Mmmh...

Pain.

My chest...

It hurts...

Ugh... who tied this goddamned rope?

...Hurts...It hurts...

A shrill whistle.

"Master," the ghosts bowed.

"Kill... them all..."

"Understood."

Screams... wails... whooshing of black smoke... cracks of wrung necks...

Two silhouettes screeching.

"Blow the place up and let's get out of here!"

"The ladder's been destroyed by the ghouls!"

"We'll fly our way up."

SWOOSH-

Amber... scarlet... black smoke... grey ashes... such a deadly vibrance...

Fire.

"Grrrrr."

Bloodshot eyes of a bloodhound.

Dog... no... don't bite me... Shijie... A-Cheng... ZhanZhan... It's a dog... Help... Someone... 

P...Please...

Where are you guys?

Crackle- crackle.

Fire.

"Wei Ying!"

Coming nearer.

"Wei Ying, get up!"

And nearer...

"A-Ying!" 

Zap! The fire vanished. Wei Ying felt himself falling... the ropes and chains shattering as a brilliant sword slashed through them.

Bi... chen?

Arms picked him up ever-so dearly and he barely saw the glint of panicking golden eyes through the fire and smoke — before his world went black.

...

"A-Ying?"

Lan Wangji shook his husband, catching him as Wei Wuxian's body went lax onto his arms as he fainted. He was writhing and crying in his sleep a minute ago... a nightmare? What happened to him? 

"A-Ying?"

Not good.

Lan Zhan summoned whatever Divergent energy he had left and smashed the turquoise burst at the metal door of the cell.

"Hanguang-Jun, what's the commotion?" A Lan guard came running to his help.

"A-Ying. He's unconscious. Can I at least get a doctor?"

"No need," a voice called from nearby. Lan Zi'er appeared and she shook her head. "We just got orders to release you both, Hanguang-Jun. You," she pointed to the boy. "Carry Wei Gongzi to the doctor."

"But shijie, Hanguang-Jun needs medicine too–"

"I'll bring Hanguang-Jun; don't let him carry Wei Gongzi, he's injured himself."

"Oh, right," the boy nodded, happily opened the cell, picked Wei Wuxian up as best as he could and ran to the Lan doctor's hall.

"Hanguang-Jun, come with me."

"Thank you, Zi'er."

Lan Zi'er blinked. Since when did Lan Wangji thank people? Wow. Wei Gongzi... truly must be one influential husband.

"Orders to release us?" Lan Zhan asked as he limped beside Lan Zi'er, refusing to let a girl help him walk.

"Yes, Hanguang-Jun. Chief Cultivator just woke up." 

**********

Head throbbing with the medicine's effects, Lan Xichen had to squint and blink quite a dozen times before he could finally see daylight clearly. He looked up at the ceiling, satisfied to find the familiar roof of their doctor's special ward. Ah, so I'm alive. Guess I just fainted back at the forest...

He shut his eyes, wondering what on earth had happened. He could vaguely remember hearing Jin Zixuan ordering the Jins to chase Wen Xu and the Lans capturing Meng Yao and... ah yes... Wangji ran off to get Wuxian.

And then I fainted...

Seriously? What a Chief Cultivator. Can't I even tolerate a fight like that?

A searing pain shooting across his bandaged back reminded him of what the matter at hand was.

Ah right. The whiplashes. No doubt they made me weak...

If Wangji went to get Wuxian... how did I get here? Lan Xichen furrowed his brows in thought and pressed his palms onto the bedding, trying to push himself up.

But something heavy on his waist prevented him from moving. His body moved an inch and the something shook a bit before going back to sleep.

With every slight movement of his, a little silver bell hanging from a purple belt dangled and tinkled. 

"Wanyin?" Xichen mumbled. He couldn't help but smile warmly when he saw Jiang Cheng fallen fast asleep on his chest. I wonder how many days he's stayed up for me...

He reached out and grabbed the Jiang Clarity Bell, shaking it stiffly like a wake-up alarm.

A soft groan...

"Ahem, mind waking up a bit? Bit thirsty, I am."

Jiang Wanyin sat up straight and had brought a cup of water up to his face in a flash. "S– Sorry about that," he crimsoned and looked down.

Gulp, gulp. "Ahh, fresh water. Thanks."

"You finally woke up."

"Thought I was dead?" Xichen grinned.

"Nah, you ain't that weak. Wait, let me get the doc– OUCH!" Jiang Cheng blinked, flushing and heating up to find himself lying on top of the 'fatigued patient'. "Lan Xichen, let go of me!"

"Oh come on, I didn't pull you that harshly!"

"My wrist is sprained, you idiot!"

"Oh? Sorry, didn't know," he loosened his grip on the wrist and stroked the red skin with his thumb. "It's swollen? You didn't even get it treated?"

"Tsk. Was busy."

"Staring at my face, I suppose?"

"Said who!" Jiang Cheng squirmed to get off the bed in case someone came into the ward.

"What else made you fall asleep without knowing, right on my chest, hm?" Lan Xichen was smirking so merrily he barely seemed to be weak at all!

"I... that was... ugh, forget it. But I wasn't staring at your stupid face, I was treating your wounds."

The smirk wiped itself off and a gentle smile took its place. "I see. So you do still care for me."

"I... about that," Jiang Cheng gulped and sighed, giving up with the squirming and letting his body rest on Lan Huan's. "Erm... this... er... Ahem. I told that bastard to take care of you. And that the only reason I'm leaving you alone with him is if he promises to take good care of you. He promised and I thought you were safe with him so..."

"So you left me."

"Y... yes... I... didn't hear about you being whipped... even A-Xian didn't know. And then that bastard actually almost slit your throat... I'm... I'm just a fool. An idiotic rascal who didn't see the danger coming and put you at risk, I'm so sorry..."

"What?" Lan Xichen quickly sat up and made Jiang Cheng sit beside him. He whimpered, realising the pain in his back was really too much, and let his body slump back flat onto the bed again. He wouldn't be able to sit up for a quite a while. "Ugh... this hurts. But Wanyin, what are you saying?"

"Your back hurts? The whips... Shifu, Meng Yao... It's all my fault."

Drip.

Drip.

Drip.........

Xichen removed the wet cloth on his forehead and scrubbed it all over Jiang Cheng's face. "Never have I seen a Jiang cry like this," he chuckled. "Wanyin, don't cry, please. Neither you nor I suspected Yao to that extent. To poison Zixuan... frame Zixun... kill Yanli and endanger a child who isn't even born yet... and burn Wuxian... who'd have thought? So just... don't cry. You weren't not there for me, you know? You still saved me at the forest."

Sniff!

"Haha."

"You're LAUGHING?"

"Sorry, you just remind me of a guilty puppy right now."

"Ugh, first A-Xian says I looked like a lost puppy, now you TOO?" Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. 

"Oh come on, I was joking!" Lan Huan stifled his laughter and beamed. "So? Did you get this poor and tired patient some chocolate?"

"Doctor told A-Jie that you were down with a fever so no chocolate. But you have this," Jiang Cheng snickered as he held up a bowl full of green fragrant mush.

"NO!" Lan Xichen whined.

"Yes. Now drink," he shoved the bowl of herbal medicine into Xichen's hands.

"I'm still weak, you know."

"You can bat your lashes all you want but I won't feed you. Drink up."

"I can't sit up, my back hurts too much." Lan Xichen pursed his lips: he detested mentioning the whips, knowing they only served to make Wanyin guiltier. 

With a sigh, Jiang Wanyin slung an arm underneath the other's neck and tilted Xichen's head up a few inches, before tipping the bowl's contents into his mouth. Xichen winced, swallowing the bitterness in one go. The instant he removed the bowl from his lips, a round lump of lush sweetness was popped into his mouth.

"Caramel chocolate. Because A-Jie warned the medicine will be bitter."

Xichen beamed with glee, lolling his tongue around the sweet. "I knew you'd get me chocolate."

"Also..."

Lan Xichen raised his eyebrows, watching the thin fingers twirling and unfurling nervously around the tassel of the Clarity Bell. "Erm... the whips... what happened?"

"Eh?" 

"I know you got whipped... but neither of us know why..." 

"Guess only Wangji knew so far. That's a plus point, I guess." 

"Well? What happened?" 

"Ah, nothing much." Xichen shook his head. "Just-that-Shufu-was-mad-at-me-for-loving-a-man-who-was-also-a-Jiang-sect-heir-so-it-was-doomed-to-be-impossible-but-more-because-you-were-a-man-and-he-never-was-a-fan-of-unorthodox-stuff... or something like that." He waved his hand nonchalantly, holding back the grin as Jiang Cheng slowly processed the one-breath sentence and his eyes widened.

"You... you-you... Shifu... you WHAT?"

"Haha! How expressive. Got any more chocolates?" 

Jiang Cheng angrily stuffed the whole bag into his hands.

Popping another into his mouth, Xichen chuckled. "Haha, I really do love you."

"Was that for the chocolate or for me?" Jiang Cheng smirked.

"Both!" He grinned and leant forth. Without a word, he grabbed Jiang Cheng by the collar and pulled him downwards onto the bed.

Jiang Wanyin gasped when their chests smacked. Xichen's breath was hot as it wafted beside his neck.

"Can I?"

A silent nod...

...and a longed-for kiss: a dream come true, a wish fulfilled at last.

Footsteps.

Jiang Cheng kicked the bed to signal the other and the two tore themselves apart, so rapid that Jiang Cheng's stool toppled backwards with him.

Lan Xichen cleared his throat to muffle the laughter and quickly fixed the blanket around himself. Turning towards the man approaching the bed, he hastily attempted to descend.

"It's fine, rest."

He nodded and inclined his head. "Shufu."

Jiang Cheng coughed and coughed until the ball of chocolate that had choked him popped back up into his mouth. Lan Xichen was having a hard time keeping up his indifferent demeanour in front of his uncle. Haha, he fell for it.

"It really does taste good," Jiang Cheng muttered under his breath, flushing red.

Lan Qiren frowned at Jiang Wanyin who stumbled back up, repositioned the chair, and stood in front of the bed. 

Right in-between Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren.

Xichen blinked. What's wrong? What is he doing?

Jiang Wanyin loured at Qiren, any respect he had for the elder hanging on a loose thread. Clenched fists, determined glare.

Lan Qiren cleared his throat with a subtle nod, asserting Jiang Wanyin's message and not approaching the bed any closer.

"Are you better now?"

"Yes, Shufu, much fitter."

"Good."

"Shufu, Wangji?"

"...Do with them as you please."

"Uh?"

Lan Qiren looked between the confused Lan Xichen and the furious Jiang Wanyin. He sighed. "I'll never understand my own nephews..." he shook his head. "I'm going. Take care of Wangji."

Lan Xichen tossed the sheets away and put his feet on the ground. "Shufu, where are you going?"

"Seclusion. Don't bother me. I need some peace."

"What? Shufu! Shufu, wait!"

As suddenly as he arrived, Lan Qiren disappeared.

"Ugh, cold..." Xichen flinched, wiggling his toes.

"Idiot, stay on the damned bed!" Jiang Cheng helped his legs up onto the bed. "You just told me your back hurt when you sat- You're burning up again?"

"I... what's wrong with Shufu?"

"Guess he's done with figuring you Jades out. He's given up for good. Hurray for that! Now lie down, please. Eh, who's this? Ah, the girl who came that day to the inn!" Jiang Cheng nodded cordially to the lady who rushed into the hall.

"Greetings, Jiang Gongzi. Chief Cultivator, you've woken up."

"Zi'er," Xichen nodded, relaxing against the pillow. "Any news?"

"Shifu is going into seclusion but I believe he told you. Also, Chief Cultivator, the little one was looking for you."

"Sizhui?"

"Yes," Lan Zi'er smiled to herself and nodded towards Jiang Wanyin. "Jiang Guniang and Jin Gongzi are having a tough time keeping him away from the prison..."

"PRISON?" Both shrieked.

"Shifu didn't tell about that?" She blinked.

"Shufu told me to do as I please with Wangji... Zi'er, where's my brother?"

"He was being whipped earlier and A-Xian ran to find him... where's A-Xian?" Jiang Cheng asked.

Lan Xichen had already put his feet back down on the cold floor.

"Oh for God's sake, stay put!" Jiang Cheng shoved him back.

Lan Zi'er shifted her gaze between the two of them, her mind a wondering mess. Exactly what power did Jiang Wanyin have to order the Chief Cultivator around? Shaking the thoughts away, she spoke, "Both Hanguang-Jun and Wei Gongzi are in the prison cell in the Southern Tower."

Lan Xichen clenched his fist. Maybe it's a good thing Shufu left. "Release them. Now." 

**********

Jiang Yanli wiped her forehead as he sat on a chair Jiang Cheng pulled ut for her. "Thank you, A-Cheng."

"A-Li darling, you need to rest," Jin Zixuan frowned, patting her head.

"Yeah A-Jie, it's not good to tire yourself out like this."

"I'll go home when A-Xian wakes up and the little one's safe."

Zixuan nodded, agreeing to the condition.

"Ahhh, at last!" Jiang Cheng shook his head and walked forth. "Lan Wangji, you woke up."

"Mn," Lan Zhan nodded, glad to have gotten some rest. "A-Ying?"

"Right next to you," Jin Zixuan pointed.

He turned to his right to find Wei Wuxian sound asleep.

"Good morning, Wangji."

"Xiongzhang!" Lan Zhan smiled.

Lan Xichen smiled back. "Oh, Shufu went into seclusion, by the way."

"Mn," Wangji nodded his acknowledgement.

"I guess it's a good thing. Shifu needs to cool down," Nie Huaisang mumbled from beside Wei Wuxian's bed.

"Psst. A-Yuan. Hey, wake up, your Baba woke up," Yanli shook the boy dozing on her lap gently.

"Mmhmm?"

"Sizhui," Lan Zhan called, sitting up.

"BABA!" He ran towards the bed, whimpering because he was too small to jump onto it. Jin Zixuan laughed and helped him up, and Weilan Yuan hopped onto Lan Wangji's lap. "Baba is back!"

"I didn't go anywhere," he stroked his head. "You stayed well here?"

"Xihua gugu gave me lots of candy!"

"Mn, Jingyi has kind parents. You didn't eat too much?"

"Nope! Or Baba will feed me veggies as punishment."

The adults laughed at his petulant words.

"Baba, Diedie..." he pointed.

Lan Wangji turned to see Wei Wuxian flinching in his sleep.

Again.

"Wei-xiong!" Nie Huaisang shook him. "Wei-xiong! Wake up, oi!"

"You go wake him up," Lan Zhan nudged his son. Weilan Sizhui made grabby hands at Jin Zixuan who snickered and carried him over to Wei Wuxian's bed.

Weilan Yuan beamed cheekily and bent down to his father's ear. "WOOF!"

Wei Wuxian woke up screaming in terror.

The doctor ran in, crying "Goodness, what's going on?"

"I... Diedie... did I scare you that bad? S– sorry..."

Wei Ying pinched his eyes for a bit before hugging his son. "A-Yuan, no sorries. Really, I'm fine. Diedie was just a bit tired. Erm... just one thing. No more barking in my ear, yes? My fear of dogs... just got doubled, sweetheart."

"Oh... sorry... I won't do it again!" He held up three fingers solemnly.

"Hahaha!" Wei Ying chuckled. "Sorry, Doctor, didn't mean to frighten you."

The doctor shook his head and took their temperatures. "Mn, not bad. Sect Leader is good to go, but the two of you better stay here for one more day."

"Mn," Lan Zhan nodded.

"Finally!" Xichen hopped down from the bed. "Thank you, doctor."

"Where do you think you're running off to?" 

"Erm... doctor..." 

"Sect Leader, please. I only meant the fever's gone down. Don't pretend like your back isn't still hurting." 

Lan Xichen bit his lip. He really did want to be up and running again but... 

Yep. Wanyin's glaring. "Fine, fine," he sighed and plopped back down on the bed, wincing at the pain. 

"Doctor, will it take long for the whip wounds to heal for these three?" Jiang Yanli asked. 

"Yes, I'm afraid so. Lan Wangji has twelve, Wei Wuxian two, but Sect Leader has twenty-one. I expect Wei Gongzi to be fit to walk by tomorrow, seeing as he's... erm..." 

Wei Wuxian laughed. "I get what you mean, Doc, I'm used to being whipped. This won't take too long." 

"Er... y– yes, that. Ahem. As for Lan Wangji and Sect Leader... I suggest Wei Gongzi take Lan Wangji to the Jingshi tomorrow. You can treat him. And Sect Leader can head to the Hanshi today seeing as you're impatient. It will take long for them both, but could be as early as four months if they goes to the Springs every day." 

"FOUR MONTHS?" The entire gang shrieked. 

The old man nodded and returned to his office, rubbing the side of his head with a sigh.

"Zixuan, will you take Yanli-mei home? Or Madam Yu will flog us all if she finds out we've been tiring her out so much."

"Right," Jin Zixuan nodded. "Huaisang, you coming?"

Nie Huaisang looked at his friend. He bent down and whispered, "Well then, Ghost Master, I'll take my leave. And I promise, not a soul will know."

"Thank you. Though I can't say the same about you and Mianmian... the whole world might know by next morning." 

"Wei-xiong!" Nie Huaisang hid behind his fan and scurried away.

"What's this about my sister?"

"N– n– nothing!" Huaisang pushed Zixuan towards the door. "Jiang-xiong, Yanli-jie, come on, let's go!"

"I'll see you off," Xichen called. 

"NO. YOU stay PUT." 

"Wanyin... Doctor said I can go home!" 

"He said you and Lan Wangji are both bed-ridden so you are going to BEDREST at home. No walking around." 

"Well... I'll see them off and then you can take me to the Hanshi," Xichen smiled happily at his excellently balanced suggestion. 

Jiang Cheng was done with his whining. "I ain't taking you nowhere. You stay here, we know well enough where the gates are." 

"You're not the boss of me," Xichen shrugged and forced himself up onto his feet. He gritted his teeth to ignore the pain and wagged his finger at Weilan Yuan. "A-Yuan stay here. Wait, Wanyin's going home too?"

"Excuse me? What do you expect?" 

"You want him to stay?" Jiang Yanli laughed lightly.

"I... erm... I– I have a ribbon of his to return... it's in the Hanshi so..."

Nie Huaisang coughed. "Excuse me? How did you tear off Jiang-xiong's ribbon? And it's in your room? Jiang-xiong, how many episodes have I missed from your drama, eh?"

"What– no, that's not–"

"Ah, whatever, Jiang Cheng you stay here. I'll take A-Li and Nie-xiong home," Jin Zixuan waved.

"OI! Wait, I wanna go home too–"

"We didn't get to finish eating the chocolates, did we?" Xichen asked, resisting the grin. 

The memory of the kiss exploding in his mind, Jiang Cheng shouted, "There's a CHILD here!"

"I was talking about chocolates!"

"You only got together and you're already bickering? Goodness," shaking her head, Jiang Yanli waved quietly to Wei Wuxian and marched out of the ward.

"Ey, A-Li, wait!"

"Yanli-jie!" Huaisang scurried after them.

"Answer me. What was that about my sister?"

"Aish, nothing, really!"

"Are you two coming or NOT?"

"Coming!"

Wei Wuxian, watching the chaos unfold from his bed, glanced at Lan Wangji. Both began chuckling and Weilan Yuan burst out laughing, rolling on the bed with glee.