And thus the days and months passed by. With Wei Ying's pangs of affliction recurring every few weeks, they'd go on a night hunt, make sure the juniors are safe, send them home, spend the night at the Shens' inns and return next morning in muddled up garments. Wei Ying found this routine entertaining because going to sleep AND waking up in such a romantic setting satisfied his coquettish heart excessively. And then, his loneliness disappeared as September arrived, when several visits were made. 

"Wei Wuxian! What are you doing with my nephew?" 

"A-Cheng! You're back! I thought you've forgotten us," he let go of Jin Ling, chuckling. 

"Jiujiu!" Jin Ling ran to his uncle and hugged him, making Jiang Cheng embarrassed but pleased. 

"Jin Ling, just what were you two doing?" 

"Daddy was teaching me a move, Jiujiu. I fought with Xiyi yesterday, almost lost, Suihua saved me in time. Daddy's teaching me something to make me win faster," Jin Ling beamed. 

"You fought with a girl!" Jiang Cheng looked at him with wide eyes.

"Sect Leader Jiang, I can take you on any time!" a young lady's voice shouted at him from behind Wei Wuxian. As she stepped in front, Jiang Cheng gasped. 

"Woah! Mianmian!" 

"Jiang Wanyin, we meet again," Luo Qingyang bowed with her sword in her hands. 

Jiang Cheng bowed back. "Mianmian came here..."

"Oh, Young Master Wei wanted me to help little Jin Ling with his library. It's good to hear that someone in the Jin sect cares for things like that, so I'm willing."

"Oh, I see," Jiang Cheng nodded his gratitude before turning back to Jin Ling. "Jin Ling, where's your Lan Shushu?"

"Hey, I thought you came to see me! Remember me? Oh, I'm your brother!" 

"Oh shut up, brother," Jiang Cheng put his tongue out at him and the two had a making-faces contest until the two Jades walked in.

"Wanyin! When did you come?" 

Jiang Cheng quickly made his hair, then stopped halfway wondering what the hell he was doing, before clearing his throat. "A while ago. Xichen, Lan Wangji, hello."

"Mn." Lan Zhan nodded and walked to stand beside Wei Ying, taking his hand because Mianmian was standing right next to his husband. 

Lan Xichen walked straight on towards Jiang Cheng, arms opened wide. 

What? He's coming to hug me? A deep crimson diffused across Jiang Cheng's face as he stood there, flabbergasted and yet unwilling to move. "Xi... Xichen, the hell do you think you're–"

"My little angel!" 

"Huh?" 

Xichen snatched Meilien from Jiang Cheng's arms and cuddled her. She was much bigger now, tall and fair and simply elegant in every way. "Who's my little angel?" Xichen sang. 

The baby girl, who had begun to properly talk, patted his cheeks shouting, "Daddy! Daddy!" 

"WHAT!" 

While Jiang Cheng stood there, horrified, Wei Wuxian hung on Lan Zhan's body for support, clutching his robes as he rolled with laughter.

"Meilien! Are you out of your mind! This is Shushu!" Jiang Cheng stomped up to his daughter and pointed to his mouth. "SHU-SHU!"

Meilien blinked. She pointed a chubby finger to Jiang Cheng and said "Daddy!" 

"Of course, I'm Daddy! He," he pointed to Lan Xichen who was chuckling. "He is your Shushu!" Jiang Cheng desperately tried to drag out the word. 

But Meilien looked at Xichen and pulled his headband. Through giggles, she shouted, "Daddy!"

"What! No-no-no! Meilien, I'm your Dad–"

"It's fine, Wanyin, if she sees me too as her father, then I'm more than happy."

"But– But– Argh, fine! Do whatever you like!" Jiang Cheng glared at Meilien and stomped away to his brother. Wei Wuxian's laughter roared louder at the sight of Meilien putting her tongue at Jiang Wanyin. 

"Way to go, Meilien! True Jiang!" Wei Wuxian gave her a thumbs-up making her giggle all over again. 

Jiang Wanyin stopped mid-walk. So much for finding refuge in his brother. He turned towards his ice-cold brother-in-law. 

"Lan Wangji."

"Jiang Wanyin."

"I came here on business."

"What business?"

Jiang Cheng handed a card to Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan took it and checked that it was addressed to the three Lans, Wangji, Xichen and Wuxian, and opened it. 

He skimmed through the invitation. "Meilien's first birthday?"

"Ah? When is it?" Wei Wuxian snatched the card. Lan Xichen hurried over with the birthday girl to peep over Wei Wuxian's shoulder. 

"October 31st?"

"Yes. The party is at Lotus Pier. You three should come. For the juniors, I'll send an invitation through Jin Ling." 

"Wanyin, how did you arrange a date of birth for her?"

Jiang Wanyin pursed his lips. "Er..." He looked between Xichen and Wangji, and the Jades got the hint. 

"Wuxian-di?"

"Gege?" Wei Wuxian spun around. 

"Could you take Meilien to see Sizhui? Can't send through Jin Ling, he's not that good at handling babies," Xichen gave Jin Ling a look that shut up any protests. 

"Oh, of course, gege! Meilien," Wei Wuxian clapped his hands. Meilien squealed and crawled into his grasp, pulling on his red ribbon and reaching for Chenqing with her foot. Which Wei Wuxian ignored for the moment. He took his niece away. The three brothers watched. 

"Meilien, I'm Wei Shushu, alright?" 

Meilien listened for the repeatedly announced new word for a while before shouting "Susu!"

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Yes, yes, Susu it is then!" And Susu it remained, till the end of their days. Even when Meilien grew up, she didn't change it, preferring the way it sounded different to any other Shushu. It was unique. Just like her Susu. 

As Wei Wuxian took his niece and Jin Ling away, the three watching turned back to face each other. 

"Wanyin, what is it?"

"October 31st is Wei Wuxian's birthday."

"What! Didi's birthday? How do you know?"

"Dad told me. He knew Cangse Sanren well, maybe he found out, I don't know how but he told us. We didn't really get to grandly celebrate his birthday because of Mum. But now Wei Wuxian's the Pride of Yunmeng, Yingxiong Laozu. Nobody can stop me from throwing a party. Plus, I found myself an excuse."

Xichen grinned. "You set Meilien's birthday the same date. One party for brother and daughter."

"Yes. Lan Wangji? Are you alright?" Jiang Cheng saw Lan Zhan staring into the distance silently. 

"Wei Ying knew my birthday but I never knew his. Thank you, Jiang Wanyin," Lan Zhan, after all these years, actually thanked him for the first time. Jiang Cheng smiled and nodded. 

"Lan Wangji, I need your help. Any new good friends Wei Wuxian has made, will you invite them?"

"Mn." 

"Also, A-Xian shouldn't know a thing about this."

"Mn."

"Wanyin, what about me?" 

Jiang Cheng turned to his friend. "All you have to do is be there." 

"Oh? I understand Wangji has to come as didi's husband, but me?"

"Wei Wuxian's brother-in-law."

Xichen grinned. "Are you sure nobody else wants me there?" 

Jiang Cheng gulped down the blush and barked back, "Meilien. It's her birthday too. You're her Shu– Daddy." 

"But won't me being Daddy make me your..." 

"Lan Xichen! What nonsense are you spitting!" Jiang Cheng couldn't bring himself to look him in the eyes so just barked at Lan Zhan. "Lan Wangji, then I'll hand these to you." He shoved a stack of invites into Lan Wangji's hands and stomped off to find his brother and daughter. 

"Wangji?"

"Xiongzhang?"

"Just what trick do you use to get Wuxian-di to confess?" 

Lan Zhan smiled without replying. 

"Oh, right, you never need to. Didi confesses to you all the time! Then, what trick does Wuxian-di use on you?"

Lan Zhan spoke but one word. "Jealousy." 

"Jealousy? Oh, interesting..."

"Zewu-Jun!" Mianmian ran up to the Chief Cultivator and bowed. 

Lan Xichen formed a plot in no time and gladly bowed back. He began to chat comfortably with Luo Qingyang. 

While their conversation continued, sudden shouts rang in the air. 

"Hey, give me my child!"

"Won't!"

"Just who do you think is her father?"

"Well, clearly not you, you don't even know how to make her laugh! Oh, right, gege is! I'm only her Shushu." 

"SUSU!" A brighter voice giggled. 

"Ah, right, right, Susu!"

"She calls you Susu?"

"Got a problem with that? Meilien, leave Chenqing alone," Wei Wuxian swatted away the little hand playing with the red tassel. 

Hearing the shouts come nearer and nearer, Lan Xichen waited. The instant he felt they were well within the field of view, he cracked a joke. Luo Qingyang burst into laughter, though elegant and mature now that she was a mother. 

Wei Wuxian, who had been tossing Meilien up and down playfully, stopped when he realised his brother's bellows had halted. He spun around to see. 

Jiang Cheng stood several feet behind him, staring at something, purple and red washing over his face, but green evident in his eyes. The Angry Lotus's envious anger was at an extreme. Wei Wuxian stroked Meilien's head subconsciously and looked between Jiang Cheng and Lan Huan. 

The baby also looked from one father to the next. "Daddy... Daddy!" 

"Yes, Meilien. Your daddies. A-Cheng?" Wei Wuxian waved his hand in front of him. But Jiang Cheng didn't move. 

Wei Wuxian shook his head as he watched Jiang Cheng stomp forwards. He stopped by him and snarled. "Where's that forest?"

"Forest? The one with the bunny-hill? This way," Wei Wuxian pointed. Jiang Cheng had disappeared in a flash. Which was followed by another flash. And another. And another. Flashes of purple screeched through the forest.

Crash! Bang! Boom! Wei Wuxian watched as he saw treetops descending. Wait, was A-Cheng destroying the forest? He turned to Xichen. Lan Xichen winked. Wei Ying understood and walked to them. 

Jiang Cheng came back, dusting down his robes and palms. He fixed his hair, lifted his collar, cleared his throat and walked to Wei Wuxian. "Meilien, come to Daddy, we're going home." 

Meilien's lip began to tremble. 

"Meilien!" Jiang Cheng called out sternly and Meilien tapped Wei Wuxian's nose, mumbled 'Susu' and scooted into her father's arms. 

"Wanyin, going so quick?"

"Clearly I'm not needed here." Jiang Wanyin humphed and spun around to head for Lotus Pier. But when he stepped forth, something pulled his hand and stopped him. 

Lan Xichen was grinning and grasping his wrist tightly. 

"Hey, Mianmian, come meet Meilien! Come come come come, A-Zhan, come," Wei Wuxian plucked the baby from her father's grasp and called his husband and friend away to play with Meilien. Wei Wuxian winked to Lan Xichen and they disappeared from the compound. 

"Wanyin."

"Sect Leader Lan, please let go."

Lan Xichen was struck. "Wanyin, please, we need to talk. Come, let's have a chat at the Hanshi."

Jiang Wanyin was still turned the other way, avoiding his eyes. "Sect Leader Lan, I have my own sect to take care of, no time to chat. But if it's business matters, then fine. We can go for Sect Leader Lan's office, your study."

Oh, so now we're playing official? Nice. 

"Alright, Sect Leader Jiang, then let's go to my study," Lan Xichen played along and let go. 

Jiang Wanyin nodded and, lips pursed in vexation, he walked with Lan Xichen to the study. 

Once Jiang Cheng had entered the study, Lan Xichen turned and shut the door. Jiang Cheng stood by the door, politely waiting for the Lan sect leader to ask him to be seated. 

But he didn't. 

"Wanyin. Stop playing Sect Leader all of a sudden. Wanyin, what went wrong? What happened?"

"Oh, nothing at all!"

"Then why did you chop down half the trees in my Cloud Recesses forest?"

Jiang Cheng blinked, trying his best to come up with a lie but finding himself unable to lie to him. 

"Wanyin, just speak the truth. We're in my study, nobody comes here. Plus, you know you need not hide anything from me," Lan Xichen walked over to him. Jiang Cheng stepped back and back to avoid him and ended up crashing against a wall. When Jiang Cheng looked up in surprise, he saw his friend looming over him, extremely close, forcing Jiang Cheng to stick to the wall if he didn't wish to collide against the other's chest.

"Sect Leader Lan, this is most inappropriate behaviour. Please step aside," Jiang Cheng grumbled while looking away. 

"Wanyin," Lan Xichen's voice was far softer, confusion and hurt ringing clear, tearing through Jiang Cheng's heart. And yet Xichen found it amazing how tough this man's heart could be. "Just why are you this cold? Aren't the Prides of Yunmeng supposed to be as warm as lotus scent?" 

"That's A-Xian. He's the lotus in the lake. I'm the cold water," Jiang Cheng gulped when he saw the slight hurt look on Xichen's face but feigned absolute ignorance. "Sect Leader Lan, what if someone sees this? Step aside."

"I just told you nobody will come in here. And just who do you imply by someone?" Lan Xichen could hear the deep growl in Jiang Cheng.

"Why, isn't Young Mistress Luo supposed to be close with you? Not good if she sees you like this, cornering another," Jiang Cheng spoke through gritted teeth. 

"Young Mistress Luo? Luo Qingyang? Wanyin, are you out of your mind?" Lan Xichen stepped back in surprise. Xichen smiled internally. Ha, it's coming out now. Spit it out, Wanyin, spit it out. 

"I don't know who's out of their mind right now," Jiang Wanyin muttered, while deep inside he was thinking, I really must be. 

"Wanyin! Young Mistress Luo is a wife! And forget that, she has a daughter! What nonsense are you–"

"Who said having a child prevents you from loving another?!" 

Both were silenced. Lan Xichen stared at him, amazement, glee, everything, glistening in his eyes, while Jiang Cheng winced. Just what am I saying! 

"Wanyin, are you hinting at yourself?"

"Hinting at anyone is the last thing I have the time to do right now–" Jiang Wanyin gasped as he found himself hitting the wall again. This time, Lan Xichen really cornered him. 

"Wanyin, since you won't say it anytime soon, I'll go first." 

"I don't know what you–" his breath hitched in his chest as he felt Lan Xichen leaning over to whisper into his ear.

"Wanyin, I love you."

Jiang Wanyin's eyes had never grown wider. He stared into the jet-black hair cascading behind the red face against his neck. 

"And I know you do too," the cold voice whispered again. While Jiang Cheng gulped hard, Lan Xichen pulled back. 

Slightly fixing his robe, Lan Xichen spun around to face his study. "Sect Leader Jiang better get back since he's too busy to linger for too long. Wangji and I will help with the invitation distribution, Wuxian-di has quite a few friends in Caiyi, but we'll only invite those closest: or Lotus Pier will be overcrowded. Now then, Sect Leader Jiang may return, the discussion's over," he announced in a deep, loud voice ideal for the Chief Cultivator and walked over to the table. 

Jiang Wanyin stood by the wall, forcing himself to calm down. But when Lan Xichen spoke like this, he could stand it no longer. Xichen... You corner me, nearly arouse me, and walk away? Well, I'm not done yet... 

"If you knew I loved you too then why the hell did you go talk with Mianmian like that!"

Lan Xichen stopped walking and turned around. Jiang Cheng's face was red with embarrassment, anger and excitement. Xichen chuckled.

"Just what are you laughing at!"

"Wanyin, what did you say just now?" Lan Xichen asked. 

Jiang Wanyin thought and when he remembered what he just said, he repeated "Why the hell did you go talk with Mianmian–?"

"No, the part before that," Lan Xichen smiled.

"Ah, if you knew I loved you too–" Jiang Cheng's jaw dropped open mid-sentence. What! What had he said! Just what the hell had he been thinking? Oh, the shame. But then again, it somehow felt good to get it out. 

Xichen stood there in the middle of the study, still chuckling in joy. "Wanyin, I think I didn't hear it right. One more time?"

Jiang Cheng began to feel a terrible urge, so he looked away. Should he do it? Or play Sect Leader again? But the yearning had been held back too long, he had to get it out. He turned back to Xichen and glared at him, gathering his guts together.

Xichen, thinking Jiang Cheng was mad at him, grinned. "Wanyin, one more time, please?" 

But then he gasped. Jiang Wanyin was stomping towards him, furious. The sheer anger on his face made Lan Xichen step back, and what happened earlier repeated, with the positions reversed. But Jiang Wanyin didn't stop at just cornering Lan Xichen. 

"Wanyin? What are you–" Jiang Wanyin kept his hand against Lan Xichen's mouth, shutting him off. 

"Just shut up for a minute." 

Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow. 

Jiang Cheng leant in closer to his face and whispered just as Xichen had done. "I love you." And then, without warning, Jiang Cheng swapped his hand for his own lips. He kissed Xichen strong, long and deep, sucking and biting the pale lips, teasing his tongue, enjoying the way Xichen heated up and how his adrenaline and heartbeat picked up pace. The victim didn't hesitate in the least, but nor did he return the kiss: he was just too shocked. His hands clutched Jiang Cheng's back, fingers digging in to sustain the excitement soaring through his blood. Xichen's eyebrows had crept up to his hair by the time Jiang Cheng pulled away. 

Both were breathless. Jiang Wanyin gazed into his eyes for a while before shaking his head at his despicable act and stepping back. Had he just forcefully kissed someone? Cornered him, sucked him sore? Good Lord. Xichen had told him he loved him, but this? Unacceptable. HE should have taken it slow, not barged into his privacy like this! This was not how you loved another, this was desire. Lust. Wanyin knew he loved Xichen, but a dangerous lust like this? Goodness, what would he do next? No, this was bad. Before things got any further, Jiang Wanyin decided to step out. 

Without looking at Lan Xichen, Jiang Wanyin stepped back and bowed low. Very low. His long hair swept the ground while he shouted out "I'm terribly sorry!"

Xichen quickly recovered and raised Jiang Cheng. "Wanyin, what are you apologising for?"

"I... I took advantage of you, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I didn't want to, it just came out, I–"

Lan Xichen pulled his hair, bringing Jiang Cheng's consciousness back to him. "OW!"

"Wanyin, stop ranting. You only have to apologise if you forced me. You didn't."

"But–"

"Did I resist?"

And then Jiang Cheng realised what had happened. Oh, so Xichen didn't mind? 

Xichen laughed at the look of confusion on his face. "Wanyin, I really am alright. In fact, I've never felt better!"

Jiang Cheng stared at him for a while before slowly, a purely beautiful smile lit up his face. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Of course not!" Xichen pulled him closer, making Jiang Wanyin's head slam into his muscular chest. Cupping his face, Xichen smiled back. "Wanyin, hereafter, I don't mind talking with a girl every day, if it means you'll tell me this every day."

"Don't you dare! Or you'll be sorry for losing all the forests around your beloved Gusu!"

Xichen laughed. "Yes, yes, true. But maybe you can unleash the anger on me?" 

Jiang Cheng blushed. Xichen leant in with an affectionate grin and this time, both kissed joyfully. Both were orphans left with uncles and aunties to be taken care of. Both were sect leaders who had born too much responsibility despite their young age. Both had had their past loves; both had lost their past loves. Both had been afraid to open up again but had secretly fallen for each other, and yet held back out of fear. Now that they had each other, the restraint for years took its toll as the two sect leaders made out in the Chief Cultivator's study for hours, hundreds of emotions pouring out in the form of tears. Each felt their robes getting wet as the other cried through the kiss. Each increased their passion to make the other feel better. The air grew warmer and cosier as feelings galore flowed out from their hearts: relief, happiness, ardour and pure love.

**********

"Master, are you alright?"

"I'm good, Xiangxiang. I'm good."

Xiangxiang went to help her master sit down, but Wei Wuxian waved her off. "Xiangxiang, trust me, I'm fine!"

Wei Wuxian sat in his lotus position and patted his knees. Xiangxiang beamed and lay down on the grass, her head on her master's knees. She was like a sister and friend, but more often, was a daughter to Wei Wuxian. 

"Master, I sense your bad health, why don't you talk about it? At least to Second Young Master Lan?"

"Xiangxiang, I honestly don't know what you're talking about! Did I seem weak while we fought just now?"

Xiangxiang blinked. Oh, so Master really doesn't know? Then I can't tell him. 

"No Master, you did great! Oh, look it's evening, shouldn't Second Young Master Lan have come by now? Shall I go call him?"

Wei Wuxian chuckled as he patted her head. "Xiangxiang he might be on the way now, no need to worry."

"Oh, but I wanna say hello!"

"Well, you can tell hello when he comes–"

"No way! I don't want to disturb your lovey-dovey time, it's too much for my innocent soul," she giggled. "I'll just say my hello now and leave, goodbye Master!" Xiangxiang leapt up and shot up the hill, leaving an open-mouthed Wei Wuxian in the bunnies' clearing.

Halfway up the hill, Xiao Xiang bumped into Lan Wangji. "Lady Xiao?"

"Second Young Master Lan!" she whispered and kept her finger to her lips, signalling Lan Wangji to be silent and follow her. When Lan Zhan just stood there, confused, she dragged him by the sleeve to the walls of the Jingshi. 

"Lady Xiao?"

Xiao Xiang calmed down when they were well out of sight. "Second Young Master Lan, is Master in bad health?"

"What?"

"Oh, so even you don't know. I just sensed something terrible. Master seems to be ill..."

"Did you ask him?"

"I did. He hasn't realised it. I feel that the illness is not physical, it's on the inside. I couldn't ask any further, nor explain what I thought. Because if I did, Master will definitely make me promise I won't tell a soul, then even Second Young Master Lan wouldn't know, and Master will carry the secret to his grave! So, Second Young Master Lan, please keep an eye on Master."

"Sure. It's been there for a while, Doctor suggested it might be his enraged demonic core. Lady Xiao, what do you think the internal weakness is?"

"Well, it's like this. There's a possibility even a slight negative emotion will be multiplied into something dangerous by his demonic immortal's core."

"But what negative emotion?" Lan Wangji was at a loss for words: what pessimism could the cheerful Wei Ying possibly be feeling?

"Second Young Master Lan, I must mention one thing. I know Cloud Recesses well enough, and judging by the tales Master tells, it is nowhere near Lotus Pier. Lotus Pier is apparently livelier in every aspect, it must be difficult for Master to adapt to the strictness and solitude here. May I make a suggestion, Second Young Master Lan?"

Lan Zhan, desperate to give and do anything for Wei Ying's happiness, nodded eagerly. 

"Second Young Master Lan take Master to Yunmeng. Master told me his niece's birthday is coming, so when you go to the party, stay for a few months there. At least two months? You'll be back in time for the juniors' graduation. The homely environment would help a lot."

Lan Zhan listened, amazed at Xiao Xiang's thinking, and nodded. "Thank you, Lady Xiao, I will." As an afterthought, he dug into his sleeve and pulled out a pale purple card and handed it to her. She took it and jumped when she saw it was an invitation.

"Second Young Master Lan! I'm a demoness, I can't–"

"It's Wei Ying's birthday, too."

"What? Master's birthday too? Oh, then I do want to come! But... Second Young Master Lan..."

"I know it's dangerous. You come, wish him, say hello to xiongzhang and go back." 

Xiao Xiang beamed. "Sure! Thank you, Second Young Master Lan! Oh, and also, I might bring along two friends for you two to meet tomorrow, I promise they'll help ease Master's boredom," she smiled, before waving goodbye and disappearing. 

Lan Zhan sighed. Wei Ying was lonely? But he had friends, in Cloud Recesses and Caiyi. Or maybe he just missed his Yunmeng pals? I need to find out. Wei Ying needs to be happy. 

Taking a few steps into the forest, Lan Zhan remembered something. He quickly took a detour through the forest to the gates.