Chapter Text
Chapter Fourteen
Lan Xichen’s Secret
The trip back to Gusu and Cloud Recesses was wholly uneventful, first night aside. Upon learning of what happened to Wei Wuxian, Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan volunteered to look for their prime suspect, Su Minshan. Lan Xichen had gladly accepted their help, with the condition they stay with them until Wei Wuxian was safely back at Cloud Recesses. A condition the pair agreed to readily.
It was fairly obvious Xiao Xingchen had no intention of leaving his martial nephew’s side at the moment anyways. He was fretting like a mother hen, to the point even Song Lan had to pull him away from the pair. Lan Wangji’s usually passive face was getting darker and darker each time Xiao Xingchen showed concern for Wei Wuxian.
“Let them rest,” Song Lan said as he ushered his partner out of the small cabin and to the front of the boat.
Wei Wuxian laughed softly as he watched his marital uncle being marched outside. Placing his head on Lan Wangji’s shoulder he sighed happily. Having someone hover so close most of the morning was hard when all Wei Wuxian wanted to do was cuddle his husband. Sure he hadn’t exactly been shy about physical contact with Lan Wangji these last few days, but it was a bit different in such a narrow space.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji wrapped his arm around Wei Wuxian’s waist, holding him close.
“I miss you,” Wei Wuxian sighed dramatically.
“I’m right here.” He understood what the other meant though.
Days spent just lying beside each other was turning into torture. They wanted to touch not just cuddle.
“Zhan,” Wei Wuxian whispered, looking up and meeting Lan Wangji’s hungry gaze.
Wordlessly, and with swift motions, Lan Wangji moved Wei Wuxian to his lap. His moves so smooth the boat didn’t even sway. Their lips met and the world disappeared as they sought whatever small satisfaction they could get.
Wei Wuxian hissed softly as Lan Wangji nipped at his chin and down his neck. As his neck was being marked, Wei Wuxian’s hands tangled in Lan Wangji’s hair, holding him desperately in place. The small amount of pain accompanying Lan Wangji’s attentions was more than welcome. If anything Wei Wuxian craved more. He wanted to feel his man. He could definitely feel something pressing against his backside.
“Er-gege,” Wei Wuxian husked into Lan Wangji’s ear, “I can feel you pressing against him. Almost like you’re begging to be let in. I want you, so much.”
“A-Ying,” Lan Zhan sealed his husband’s lips with his own. If he continued to let him talk what little control he was holding onto was going to shatter, the others on this boat be damned.
XxXxX
Lan Xichen was no fool. He knew exactly what was going on inside the small pavilion of the boat. Judging by the blushes he saw on Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen they also realized what had started when they left the two alone.
“Um, should we stop them?” Song Lan asked.
“I value my life,” Lan Xichen smiled.
‘More than ever right now.’ His hand went to his stomach and he couldn’t help the small loving smile that appeared. He knew he’d be meeting Mingjue soon. He’d already sent word to him as soon as Wen Qing confirmed his suspicions. She’d been worried, but Lan Xichen reassured her he knew exactly what he was doing. He’d read every text his clan had on this, multiple times.
The boat rocked harshly to one side and Lan Xichen was pulled from his thoughts. Water ghouls were attacking the boats. Not many though.
With an irritated sigh, Lan Xichen summoned Shuoyue and began cutting them down.
“Everything okay?” Wei Wuxian appeared from the pavilion, Suibian already drawn. “Oh,” he said upon seeing the water ghouls, excitement in his eyes. He moved to help but was quickly told to go sit down. They didn’t need him to dispatch such a small number. The other pouted and returned to Lan Wangji with a whiny complaint that everyone ignored. Everyone except Lan Wangji who kissed his husband’s brow and placated him.
“Master Lan! Are you okay?” Meng Yao asked as his boat moved closer once the water ghouls had been taken care of.
“We are all fine,” Lan Xichen answered sheathing Shuoyue.
The fact they’d come across water ghouls so close to Caiyi town bothered him though. The water born abyss was being taken care of. Where these just lingering remnants they hadn’t cleared out last year?
As he thought Lan Xichen felt himself grow tired. Had he really used that much spiritual power? No, he knew what it was.
Promptly sitting down in the lotus position Lan Xichen focused his energy. He wasn’t far along yet so the demand for Mingjue should be lessened. Still, expelling spiritual energy was obviously going to have to be monitored.
“Lan Xichen?” Xiao Xingchen came to his side. “Are you okay?”
“Master Lan!” Meng Yao moved to their boat.
“Brother?” Lan Wangji had come out of the small covering.
“I’m fine,” Lan Xichen waved them all away.
“You’re really pale Xichen,” Wei Wuxian said coming to sit beside him. “Here, give me your wrist.”
“No!” Lan Xichen yanked his hand away. Accepting energy from anyone but Mingjue now could be disastrous. Everyone stared wide eyed in shock at the uncharacteristic outburst. “I’m sorry, but I’m truly fine.”
“Liar.” It was Nie Mingjue coming to their boat on his sword.
Lan Xichen smiled, his entire body relaxing as the other sect leader stepped onto the boat and took him in his arms. Seemed the sect leader wasn’t willing to wait for them to reach Caiyi town.
“You should at least tell your brother what’s going on,” Nie Mingjue lectured as he moved to a bench with Lan Xichen. “Give me your wrist.”
They all watched silently as Lan Xichen didn’t fight and accepted spiritual energy from the larger man.
“Wait, are you?” Xiao Xingchen gaped. “Intentionally?”
Lan Xichen’s smile grew. “We have you to thank for telling Wuxian about it. I never would’ve thought to research such stories otherwise.”
“Oh!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed loudly. “Congratulations Xichen, Nie Mingjue. When did you find out?”
“Wen Qing confirmed it for me before we left Lotus Pier.”
“Brother?” Lan Wangji was obviously worried, and not entirely certain what was going on. But of course not, he’d gotten drunk right after Xiao Xingchen told Wei Wuxian.
“I’m fine Wangji,” Lan Xichen assured his brother. “Especially now that Mingjue is here. Our baby will be fine as well.”
“Baby?” it was Meng Yao who spoke. Wei Wuxian caught sight of a twisted expression that lasted only a brief moment before it disappeared. “Forgive me, I thought Sect Leader was entertaining wedding offers?”
Nie Mingjue glared at his aid. “Where the fuck did you get that idea?”
“You’ve been disappearing without even telling me. I assumed…” He drifted off.
“I’ve been meeting Huan,” Nie Mingjue explained. “I was unware I needed to inform you of my every move.” There was a warning in his voice.
“Of course not Sect Leader,” Meng Yao bowed. “I’m deeply sorry for my insolence.”
“Brother, congratulations,” Lan Wangji said. “Congratulations, Sect Leader Nie.”
“You’re worried about what Uncle will say,” Lan Xichen said.
Lan Wangji nodded.
“He can’t say anything. Mingjue and I are already wed.”
“What?” Lan Wangji gaped, genuinely surprised.
Lan Xichen laughed. “As soon as we considered the idea, we entered the ice cave and preformed our wedding rites. After this one is born we’ll hold a formal ceremony.”
“We could’ve waited,” Nie Mingjue sounded cross, but his expression was so incredibly soft. It was bizarre to see such a loving tender look on the fierce warrior.
“Does Huaisang know?” Wei Wuxian asked.
“I told him before I left to meet Huan. With the situation confirmed we will have to split our time between the two sects.”
“No,” Lan Xichen denied. “I will go to the Unclean Realm. Wangji, I’m sorry but I will need to you handle my affairs for now. Important things can be sent to me, or Uncle can deal with it.”
“Mmn.”
Wei Wuxian watched as Nie Mingjue cradled Lan Xichen in his arms. He’d stopped giving him spiritual energy for now, but he hadn’t let go of the other man. A strange emotion circled within him as he gazed on the tender scene. When he’d heard the news that Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing were expecting he hadn’t felt like this. If anything he’d been excited for them.
What was this? There was almost a longing building up inside him.
He looked to Lan Wangji who was seated beside his brother. What if it was them? Would Lan Wangji be just as tender and accepting? Or … would Lan Wangji even want that?
His thoughts turning dark, Wei Wuxian moved away from the group and returned to the cabin. What was he thinking? When he’d first heard of the method to conceive via dual cultivation he’d only thought about how to help Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. The idea of him and Lan Wangji being able to have a child never crossed his mind.
But now, with the very real possibility before him… Wei Wuxian set his hands over his stomach.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji came in, concern in his eyes. “Is it your wound?”
Wei Wuxian looked at his perfect man. How did he get so lucky to be loved by someone like the great Hunguan-jun? He was being greedy wanting more. He already had so much.
“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji hurried to his side. “What’s wrong?” He wiped at Wei Wuxian’s face, swiping a tear aside, a tear Wei Wuxian didn’t even know he’d shed.
“Nothing, just getting lost in my own head,” Wei Wuxian admitted. “I’m happy for Xichen and Chifeng-zun. I just-“ he drifted off.
“Just?” Lan Wangji pressed.
“I just can’t help but think maybe in the future we might have one,” Wei Wuxian confessed. “I know I shouldn’t think like this. This should be their time. I can’t be selfish. I already have more than enough having you beside m-“
Lan Wangji cut off Wei Wuxian with a kiss, gentle and loving. Pulling away he set his forehead against the other’s. “We can. If that’s what Wei Ying wants.”
“What about you Zhan? Do you want a little Lan?”
“I,” Lan Wangji took a deep breath, “I’ve never thought about it. Wei Ying, unlike you I’ve never been attracted to women so I never thought I’d have the chance. Just being with A-Ying is more than I thought I’d ever have.”
“Zhan,” Wei Wuxian wrapped his arms around his husband. “You deserve everything.”
“So do you,” Lan Wangji assured Wei Wuxian. “When we’re stronger, we can revisit this.”
Wei Wuxian nodded and smiled. Lan Wangji hadn’t denied him. He’d even revealed something Wei Wuxian had never even considered. The fact Lan Wangji loved him just felt natural. He’d never bothered to think what it meant for Lan Wangji to be attracted to men. What he’d struggled with as he grew up, realizing his own desires.
Determined, Wei Wuxian promised himself to make Lan Wangji realize he didn’t have to give up anything. That they could have an open and happy marriage. And… maybe even something more.
XxXxX
Lan Xichen and Xiao Xingchen stood outside the pavilion, complicated smiles on their faces. Both had noticed Lan Wangji follow after a retreating Wei Wuxian and were worried. When they’d heard their conversation though, neither could enter.
Honestly, when Wei Wuxian had told Lan Xichen about the method to conceive between two men, he’d assumed eventually his brother and brother-in-law would also walk this path. He hadn’t realized that both of them hadn’t thought of it. Worse, Wei Wuxian seemed to be afraid of Lan Wangji rejecting him. As if that was even possible.
“I don’t think it’s impossible for them,” Xiao Xingchen confessed. “But I worry, especially with the current state of things.”
“I agree,” Lan Xichen agreed. “But, no matter what happens the Lans will support them.”
It wasn’t long before they docked at Caiyi town and found several disciples and their uncle waiting for them at the docks. The older man seemed surprised to see Nie Mingjue with them, but he made no comment.
From Caiyi town they made the trip on foot to Cloud Recesses, everyone but Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian who’d been placed in a cart pulled by two mules.
“I can walk!” Wei Wuxian complained.
“Wangji can’t,” Lan Xichen reminded him. “And if we allow you to walk, Wangji will also want to. So for his sake, stay in the cart.”
With his brother-in-law’s logical words Wei Wuxian settled down beside Lan Wangji, still pouting though.
“Shouldn’t Xichen be in the cart as well?” Wei Wuxian asked.
“I’m not so far along I need to worry about over exerting myself physically. I just need to be careful with my spiritual energy,” Lan Xichen explained.
“Xichen, are you ill?” Lan Qiren sounded genuinely concerned.
Right, he hadn’t been on the boat so he didn’t know! Wei Wuxian looked anxiously between his brother-in-law and uncle-in-law. This was going to be so entertaining!
Nie Mingjue came to Lan Xichen’s side, their hands touched before their fingers laced together.
“Uncle,” Lan Xichen smiled, “You are to be a great-uncle.” Lan Xichen’s free hand went to his stomach.
Wei Wuxian wished he had a paint brush and paper! Oh how he wanted to immortalize the image of the great and noble Lan Qiren gaping like a stunned fish as he looked between Lan Xichen’s face and his abdomen. He then glared daggers at Nie Mingjue who stood confidently beside him.
“Out of wedlock!” the elder finally shouted. “The shame!”
“We are wed,” Nie Mingjue defended.
That stunned Lan Qiren back into silence. Wei Wuxian could only imagine the pure indignation festering within the man right now. Not only Lan Wangji, his perfect nephew, but Lan Xichen had also eloped and not told him. Wei Wuxian remembered the story Lan Xichen had told him of their parents. Seemed that despite Lan Qiren’s teaching they were still their parent’s children. Both had chosen their partners and married them despite the consequences it could bring.
Lan men were truly strangely romantic.