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Lan Xichen couldn't explain what's happening to his brother.
At first he thought that Wangji was just feeling a little sick. But time has gone by and Xichen can safely assume that that's not the issue anymore. His brother was acting as he normally did, before the new students arrived at Cloud Recesses. If Xichen had to assume it would be that one of them is actually getting on his nerves. And while looking closer to how everyone had been interacting, he would guess that this "unbearable" person would be none other than Wei Wuxian.
Over the course of the week Lan Xichen can see how the two interact. Wei Wuxian has the wit needed to agonize Lan Wangji. With how much they've been around each other, albeit it being in a more punishment setting than anything, he'd assume that they've gotten to know each other well. But apparently not enough if Wangji can't stand him still.
Xichen couldn't have even imagined how Wei Wuxian had been able to get in so much trouble in the first few days, but that might be exactly why Wangji didn't like him. But there was something else in his brothers eyes—most certainly not hate— when the two of them were together. Lan Xichen just couldn't quite place it yet. He's getting close, that he knows. Wangji had kept the bunnies Wei Wuxian had given him, even though he didn't think anyone noticed him going to go and feed them. So that must mean something, right?
There wasn't anything that could give him a good hint of what his brother is feeling, until one fateful day.
Lan Xichen had been sitting at his table working on some reports that needed to get done when there had been a knock on the door.
"Come in," Xichen said. The words slipping out of his mouth as they have many times before. The door slid open and to his shock, Lan Wangji stepped inside. When the door finally slid shut behind him, is when Xichen started talking. "Wangji, I didn't expect you to come and see me today. Is something the matter?" He openly wondered. "Nothing is wrong, Xiongzhang. I have come with the intentions of asking a question." Lan Wangji responded in kind.
"Well, if it's questions you have, I might be able to help."
"..How would you react if I said I've developed feelings for someone?"
Xichen paused for a second. What in the world is his brother asking? He couldn't help but wonder who Wangji was talking about. "Well, I'd say that as long as you are fulfilling your life happily, than it wouldn't affect how I would see you." Lan Xichen said.
"Then that will be all that I needed from you, XIongzhang." Wangji slipped out of the room as soon as the words left his mouth.
...Did his own brother just confess to like someone just to leave without even saying who. Xichen sure does have his work cut out for him. With trying to discreetly control how much trouble the newcomers can get up to. To finding out who his brother could have possibly fallen for. He couldn't even believe it. His own brother, the one that doesn't interact with many people. Has actually found someone to give his his heart.
And with Wei Wuxian around, it'd be even harder to get answers out of Wangji. With them being around each other as much as they are already.
Wait…Wangji started acting weird when the students first came to Cloud Recesses. In that crowd, the most troublesome was Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and Wei Wuxian. The last being the closest person to Lan Wangji that he's ever seen. Even if it's for a punishment, Wei Wuxian would still try and get to know Wangji in his own mischievous way.
The timeline, the gestures, that distant but there look in his eyes when near him. Hell even the random questions thrown Xichens way. Everything had started adding up right before his eyes.
His brother has been struggling with his—what Xichen can now accurately say—newly found, and realized, feelings about the very troublesome student, Wei Wuxian.
Well, this will be news for the ages.
The Cold and Stoic Second Twin Jade of Lan, Lan Wangji, who is adored by most. Fell in love with the Playful and Charismatic Wei Wuxian, who can't seem to even keep himself out of trouble the first day of arrival at the prestigious Cloud Recess. Who would even think about believing something that sounds so fake.
Guess it's only a matter of time before Xichen is asked a question about what the peoples beloved Hanguang-jun could possibly want with one of the most rebellious people known to exist.
Lan Xichen slowly stood up form where he was sitting, "Looks like I have to go confirm what I've already figured out."
As he walked out the room he made sure to even out his steps so it didn’t look like he was in a hurry. Xichen waved at the multiple passing of people.
If he were to guess where Wangji had gone, he would assume it'd be to his own bedroom. With the nearing time of Nine, that would be where he'd check first.
The more near the room Xichen got, the more he couldn't wrap his head around his thoughts. What was he supposed to say. Hey Wangji, is the person you were talking about the one you've been supervising during his punishments. That just felt dumb. Maybe he could wade it out of him. No, that'll never work the way Xichen wants it to.
While he was stuck in his thoughts Lan Xichen finally reached Wangjis door. Lan Xichen reached up to knock on the door with a closed fist and waited for a response. The words, "Come in," Flowed through the air while he came to the conclusion of what to say. As he opened the door, the scent of sandalwood that Xichen has come to associate with his brother became more clear. He expected to see Wangji getting ready for bed.
What he did find instead was his brother sitting on the floor with his head on the table that was set in the middle of the room. "…Is everything okay, Wangji?"
"Mn" Wangji so helpfully responded with. Lan Xichen sat down across from his brother. "Is this about the person from your question?" Xichen got straight to the point as to why he was here. It was never like him to beat around the bush anyway. "..Yes"
Well, at least Wangji is still deciding to respond. "Could I give a guess of who this person might be?" Xichen had to make sure he was fully correct before making his later statements. "..If you already know it, Xiongzhang, why guess?" Well if that isn't the question that'll stick with every encounter of his life, Xichen doesn't know what one will.
"Just to make sure I'm correct. But if you think I already am, than is it Wei Wuxian?" Getting the blunt question out was worth it when he got to see how his brothers ears quickly reddened the way they always did when Wangji was embarrassed. "Yes, Wei Ying is the one to have my affections." Came muffled from the space between the table and Wangjis face. "Well, if I may give my own opinion about your situation, then I'd say to tell that boy how you feel about him." Xichen announced, making sure to rise from his spot on the floor slow enough that if Wangji wanted to interject, he could without pause.
Reaching the door again came quickly, Xichen slid the door open and started to step out when he said, "Just make sure this doesn't go on too long, okay?" He didn't want to be the one to step up and confess Wangjis feelings for him. He slipped out the room and slid the door shut again.
Well, he never said he wouldn't help at all. What would his job as Wangjis brother be without a little teasing.