji lying about this, however, Wei Wuxian decides to believe him. ‘’The Jingshi is yours for you to live in with my children. Even if for some reason our relationship does not work, this place will always be yours, you’ll decide who can live here and who cannot. Who is allowed to visit you, and who’s banished’’

    Wei Wuxian cries softly, cupping Lan Wangji’s face on his trembling hands, both foreheads resting against each other. ‘’And what does that make us? What are we?’’ Lan Wangji sighs, unable to keep going around this subject. ‘’How should I refer to you when I speak to my siblings? I already lied to them, I told them you loved me too, and that we were boyfriends, happily waiting for the arrival of our babies. I couldn’t tell them I was your whore’’

    ‘’You are not my whore’’ Lan Wangji says, firmly. ‘’In the beginning I was your client, you my sex worker, however, it has been months since we left those roles. I’m… Your mate, Wei Wuxian, your mate, your partner, a person that loves you as much as you love me’’ 

    The amount of relief Wei Wuxian feels is not able to be described; he graps Lan Wangji’s recently ironed clothes until he wrinkles them back. ‘’You love me’’ He says, too coward to make it a question, still afraid of hearing the answer. The tiger rubs his back as Wei Wuxian rests against his neck. ‘’You love me’’ He repeats, tightly tied to him.

    And he is, he truly was. The bunny was on his head all the time even before the pregnancy. He not only enjoys sex but his company, the warmth he gives him during their nights. ‘’I’ll get rid of the harem on time, they have been depending on me for years, I’ll settle them down elsewhere, nevertheless you must know that I have any intention of laying with anyone else besides you’’

    ‘’Okay, okay’’, Wei Wuxian lets the tiger wipe off his tears from his cheeks. ‘’I don’t hate them, I mean I don’t like them either but I respect them’’ they were coworkers in some way. ‘’I must suck to lose your job so suddenly’’

    ‘’Thank you for understanding, I promise they’ll be gone within the next four months, if possible I’ll try to do it sooner’’

    ‘’No pressure, just… just don’t go with them’’ it’s scary to know there are a lot of people, younger and more attractive than him at Lan Wangi’s disposition.

    ‘’Never’’ He says, standing from their bed, Wei Wuxian decides to lay there a little more, hugging a pillow, his face pressed against it, it was too much, he just wants to take a nap and wake up only when Lan Wangji is back.

    Everything feels lighter for Lan Wangji. He’s still scare, he still does not know what’s coming next, how a relationship works, what he should do, as a mate, as a father. He’s pretty sure Wei Wuxian was on the same situation. None of them have a relationship before, Wei Wuxian has been sexually exploited since childhood, and Lan Wangji only had sexual relationships with his own sex workers, never traspassing to the affectional and romantic limits, he thinks as he keeps looking on the closet for something fitting.

    Wei Wuxian’s belly looks huge, painful even thanks to the twins, his poor bunny cannot longer stand up from bed without help, and standing on his feet was such a torture by now. Some loose robes and soft, comfortable shoes will be enough for tonight. ‘’Lan Zhan? You should get going, it’s already late!’’ He says, however, Lan Zhan comes to him with another set of clothes, clothes for him on this occasion. ‘’Lan Zhan?’’

    ‘’Everything I meant earliers was nothing but the truth. I do not think I’ve been given you the rightful place you deserve, for that, please forgive me, and let me start over’’ Wei Wuxian still seemed confused. ‘’Come with me to my family’s dinner, as my official mate’’

For Lan Qiren today was a special day. This day should have come on his 18th birthday, not on his fifty four. His parents and brother, as well with his sister in law and his nephews, who should be toddlers and not middle age men, should have been present at this celebration. 

    ‘’What you mean we cannot have sex?’’ Wen Ruohan asked, half bewildered, half annoyed. ‘’Come on! I’ve waited for decades! You’ve me blue balls since we were teenagers and now you say we can’t have sex because we are not married!’’

    ‘’I said what I said! I’m only…sharing my body with my lord husband’’ Lan Qiren said, firmly with his arms crossed. ‘’If you do not wish to marry me, then I should be going back with my nephew and his mate. ‘’ 

    ‘’I am only saying that this is stupid! We can get married but why should we wait until then? A-Ren, my body is burning for you since years ago, if you don’t let me fuck you already, I swear I’ll turn into ashes’’

    ‘’Well, what do you want me to do? I can look for an inurnment to take your ashes in…’’ He refused to let Wen Ruohan win another battle.

    ‘’Then, no ring, no pussy?’’ Wen Ruohan tried once again, his hand wandering around Lan Qiren’s slender leg, only to earn a slap on his face with one of Lan Qiren’s wings. 

        The next that happens, Lan Qiren is not sure of how and why exactly he did it. Perhaps it was in the heat of the moment. Maybe he wanted to assure his marriage with the man he had loved his entire life. Lan Qiren opens his robes, turns around and slips down his underwear till his ankles, showing Wen Ruohan a clear display of said pussy.

    Wen Ruohan feels his pants tighter, his red wings flapping excitedly, clearly aroused. As soon as he sees such a juicy beauty hiding beneath his clothes, Lan Qiren covers himself quickly and says, ‘’No ring, no pussy’’

Chapter Text

Chapter 27

Wei Wuxian feels touching the sky as Lan Wangji helped him to dress up, so gentle and loving, as if he was something valuable. The tiger carefully wraps his feet in the softest shoes he could find, bandaging the swollen ankles. When he finishes he just offers his arm and Wei Wuxian quickly accepts it, sighing with the biggest smile he has ever worn. ‘’Your uncle’s new home is too far from here?’’ Wei Wuxian asks, letting Lan Zhan to buckle his security belt under his belly.

    ‘’Far, at Nightless city, in the Wen’s home’’ That’s enough to make Wei Wuxian’s smile vanish off his face. ‘’...What is it?’’

    ‘’Well… I’’ He clears his throat. ‘’I have been there once, for working… purposes’’ Lan Wangji can’t help but to still his hands on the wheel. 

    ‘’Names?’’ He’s not exactly mad but far from happy. Though this fury is not directed to Wei Wuxian but to the people that took advantage of his precarious economical situation. 

    ‘’Wen Chao and Wen Xu’’ And somehow Lan Wangji breathes out. He wouldn’t know how to react if he had said Wen Ruohan. ‘’I’m sorry, they bought me for a few days and-and I had to do a lot of things that I cannot even mention in the back of my mind. And… Lan Zhan I’m so used for many men and women, for decades, it might be disgusting for you, it is for me’’

    ‘’It is not for me’’ Lan Zhan says. ‘’They disgust me, for hurting you, but you’ll never’’

    ‘’And what if someday we have to sit down and have dinner with a former client of mine? I was used by any kind of person you could imagine: Poor, rich, police officers, soldiers, other people from the mafia…’’ He needs to know that Lan Zhan knows who he was and his past. ‘’Just be aware of lot of awkward moments, okay?’’

    Lan Zhan would love to say that if he ever encounters any of his clients, he’ll put a bullet between his eyes right away. This is personal, not an ego thing, it is for Wei Wuxian’s honor, it is for justice. ‘’You do not need to worry about that. No matter what happened before I met you, not now and not in 10 years more. ‘’He promises with a last kiss on his forehead.

    Wen Xu is dead, he can no longer do anything against him, as far as he knows Wen Chao is still in prison, so he might be able to send one of his men as a visit, you know? The moment that motherfucker is taking a shower, he might fall and accidentally stab himself over a knife a couple (ten) times. 

    On any case, the rest of the night Wei Wuxian does not say anything else about his insecurities and fears, and ends up telling him about what is going on with his siblings: he tells him that Jiang Yanli is continuing her treatment at home now, in some nice, pretty cottage owned by Jin Zixuan, living in company of Jiang Cheng.

    He speaks so happily and proud about his brother having now such a nice job, earning such an amount of money they could just have dreamt of years ago. He’s gaining all of that by doing home office, of course, this job was given by Jin Zixuan himself, however, Wei Wuxian believes that’s the least he could do.

    After all, Jin Zixuan could have given him a job earlier, a good job, not because Jiang Cheng was his girlfriend’s brother, but because Jiang Cheng was very good financier, intelligent, capable, best of his class, quick of mind, sharp at business and at finding the tiniest of the mistakes that could make millionaires loss if not taken seriously and in time.

    Jiang Cheng tries not to think on why Jin Zixuan didn’t hire him earlier even when he had all the power to do so. ‘’You see, we are having some financial issues’’ Jiang Yanli explained to him once, looking down, looking deeply ashamed. ‘’We are debt with the bank, it took us a lot of A-Xian and I to pay him that school’’

    They were on his Mercedez that day, Jin Zixuan remembers being moody due to Jiang Yanli had turned down his dinner proposal on one of the most luxurious restaurants, because she refused to leave the department while taking care of Wei Wuxian, who was gravely injured in the brothel and had recently a couple of surgeries. ‘’We’re really having a hard time now that A-Xian is taking a few days off from work’’ He barely had 2 weeks from the incident, and in a few days he’ll be forced to go back otherwise who knew what his pimps we’ll do to Jiang Yanli or Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian’s biggest nightmare was his pimps coming after his siblings to take his place. ‘’Please, give A-Cheng a chance, he already has a job but it is not well paid, please…’’ She practically begged him for help long before Jiang Cheng was forced to steal from his bosses. 

    ‘’I don’t know’’ Jin Zixuan said, mercilessly. ‘’I’ll need to see if there is any open position for him, see if he’s a good fit for the company, look for good references, needs at least five years of experience…’’ Jiang Cheng had just finished university. ‘’I’ve to speak with human sources and all of that’’ Jiang Yanli sunk miserably on her seat, looking desperate with her current situation. 

    ‘’Please, A-Xuan, make an exception, please? For me? Your mother hadn’t paid my bonus this year, nor my last 2 weeks cause’ didn’t attend for a couple days’’ Jin Zixuan let our a frustrated sigh.

    ‘’Well, why don’t you say that to her? Why are you even telling this to me? She hired you, not me, go tell her’’ He said, crossing his arms, unable to touch his own heart for Jiang Yanli, the woman he claimed he loved. 

    ‘’I had! She says she’s gonna fire me if I keep insisting’’ Madam Jin yelled at her that she was already abusing of their generosity, that she’ll have to work double shifts from now on if she ever wanted to get paid, Madam Jin was turning Jiang Yanli’s life a hell, she wasn’t happy about having one of her servants dating her beloved son. ‘’If you can’t help us with that, at least lend me some money, I’ll pay you back as soon as A-Cheng and I get paid, alright?’’

    ‘’No, I don’t lend money to either my friends or close relatives. Now, if you are not going out with me today,  I think this little chat is over. I've got stuff to do’’ Jiang Yanli stayed on the passenger seat for several seconds. What was she going to do now? They were in debt with the bank for Jiang Cheng’s tuition, Wei Wuxian and her needed medicines, of course they had quite a heavy debt with the hospital as well, they have a lot of expenses to cover at home. ‘’I really have to go’’ 

    In a sob, feeling the loneliest woman on earth, Jiang Yanli got out of the car in silence, closing the door behind her with a weak push. Immediately Jin Zixuan started the car and left behind that poor neighborhood that he hated so much. She waited for him to come back, she stood under the cold night for over an hour, hoping that somehow Jin Zixuan would come back with help.

    Wei Wuxian saw her from the window with anguished eyes. Jin Zixuan did not come back, but Wei Wuxian later that night went back to work. ‘’Your brother is doing great’’ Jin Zixuan praises, impressed with Jiang Cheng’s advance as he reads one of his reports. ‘’I have no idea why I didn’t hire him before!’’

    ‘’Yes, yes you do’’ Jiang Yanli says quietly, texting Jiang Cheng what he would like for dinner, she’s in the mood for cooking, Wen Ning did approve this activity as long as it does not take any great effort from her. ‘’He’s an excellent financier, you knew that because I told you so, several times but you never hired him because you didn’t want to’’ There is just some resent on her voice, not much, just enough to make Jin Zixuan’s heart sting but that sting has nothing to do with the tremendous pain and fear Jiang Yanli felt in the middle of the cold night, waiting for Jin Zixuan to turn around on some corner to offer the help they were needing. 

    ‘’...Yes, I thought… many stupid things before. A-Li, I don’t believe this life will be enough for me to say sorry’’ Now it is him who lowers his eyes and looks ashamed. ‘’I was a complete asshole to you and your family. I’m doing my best to make it up to all of you, I’m absolutely grateful that you are letting me, I do not deserve this new opportunity but yet is being given to me anyway. 

    ‘’No, no. Sorry’’ She says in a sigh. ‘’I told you it was all forgiven, sorry, sometimes it can’t let the past go. I’ll work on that, I’m thankful too for all your help, for not letting me down this time’’ He breathes out in relieve when he looks for her hand and she doesn’t reject his touch. 

    ‘’Don’t say sorry to me’’ She leans against his shoulder, her caracal’s ears lowered, her tail sad, motionless. ‘’I won’t ever go away’’ and even if he did, they already had signed the pre marital papers. If for some reason they do not get married in the end, Jiang Yanli is having half of the Jin’s fortune, as the second heiress just after Jin Zixuan, and main heiress in case Jin Zixuan died. ‘You look stunning today by the way. Truly beautiful’’ Jiang Yanli giggles quietly against the back of her hand. 

    ‘’Flatterer’’ She says, fondly. 

    ‘’No, no, when it is about you I’m the most honest person in the world. You are truly beautiful. Beauty made a person’’ Jiang Yanli caress his cheek as they used to do, and suddenly they have become too close, Jin Zixuan gulps, nervous for having her warm breath touching the skin of his lips. ‘’A-Li…’’

    ‘’My A-Xuan deserves a reward for fulfilling all his promises’’ Jiang Yanli says, in a tone she has never used. 

    ‘’Whatever A-Li gives me, this mortal will accept it as the greatest of the treasures…’’ once more, she smiles. Jin Zixuan closes his eyes, his heart beating incredibly fast on his chest as Jiang Yanli kisses him on the lips, a very innocent kiss, barely exploring each other’s mouth. 

    He rests his hands on top of Jiang Yanli’s waist, not pressuring, just leaving his hands there, warily, in case it makes her uncomfortable, which it never happens. ‘’I love you, A-Xuan, and I forgive you’’ she promises before kissing him again. ‘’This one loves you very much’’

    ‘’Impossible to be loved more than I love you’’ Then it happens. Something… unexpected, as Jiang Yanli lets go of him, laying on the bed, with her eyes glued to Jin Zixuan. ‘’Do you…?’’ Jiang Yanli gives him a shy smile, letting her night robe slip out of her delicate shoulder. ‘’I truly don’t deserve you…’’

‘’You are a mess’’ Lan Qiren scolds, properly tying up Lan Xichen’s bowtie. ‘’Can you take care of yourself for a few months? Look at you! I haven’t been home for less than a year!’’ Lan Xichen is too happy to admit any weakness in front of a prey, especially when he’s supposed to be stronger, he has a posture to keep.

    Lan Xichen started rejecting his uncle’s care when he was fifteen, when he started taking responsibilities of the family business. ‘’I barely noticed you left’’ he says, letting his uncle grooms him as much as he wanted. ‘’I’ve been doing fine’’ Lan Qiren huffs.

    ‘’Of course, I haven't been useful to you in years, haven’t I? Just a pretty facade for the family’’ That’s what he has always been, the cover, the face, the doll. ‘’I hope you have kept away those whores from my garden and the main home…’’ Lan Xichen rolls his eyes.

    ‘’Wangji can live with a whore in our childhood home but I can do the same with some respectable sex workers?’’ Lan Qiren slaps his shoulder.

    ‘’He’s your family, Lan Huan! He’s giving us babies, you better watch your mouth! Especially in front of your brother, he will not like that attitude of yours’’

    ‘’My attitude? How am I the problem here? I didn’t betray him!’’

    ‘’No one betrayed no one! Stop being silly! You are a pair of grown men, act as such’’ His wedding is coming, as well as holidays festivities, birthday parties and many other familiar events that Lan Qiren wishes to spend in peace, not making sure his nephews won’t kill each other the moment someone says something offensive against the other. ‘’You two are brothers, and you’ll respect him as much as he respects you!’’

    ‘’I do not have any brothers. I might respect him the moment he apologizes and kicks out the whore from our home’’ Lan Xichen says, stubbornly. ‘’We are not even sure the babies have our blood’’ He says despite himself brought Wei Wuxian on Lan Wangji’s rut. 

    ‘’Stop talking, there is only nonsense coming out of your mouth’’ Lan Qiren can’t keep up with this, he does not have the same energy. He just wants a happy dinner. ‘’Please, behave today, okay? It took me a lot to convince your brother to come on the first place!’’ Lan Wangji always had his quarrels with Wen Chao’s brothers. 

    Lan Wangji represented everything they wanted to be: he had Wen Ruohan’s respect despite being a second born, he had power, money, strength, all because of his own merits. He could be by himself and still be considered a threat. He was what he was not only because of the Lan family but because of his own person. It made the pair of brothers jealous since they were children, he had many unpleasant memories here but accepted this invitation only because of Lan Qiren’s sake and happiness. ‘’Is he coming alone?’’

    ‘’I think so, I doubt he’s bringing him over when you are here’’ Good, Lan Xichen was not strong enough to see his brother so happy at the side of a whore, seeing the person for whom his brother betrayed him wasn't something nice to see.

Wei Wuxian is delighted to be treated so kindly: Lan Zhan opens the door for him, offers again his arm and guides him around Wen Ruohan’s home, with a look of pride on his face. He’s so happy, Lan Zhan knows almost everything, and what is missing to tell, Lan Zhan can imagine it and yet has decided to keep him as his mate. He recognizes and accepts everything that Wei Wuxian has done in the past.

    ‘’Should we have brought some gifts?’’’ Wei Wuxian asks him as they go all the way up those stone ladders that are killing his feet. 

    ‘’Not until the wedding day’’ He says. ‘’Start thinking about something nice for both of them’’ He’s paying, of course but he’ll rather to have Wei Wuxian thinking on the perfect gift. 

    ‘’I’m not sure that’s a good idea’’ he laughs off, his laughter is music for Lan Zhan to hear, automatically it makes the tiger smile as well. ‘’Not gonna lie, I’m a little nervous’’ he confessed. ‘’I’m not much of fancy dinners’’

    ‘’You’ll get used to’’ Lan Wangji says, confident. ‘’You’re part of me now’’ Wei Wuxian does not have time to answer when he sees Lan Qiren not quite running but definitely not walking towards them. 

    ‘’Wangji! Wuxian! You have arrived later than expected! Where were you’’ with his maternal scolding, Lan Qiren welcomes him, scowling at his nephew for their lateness, before taking Wei Wuxian’s hands on his. ‘’How are you, Wuxian? Has this animal treated you right, huh?’’ Lan Wangji winks in surprise. ‘’How has your pregnancy gone since I left? I’m truly sorry I didn’t advise of my leave, or come to visit recently. You know, I have my own animal to deal with. Come, I’ll introduce the rest of the family to you’’ Lan Qiren keeps talking and for once Wei Wuxian is happy to stay silent and follow dutifully, giving a last glance to the tiger before being dragged away by the crane.

Jiang Yanli waits for the feeling of guilt and disgust to come after her second sexual experience. She cries relieved when it never comes, She lets the water come down her body, washing away Jin Zixuan’s spend, who’s still sleeping and their bed now. 

    Jin Zixuan was the sweetest man on earth this night. He made her feel pleasure two times before getting inside of her, and during the entire sexual act he was very vigilant of any sign of discomfort from her part, which it never happened. Jiang Yanli enjoyed the entire thing, from the first kiss to the last panting breath. Jiang Yanli believes she needed this, she couldn’t keep with the fact that his only sexual experience was a violation.

    So she’s happy to say that she has done love for the first time, that she enjoyed every minute of it, to made love with the man she loves. With her still wet hair she looks for Jin Zixuan’s face: the puma is tangled between the sheets, hugging Jiang Yanli’s pillow, with a happy smile on his relaxed features.

    In a chuckle, Jiang Yanli leaves their room and goes in search of her brother. She needed to make sure Jiang Cheng was eating as he should. With all that extra work he was doing, he could spend 16 hours in a row with just a glass of water for the entire day. 

    Jiang Cheng has been having some issues recently. He’s desperate about making money. He’s working harder than his body was capable of. Seven days a week, more than 8 hours per day. He’s scared of Jin Zixuan abandoning them, of Lan Wangji turning their back on them, leaving them again on the streets to defend themselves in this wild world.

    He’s not going to allow that ever again! He’ll work himself to death before leaving his family vulnerable again Jiang Yanli is aware of it. ‘’A-Cheng’’ she calls, her arms wrapped around his neck, her cheek resting on top of his head. ‘’Come on, A-Cheng, you need to eat, I’ll make something for you, and then you are going to bed’’ It’s 5 a.m, Jiang Cheng has not came to bed on the last 24 hours.

    ‘’I’m working’’ he protested, though very weakly. ‘’Sister, you smell different…’’ he says after a couple seconds. ‘’Do you…? Oh my God, I’m killing that bastard!’’ He roars, Jiang Yanli only hugs him tighter, shushing him. ‘’But, sister…!’’

    ‘’It was my idea, I wanted to’’

    ‘’Do not give me any details!’’ Jiang Yanli openly laughs then, her brother was such a cute silly boy. 

    ‘’I’ll tell you every single thing if you don’t get up from this desk and follow me to the kitchen on this instead’’ Grunting, Jiang Cheng accepts, Jiang Yanli’s fingers interwined with his.

.

It’s not nice to see his brother again, especially when Lan Wangji pretends as if he does not exist. ‘’What a lovely family you two are’’ Wen Ruohan says with a dark, playful laugh. ‘’So, this is how it’s going to be every family dinner?’’ Emptying the rest of his glass of cognac without making a face despite the strong liquor.  

    ‘’I’m not sure I’m going to every family dinner if I’m honest, sir’’ Lan Xichen said, drinking a little too much. ‘’There are some people I'd rather keep myself from meeting if I can’’ He says, Lan Wangji receives the message clearly, looking at him murderously. He won’t tolerate having his mate bad-mouthed though he’s doing his best, he does not wish to ruin this moment. 

    Wei Wuxian, Lan Qiren, and Wen Ning were not in the same room, fortunately. Wen Qing wondered if this was how the rest of the siblings in the world acted alike. Until now she hadn’t met anyone who actually loved their brother or sister in the same way she loved Wen Ning, and how Wen Ning loved her. From Wen Xu and Wen Chao, to Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji.

    ‘’I hope you fall in love, Xichen’’ He says, too low to be heard for the rest of them. ‘’Only then you’ll understand how much it pains when someone hurts that special someone to you, perhaps then you’ll understand what are you causing me’’ As Wen Qing and Wen Ruohan chat among themselves to avoid getting in the middle of these two, he kept himself from barking:

    ‘’And what about what I feel right now? You do not hesitate a moment before hurting me, your brother! For someone you met a few months ago!’’

    ‘’You hurt him first’’ Lan Wangji says firmly. ‘’You knew he was expecting, you smelled him, and had no hesitation in humiliating and attacking him. What could he have done to you, Xichen? There is no way a bunny could represent a threat against anyone’’

    ‘’I do not think you understand what I felt that day, Wangji, and what I’ve been feeling after you left our home to live with a stranger. I was here first, as your family, as your brother, as your associate. I protected you since we were children, I loved you, and took care of you. Do you expect me to think that it wouldn’t hurt me that you were choosing a whore over me?’’

    Lan Wangji does not say anything else for the following minutes. He’s calming down, trying not to react to his brother’s provocations. ‘’Since the first moment I met him I knew he was different, that he was making me have sentiments that I did not wish for, so I left him, tried not to be with him, to avoid him. You brought him to me when I could not say not to him, you did not let him say no either. I tried to leave him several times, to deny what I was feeling… it wasn’t until you attack that I knew I was lost’’

    ‘’If I ever have known that you’ll end up like this, I’ll have killed him right on the spot’’ Lan Xichen says bitterly. ‘’I’ll never forgive you for this betrayal, Wangji. Never’’

    ‘’Neither do I’’ Lan Wangji says, in a relaxed tone, staring at the door. ‘’I’ll never forget that my brother, the man I admired the most, turned my back on my while attacking my pregnant mate, without telling me first’’

    ‘’All you can think of is him right now! Are you serious?’’

    ‘’I'd never have left you, Xichen, if you hadn't been forced to do so. You are really important to me, you were my hero, and even now it’s painful to me to have to say goodbye to you, because the only person I knew would give me all the support in the world was you’’ the glass of liquor started trembling on Lan Xichen’s hand. ‘’You never asked me anything before acting on your own’’

    ‘’I was looking after you’’ Lan Xichen says. ‘’It worries me that this man was after your money’’

    ‘’Xichen, are you implying I wasn’t smart enough to find that by myself?’’

    ‘’You two are together, you tell me’’ Lan Wangji sighs.

    ‘’You’re are alone, you cannot tell me nothing’’

Wei Wuxian has quite a big surprise seeing Wen Ning there in the tea salon. ‘’Mr. Wei?’’ the panther says in bewilderness. ‘’What are you doing here?’’ He says, getting up from his seat. 

    ‘’Didn’t you know? He’s my youngest nephew’s mate! They are about to have their first litter!’’ Lan Qiren says, proudly. ‘’Look how big he is!’’

    Wen Ning’s cheeks are tainted in deep red. All these times that Jiang Yanli’s brother came to the hospital reeking of sex, was… oh, it was because of Lan Wangji! That time when he was vomiting his soul off in the restrooms… ‘’Oh…! Nice to meet you…! ah! ¡Again! Please, come, sit down with us, dinner should started on the following hour’’

    ‘’Thank you!’’ Wei Wuxian says, a little uncomfortable. He was not expecting to find him here. He thinks Wen Ning is the best, thanks to him his sister has come back to health again! To all his attention and love, which he’ll never stop feeling thankful for. ‘’I didn’t know you live here?’’

    ‘’Yes, ah… My uncle adopted me and my sister when we were children, I lived at Cloud Recesses most of the time but every time I have the chance I come back for visiting’’

    Lan Qiren happily stayed quiet the rest of their tea time, both Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian were speaking fluently, it was clear that Wen Ning’s gentle personality fit very well with Wei Wuxian’s friendly one. They were about to become family, he couldn’t be happier!

    There was still a lot to do between his two, dumb and stuborn nephews, whom were still crossed with the other. They were too proud to say sorry, to look at their own mistakes and do something to correct them, none of them was disposed to look down and apologize. 

    Lan Qiren just wanted a happy family, why it was so difficult?

Chapter Text

Chapter 28

The dinner is quite one of the most uncomfortable moments Wei Wuxian has ever been part of. Despite the cold weather, he feels hot everywhere, discreetly tries to fan himself with the napkin. He does his best to not start any conversation at all, he limits himself to answer in a kind but short way any question he’s been asked.

    He can feel Lan Xichen’s judging, and murderous smile from across the table. Lan Wangji has a gentle grip over his thigh. ‘’I’ll fight everyone that dares to say a bad word against you, I promise’’ Lan Wangji whispered softly against his ear, making him feel even more in love of what he already was. This man had his whole life in his hands. ‘’Eat, please, I can hear your stomach growling’’ They rubs their noses for a few seconds before turning back to their plates, Wen Ruohan’s and Lan Xichen’s forced conversation on the background, Wen Qing quickly joining to the conversation a well as future leader of the Wen’s family.

    Wen Nings feels such a sorrowful sensation on the bottom of his heart. What wouldn’t he do to have the same chance Lan Wangji and Mr. Wei were having. Despite how cruel, and sadistic Lan Wangji was known to be with his victims, here he was, kissing his mate’s forehead tenderly. How lucky were some people, he sincerely wished they had a happy and long life ahead! Filled with children and glee!

    ‘’And how much time before we finally have our heirs?’’ Lan Qiren asks what he has been wondering since the moment he saw Wei Wuxian coming over their home. ‘’What has the doctor said about it? It’s everything fine?’’ Lan Wangji does his best to not show the tension on his shoulders at the last question. The twins were alive as far as they know. Their tiny hearts were now beating healthily, they were moving, very energetic, doctors still do not make any promises nonetheless.

    ‘’Just a few weeks more according to doctors’’ Wei Wuxian is happy to answer. ‘’Longest year of my life, I’m dying for seeing them!’’ Lan Xichen hoped he truly died over childbirth, along with the baby bastards. To Be honest, that’s a very probably situation, that bunny there was just too skinny even with an advanced pregnancy: his belly might look big but his arms? His legs? He could perfectly appreciate his collarbone, the bones of his high cheeks, and that unhealthy tone of his skin.

    He was there when they took him to perform the STDs tests, doctors said he was clean but they mentioned the concerns they had about his actual health: malnourishment, dehydration, etc. It’s clear that if the babies are born healthy, by some miracle, that man over there might not be able to survive, and so Lan Xichen prayed, he prayed truly hard. ‘’I can wait to have them in my arms already! They said they are twins, hopefully a boy and a girl…!’’

Wen Ruohan and Lan Qiren’s wedding is such an event. The biggest celebration of the year, despite the plea of Lan Qiren to make this event something cozy and familiar, with less than fifty guests. Not that Wen Ruohan heard him this time, how could he? If he wanted to show up to the world that the crane was now entirely his.

    ‘’This is ridiculous, your third wedding shouldn’t be a circus show’’ Wen Qing says, disapprovingly. ‘’Besides, you know we should keep a low profile, we do not want a Federal Investigation at our doors for seeking far too much attention’’ 

    ‘’Ah, ah! This might not be my first wedding, but it’s my last one, with the one I love. It must be the best one of the 2 I had before’’ Still, it makes Wen Qing had a headache, with all the security they will have to hire to keep up with the amount of people they are going to invite to their home.

Jiang Yanli is not the same fragile girl she used to be. Money was now her greatest weapon. She had become one of the richest women in the country. Not just the future wife of a billionaire man, no, no, Jiang Yanli was becoming a billionaire man. ‘’What do you have in mind for the wedding, A-Xian?’’ Now that she was allowed to be outside, Jiang Yanli was taking any chance to snatch her brother from Lan Wangji’s grasp. ‘’Any ideas?’’

    ‘’Not sure, don’t care that much to be honest, I won’t be sitting with the rest of the guests’’ Lan Wangji assured him that he wouldn’t allow any malicious comments against him. He’s sure about it, he has seen Lan Wangji killing people for less. However, Wei Wuxian is fed up with the assaults, physically and verbally the world has done against him. He does not even wish to hear anyone mocking him, especially not in fronto his siblings or his Lan Zhan. He won’t endure it.

    ‘’Neither do I, but that is not a reason to neglect our look on that special day’’ She pinches his cheek softly, earning a sincere giggle from her beloved brother. ‘’Let me choose something pretty for you, okay?’’

Usually Meng Yao feeds Nie Huaisang before dinner starts. He’s such a slow, picky eater, and for his own unfortunate luck, Meng Yao was the most patient person in the world when it came to his children. ‘’Come on, open that pretty mouth once more, this is the last piece’’ Meng Yao tries for the second time, but Nie Huaisang already has that cute frown on his baby features, refusing to open his lips, and covering his face with both hands when Meng Yao brings closer that tiny green spoon of soft plastic.

    ‘’No!’’ Meng Yao sighs, defeated. When his baby says no, then no it is, there is no power in the world that could make him change his mind, especially when it comes to food.  ‘’Appo’’ He says instead, his tiny hands made in a fist. ‘’Appo’’ Meng Yao truly wants to feel some sort of anger for not being able to discipline his youngest baby more frequently.

    Disciplining a baby? He can hear the voice of his mother already going inside his head, all kind and fondly. How could you discipline my grandbaby? No, no, please, spoil him double, spoil him in my name. Meng Yao caresses Nie Huaisang’s cheek with the back of his hand, his heart beating painfully in his chest. His mother would have adored Nie Huaisang with all her heart, if she had only survived. ‘’Alright my love’’ one of her handmaid's rushes to bring Nie Huaisang’s favorite apple juice, freshly made from the juiciest apples they grow in their garden. 

    He can’t help but free his baby from his tall chair, cleaning his face delicately with a soft napkin. Once on his lap he let him drink a healthy portion. Nie Huaisang is the happiest child in the world when he is being held by either Meng Yao or Nie Mingjue. That’s the tender picture Nie Mingjue finds once he arrives home. 

    Meng Yao’s puffy tail moves excitedly at the sight of his husband, a brown bear, carrying their oldest yet tiny cub on his shoulder. ‘’How is that? You didn’t wait for us to eat, A-Sang. How ungrateful’’ As soon as Nie Huaisang sees his father calling him, the lovely pup squirms and rolls and Meng Yao’s arms, delighted to see him. 

    ‘’Baba’’ Nie Rusong says in a serious tone, bracing himself to the fox’s leg. ‘’Missed baba’’ As Nie Mingjue gladly takes his youngest child to his arms, Nie Rusong is content to be the new receptor of his baba’s caresses. 

    ‘’I missed you too’’ He says, scratching behind his cub’s bear ears. ‘’And you too’’ With Nie Huaisang’s face hiding against the bear’s shoulders, Nie Mingjue comes closer to leave a kiss on the fox’s lips, which does not make him happy in the slightest. 

     ‘’No! Mine, mine!’’ Nie Huaisang cries, holding his neck tighter. ‘’No kissus!’’ 

    ‘’Ah! Meng Yao, look what a little brat we have created’’ And yet for him is the world to see his children expressing this behavior and worrying only for these kind of silly things and not for his their own lives. 

    ‘’Your fault only my dear’’

,,

Jiang Cheng is forced to take a break by Jin Zixuan. ‘’If anything ever happens to you, she’s killing me’’ Jiang Cheng smirks because he knows the truth. ‘’I’m paying you today as worked of course, for now just I don’t know, relax yourself! See a movie! Eat junk food, take a nap! Something!’’ 

    Of course Jiang Cheng tried to sneak to his laptop to work a few hours more, to feel himself useful and deserving of that juicy salary Jin Zixuan was giving him, only to find the laptop and user had been both blocked. It’s a little frustrating. He has not earned the right to rest yet, he has been doing nothing these last years, he owes his siblings too much, he’s in debt with them, he needs to find a way to make it up to them, to pay them back.

Of course money is not not enough, money does not take their childhood back, the years of mistreated and forced labour at the Jin’s home, not their humiliations. Whatever he can do cannot make Wei Wuxian heal all the wounds he has been carrying since he was sexual abuse and prosituted, just to put some food on their table. 

However, he can buy Jiang Yanli’s favorite flowers and candies, Wei Wuxian’s favorite food. Jiang Cheng desperately wants to become someone important, with power and money that could protect them in case anything happens with Jin Zixuan or Lan Wangji.

He wants to be somebody for them, a figure that means safety, wants to guard them instead of being guarded. Unfortunately, he’s stuck here in this little palace that did  not belong to them, he’s unable to fucking relax when he’s at the mercy of someone else! He cannot even leave the perimeter of their home, according to Wei Wuxian’s words. His release from prison was not exactly legal, and he was not able to use his name in public anymore, he was supposed to be dead right now, legally he was.

The only good thing is that the Jin’s cottage, (that was actually his sister’s, under her name), had a lot of space, they owned the large forest that was next to them (his sister’s as well). At least he was free to walk around here.

…

Madam Jin recognized she had lost, she lost the day her son came back home, with such look on his face. ‘’She fucked with your father!’’ Was the first thing she said to him, as a defense. ‘’He was a married man! She did not care and sleep with him anyway!’’ Jin Zixuan felt a burning fury at that moment, it must hurt him to know how easy the woman he loved was, without any kind of decency to avoid falling on his father-in-law's hands. 

‘’He raped Jiang Yanli, call it for what it is!’’ The puma roared at her for the first time, the older woman could just sit back, stunned at his attitude. ‘’He raped her while she was cleaning his bathroom! She said no, she never wanted to, she was forced and could not say anything because she knew no one was going to believe her, on top of that, Jiang Yanli could not lose her job! And you blamed her for getting sexual assault as well for stealing something we both know she did not touch!’’

‘’What else was I supposed to do! I couldn’t let her take my place with your father!’’ Jin Zixuan is just exasperated at hearing the things his mother just keeps blurting out of her mouth, as if. ‘’She was already taking you from my side, I could not let her take my husband too! Baby you must understand, this is not what it appears to be, I swear, she’s a horrible person! I was trying to save you!’’

‘’You were saving father’’ He says with a disappointed tone of voice. ‘’No matter what you did, no one is saving him right now, mother. He’s paying for all he had done to us, to Jiang Yanli, and who knew how many young girls and children were hurt as well. Father is the most disgusting creature on this world, he did the same to his own bastard children’’

‘’No, no! You are lying, you are lying! Jin Guangshan is just a little flirty, he’s innocent! He will not touch a child! No, no, no!’’ She covers her ears, refusing to hear anything that Jin Zixuan was saying. ‘’That’s a lie, that’s a lie! He told me he always uses protection when sleeping with other people! He does not have any bastard children!’’

‘’I know about 2 of them, living in the same brothel, Jin Guangshan abused their mothers, young women victims of human trafficking. He never cared, mother, and for that he’s paying’’ Jin Zixuan has the pleasure to say. 

‘’...What you mean?’’ Madam Jin’s heart crashes, falling on her knees, she drags herself towards him, pulling his clothes. ‘’My husband… Jin Zixuan, what had you done to your father!’’ Jin Zixuan lifts his chin, challenging. 

‘’What someone should have done many years ago’’ He says. ‘’I made him pay, at the hands of one of his many, many victims. He’ll be paying for a long time before he solves his debt with his own life’’ Jin Zixuan said, unremorseful of his mother’s cries and sobs. ‘’I’ve asked to have your belongings packed to this evening, tomorrow you’ll be leaving, mother’’

‘’You cannot make me go! This is my home! I raised you here! This place is mine!’’

‘’Not anymore I’m afraid’’  He looked around. ‘’I need to bring down this place to build another home for my future wife and children. It will be an insult to her to keep the same house in where she was brutally raped’’

…

Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian, while holding hands and walking around the mall. They have already purchased some sweets and gifts for Jiang Cheng. He’s the missing piece that keeps them from being completed. ‘’We should bring something to eat as well, should we?’’ Wei Wuxian to his sister. ‘’and buy a scratcher as well, he must be going insane being locked up’’ He says, sorrowful. ‘’I wish there was another way, I’m so sorry for not finding another way of taking him out without keeping him locked like this’’ 

‘’A-Xian, you did your best, and that’s deeply appreciated. The conditions do not matter right now, only that Jiang Cheng is free and safe with us does’’ She is, clenching his hand a little tighter. ‘’Now, what do you think of this one?’’ She points at the store. ‘’We might able to find a good attire for you, what you think?’’ 

‘’Of course, let’s try it! Whatever you wish to’’ As if he’ll ever say no to her! The smiling couple of siblings goes inside the store. It looks like a very expensive place, perhaps not at the same level of stores that Jin Zixuan will frequent, but still pretty close, and definitely not a store that the Jiangs could ever dream of stepping in if it wasn’t as employees.

That is when problems begin. Firstly, they are looked down under the scrutinizing eyes of the two security guards from the entrance. Wei Wuxian can’t help but to lower his gaze immediately, has he been recognized? There is plenty of pornographic footage of him going around the black market and perphaps stored around certain phones here and there, though is has been certain years in which his face had became certainly popular around some parts of the city, it has never became entirely viral, yet.

The day that ever happens, Wei Wuxian has no idea of what it will be of him, of his family. What will Lan Zhan think of him, what his children will think of their mother once someone shows him a video of him (because he knows that will eventually happen, people are just cruel). He won’t be able to look at his siblings' faces anymore! Gods! He seriously thinks on commiting suicide if they ever know the content of these videos. 

He’s a bit too deep in his worries that he completely misses the second offense coming out in the store, between his sister and the one of the sellers. ‘’Excuse us, lady, only clients are allowed to touch the clothing’’ Jiang Yanli does not like the tone she’s using at all. It remembers the tone the rest of servants used to have with her when they wanted to feel superior. 

‘’I just wanted to know how the fabric felt’’ she says, frowning just a little, trying to calm down, though she’s allowed to go outside and have more or less a normal life, she is not entirely out of her treatment, her last wish is to ruin all her recovery. ‘’We are having a wedding soon, my brother wishes to be comfortable on his state’’ 

‘’Apologies, my lady, as I mentioned before, only clients can touch our clothing. Otherwise it may get the fabric stained’’ She’s purposely blocking her way from coming any further into the store. ‘’Perhaps our lady has gone lost in this part of the city? The exit to the street is the opposite of the store, if you go now, perhaps you’ll recollect enough money before those babies are born’’

It takes her a while before Jiang Yanli reacts. The words are not only sinking deep but actually cutting deep as well. She does not understand all the sarcasm and poison towards them. They are not wearing the same shaggy clothes they used to, they are clean, nice looking if someone asked.

However, it appears they are still smelling like poverty. They look poor, they smell like it. Not even looked as new rich, just like some foolish ones who had just stolen some clothes of good quality. For the world, Jiang Yanli was still the servant of a rich family, and Wei Wuxian was still the same cheap whore. They might get married, have children and new lives, but their past will yet still be remembered by everyone else. They were not acting as what they were: rich and powerful. ‘’Please, my lady, we recommend your exit as soon as possible, we have a strict policy of No beggars inside the establishment’’ Then it happens, the third and last strike. 

Jiang Yanli cannot allow these insults against her person, not again. At the moment she’s unable to say anything to her, and gently pulls her brother’s hand to get out, never quickly, still minding her pace, aware that Wei Wuxian cannot run anymore. ‘’What happened? I thought you liked this place?’’ He appears to have been in his own world due to the fact that he has not realized the humiliation they had gone through, fortunately.

‘’Ah! Yes, I like it. We’ll come back later, what about having lunch first, huh? Aren’t these little ones hungry?’’ she asks, patting that lovely baby bump, earning a wide smile that she treasures forever.

‘’Yes! Shijie they are so hungry too, we’ll love to have a few treats’’ Fortunately they find a restaurant far too quickly, Wei Wuxian sits down immediately with a long relieving sigh. ‘’Ah! Love chairs, chairs are lovely, my definitely favorite’’ He keeps saying with his head back, both hands resting on his belly. 

‘’Honey, do you mind ordering for the two of us? I have to make a call’’ 

‘’Yeah, go tell your peacock how much you miss his prissy face’’ He receives a playful bite on his cheek and a gentle lick, typical affectionate gestures coming out of felines. As soon as Wei Wuxian is out of her sight, Jiang Yanli’s kindly face becomes something more vengeful.

…

 The second thing Jiang Cheng loves the most, aside from his beloved siblings of course, is being outside feeling the fresh air over his face. Deep in the forest, he finds the tallest tree among them and climbs over it in just a few seconds, until he finally finds the thickest branch to lay there.

He has quite a nice view over there, the view of the city he was born in. It was nice, this, being free. Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but get relaxed, with the gentle and fresh wind combinated with the warm sunlight. He was oh so tired, couldn’t help but close his eyes, a little nap could not hurt anybody. He more than anyone deserved that right! 

Of course he enjoys the beautiful feeling of the branch against his back, until his bones crack deliciously, relieving some of the tension. God, he was missing this so bad. Wei Wuxian specifically told him not to expose himself, to be careful, he was legally dead after all (legally dead by illegally vias).

In his defense, Jiang Cheng is hardly seen from this spot, also by this hour the road is basically empty and dead. Surrounded by nature, on the comfiest tree ever, with the fresh scent of the forest, he ended up falling asleep.

This was not Jiang Cheng’s natural habitat, however, that was not something he knew, he had never met a desert and was used to this weather. He just wished someday, before dying, he could feel the sand of a desert and its angry sun.

…

‘’A-Li, hello, are you feeling well?’’ Jin Zixuan immediately asks, they do not usually talk over the phone, they used to text more, aware that Jin Zixuan might not be available around the day, between meetings, calls, video conferences and tons of work. ‘’May I assist you with anything?’’ 

‘’Hi, A-Xuan’’ Jiang Yanli’s sweet voice greets him from the other line. ‘’I’m feeling fine, nothing to worry about it’’ She has hid in the restroom to avoid any unwanted attention. ‘’Yes, I currently require your assistance. Could you buy something for me?’’ That caught Jin Zixuan’s attention, she rarely asked him for anything, even so, when she had the courage to request anything it was never for her but for her siblings.

‘’Of course, my love, anything you need’’

‘’I want you to buy for me a  shop’’ she said very confident with her words’’

‘’A shop? Oh! Okay, sure, what do they sell? Any additional details we’ll appreciate’’ Jiang Yanli then proceeds to tell him everything about the shop in question she wanted to buy. She does not want only that establishment, oh no, no, she wants that one and every single one that could possibly be around the country. 

‘’If this could be finished within the next hour, that would be great’’ Jin Zixuan chuckles. 

‘’Of course, I’ll put my assistant on it immediately. Please let me know if you need something else’’

‘’That’s all for now. Thank you so much. See you at dinner, my two brothers will be there, be nice’’

…

Today Lan Wangji and Mian-Mian had reunited at the Jingshi. Since the last time they brought such a large and valuable shipment, they had been collecting payments all over the place. Dozens if not hundreds of bags full with thick wads of bills. ‘’At this rate we might have to make another, trip, again’’

In another time Lan Wangji would have looked happy for the prosperous results of their business, both today sound unappealing, especially with the birth of his children so close.  ‘’So sick of this’’ Lan Wangji murmurs to himself, except that his friend ends up hearing and smirking.

‘’Of course sir, I understand that counting your money for hours might be absolutely stressful sometimes, especially when we run out of rubber bands twice in the same day, see? So unfortunate’’ 

‘’I don’t want to make a trip, not in the next 2 months at least’’ Mian’mian takes a break to massage the tips of her fingers.

‘’Yes, well, we can go next week? Keep it all quick and clean and be back in the next one?’’

Honestly, Lan Wangji has never feared taking risks. They have been caught in the middle of the ocean and forced to go all around in the heart of an unknown part of the sea, going around here and there, avoiding the Asian Maritime Force and its patrol. Lan Wangji has wandered in the ocean for weeks, in the middle of dangerous storms and tsunamis. 

Back then it would have excited him the idea of risking his life, almost arousing him with the idea of killing his enemies and exploring the ocean. Today? Oh no, no, definitely not. It’s scary. He can’t even think about the possibility of dying just a few days before his children were born. Wei Wuxian’s devastated face comes to his mind in a blink of an eye, and a shudder goes all down his back.

He never thought he’d ever find the idea of dying scary.

…

Lan Xichen is half awake, half asleep and fully alcoholizided on the backseat of his own car. The same car he no longer drives due to his recent addictions he has been acquiring these last months, everything since his life went to health.

He rubs half of his face, lacking the elegance he used to be so proud of. He’s barely able to support his chin under his hand, he doubles his consumption of alcohol after their family dinner. It hurt him deeply seeing his brother so happy. Happy, clearly not needing Lan Xichen anymore, actually appearing that he was never needed.

It was offensive, seeing Lan Wangji so enamored, ignoring the pain and suffering the rest of the world could be dealing with. He hates himself a little for envying, for wishing being him and having his place. He does not feel any sort of attraction to his little whore, of course, he had good tastes.

What he envies of Lan Wangji is the way he smiles. No, no, why is he smiling, what’s he’s feeling, the company, the happiness, the intimate aura he has built with someone else, the longing for a future, a family. 

He wonders if he will ever have the same luck. If there is someone there for him, a person that could be his support, someone who’ll hold his hand in the moments of uncertainty, to hold tight in the middle of cold nights. A genuine happy face waiting for him after work.

Dozing off, the product of such an amount of alcohol his body was holding in his blood, Lan Xichen could barely keep his eyes open. Helpless, he leaned against the passenger’s door, his face pressing against the window, with his half open eyes set on the landscape front at him.

Tall trees being swallowed down by the darkness, tall, so tall that perhaps Lan Xichen was already hallucinating or dreaming. So tall, and Lan Xichen so drunk that he couldn’t say for sure if the exotic caracal sleeping along the thick branch of the tree was real or just another trick of his mind.

He had to make such a big effort to focus his eyes: he could say the caracal was a male, probably a young one, younger than Lan Xichen himself. The tiger could see the beautiful arch of his back, some threads of his black hair, and more important than anything else, he saw the peace on his fierce features.

The caracal appeared sleeping peacefully, however, the tiger could barely distinguish the frown between his eyebrows, and the way he closed his eyes with more strength that he should use, as if something was bothering his sleep, Lan Xichen vaguely thought that he could happily rip anyone’s throats of any person or animal that was interrupting his rest.

As well, the long light-brown tail swinging back and forth, stopped immediately when some stupid driver dared to honk up in the middle of the crowed road they were stuck at. That must have woke him up because quickly the untamed feline jumped up from the branch, his claws digging on the wood before finally landing on his feet. 

Before losing against his sleep, Lan Xichen wondered if he had any caracal in his harem, if not, he should be considering adding one to his personal collection.

…

The day of the wedding is just marvelous. A sunny day in the middle of winter, as unique as the couple that was married. Lan Wangji, Lan Xiche, Wen Qing, Wen Ning and Jin Zixuan are seated outside with the rest of the guests, Wei Wuxian begged Lan Zhan to keep himself hidden, afraid of meeting a client.

Of course, Lan Zhan accepted, with the bitter taste in his mouth for not finding a better way of making feel safer. Of course, that also means that both Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng were also staying with him, they would have chosen anything else but remaining with their brother. Jin Zixuan did not want to be all alone without her, however, Jiang Yanli let him clear that it was for the best if he stood there, showing a pretty smile to the rest of his associates and contacts of importance, they’ll have time for them later.

They were not part of the ceremony, neither of the banquet and the rest of the celebration. honestly, it was the best for the three of them. They were just not made for these kind of events, though Jiang Yanli knew this was a good opportunity to practice her new role as the future Madam Jin she should be as soon as her doctors saw her as completely recovered and cured, Jiang Yanli is waiting the signal for being healthy enough to bare Jin Zixuan’s baby.

It breaks Jiang Cheng’s heart seeing his brother’s longing face to the crowd. A place he could never be at for his past, fearing being recognized, the fear keeping him hide away, when he desperately wanted to be with his mate. ‘’Someday’’ Jiang Cheng tells him. ‘’I’ll be so fucking rich and powerful, that you will not need to hide anymore, just give me a bit more of time, okay?’’ the caracal squeezes his hand, kissing the knuckles. ‘’I’m gonna turned stronger, you’ll see’’

In the meantime, Jiang Yanli thinks as she places a lock of Jiang Cheng’s hair behind his ear, she’s the rich and powerful one. She’s decided to become the nightmare of everyone single stupid person that ever dares to hurt him, and not only of the people who nowadays despised them, but the people who already hurt them.

Jiang Yanli and her brother got back to the store, Jiang Yanli as the legally new owner according to Jin Zixuan himself, who hadn’t only bought him that store specifically, but the entire franchise within less the time Jiang Yanli wanted. It might sound immature, like a spoiled child throwing a fit. perhaps it was, at least part of it. However, the other half were his instincts commanding her to put her feet down, she was a predator, not just a common prey. If she were in better conditions, she could have ripped the sales woman’s throat if she wished to. 

However, for the moment that’s a pleasure her body still does not allow her to have, as she said, for the moment. ‘’Silly boy’’ Wei Wuxian says to Jiang Cheng in a fondly tone, Jiang Cheng huffs but otherwise does not say anything else when Wei Wuxian’s presses his cheek against his, he even gives a gentle lick to him. He smells too much like that so the tiger called Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian should smell like his family.

Jiang Yanli see her brothers with an undying love. Ah! indeed… she’ll kill the rest of the world just to see them happy and safe.

…

Of course, Wen Ruohan’s wedding was news for weeks, if not months to come! Wen Chao knew about that. He saw his father’s smiling face in the news and all. You know, that kind of smile that he never showed to Wen Xu or himself. More like the kind of smile that it will bloom in his face every time Wen Ning silently asked him to pick him up from the floor.

That fucking smile he had for Wen Qing everytime she brought home the greatest notes of the entire school, when he saw his father with an arm around her shouder while he carried her trophies. That smile filled with love and pride. That’s the one directed to Lan Qiren that day.

Has Wen Chao ever confessed how much he  hated Lan Qiren? Well, the Lan family in general but specifically Lan Qiren. He has been a ghost in his family ever since. The one Wen Ruohan has ever desired but never had, the reason why his mother and Wen Xu’s mother were kicked out of home, never taken seriously.

Wives only in a piece of paper, never true mates for Wen Ruohan, more or less a weapon to be used against Lan Qiren, to hurt him. Wen Chao hated Lan Qiren so much. It was just not fair for him, to come here after all the shit he had done to Wen Chao and his brother, now that Wen Xu was dead and he was in prison, Wen Ruohan was finally marrying the person he wanted! it was not fair at all!

He has lost count of how many times he wished for his father to pay him a visit at jail. Just once. To explain himself and let him know all that Wen Xu and Wen Chao did was for his approval and attention. 

Anyway, It appears that it needed to be him the one doing the visit, it appears.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29 

 Wei Wuxian leans down against the divan, a light expression of pain and discomfort on his face. ‘’Does it hurt too much, A-Xian?’’ Jiang Yanli asked, concerned, sitting next to her brother, she gently rubs his belly. ‘’Do you want to go home or to a hospital?’’

    He shakes his head, taking a deep breath to keep control of himself. ‘’No, doctor says that it will be normal at the end of the last trimester, as long as my water does not break, it will be okay’’ Jiang Cheng nor Jiang Yanli does not feel entirely comfortable about leaving him without medical attention. ‘’A-Cheng, could you bring me some water, please?’’

    Jiang Cheng gets on his feet immediately and leaves the room quickly. He has no idea of this home of these so called Wen, didn't know the secrets in its hall, however, he does not think it twice when it comes about his family. 

—

Lan Wangji gazes at his brother several times with the end of his eyes. Lan Xichen was drinking, quite a lot, not a normal activity back then when they lived together. ‘’Xichen’’ Wangji calls him. ‘’Please, moderate yourself’’ He says in a very neutral voice. ‘’We are in public’’ 

    ‘’Now do you care’’ Lan Xichen manages to say, emptying another glass of liquor. ‘’Go with your little wife, would you? I’m pretty sure he’s missing you a lot right now’’ Lan Wangji pursed his lips but does not say anything else. ‘’I wonder if you’ll be inviting me to your wedding? I mean, if you are planning on getting marry anytime soon, otherwise your children would officially be bastards’’

    ‘’Not bastards. They’re having my last name’’ and his inheritance, all that belonged to Lan Wangji will be passed to his children and Wei Wuxian in case something happened to him. ‘’I don’t need a marriage for that’’ he takes the bottle out of his brother’s grasp, subtle. ‘’Xichen, stop this, you’ve drank enough, I’ll ask my men to scort you back home’’

    ‘’No’’ Lan Xichen says, more drunk than sober. He hates being at home, despite it’s fiiled with his sex workers, the Lan Mansion was the loneliest place he has ever been at, now that their beloved uncle was formally married to Wen Ruohan, and Lan Wangji betrayed him with a whore, Lan Xichen did not have anymore family left. ‘’I don’t wanna go’’ He said, firmly.

    Lan Qiren’s face tainted with happiness was everything to him. The way his eyes shined as he looked at Wen Ruohan. For decades his uncle wished for this moment to come true, leaving his dreams behind for the sake of his nephews, for Lan Xichen to have a legacy to defend on, for Lan Wangji to have a caregiver that truly loved him and protect them from the rest of the greedy relatives that were seeing them as future inversion. For all the love that old man has given him, Lan Xichen raised his empty cup towards them. ‘’Hope they have a long and happy live’’ 

    Lan Wangji nodded. This was the first time they agreed on something since the incident many months ago. ‘’Hopefully’’ Lan Qiren deserved all of than and more. 

    ‘’Sometimes, there are some people that are meant to be together’’ Both Lan siblings looked at the large table covered in red. ‘’No matter what occurs during their lives, in the end, there is nothing that can stop them to unite their souls’’ He can see a certain sadness in his brother’s tone, a peculiarity he had not heard him speak with before. ‘’No matter the time and circumstances, they were meant one for the other’’ Lan Wangji nods again, equally happy to see his uncle so blisful. ‘’And sometimes, no matter how much you want to be with someone, and what you do for him, lives ends up keeping you apart from the ones you think you love’’ Lan Xichen said, slowly turning his judging dark eyes to him. ‘’Keep it in mind, Wangji. Love won’t be enough for someone like you and him. Sooner or later, you’ll have to say goodbye’’

    Lan Wangji does not exactly know why the words of his brother hit him too hard. It weighed heavily on his chest, as the smells of liquor weighed on Lan Xichen’s breath. It awakens in him all his insecurities and fears. At a certain point Lan Xichen was right, love was not enough to keep them together, there were a lot of things they had to keep working on, they were facing several unfortunate situations as well. They need to keep working on their relationship if they want to raise their children in a happy non-marriage/relationship.

    The younger tiger decided not to comment on the last ill statement. He decided not to be part of it, Lan Xichen was far too drunk, and Lan Wangji was not making any scene that could ruin this special day. If Lan Xichen wanted to kill himself with the amount of alcohol he was putting on his system, then good for him, he was an adult, and none but him was responsible for the substances he consumed.

    Lan Wangji wanted to feel either responsible or guilty about the situation his brother was in now, nevertheless he couldn’t. It was not his fault the path Lan Xichen decided to walk on, he refused to accept any responsibility in the end for the decisions of his brother. ‘’Farewell, Xichen’’ He said, none of them saw each other again before Lan Wangji turned around and walked away from the celebration. On his way to his mate, he ordered Lan Xichen’s men to keep an eye on their boss.

—

Jiang Cheng could say his life has become much better in these months, he’s a free man, his siblings are in a better situation than 2 years ago. Still, there is some anxiety that never leaves him alone. He’s making good money, pretty sure he might be able to buy a house already with all the weekly amount Jin Zixuan gives him as payment for his hard work. 

    It’s not enough though, he needs protection too. Jin Zixuan has offered him a squad of a few men that could perfectly guard him of any danger, Jiang Cheng is looking for people who’d be loyal to him, no to Jin Zixuan’s orders. His future brother in law has done a lot of good things, he admits, he’s working hard to gain his trust but Jiang Cheng has lived an awful life so far, and he has been betrayed already by him once. Jin Zixuan still had much to do if he wanted to have Jiang Cheng on his good side again.

      He walks back in the direction of his family, a jar of fresh water on his hands, a few slices of lemon and peppermint flowing on the top. Lan Xichen wonders if he’s dreaming again when he sees him across the hall. His mind vaguely reminds him of that same beautiful and charming creature taking a nap along a branch in the middle of the forest.

    Lan Xichen is waving at this point, barely on his feet, he’s just a shell of what once he was before one little whore came to their lives to ruin his. Two of his men are doing their best to keep him from falling. Lan Xichen stares at him, still not in his right mind or senses, a word to his men and they could bring that pretty little thing to his home, no questions asked.

    Jiang Cheng is not sure how to read the glance from this man. However, one thing that’s for sure, he hates drunk people. People are stupide enough while sober, he is not in the mood of tolerating any drunk person at all. He hardly gives Lan Xichen a look, his face is tainted with indifference, and seriousness, not impressed at all, with nothing kind to say. 

    As if Jiang Cheng were far too important for Lan Xichen, as if he did not deserve a single glance. Just a little more than nothing for that young man in his life. Lan Xichen, in his state, is half offended, half excited about this reaction. All his life he has been seen and treated like a king, the best of the best. No one had ever survived at any unkind words, and none had yet been born who could resist his charms.

    That lovely caracal was not going to be his exception.

…

At this time, Jin Guangshan has lost all ten fingers and eight toes, both ears and one of his lips, cut off personally by Xue Yang, who’ll happily sing a cheerful song as he mutilated him, then he'd cook everything in a pot without any ingredients besides the old puma’s blood, that was the only food he was giving him, and much to the puma’s desperation, he had no choice but eat his own flesh or starve, men like Jin Guanshan will eat their their shit if possible, if that meant to be kept alive.

    The puma was terrified of dying, no matter how awful his life was becoming, the hell he was at, he'd rather that ten times over than dying. Who knew what was down there waiting for him, after all he had done to little children, his biological little children. At least 2 of them as far as he can remember at the moment, and countless of women, both young and mature. What was left of his life, which was not much honestly, wouldn’t be enough to pay for his crimes in the name of all his victims.

He no longer tries to bribe Xue Yang to let him go alive and unharmed in exchange for everything he could wish for, all the houses he wanted, money, cars, luxuries… ‘’I wish money could take off the trauma and nightmares you left on me’’ Xue Yang says, resentfully. ‘’If only that was enough’’ Jin Guangshan cries bitterly, choking against the piece of cloth shoved forcefully in his mouth. He’s naked all time, bleeding from his most vulnerable sides, unable to count the times Xue Yang has raped him with several sharp items in these months. He sobs harder when the fox distractedly pokes on the ribs with a knife, never pushing too deep to avoid creating any wound that could actually kill him and end his suffering. ‘’But it is not’’ 

Besides, there is nothing in the world he really cares about right now apart from his lovers. Xiao Xicheng and Song Lan represented everything to him, his peace and calm but his lust and love too. Nothing else could be compared with it, especially something as stupid as money and stuff.

Then, when he hears a loud thud on the floor above him, Xue Yang immediately knows something was simply not right. He makes sure to tightly tied him up again, harder than usual before quickly running upstairs looking for his deer. ‘’Cheng-Ge!’’ He calls but he does not answer.

Few seconds later, he finds his mate in the kitchen, lying across the floor, his hand still holding the pan, the stove on, his chest going up and down slowly, Xue Yang holds his breath for a moment before taking him on his arms with extreme care. ‘’Cheng’Ge’’ He calls softly, there is a small bruise on his right temple, probably from the unexpected fall. 

…

Slowly Jiang Yanli has been trying to convince her brother to stay at her home, at least for what it was left of his pregnancy. She wants him nearby the time her nephew and niece decided to come to this world. It is not that she hates Lan Wangji or anything, she does not like him that much but there is not hate yet for him.

Lan Wangji has been taking care of her brother, of her, has taken Jiang Cheng out of prison, of course, there is gratitude and some level of respect, however, it does not mean he could keep Wei Wuxian safe forever. He’s a criminal, for good or bad, it meant a lot of people might be after his head, Wei Wuxian and their future children were part of him, part of the same target. If she can help it, she wants them under her care, at her home.

For many years she has neglect on the care of her siblings, for her weakness, for uselessness , not anymore, she had enough money and power to protect them, they were her responsibility. As soon as she has the chance, she’s looking to speak to this Lan Zhan for the first time, correctly, not just a formal introduction at someone else’s wedding.

What worries her is Wei Wuxian’s reaction. Her brother has full and blind trust on the tiger, he never questioned him, and she’s absolutely sure that he’ll do whatever Lan Wangji asks him, much to her concern. 

‘’Why the long face?’’ Jin Zixuan asks, kissing the top of her head before getting tucked in bed. ‘’How you been feeling ill?’’ She smiles at his worried expression. Jin Zixuan has demonstrated to be a true gentleman these months, they’re planning to marry soon, a month after the twins are finally born, so Wei Wuxian and his babies can be in the wedding as well.

‘’How important is this Lan Wangji, you said?’’ She wipes off his face with some facial lotion as she speaks. ‘’How powerful?’’

‘’A lot, not only him but his brother as well. Lan Xichen has been controlling the Lan Organization for years by now. The city is under their control, and now that their uncle has married into the Wen Organization, well, they are pretty powerful now…’’

‘’Can we trust him?’’ Jiang Yanli asks the same question again. She cannot sleep knowing that her little brother is in the hands of a criminal the size of Lan wangji.

‘’...I hope so’’ Jin Zixuan says. ‘’You know, all that stuff that the news says, about the mutilated bodies found in the middle of the road, the people hanging dead from the bridges, the burnt bodies, all of that has been done by Lan Wangji himself, and if not entirely by him, under his orders. Everybody knows that he’s a Master in matters of torture, and while he is not a mad man who kills at his own wishes and desires, everybody knows that he does not have a heart’’ Jin Zixuan tries to explains. Lan Wangji was not the nobleman Wei Wuxian always defends and swears he is. ‘’I’ve kept an eye on him when Wei Wuxian started dating him’’ he admits, feelin certainly ashamed for his behavior before finding her. ‘’And he has never mistreats him’’ 

That’s supposed to calm her heart but it only makes her feel more anxious. There won’t be any peace for her if she does not have her brother with her. She wants to believe Lan Wangji is a good man, however, the more she hears Jin zixuan tell the news, the more she wishes him away. 

…

Again, Lan Wangji's longing glance follows his home as the car drives him away. It’s just for two days, he promised his mate. He needs to supervise this shipment personally, he has been working really hard on this, if everything goes as planned, then he could finally return home for a leats four months, he should be back before the babies are born, take care of Wei Wuxian, and see his babies for the first time. 

If they live, he wants to take them on his arms first. If they do not, he wants to be next to Wei Wuxian to comfort him and clean his tears, it will definitely affect him deeply if anything happens to their children. 

Even the possibility of ending with his collaboration on his family business crosses his mind for a second, more frequently every day that passes. He wants to feel safe, to be assured no one will attack his home the moment he turns around. His children should go to school without the fear of being kidnapped because of his father’s fault.

For once, Lan Wangji understands this life is not only his, and that he is not the only one who’s depending on him now. He wants to have a future for him, Wei Wuxian and their children, and he is not sure if they are going to fulfill that while living here, in this city, and working and what he works at.

He does not want to even imagine the face of his brother the moment he tells him he’s leaving the business, if he already hates him for leaving their home, what wouldn’t he say to him for leaving the organization. And as the idea sounds appealing, he’s aware that there is no one alive who could take his place in the same way he has been doing all these decades. 

He cannot leave Lan Xichen behind, especially at this phase of his life, when he’s so dedicated at killing himself slowly between alcohol and who knows what more shit he’s putting in his system when no one is seeing. It must be away, nevertheless, to ensure safety for his family, to spend more time with them, but still being part of the business. ‘’Looks like someone slept on the couch’’ Mian’Mian says, teasingly as soon as he sees Lan Wangji’s face. ‘’Everything okay at home, Mr. Married man?’’

‘’Should I?’’ Lan Wangji asks, looking at the window.

‘’Should you what?’’ Mian Mian says, making some remarks on her tablet. ‘’Sleep on the couch more frequently? It might not be good for your back, try the floor. You are not a little young man anymore’’ That’s true, he’s closer to his forties than ever.

‘’Should I get marry?’’ Lan Wangji says, this time looking at her. It was not her boss talking to his assistant. It was her friend looking for advice. ‘’After all, I’m not a young man anymore’’ For a moment Mian’Mian finds herself at a loss of words. She was just joking! 

‘’Well…’’ She clears her throat. ‘Before I say anymore, please let me know why you think of marriage? What’s marriage for? You do not need to get married just for the children, I mean, people has children out of marriage all the time, is that your prime worry?’’

‘’Not really’’ He says. ‘’Marriage can be just a contract between 2 parties that are looking forwards to mutual benefits’’ He says. He’s unaware of the relationship between his parents, he has no idea if they were ever in love, if they fell in love with each other and got married, if they fell in love on the way, or if they died hating each other. ‘’Or can be a ritual, a pact between two individuals that are in love’’ She has never seen him speaking like this before, about someone, and he already had an harem filled with the most beautiful men and women. 

‘’If you get married with Mr. Wei, what kind of marriage do you think it would it be?’’ She asks, with her heart softened for the first time.

‘’The second type’’ he says, rather shy, avoiding her eyes now. ‘’Wei Wuxian loves me with all he has, and I had discovered, not long ago, that what he makes me feel cannot be denied any longer’’ he has fought fiercely with his feelings since the moment he met him, and today openly confirms he has lost. ‘’I find myself saying a hundred of excuses before finding courage to propose to him’’

‘’Like…?’’

‘’I’m not a good man’’ Lan Wangji admits. ‘’I’m not good enough for him, I feel regret sometimes, when I touch him with the same hands I’ve used to kill and hurt people’’ He says. ‘’As long as he’s with me, he’ll be always be in danger, for our natural enemies, for other families, if we ever fell, he will fall with us too, he’ll be taken in custody of the police, taken as a complicity when his only crime has been loving me’’ 

‘’Yeah, well, the police will do that if we fail, regardless if you are married or not, that won’t change much. He’s already tied to you, what difference that makes?’’ fine, the whore has demonstrated being faithful to her boss, and unfortunately they were far too compromised by now. ‘’He’s as doomed as you, you know? Whether he is your formal spouse or not’’

…

Wei Wuxian rests comfortably on his bed, he has been sleeping most of these last days. He’s so tired, and without his siblings or Lan Zhan around, his motivation is simply non-existing. When he is not sleeping he’s playing on his phone. Jiang Cheng has installed several games for him to play with when he’s bored.

    Lan Zhan is out of the city for this weekend, he said he’ll be doing some activities involved with the Lan organization. He could have told him more, but he refused to let the bunny be concerned at his departure. Wei Wuxian understands and never judges, the only thing he can do is to offer him a goodbye, his undying love and the promise of seeing each other as they always do after a few days.

    On this phone, a brand new one, from the best quality, gifted by Jiang Yanli herself, he keeps distracting himself with that silly game. Is something very simple but equally entertaining, some puzzles of bringing together blocks of the same colors to score, Wei Wuxian is so proud of being on level 79 in just a couple of days.

    His game is partially interrupted by the constant notifications on the bar, at top of the screen. Quickly, he pauses the game. Lan Zhan never calls or texts, not until night arrives and he’s finally free from work, so this one is probably either Jiang Yanli or Jiang Cheng. His heart is so happy at the possibility of seeing them out for lunch, probably his babies were as happy as him, for the way they started kicking so hard his belly.

    Except, that nor Jiang Cheng or Jiang Yanli will ever insult him, at all. The messages are absolutely mean, hurtful, from a phone number he does not seem to recognize, he does not have it registered as well.

You’re going to regret this, dirty slut.

Shortly after the first insult, he receives a picture, of himself, he’s being pinned down by two men, and a third one is raping him. Wei Wuxian almost drops the phone, he stares at the photo for several seconds. It’s him! His face is clearly on display! Thick tears rolled down his cheeks as he was being abused, back then when he was at the brothel.

Wait, where did you get that from?!

Who are you?

He writes down, hysterically. Wei Wuxian was having his happy ending! He was with the man he loved, about to have his babies, his brother was out of prison, his sister was sound and healthy, again in a romance with Jin Zixuan. They were doing good, they were doing fine. This could not ruin their happiness.

You’re going to be famous, Wei Wuxian.

A super start :) 

We already sent this, to everyone we know,
as well as everyone that knows you.

Just wait for the fame, you old whore.

There was not only a picture, where thousands of it, as well as hundreds of videos that were taken either for the snuff movies but also all the footage that was taken since he was forced into the brothel for the first time. Several images and recordings of Wei Wuxian, at all ages. He appeared drunk, drugged and unconscious on some, completely terrified in others, in just a few ones pretending to enjoy all the things they were doing to him.

Shakily his fingers scrolled down for what felt hours, and more material were appearing, his face was easily identifiable, his eyes, moles, lips, entire face. His full name, date of birth, social security number and current address appeared at the bottom of every video and photo. ‘’No, no…’’ He barely whisper with what he has left of voice, he calls the unknown phone number but finds out he has been already blocked after one last insult.

You are going back to the brothel,
and your little bastards are getting eaten for a few coins.
See you, bitch.

‘’Su She!’’ He calls, no, no he yells, caressly getting up from bed, a growing pain at the bottom of his belly. ‘’Su She, come here!’’ He calls, he’s calling Lan Zhan, he’s immediately sent to voicemail, Wei Wuxian lets out a cry of frustration. ‘’Su She! Come here!’’ he repeats, absolutely desperate while he tries to reach for Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli cannot hear a word from this, she just got out of hospital, her poor heart should not be suffering. 

Miraculously, Jiang Cheng answered his call at the first tone. ‘’Brother? Hello, how are you? Is everything okay?’’ Jiang Cheng says, calmly, with his fingers typing in the background. ‘’Brother? What’s happening?’’ He says, alarmed as soon as he heard his agitated respiration. 

‘’Everything, Jiang Cheng, everything is wrong, I screwed up, I ruined everything!’’ Lan Wangji is not going to believe him, he cannot defend himself against all the proof that they already sent him over. No one would. ‘’I need you to pick me up, now! Don’t tell sister!’’ He keeps talking, the phone pressed against his shoulder and cheek, he runs around his room, looking for a case and clothes.

‘’What? Okay, okay. I’m coming over, just relax, okay? It’s not good for the babies! Call down!’’ Jiang Cheng immediately worries about his state, he’s about to pop off 2 babies! He should not be in this state of distress! ‘’Hold on… damn, sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with this stupid thing, my phone keeps received a lot of messages, it’s like spam!’’ Wei Wuxian freezes on his spot.

‘’No! Don’t fucking read those messages. Do you hear me! Do not open those messages!’’ Jiang Cheng gasped at the other side of the line, it was too late. Wei Wuxian, unable to face his baby brother’s reaction, immediately terminates the call. 

This can’t be happening, he thinks, it’s just a dream, no, no, a nightmare! He'll wake up any minute from now! Yes. This is not happening, it is an hallucination. It’s then, when a very sharp pain makes itself present on the lower part of his body, Wei Wuxian screams, holding his belly, dripping between his legs, his water broken.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30  

Jiang Cheng tries to close all the shit he’s receiving, but it’s such quantity that his phone is not able to support it and just freezes, the face of Wei Wuxian clearly on the screen. ‘’Damn it!’’ He yells, keeping the phone despite the inconvenience. ‘’sister!’’ Jiang Cheng calls her when he’s half way her room. ‘’Sister, do not…!’’ He’s about to warn her about seeing the messages that has probably been sent to her as well, as some kind of malware. 

Once again, it has been too late for Jiang Yanli too. She finds her on her seat, her beautiful make up ruined, both hands holding herself, wrinkling her clothes, her iPad thrown somewhere in the room. They saw each other, and for the first time the natural instinct of murder is awaken at the same time. 

With a furious expression, as she swears vengeance for this assault against her family, Jiang Yanli stands up, cleaning roughly her tears. First thing, they need to take Wei Wuxian back, immediately. It was clear this Lan Wangji was a useless piece of shit that could not keep their brother safe from the attacks of fucking anyone. ‘’Go for him, bring him back at any cost, I’ll take care of this before it goes too far’’ Jiang Cheng nods, forgetting the fact he should be leaving home in the first place, not that neither of them care.

—

‘’Sir, please, hold on a little more…!’’ Su She truly wanted to take him to a hospital, they were like an hour or more away from the city, he tried getting Wei Wuxian to one of their cars, but Wei Wuxian refused, unable to give a step. He even thought about their helicopter too, but if it was already difficult trying to get him on his feet… ‘’The doctors are on their way, I promise, just… try to breathe with me…’’ Su She tries to distract him, to calm down, but Wei Wuxian is hyperventilating, half-naked, and bleeding profusely. 

At some point of his life, Su She did live at a brothel, and assisted some mothers with their deliveries, however, this? Oh no, no, this was just another level. This was a high risk pregnancy, for not just one baby, and of course, these were his boss’s children! ‘’Call Lan Zhan! He must know I didn’t want to!’’ The pain is unbearable, like he’s being torture again, he’s in a squating position, holding on Su She’s shoulders, trying to breath, to calm down and falling, two servant maids are at each side of them, with hot water, scissors and a bunch of towels. ‘’He is gonna kill me!’’ He yells and screams, the contractions are killing him, slowly and painfully. ‘’You have to take my babies with my siblings, okay?’’ He forces himself to say in the middle of his agony. There are only 2 people in the world he completely has his trust in, and those were his siblings. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli might be ashamed of him right now but they wouldn’t leave his children defenseless. They wouldn’t get territorial about the cubs/kittens. Lan Wangji might be, after all, a lot of males eventually ended up killing their partner and babies when they suspected any infidelity. Wei Wuxian did not precisely look as the picture of faithfulness at the moment. ‘’Fuck!’’ He screams, holding Su She’s shoulders harder, crying, yelling as he begins to push, unable to content it anymore.

‘’No!’’ Su She tries to intervene. ‘’Don’t push yet! It’s too early, you’re gonna rip yourself!’’ But Wei Wuxian does not hear. He’s terrified. He wants Lan Zhan right now but at the same time he wants to run away from him. Lan Zhan has says he’s the only one who’ll have a special place at his heart, however, it might be difficult for the tiger to keep thinking that after the horrible humiliation that has assaulted Wei Wuxian, and that everyone knows but the moment.

What would their uncle think about it? If he had not idea of what he used to for a living before meeting his youngest nephew. The poor bunny does not even want to think in the face of Lan Xichen right now, he must be laughing his ass off, as he says I knew I was right! 

He’s unsure of Lan Wangji’s reaction, he knows for sure he’d be pissed off, however, the real question here was with who.

By the time Jiang Cheng arrives, he already hears the cries of babies. Was he too late? Was he too early? Was he on time?  He has no idea, however, he keeps running, and he is not alone, behind him several men of Jin Zixuan guarded him, and much to Su She’s distress, Wei Wixian has not stopped pushing the babies out of his body, he’s hurting himself so deeply, he was not ready to push, not dilated enough, with not room to free the babies safely. However, Wei Wuxian did not hear reasons in this state. He was torn between talking to Lan Zhan to explain the situation, about his past, or hurrying to give birth so his babies could be taken by his siblings, and could hide somewhere faraway.

‘’A-Cheng’’ Wei Wuxian calls him, the rim of his eyes swollen and red for how hard he has tried. ‘’I´m so sorry’’ Wei Wuxian says, breathing difficulty, sweat cold dripping down his face, barely able to stay awake. ‘’I’m sorry you had to see that, okay? I did it for the family, I have no choice’’ It breaks Jiang Cheng’s heart to hear him say that. ‘’I know it, I know it is shameful, but there was nothing else I could do, they already had me, they could had gone after your and sister if I didn’t’’

‘’Brother, please, do not say anything else’’ Jiang Cheng kneels down and does not mind at all getting dirty with the different fluids that accompany the pool of blood. ‘’We’ll talk about that later. We need you to get you to a hospital first, you are bleeding a lot, and these babies need to get seen by a doctor!’’ Jiang Cheng says in a rush, the babies are being held by the maids with very careful hands, they seemed healthy enough to be crying so loudly, nevertheless, at Jiang Cheng’s eyes, those babies were too small and pale. They needed a hospital. Now. 

‘’But… But’’ It takes a lot for Wei Wuxian to speak. ‘’Do you forgive me?’’ Wei Wuxian insists. ‘’If not, I’ll understand but you have to take care of my babies, in case I do not survive’’ In case Lan Wangji comes back and decides to kill him and his babies, if he believes these are not his and that Wei Wuxian has been unfaithful to him. 

‘’Help me get him on his feet!’’ Jiang Cheng barks to Su She. ‘’And you two, bring the babies, we are getting the fuck out of here! Keep an eye of the women!’’ He commands in the same, angry tone to his guards. As both Jiang Cheng help Wei Wuxian stand up, Jiang Cheng speaks again. ‘’I do not need to forgive you anything, Wei Wuxian! Sister and you have done everything for me! I’m the one who should be apologizing!’’ He’s not sure if his brother is hearing him, for how lost Wei Wuxian’s eyes looked. ‘’Come on, we had to go, the helicopter is outside, once you are all safe and sound we’ll discuss it further’’ He has firm support over him, he is not letting him die. These children will be raised under the loving care of his aunt, uncle, and of course, their father.

…

Jiang Yanli witnesses, horrified at how the assaults against his brother are transmitted on national television. It’s news everywhere, on the most viewed channels in the country. Of course, all genitals are blurred. The faces of the abusers are blurred, their voices are censored but Wei Wuxian’s voice, face and personal data are exposed and shown to the public as if it was about a new wild and exotic animal recently discovered.

Of course, the news only presents the videos in which Wei Wuxian says that he’s okay, that they can keep going and that he likes it, the videos, as well, in which he’s half sober and looking like an adult. ‘’As you can see, it appears this sort of disapproving pornographic material has been spreading around our country as a disease’’ The judgment and disgust is clearly shown on their voices. ‘’Currently, we have been informed that our Police Department has opened an investigation about the protagonist of these despicable tapes. Estimated audience, please remember prostitution is illegal and heavily punished in our country, and this won’t be go be neither forgotten or forgiven easily’’ Jiang Yanli’s anger was unimaginable at this point.

Why was his brother being charged with fucking prostitution when he was a victim of human trafficking? If he was held against his will in the brothel, blackmailed to work for those pimps or otherwise either Jiang Cheng or her will be taking his place? Why the people who currently runs that fucking brothel, filled with those pervert clients were more protected than the victims? No one is talking about them! ‘’Fuck this!’’ Jiang Yanli said, storming out of the cottage made a fury. ‘’Take me to the television station, immediately’’ she orders her driver, who immediately complies, even afraid of seeing the usually kind and gentle Madam Jin so wrathful.

…

Wei Wuxian was received by the hospital in a state of emergency. The two babies were taken to neonatal care, it was still a little less than a month before they should have been born, they had to run a lot of tests to disregard any disease, syndrome or disability. As Jiang Cheng could notice on the way here, the male baby is a tiger, and the female a bunny. 

Good, they can rub on Lan Wangji’s face that his brother never betrayed him with anyone, and that baby was his! He’s aware he’s slightly unfair with the tiger, he has not done anything, technically, to earn Jiang Cheng’s hatred at the moment. However, Jiang Cheng needed someone to rely all his anger on, and for how frightened his brother looked at the idea of Lan Wangji hurting him and his cub and kitten, well, certainly it did not help that much.

To be fair, Lan WAngji had never made any comment about the paternity of Wei Wuxian’s pregnancy. He has never doubted his bunny will be unfaithful. However, Wei Wuxian did remember clearly the warnings and threats from Mian’Mian on their first meeting, Wei Wuxian had fought too hard to have Lan Wangji’s trust and love and was scared of losing all of that by mistakes he had made in the past.

A couple of hours later, Jiang Cheng is informed about a third baby. He can feel his mouth dry as the doctor speaks. Wei Wuxian’s body could not deliver a third time, and it was necessary a c-section be performed immediately if they wanted that third baby to survive, otherwise, the baby might suffocate. The third is a female too, she’s the smallest of the litter. Her health has not been compromised apart from having a little difficulty with breathing during the first seconds, she’s taken to neonatal care with her siblings.

‘’What about my brother?’’ Jiang Cheng asks, impatiently. He already loves his nephew and nieces, okay? He’ll kill whoever dares to get near them if necessary but they are as safe as they could be already. What about his brother? 

‘’We are doing the best we can sir. Mr. Wei has lost a significant quantity of blood, he ripped himself for over forcing himself and pushing before time, as well, and now with the c-section…’’ The doctor mumbles nervously, he was very aware of whom Mr. Wei mate was, and the fact neither he nor the nurses detected a third baby… If Wei Wuxian dies, he’s pretty sure this hospital was burning to the ground, doctors, nurses and patients equally included. ‘’We’ll do the best we can sir, I promise’’

He does not want their best, he wants his brother alive! Jiang Cheng tries to calm down, he breathes out and in, deeply. He needs to be on his five senses, Jiang Yanli is faraway, and there is only him to protect the babies. He can see Su She on a similar predicament as him too, there is genuine worry on his face, though he is unsure if this is because of Wei Wuxian’s health, or his own life in case Lan Wangji blamed him for whatever happened to his mate, which was under the protection of Su She and his men.

Speaking of, it has been several hours since Jiang Cheng rushed to Wei Wuxian’s home. Lan Wangji has not called, or texted to Wei Wuxian’s phone, the one is on Jiang Cheng’s hands. That fucker, Jiang Cheng thinks bitterly. His brother is fighting with his life in an operation room, after risking so much to have these babies born, and this motherfucker has not even called. He checks the history of the phone, there are several calls to Lan Wangji, which were never answered, lost calls even for the day before, along with texts from Wei Wuxian too, saying how much he missed him, and how much he loved him. Still. There was no answer from the tiger. 

Oh, Jiang Cheng hates him so much right now. Perhaps there is a whole story behind it, you know? Maybe Lan Wangji had his reasons to not answer Wei Wuxian or to get in contact with him, he’s aware of that possibility but he simply does not care to know. He’s too scared of losing his brother to worry for someone else who was not his family. If he wants to insult Lan Wangji, he’ll do it because it brings him at least a tiny bit of comfort.

By mistake. By coincidence. By fate itself, Jiang Cheng finds the last conversation he had, with this unknown number. He sees the insults, the threats against him and the babies, the pictures, and of course, the confession. He takes screenshots of everything, copies the phone number too, and calls his sister before sending all of this. ‘’A-Xian?’ She answers, his voice carrying a huge relief. ‘’A-xian, how are you? I know about that… incident, but don’t worry, okay? We’re working on it, it will be forgotten in no time, I promise’’ empty promises that were trying to bring some sort of peace and relief. 

‘’Sister, this is Jiang Cheng’’ he says with a heavy heart. ‘’Our brother went into labor hours ago. Can you believe he gave birth to two babies and a third one was born by a c-section? The three are healthy…’’  He quickly tells her about their new members of their family before she starts asking about their state. 

‘’...To have come into labor in these circumstances’’ She says, her kind tone forgotten. ‘’How is brother? Have you seen him already?’’ She asks, worried. ‘’Tell him that everything will be alright, we’ll take care of everything’’

‘’He’s still in surgery I think. I cannot see him’’ Jiang Cheng is pretty strong. He refuses to let his voice break, not in front of his sister, she already has too much to worry about, the health of Wei Wuxian should not be added. ‘’But I’ll say so once I meet him again’’ That if their brother did not die before, of course. ‘’Sister, I must discuss something first with you’’

‘’What is it, A-Cheng?’’ Jiang Yanli says, sounding a bit hurried, agitated. Not long ago she had a very vicious argument at the television station. ‘’I demand to have all footage removed from your channel, immediately’’ She ordered, in an angered tone. Her sharp eyes were dripping fire, her regular gentle tone nowhere to be seen, yet, it was not enough for the director to feel threatened by a fragile-looking woman. 

‘’Madam, we are the voice of the city. It is our duty to express to the public whatever issue takes place on its streets and… dirty alleys, regardless of how unpleasant it could be’’. He was all but cinism. He was making a great deal of money with this news, the rankings were up to heaven, this scandal along with the red notes, usually tend to sell a lot. Everyone wanted to know who this person was, and to have it punished for the crimes he had committed against the morality of their city. ‘’I’m just but a simple spokesman for this city’’ 

Jiang Yanli’s first reaction would had been to tell her bodyguards to shoot the fuck up to this man, to kill him on the same leather chair he was so widely smiling at and end with this once and for all. However, that was so stupid, so unlikely from the respectable Madam Jin. Jiang Yanli looked him dead in the eye, embracing herself. Alright, they wanted to play dirty, Madam Jin could do so.

Not another word was said, Jiang Yanli exited their office, her bodyguards closely behind her. Damn it, she needed to make a lot of calls. 

‘’I’ve sent you some pictures that I took from Wei Wuxian’s phone. He was warned shortly after… that happened. The phone number has already blocked him, please review it and, I don’t know, take it with someone who could find out who did this. I’ll remain here until doctors tell me he’ll be out of… surgery’’.

‘’No, A-Cheng. Do not move from that hospital, even when A-Xian wakes up. Keep an eye on him and the babies, okay? All four of them must be guarded at all cost, all hours’’ She says before ending the call. She doesn't know what will happen once the Lans are aware of this material going on at everybody’s homes. Perhaps they’ll be smart enough to understand this not only formed part of Wei Wuxian’s past, but also that he was clearly forced to do all of that shit. There was no such thing as too many precautions, Jiang Yanli would not allow any Lan near him until she could fully trust them.

…

Lan Xichen firstly thought he was too drunk, when he saw all of that stuff from his brother in law. Then he could not prevent himself from thinking I knew it, I always did . Despite, Lan Xichen is not happy at all for this. He did not like Wei Wuxian, did not only reject his relationship with his brother, and hated the idea of him pregnant with the next generation of the Lan family. He could hate him, and could not care any less about what he did or what the world could do to him.

Nevertheless, this was a public humiliation for his brother, and the Lan family as well, to everyone who knew these two were together. In other situation, he might see it as some sort of karma, not only to Wei Wuxian for destroying his family but for Lan Wangji too, for choosing a stranger over his own brother.

How will Lan Wangji look at the rest of the families now? Aware that his mate, the father of his cubs, had already slept with half the city, and that probably many of the families were involved, judging by the quantity of clients the whore had. No, it was absolutely disgusting, if he were him, he'd order the execution of the bunny and the litter. How could the babies grow up knowing what his father was? They could no longer live in this city, and this country. At this point, no one will believe Lan Wangji’s paternity, honestly, he wouldn’t blame his brother if he didn’t.

Regardless, Lan Xichen did not approve this at all. He was a discreet man, who always chose to fight his battle in silence, in the shadows. Not that it matters anymore, Lan Xichen thinks he needs to contact his brother as soon as possible, to warn him about the lovely past of that mate of his. Unaware that Lan Wangji always knew. Lan Xichen did care for the family’ image, but he also cared for his brother’s wellbeing, he must be absolutely angry about this. Unfortunately, all his three calls go directly to voicemail. His assistant tries too, the result is the same.

The same results happened with Mian’Mian, which is… certainly unsettling. She’ll never miss a call, unless she was wounded. ‘’Has my brother advised where would he be at?’’ 

‘’Young Master Lan has traveled to the Pacific Sea, sir, he’s in charge of a very important shipment’’ Ah! It was today. Okay then. Damn it. Lan Xichen taps his finger anxiously over his desk. He needed to contact him without delay. 

‘’How many television stations had been… spreading this information?’’ Lan Xichen.

‘’Just one’’ 

‘’Send someone to shut this up. I don’t want any blood, just make sure they stop this’’ For Lan Wangji’s reputation, and the love he still has for him, the love that will never go away. 

…

Lan Qiren has been resting for a couple days after his wedding night with Wen Ruohan. It still hurts a little between his legs. Wen Ruohan is not a brute, quite the opposite. He’s a very careful and a gentle lover (when it was about Lan Qiren only). However, the phoenix had not let him rest ever since they were married. At Least twice a day they were intimate, despite their age, it was clear Wen Ruohan had much better stamina than Lan Qiren, who had not even masturbated before.

So, for today he’s far too tired to do anything else aside from taking a relaxing bath, puting one of Wen Ruohan’s bathrobes, and going back to bed. He puts some silly program in the background, not really interested in seeing anything in particular. Then it happens, his nephew’s in law’s face all over the news, Wei Wuxian’s name and personal information, the acussation of prostitution and all of that.

Lan Qiren could not fight the nauseas he felt, and ended up in the restroom, vomiting that delicious handmade breakfast Wen Ruohan had prepared for him. His nephew in law, his nephew’s mate. The mother of his grandchildren, seen in such a situation. He needs an explanation from these two! Why did Lan Wangji never mention this before? 

He barely cleans himself before looking for his phone. He needs to speak to them immediately. To his frustration, no one answers at the Jingshi, Lan Wangji’s phone is dead and sends him directly to the voicemail, on Wei Wuxian’s phone the call is received. on the third tone someone hangs up, and when he tries again the call is immediately cut. ‘’Master Lan?’’ One of his handmaids calls him when she notices his distress, she’s carrying some drinks and snacks. ‘’May I assist you with anything?’’

‘’Ah…! Yes. Tell someone to get ready a vehicle, I’m going to my youngest nephew’s home’’

‘’Master Wen…’’

‘’Wen Ruohan is my husband, not my owner, please rush yourself and make sure to have a vehicle ready for me in the next five minutes’’ Lan Qiren says, firmer, more strict. He is not Wen Ruohan’s play thing. Not his hobby. He’s his husband, as well as the one who ruled over his home.

…

Su She has been calling Mian’Mian when Lan Wangji never answered, of course there are no responses. He’s alone with Jiang Cheng in the hospital. The poor brother looks absolutely devastated as he waits for the good or bad news about Wei Wuxian’s health. Above all the shit that’s happening right now, he’s worried for another matter.

Why are they not answering? Not even the satellite phone. Nothing, just… a dead silence. It makes fucking anxious and nervous, all at once. Mian’Mian in the middle of the ocean, one of the most dangerous places on earth. He feels such a migraine. Everything is going downhill!

…

Jiang Yanli discovers the location of the person who sent all of the material pretty quickly thanks to a team of intelligence that usually works on the Jin company, protecting them from hackers and theft of information. ‘’So, the malware has been installed correctly?’’ Jiang Yanli says, giving a signal of waiting to lead the said team when she gets inside Jin Zixuan’s office at home. ‘’Perfect, as soon as all their data is destroy, please cut them the electricity, yes for 24 hours straight’’ She’d have loved to set the entire building on fire, with everyone inside, she might do it, later, for now that’s all she can do, once this issue is under control, she wants to go back to the hospital and see her family. ‘’Have you found the location?’’ She asks once the phone call ends.

‘’Yes Ma’am’’ There is a certain nervousness behind her voice. ‘’We… We were able to locate them’’

‘’Well, where was it? I do not have all the time’’ She’s angry enough to forget how to be polite. ‘’Spill everything’’

‘’It’s from a very wealthy property, on the other side of the city. It is well known it belongs to the Lan family’’ Of course she’s nervous about it, they were talking about the mafia, the organization that had seized this country so tightly. 

At the beginning Jiang Yanli does not understand a word. Why would the Lans do such a thing? If her brother was about to give them 2 Lan heirs? Wei Wuxian was part of the Lan family too, regardless if he was married or not to Lan Wangji. She knew Wei wuxian was very welcomed with them, or so she thought, maybe she was wrong, it is difficult to say when Wei Wuxian spoke only good things about Lan wangji and Lan Qiren, for example. As well, she had seen with her own eyes how he was treated by these people.

Why would they betray them?

She sends a quick message to her brother before returning back to the lead. They needed to keep looking further and investigate where else this material is being spread too. The faster this gets cut out, the better.

Dear brother,

Keep the Lans away, someone in their family is responsible for this.

I’ll send you more men if needed, for the moment I won’t be able to go to the hospital,
I need to go to the roots of this and stop before it’s too late.

…

Lan Wangji feels dizzy. He has been shot before but never this severe. He hissed as Mian’Mian makes pressure against his wounds. He should not bleed this much, it’s not good, it makes him feel weak. ‘’Fuck’’ Mian’Mian whispers in a thread of voice, her shaking hands stubbornly keeping Lan Wangji from bleeding out. 

‘’Brother’’ Lan Wangji drags his words a little. ‘’He cannot touch them, you know that’’ He says, Miam’Miam is not looking at him, she only shakes her head in no motion. ‘’Yes, you swore loyalty to me loyalty, whether I was alive or not, you are my friend’’ Miam’Miam does not want to touch the subject. It’s just a shot, her friend has been hurt like this in the past, just not in the middle of the ocean and without medical aid. ‘’Luo Qingyang’ he calls her in a very severe tone. ‘’I love them, Luo Qingyang, I don’t want them to suffer’’

‘’The shut the fuck up and don’t wast your energy damn it! You can take care of them once you get better!’’ She says, angry tears going down her cheeks. ‘’Stop talking as if you were dying! You are not, please’’ her hand never leaves the wound, right there around Lan Wangji’s abdomen. ‘’Please don’t die’’ Lan Wangji is having a hard time staying awake, he’s fighting the urge of passing out, it is too much. 

Mian’Mian can see some tears leaving Lan Wangji’s eyes as well. He does not want to die neither. He dreams of going back home, hold Wei Wuxian’s hand as he delivers. For months, he’s fantasizing with carrying his children, his first litter in his arms. The image of the happy family has not left his head for a while, and now that he was so close to having it… The tiger wouldn’t want to lose that. Perhaps he was not made to ba a family man after all.

Back in the city, everything is chaotic. Lan Xichen and Wen Ruohan are doing their best to locate Lan Wangji’s ship when Lan Xichen was notified the captain didn’t contact them for what felt just a few hours. Wen Ruohan mobilizes his best people to support Lan Xichen in their search, though he does not leave Lan Qiren’s side at all. ‘’We’re going to find him, I promise my songbird’’ He tries to comfort him but Lan Qiren does not want any comfort, he wants his nephew, safe and sound.

As well, Lan Qiren is notified by SuShe that Lan Wangji’s mate has given birth to three healthy children. A male tiger, a female bunny, and another female caracal, the status of Lan Wangji’s mate is unknown, as well he’s informed that the Jiang family has decided to kick him out, Su She and the rest of the bodyguards that once looked after their Master’s mate.

There is when Lan Qiren asks, who the hell are the Jiangs and what makes them believe they can do such a thing? He then vaguely remembers Wei Wuxian’s siblings name, a couple of children to Lan Qiren’s eyes. They looked all naive and innocent when he met them, humble, poor people wearing fancy clothes that did not suit them. ‘’Mr. Jiang’’ Lan Qiren calls, ten men of Wen Ruohan just behind him.

Jiang Cheng sees him with a wary expression, fifteen men of Jin Zixuan behind him, all armed too. ‘’Good evening’’ He says, not in the polite tone he once used. ‘’How may I help you, sir?’’ 

‘’You could assist me in several ways, for example, answering me why I had not been notified about my grandchildren’s births! I should had been warned first about Wei Wuxian going into labor in Lan Wangji’s absence!’’ He means well, perhaps. Jiang Cheng has heard all the nice things his brother has said about Lan Wangji’s uncle but he cannot take his chances, what assures him that this man is looking to take Wei Wuxian out of the way to keep his babies? ‘’I demand to see them, my grandchildren as well as my nephew’’ 

‘’What grandchildren?’’ Jiang Cheng asks, raising an eyebrow. 

‘’What do you mean…? Are… hadn’t they been born… alive?’’ Lan Qiren asks, filled with dread at the possibility. ‘’Su She told me different!’’

‘’Those children are my nephew and my nieces, my sister’s, my brother’s son and daughters. They are not your grandchildren, and Wei Wuxian is not your nephew, we do not even know what Lan Wangji thinks of my brother, for the way he treats him. They are not married, he denied any relationship in front of me, he hides my brother away’’ Jiang Cheng says, his fists crossed against his back. ‘’For that motive, I had no reason to let you know about them. That’s a family matter’’

Lan Qiren cannot believe what he's hearing! Lan Wangji has loved Wei Wuxian since the beginning, he can guarantee that! He was a bit of a stubborn man at first but then it was clear how much he loved him, and what he wouldn’t sacrifice for Wei wuxian’s happiness. He does not understand a word of what Jiang Cheng is saying. ‘’I demand…’’

‘’You demands are nothing nor important to me’’ Jiang Cheng says, heavily and indifferently. ‘’You are not related directly to us, you are not allowed to see them’’ He cuts him out. ‘’Get out’’ Jiang Cheng’s words are so full of poison, that Lan Qiren feels truly offended. What has he done to earn this treatment? With that, Jiang Cheng turns around. 

‘’I deserve to see them!’’ Lan Qiren insists. ‘’You do not know me, boy! You have any idea of whom I am?’’

‘’That’s true, I do not know who you are’’ Jiang Cheng admits. ‘’But you’ll know who we are’’ Lan Qiren cannot be kicked out in the same way Su She was! ‘’Read the fucking name of the hospital’’ He points at one of the walls.

Lanling Jin Hospital.

Founded in 1901 by Jin Shan.

Illuminate the world with vermilion light

As far as he knew, it was not a Lan name, the one written up there, simply because this was not a Lan territory. Not a Wen name either. This was of the Jins, and everything that belonged to them, it also belonged to the Jiangs too. Jiang Cheng determined that no Lan was welcomed here. The damage they had done was irreparable, and was not space for forgiveness.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31

Wei Wuxian always had a bad memory. By now, he does not remembers how the faces of his parents looked like, how their voices sounded anymore, there was not even a picture for him to hold with love, nothing but a vague memory of his mother blurry figure digging a hole in the yard to hid him away from the pack of hybrid dogs that ended up eating his family, leaving him orphan and alone in this fucking world.

    What he remembers carefully, was a day, not long ago, the date is not clear, it should have taken place somewhere between these past five years, at some point, he's sure of it. Wei Wuxian was hired for a night with a pack of wolves, along with Mo XuanYu and Meng Yao. Meng Yao had preferential treatment, he was prettier, in better conditions, not even 3 years of being prostituted, he looked all healthy and beautiful, the alpha of the pack immediately took a liking to him, which meant that he would be traveling with the boss in the same car, in one of the backseats, instead of the truck, where Mo XuanYu and Wei Wuxian were, all tied up, their heads covered by a thick piece of cloth that make breathing difficulty.

    Somehow, Wei Wuxian has experience on this, it was not the first time he traveled like this, he was no longer a human but an object of pleasure, part of someone's luggage for a weekend of sick fun, he was not okay with it but he was aware that there were not other choices, so he endured with as much dignity as he could. On the other hand, Mo XuanYu did not stop crying all the way, he was so scared and restless, he said that his father was coming from him to save him, and promised Wei Wuxian to take him with him to their palace, faraway from this lands, in top of the mountains, where only good things happened to good people.

    Mo XuanYu was not entirely good from his little head, he could not say for certain what was wrong but it was clear that something was off, Mo XuanYu could not understand well the concept of being a prostitute, and swore he was a kidnapped prince and that his kingdom was looking desperately for him due to his father, Jin Guangshan, was a powerful king. Wei Wuxian did not have the heart to break his illusions and most of the time followed his dreams. ''Don't worry A-Yu, we'll be alright, okay? This is just a little trip'' He tried to keep the little deer calm, it will only earn them a harsh beating if he was fussing.

    Wei Wuxian didn't know this would be one of his worst nights ever. The pack was around 20 people, they had only hired 3 sex workers, and the boss had taken Meng Yao exclusively for him, leaving 19 people for just Wei Wuxian and Mo XuanYu to deal with. He tried to be seductive and pleasing, and instructed Mo XuanYu to do the same as him, so they could make everyone happy. ''Now, no need to be rude, we are all yours'' Wei Wuxian said with a smile and light tone, passing his arms around the first man he saw, he tried to begin with a kiss, to turn him on in the best he could, they liked when they were willing, sometimes.

    Next thing Wei Wuxian felt was a harsh punch to the face and a kick to his ribs. ''No whore has a saying here, don't you think boys? Let's show him what these bithces are made for!'' Fuck, there were this kind of clients then, the ones who found equal pleasure between sex and violence. Wei Wuxian did not struggle, it will only make things worse, he has been in the same position before. He tried to relax, for the sake of his body and mental health. What was the point of panicking? No one was saving him, they were kept in a cabin, in the middle of the road, with no security apart from the guy they sent to make sure the boss was not hurting Meng Yao beyond repair, nonetheless, what happened to him and Mo XuanYu was not of their business, as long as they paid for what they wanted.

    Eventually, Wei Wuxian could not take it anymore, he started hyperventilating when more men keep coming to him, they are all brutes, using Wei Wuxian as if he was a piece of plastic. The worst yet is to come, Wei Wuxian sees how much Mo XuanYu has been wrestling to stay pliant and quiet, however, he started crying louder, telling to stop and when it does not work, he began kicking, a big mistake.

    The wolves get impatient, ''baby please relax'' Wei Wuxian tries to warn him between the people pushing their cocks against his throat. ''It's gonna be over soon, I promise'' This time it did not work, and Mo XuanYu started biting, that's the only thing he could do to defend himself against so many men. It appears he had offended them all severely. They are not interesting in fucking him anymore when the first bite comes.

    The world is in pause for a moment, Wei Wuxian sees in horror how all of them decide to take the next step. He's barely able to see his friend and coworker when they all start biting him at the same time, covering his young and small body with their bigger and stronger ones, taking long chunks of flesh off him. Wei Wuxian screams and then he fights too, it's not fair! Mo XuanYu is barely eighteen, he's just a scared child that does not understand why the royal guards of his king father had not come to save him from these people!

    ''Do not even dare!'' Wei Wuxian hears them saying as he tries to get away from their grip, he had to do something to save him! ''You two, take one leg, and you two take the other one'' The man stands up, leaves for a moment and when he returns he takes out an awful, big and very uncomfortable gag that keeps Wei Wuxian mouth open, preventing from biting. 

    He couldn't think about Mo XuanYu anymore when four men started pulling his legs wide open past the limit his body could stand. He already had each leg painful at each side of his body, like a gymnast could do after years of training and discipline. It is not enough, Wei Wuxian screams desperately behind the gag as his mouth is violated while they continue opening his legs, they do not stop until they hear something snapping and somehow his screaming did not even sound human anymore.

    He is not sure what is broken, if his legs, his femur, hips, coccyx, his pubic bones or everything mentioned, but the pain is such, that half of his body is sunk in a pain that numbs him. That's not the end, he no longer could move his legs, couldn't bring them back to its original form or close them at least a little, which everyone took advantage to take a place between them a give him a rough fucking while someone was using his mouth.

    That's exactly what he feels like when he wakes up in the hospital after giving birth three times without his body being prepared enough. He wakes up in a rush of adrenaline and fear      and almost immediately starts vomiting, feeling a tube invading his mouth and throat brought far too many awful memories back, and for a moment Wei Wuxian thought he was again in the cabin, being raped next to what it was left of Mo XuanYu's body.

Jiang Cheng had no idea of what to do, his mind was processing Wei Wuxian's reaction. He calls him, moving his head to a side so he won't be choking on his own vomit, but the movement makes Wei Wuxian arch painfully on his side, half waist down, all fresh and tender. immediately Jiang Cheng understands that he cannot help him, much to his dismay, and calls the doctors and nurses quickly.  They push him out of the room and try not to feel like the most useless man in the world.

…

Lan Xichen is in a similar position as Jiang Cheng. He's powerlessly seeing how his brother is fighting for his life, unable to do anything else aside from watching him from the back of their helicopter, next to Mian-Mian. ''What the hell happened?'' He roars at her, Mian-Mian cocks her head down in submission, her fox ears falling down with her, his tail hiding between her legs. 

''We do not know, sir'' She says the truth. We took the same route we have always used in the past. The same officers were bribed'' She says, still overthinking what could have gone this time. ''They attacked us during the storm, we could not see who did it and how they found us, it was dark, the ship was shaking uncontrollably, Master Lan went to the stern of the ship to return the fire and defend the shipment…'' So they were attacked from behind. 

''He was not supposed to defend anyone! That's your job! He was there only to supervise none of you would fuck this…!'' There is more inside his chest that needs to be screamed but the logical voice of his head tells him that this is not Mian-Mian's fault. First, someone probably had snitched on them, and secondly, he's absolutely sure that Lan Wangji being Lan Wangji, would never stay back in a fight, he will fight next to his people, so, no matter what Mian-Mian did, she hadn't the power to stop Lan Wangji. No one had besides that stupid little… 

No, today it's not the moment. His brother needs to be taken to a hospital, they need to save his life first, only then he'd keep insulting his mistress.

…

Wei Wuxian wakes up again three days later, this time there is not a tube violating his throat, which he appreciates deeply. Instead, his siblings are next to him. ''Welcome back, A-Xian'' Jiang Yanli welcomes him with a kind smile and a look full of love. He feels her caresses on his face, Jiang Cheng's hand taking his.

His siblings had been there with him the whole time. They are still looking at him with love. They still love him, despite all that Wei Wuxian has done, of who he was, a filthy ex prostitute that deserve zero respect. Even though they knew it, they decided to stay and love him as if nothing had changed. Wei Wuxian can't help but sob softly with his closed eyes. ''I'm so sorry'' he says barely in a whisper. ''I'm so sorry that you had to see that, please forgive… I do not know who sent that shit, I'm so sorry…''

''The only ones that had to be sorry are us'' Jiang Cheng says with a voice that is close to breaking. ''We won't have enough life to make this up to you'' to heal Wei Wuxian's wounds. Wei Wuxian shakes his head but Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng stop him from going any further, they embrace him in such a delicate but loving way. There were no words that could help Wei Wuxian right now, nothing could be said to repair the damage this fucking world had done to him. Only thing they could offer was protection from now on, a lot of love and patience.

''My babies?'' Wei Wuxian asks in hiccup. ''Are they okay? can I see them?'' he asks in a plea, as he feels his siblings' tears rolling in his hair and face. 

''They are all healthy and very, very pretty'' Jiang Cheng says sniffing but sounding proud. ''You had 2 lovely daughters and a noisy son'' Wei Wuxian smiles brokenly at that. Three, such a blessing. His body is wrecked and will probably take more than a year to recover, but it is worth the hassle. ''I''ll ask the nurse to bring them immediately, but please let the doctor check you out first, alright?'' Wei Wuxian nods obediently, he'll do anything to see his children.

As Jiang Cheng goes, Jiang Yanli keeps her arms around his shoulders, as she is shielding him from the evil of the world. ''Sister?'' He asks again.

''Yes?'' 

''Please tell Lan Zhan to come in, I wish to see our babies together''

…

Lan Qiren has received a package today, hours before being notified of his nephew's wellbeing. He takes it only because Wen Ruohan knows he has been absolutely depressed since he was denied seeing his grandchildren. His wonderful, but dangerous husband had offered to kill the Jiang siblings to bring back Wei Wuxian and his grandchildren, to them, where they belonged, as part of the Wen & Lan family.

He declines the offer, he has never been a man of violence, as well, he's a smart man and knows that violence will only make everything more difficult, unable to do anything else, he stays home, waiting for any news about Lan Wangji in the meantime. He tries to relax himself by opening one of Wen Ruohan's gifts. He knows it's from his husband, it has his name written on a card that's on top of the box, as well the red and black colors scream Wen Ruohan's name. 

What he finds is something terrifying, he freezes in his place as he sees the beautiful but very dead large crane laying inside the box. It was a white one, the head had been taken from his body, as well as both wings. Lan Qiren covers his mouth, he cannot  think of someone who could dare to do this, this using Wen Ruohan's name. Around the feet of the torture animal there is label tainted with blood that says

Lan Qiren.

…

First, Wei Wuxian does not believe them, Lan Zhan loves him, and knows that he wouldn't have lost the chance of being with him during childbirth, of seeing the children he had protected so fiercely. ''That's not true'' Wei Wuxian says, holding the tiny baby in his arms, this is the only one he could nurse securely, the caracal and the tiger needed more vitamins that the milk of his herbivorous/vegetarian diet did not provide. ''No, no, please, I know you might not get along with him, but he loves us, my children do not deserve to be apart from him'' He pleaded again, he'd go to his knees if necessary, but Lan Zhan had to be here.

    ''I'm sorry, A-Xian. He has not called or visited, yet''

    ''But he knows I went to labor, right?'' He says, desperate. 

    ''I guess? His uncle stopped by last week'' Jiang Cheng answered. ''I… I told him to stay away but I made it clear that Lan Wangji was welcome to come anytime'' 

        ‘’What? Why would you that?’’ Jiang Cheng decides to sit down. ‘’Why! Put him on the phone right now! I have to apologize, Jiang Cheng! We cannot mess with these people, do you understand that? He’s my mate’s uncle, he’s married to the head of the Wens, and he’s related to the Lans! What were you thinking?’’ Jiang Cheng does not know exactly how to explain this, what their sister has found about the attack and how the Lans were involved. 

    ‘’I’ll personally apologize to them if needed but not right now’’ Jiang Cheng says firmly, Jiang Yanli and him look at each other for confirmation, Jiang Yanli nods, heavily. 

    ''What's wrong?'' Wei Wuxian asks, suspecting there is something else going on that his family was not telling him. He is not sure if he wanted to find out or not.

    ''The leaking…'' Jiang Yanli says. ''We have been investigating'' she starts. ''And there is proof of where it come from'' Wei Wuxian gulps, his trembling hands tightening just a little more against the baby bunny, as her daughter gently sucked his nipple, lulling herself with the sweetness of his milk, regardless of the bitterness of his life. ''It points to the same IP address, we have solid proof of the real address, when it was uploaded, from where'' It's going to hurt a lot for him, and she wished the truth was something else. ''It's from the Lan's Residency.''

''No'' Wei Wuxian immediately defends them. ''That's not fucking truth neither'' he shakes his head. ''They will never do this to me'' Lan Wangji will never allow it, he swore to protect him.

''A-Xian, please… Could you think this further?''

''I have nothing to think about,'' Wei Wuxian says firmly.

'So you can say that everyone in the Lan family loves you?'' Jiang Cheng says carefully, he does not want to sound manipulative, he would be asking this if they weren't found the proof they had. 

Wei Wuxian opens his mouth to say again that this must be a mistake of some kind and that they should check their sources before accusing anyone! But then the image of Lan Xichen comes to his mind, accompanying him with all the threats he did against him, and the feeling of his hands around his neck. 

''A-Xian?'' He gently rests his head against his pillow. 

''It must be an explanation'' He says. ''Lan Zhan's brother is not a fan of me but he wouldn't… No, no, he would not do this, it's too risky for the family'' They lived in the shadows, Lan Qiren was the only public figure of all them. ''I swear it, he wouldn't''

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng see each other again. ''Okay'' She says. ''That's okay, we'll be contacting them and asking about it, okay? We won't accusing them or anything, just ask about it.'' Wei Wuxian does not look comfortable with the idea but he trusts his siblings with his soul and body. 

''Okay'' Wei Wuxian says. ''And… about the leaking…'' His mouth goes dry just to mention it. ''How many people had seen them? It was not that big, right? Just the Lan's and us, right?'' Jiang Yanli sighs with sadness, Jiang Cheng is unable to stand his look.

''No, A-Xian'' It will hurt, but it will hurt him even more if they keep this as a secret. ''It was sent to the news too, it got in everyone's mails, texts, social media. It acted as a virus, in question of minutes… We could not it'' Wei Wuxian pales even more, his eyes carrying such despair, he smiles shakingly despite the not-so-big-revelation. ''You also received charges for prostitution, but don't worry about that, alright? We won't let anyone take you to prison. As well, we have already threatened the television station that reproduced that material, and our lawyers to press charges against them and sue them. This will not go unpunished'' She promises, Wei Wuxian laughs quietly and bitterly, much to everyone's surprise.

''Oh, dear sister'' he sounded so broken. ''Justice does not exist for people like them, justice does not exist at all'' After that, he did not say anything more and focused on his child that needed to be fed, right next to him on their own cridles, resting were his baby tiger and caracal. He wondered what names he should give to them, that was supposed to be Lan Wangji's job but he was gone now.

…

Before coming to the hospital, Jiang Yanli had a lot to do. She was forced to supervise several videos along with the intelligence team. She does not enjoy it at all, every minute she sees, it breaks her more and more but she cannot stop, and forces herself to get through this. She wants to know every single client that appeared on all the videos, where they live, where they work, if they have family or not. 

    She start making a list, her team is working hard, the customer’s face are often either blurred or censored, it takes a great deal to look for shots in which they could see a tiny part of their faces, a less than a second of voice, to analyze them with the data (Illegally obtained) and look for the identities.

    There are more than fifty clients already, and they are not even close to seeing half of the material. They make graphics, diagrams and charts. Her brother had an enormous quantity of clients, from when he was 12 to 25 years old. More than ten years of forced prostitution that she thought it couldn’t get worse, until she saw what kind of clients she had from 26 to 33. There was torture, brutal and evil torture, lacerations, drugs an attacks of all kinds. 

    There are images that she will never forget, and from this day to the last one she had, Jiang Yanli will never see her brother in the same way. Of course, there is no rejection, no judgment towards her, but something else, something dark and bloody starts blooming in her chest, it explodes when she sees a particular video, when for a fraction of second, she recognizes a voice. ‘’ ***** that*** out of *** my*** Zixun’’ The face is blurred but she knows far too well his tall body, the three moles in his right shoulder, another birth mark under the left niple, the form of his chin and eyebrows, 7 of 10 fingers carrying luxurious rings and his wrist with that gold bracelet. 

    ‘’Repeat that’’ She says in a grim tone. 

They do as she has told.  Jiang Yanli makes her best to hear his brother choking in the background thanks to a man’s length. The same length that was used to rape her too, years ago. ‘’***if that goes**** internet**** you*** disowned*****’’ So that bastard did it with her brother too. Another part of her dies a little more today. 

    It gets really awkward in the room. No one is stupid enough to say aloud which person they were seeing, but it they all have an idea, Jin Guagshan, their former boss, father of Jin Zixuan and tecnically, father in law of the woman who owned half of the Jin’s fortune. After that, Jiang Yanli asks for a break, unable to continue for today at least.

    All videos are presenting the same IP address, and when they look further for the real address, the internet providers, etc… They all go back to the same place of the first video that was analyzed. She does not get it, they reviewed their results several times, she needed to be sure before presenting this information. If that's the case, she knows there will be little to be done against them, the Lans were probably more powerful than the Jins, they had the power behind the shadows.

    However, what Jiang Yanli could do, for now, is to investigate the fuckers who raped her brother. She'd love to be like the Lans, to act as they please regardless of the laws of their country. It will be so easy to burn down the brothel, to send mercenaries to get rid of Wei Wuxian's former clients, but that's not fair, it's too easy, they needed to suffer in jail like the pigs they were. Dying will be a mercy.

    ''A-Li, please take a break. It is not healthy to expose yourself to that'' Jin Zixuan made her leave the room. ''You need to eat something, take your meds and rest, it won't do you any good…''

    ''Do not tell me what it is good and what's bad to me, as if you knew anything about it!'' She snaps, hissing at him, Jin Zixuan lowers his head but does not step back. ''Did you know it? What your dear father and cousin did to my brother too?'' Jiang Yanli accuses him of poisoning. ''Did you keep it from me?''

    ''What? No! Of course I did not know about that! I wouldn't just let it pass! I will never!'' Jin Zixuan says, between being offended and frightened that Jiang Yanli will ever think that. Yes, his behavior towards Wei Wuxian in the past was far from kind, but he'll never let none of his family rape him, that was out of question. ''why would you think that of me?'' That brings Jiang Yanli back to the present.

    ''You are right, sorry, forgive me my love'' her tone changes, and there is instant regret on her features as she takes Jin Zixuan's hands. ''It is not your fault, I should have never doubted you, again, forgive me, all I have to see today… '' Jin Zixuan guides her face against his shoulder, hugging her delicately. ''Why him? I do not understand, A-Xuan, my brother has been the sweetest boy I have ever met. This is not fair…''

    Jin Zixuan feels a knot forming inside his throat. What is he supposed to say? What could he possibly say to calm Jiang Yanli's pain? ''He did not deserve it'' He agrees. ''However, please think about your own health for a moment, A-Li, we cannot let you return back to the hospital, your health is first'' Jiang Yanli sighs. ''It took a lot of work, from you, from Wei Wuxian and the doctors to get you back to your feet, do not go back

    She nods with her pursed lips. ''I'll try''

    ''Do you think we can take a break for today? Don't forget about your brother, this can wait, you should go see them, I'm pretty sure you're dying to see our nephew and nieces, don't you?'' She nods again, this time less sorrowful. Yes, she wants that, wants to hold those babies in her arms, to apologize for not being strong enough to protect their father.

…

Jin Zixuan does not have a face to visit Wei Wuxian right now. He does not feel he deserves it, when his family had abused both Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian. Is absolutely shameful to find out about what happened, he feels dirty being his father's son, as if he had done those assaults against his own family.

    As Jin Zixuan offered his shoulder to cry on, Jiang Yanli accepted his trade and left to meet with her family, silently asking him for some privacy before he met them at the hospital, which Jin Zixuan got on the first try. They'll have time for themselves later, right now they need to solve all of this shitty situation. They still had to defend her brother for fucking legal charges, this without counting the fact that his face and personal data was of public knowledge, they knew they won't be able to stay in the same country anymore.

      Jin Zixuan is dealing with his own stressful thoughts, and needs a breather as well, and what a better one that his own father. ''Good evening'' He says, discreetly looking to his sides, no one is watching him of course, but it's better to be sure. ''May I come in?''

    ''Yeah sure, get in'' Xue Yang says, Jin Zixuan notices he does not have the same efusivity as usual. ''Are we finishing this business today?''

    ''It appears so indeed''

    ''You can decided how to, or do you want me to…?''

    ''No, no, I'll personally take care of, just let me know where he is''

He's driving down a basement, his heart beats angrily in his chest, he has not seen his father in months, and what he finds barely appeases the fury he felt. He's bound around one of the pillars of this home, he notices his hand fingerless by now, the old man's are all bright and shining at seeing his son here, thinking he had come to his rescue. ''Do you need any privacy…?''

    ''It's okay, please stay, I'll need help'' realization kicks in on the older puma. ''Just wanted to know why he did it'' Xue Yang removes the gag carelessly and makes sure to stay out of his range in case the fucker wanted to spit out at him, he'd hate going back to his mates smelling like shit. ''So?'' Jin Zixuan asks. Jin Guangshan stays silent. ''You knew I love her'' he says. ''She's the love of my life, back then and right now. Of all the people… we were already in a relationship, why did you… '' His voice wavers a little here. 

    Jin Guangshan perfectly knows what he is asking and about who but has not face to say anything. No, he does not regret it, and does not feel bad about the whole deal. The thing is, that he has no idea of what to say without making his son even angrier against him, he believes he still can somehow work this out and save his ass. ''Recently we found out about some… recordings'' Jin Guangshan stiffens. ''Do you know if Jin Zixun also hurt her? I'm killing him too, just wanted to know how should I end his life'' 

    ''She begged me for it'' Jin Zixuan tried to breathe carefully. His father is messing up with him, he's either gaining time or trying to piss him off, now that he knows he's gonna kill him, regardless of what he says. ''She said she wanted to be with a real man…'' Jin Zixuan wraps his hand around his neck.

    ''We'll be using your head as a home decoration. No one else besides myself and my wife will know about you, no one is going to find the rest of your body. No one will be mourning you. You'll be forgotten, as if you have never existed'' He says with such venom in his voice. ''But you are not dying like this, no, no, that's too easy'' He turns around and sees all the tools hugging from the walls. Jin Zixuan hums. ''What should I use?'' Jin Guangshan trembles and starts yelling about how he is going to regret this, that he could not do this because the heavens will punish him for killing his own father. Jin Zixuan does not care.

    ''I have left my payment already where you instructed me'' Jin Zixuan says. ''I left an extra, could you take care of the body, please? Don't bury him and don't burn him, dissolve him if possible, okay? Don't want anything left of that bastard''

    ''Sure thing'' Xue Yan, avoiding looking at the smelly bag the puma is holding. ''You should… just let me give you a wet bag for that'' Jin Zixuan is a little gone to process that but he says thank you when Xue Yang puts Jin Guangshan's head inside, preventing it from leaking. ''Our business officially ends here, correct?'' Jin Zixuan nods quietly. It has been a rough day this one, killing his father exhausted him more than he thought it would.

…

Jiang Cheng refused to have her stay here when he saw the dark circles under her eyes. She needed rest, proper rest, a moment to forget all of this. Jin Zixuan agrees with it. ''It will just be for a short while, alright? Nine hours at most, please, A-Li, listen to Jiang Cheng, you need to rest'' She does not want to, Wei Wuxian is already sleeping, this time by pure exhaustion and not thanks to his medication, the babies are asleep too, all in the same room.

    ''I won't leave this room no matter what, Jin Zixuan's security team will be guarding the entrance at all times. We'll be safe'' Still, she does not wish to leave. ''If anything happens to you, Wei Wuxian will blame himself'' Jiang Yanli hates it when they use their brothers against her, grumpy she ends up in Jin Zixuan's vehicle on their way home, not without first kissing her brothers and their babies. 

    Jiang Yanli leans against Jin Zixuan all the way, Jin Zixuan immediately shields her in his arms. ''I have a surprise for you at home'' He comments casually.

    ''Hope it's a diamond ring, you know I only wear diamonds'' Jin Zixuan smiles, as if. Jiang Yanli had never been a fan of jewelry in general, she says that it always got stuck in her clothing, she was not made for that, her own words. 

    ''It's something like that''

Her reaction is priceless, in a good way, Jin Zixuan judges once they are home. Jin Guangshan's head is in the middle of the dining room. ''I love it'' Jiang Yanli says, satisfied with the expression of terror that mother fucker had before dying. ''You did it?''

    ''Yes'' He says proudly. ''They had taken most of his fingers. I did castrate him before killing him, and… he suffered in the same way he hurt you'' Jiang Yanli nods approvingly, the back of her hand caressing some of the cuts of Jin Guangshan's skin. ''I could not stand it anymore when you told me about Wei Wuxian too. I'm taking care of Jin Zixun too''

    ''You'll be giving me his head too?'' she asks gently, never imposing but letting him know that it would make her very happy if he did.

    ''Everything you want'' Jiang Yanli feels immensely happy to have him at her side. A man that truly loved him, someone who saw his own mistakes and had given nothing but the best to make it up to her and her family. Jiang Yanli was truly blessed. 

    ''Let's get married'' she says all of the sudden. 

    ''...Right now?'' Jin Zixuan asks, he did not want to pressure him. ''I thought you wanted a ceremony…?'' Jiang Yanli smiles sadly.

    ''We won't be holding any parties for a long, long time'' Which was true. Jin Zixuan left her alone with his father's head for a few minutes, while he went to their room with the necessary paperwork, and so it happened. In the middle of the dining room, with Jin Guangshan's head as only witness, Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan both signed and became husband and wife, indeed a diamond ring around Jiang Yanli's bloody finger.

    ''I'll send this tomorrow, they'll take care of it and make it official'' Jiang Yanli nods, embracing Jin Zixuan tiredly. ''Let's go to bed'' Jin Zixuan says, kissing the top of her head. 

    ''As my husband says''

…

Lan Xichen stays in the same room Lan Wangji is resting after the operations they performed. Well, if he could call this resting, Lan Wangji's heavy breathing, mumbled words are still there, in defiance of medicine. He's feverish, calling for Wei Wuxian all the time. Perhaps it is then when Lan Xicheng understands that that whore was not a simple fluctuation. Was not only a toy that Lan Wangji wanted to use for a while until he got bored of it.

    Touching his neck, feeling the curves of the scars left by his brother's claws and fangs on his neck. He finally understands that Lan Wangji's heart belonged no longer to the Lan family and its members but to a single whore that had not come to visit the man he used to say he loved so much. He's pretty sure Lan Qiren already has told him about Lan Wangji's disappearance and his delicate health now. Important organs were damaged after all, he should live, Lan Xichen refuses to believe otherwise, but… ''No, no, you can't die, did you hear me? I'm your boss still and you'll not disobey me this time'' Lan Xichen says, sober for the first time in months, holding his brother's hand in his. ''You cannot leave me'' He whispers, kneeling next to his bed, his forehead touching the mattress, helpless to do anything else but wait for the doctor's response.

    Mian-Mian hears everything from outside the room, she has been forbidden to get inside, only for Official Lans. ''He's worried about Second Master Lan'' Su She tells her, guiding her to the nearest chair. ''He is his only brother, the light of his eyes…''

    ''It was my fault'' Mian-Mian says, holding her face on her hands. ''If I…''

    ''If you nothing. Sooner or later this could happen. They are perfectly aware of this, they know what business this is! They are not selling flowers, Mian'Mian…'' She wants to believe his words, she can't. ''He'll be alright'' Su She again tries to make her feel better, is not exactly working. ''He won't lose the chance of meeting his cubs''

    ''I do not know what scares me more'' Mian'Mian says. ''That he will know that his family has been denied to meet his cubs, or the fact that someone has exposed his mate's private life like that, or…'' She feels such a migraine coming. ''We have to do something, who the hell the Jiang think they are. First thing Wangji is gonna do when he wakes up is asking for Wei Wuxian, and if he is not there…!''

    ''We'll cross that bridge when we come to it'' Su She says, rubbing her back. ''He needs to recover first, once he gets better, then the Jiang and us will get worried about it''

Chapter Text

Feral

Chapter 32

Sometimes Meng Yao is plagued with nightmares, especially when Nie Mingjue is not at home. He can't help but feel guilty and awful, it eats him alive, Nie Mingjue says it was not his fault, his therapist says it was not his fault, and of course, his psychiatrist also says that whatever it happened, he has zero blame, any person would have done the same to survive, and it was not his responsibility to look after the rest of the world.

    Then why does he feel so guilty? Yes, he did have a special treatment in comparison to Wei Wuxian and Mo XuanYu that day, he was raped in a bed by just one person, that was the fucking special treatment, he was still physically abused, he was hurt still. Though this Meng Yao always scolds the old one, and reproaches that he could have done much more that day. After hearing how Mo XuanYu was eaten alive, Meng Yao panicked from the other room, he was under this huge man, held down as he drilled him. ''Looks like my boys are having found'' He remembers hearing the man say after barking a laugh, as if Mo XuanYu's life worthed a chew toy. 

The day it went in a blurr, Meng Yao did have an excellent memory, nonetheless that day, the despair, plus the adrenaline and the trauma inflicted against him, made him only remember a few things every now and then. After the pack left them there with a promise to return soon, Meng Yao was able to leave the room, limping, he went to see a horrifying scene that until this day, years later, still gives him nightmares. 

The smell was horrid, it made his stomach curl and the only thing preventing him from vomiting was the worry he felt for his coworkers. Mother always told him to never get attached to the people he works with, he should put himself first, always. She said that being worried was only a weakness that will not allow him to survive, but Meng Yao was a human being just like the rest of them, and could not help but feeling concerned for the well being of these people. ''Wei Wuxian?'' He called him first because there was nothing else left from Mo XuanYu to call, just some bones dripping blood, his ragged clothes but nothing else. ''Can you hear me?'' As he could he tried to turn him around, he looked for something to cover him up too, to give him at least some dignity. He was in a very painful position and the slightest touch made him whimper in pain.

''Don't'' Wei Wuxian said. ''Go for help'' He said as he could. ''They are going to kill me'' Wei Wuxian tried to breathe through his broken nose. ''I won't last if they fucking me, call someone, please'' Meng Yao nodded, he stood up, there was supposed to be a guy somewhere around here that should be making sure no one hurt him too much, but Mo XuanYu was fucking eaten and Wei Wuxian looked as he was part of a horror movie. 

3 whores for 20 men. Without Mo XuanYu there were 2 whores for 20 men. Meng Yao was not stupid, if they return, they will be ending killing Wei Wuxian too, and then there will be one whore for 20 men, and that one whore was him. ''I'm sorry'' Meng Yao would have chosen something else, if there was another option. ''I'll go for help, okay? You need medical aid, once I'm in a safe place, I'll call an ambulance and…and the police, just hang out here, okay? I promise…''

He is not sure if Wei Wuxian heard, he just stopped moving, for a moment Meng Yao thought he was dead but he did not want to be sure of it, he knew if he looked back he might not left, he thought as he crossed the door and started running, they were in the middle of the woods, near the old road.

Against all odds, Meng Yao did find a safe place, taken by Nie Mingjue himself, who by the will of fate or who knew why else, almost hit Meng Yao in the road. Poor fox was all freezing out, exhausted from running, and of course, emotionally drained and still in shock. When he woke up in the hospital, he spilled everything to the bear. Nie Mingjue offered his assistance, unable to ignore such injustice going on, whether it was his business or not. However, when the police came to the cabin they found only ashes.

''Thought you'll already be asleep'' Nie Mingjue, walking into the room, found his husband sitting on the bed, his arms around his knees, and a distressed look on his beautiful face. ''A-Yao? Are you feeling unwell?'' Immediately he feels the back of Nie Mingjue's big and strong hands resting against his forehead, the fox closes his eyes and swallows down a shaky breath. 

''The same that always happens'' Meng Yao says in a whisper. 

''That was not your fault'' Nie Mingjue does not admonish, he makes sure his voice is not sounding either scolding or as if he was seeing him with pity. ''You were a victim of human trafficking, remember that. You have zero responsibility for what those monsters did to the rest of the people you were with. You could have not stopped then'' He said as firmly as he held his hand. ''they are the bad guys, not you''

''I know'' Meng Yao says though he does not sound as he believed himself. ''But I could have done something else. Why did I survive and they did not? They… they deserve to live too! I left them there and ran away as soon as I took the chance! I could have done something else!'' The guilt is eating him alive. As far as he knew, Mo XuanYu did not have more family aside from his father and some bastard siblings, but Wei Wuxian did, he saw him to the face, spoke to him before leaving him half breathing and badly injured, at the mercy of 20 fuckers. ''I was so scared… I… I could…!''

Nie Mingjue wraps him carefully on his arms. Meng Yao, even so many years after the event still feels as he was part of the people who raped them, as if he was in the same level for not being able to do something else than looking for help back them. He did what he could, what any other person would have thought, it is not a crime looking for his own good. Who knows what would have happened if he tried taking the injured with him, maybe they could have got caught by that awful pack of wolves in the end, he might have burned alive too. ''I wish I could take your pain away my love'' Nie Mingjue says, in such a sweet and soft tone. ''I'm truly sorry you have gone through all of that, you did not deserve it, it was not your fault, you were a victim of them, please, understand that, none of you have any blame on this. Wherever these people are, I'm sure they wouldn't blame you, they should be happy that at least one of you escaped'' Meng Yao nods but still sobs the same against Nie Mingjue's chest. 

…

''They said you should be able to eat something by now'' Jiang Cheng says to his brother, Wei Wuxian just finished feeding the bunny baby. The Tiger has been fussing all day, rejecting the formula if this was not given by Wei Wuxian himself once he knew what it felt like to be in his father's arms. The caracal on the other hand, is absolutely a dream baby, as long as he's been treated with care, she'll accept whoever that feeds her, though she might have a liking to Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian specifically.

    Wei Wuxian is too distracted to answer, bending himself over in order to have a good look at his children. They are always near his bed but they are not at reach, he cannot move yet, half waist down is still deeply damaged, doctors mentioned this was some old lesions he presented that were not treated correctly on its due time, this plus the horrible births he forced his body to go through, well… It appears that Wei Wuxian will be in this fucking bed for a long, long time. 

    ''I'll bring them to you as soon as you finish your meal'' Jiang Cheng says with all the patience of the world, the last thing his brother needs is someone yelling at him for not obeying. ''They said some natural yogurt with fruits will be fine''' He settles down on a chair next to the bed. As soon as he brings the spoon closer to Wei Wuxian's mouth, the older brother slaps away his hand by reflex. ''What the…!''

    ''I'm sorry!'' Wei Wuxian apologizes immediately, still turning his head away from the offered food. ''Just…! Get that shit out of my face, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, white and sticky things make me wanna throat out…!'' At first Jiang Cheng does not understand his brother's request, for a moment he even believes he's just being childish and unreasonable, it's then when the realization hits him. 

    ''Oh, Wei Wuxian, I'm truly sorry, I'll bring something else okay? I didn't… '' Wei Wuxian only nods but is unable to face him yet. Jiang Cheng orders the nurses to avoid any food that's white and sticky, also all fruits and vegetables that are in phallic shapes are forbidden and will only be accepted if these are cut in cubes. 

…

''You are not allowed to leave this room, period'' Wen Ruohan says in the most severe tone Lan Qiren has ever heard him say. ''If you need anything, call my personal servants'' the same servants Wen Ruohan has grown up with, people he had trusted in. '''but you won't be walking past that door until I say so' and that's final''

''I am not another of your properties, Ruohan'' The crane says, fumming, his light blue wings in full display. ''My family is having crisis after crisis, they are breaking apart and If I'm not there I do not know what is going to happen to them! Wangji needs me! Xichen needs someone to be there with him too! He has been surrounded but no one else than whores for almost a year because of his stubbornness…!'' Wen Ruohan answers by pushing Lan Qiren back to their bed, keeping him pinned down with his weight and the weight of his heavy red wings as well. ''Get off me, you beast!''

''You are mine, Lan Qiren'' He says, his mouth so close to his. ''You'll do as I command when I command'' He can feel the pressurance and dominance the Phoenix wants to apply on him, it half works, makes Lan Qiren's body go all limp and nice but he's still frowning and scowling at him. ''Until I have the head of the stupid being that dared to threatened you, then you'll see the sun, not before. I do not care for your silly nephews, they are old enough to see for their own, don't you think? The only children you should be worried about are ours''

Lan Qiren sighs, staring at the ceiling. As if. He does not do anything else once Wen Ruohan has freed him, locking the door behind him. He cannot do much from this palace, though it's his home too now, his men are no longer here but at the old Lan's home, which he was no longer part of.

…

 This is the first time Jin Zixuan visits Wei Wuxian. He's so stiff as a marble statue when Jiang Yanli, his wife, hands him the baby tiger in his own arms. He has never carried a baby before. ''If you drop him, I'm gonna chop out your head, I swear…'' Wei Wuxian says, dragging his words, doctors provided him with analgesics when he could no longer bare the pain. He's not completely off though but it's far from conscious. ''Ugly-rude-stupid-puma'' 

''A-Xian, behave'' Jiang Yanli hardly scolds with a pinch at his cheek, by then Wei Wuxian has his eyes half closed, his head resting at one of his sides, with his breathing slower each second. Jiang Yanli gently caresses his face, not using the same hand that touched Jin Guangshan's mutilated head. Poor of her little brother, he has a lot ahead to recover, in several ways.
''I don't mind'' Jin Zixuan says, barely breathing with a baby in his arms. ''I own him at least that'' He still has not forgotten the treatment he had against his now brother-in law. He was a total ass with zero empathy and respect. Whatever Wei Wuxian wants to say to him, he has all the right, Jin Zixuan won't be offended. 

At the other side of the room, Jiang Cheng is seeing a couple of videos of first time mothers, he just needs to make sure he's putting the diapers correctly on these babies, last night the tiger one had a… a leak, and not to be graphic but the bunny is the only one that makes poop in a really cute way, a caracal and tiger that consume basically already animal protein in their formula? that's a fucking no, and he refuses to get dirty again. ''Alright, just don't poop for five seconds and everyone is going to be happy'' If someone asks, no, Jiang Cheng never thought he'd be changing diapers of three babies, nor changing their daily clothing, feeding them and all the care a baby needed would be his responsibility. It's he complaining? Hell no! This might not be the best time of his life but he's pretty sure he would not be changing this. Sometimes the nurses help him, nonetheless the babies do not recognize their scents and tend to stress out at new smells. It's just easier if just a handful of people are scenting the room, these are Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, for Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan they keep some of their clothing in there, just to get the babies familiarized with them. ''Please, please, don't poop don't poop I'm almost done''

For the first time in ages, they hear Wei Wuxian's faint laughter. ''Haha, you pooped a lot too when you were a baby''  Ah! Of course. For a moment he forgets that it was Wei Wuxian who took care of him when their mother was too busy working herself to death to feed them because the coward of their father left them for someone else. ''Your poop smell so bad'' 

''Oh shut up, weren't you sleeping already?''

''A-Cheng-stinky-butt''

Today was a very nice day if someone asked. The two Jiang siblings by name and Jin Zixuan were carrying the next generation of the Lan family without even knowing it. When finally the mother of these ones was finally as asleep as his children, Jiang Cheng spoke again. ''And? How it's everything going?'' No, it was not an innocent question about what they were doing these last days in which they were no longer with them but about Wei Wuxian's case, how things were going with the Lan's and what steps were going to take now.

    ''We are currently locating… the people from the recordings. They must be brought to justice'' Jiang Cheng nods solemny, they should all rot in prison. ''Regarding the lawsuit, we have have presented a countersue, for moral damage, exposing videos of non-consensual pornography, among others felonies…'' The list was long, Jin Zixuan just did not feel comfortable sharing it when they were in the same room with Wei Wuxian, regardless if his was asleep or not. ''No channel or television station is allowed to transmit any of those videos again, and we are fighting as well to keep his name out of their news too'' Jiang Cheng listens carefully as he gently rocks up and down his younger niece. ''We have our teams removing any material from social media, which is a much complicated task''

    ''We can ban that material from social media but if people had already downloaded it… it's acting like a disease'' Jiang Yanli said with a concerned expression. ''We are considering the option of moving out, we cannot longer stay in this city, at least for a year or two, until everything is somehow forgotten''

    ''No one is going to forget this'' Jiang Cheng said bitterly. ''People won't allow it''

    ''No, they won't''

    ''What about the Lans? What had they said about this? We have been trying to contact Wangji but his phone is just dead, it goes directly to the voicemail''

    ''A-Xuan and I are planning to pay them a visit personally, they  had a lot to explain about the origin of these videos. It cannot be just a coincidence that all of that… came out of the same address, their's. Why would they do that? It does not make sense'' Jiang Cheng shrugs, he's as confused as she was. 

    ''How wise is visiting? They are… not nice guys. Wei Wuxian seems terrified of them sometimes'' 

    ''Don't worry about us, we'll take care of if'' Jiang Yanli says with such confidence that Jiang Cheng does not have any other choice than believe her.

…

Today's the third day after Lan Wangji was brought from the ocean. He's still a little feverish but he is not mumbling Wei Wuxian's name anymore. He's just there, laying in the bed, unresponsive, pale and looking pretty much dead. Lan Xichen has not moved from his place ever since, doctors said he will survive, they had to remove one of his damaged kidneys thanks to the bullet, they'll see in a future for a donor but it appears he'll make it with just one without much complications.

    Still, they were worried about the blood loss, the shock his body had, and that he's still recovering from it. He should be waking up anytime, he says to himself, he's out of danger, just needs to be patient and everything is gonna get better, Lan Xichen repeats to himself again and again. ''Good evening uncle… No, please do not worry in excess, he's stable'' It's strange he has not seen Lan Qiren around here, he's their only paternal figure that has looked after them when their parents died, Lan Xichen does not remember his father and mother much, but he knows Lan Qiren will always be a constant person in his life, no matter how angry they are with each other. ''When are you coming over? I'm sure he'd love to hear you''

    ''...I'm indisposed at the moment I'm afraid'' Lan Qiren says, walking around his room, like the little bird he was, trapped in his golden cage. ''Hopefully I'll be able to visit soon. How are you doing, A-Huan?'' The loving nickname makes him smile, it has been a long time since he was ever called that, since childhood. ''Are you sleeping? Have you eaten yet? Do you want me to send you food? Do not neglect your own health, please, Wangji wouldn't like that''

    ''I doubt he'll care. I can assure you that as soon as he wakes up, he won't even look at me before asking for his whore'' Lan Xichen says, between sad and angry. ''He won't see what I'm doing for him''

    ''Do not speak of your brother as if he hated you. You two had been too stubborn for far enough time, don't you think? Imagine that Wangji was killed in the ocean, how would you feel for not making amends one with each other?'' Lan Xichen is about to interrupt but Lan Qiren does not leave room for it. ''He is your brother, Xichen, have you forgotten how you used to protect him when you were young? Or how he used to look at you? Even now, you are still his hero, his big brother, that will never change, regardless of who he has decided to give his heart to, he'll always hold a special place for you in his heart'' Lan Xichen tightens his grip on the phone a little more. ''You two are not young anymore, A-Huan, time is so little and very precious. Do not let a ridiculous quarrel ruin what you have of your family. I'm not saying you should be the only one to apologize, it's not entirely your fault, both have combined forces on this, please, find a solution. It will hurt me deeply if I died knowing that my children hated each other''

…

Jin Zixuan pushes his cousin's limp body in their truck. This is the second time he kills, though they'll have enjoyed it to make it last as much as the agony his father suffered, they're aware that they were running out of time. His time in this city is not much. ''Where are we dumping him?'' Jiang Yanli asked her from the commodity of her passenger seat. ''It should be a place not reachable, I don't want him to find peace at the other side. He does not deserve a proper burial''

    ''Well, my family has a large farm at the end of the city, we could feed him to the pigs, I doubt there will be anything left of him after that, and even if there is some, no one will ask for him'' Jiang Yanli's face brightened at the idea. ''What do you think?''

    ''Sounds marvelous to me. Let's do it after visiting my brother's'' 

…

The door of his room is opened again for the third time on the day. This time it's not a servant who comes to bring him food but his husband himself. Wen Ruohan is all smiles, full of arrogance, cruelness. At the same time there was love and compassion there, for Lan Qiren, for Wen Ning and Wen Qing only. Today there is nothing there to find, just a cold anger that makes Lan Qiren feel… uneasy. He closes his eyes tighter and pretends to be asleep.

    He is not sure that he wants to deal with this, he's tired, today was an exhausting day. ''I know you are not sleeping'' He can hear Wen Ruohan undressing, the sound of his clothes brushing with his body and then hitting the floor. ''Your breathing is making it obvious'' Wen Ruohan says, almost chuckinling. ''I was informed you hadn't eaten anything today'' There is this disapproving tone from his husband that makes Lan Qiren knees go all weak. It makes him want to get up and kneel next to him, to be at his mercy, as an obetiend mate. ''Will you leave me speaking alone? A-Ren?'' The fond name makes him finally turn around.

    There is quiet fire in the Lan Qiren's eyes. ''What do you want me to say? I stayed here as you wanted, didn't I? What else do you want from me? I can't go for my grandchildren, I can't see my nephews. I stayed here like your little wife, that should make you happy'' With this said, He turns around again, laying on his side.

    ''You know I can bring them here, your precious grandbabies and that silly bunny whenever you want. It might be a little messy, killing that puma might be fussy but the caracals will be easy, would you like that?'' Wen Ruohan says, pleased to hear Lan Qiren himself Wen Ruohan's wife. He slides his hand along the crane's tigh, he is not pushed away, he takes as a good signal. 

    ''He'd never forgave us if we did it'' If Wei Wuxian is mad, then Lan Wangji is furious. ''I'm not going to lose either of them'' Lan Qiren says, seriously, warning him to not do anything against them. Wen ruohan, on the other hand, does not seem to understand this reasoning. He's used to taking whatever he wants, whether this is an object or a living thing. 

    ''How can I make you happy then? Leaving this room is off the table'' Lan Qiren huffs as Wen Ruohan spreads his legs, making room for himself. ''Don't put that face, is just temporary, until I found the fucker who sent that package I swear'' Lan Qiren feels the cold air hitting him down there and shudders. ''Don't worry, I'm gonna warm you up in a minute''

…

Wei Wuxian dreams. He dreams a lot. Sometimes there are nightmares and memories. Other ones are about himself and the happy ending he wishes so much for but it seems that he will never be able to get. He dreams of Lan Zhan's arms, praising him for giving him such beautiful children, his 2 cubs and his kitten. ''I missed you'' He'd whisper against Lan Wangji's shoulder, as the tiger hugs him carefully but firmly. 

    ''I missed you too'' It feels so real, Lan Wangji's cologne washes his lungs, grounding him. ''Forgive me, I couldn't have come earlier, I wished I could, I wouldn't have missed my children's births'' Wei Wuxian returned the embrace as his life depended on it. ''I love you, Wei Wuxian, no matter what your past, I had told you before, I'll love you, always'' Wei Wuxian smiles, in his dream, in real life. 

    ''I love you more, Lan Zhan!''

The sad thing comes when this sweet dream ends, and Wei Wuxian wakes up, Lan Wangji is not there, neither there is a call from his end, Jiang Cheng makes sure to charge his phone, it's all cracked and barely functioning after how he reacted when he was nationally exposed. ''What is it?'' Jiang Cheng asks, his baby brother shouldn't be awake, it's like 4 am or so, he looks as if he hadn't slept at all. ''tell me where it hurts, I'll call the doctor…!'' Before he has the chance to leave the room, Wei Wuxian takes his hand. 

    ''I want to see him'' He begs. ''Please, call him, sent someone, I can't stand this'' Wei Wuxian says, unable to hold himself down. ''He said he loved me, that he'd protect me from everyone, something is wrong, he wouldn't had done anything to hurt me, I just know it! Jiang Cheng, I can't move, I'd have gone already to look after him but I can't, please, please, that's the only favor I'll ever ask you!'' And how it's supposed to say no to those tormented eyes? Jiang Cheng sighs, shaking his head. ''Please…''

    ''I'll do my best, okay? I can't promise anything, there is a lot of shit going on here, we might have to wait…'' Now Wei Wuxian shakes his head.

    ''No, I can't wait a minute more, this is eating me alive''

    ''I'll talk to sister, okay? She is planning on visit them anyway, I'll make sure to ask about him and everything, okay?'' Jiang Cheng promises. He can't leave his side, he does not want to, someone must be here protecting the babies and his brother aside from the security team.

…

Song Lan has always been taking care of Lan's legal issues. Any matter, as small as it looked, if that involved the Lan's, Song Lan was already on his way, whether he was called or not. It was under his responsibility to keep the Lan's name as clean as possible, sometimes it meant getting dirty, which was okay, the Lan Qiren himself had paid his career, Song Lan would never be able to pay him back.    

    When all the paraphernalia began this time, the shit everyone knew, Song Lan left home without a second thought, only to be dismissed by Jin Zixuan's lawyers. ''We are taking care of it, Mr. Song, Young Master Wei has required our services, please feel free to retire for today'' There was no politeness in their words, but a fake condensing tone. Song Lan, however, could not do much this time, neither Lan Xicheng or Lan Wangji had answered his calls to discuss this issue and know how to proceed. ''Stop thinking about work for a fucking minute, you are making me damn anxious'' 

All three were in the Master Room of their department, Xiao Xicheng was comfortably lying on his side, a peaceful expression on his face and he slept. ''Can't believe you are sending us away from our home'' Xue Yang keeps complaining but yet he's packing Xiao Xicheng's and his clothes angrily in the same case. ''I have job here!''

    ''Torturing people is not a job'' Song Lan says, he's carefully guarding the personal documents of both of them, as well with the flight tickets on first class that he bought as soon as he knew of Xiao Xicheng's pregnancy.

    ''If that's truth then I the hell I get so fucking good paid, huh?'' 

    ''Torturing people is a job but I'll need you to take some vacations about that, at least until we have the baby, please? I do not want our son to hear someone's screaming over Xiao Xicheng's lullabies, it won't do any good for any of them. Please, could you assist me on this?''

    ''Only because you ask it with that pretty face of yours'' He concedes. ''Are you sure that's the only reason? Like fucking someone else? You better say or I'll be chopping some heads, first and last warning…''

    Song Lang chuckles, fondly as he shakes his head. ''Of course not, I already have my mates, there is no necessity for me for someone else. It is… complicated, the situation in the city. The Lan's are not happy, the Wens are not happy, and other families are being dragged into this too, it will get bloody. Mr. Lan has already been threatened in his own home… It just makes me feel more comfortable knowing that you two will be in a nice and safe place, that's all'' Last thing he wants is to find his apartment burned down, with his family still in it. ''Less than a year, I promise'' Xue Yang bites playfully his cheek. 

    ''Mark your words!''

Chapter Text

Feral

Chapter 33

Su She has been living from coffee and energy drinks, if it was not for Mian-Mian, he might had inhale a couple of lines by now, however, he knew perfectly how much it pissed her off when he did drugs, which, he promised, it was only during his youth, his brain was not up to taking that shit anymore. Though he admits he would sniff something right now when he's facing his former boss. ''Mian-Mian, I'm telling you, the moment he wakes up, he'd be fucking furious, everything is a fucking disaster!'' Su She tried to convince her. ''Someone has to do something before he wakes up, because once he's up, guess what's the first thing he is going to ask? He won't say oh how is my uncle? How is my brother? Oh no, no, he'd ask for his mate and his children, and if you hadn't thought for a moment, they are not here! We do not know anything about them!''

    ‘’And what do you want me to do? We cannot say a word about anything! He was about to die, and you want me to tell him what the world has done to his precious mate and children? Lan Xichen was clear, he’s gutting us if we said a fucking word!’’ Mian’Mian’s friendship with Lan Wangji was extremely important and sacred, but she also knew that they could not mess with Lan Xichen’s power, disobeying his orders was a death sentence, for them and their families. ‘’He will tell him when times approaches…’’ Mian’Mian says, squeezing his shoulder. ‘’He is not even awake yet, why are you so mortified?’’ Su she looked at her, with a dark eyes. 

    ‘’Something awful is going to happen’’ He said. ‘’I can feel it’’.

…

Perhaps one of the last ones who has not been feeling under all the pressure of the recent events was Wen Ning. Who had taken some days off from the hospital, and will only attend if Jiang Yanli herself asks him too. It was nice to hear about her health improvement and how she had been healing. First day he saw her, she was half alive on her deathbed, and now…! There she was, threatening people on behalf of her family. That's a lovely change, Wen Ning couldn't be more proud.

    ''Movie is about to start'' Zhao Zhuliu mentions quietly when Wen Ning takes more than usual in the kitchen. Wen Ning loved cooking, and as much as he enjoyed the nice intentions of Zhao Zhuliu when he tried to make dinner for the two of them… Fine, he’s going to say it, whatever that Zhao Zhuliu touches, it’s like magic because it ends in the trash. ‘’Are you ready?’’ 

    Wen Ning sometimes cannot believe he has the love of his life living in his department, in clandestinity of course. Wen Ruohan would first cut him in tiny pieces before feeding his dogs with his remains, and then he’d probably lock Wen Ning for the rest of his life, more or less as what he was doing with Lan Qiren. 

    Zhao Zhuliu settles down the bowl with snacks before snuggling close to Wen Ning in the couch. They not only look adorable about the whole deal, they looked happy. It might not last forever, they are aware of it. Tonight they might be able to make love and sleep comfortable against each other’s arms and tomorrow Wen Ruohan might be knocking the door to kill Zhao Zhuliu. They never forget that possibility, however, they decide to live the present, to enjoy this night and whatever time they have left, hopefully tomorrow will not come for a few years. 

…

Wei Wuxian wakes up in the middle of the night. He does not hear Jiang Cheng anywhere near, this time he does not panic, at least not as much as previous nights. He's probably in the bathroom, or something. Poor of his baby brother, Jiang Cheng was determinated to take care of him, day and night, and honestly, Wei Wuxian couldn't feel more safe, Jiang Cheng is really a good brother, and he's ready to fight the world to protect his family.

    He yawns quietly, rubbing his eyes. He should go back to sleep, Jiang Cheng says he shouldn't be worrying about anything but resting and getting better so he could wake up from this fucking bed, and so he does, he yawns one last time before closing his eyes. Hopefully tomorrow he'll have news about what Jiang Cheng promised him. Their sister must understand that Wei Wuxian needs Lan Wangji at his side in these moments. He loves him, he wants to feel his arms around him, wants to hear what he thinks about the babies he gave him, only for him. He has never missed his alpha so much as right now.

    Slowly, Wei Wuxian eyes are closed, his eyelids feel so heavy, a few hours of sleep before his sister comes back, dear, that sounded great. The only issue is the door opening, he’s in a bit of alert but goes back to his business when he notices it is just the nurse. Usually is JIang cheng who takes 80% care of his babies, however, every now and then there are nurses that come by to examine if everything is as it should be.

    Today must be one of those days, he’s so tired that he decides to ignore her until he hears a soft click. You know, that slightly sharp sound that makes a phone when a picture is captured. That definitely wakes him up. ‘’What are you doing?’’ Wei Wuxian asks in a whisper. As he could, he tries to push himself up, resting his weight on his elbows. The soft click goes again. 

    There she is, the nurse hovering over the cribs of the three babies, carefully holding a phone between her trembling hands. she might be either too nervous or far too stupid to not have heard Wei Wuxian’s voice. The soft click keeps going, Wei Wuxian bets there are several pics already on her phone of his children. ‘’Jiang Cheng!’’ He yells, startling the nurse in the process. ‘’Come here! Now! Someone is taking pictures of the babies!’’ Wei Wuxians kicks away the comfy blankets off him and pushes his body out, his legs are not strong enough to support him, and when he falls out of bed he can clearly feel the stitches pulling out his skin, ripping him again. The pain between his legs is unbearable that numbs him as he keeps yelling Jiang Cheng’s name.

    The caracal had fallen asleep in the bathroom while washing his face, he might not be injured and in recovery as his older brother, but he was exhausted too, he was away less than ten minutes. ‘’Don’t let her escape!’’ The caracal yells as soon as he gets in the room, he immediately hurries to his brother’s side, he can see how the blood is soaking Wei Wuxian’s hospital nightgown. 

    ‘’I’m okay’’ Wei Wuxian says automatically, trying to hide a terrible expression of pain in his face. ‘’Let me! Go after her! She was taking photos! Why was she doing that?’’ Wei Wuxian says, distressed. ‘’Is she going to…? Jiang Cheng! You cannot let her make their faces public! They cannot be involved with me! Jiang Cheng please!’’ Wei Wuxian pulls him down, leaving Jiang Cheng unable to stand up. ‘’Help me!’’

    ‘’Damn it’’ Jiang Cheng says under his breath. He’s fucking trembling too as he tries to keep Wei wuxian still. The next that happens is chaos, Jiang Cheng roars and yells to Fetch that motherfucking bitch and to bring a fucking doctor because my brother is bleeding out! Wei Wuxian cannot recall much about what happened after, his babies are crying in the background too, three babies, yelling at the top of their six lungs. He presses his face against Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, slowly losing consciousness, thinking that if Lan Wangji would have been there, then nothing of this would have ever happened.

…

Lan Wangji wakes up, eventually; he cannot move his head, it feels so heavy. His body feels too heavy. He half groans, half sighs, that’s enough for Lan Xichen to appear next to him. ‘’Easy, tiger’’ he comments, pushing him back to bed.  ‘’No need to get up, just rest yourself a little more, you can wake up later’’.

    But Lan Wangji does not want to rest, regardless of what his body has to say. He does not know where he is but he needs to get the fuck out of here immediately! Who knows how much time has passed, his mate must be worried sick for him! The simple idea of his mate giving birth without him by his side terrifies him. He promised he would be there, to protect him from any harm, to ensure his safety at all cost. ‘’Wei Wuxian…’’ He murmurs.

    For a moment Lan Xichen’s face turns sour. Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian. That’s all his brother has in mind, fucking Wei Wuxian. There isn’t a single mention for him or their uncle. Not a thank you for saving me, for rescuing me from the ocean and bringing me home safe and sound. There is none of it. ‘’Don’t worry about that’’ Lan Xichen, despite what he's thinking, he does not wish to get in a fight again with his brother. The last thing he wants after he wakes up is to fight. His uncle was right, life was far too short and precious to lose time in meaningless fights. ‘’He’s alright, he’s still in the Jingshi, he shouldn’t come to his due date until another 2 weeks’’ Lan Xichen says. ‘’He’s safe and sound’’ Lan Xichen lies.

    What’s the point of telling him the truth right away? He thinks. Lan wangji needs to fucking recover, and he won’t be staying in bed if someone tells him that Wei wuxian’s whore past has been nationally exposed, and that he already had given birth and that he along with his bastard children are being held hostage by his siblings (which, at Lan Xichen’s point of view, that’s the best that could ever happen).

    It does not mean he’d keep him in ignorance forever! Of course not! That’d be wrong… and impossible. He’d just keep the truth away for another week, until his brother is strong enough to get out of bed. Truly, Lan xichen might be selfish sometimes, but he knows his limits, and if he tries to keep Wei Wuxian away from his brother, Lan wangji will never forgive him

    He is not ready to say goodbye to Lan Wangji, he just wants to stay with him for a week. A fucking week is everything he’s asking for, after that, he’d bring Wei wuxian and the bastard children to the hospital if necessary. He’d never approved this relationship, but he knows that he no longer held any power to take them apart from the other. ‘’Be a good boy and rest’’ Lan Xichen says, fondly brushing Lan Wangji’s hair, as he used to do when they were children.

    He found his hand trapped by Lan Wangji. He thought the worse, he could feel the rejection already between them. Instead of being pushed away as he thought he would, Lan Wangji squeezed his hand, and looked at him thankfully. ‘’Thank you’’. Lan Wangji said in low tone of voice, his voice sounded hoarse and deeper than usual. ‘’For saving me, brother’’. Lan Xichen feels a knot in his throat. ‘’Love you’’. He murmurs, doing his best to not fall asleep so fast. 

    Lan Xichen’s purses his lips. It feels… good, having his brother back with him. They had been very closed since they were children. at some time of his life, Lan Xichen was Lan wangji’s world. He was his hero, his best friend, his everything. Today, after so long, Lan xichen feels like that kid who held for the first time his baby brother in arms, so many years ago. ‘’I love you too’’ When Wangji closes his eyes, Lan Xichen kisses his forehead, resting his chin on top on his head.

    He was so close to losing him, and the thought makes him shiver. Everything will be okay, Lan Xichen says to himself to calm his remorse. things cannot get any worse than what they already are. nothing is changing the material that will be spread on the internet for the end of the times. Tha babies won’t go back to Wei Wuxian’s womb if he tells their father they have been born already. 

    so, what’s the point? They are not going anywhere. They are in Jin's hospital, they are well taken care of, they do not need Lan wangji right now, not as much as Lan Xichen needs him. It will be just seven days, then, Lan Xichen promises to himself that he'd tell Lan wangji everything. it isn’t as if Wei Wuxian could run away with three babies, come on, that’s ridiculous.

…

When they arrive at the Lan’s home, they are immediately allowed to come in. That’s the less they should do, Jiang Yanli thought, bitterly. They are not accompanied by no one else thn each other. ‘’This way, please’’ Jiang Yanli’s arm is wrapped around Jin Zixuan’s arm, chin held high, like the proud Madam Jin she was. the only Madam Jin now. ‘’Miss Luo will attend you shortly’’ They were informed.

    ‘’We are not here to see Miss Luo’’ Jiang Yanli says, not quite sharply, this servant does not deserve to be lashed out for something that she had not control over, Jiang Yanli was a servant once, and many times people took their anger on her. She is not doing the same, however, she makes sure her tone is clear and firm, not falling in rudeness. ‘’Please call Master Lans, we have been trying to contact them for weeks, unfortunately there hasn't been any answer’’.

    The servant freezes on the spot. ‘’My apologies, Mr. and Mrs. Jin, Miss Luo will come shortly, she’d be able to assist you and explain you much better than I’’ She says, bowing. At that, they do not have nothing else to argue, both nod their thanks and the servant flies away. 

    ‘’That’s strange’’ Jin Zixuan says. ‘’Wangji is not in his home, and Lan Xichen  is not here…’’ Then where the hell were they? Perhaps they were being persecuted by the police, or… 

    ‘’They are cowards’’ Jiang Yanli says, forgetting for a moment she was not saying this in the back of her mind.

…

Mian’Mian is a nervous wreck when she’s informed about the arrival of the Jin couple. By now, Lan Wangji was still asleep, Lan Xichen has threatened her and Su She with a slow death if they open their mouths to tell anyone about Lan Wangji’s wearabouts. I’ll personally contact these Jiangs when times comes, no one is saying a word about this. To anyone, that includes you two, i’ll no take kindly if you disobey me. Mian’Mian’s sweating cold.

What’s she supposed to say? Her boss and friend have disappeared from all these important events, his presence was required. ‘’Well, fuck it’’ she says, taking a couple of deep breaths before compossing herself before meeting the obviously, very angry family in law of Lan wangji. ‘’Good… afternoon’’ she says, keeping her calm, acting as politely as possible. ‘’Have you been offered anything to drink? Would you like…?’’

‘’Miss Luo, thank you for your offering, unfortunately we are running out of time, we’d like to address some important matters first if you would’’ jin Zixuan says first, Jiang Yanli knows he’s a rich man, he knows how to talk much better than her, and he knows exactly what she wants.

‘’Of course…’’ she sits down opposite at them. ‘’Please let me know how it might be of Assistance?’’

‘’As you are aware of, my brother-in-law has given birth recently, and well… Lan Wangji has not called back, or reported himself in general, we are truly concerned about his absence’’ That’s a lie, only Wei wuxian cared about him but Jin zixuan knew better. ‘’Please, advise me where he is, or how could we contact him?’’

‘’My brother has been asking for him for weeks’’ Jiang Yanli adds gently. She does not like him, but she loves Wei wuxian with all her heart. She needs to give him an answer when they return to the hospital.

‘’Second Master Lan is not in the city’’ Mian’Mian says, just as Lan Xichen instructed him to do so. ‘’I’m afraid that I’m not allowed to reveal much about the motives of his absence, however, please be aware that his doing the best he can to return to his mate’s side as soon as possible’’ She’s forbidden to reveal if Lan wangji is aware of the shit that has coming on these weeks. ‘’Please, please…’’ Mian’Mian begged. ‘’Just be patient’’.

Impossible, Jiang Yanhli thinks to herself. Wei Wuxian’s world is falling apart and Lan Wangji is nowhere to be seen. ‘’We’ll do as possible’’ She said, an unreadable expression on her face that managed to make Mian’Mian uncomfortable. She squeezed Jin Zixuan’s arm as a signal.

‘’Thank you for providing us with that piece of information, we’ll take it in consideration. Please let us know if there is any news about him’’. Jin Zixuan says, closing that affair for now. ‘’As well, we’d like to discuss another pending business, regarding the…exposure of the material that we all know about by now’’ Jiang Yanli could feel the bottom of her stomach churning in anger at the reminder. How could they forget it in the first place? 

    Mian’Mian is uncomfortable at the mention. Of course she knows, the damn country knew about it. What do they want her to do about it? If they couldn’t erase the shit Wei wuxian, what made them think that she could do anything about it? That’s sad and everything but it has nothing to do with her. she did not take the pictures, she did not distribute them either. ‘’Yes… I’m aware of it, an unfortunate affair’’It’s the only thing she could offer.

    ‘’We’ve been investigating it from day one. Our Intelligence team was able to track the original source of uploading, which in this case is shared by every single video and photo, and all of that is bringing us to the same place’’. Jin Zixuan carefully left a thick folder in front of her, she could see at least a thousand of pages right there. 

    ‘’It’s coming from this IP address’’ Jiang Yanli said, grimly. ‘’Please, Miss Luo, help us find an explanation about this unfortunate affair’’.

    Miam’Mian stares at them, dumbfoundedly. They do not truly mean what she  was hearing. ‘’Pardon me?’’ Mian’Mian said, between lost and deeply offended. ‘’Are you… implying that we…? No, no. this must be a horrible misunderstanding. Mr. Wei is Second Master Lan’s mate, no one will ever dare to do something like this’’ She says, firmly. 

    ‘’We are not implying your participation. We have not said a name yet. We made an investigation, and that’s the final results’’ Mian’Mian does not understand what’s happening and how could everything could lead towards them. Surely her boss was not a fan of the whore, but Lan Xichen would never do such a thing against him. He is not a coward, he’d kill Wei Wuxian personally before creating this scandal that could also affect Lan Wangji. This does not make sense.

    ‘’I offer you my apologies, however, this does not have anything to do with us, we would never do anything against your brother, he belongs to the Lan family the moment he was taken as a mate by the Second Master. We were as surprised as you when all of this went viral. We did not do this’’ Jiang Yanli knew from the beginning that they would never accept it. They’ll play the innocent and all, however, it is as fucking frustrating as she thought it would. 

    Before they can keep arguing about such delicate matter, Jiang Yanli’s notices her little brother’s name insisting on the screen of her phone. For a moment she debats herself on if she would answer or not, they were in the middle of an important business, however, as well, she’s aware that Jiang cheng wouldn’t be calling her if it was not important. 

…

Mian’Mian’s passes the rest of her evening certainly angry and confused. The Jiangs were no one, the Jins were just an old and rich family who held certain power here and there, she won’t deny that, however, she would not allow this Jin Prick and her Prickness came here to the home of the ancestral Lan family (criminals or not), to be blamed for the shit Wei Wuxian did, not her.

    Mian’Mian was a whore once, immediately knew that job was not for her, and what she did? She escape away from it. She decided not to do it. She’s sick of hearing that old whore’s cries about How he didn’t want it. I didn’t have another option. Fuck that, there is always another option, he decided to be a whore, of course, he was sexual assault from a young age, but he wouldn’t be a child all the time. When he grew up, he decided to continue the path he was forced to.

    And that path comes along with a lot of creepy and horrifying stuff, yet Wei Wuxian chose it, it was Wei wuxian, not Lan Xichen, not Lan Wangji, and certainly not her. Then, why were the Lan’s being dragged to the decisions Wei Wuxian took? It was not fair. She sits heavily in her chair, eyeing the thick folder Jin Zixuan has gave her, offending. She is not going even to read it. Why should she do such a thing? It would be only a waste of time. ‘’Might I come in?’’ Mian’Mian furrows her eyebrows. ‘’Miss Luo?’’

    ‘’Your Masters are not home, and I do not have a taste for whores, get your ass out of here’’ despite her clear warning, the whore does open the door, looking like a criminal on their last day before being executed. ‘’Hadn’t I been heard? Are you deaf?’’

    ‘’Sorry’’ The whore excused himself but did not look about to go anywhere. ‘’I… I couldn’t help but notice the visit we had…’’

    ‘’We have?’’ Mian’Mian hates it so much, when the harem forgets their place and acted as if they truly were a Lan. They won’t ever be worthy enough to carry the Lan’s last name. ‘’they were guests for the Lans. Our owners. Last time I checked, you were not a Lan, or should I call you Master too?’’ She says, sharply. While Lan xichen and Lan Wangji were away, there must always be someone to put the harem in their place, If Lan Qiren knew, he would be absolutely proud of her.

    ‘’I mean no offense, Miss Luo. Please, forgive me. I… haven’t come here to fight, I believe it is the opposite. Please, take a few moments to hear me out. We… The Harem, and everyone in it has taken… some decisions that unfortunately had affected the Lan’s name’’ Mian’Mian looked at him with an arched eyebrow. The way the whore looked at Mian’Mian, the tone he used, the regretful expressions, the ashamed eyes, and the Jin/Jiang’s accusations slowly were mixed inside Mian’Mian’s mind before he said the first word.

…

For once, jiang Yanli leaves her husband all the yelling and anger to the medical staff for Being so fucking useless! You have one job! And we could not even trust you! Anyone else who dares something like this again and I swear to the gods that person is not going to see the sunlight again! . She cannot over force herself on this occasion. If she was strong enough, she’d be straggling that fucking nurse with her own hands, this time Jiang Yanli needs to focus her strength and energy on someone else. ‘’I don’t want to be here anymore’’ Wei wuxian says, with this heartbreaking tone, his eyes full of pain, half drugged by the sedatives doctors had to apply when a panic attack was triggered. ‘’He’s never coming back for us. Please, take me away’’

    As Jiang Yanli held Wei Wuxian’s hands, trying not to cry and be his support, Jiang Cheng looked at them from a corner. His heart was shattered, and hadn’t stopped crying since Jiang yanli returned. It is not fucking fair, he thinks. Wei Wuxian did not deserve none of this, and when they thought they  had reached some sort of stability, someone felt they had the right to take it from them.

    The nurse was violently tackled by the security guards this time. However, the key question was if she had done this before? Or if someone else was doing it? How could they be aware that the media didn’t have it in their power already? Jiang Cheng furiously wipes away the tears. He’s so sick of this! No matter what they do! There is always something that keeps hurting them! He does not understand what it’s the crime they had committed ! What they have done wrong to deserve all the hate and judgement from the rest of the world! ‘’Don’t worry, A’Xian’’ Their sister soothes him quietly. ‘’Go backs to sleep, I promise that when you open your eyes again, no one will ever hurt you’’.

…

Chapter Text

Feral 34

Wei Wuxian wanted to be a bird. Birds are cute. They lived at wherever they wanted to, they traveled the skies with the help of their wings. If they fly high enough, they could perhaps touch the clouds. Being a cloud would be nice too, would it? Clouds were all day in the sky, doing nothing, just existing next to the sun. They could provide a shadow to cover people from the sunlight, and when they felt bad, they could just cry out and create rain.

    Maybe Wei Wuxian would like to be a start. Stars were also pretty, you know? They shine in the night, next to the moon, they were counted by children and couples that were in love. Perhaps he could be the moon. The moon was beautiful too, it was good, it guided lost travelers in the middle of the night, it was worshipped by people.

    Wei Wuxian wished so dearly to be a star, a moon or a cloud. All of them were unreachable. They were so high in the sky that no one could go up there to cause any pain. In the sky, Wei Wuxian would feel safe and sound. From the sky he's pretty sure no one would know who he was, and what shameful acts he had performed on earth. 

    We'd like to be a start, he decided in the end. This way, his children and siblings could see him every night. Wei Wuxian would only see him during the night but that was okay. He trusted Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, even Jin Zixuan at this point honestly. They would do such a great job raising his babies, wouldn't they? They were clean and untainted. So good, fine examples the babies could look up as they grow up. 

    Maybe Lan Wangji could see him too at night. The tiger could lay on the grass, and stare at the stars, wondering which one could be him. Only then, as a start, Lan Wangji would not feel disgust for him, as a start, Lan Wangji would go out every night, just to see him for a few hours before going back home and thinking about him during the day.

    ''Wei Wuxian'' He goes back to his awful and pathetic reality when his brother calls him; the miserable bunny barely turns his head around the window to look at his brother. ''Thought you'll sleep for a little more, now that you are awake, would you like to eat something, please? It has been a day since last time you ate'' Jiang Cheng says in the kindest tone he has ever heard him say, which Wei Wuxian appreciates highly but at the same time hurts him so deeply, it only shows how desperate Jiang Cheng was. ''It should takes us another three hours before we land on Turkey, we'd have to stop there for a little while before going back to air'' 

    He's not dumb, he's aware that Jiang Cheng is pleading him to not starve himself. It will break their hearts to know that he's hurting himself further. He's OK with it, his stomach does a little grumbling, he needs energy and nutrition, he's breastfeeding babies after all. ''Would you eat with me?'' He says with such lovely eyes that Jiang Cheng feels a part of his soul going back to where it should be.

    ''Of course! Whatever you want'' He immediately tells one of their personal flight attends to get them some food, then, he sits down next to Wei Wuxian, his brother is about to move aside to make some room but as soon as he sees him pushing himself up, Jiang Cheng tells him to stop, that he's good where he was, Wei Wuxian's belly was reopening yesterday, it was so scary, Jiang Cheng thought he'd see his gut or something.

    Just a few hours ago, Jiang Yanli had decided it was enough. The Lan's were not giving any signs of really caring about their brother and children, an exception of Lan Qiren, of course, who hadn't been seen again in the hospital since Jiang Cheng kicked him out. The media was being meaner and meaner every time, going to the point of invading their privacy rights, endangering the lives of three innocent babies.

    They couldn't stay here anymore. ''For the moment, you'll take him somewhere else, there is no way we can keep him safe here, not with everything that has been going on'' and what was about to happen, of course. 

    ''Take him to where?'' Jiang Cheng was not happy about the idea. He didn't want to be away from his family and the safety they meant. ''I'm… not '' Good enough to ensure their safety when someone already passed him! ''We'll need you'' Jiang Cheng said. Jiang Yanli smiled sadly at him. 

    ''You will be enough, A-cheng'' She said, confident, while caressing his cheek. ''It won't be the same, I promise'' no one will know them there, so there won't be any reporter or someone with a morbid fascination sticking their noses on their business. Just them. ''We'll be catching you up soon, we'd have to solve some affairs before following you''

Still, Jiang Cheng feels unsure about being without more family members, but he tries to keep it okay. ''And where are we going?'' He asked, resigned. 

''uh, A'Xuan my dear, come for a moment'' and so the puma did, ending a call. ''Could you share just the necessary?'' Right now they couldn't trust much, not unless they were already on the fucking plane. 

''Of course, A'Li. It's a property of ours'' Of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli. ''It's in a European country, it has very nice weather at the moment, and it's in a secluded area, the closest neighbor is located an hour away. No one will dare to bother you''

Even now, Jiang Cheng is not entirely sure where exactly they will land as their final destination. However, as Wei Wuxian eats with him, relaxed for once, still with his broken eyes lingering around the food, Jiang Cheng thinks that it does not matter in the end, as long as they stick together.

…

Lan Xichen does his best to keep Wei Wuxian's out of Lan Wangji's mind. Not an easy task if someone asks. His little brother keeps looking at the door with a longing glance; his brother thinks that any time soon Wei Wuxian will come through the door, with his worried but relieved expression once he finds the younger tiger harmed but in recovery. There is certain remorse at the back of his head though.

    Like a voice telling him that what he is doing is not fair because his brother is also suffering, not physically, but on his soul, right in the middle of his chest, Lan Wangji's soul feels frightened, uncomfortable, just waiting for the comfort that only his mate could provide. ''Have you spoken with him?'' He asks in the middle of their breakfast. For now, Lan Wangji is allowed to eat something, very light and mostly liquids. ''Have you see him?''

    The entire country had seen that fucking whore, Lan Xicheng thinks without helping himself. ''Yes… well, not really. We have spoken over the phone only, told you'd be out for a little bit, for business reasons'' Now, he could tell him that he said everything to Wei Wuxian about his state, but he wasn't that stupid. Lan Wangji would never believe that Wei Wuxian would ignore him in times of need.

    ''Does he know I'm injured?''

    ''No'' Lan Xicheng wanted to say yes, yes he fucking knows but he did not find either the guts or malice to say it. It will hurt Lan Wangji to hear that, plus, it was not even real! ''I believe it will be wise to keep him in the dark for a few days, don't you think? He's so big last time we saw him. Poor thing must be too exhausted to move around, how do you think he'd react if he finds out you were shot?''

    Lan Xichen sees his brother's face and sees only distress and frustration. He's causing that. There is regret, of course, but for once, Lan Xichen wants to be selfish. It will be just three days more. Three more days and Lan Wangji will tell him about the footage, and the birth of his children. It won't make much of a difference anyway. 

    What was done well remained as such. Nothing they do will change the situation as it is, couldn't make it better, couldn't make it worse. ''What have you heard about him? Is he still at the Jingshi? His due date must be every day now'' He said, worried, he truly didn't want to lose that precious moment, he wanted to be next to him holding his hand during the entire process.

    ''No… '' Lan Xichen's brain was doing over hours to make up the believable excuses for Lan Wangji to not suspect her. ''His siblings took him to the hospital, he's alright, don't worry, it is just that as you said, he might pop off those babies anytime soon, they'd want him to feel comfortable already in a private room, having a reach a little army of doctors and nurses just for him'' The more he speaks, the more he feels his sinking.

    ''Please, arrange a phone call with him, I need to hear his voice'' It's not that he does not trust his brother, actually, today Lan Zhan feels he's being more honest than ever, because Lan Xichen knows how important his family was to Lan Zhan, his other family, the newest. ''Want to hear how is he doing and if he needs anything else'' 

    Lan Xichen has no idea of what excuse to say, though he never loses his composure, and calmly and confidently answers. ''Of course, I'll tell Mian-Mian to contact him and his family, hopefully tonight or tomorrow morning you'll be talking with him''.

….

She is not sure what will Lan Xichen do with this information, but she knew perfectly what could Su She do. ''Are you sure of this?'' Su She could already feel the thunder of Lan Wangji's yell when he found out about this. could feel the earth shaking and the skies running blood. ''You know what this means?'' 

    Mian'Mian's mouth was dry, she felt dizzy, of course she fucking knew! Lan Wangji will never take lightly any assault against Wei Wuxian. Never. ''We need to go to the hospital, and tell Lan Wangji everything, then we should bring Wei Wuxian back and…'' Mian-Mian thinks and thinks, trying to find a solution. ''I've put the whores already under custody, pushed every single slut in the same room and locked it, I've guards all over the building, none of them will escape for what they had done''.

    ''Okay, okay… Let's do this, go to Wangji, tell him the truth, I'll try to speak with Mr. Wei about it, make sure he is aware of what's happening, that Wangji will come to him as soon as he can''

    ''Why am I supposed to go with Wangji?'' She said, scandalized. An angry Lan Zhan is not exactly his favorite thing if she is honest. She might not want to deal with it right now. ''Could we switch places?''

    ''Ah! So do you want to go up with the person you had been insulting for like a year, and tell him that is our fault that he was exposed and publicly humiliated?''

    ''That is not our fault!''

    ''Yes it is! The Harem belongs to the Lan, and we work for the Lans! It's like if we had done it!'' Mian’Mian swears under her breath, she does not want to accept it, she would never want to do something like that, not to Wei Wuxian, not to anyone! Not even the Harem itself. 

    ''Fine, okay, go for him, I'll go with Lan Wangji and just let's pray for the best''  

    Before they turn around in different positions, they saw each other with an unsettling feeling at the bottom of their heart. Something awful was about to happen, they were aware of it, they knew it, but the worst part it was that none of them could do something to stop it.

    …

''Good morning, Mr. Lans'' Su She offers, humble, almost fearful as he bows to both brothers inside the room. Lan Xichen looks at him with narrow eyes. What was he doing here? His job was to guard the door, nothing more. He never approved of the friendship between this man and his brother, they were not of the same level, and did not have any reason to befriend beyond the relationship they had as Master and Servant. ''Apologies for the interruption, might I have a word with Wangji, please?''

    ''This might not be the best time, Su She, my brother is far too tired for any concerns. He must rest'' He has zero intention of distressing him any further. Lan Zhan appears to accept his brother's proposal but he does not do anything to go against his orders this time, perhaps indeed he's still too tired to speak and argue about anything that Su She has to say.

    ''It's about Mr. Wei'' With such a short sentence, Lan Xichen knows he has lost all battle because there is nothing more important for Lan Wangji that Wei wuxian, not even his own family. 

    ''It's he unwell?'' Lan Wangji immediately asks. ''Is he harmed?'' 

    ''Yes'' Su She says much to Lan Wangji's pain. ''The Harem… they made public sexual footage taken against Mr. Wei's will during the time he used to worked at the brothel. The footage has been known on a national level since a month ago. Everybody knows his personal information and what they did to him. This drove him to an early birth for his children, last time I saw him he was in the hospital trying to give birth to his third baby'' Su She as clear as he could, not keeping important details but definitely not giving him more than the necessary. 

    Lan Zhan is pretty that for a moment this is not real, that all he is hearing is a nightmare, he pinches himself, slaps slightly his cheeks and rubs his eyes a bit, but Lan Xichen and Su She remains on their places, on the same position, though this time his brother's expression is petrified in anger. ''You knew this?'' Lan Zhan asks very careful.

    ''...Yes'' Lan Xichen says, his brother's eyes are piercing Su She only, who does not move from his place at all, aware that he might be already dead by telling what he has told. 

    ''Since when?'' It's more scary seeing Lan Zhan's calm demeanor, as a bomb about to explote in his hands. 

    ''A month ago''

    ''A month ago'' Lan Zhan says. ''A… month ago'' Lan Zhan process it. ''Since a month ago, my mate, my children, had been away from me? You hadn't tell them anything about what happened to me? And you hadn't tell me about what happened to them?'' He says, he needs to be sure.

    ''Lan Zhan, it is not as it sounds like…''

    ''It's worse'' He concludes. ''It's much worse, Xichen, because my brother, the person I should trust the most on this world has decided that my family is not worth a shit nor the time so you kept them in the dark, away from me'' His voice shakes, and it's then when finally Lan Xichen looks at him. ''My own brother''. And then, Lan Xichen realizes, that he'd rather be attacked by Lan Zhan's, to feel his claw slitting her throat open, than this, than seeing his disappointment expression, his hurt eyes and dripping tears.

    ''...Everything is gonna be okay'' Lan Xichen tries to fix what it's broken beyond repair. ''I was planning on telling you, okay? I'm not the kind of monster you think I am, I have nothing to do with what happened to Wei Wuxian, I didn't spread that. As far as I know is that his siblings had been with them this whole time, he is safe, we can… you can go see him to the hospital anytime, just wait until you are heal enough!''

    ''...Well'' Su She interrupts, with a very guilty expression. ''Mian-Mian will call in a moment, she's on her way to meet Wei Wuxian, she'll explain to him about your injury and all'' He also wants to break this tension. To somehow fix this, after all, he's part of the problem the moment he accepted to keep his silence.

    No that Lan Zhan cares, honestly, his still in recovery, but he can't stand to stay here a minute more. He rips away the IV from his wrist. ''Lan Zhan!'' his brother's interject when he sees him getting up from bed, kicking away the sheets, he wavers on his feet for a moment, Lan Xichen tries to put a hand on him to keep him from falling but the younger tiger slaps him away.

    ''Do Not. Fucking. Touch me. ''Lan Zhan says very carefully, trembling in fury. And so he does, Lan Xichen do not attempts to touch him again, in fact, he stays in his place, frozen. ''Take me to the hospital. Now'' He does not have the patient to wait for an answer, he needs to go immediately, and tell Wei Wuxian personally that he had no idea of what had happened, and of course, that he does not care what the world has to say of him, no matter, as he promised before, he'll never leave him.

…

Mian'Mian knew she fucked up the moment she saw Wei Wuxian's room empty. No trace of ever being there, nor his children of being treated here. ''No, no…'' She takes a deep breath. Today it's not precisely a good moment for panicking. Perhaps he's just been transferred from the hospital? Because of security reasons and stuff, yes, that's the case. 

    She even goes asking around the hospital, he says Wei Wuxian's name and the number of babies he had but of course she's denied any information, actually, she's taken as a reporter, the kind that had already given him so much problems, she's kick out without seconds thoughts. 

    She feels lost and scared. What the fuck is she going to tell Lan Zhan? Oh! Hi! Happy to see you in your feet again, by the way, I can't find your mate and your babies, I swear last time we left them here, so, sorry for that! They were friends, of course, but not even Lan Zhan will allow this. They were her responsibility, and now she does know have anywhere to look. 

    Before she could give another step, a car pulls over right next to her. She does not need to look inside to see who's there. It feels like a death sentence, seeing Lan Zhan there looking at her disappointingly. ''Don't get out'' she says before Lan Zhan makes the effort. ''He is not here, they are not here''.

    ''Where are they?''

    ''...I don't know''

…

they were having lunch today in Jin Zixuan's office. Honestly, he was too exhausted to go out this time. ''My love, eat in peace, they arrived last night, they got settle down in the mansion, you see it for yourself on the videocall, Jiang Cheng said they were exhausted but everyone was fine''    

    ''I know I know… It's just new, you know? We have never leave this city before and now my little brothers are in Italy by themselves, with 3 newborn babies. It just scares me a little, being so far away from me'' Jin Zixuan might not completely understand her, he never had anyone else to look after, he does not share the same worries in the same way. 

    ''We'll flight soon, I promise, we'll just need to remove Wei Wuxian's charges, clean his name, and chop off a few heads''

    ''We are never going to clean up his name completely, no matter what we do, he will always be… what they think he is'' Jiang Yanli says, sounding clearly upset about it. 

    Jin Zixuan wished he could do something about it, to take their pain away and start again, for Wei Wuxian to stop being Wei Wuxian, this way Jiang Yanli will stop feeling the anger she feels and that no matter what they do, it won't be removed.

    As Jin Zixuan said, they will flight there too, different from Jiang Cheng and Wei wuxian, their stay will only be for a couple of weeks, sadly, both of them belong here, Jin Zixuan's Center Operations were here, though he was seriously thinking on moving out, but that was something he needed to discuss with his wife.

    As well, the 2 of them have some business here to solve before ever thinking about leaving. Actually, there were some plans for tonight, a few little steps that will take them closer to their true family. ''Apologies in advance, Mr. Jin, Mrs. Jin'' He arches his eyebrow as soon as he spots his personal assistant, he has strictly made clear that no one, for anything at all, could interrupt any of his meals with his wife. 

    ''What is it?'' It must be absolutely important, he thinks, otherwise he wouldn't be here pestering him.

    ''There is a man seeking for an appointment with Mrs. Jin''    

    The young couple looks at each other, confused for a moment. ''Does the gentleman left a name or a message?''

    ''He introduced himself as Lan Wangji, he mentioned he needed to speak with you immediately, that  it was an emergency'' 

    ''I see'' Jiang Yanli says after a moment, still joining her meal. ''Tell him that'll attend him as soon as I'm available. He's free to wait'' Just as her brother waited for him. 

    ''Mrs. Jin…'' The assistant tries. ''He… he does not look in a very nice shape? He looks… He can barely stand on his feet''

    ''Tell him to…'' Before Jin Zixuan has any chance to end his sentence, the door is wide open by none one else than Lan Wangji himself. He's holding his abdomen with a hand, he's sweating profusely, his skin is drained from any color, and he's using the door as the nearest support when he can't stand the touch of Mian'Mian and Su She because he hates traitors. 

    ''I'm not leaving'' Lan Wangji said, firmly. 

    ''would you like to speak to this man, A-Li?'' Jiang Yanli looks at Wangji, with a hand under her chin, scrutinizing critically. 

''If there is no other choice…'' He waves his hand dismissively at his assistance to close the door and let them alone for once. ''Please take a sit and speak'' Jiang Yanli says, clearly not really an admirer of having her brother in law with them at the moment, not after all the shit that had going on in her family, everything was still too fresh.

    Lan Wangji is not entirely sure if this is the first time they had ever met. Perhaps there is a brief flash of Jiang Yanli's face from afar, from the day of Lan Qiren's wedding. She is not like Wei Wuxian at all. She looks humble but arrogant at the same, there is not sweetness as she looks at him, her eyes are bored and narrowed. She is definitely not the sweet and loving sister Wei Wuxian has always spoken of. ''He is not at the hospital'' He begins, having some difficulty to breathe for a moment, the pain is getting the worst of him. ''I need to see them, where are they?'' Wei Wuxian and his babies of course.

    ''I'm pretty sure that you are aware of the situation, Mr. Lan. My brother was being harassed even at the hospital, no matter the security measures we put, there was always a reporter sneaking past us, for their own safety, we were forced to relocated him, out of the country''

    Lan Wangji pales, more if that was even possible. He barely has time to sit down when he hears the news. ''Where? Why didn't you…'' He cuts off before he finishes. 

    ''He called you, countless times, for weeks after he woke up. He texted you, my husband and I also visited your home. He was so desperate, sir, never stopped asking about why you weren't there, and when someone tried to give an explanation he refused to hear, saying that you love him and that something must happened to you because you just didn't show up''

    ''I was attacked'' Lan Wangji says, Jiang Yanli notices it, of course, there is a red patch on his lower abdomen from an injury. ''I was supervising… a shipment in the ocean, we had rough weeks due to the storms, we couldn't communicate, we have an attack shortly after, I'm still recovering'' Which it does not matter anymore, Wei Wuxian did not know this, and now thinks he never cared for him. ''I'll go to him, just let me know the address''

He's ready to fight for it. He might be injured but he's ready to attack them if necessary, despite Wei Wuxian might never forgive him if anything happened to her. ''I need to see my mate'' Jiang Yanli sighs sadly.

''I have no right to keep you away from him, nor to keep my nephew and nieces from their father… Ah! Yes, congrats, my brother gave birth to a boy baby tiger, a girl bunny, and another baby girl caracal, we almost lost him during the birth'' she said, more to herself. ''Get back to the hospital or from whatever place you were resting, get better and then we'll talk about my brother''

''No'' Lan Wangji practically growls. ''I'll go talk to him, and explain everything myself, just let me know the address'' 

''Wangji, he is not in the country anymore''

It's then when Lan Wangji feels his blood going cold and gots paler than ever, if that was possible. ''what?''

''He left, three days ago, to Italy. My brother is with him and the babies, he's well taken care of. We couldn't keep him here anymore, he had charges of prostitution, and more thanks to the videos and all the material. He was being harassed during recovery, his face, name and personal data was stolen and exposed, he said he did not want to be here anymore, he thought you wouldn't come back because of it''

There isn't power in the world that could convince Lan Wangji from being away of his family, even if Wei  Wuxian himself to him to stay away, Lan Wangji will never listen, he'll take him back home and lock him, and that was exactly what he was planning to do as soon as he had him in his hands Jiang Yanli keeps talking but Lan Wangji is not able to hear her anymore. ''the address'' He repeats, cutting her off. ''I'll go'' To the other side of the world, to heaven and hell if necessary. 

''I'll talk to him tonight, and let him know about it, if he decides it's okay to let you know where he's staying…''

''Listen'' Lan Wangji says standing up from his place, he's dragging his feet towards them, with a very threatening aura, murderous eyes. ''I love your brother with my soul and heart; he is my world as much as I'm his. That's the only reason that I'm not taking your heart out of your body'' 

He should stop, Jin Zixuan has already put himself in front of his wife, a bad move and he'll have it ripping out his throat, and honestly, Lan Wangji does not have the power to win this time, he's hurt, tired and not thinking straight, otherwise, he'll never threatened Wei Wuxian's sister, he will never forgive him if anything happened to her, his siblings were the only reason Wei Wuxian has sacrificed so much. ''Be careful to your words, I'll not allow any insult towards my wife''

''Just give me the damn address, I've people in Italy, I can look over him!''

''Mr. Lan, I think you have done enough, we weren't in this situation if it wasn't for you in the first place''

''You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me'' Lan Wangji has never been a person like this. He never shows off the things he has done for other people. It just so fucking infuriating that when Jiang Yanli needed help and mercy, Lan Wangji was there to give it to her, and now that he just need a fucking address, Jiang Yanli feels with the right of deny it to him.

Jiang Yanli chuckles, humorless. ''You didn't do it for free, didn't you? You were my brother's client, he paid for my treatment with the money you were giving him for his services. Nothing in this life is for free, not even your help. Please, go back home and rest, we'll speak tomorrow again, after I've tell my brother about this''

As Lan Wangji is filled with anger, looking at her with all the murderous wishes he has never feel so strong as today, he decides to go, just for today, he's coming back tomorrow and will do all the necessary to have that fucking address, and if still he does not have it, he's flying anyone to Italy to bring him home.   

….

Ever since Lan Wangji left the hospital, Lan Xicheng has not made any attempt to contact him, which is the wisest decision he has ever made since he decided to play behind his brother's back and betray him, for the second time. ''Where should we go now, sir?'' Su She asks, warily.  Clearly his boss is not exactly in the best mood. ''We could back to the Lan Residence and call for your personal doctors''

    There is only silent from Lan Wangji. Mian-Mian and him look at each other, uneasy and scared. ''I'm already working on locating him, if he's truly where Mrs. Jiang says, than we'll be having no troubles to find him'' Miam'Miam offers, hoping she could appease Lan Wangji's anger.

    ''They were here last week, I'm sure of it, so this is pretty new, they shouldn't be so far…'' Su She also tries to help.

    ''This is the last time'' Lan Wangji says. ''That you will ever take anyone's else's orders than mine or Wei Wuxian's. I do not care what my brother or my uncle has to say, you are only obeying my words from now on''

    ''Yes sir'' Both Fox and dog answer at the same time. 

    ''And yes, take me to my old residence, tell them to get my shotguns ready. Miss Luo, also prepare my private jet, I'm leaving this early morning''

…

''Do you think I took a good decision?'' Jiang Yanli asks.  ''He was all my brother was thinking, he was dying, he didn't smile, didn't laugh or eat. All he asked was for him, and now that he has finally come I'm refusing him!'' She's upset with herself. ''I have no right…''

    ''But you are scared, they were the ones who make his life hell in the first place. You are just being cautions'' Jin Zixuan rolls a little over her to turn on the lights. ''I think what you did it's alright. Not too drastict, I think that the best person who could decide this is Wei Wuxian himself''.

That brings some peace to her heart. ''I'll call him in a minute and tell him about Wangji'' She does not need to, Jiang Cheng ends up calling her first.

…..

    It must be a pretty home, Xiao Xicheng thinks. It smells really nice, like a freshly cut grass, there is also a strong smell of flowers. He hears the buzzing of the bees, birds,and the gentle hum of the wind. ''Careful there, we have a lot of steps here this time'' Xue Yang guides him carefully, taking both of his forehands. ''I know it's a big change…''

''But it's for the best'' Xiao Xicheng says, always understanding and kind, Xue Yang just wants to purr and wrap his body around him like an octopus. ''Do we know when A-Song is coming back?''

''In less than a year he promised'' 

''I hope so, I want him by our side too'' He sits down on the couch still under his mate's guidence. ''When our pups are born, I want them to be first carried by A-Song and you, the ones that had sired them'' That's one of his dreams. ''I cannot imagine what I would do if my children are born so far from their fathers'. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 35

Meng Yao today woke up at four a.m; both Nie Mingjue and their children were still deep asleep, or so he thought, he was walking down the hall, near the door when he felt a tug on his coat. ''Where are you going, papa?'' Nie Rusong asked, wearing the same  scowl Nie Mingjue had 24/7.

    ''I'm going to the market''   Meng Yao explains patiently, brushing his son's hear out of the face. ''Go back to bed, okay? Go with your father, your brother is there too'' Nie Huaisang was so clingy when Nie Mingjue was at home, and tends to wrap himself like the tiny octupos he was. 

    ''No'' Nie Rusong says firmly. ''Going with papa, papa can't go alone'' He looked so decided that only make Meng Yao's heart beat happily at the overprotective reaction; he did not try to persuade him otherwise, instead they both went to his son's room, he needed a proper outfit to go outside with his cold, it was about to snow after all. Meng Yao chose his son's favorite colors and when they were finally outside Nie Rusong was wearing double socks, flufly gloves, a thermic coat and a thick scarf. 

    ''I'm absolutely grateful for your protection, Mr. Nie'' Meng Yao says playfully, poking Nie Rusong's, his son smiles but immediately tries to put that frown that's clearly inheritated by his father. ''Come on, I think we are ready'' He does not need to go for his hand, Nie Rusong has already trapped his with both of his hands, like the biggest treasure ever found. 

    He can't fight the sadness and wishes deeply eternal rest for his co workers, for the ones that were killed before ever tasting what happiness and freedom was, as well as the one who were still slaved and dying anyway in the end. ''Do we have new neighbors?'' His Eldest son asked when they were in his vehicle, though Meng Yao was not the one driving, he had his eyes on the road.

    The Nie's mansion was mostly isolated from the rest of the city, so, it was strange to see that old mansion with a peony on the gates being inhabited again, since he came here, he saw him abandoned, not neglected, just no one living there. ''Yes, it seems we have neighbors…'' He could see someone very important was coming, probably the main family, judging by the amount of cars and that were guided inside, one before the other. 

…

Wei Ying takes very good the new surroundings: Jiang Cheng gave him the biggest room on the mansion, it is a beautiful one, it has a lot of natural sunlight, and a incredible view to the gardens, covered of snow by this time of the year. ''Do you want me to stay here with you?'' Jiang Cheng says, all three babies already placed on their cribs. ''Jiang Cheng says, of course he wants to be near his brother at all times, he can't move properly yet, and there are three little babies to take care of, at the same time, however, he does not wishes to impose over him, Wei Wuxian might need some privacy, a thing that he has never experienced before. ''Or do you want me to give you some space? Whatever you choose, I'll accept it''

    ''Stay with me, I do not want to be alone'' Jiang Cheng rubs the back of his hand, sitting next to him on the bed. 

    ''While I breathe, you will never be alone, I promise'' He relaxes just the tiniest bit when his older brother leans against him, he does not do anything else, just stares at the cribs and the babies sleeping there. ''Are you hungry? Or would you want to sleep?''

    ''Do you think we did the right thing?'' Wei Wuxian says instead. ''Lan Zhan wanted to choose their names and we did it instead''

    ''No offense, we were a bit in a hurry'' He says, almost absently. They have better things to worry about that this fucker. ''You might be able to change their name Lan once we… when everything gets better, by the time being I do not believe that Jiang Sizhui, Jiang Sanren and Jiang Ziyuan are bad names at all'' He's glad his brother name them, he more than anyone deserved that right, he almost died delivering them. ''I… Appreciate gladly using my mother's name too, we all know she wasn't the best for you and yet you decide to honor her'' He lowers his sight, there aren't many memories of her honestly, and the ones he carried were violent. 

    ''It wasn't her fault. Your father gave me to her before leaving her, taking their savings with him. she was… desperated, and alone, on top of that she had to find out on the worst possible way that her husband was unfaithful to their marriage, I'll pissed as hell too if you ask me''

    ''I'm pretty sure you wouldn't taking it up in an innocent child'' Wei Wuxian was trafficked for years and never took it upon none of his siblings, specially on Jiang Cheng, who was the youngest and the reason why they were doing all. ''I'm sorry'''

    ''You are being silly'' Wei Wuxian says, patting his shoulder. ''Could you please call sister? I want her to know that we have been settled here'''  He wants to know as well if there is any news about Lan Wangji as well.

…

Lan Xichen is aware that he has lost this time, and probably forever. He doubts Lan Wangji will ever look at him and see a brother he could trust on. He won't say it is his fault because that will be admitting as well that all this time he was wrong, and he can't have a blow to his pride so hard and so soon.

    Yes, he committed some mistakes but it does not mean he's a bad person. Well, he is a bad person according to society's standards, but he is not a bad brother. He might be done wrong but all it was for Lan Wangji's good. He never wanted to hurt him, this was not a plan to keep him away from his mate, he just wanted to wait for a few days before telling him the truth, was that too difficult to understand for everybody? He was protecting his brother from something he could not fight.

    ''Master Lan''  Lan Xichen frowns at the mention, finishing fifth glass of liquor since he came here. He does not want to be burdened. Does not want to talk with anybody. He just wants to stay here and pretend he does not exist for a little while.

    ''Get out''  He says, lazily spread on the big leather chair that once was used by Lan Qiren, his father and even his grandfather. ''Do not want to hear about anything right now''

    ''Master Lan… We have an issue with the harem. Second Master Lan has arrived and… well, he's armed, he's massacring them!'' He informs in a rush, Lan Xichen only sighs exhausted. Yes, well, what do they expect, honestly? That they will get out of this, intact? after what they have done against what Lan Wangji considered his family.

    ''Make sure he has enough supplies to kill them all, look for another sex worker for me in case indeed my brother kills mine as well'' He is not leaving his office, not until his brother leaves, why would he go out anyway? His brother has all the right on killing them if he wants to, he was planning on doing the same on his behalf, thinking that somehow this might appease his brother.

    ''...Yes, Master Lan''

…

    ''We did it for you!'' One of the whore kneels down, desperately grasping Lan Wangji's ankles. ''You couldn't have your children with him, you understand that? The great Lan Lineage couldn't continue in such used womb! We were saving you from…!'' Lan Zhan is right there but he is not exactly listening to what they are saying, his face is blank from all expression, there is no mercy, only a cold anger on his eyes. ''You were going to dispose of us on the streets…!''

    ''I was building a mansion for you on another city. You would have stay there with the rest, with all your expenses covered. I wouldn't touch you again, but I didn't want you to suffer either'' It wouldn't be fair, they stayed with him for so much time, they didn't deserve to be disregarded like a used toy. Lan wangji respected them. ''And you… You… My mate, why would you that? How could you ruin a life like that! Of someone you didn't even meet! He was good and innocent!'' Lan Wangji's heart beats painfully on his chest. Wei Wuxian did not deserve this humilliation. 

    ''We can apologize, okay? We can kneel to him and ask for forg…'' Lan Wangji places the mouth of the gun on top of the had, and it blew a kiss as soon as he pulls the trigger. Yes, they could apologize, Wei Wuxian might forgive them but Lan Wangji couldn't, no matter how big the apology was, none of that could ever fix their lives. 

    The sex worker's cries are shut down in the instead, his body tenses for a moment, shoulders shrunk before falling to Lan Wangji's side in a thud. That's the third sex work he kills. The rest are all cornered against the room, crying, begging for mercy, holding in each in an attempt to bring themselves comfort.

      This was not suppose to end like this. They were not trying to make Lan Wangji angry. They were trying to win him back, once he saw what he really had taken for a mate, he'd come back to his senses. Ah! Lan Wangji loved them so much, he used to visit them everyday,.

    Lan Wangji had such stamina and lust hunger, seven days at week, 365 days at year, he came to the harem to make love to them, from one to three at the time, pleasing all of them, gentle and loving. The perfect lover, it hurt so much when only the gifts keep coming after a month, and then nothing beyond their daily expenses. He had forgot them.

    When he killed the fifth, Lan Wangji stopped. ''It isn't right'' He thought. This was too merciful. No, no, they should suffer more, until the last minute, for days, yes, that was better, they deserve it. ''Su She'' He calls quietly. 

    ''Yes, master?'' He immediately answers when addressed, bowing respectfully. Whatever he wants, Su She will accomplish it. He truly wishes to appease his heart. ''How may I be of assistance?''

    ''Sealed all entrances'' Lan Wangji says, eyes locked on the former harem. ''Windows, doors, traps. I do not want any sign of sunlight getting in the building. Cut the electricity and water. The food storages, take half of what they already have. Instruct to get rid of any sharp object, cables, and blankets'' Yes, they are going to die here, fighting each other for the little food that was left. 

    ''Would you like me to take the bodies as well?''

    ''No'' Lan Wangji's tail curled on interest. ''They will need any food sources to survive'' He sentenced. ''I want you to think that, while you are here, eating yourselves, or fighting against the other to not be eaten, my mate will be enjoying the best of the banquet, cooked just for him, he'll drink the purest of the water, while you go through the sad and nasty experience of drinking your own orine. Hope you stay alive for many, many months, if that can be called as living. I'll forget about you eventually, but you will never forget about me and about why I have done what I'm about to do''

……

Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan were sitting inside on Jin Zixuan's car. He refills her glass of wine dutifully as the enjoy the show. ''How many clients do we have inside by now?'' There wasn't any trafficked victim after all. All had been booked by Jin Zixuan, and were now enjoying a night of peace at the best hotel on the city, waiting for clients that will never appear.

    ''A dozen only, more will come within the next minutes, perhaps more an hour the most. We told them that we will be returning them by midnight'' they weren't of course, they will be staying there for the rest of the night, and the rest of the day, never to come back to these pimps, but they wanted them to believe that their sexual employees will be returning, so clients will be also waiting for them.    

    All who frequented this place must die. This wasn't a regulated establishment, and everyone knew that none of the sex workers were here willing, there were from middle age people. to children as young as Wei Wuxian once was. Jiang Yanli holds Jin Zixuan's hand dearly on hers. The children will be going to one of the Jin's charity foundations, they will be taken there until they were over 21, they will be covering their education, hopefully they could still recover the life that was stolen from them.

For the older ones, they will be assisting on contacting their families, for the ones that were kidnapped, and the ones that didn't have where to go, will be facing a similar fate than the younger ones. None of them will be left defenseless, nor will be abandoned. Wei Wuxian will be happy to hear that, and part of Jiang Yanli breaks in tears and anger, because she hates she couldn't do this earlier with her own brother.

The pain stays there, especially as Jiang Cheng's calls her, Jin Zixuan drinks from his glass as she answers. ''A-Cheng? Good night, how is it going?'' she asks happy to hear him. ''Is everything alright?''

''Yes sister, there is nothing to worry about. Brother has been doing well, he has eating everything I put on his plate, like the good boy he is, of course the children are doing good too, they are just as nice as their father'' she can already see Wei Wuxian's face, between offended and timid at the comparation. He didn't want to dirty his babies. ''He will like to speak to you, are you available?'' She saw a couple of people getting inside the brothel, the more the merrier. 

''For you two, I'm always available, come on, let me hear his voice''

''Good night, sister'' Wei Wuxian says, low voice, he hears exhausted but as healthy as he could ever be. ''I wanted to thank you for…''

''Don't you dare, Wei wuxian'' she calls him by his full name. ''I'll not accept any of that, so please, do not make me end the call'' Honestly, it's shameful for her to even hear him saying a word of gratitute, how could he! this is the least she should had done for her brothers in the first place! 

''Aiya… Don't be so mean with your little brother, he's so little, just a baby'' It's really refreshing to hear him speaking like that again, even if it was difficult, there was hope, Wei Wuxian will heal, in a long, road for full recovery.

''A baby full of Little babies''

''But a baby still''

''Well, what does my baby wanted to speak of? Don't worry about about us, we should be arriving on next month I believe, if everything goes as plan, you know, A-Xuan has so many business affairs to take care of and I'm helping him to finish as soon as possible, we are dying to see you and the babies'' Wei Wuxian does not think Jin Zixuan actually cares about him but he appreciates the comment even if it's not real. ''Hope Jiang Cheng has a great dinner prepare for us by our arrival?''

''Maybe we would have to order food, A-Cheng still burns the water… aiya…! sister, A-Cheng is pinching me!'' Blissfully, he hears her brothers fighting on the background. ''No, no! I'm still delicate, you are going to make my guts fall out my body again if you touch me! Sister, tell  him!''

''A-Cheng…'' That's the only thing she says, she perfectly knows that Jiang Cheng is not a brute, and he's obviously being careful with their brother, Wei Wuxian just likes to exaggeate. 

After a moment or two of fooling around, Jiang Yanli finally hears what she was expecting since the beginning of the call. ''Do we know anything about Lan Zhan yet?''

''... Ah! Yes, yes, we finally got in contact with him. He mentioned something about being uncommunicating on the ocean? He says his sorry''

''For a month?'' Wei Wuxian says, a bit hurt. ''For an entire month? Was he injured?''

''...Yes, though he is okay now!'' she rushes to say as soon as she hears Wei Ying's gaps. ''He's okay, don't worry, he even walked out the hospital to meet me. Don't worry too much, okay? He's fine'' almost dying but that's something her brother does not need to know. ''He wanted to know where you and the children were, I didn't tell him right away because I wanted to ask you first'' She gets a little nervous about it, she really does not want to piss him off.

''...Was he worried about us?''

''Yes, he was… he was really angry, A-Xian, and very worried because he didn't know where were you and… there is a lot of things that also happened you know?'' Like the harem being the one who leaked his fucking life. ''Do you want me to provide him with your new address? You don't have to meet him if you don't want…''

''He should see his children, they are his too. He was so happy about them…''

''It's up to you, whatever you choose, I'll respect it and make sure it happens''

''Please only give him this number, I… I want to see him but I want to speak to him first''

''That's a very wise decision little brother, once I see him, I'll tell him. Now, do me a great favor: make sure to keep eating and resting, take the medicines the nurses indicates you and be good to A-cheng, okay? I want you to see you standing next month…! Maybe some baby steps for your big sister?'' 

''Everything for her!'' His voice goes out with no energy but there is definitely a loving tone there, almost cheerful. 

''Excellent, A-xian is the best, be nice nice and let everyone to take care of you, we'll speaking soon. could you put A-Cheng on the phone before you go, please?''

''Yes Ma'am, I love you so much…! A-cheng! She wants to speak to you!''

''Shh…! Don't yell, you are going to wake up the babies, I'm right here you dummy'' Wei Wuxian complains only a little more before his voice turning faraway, probably Jiang Cheng discreetly went out of the room. ''What is it, sister? Is truly everything okay?''

At the precise moment, Jiang Cheng could perfectly hear someone's screeam. It was not his sister, not Jin Zixuan either. After that scream, another followed, and then another as someone yelled The fucking place its burning. ''Sorry A-Cheng, the TV is a bit louder, A-Xuan, do you mind turning the volume off?'' Jiang Yanli said, eyes focused on the building and its flames, Jin Zixuan makes the show of looking an nonexist remote, just for the mere sake of making some noise in the background to be heard by Jiang Cheng.

''Sorry A-Li, I can't seem to find it'' Jiang Cheng thinks Jin Zixuan is a bit of a useless man for not being able to complete a simple task.

''Yes, A-Cheng, sorry for that, we have been a bit stressed lately with everything that has ocurred…'' There are more screams, by now Jiang Cheng is getting a little nervous if someone asked. ''So we decide to see a movie a home, hope you don't mind?''

''Of course not sister! Please feel free to relax in every way you wish!... I just didn't know you were a fan of horror movies?'' 

''Neither do I''

…

Lan Qiren packed his belongings as soon as they let him know that his grandchildren were not longer in their country. What else was he supposed to do? A Lan must supervise the wellbeing of their legacy: 1. Lan Xichen was not going to do such a thing since he hasn't even acknowledged the babies as his nephew/nieces on the first place. 2. Lan Zhan was not in the best state to travel, and he doubt this despicable Jiang people will ever let him in the same room than his mate.

3. At what point they were with Wei Wuxian was a mystery to him. Once again Lan Qiren was pushed aside, none of his nephews had taken the delicacy of calling him back to let him know about Lan Zhan's state, or to give him a fucking clue or what was their next move! What they were supposed to do now?

In top of that, to conclude with this lovely family, Wen Ruohan has banned him from leaving this room and in consequence, the house of course. He's sick of waiting, kept on the dark as his family face the world, the thought of the rest of them risking their necks while Lan Qiren was comfortable hiding on this palace made his blood boil.

On this case, if anyone asks him, they were pushing him to run away, he didn't want to, leaving without their knowledge seemed like a pretty stupid idea, specially when there was someone out there who already wanted to hurt Wen Ruohan by killing Lan Qiren in the process.

And yet there was, ready to give it all for some children that weren't his on the first place. He is not sure why is he doing this. Was it because his body yearned to fulfill the duties he was indoctrinated as laws? Was it because he wanted to ensure Lan Zhan's children's their safety? What was it then? He wondered as he slowly pushed the window open, looking down.

It wouldn't be wise jumping, his wings were not strong enough anymore to lift him from the ground, though it will probably help him to fall gracely on the floor by slowing him down. ''Ah! Knew I shouldn't unsealed the windows. Maybe it's my fault. I'm always such a romantic that I thought it wouldn't be fair for you to kept you from having your precious sunlight''

Lan Qiren sighs, not closing the window but never unhanding his luggage. ''I have to go and you know it'' He avoids turning around and face him, he knows a smile of Wen Ruohan will make him surrounder. ''My grandchildren…''

''Yes, yes. I heard that, I know that story by memory now'' Wen Ruohan interrupted him, annoyed by the same thing again and again. ''I don't personally care about those brats, not even for the mother, I told you I could bring them to you if you wanted''

''They are not here in the country, and it isnt' wise for you to leave the country'' The government has kept an eye closely on Wen Ruohan for a time, they cannot do much against him but Wen Ruohan knows better than provoke them and let them think that he's escaping. ''I can go by myself, I won't take long''

    ''No'' Wen Ruohan says, long and tired. ''You are married to me, your attentions are made for me, I don't care if there are three little bastards at the otherside of the world or just in another city. You are my husband, and as such, you will fulfill your duties'' This time he says more severely. ''Take care of your own children first…'' Lan Qiren smiled, sad and longing.

    ''They are too big now, my children had children already but they cannot take care of them, that's why I have to go, Rouhan, I'll find the way, please, do not make me…''

    ''Then what the hell I am suppose to do with this stinky thing?'' For a moment Lan Qiren thought Wen Ruohan was saying a nasty joke/reference, until he heard a soft cry. Immediately, the crane turned around, and found himself with a very lovely image: His husband and mate, the regal man half beast that had kept these cities sunk in fear, was carrying a tiny little pup with so much care. ''this little shit poops every fucking hour I swear, can you take care of your child for once? I'm tired to be your mistreated wife…'' Wen Ruohan kept talking but by this point Lan Qiren was hardly hearing him, he let his bag hit the floor before running towards Wen Ruohan.

    Lan Qiren cupped the babies cheeks, sniffed him, caressed his hair, and kissed him so many times until the baby calmed down, clearly delighted by the attention of such divine beauty. ''Where…? Wen Ruohan! Did you kill his parents? From where did you take him?'' Lan Qiren asked, scandalized as he carried the baby on his arms. ''What have you done?''

    ''Relax yourself my love. In my defense, his parents were already dead, I just snatched him away before someone could take him so, yes, I didn't kill anyone this time, but now is mine, so be a good wife and start raising this baby, that is now yours too and forget about escaping for now, did I make myself clear?''

    Lan Qiren smiled between tears, nodding enthusiastically, his cheek resting against the baby's temple, gently rocking him up and down to keep the little thing calm and content. No one will be stealing a baby from him, not anymore.

…

Wei Wuxian couldn't content his smile as the call ended. He ate everything his brother put on his plate without saying a peep, he didn't complaint about anything for the rest of the day, and was happily waiting for Lan Zhan's call.

    Of course, Lan Zhan didn't look for him because he couldn't, he was hurt, he was in the hospital, how could he be so stupid to doubt Lan Zhan's love? If he had done nothing but taking care of him and protecting him, family included. He has already prepared a long apology for him, he was a little worried deep down, hope Lan Zhan could understand, it was difficult for him to stay at their home when the entire nation was pointing at him!

    He will be returning, there is not hesitation about it. He will be back, just not soon, he needs to recover, wants to get up of this bed, and have strength, both physically and emotionally. His life has been change, for bad and forever, there is no way his reputation could be repaired after what happened. He would have to live in the shadows, for the good of his children, he is not ready yet to return. ''Are you sure you are good alone?'' Jiang Cheng asked for the last time, he and the children were moving to the next room, to give Wei Wuxian all the privacy he needed, still, he was worried.

    ''Yes, don't worry much, we would be only taking a few minutes' But it's impossible for Jiang Cheng not to get worried about it. Who knew what sort of shit would Lan Wangji say to torment his brother, to manipulate him to get back home. ''Go, go! He's calling!'' Jiang Cheng sighs and nods, closing the door behind him with an unsettled feeling.

    '''Hello? Lan Zhan?'' Wei Wuxian asks, holding the phone tightly in his hand, and gripping the covers with the other. ''Can you hear me?''

    ''Yes, I can hear you, Wei Wuxian, my love'' Lan Zhan seems to breathe again at hearing his mate's voice. Wei Wuxian's voice it's the same, it hasn't changed, and the tone behind indicates him that he is not pissed for what had happened between them thanks to the harem. Lan Zhan opens his mouth again and proceeds to apologize for everything, but Wei Wuxian speaks again.

    ''I'm truly sorry for leaving, Lan Zhan. I… I couldn't take it anymore, everyone knew about what I was, and…  reporters started sneaking in my room, they were taking pictures of the babies, I couldn't risk staying there any longer. Could you forgive me? Please? I do love you so much, I… I know what I have done wrong, please, understand me, you didn't report you! I thought you had abandoned me!''

    ''Never, Wei Wuxian, I would never leave you. You are… you and the children are my entire life, and the only reason I wasn't there it's because I couldn't, there was… an incident at work, I'm good now'' I have nothing if I don't have you. ''Don't worry, it surprised me and scared me when they told me you left, but I understand the circumstances and I should be one apologizing for not being there to protect you…'' The idea of Wei Wuxian not being able to rest and recover because of the reporters, of his children's identities exposed to the world made him furious.

    ''We are good now… Sister brought me here to Italy, I'm not sure where exactly am I, I wasn't awake, but I can ask for the address and send it to you later. We are all good! You made three healthy babies!'' All this time, he hadn't be able to tell Lan Zhan about it, it feels it has been so long after they were born.

    ''Three? I have heard… Tell me, have you named them? Do they look like us?'' Lan Zhan said, and Wei Wuxian could hear all the hope and love in those short sentences. ''Do they look like you? Are they all that beautiful?'' Wei Wuxian laughed quietly, Lan Zhan felt another piece going back to his heart.

    ''Yes, Lan Zhan, though they look a lot like you too! Especially our eldest, his name is Jiang Sizhui, he's a pretty tiger boy, golden too'' Lan Zhan feels he could pass out! ''Then, there is Jiang Sanren, she's a girl, and it's a bunny like me'' 

    ''You gave me a little princess too?''

    ''Two to be precise, the youngest is Jiang Ziyuan, she's a caracal, like…'' Like my father. ''My siblings. They had been helping me with everything, don't get mad at them, okay? They were panicking too and decided it was for the best to not stay in the country'' Lan Zhan would had huffed, he did not like them much but he did not want to ruin the moment. 

    ''I would love to see them'' It's not fair, Lan Zhan is their parent too, he deserved to be with them too. ''I will bring you back'' The confession excites and worries Wei Wuxian at the same time. ''Once I finish some business here, I'll be there with you and our children, I promise''

    ''Let's stay for a little while more, yes? I'm… I'm not in good shape yet, the deliveries… There were some complications, I need to rest, this travel was already difficult, when I can walk again, we can speak of returning, for now, please, please let me stay here''

    ''We could discuss it when I'm there, it should take me a week or two'' Slowly, Lan Zhan feels everything is returning to its natural course, he allows himself to sit down and feel relieved. ''And… Apologies again, for the mistakes I made, I've punished the harem already for exposing you. They will never be able to touch you''

    Wei Wuxian stares at his legs for several seconds while processing, in silence, well, more than anything, shocked. What was Lan Zhan talking about exactly? His brain was working under pressure, trying to hold the pieces together. He didn't understand exactly what Lan Zhan was saying. If… If he had assured months ago that the harem was not longer important to him, and that it would be dissolved, because Wei Wuxian was Lan Zhan's one and only. What the hell was he saying? ''Wei Wuxian? can you hear me? I think we are losing signal'' 

    ''Could you repeat that?''    

    ''We are losing signal?''

    ''No, the other thing, the shit you just said''

    The tone and words surprised Lan Wangji greatly. Wei Wuxian has never used them before, his mate is nothing but sweetness and devotion, always defending him against everyone, loyal to death. He closes his eyes, aware that he might fucked up. ''I can explain it'' He says but it only works like blowing air before a building that's being consumed but angry fire.

    ''How did the harem did this? Why they did it? Why? If you do you swore you were getting rid of them!'' It made sense, his siblings had told them that the root of the leaking came from the Lan's residence, meaning… ''They were with you'' Wei Wuxian said with gritted teeth. ''Ow, Lan Zhan, why? Why have you done this?'' And Wei Wuxian defended until the end Lan Zhan's innocence.

    ''No!'' Lan Zhan basically yells out of frustration. ''I have no part of this! I would never do such a thing! Yes, the harem was responsible for the leaking, but that does not include me nor  other member of the family'' Wei Wuxian laughed again that day, but this time there was not any tenderness or humor.

    ''Yes, of course, because your lovely brother likes me so much'' At this point Wei Wuxian was not thinking straight, nor he wanted to be reasonable. ''Why should I even believe you, if you lied to me in the first place?''

    ''I have not! I told you beforehand that I'll be getting of the harem but that I needed time, I could not be so cruel to let them wander on the streets!''

    ''But you could that to me, right! When you were still fucking me at the brothel! You knew I needed money and you did not let me keep working! I lost my home and my 

dignity! I had to… ! … Fuck, Lan Zhan, I was begging for money, starving, and you never left your stupid harem defenseless''

    ''Wei Wuxian, listen to yourself. I did not know you needed more money, I remember leaving you a good amount, I didn't imagine your siblings were bringing you so many issues to your live!''

    ''Don't speak of my siblings! They are the only ones that are not betraying me! You lied to me! You still were seeing the harem!''

    ''For the last fucking time! I never touched anyone else after I took you out of the brothel! If anything you should be grateful! I took care of you and your siblings ever since, never lacked anything in the home I gave you, I freed your brother and paid your sister's medical bills, didn't I? And here am I, all you three, plotting against me, I swear Wei Wuxian, the children and you are returning to me immediately'' He's locking Wei Wuxian up, on the darkest of his properties, never to be found again. ''You stopped being a whore because of me, and the only reason you are free too, it's because I decided that!''

    ''You are my savior then? Huh? Oh Lan Zhan, thank you so much for saving me! and thank you for letting me know what you really think of me! Nothing of that was for free! Remember it!''

    ''I'm done arguing with a ridiculous man. Prepare the kids because I'm taking them with me, you and I are having a serious discussion, I have no idea what they had put inside your head, but I'll make sure that you will never see them again'' He threatened.

    ''Good luck finding me, idiot!'' And with that Wei Wuxian ended the call.

    …

Jiang Cheng steps inside the room when he hears Wei Wuxian throwing away his phone. He's clearly upset. ''I hate him!'' Wei Wuxian says, though he does not mean it, not really. He's just clouded by the feeling of treason. He will never be able to show his face again, no matter how Lan Zhan tries to fix this, it was out of his hands. ''I hate him!'' He screams at top of his lungs, the only thing Jiang Cheng could do was hugging him, forcing Wei Wuxian to calm down by cradling his head against his shoulder. ''No… get off'' Wei Wuxian sobbed but accepted the embrace. ''I should… I should have…'' 

    ''I'm here'' Jiang Cheng said, as calmed as he could manage. ''I'm here''

…

Chapter Text

Chapter 36

Lan Wangji does his best to not have a violent episode, he holds the phone tightly and tries to count from 1 to 10 as he feels his blood getting heavier and hotter in his veins. He was so fucking close, he only needed Wei Wuxian's location, and now he has refused it… Jiang Yanli made it clear, if Wei Wuxian accepted, he was going, if he didn't, there won't be a power on earth that would make her give that information to him.

 If that's what they want it, Lan Wangji thought bitterly. If that's what his lovely mate wants, to be persecuted, and hunted down like the little prey he was, then that was what he's getting, and he won't like it, not a bit. Wei Wuxian belong with him, children included, it looks it was a mistake to let him get near his siblings, whom at his eyes, were part of the problem, especially this Jiang woman, what wouldn't he give to put a bullet between her eyes, and he cursed her because he knew that if anything happened to her, Wei Wuxian would never forgive him, and that was the same as killing him.

This is everything his fault honestly. Who told him to act like a decent fucking human being, to begin with? He should just locked up his mate the moment he found it, Jiang Cheng could die in jail, stabbed to death, same case with Jiang Yanli, she was so close to death anyway. That should have been their fate, oh but stupid Wangji, gave a glance to Wei Wuxian pretty watering eyes and fell right into his trap. Well, it was an error not meant to be repeated. Fuck the Jiang siblings, fuck his own sibling, his priorities now were his mate, kittens and his business and he was not sure of the order of these.

 Su She has never seen his boss so pissed, it’s as he’s seeing red, as if he had stopped breathing. It was terrifying. He isn’t neglecting the business but it’s clear he’s running out of patience. There aren’t more warnings, just straight up murders of entire families, sending bloody messages for the people who’s next.

 Above all, he believed what enrages him the most is the fact the Jins are still breathing. They had committed an utter disrespect, and complete assault against the Lan family, by kidnapping their unofficial Madam Lan and heirs, and Lan Zhan can’t do nothing about it.

 It speaks of how deeply he still loves Wei Wuxian, because he hasn’t already blown up all the Jins properties in revenge, as he should, instead, he’s just making their lives a little difficult. ‘’Can you do it or should I look for someone who knows what they are doing?’’ Mian-Mian closed her eyes in a grimace. Yeh, he is not very happy, with anybody right now.

 And they can understand why. Wei Wuxian, a pregnant one, was under their care, sure, they were not there, but security was arranged, their people was supposed to take care of everything, to protect their… Madam. And just under their nose, they lost him and the children.

 ‘’I can do it sir, it will take a few days to track the call and its location’’ Lan Wangji had not tried to contact the Jins anymore, they suspect if he ever gets on the same room at them, he’s turning feral. He’s already doing a great job swallowing down all the rage and anger he’s feeling.

 Perhaps this will change once he has his family back. ‘’You have 24 hours’’ Lan Wangji warns her before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Yes, he is not a happy man right now. Mian’Mian surprised herself thinking about how much she wished Wei Wuxian was here.

 Since he got on their lives, Lan wangji’s temper was… less intense. He got the deed done, ordered to clean the gory mess and then return home, ready for dinner, like the dutiful husband he already was, with or without a ring on his finger. It was a peaceful cycle.

 There were no more slips out on his anger. No more cruel deaths. Just the necessary touch of violence and killing. All of this thanks to Wei Wuxian, he was grounding him, pulling him from his predatory nature to a more stable path. All the time people used to say how Lan Wangji saved Wei Wuxian from the brothel, but they were not aware of how Wei Wuxian was saving Lan Wangji by giving him a reason to smile, and meaning to his life. Company, happiness.

 Mian-Mian is too embarrassed to accept it now, even if it’s to herself. From the moment they met, she wronged him and thought he would be only interested on the money, which was more or less truth, but in general, she should had not treated him in the way she did.

 She wanted him to go and did not understand how this would affect his friend and boss.

…

Jiang Cheng holds firmly Wei Wuxian's waist as his brother holds his shoulders like a foal. "If you don't feel steady enough, don't force it" but Wei Wuxian is the stubbornest man he had ever met.

"I can do it!" Wei Wuxian insists. His babies would turn two months soon, and he hasn't been able to get up from bed by himself. His hips and pelvis were severely damaged, standing is a painful miracle, he thinks as he's unable to stop his shaking legs. "Don't have children" Wei Wuxian says, Jiang Cheng snorts. "I'm serious!, They are pretty but they would ruin your body!"

His baby brother only shakes his head, still holding him he gives a couple of steps back but Wei Wuxian doesn't walk with him, he's just being dragged around. "Alright, that's enough, get your ass back there" he decides when it's clear that today won't be any advances apart from his brother getting absolutely frustrated, even more than normal. "There is no rush, take what you need to heal"

"I don't have time for that! my children are going to learn how to walk before I do!" Jiang Cheng arranges the orthopedic pillows behind his back, making sure Wei wuxian's back is correctly aligned. "How am I going to follow my ducklings?"

"Wei wuxian, everything is going to be alright, you just need time, within next month I'm sure you'll be walking just fine, don't worry anymore, you are driving me crazy"

"Sure, like you are not the one that can't pee alone in this house"

"Worse, I'm the one that can't let you pee alone" Wei Wuxian shows him the middle finger, Jiang Cheng answers with a more obscene gesture.

"Where the hell did you learn that?!" Wei Wuxian asks, scandalized.

"Prison"

‘’Wait for sister to know about that!’’ Jiang Cheng grimaces about the mere idea. Oh no, no, she can’t know. What would she think of him, hm? That he’s a criminal? Sure, he is, A FINANCIAL ONE. There is a well of a difference between one an other.

 ‘’Shut it up, get some sleep, the babies are taking a nap too so you better take advantage of it’’ his brother fusses about it but Jiang Cheng is already covering over with that heavy blanket.

 ‘’I’m sorry’’ Wei Wuxian comments quietly when his brother is about to leave.

 ‘’For what? Being a nuisance?’’

 ‘’When I got pregnant, I never thought sister and you will be taking care of the babies, I never intended to put that weight on your shoulders’’ it isn’t just one, there are three of them! And Wei Wuxian can’t take care of them all because he’s too busy being a burden! ‘’I’m sor…’’

 Before Jiang Cheng lets him say another word, he shoves down a marshmallow on Wei Ying’s mouth. ‘’Could you please not say that’’ it’s difficult to talk about it, all the shit they went through in Jiang Cheng’s name. If he wanted to, Wei Wuxian could just flew away since they were children but he decided to sacrificed everything he had on their name, even after Jiang Cheng turned 18, after jail too. ‘’I’m gonna stay by your side whenever you need me, no matter the time’’ and of course that included to be a babysitter 24/7 and he had zero complaints about it. ‘’So stop apologizing, you changed my diapers and fed me without complaint, shut up, I can do the same to you and your kittens/cubs’’

 Wei Wuxian purses his lips, he still feels guilty, Jiang Cheng should be a free man, he had a long life ahead, and had lost enough time in prison for something he never did, and here was he, burdening again. ‘’Okay’’ he chews the candy on his mouth with some sadness but tries to smile anyways.

…

Lan Qiren is not allowed to go outside yet, his windows were sealed again, this time he does not care at all. He’s happy being inside locked this time, he isn’t throwing any tantrums or trying to escape anymore, not since he was given with a purpose and has a role to fulfil from now on.

 ‘’There, there, warmer, isn’t it?’’ he says once his baby’s feet are covered by thick wool socks. ‘’You know, your… cousins, used to have the same socks. Xichen had light blue ones, and Wangji’s were white. They love those, and I still have them’’ He had many clothes and toys storage somewhere, he isn’t sure if all were left on the Main Lan’s Residence, or if he brought them with him when he married Wen Ruohan. ‘’I’ll check it up later, you are going to love their toys!’’ Placing his hands the baby’s armpits, he lifts him up, the baby leaves out a soft yelp.

 He isn’t sure what species is his son, definitely not a crane or a phoenix, neither a tiger, and isn’t necessary to clarify that whatever the species, he could not care less. Only thing it mattered it was this baby was his and Wen Ruohan’s.

 The best part that put his heart at ease it’s the fact his baby won’t be taking the rotten luck of being part of the Wen. He won’t be an heir, neither have responsibilities for the business. It makes Lan Qiren almost jump out of happiness, this is what he always wanted.

 On top of everything, the baby was the dream. He did not cry, rarely fuzz, had a lovely temper, liked to be carried around by anyone. Eating without complaints, and was the healthiest little thing Lan Qiren had ever seen. ‘’The most beautiful too’’ Lan Qiren said, kissing his forehead with eternal adoration.

 Wen Ruohan is also happy about the results of this situation. He has Lan Qiren locked up, safe and sound in his home, but still, he made it work and keep him happy and entertained. Without mentioning the deep and primitive longing it has finally been satisfied whenever he returned home, only to find his mate on his bed, waiting for him, with their child in arms, sometimes feeding him, or napping together. It was a blissful view. ‘’Looks like you, doesn’t he?’’ Lan Qiren snorts at the other man when he sits on the bed.

 ‘’Sure he does’’ he plays his game along. ‘’You are later than usual, is everything alright?’’ Lan Qiren doesn’t usually gets on Wen Ruohan’s business, whatever he does, it’s none of his concern, as long as he returns to him every single night, and when he doesn’t, he must reported if he’s safe.

 ‘’Everything is… controlled’’ Wen Ruohan says slow.

 ‘’Something is wrong’’ Lan Qiren understands without asking, slowly, leaving the baby bottle on the nightstand when Wen Zizhen thinks he had his fair share of milk. ‘’Are you we in danger?’’ Besides the fucking psycho who left a threatening note. ‘’Apart from… that other matter’’

 ‘’On working on the other matter’’ Wen Ruohan says and can’t help but frown at the reminder. Who was stupid enough to insult him by threatening Lan Qiren?. ‘’The situation is with your nephew’’

 ‘’Wangji, correct?’’ Ah! Lan Qiren knew his children far too well.

 ‘’Yes, that one. He’s… a little bit… out of control. More vicious and cruel than usual. Not very discreet as he used to’’ Lan Wangji was known for being ruthless, yes, but not stupid. His lack of control and secrecy was stupidity itself in this business.

 ‘’He has his reasons’’ Lan Qiren immediately defends.

 ‘’I know, I know, I will be pissed too if someone took my child and you. Wouldn’t leave nothing of this city and the people living here’’ He understands. ‘’But he’s leaving quite a mess to clean you know? We don’t want the police involved beyond required.’’

 ‘’I’ll talk to him’’ Wen Ruohan looks at him with deathly stare.

 ‘’You are not going anywhere. Your place is right here in this bed’’ Lan Qiren rolls his eyes, gently patting his baby’s back, helping him to get the air out, he stops only to land a hit on Wen Ruohan’s shoulder.

 ‘’Stop saying nonsense, the baby will hear you’’

 ‘’Good. Let him know. Boy, did you understand? Your mommy should only be in my bed, if he has his legs spread and read… Ouch! Qiren, stop that!’’ More hits are landed on his shoulder and chest.

 ‘’Watch the words you said out of your mouth! Our son is supposed to learn from you too!’’ Wen Ruohan doesn’t look a little bit ashamed. ‘’And I wasn’t thinking of leaving. I’ll just get him a call’’

 ‘’Good because I wasn’t thinking of letting you leave…! Ouch! Quit that!’’

 ‘’Quit your attitude first!’’

…

Jiang Cheng pokes through the door carefully. Wei Ying is taking a nap with Jiang Sanren, the baby bunny. She’s so adorable but she’s very active and while only eats milk, the baby is very demanding, it must tire out herself and Wei Wuxian on the process.

 He has Jiang Sizhui and Jiang Ziyuan removed from the room for now since it’s feeding time. God, these two eat a lot, no wonder why Yu Ziyuan was so stressed trying to raise them. ‘’In a minute’’ he says to the babies on the cribs when they get fuzzy.

 They can accept Wei Wuxian’s milk with no issues, but since they are carnivorous, it lacks the nutrients their little bodies needed, so Jiang cheng has to blend raw ground meat with Wei Wuxian’s milk and then put it in a bottle. ‘’Not sure why are you acting as if I hadn’t fed you guys’’

 Wei Wuxian helps as much as his body allows him, first he makes sure to feed his kitten, and once Jiang Sanren has been fed and put to sleep, he takes one of the cubs to feed him with that particular mix. Not that Jiang Cheng can’t do it himself, there is plenty of people who can assist them on doing it, but Wei Wuxian says it worries him it could break the bond with the cubs if he isn’t there when they eat. Jiang Cheng thought he was a little ridiculous, until he found himself remembering he was attached more to his older brother and sister than his mother, because it was Wei Wuxian who took care of him and feed him. Not Yu Ziyuan. The cubs will bond with who is there with them.

 But this time Jiang Cheng can tell Wei Wuxian is beyond exhaustion. He is still not in his best shape, and the worst part of it, is the depression he hides when he thinks nobody is seeing. He misses that bastard, and knew how hardly he wanted to believe Lan Wangji had been trapped. Sometimes he tries to defend him and running to him, ready to apologize.

 That’s when Jiang Cheng takes all the phones out of the room and tells him to get a nap, so he can think twice. Lan Wangji does not deserve even a curse from his brother. He had done enough. Right now, what Wei Wuxian needed is peace, a safe space to recover. Nothing of what Lan Wangji could offer.

…

 If Lan Zhan was already… touched on the head to put it friendly, at work he became a complete menace, and the mercy that he could had at some point was absolutely lost. He forgot his sense of discretion, secrecy, and the most important one: the common.

 In a matter of weeks, Lan Zhan's name was in everyone's mouth, first, with the countless kills of their debtors, or anyone there that there to set foot on their territory, his little brother didn't warn before putting a bullet on their bodies, or worse.

 Fires were reported around all the city, and it was said that Lan Wangji himself was the one causing them, if they didn't have money to pay, they would pay with death, it was useless to have a clients that couldn't afford their product and services, because then they weren't clients anymore, they were thieves, and Lan Wangji hated thieves.

 Like the Jins and Jiangs, they were the biggest ones when they dared to steal his family, and even if he couldn't hurt them directly, the least he could do was passing off the message: Lan Wangji, second head of the Lan's family, the White Executor, and Tiger of Death, was pissed and wouldn't keep his hands quiet.

 ''Someone is making a tantrum'' Jin Zixuan heard his wife saying, as they read the news of that morning from one of the principal mansions they had around the city and its surrounds.

 ''Not everyone can take a no for an answer'' They have no idea what had Lan Zhan said or done to make Wei Wuxian so angry, especially when he was hopeful at the mere idea of talking again with Lan Wangji, his mate, and baby daddy of three little children.

 Wei Wuxian had not say a word, not to them, and not to Jiang Cheng, though Jiang Cheng could more or less put together a few guesses that didn't dare to confirm by asking his older brother, Wei Wuxian always changed the subject when the topic was brought up to conversation. ''There are not human losses so fat , but I am not sure if Lan Wangji will cross that line'' They were safe but it wasn't the same for his employees, who were terrified about the coming news of a crazy group vandalizing their establishments.

 ''We will be doubling the security'' Jin Zixuan said simply, taking a sip from his coffee, looking unbothered. ''We could offer the option of working remotely from home if they wish'' whatever that makes them feel safer. None of them are backing off just because Lan Wangji is throwing a tantrum. He needs to grow up and accept his errors. Not because he had all the power of the world make him have any rights over other people. Her brother said no, and he should respect that. ‘’Should we delay the trip for a few weeks?’’ Jin Zixuan asks her. ‘’until the waters are calm?’’

‘’Ah! A-Xuan. The waters will never be calm’’ Unless they returned Wei Wuxian and the babies, which was not happening. ‘’I miss my brothers’’ she did not want to delay their trip a day more than needed’’

…

Eventually, life returns to its course, or so Lan Xichen wants to think bitterly. He always wanted to kick that silly whore out of their lives, and now that indirectly he perhaps had contributed to this result, it was like a part stripped from them, the little sanity that Lan Zhan had left.

 ‘’Master Lan’’ Lan Xichen sighs, an unavoidable migraine coming its way. Again.

 ‘’Now what?’’ he says, slowly, dragging his words. He’s too tired, hasn’t sleep much. His stomach is filled with liquor, his tongue carried only the taste of tobacco than real food. ‘’What has my little brother done this time?’’ nothing Wen Ruohan and him cannot fix, of course.

 ‘’The new workers had arrived and are waiting for you in the main hall’’ Lan Xichen takes a few minutes to recall. Ah! Yes, yes, the workers. After Lan Wangji killed theirs, there were only a few left but these were not up to Lan Xichen’s tastes anymore, so he fired them, gave them a good severance day and installed them somewhere else.

 These do not longer wake or satisfy any carnal hunger on him. They turned insipid, not fearful, just… not what Lan Xichen wanted or needed. And for a tiger to not have a libido? That speaks volume of how his health was going downhill. ‘’Tell me their races’’ Lan Xichen says, uninterested.

 ‘’We have a zebra, two deer’s and three swans’’ His expression remains blank.

 ‘’Any predators?’’

 ‘’No sir, do you have one in mind? We can look for any race you have in mind!’’

 ‘’A caracal’’ he says. ‘The more feral, the better’ ’he needs someone to dominate in bed, and in life.

 ‘’that’s an interesting choice Mr. Lan. It’s quite difficult to find one nowdays. These are usually killed when they are young due to they are not exactly a predator of a big size’’ they ended up being prey for larger predators.

 ‘’Can you or not make it happen? Let me know if I need to change my distributor’’

 ‘’Of course we can sir! I’ll work on your request immediately! Be right back!’’

…

Wen Chao, from day one, knew he would never be able to seen in the same way Wen Qing and Wen Ning were, despite they weren't his father's. They were just nephew and niece, and still, his father defended them and loved them fiercely, pushing away Wen Xu and himself with no remorse.

 Few years ago Wen Xu planned something very brilliant and yet very stupid, if they could completed that mission, it would brought great pride and wealth to their family, if not, they would be ended up dead. As expected, it went wrong, Wen Xu died, and Wen Chao was sent to prison.

 He cried, and begged for his father's help, kneeling in front to him. Wen Ruohan heard him, every last word he had to say, with an endless patience but no empathy or true concern seen on his face. ''I do not longer care what happens to you, Wen Chao. You had chosen your fate this day'' He said, looking down at him, as if Wen Chao didn't deserve to be talked like a son and not like a stranger.

 ''You never cared! All you cared about were Wen Ning and Wen Qing! You never truly give a shit for us!'' Wen Chao was going to die in prison anyway, wasn't he? If he didn't have his father's protection, Wen Chao was most likely dead.

 ''That's correct'' Wen Ruohan said with no shame. ''I never cared''

 ''What have I done to deserve this? I always obeyed you until this day! I was your heir as much as they were but we were never treated the same!''

 ''It's not entirely your fault'' Wen Ruohan found himself being genuine that night. ''It's more my fault'' He confessed, sitting down, much to Wen Chao's confussion.

 ''I… I do not understand, father… Please, let me know how can I fix this? How can I earn your favor back?'''

 ''The thing is, Wen chao, that you never had it before, and it's not your fault, it was mine, for choosing that mother for you. The only way you could fix this is if you were to be born again, from the one I love the most in this world''

 And then Wen Chao understood. He loved Wen Ning and Wen Qing because they were children of Wen Ruohan's beloved sister. And he would had love him and Wen Xu if they were sons of the crane painted on his room, his one true love, a man they had never met before but that everyone knew had stolen Wen Ruohan's heart since they were children. ''It's not personal, not much… '' Wen Ruohan stood up. ''I'll be giving you Zhao Zhuliu for your protection, but that will be my last favor to you, none of you were children of mine.''

 And with that, Wen Chao was given to the police by Wen Ruohan himself, as he promised, no further help was provided after their last encounter. If he had only been born from a different mother, he thought for a long time.

 If only Lan Qiren had been his mother, if that had been the case, Wen Ruohan would had protected him even from the wind, because if there was anything that his father loved in this world more than anything, apart from his cousins, was Lan Qiren.

 Lan Qiren. The crane, probably the last of his kind, a man that had rejected his father's proposal, and had stood firmly in order to protect the Lan's legacy. The Lans, there were another of his father's weakness. ''Those are good leaders'' He remembered him saying to Wen Qing. ''Such a good boys those ones, raised to perfection, educated to reach only but greatness'' Even people that weren't related to them were stealing his father's heart too.

 At his own way, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were protected during their most vulnerable years, from afar Wen Ruohan made sure no harm came to them, of course that it infuriated him Wen Chao to unimaginable limits, Wen Ruohan chose half the world before even thinking about the children that were his flesh and blood and were brought here only for a personal fancy of his.

 Wen Chao gives the Wen Residence a good luck. It will be a matter of time, his father will commit a mistake, he’ll see Lan Qiren’s precious head leaving the mansion, or at least through one of the windows his father so desperately sealed. A shot to the head will be more than enough.

 He can’t make his father love him, however, what indeed he can do, it’s making him suffer as much as he has suffered. He will start with Lan Qiren first. In the beginning he thought on keeping him and killing last, it will be the cherry on top after annihilating the Lans and his own cousins! But Wen Chao finds himself unable to wait until that occurrence, it may put his father in alert as well.

 What he can do now was taking advantage on the Lans siblings now that they were crossed with each other and separated. Together they were practically invincible, but now? Man! It would be so easy. The so perfect men his father praised so much, they will end in such a stupid way, it would be pathetic just to remember.

…

It turns out they were located in a secluded little village in Italy. The recent purchased property it’s under Jin Zixuan’s name, thankfully, it made it easier to track them down this way.

 Mian-Mian, as a desperate act of redemption (and a way to get them closer to recovering Wei Wuxian, the pups and in consequence her boss civil temperament), Mian-Mian is able to provided him with the information used to leave the country.

 He learned his children’s name and cannot describe the anger he feels when he sees a Jiang last name instead of the Lan, as it was supposed to. These were his children, Wei Wuxian did not make them by himself, didn’t he? They made them together, with love, passion and a hundred of misunderstanding that put them on this situation, sure, but they were his. ‘’Repeat the name my brother in law used to travel’’ He’s may be a lil too drunk but his thoughts are partially cleared.

 ‘’Jin Shao’’ Mian-Mian answers the second she’s asked.

 ‘’Have you found real information related to his name?’’

 ‘’Not much sir’’

 ‘’That’s to say, if someone reported he had used fraudulent information to enter the country, he could be deported or face legal charges for said fraudulent documentation?’’ Mian Mian stiffens in her place.

 ‘’Sir…?’’

 ‘Yes or no’’ He pressures.

 ‘’Well, yes, technically’’

 ‘’Why technically?’’

 ‘’You said it yourself. He’s your brother in law. Mr. Wei’s brother, he… he would be incredible upset if anything happened to him. It was not precisely easy to get him out the prison on the first place’’ Fuck what Wei Wuxian will feel. He could have it all but threw everything out the window the moment he betrayed him and decided to side with his family and abandoned him.

 What has his family done for him anyway? They used him. His body was a tool passed around disgusting people, all for the sake of his siblings survival. They were nothing but chains that kept Wei Wuxian tied to degradation, pain, danger, and rape. That’s all they had done.

 Now, Wei Wuxian had the damn balls to just forget what Lan Zhan had done for him. He took him out of brothel, gave him a place to live, covered all his basic needs and more. Help covering his sister’s hospital bills and releasing his brother out of prison, for the solely reason to make him happy.

 Fine, it seems making him happy was no longer a priority.

With another word, he leaves Mian’Mian behind in the room. She can feel the tension still there after her boss leaves and can’t help but shudder. Fuck.

…

It takes a lot of pain and effort, but eventually Wei ying is able to stand for himself. With unsheared tears on his eyes, he takes a deep breath and holds onto the wall. All his children are sleeping on separate cribs but stick to each other. ‘’Where’s a damn phone?’’ He thinks aloud but not enough to disturb the sleeping lil things.

 ‘’Damn it!’’ He whispers between his anger and pain. Jiang Cheng has the mania of taking away any cellphone or communication device. Which he knows he’s doing for his own sake, the less he knows about any news, the best. But fucking hell, right now he really needs to make this call.

 He’s still angry okay? He’s fuming. Lan Wangji was jealous and possessive, never let him out of his sight and Wei Wuxian more or less accepted him, but he could have a harem still when he promised to take them away? How does he expect him to be happy about it!

 Lan Wangji creates a lot of rules but those same rules do not apply to him. It isn’t fair. He was there, playing housewife and he was doing who knows what with a mansion full of men and women who used to attend his sexual needs. It’s that fair? Of course, it is not! He has the right to not be happy about it!

 Wei Wuxian finds himself that no matter what happened, he may forgive the tiger. Call it love or stupidity, they were the same. He sees his children again, and thinks… they do not deserve to see an eternal fight between their parents, but they do not deserve to see their mother humiliated.

 ‘’Sometimes dying it’s just easier’’ with great difficulty, he sits back on the bed, holding his lower back. It he just ended it all, his children wouldn’t ever know about his past.

 Calm down, Wei Wuxian, calm down.

 I had crossed one a thousand hells.

 My end can’t be like this.

 He passes a hand around his face, frustrated. He needs to apologize, doesn’t he? Lan Wangji should do it too! He…! He may have overreacted, within his rights, clearly. ‘’I need him, I promised’’ Lan Wangji sacrificed too much in behalf of a nameless whore.

 The realization hits him like a splash of cold water. No, no, he need to fix this, somehow, it won’t work if he tells his siblings a word, they will take it as an anxiety episode or similar. They will listen to him and Wei Wuxian does not have the courage to speak, sunk in his own embarrassment.

…