Lan Xichen looked back and forth among the two closest to his heart. Never had he been more... distraught. Torn.

"A-Yao, Wanyin, take your seats, please, no need to stand around–"

"Doesn't matter. I'm leaving now anyway."

"Wanyin?" Lan Xichen turned to him. "Why? Why all of a sudden? Come on, just a cup of tea..."

"He will share the tea with you, won't you, MENG Yao?" Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. Meng Yao. He was simply making Meng Yao's standing clear.

Meng Yao looked into Jiang Cheng's blazing eyes.

He may call you A-Yao for some accursed reason, but don't forget where you stand. That's who you are. Meng Yao.

And of course, the emphasis on the 'Meng' was to remind him what sort his mother was...

Meng Yao grinned wider and his dimples sank deeper, his own eyes conveying back a challenge.

Yes he calls me A-Yao. I dare you to prove he sees you just as dear.

Jiang Cheng gulped.

Lan Xichen didn't really know how the two of them were conveying whatever they were through such fiery eyes but he did know he had to stop this before...

"I'm going. I've got work to do. A-Xian's gone, I'm in charge of the disciples now. Can't waste time loitering with..." he smirked. "Random bastards." Gripping Sandu tighter, but delightful that he had successfully beaten Meng Yao's hidden evil with nothing but the sharpest sass, he flipped his fringe away from his face and marched out of the inn.

"Wanyin..." Xichen swallowed hard, watching him leave.

"Er-Ge, shall we go to the Unclean Realm? Or do you want to have a drink before that?"

Lan Xichen silently walked out of the inn.

"Er-Ge? Er-GE!" Meng Yao caught up with him. "What's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing, A-Yao," Lan Xichen shook his head, smiling quickly and walking with him towards the Unclean Realm. 

**********

"Jiang-xiong! Jiang-xiong!"

"Nie-xiong?" Jiang Cheng spun around to see Nie Huaisang running to him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing! Meng Yao just left my training to get Er-Ge and I felt bored so here I am! I met Er-Ge on the way, told him I was going out."

"Don't talk to me about that bastard," Jiang Cheng clenched his sword and walked faster.

Nie Huaisang scurried to catch up. "Jiang-xiong, since when is Er-Ge a bastard to you?"

Though Jiang Cheng wasn't sure exactly which of the two he really meant anymore, he corrected Huaisang. "I meant that blasted Yao."

"Oh, I see. San-Ge's good, really. Just... I don't know... something queer about him. But never mind, I won't talk if you don't want me to."

"Well? Whatcha doing here?"

"You know you said you're going to help Wei-xiong with the night hunt? I thought I'll join you!"

"Great!" Jiang Cheng nodded. "Then let's get going."

"Sure!" 

**********

Wei Wuxian sauntered through the woods, searching for the said living corpses. He had caught scent of a terrible stench and so he began walking in the direction of the odour. Coming to clearing that reeked of corpse poisoning, he smirked and looked around. "Right. They'll have to pass through here to get to the village. The village nearby is just a few hundred metres to the left. Which means..." he pointed Chenqing to the right of the clearing. "They'll come from here." He delved into his sleeves and brought out a cloth he had brought along and tied it around his face, covering his nose and mouth in a makeshift mask. Fishing out ten talisman sheets and gripping them between two fingers, he steadied himself, ready for the incoming onslaught.

Because it came in merely five seconds.

Crash! Crumble! The trees around were slammed against thick, rotten bodies of walking corpses that came stumbling into the clearing.

Zing! All ten talismans shot out at the army of thirty corpses, slamming accurately on eight of them. Eight bodies fell to the ground, shattering into dust. Wei Wuxian sent off five fire talismans with a flourish of his hand, striking all five perfectly and smirking as the five bodies burnt into ashes.

Thirteen down... Wei Wuxian counted. Seventeen to go. Tsk, not even half, he grumbled and flung Suibian at those hurling towards him at top speed. Slash! He swung his sword through the rags and the rotting thick skin, cutting through the black lines all over their necks, chopping them apart. By the time it was done, only the slower, weaker ones were left. Which numbered only eight. 

These ones are shaky, he nodded to himself and tucked Suibian into his belt. Without wasting a moment, he pulled out Chenqing. Keeping his black spiritual flute to his lips, he blew on a few notes from Rest that he remembered from his husband practising occasionally. Under the spell cast by the melody, the eight corpses came to a standstill. Slowly, one by one, each slumped to the ground.

Grinning, Wei Wuxian sliced the air with Suibian, sending out a bright wave of his stronger Divergent energy. A bright vermilion wave swept through the stratosphere, slitting the corpses up, letting them explode into soot under the glare of the extra-powerful spiritual energy.

"Ha! Done and dusted, literally so," Wei Wuxian smiled smugly and dusted his hands. "Silly Lan Zhan, thinking I can't handle a few corpses on my own," he chuckled and walked away from the clearing. Chenqing oscillating in his fingers, he sauntered through the forest.

Come to think of it, the way Lan Zhan put it there must have been way more corpses, he contemplated, removing the cloth on his face and tucking it into his robes. And the stench was too strong for thirty... strange... he knotted his brows in thought.

"WHO'S THERE?" He shouted into the forest, sensing uninvited eyes on him. Hearing a rustle in the thicket, he turned to face the approaching creature.

He frowned, listening to the sound of the thing or person or whatever it was coming at him. And then he got a swift whiff. A wondrous aroma of... of... something he couldn't quite place in his perturbed mind...

But he did know one thing.

That sweet aroma... was a fragrance so dear to his heart...

"Lan Zhan?"

The man stepped out into the spotlight, black and red-flaming robes flapping, crimson mandalas on his mask glistening in the darkness.

"He– Heiguang-Jun!"

"Gongzi," Heiguang-Jun bowed low to him, long, loose hair falling over his shoulders. "We meet again." 

"I KNEW you were here! Was it you who dealt with the rest of the corpses?" Wei Wuxian asked, skipping with excitement.

"Up to you, you can give it a guess," Heiguang-Jun winked at him. 

Wei Wuxian blushed under the moonlight and looked away, lips pursed, fingers fiddling with Chenqing's tassel. This beguiling Dark Knight pal of his never failed to make him as shy as a lost damsel, his foolish heart fluttering like a butterfly flying amid spring blossoms.

Foolish. Yes, that's what his heart was. If only the heart would listen to the mind...

Whether it was him being unable to physically bind to Lan Zhan...

Or whether it was him being unable to fall in love with another man while he was married already...

Just why wouldn't his stupid heart listen?

"Gongzi? Gongzi? Are you alright?"

"I... Yes... Yes, I'm fine."

"You seemed far away..."

"Oh, er... n– nothing. Heiguang-Jun... Thank you for getting rid of the corpses."

"Aish, I didn't say it was me!"

"Ah? But you said..."

"I said guess. Doesn't mean it was me."

"Then who?"

"Hm," Heiguang-Jun crossed his arms, grinning cheekily. "Who do you think is capable of getting rid of two armies of corpses, fifty in each? Leaving only the thirty you death with?"

"That's fighting a hundred corpses! And... killed seventy? Who... How come it's not Heiguang-Jun? Oh, is it Xichen-ge?"

Heiguang-Jun's exasperation was hidden behind his mask. "Don't think your husband is capable of it?"

"Ah, whoever you are, even you know about it? Wait, so you know me?"

"White Lotus in the Yunmeng Lotus Trio. Head Disciple Jiang."

"Oh... Well, Lan Zhan said he's on night duty. So it can't be him, he's busy."

"I see..." Heiguang-Jun nodded and looked away. "It's dangerous to be out on your own..."

"Heiguang-Jun, best joke you've mad all night. You go out every night all alone, why can't I? I'm assuming we're approximately the same age, though you sound older...?"

Heiguang-Jun didn't answer.

Wei Wuxian sighed. "It's fine, no need to reveal anything. Ey right! Heiguang-Jun, how was the chocolate?"

The Dark Knight's ears perked up. "From where did you get it?" He questioned.

"Er... from a friend."

"A friend? Really?"

"Really, though, well, he's actually my husband by arrangement now... why do you ask? Was there something wrong?"

"Mn."

Snap! Wei Wuxian felt like something crackled in him. That 'Mn'... Lan Zhan... 

Lan Zhan must be asleep now...

All of a sudden, his heart ached to go back home. No. RUN back home.

Home?

He smiled softly to himself. Home. Yes, that's what the Jingshi was now. All it had taken was four days before the wedding and one week after it. Eleven days were all it took for him to fall in love with the place just as much as he had for its owner.

"Gongzi seems to be missing someone today? Do you miss your home with the Jiangs?"

"No... actually, it's my home at Cloud Recesses. I think I better get back, not right of me to be too late to return."

Heiguang-Jun stood there, staring at him, hazel eyes wide with shock.

"What is it, Heiguang-Jun?" Wei Wuxian asked, confused by his expression.

"Erm, no, nothing," Heiguang-Jun shook his head. "Then... take care on the way home."

"Sure. See you again!"

"See you!" The Dark Knight waved and watched him walk away, aghast, mind blown.

Even Wei Wuxian was mind blown. He had thought all along, if he had to choose between Lan Zhan and the Dark Knight, he wouldn't know what to do. But then...

All these days he had yearned and pined to see Heiguang-Jun again. But when he finally did get the chance, he simply didn't seem to be as excited as he had expected to be... he had made all sorts of plans, stay with Heiguang-Jun, chatting for hours, asking about his adventures, listening to his tales, whatever. Then arrange to meet up again and ask what his favourite chocolate was. But then... why did he leave? 

To go home?

Or because he missed Lan Zhan far more than he valued his quality time with the Dark Knight?

Wei Ying pressed his lips together and gulped. Tch. This fuddy-duddy. He's making me lovesick now.

I wish my heart had some... some bottle... something like a jar of stone or jade. Bottle it all up, hold it all back. No, Wei Wuxian, you can't let go. For his sake, for his safety.

For his sake, for his safety.

He chanted to himself as he trudged up the hill to Cloud Recesses. Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang would have to night hunt alone. He just couldn't bring himself to stay away from the Jingshi for too long. 

***********

It was pouring outside. Dripping and thundering. When Wei Wuxian returned home, he found the Jingshi empty. Sure he had wanted to come back home. Right?

Then why was his heart aching with disappointment?

Lan Zhan. Where was Lan Zhan?

Oh right... out on night duty... he sat on the bed and looked around, wondering if he should go find Lan Zhan.

Because he could not deny the fact that he missed him.

But would not him being there only make him a hindrance to Lan Zhan's duties?

Sighing at his perturbed mind, he sunk onto the pillow and cuddled up into a ball, quietly drifting off into a deep sleep. 

**********

He woke up in the morning to find mud on the doorstep. Not his, because the rain began after he returned. Oh dear, Lan Zhan got wet? He quickly washed, dressed up, had the tea and breakfast Lan Zhan had left for him and ran out to find him.

"Lan Zhan!" He burst into the study.

"Wei Ying?" Lan Zhan looked up. Seemingly, Wei Ying did not notice Lan Xichen seated with Lan Wangji, some important discussion having been interrupted.

"Lan Zhan, goodness that mud! Did you get wet last night?"

Lan Wangji's eyes swelled and he tried pointing to his brother with his pupils.

Not that Wei Wuxian even realised.

"Lan Zhan, you didn't even have an umbrella with you? You could have taken shelter at the hall or something nearby, not walked all the way up the hill to the Jingshi! I don't mind the threshold being covered in mud, just that you'll fall ill, you idiot! Did you catch a cold?"

Lan Zhan begged with his eyes to keep shut.

"Speak! Did you–"

"Achoo!"

"See? SEE?" Wei Wuxian glared at him and placed his palm on his forehead. "That's it, you're coming home. Fever, cold, you need rest, not more work."

Lan Wangji protested when Wei Wuxian pulled him up by the arm. "But–"

"No, silly! You're coming home. I'm calling the healer and you can't stop me. I'll tell Shifu you took up the night shift so you deserve a morning break."

Lan Wangji felt a shocking spark of dread shooting down his spine. He gulped and ignored his brother's confused gaze, letting the oblivious Wei Ying drag him out of the room.

Night shift? When? Last night? But... I thought I put the other senior boy on night duty. Wangji wasn't there when I checked. Then... what's Wuxian talking about? Lan Xichen frowned. Something's going on... 

**********

"Lan Zhan, I'll go bring in the lunch?"

"Mn."

Wei Wuxian nodded and walked to the door. Seeing that Lan Wangji was at ease reading a book on music while he rested on a cushion at their study table inside the Jingshi, Wei Wuxian felt relieved he was doing well. The doctor had left a brew to take for three days, twice a day: after lunch and after dinner. For the moment, Lan Wangji was well.

Wei Wuxian shut the door behind him and chuckled when he heard a muffled sneeze. He walked to the kitchen, chatted with the cook while she arranged the lunch tray and took it with a bow. He sauntered back across the compound, headed for the Jingshi.

"Gongzi! Gongzi!" A young and bubbly voice cheered from past the gates. A little boy of three tucked a Jade Token he cherished into the only pocket in his dusty blue robes and ran to Wei Wuxian, waving his hands with glee.

Wei Wuxian was even happier. "It's you!"

The little boy from before at Caiyi Town beamed at him and hugged his leg. "I missed Gongzi!"

"Aww really? You got to meet Lan Zhan?"

"Qian-gege? Yes, every week!"

"Week!" Wei Wuxian smiled.

"Yes. Once a week I come to see Qian-gege."

"But don't you need food everyday?"

"Qian-gege arranged for the dumplings Auntie to give me and Mama a share every day."

Wei Wuxian ogled in awe. "I see," he smiled tenderly. Who'd have thought you'll grow to be so caring, Lan Zhan?

"So you came for?"

"To see Qian-gege! Just for fun," he grinned cheekily. 

"Haha! Okay then, we'll go to our place. Have you had lunch? Where's your Mama?"

"Mama's asleep with the medicine. I didn't eat yet..."

"How about you have lunch with us, hm?"

"YAY!"

He held onto Wei Wuxian's black robes and scurried to catch up with the strides of Wei Wuxian's long legs. Once they arrived at the Jingshi, Wei Wuxian bumped his elbow on the door. "Lan Zhan! Open up!"

The doors slid open and Lan Wangji stared, stunned to see them together. Both smiling so widely, so brightly at him. Both like unrivalled beams of sunshine. He nodded and let them both in, took the tray from Wei Ying's hands and placed it on the main table. He pulled up a third cushion for the boy, but the fellow plopped down on his own lap.

"Hey? Am I seeing things? Or is a toddler actually sitting on the pure Hanguang-Jun's lap?"

"I always sit here..." the boy pouted.

"Why don't you come here, then?" Wei Wuxian patted his own knees.

Lan Wangji nudged the child lightly in the waist and he happily crawled over to Wei Wuxian's lap.

While the three ate, Wei Wuxian gently questioned him.

"Why do you call him Qian-gege?"

"Because he's a rich gege!"

"Hahahaha, not denying it, but what made you...?"

"He buys Mama medicine, and gets us food, and see?" He pointed to his robes. "Qian-gege gave these!"

"You need a new set, those are dusty," Lan Wangji mumbled quietly, avoiding Wei Wuxian's grin.

"So, exactly where is your home? I'd love to come visit."

"It's a hut close to the edge of town, Gongzi." 

"I'll take you," Lan Zhan nodded.

"Thanks, Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying beamed at him. "And you, little one, don't call me Gongzi. My name's Wei Wuxian."

"Xian-gege!"

"Hahahaha! Alright, then! Ey, come to think of it, what is your name? I can't believe I haven't asked yet!"

"Yuan. Zhen Yuan."

"Zhen Yuan? I see..."

"A-Yuan, the plate will fall," Lan Zhan reached across the table and pushed the plate away from the edge.

"A-Yuan? Then I'll call you A-Yuan too."

"Okie!" Zhen Yuan beamed at him and looked back down at the dish of food.

Wei Wuxian felt something troubling his mind and kept muttering the name under his breath. "Zhen Yuan........... Zhen Yuan............ Zhen............. Yuan...... Zhen... Ah! ZHEN?"

"Yes, Xian-gege, why?" The boy looked at him, eyes wide.

"Lan Zhan, his surname is ZHEN!"

"Wei Ying, there can be many families with the same surname."

"But but! Argh, well... you've got a point. But a boy named Zhen in Gusu? So close to Cloud Recesses, too?"

"Wei Ying..." Lan Wangji ignored him, shook his head and returned to his meal.

"A-Yuan, I've a question for you. What's your father's name?"

"Baba... Zhen Liufeng."

Lan Zhan nearly choked on his glass of water. "L– Liufeng?"

"Do Qian-gege and Xian-gege know Baba?"

"We do," Wei Wuxian smiled. "Or so I think? Lan Zhan?" 

"Zhen Liufeng..." Lan Zhan mumbled. He quietly stood and walked to his bookshelf, searching for a book. Picking up the right one, he returned to his seat and flipped to the last page, handing it to Wei Wuxian to read.

"Ey, a manuscript book? This song..." Wei Wuxian smiled and read through the notation, humming as best as he could to the written melody. "It's poignant... but beautiful."

"Read the note."

Wei Wuxian found a little note added to the bottom in beautiful calligraphic writing.

In memory of he who my heart truly loves. He who I yearn to see one last time. May his life be prosperous and bright...

Didi, I wish that you are happy wherever you are.

To my baby brother, Liufeng.

"Liufeng!" Wei Wuxian snapped his fingers. "I knew it! Madam Lan's maiden name was Zhen Liuhua. Zhen Liuhua's younger brother was Zhen Liufeng! A-Yuan, you're Lan Zhan's first cousin brother!" 

____________________________________________________

A/N: SO I did say I'll be giving a twist to A-Yuan's character here. 

1. Not a Wen. Less complications. 

2. Hahahaha! The blood connection! See what I did here? The WangXian son is officially one of Lan Wangji's own blood 😉