teen wangxian lovecurse au where LWJ is cursed with dark magic...
grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
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Aug 23, 2024
~78 min read
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teen wangxian lovecurse au where LWJ is cursed with dark magic forbidding him from ever falling in love and WWX is a persistent annoyance who will stop at nothing to get his attention...
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[ this is essentially witch LWJ × human WWX. I've wanted to write it for a long time but if I keep it for ao3, I think it'll never get written so im doing it as a threadfic. ]
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It all started when previous head of the main Lan family fell in love with a powerful rogue witch after spending a night with her.
Except his love was wholly unreciprocated because the rogue witch already had a lover whom she had been separated from.
Except his love was wholly unreciprocated because the rogue witch already had a lover whom she had been separated from.
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QHJ, not one to be gracious about rejection, imprisoned her with an ultimatum that she will be freed when she learns to love him.
Unbeknownst to him, the witch was a rogue by choice because the powers her coven possessed were dark.
Unbeknownst to him, the witch was a rogue by choice because the powers her coven possessed were dark.
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She could very well raze the cloud recesses to the ground if she wanted, but that would defeat the whole purpose of leaving her coven behind. Leaving the love of her life behind.
She wasn't ready to break her oath to never hurt a human. Especially the one growing in her belly.
She wasn't ready to break her oath to never hurt a human. Especially the one growing in her belly.
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But the coven hadn't forsaken her. Nor had the witch who was her lover. She never stopped looking. It wasn't hard for her to find out just what had happened.
When she arrived at CR, it was with escape in mind. She had come to rescue the woman she loved wholeheartedly.
When she arrived at CR, it was with escape in mind. She had come to rescue the woman she loved wholeheartedly.
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But upon entering the Jingshi, the sight that greeted her was that of her lover playing with a child. A human boy with a striking resemblance.
The betrayal burned in her brighter than the love she carried. Every fibre of her being craved vengeance.
The betrayal burned in her brighter than the love she carried. Every fibre of her being craved vengeance.
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Unlike mama Lan, she still practised her dark magic. She had no hesitation in casting a spell on a boy of four.
"You will feel my torment only when your child goes through it," was her rageful reasoning. "The darkness you run away from will consume him when he turns eighteen."
"You will feel my torment only when your child goes through it," was her rageful reasoning. "The darkness you run away from will consume him when he turns eighteen."
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"And it will happen at the hands of love," she had seethed as the red glow around her fingers grew darker and darker. "True love, when it finds him, will meet the same fate as me."
She was unaware of what had really happened with mama Lan, but her implication was clear.
She was unaware of what had really happened with mama Lan, but her implication was clear.
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If her child ever finds love, he will be bound to become his father.
Almost like some sick, twisted cosmic joke.
Mama Lan's fingers moved on their own. She wasn't as practised to cast an equally powerful counter-spell, but she could still draw a shield around her son.
Almost like some sick, twisted cosmic joke.
Mama Lan's fingers moved on their own. She wasn't as practised to cast an equally powerful counter-spell, but she could still draw a shield around her son.
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What followed was a violent combat of dark powers that would go down in history, although just as rumours. It thundered as if the clouds were raging, it rained as if the sky was weeping over lovers who now stood as enemies. The cloud recesses was, afterall, razed to the ground.
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At the end of it, perhaps by the sheer will of a mother, mama Lan found herself standing over the woman she loved, screaming her eyes out.
"How could you?" she wept, clutching her dying lover to her chest. "I cannot let you harm A-Huan. Let it go, for the sake of me, let it go."
"How could you?" she wept, clutching her dying lover to her chest. "I cannot let you harm A-Huan. Let it go, for the sake of me, let it go."
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The woman in her arms only had her last breath left. And she used it to say, "I cannot forgive you," as she raised her trembling hand—the red glow around her fingers almost black—and placed it right on mama Lan's belly, knocking her breath out as the energy quietly seeped in.
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She waited for the pain to tear through her heart, but it didn't. The curse was not for her afterall.
Her lover was a powerful witch, she could sense the life growing in her before the mother herself could. As it turned out, to protect one child, mama Lan had doomed the other.
Her lover was a powerful witch, she could sense the life growing in her before the mother herself could. As it turned out, to protect one child, mama Lan had doomed the other.
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In the aftermath, all she could do was pray to every deity that her second child turns out to be like her. But when the baby was born, just like his older brother, he was a human.
The same thing that had delighted mama Lan when A-Huan was born then filled her with dread.
The same thing that had delighted mama Lan when A-Huan was born then filled her with dread.
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As the last resort, she only had herself.
So she passed on all her powers to her younger son, even if it meant she would die. Because A-Zhan will need magic if he ever hopes to break the curse, and she wanted him to break it. She wanted him to have a life full of love.
So she passed on all her powers to her younger son, even if it meant she would die. Because A-Zhan will need magic if he ever hopes to break the curse, and she wanted him to break it. She wanted him to have a life full of love.
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Her dying wish for LQR was to let A-Zhan grow up at her home, with her coven.
A natural born witch learns to nurture their magic on their own. But a baby bestowed with fully developed powers will need assistance because magic only grows with time.
A natural born witch learns to nurture their magic on their own. But a baby bestowed with fully developed powers will need assistance because magic only grows with time.
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A-Zhan will need to learn how to control, how to fight, how to live this life.
And so, Lan Zhan, was sent away to be brought up by witches—his mother's sisters who treated him like their own despite knowing that one day he will leave, just like his mother.
And so, Lan Zhan, was sent away to be brought up by witches—his mother's sisters who treated him like their own despite knowing that one day he will leave, just like his mother.
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Sent away in infancy, with no belonging, except a short letter left behind for him by his mama:
My precious A-Zhan,
There is no magic in the world that is good or evil. It all depends on how you wield it. Be kind and trust your heart, it will never lead you wrong.
My precious A-Zhan,
There is no magic in the world that is good or evil. It all depends on how you wield it. Be kind and trust your heart, it will never lead you wrong.
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So for sixteen years, he lives far away from CR, with numerous ayis who teach him all his mother couldn't, and with the words of the letter deep in his heart.
Opposed to the other children, his lessons revolve not around how to grow your magic but rather, how to control it.
Opposed to the other children, his lessons revolve not around how to grow your magic but rather, how to control it.
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How to not set the garden on fire. How to not accidentally read someone's mind. How to not flood the house while making water bunnies. How to not curse the whole vicinity while practising spells. How to not break windows when he's angry. And so on....
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He comes to be known as the child who ruins things before he mends them. The child who doesn't get to go home on holidays because his family rather prefers to come down to visit.
And for more ambitious ones, the child who bears misfortune, for himself as well as the others.
And for more ambitious ones, the child who bears misfortune, for himself as well as the others.
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He grows up to be supremely powerful, and just as beautiful, eyes striking golden with dark lashes, a direct trait inherited from his mother, learning to become just like her.
Home schooling suited him just fine, he liked it even. But now, his training comes to an end.
Home schooling suited him just fine, he liked it even. But now, his training comes to an end.
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And uncle wants him to finish the high school at the cloud recesses so he can have some normal experiences too. As if he doesn't know that Lan Zhan is anything but normal.
"Go make me proud," says Granny Fei while packing his bags. "Just like your mama once did."
"Go make me proud," says Granny Fei while packing his bags. "Just like your mama once did."
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It was always bound to happen, Lan Zhan tells himself. Doesn't mean it hurts less.
But atleast, he'll finally get to see the home he has only ever heard about. The ancestral school his uncle rebuilt from scratch. He'll get to live in the room his mother lived and died in.
But atleast, he'll finally get to see the home he has only ever heard about. The ancestral school his uncle rebuilt from scratch. He'll get to live in the room his mother lived and died in.
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It's a new beginning, with both opportunities and challenges ahead. Lan Zhan needs to learn how to be a human just as much as he had needed to learn being a witch.
That's what he tells himself as he makes his way to the Jingshi late at night, after greeting his uncle & brother—
That's what he tells himself as he makes his way to the Jingshi late at night, after greeting his uncle & brother—
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two days before the two year long prep program begins for the newly qualified batch of students. Or the guest lecturers, as they sophisticatedly call it.
It shouldn't be that hard. All he has to do is:
•study well
•keep to himself
•not get close to anybody
It shouldn't be that hard. All he has to do is:
•study well
•keep to himself
•not get close to anybody
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As if on cue, he hears a loud thump followed by a muted groan far away. Running over, he finds a boy—no older than himself—on the ground clutching a bunch of liquor bottles to his chest.
It's too dark to see his face but the boy quickly sits up and begins counting the bottles.
It's too dark to see his face but the boy quickly sits up and begins counting the bottles.
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Lan Zhan blinks. Not only was this boy scaling the walls to sneak in alcohol, but he's also more concerned about the bottles than his own well-being.
"Tell you what," the boy whispers without looking back, "I'll let you have one if you promise to keep quiet."
"Tell you what," the boy whispers without looking back, "I'll let you have one if you promise to keep quiet."
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Lan Zhan does not answer, still bewildered. The boy gets up and turns with a smile. His face is still shadowed, but seeing Lan Zhan, the curve of his smile grows twice in size.
Then he steps forward into direct moonlight and Lan Zhan instinctively takes a step back.
Then he steps forward into direct moonlight and Lan Zhan instinctively takes a step back.
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It's the widest smile he has seen in life.
"Hi! I'm Wei Ying," the boy takes another step forward, hand streched out, and Lan Zhan takes one more step back. "Who are you?"
The boy frowns when he's not given an answer. "Are you new here?"
"Hi! I'm Wei Ying," the boy takes another step forward, hand streched out, and Lan Zhan takes one more step back. "Who are you?"
The boy frowns when he's not given an answer. "Are you new here?"
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Lan Zhan takes a breath and turns to walk away, only for the boy to grab his wrist. The sudden yanking back of his hand is mostly instinctive, but it startles the boy as well, who promptly steps back with hands in air.
"Alright alright," the boy tilts his head. "I'm sorry."
"Alright alright," the boy tilts his head. "I'm sorry."
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"I just wanted to give you this." He bends down and picks up a bottle, holding it out to Lan Zhan.
With a glare, Lan Zhan stalks off, not sparing another glance behind.
"Ahh you sure?" The boy yells, making Lan Zhan speed up. "It's emperor's smile, the best thing about Gusu."
With a glare, Lan Zhan stalks off, not sparing another glance behind.
"Ahh you sure?" The boy yells, making Lan Zhan speed up. "It's emperor's smile, the best thing about Gusu."
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He does not understand why he's so rankled. Losing control the first day itself would be the worst of the worst. But his heart feels so unsettled.
He lets his feet take him away, as quickly as possible, then stops, right at the entryway, with a hand on the door of the Jingshi.
He lets his feet take him away, as quickly as possible, then stops, right at the entryway, with a hand on the door of the Jingshi.
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He shouldn't. He shouldn't. He tells himself again and again that he shouldn't. In the end, he takes a breath and closes his eyes.
It's almost satisfying, the crashing sound of multiple glass bottles bursting open, all at once, followed by a loud shriek from the boy.
It's almost satisfying, the crashing sound of multiple glass bottles bursting open, all at once, followed by a loud shriek from the boy.
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Lan Zhan slowly turns to find the boy haphazardly looking around with shock and bewilderment. All his precious liquor bottles are lying shattered to pieces.
Well, except the one in his hand.
With one last look, Lan Zhan slams the door shut.
Well, except the one in his hand.
With one last look, Lan Zhan slams the door shut.
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[ I have a lot of it planned, let's see how far I actually go writing wise. ]
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grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
teen wangxian lovecurse au where LWJ is cursed with dark magic forbidding him from ever falling in love and WWX is a persistent annoyance who will stop at nothing to get his attention...
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Lan Zhan reaches the class an hour in advance.
Just so he can take the corner-most seat at the back of the class, against uncle's firm advice to sit in the front. The first day will just be orientation and introductions, traditionally presided over by the headmaster LQR.
Just so he can take the corner-most seat at the back of the class, against uncle's firm advice to sit in the front. The first day will just be orientation and introductions, traditionally presided over by the headmaster LQR.
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He could very well sit it out. But his brother seems to be hell bent on getting him friends. As if Lan Zhan hasn't been just fine without them all this time.
The unease in his tummy grows as the class begins to fill in, making him squirm and flinch. He's not used to this.
The unease in his tummy grows as the class begins to fill in, making him squirm and flinch. He's not used to this.
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The last one to enter is the boy from last night, who somehow seems to be a friend of everyone in the class seeing as he enters like a whirlwind and immediately gets surrounded by people vying for his attention.
Just the thought of being in his place makes Lan Zhan squeamish.
Just the thought of being in his place makes Lan Zhan squeamish.
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But the boy seems pretty used to it, even good at it. He manages to highfive a guy about some comic, wink at a girl thanking him for fixing her walkman, and tease his brother all within a matter of thirty seconds.
It's hardly believable it's just his first week here.
It's hardly believable it's just his first week here.
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Lan Zhan hadn't realized he had been staring until the boy's excitedly chattering face turns and his eyes land straight on him.
Just like last night, the curve of his smile grows twice in size. Lan Zhan's gaze promptly averts down, teeth gritting so hard that his jaws ache.
Just like last night, the curve of his smile grows twice in size. Lan Zhan's gaze promptly averts down, teeth gritting so hard that his jaws ache.
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A pair of elbows land on his desk, the boys face cupped into his hands.
"Hello?"
Lan Zhan refuses to look up from the book he's pretending to read.
"Lan Wangji?"
He has no idea how the boy found out his name. It only makes him more stubborn.
"Second master Lan?"
"Hello?"
Lan Zhan refuses to look up from the book he's pretending to read.
"Lan Wangji?"
He has no idea how the boy found out his name. It only makes him more stubborn.
"Second master Lan?"
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It's almost like the boy is gloating, as if rubbing it on Lan Zhan's face that he found out his name despite Lan Zhan wishing him not to.
"Lan Zhan!"
Lan Zhan's face jerks up, and the windows on the side rattle hard, dousing the classroom into silence for a long moment.
"Lan Zhan!"
Lan Zhan's face jerks up, and the windows on the side rattle hard, dousing the classroom into silence for a long moment.
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"I'm sorry," the boy puts up his hands, again, like last night. "But I gave you my birth name too, so it's only fair. Anyway, I heard you're headmaster's nephew?"
Lan Zhan means to tell him that it's no top secret, but is beaten by a mocking snort from the seat beside him.
Lan Zhan means to tell him that it's no top secret, but is beaten by a mocking snort from the seat beside him.
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"I've also heard he's a bit of a freak," says... Jin Zixun, if Lan Zhan is remembering the catalogue of faces uncle gave him to memorize right.
If it was meant to offend him, it fails big time. It's nothing Lan Zhan is not already used to, so he pays it no attention.
If it was meant to offend him, it fails big time. It's nothing Lan Zhan is not already used to, so he pays it no attention.
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The boy—Wei Ying—however, is frowning hard, all trace of playfulness gone from his face.
"And you're a piece of shit," he says and begins pushing Jin Zixun out of his seat. "C'mon get up, up up up!" He doesn't stop until he's full seated and Jin Zixun is completely out.
"And you're a piece of shit," he says and begins pushing Jin Zixun out of his seat. "C'mon get up, up up up!" He doesn't stop until he's full seated and Jin Zixun is completely out.
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"My seat from today," he announces. "Go sit over there go—no no no don't give me that look if you don't want those pictures to reach the headmaster's desk."
Jin Zixun practically flees.
Lan Zhan watches, completely flabbergasted, as Wei Ying gets comfortable in the seat.
Jin Zixun practically flees.
Lan Zhan watches, completely flabbergasted, as Wei Ying gets comfortable in the seat.
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"Did you just threaten him?"
Wei Ying turns to him, back to grinning. It gives Lan Zhan a whiplash, just how fast he can switch personalities.
"Naah," he shrugs. "I just like to collect receipts on people I don't like. Anyway, where were we? Right! The headmaster, your uncle!"
Wei Ying turns to him, back to grinning. It gives Lan Zhan a whiplash, just how fast he can switch personalities.
"Naah," he shrugs. "I just like to collect receipts on people I don't like. Anyway, where were we? Right! The headmaster, your uncle!"
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Lan Zhan turns back to his book, scowling. "Who told you?"
"My sister," Wei Ying answers gleefully. "Who in turn was told by your brother. They're in the same class, you know."
Brother. Ofcourse. Always his brother. The metaphorical bane to Lan Zhan's peaceful existence.
"My sister," Wei Ying answers gleefully. "Who in turn was told by your brother. They're in the same class, you know."
Brother. Ofcourse. Always his brother. The metaphorical bane to Lan Zhan's peaceful existence.
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A hushush of whispers assaults his ears, turning Lan Zhan's attention back to Jin Zixun on the far end who seems to be gossiping, probably about him.
"Oh don't worry about him, he won't bother you again," Wei Ying says catching his gaze. "You're my friend now, he won't dare."
"Oh don't worry about him, he won't bother you again," Wei Ying says catching his gaze. "You're my friend now, he won't dare."
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Lan Zhan blinks. There's a tiny, the slightest thud in his chest which makes him wary enough to flinch away. "I never said I was your friend."
"Aren't we?" Wei Ying frowns, genuinely confused. "But I'm sitting next to you now, so we have to be friends!"
"Aren't we?" Wei Ying frowns, genuinely confused. "But I'm sitting next to you now, so we have to be friends!"
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"That does not matter," he's almost glad for it. For some reason, it feels important to stay away. He has known Wei Ying for barely 24 hours but it feels dangerous, in all the ways that matter. "The seating arrangement will depend on our scores in the first unit test."
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He thinks that will be enough to make it clear. Wei Ying is a smart guy. He can take a hint.
Instead, Wei Ying leans closer to him, grinning. "Why? Are you disappointed?"
Lan Zhan's head remains firmly on the book, but his hand fists up under the table.
Instead, Wei Ying leans closer to him, grinning. "Why? Are you disappointed?"
Lan Zhan's head remains firmly on the book, but his hand fists up under the table.
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"Tell you what," Wei Ying continues, completely unaware of Lan Zhan's turmoil. "I can easily get just the marks required to score a seat beside you. Just say the word, gorgeous."
This time, when the windows rattle, one of them cracks. At the same time, LQR enters the class.
This time, when the windows rattle, one of them cracks. At the same time, LQR enters the class.
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His eyes slide off the broken window glass and land on Lan Zhan, just as Wei Ying is shifting away from him.
The confused murmurs of students float around them.
/That window is being spooky as hell./
/What on earth is wrong with the weather today?/
LQR stares at his nephew.
The confused murmurs of students float around them.
/That window is being spooky as hell./
/What on earth is wrong with the weather today?/
LQR stares at his nephew.
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Then he snaps out of it as if nothing ever happened. LQR takes the roll call. Explains the semester syllabus. Recites all the major rules he expects them to follow.
Before beginning the introductions though, he looks up and says, "Nie Huaisang, switch seats with Wei Wuxian."
Before beginning the introductions though, he looks up and says, "Nie Huaisang, switch seats with Wei Wuxian."
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Beside him, Wei Ying immediately takes offence. "But why? The tests aren't until two weeks later!"
Eyes calm but sharp, LQR explains, "It's for Lan Wangji's sake. He is familiar with Nie Huaisang who can help him adjust better."
Just to be sure, he adds, "Don't argue with me."
Eyes calm but sharp, LQR explains, "It's for Lan Wangji's sake. He is familiar with Nie Huaisang who can help him adjust better."
Just to be sure, he adds, "Don't argue with me."
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Lan Zhan's stomach sinks as Wei Ying picks up his bag and moves away to the opposite end, as far away from Lan Zhan as possible. Even so, he keeps his gaze firmly down. It is for the best.
If he has to make a friend, Lan Zhan is sure Nie Huaisang would be a better candidate.
If he has to make a friend, Lan Zhan is sure Nie Huaisang would be a better candidate.
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At least as far as Lan Zhan is concerned.
The lecture passes in a blur, almost every introduction enters through one ear and passes out the other.
Except Wei Ying's, who, unlike Lan Zhan who had just stated his name, goes on to share every single detail about him.
The lecture passes in a blur, almost every introduction enters through one ear and passes out the other.
Except Wei Ying's, who, unlike Lan Zhan who had just stated his name, goes on to share every single detail about him.
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It's endearing. The way Wei Ying talks about his love for his sister and his hatred for the dogs. He doesn't hold back from showing off as well, announcing proudly how he was the topper in Gusu's entrance exam.
When he returns to his seat, Lan Zhan goes back to not listening.
When he returns to his seat, Lan Zhan goes back to not listening.
62
The remaining lecture also passes in a blur.
Five minutes before the bell, a crumpled ball of paper lands on the top of his book. Frowning, when he looks up, he finds Wei Ying waving fingers at him. That stupid grin of his intact.
Lan Zhan reluctantly unrumples the paper.
Five minutes before the bell, a crumpled ball of paper lands on the top of his book. Frowning, when he looks up, he finds Wei Ying waving fingers at him. That stupid grin of his intact.
Lan Zhan reluctantly unrumples the paper.
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It says:
Hey, don't look so sad! Remember what I told you about the test? I meant it! I'll be back by your side in no time, don't worry at all!!
–Wei Ying :')
Hey, don't look so sad! Remember what I told you about the test? I meant it! I'll be back by your side in no time, don't worry at all!!
–Wei Ying :')
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Lan Zhan instinctively schools his face. He has no idea what was there but sad? Since when did anyone other than his brother become so adept at reading his face? And why would Lan Zhan be sad? He's had enough of Wei Ying's teasing.
He looks up, with a glare. Wei Ying winks.
He looks up, with a glare. Wei Ying winks.
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His hand slides under the desk and burns the paper ball to ashes right as the bell rings.
He quickly packs his stuff, but looking up, finds Wei Ying already making his way back to him and sighs.
He's known this boy for just a day and has already lost control four times.
He quickly packs his stuff, but looking up, finds Wei Ying already making his way back to him and sighs.
He's known this boy for just a day and has already lost control four times.
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He almost feels sorry for uncle. His efforts are not going to hold a candle infront of this force called Wei Ying. Lan Zhan can already tell.
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———
"Is that any good?"
Lan Zhan internally groans before he lowers the book halfway to peek over it, and for the millionth time, finds Wei Ying infront of him, elbows on desk, face cupped in hands, and grinning. Classic as ever.
"I wouldn't be reading if it weren't."
"Is that any good?"
Lan Zhan internally groans before he lowers the book halfway to peek over it, and for the millionth time, finds Wei Ying infront of him, elbows on desk, face cupped in hands, and grinning. Classic as ever.
"I wouldn't be reading if it weren't."
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Wei Ying leans closer, squinting at the book. "Lan An's poetry," he quirks an eyebrow. "You like poems, Lan Zhan? Are these good? Can we share?"
Sighing, Lan Zhan sets the book down. "Yes and No."
Never one to be bothered by his dismissal, Wei Ying peers down anyway.
Sighing, Lan Zhan sets the book down. "Yes and No."
Never one to be bothered by his dismissal, Wei Ying peers down anyway.
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"Ooooh that looks cool."
Lan Zhan reflexively pulls the book closer and places a hand over it, frowning. "There's a copy of it in the library, you may issue from there if you want to read."
"But I want to read this one," Wei Ying pouts, "it's annotated."
Lan Zhan reflexively pulls the book closer and places a hand over it, frowning. "There's a copy of it in the library, you may issue from there if you want to read."
"But I want to read this one," Wei Ying pouts, "it's annotated."
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Lan Zhan snaps the book shut and holds it close to his chest. "That's because it's mine, my personal copy."
"Exactly," Wei Ying says excitedly, still trying to peek at the book even though it's closed. "That's why I asked if we could share."
"Exactly," Wei Ying says excitedly, still trying to peek at the book even though it's closed. "That's why I asked if we could share."
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"And I said no."
Wei Ying leans back with a exhale. "Come on! Why are you such a spoilsport?"
Lan Zhan blinks, flabbergasted. Does Wei Ying not know how personal a poetry book can be? Especially one supplemented with thoughts? It's his soul right there in the book.
Wei Ying leans back with a exhale. "Come on! Why are you such a spoilsport?"
Lan Zhan blinks, flabbergasted. Does Wei Ying not know how personal a poetry book can be? Especially one supplemented with thoughts? It's his soul right there in the book.
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He states as much and Wei Ying grins. "Why else would I want to read it?" He leans closer again, now peering at Lan Zhan like he was peering at the book. "I want to know what goes in that head of yours, you're like this–this intriguing puzzle I can't seem to figure out."
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Lan Zhan will never get used to it, the way being around Wei Ying is nothing short of riding a ferris wheel, the euphoria of rising high and the dread of falling down circling him in loops, one after another, until he either faints with dizziness or willing jumps off.
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He's saved from having to reply by the teacher entering the class. "Laters!" Wei Ying quips as he skips off to his seat on the other end.
If uncle had thought seating him there would be beneficial, he can't even begin to imagine the countercurrent he has set off.
If uncle had thought seating him there would be beneficial, he can't even begin to imagine the countercurrent he has set off.
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Because Wei Ying now uses that as an excuse to seek him out. For the past one week that Lan Zhan has spent at the CR, discounting the night, he has probably spent a total of ten minutes alone.
He realizes he ought to be more disconcerted by it that he probably is.
He realizes he ought to be more disconcerted by it that he probably is.
76
Every free period, Wei Ying switches seats with Huaisang. He spends half the lunch with his friends and the rest half chattering Lan Zhan's ears off even if he barely responds. Even the five minutes they get between two classes, Wei Ying skitters over to tell him a joke or two.
77
Despite these, Wei Ying's most annoying habit continues to be that of chits. The numerous balls of paper that keep hitting him throughout the day, sometimes on the head, sometimes on the back.
They don't even say anything useful.l Paper wastage is all they are.
They don't even say anything useful.l Paper wastage is all they are.
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Sometimes, Wei Ying throws him weird caricatures of the teacher infront. Lan Zhan burns down every single one of them. Sometimes, they're gossips Wei Ying manages to pick up from around.
Mostly, his chits just ask Lan Zhan to turn and look at him, in no uncertain terms.
Mostly, his chits just ask Lan Zhan to turn and look at him, in no uncertain terms.
79
From something as simple as, "Lan Zhan look at me!" to as shameless as, "It's Wei Ying time! Give me a glance!" to as embarassing as, "Lan Zhan I'm withering away, quickly water me with attention so I can flower again :((." Wei Ying doesn't hold back at all.
80
Lan Zhan had wanted to start burning them without reading, but curiosity won out everytime. And he's glad it did.
Because yesterday the paper ball that hit him had a rabbit drawn in it with a message that said, "Saw you looking at the rabbit meadow yesterday. You looked happy."
Because yesterday the paper ball that hit him had a rabbit drawn in it with a message that said, "Saw you looking at the rabbit meadow yesterday. You looked happy."
81
Lan Zhan should have burnt that one too, preferably right infront of Wei Ying's eyes. Instead, he had quietly placed it inside his bag.
A crumpled paper ball now lies deep inside the drawer of his nightstand, with a rabbit drawn inside it, claiming it makes Lan Zhan happy.
A crumpled paper ball now lies deep inside the drawer of his nightstand, with a rabbit drawn inside it, claiming it makes Lan Zhan happy.
82
It's not that Lan Zhan isn't aware he should be finding a way to tell Wei Ying off, for everyone's good. What he does instead, is think of excuses he can tell LQR the next time he's summoned for a *talk*.
Which is probably why uncle keeps giving him concerned looks.
Which is probably why uncle keeps giving him concerned looks.
83
The more of Wei Ying he gets to know, the more offkilter he feels. It's very odd, this kind of feeling. He eyes constantly look for him when he's not in sight and the moment he appears, Lan Zhan wants to hide. It's utterly bizzare. He's not used to feeling so unsettled.
84
It's scary. And fear makes him stiffer, his already curt responses turn snappy. Wei Ying notices it soon enough, if the startling of his eyes when told to get lost, or the fake plastic smile when Lan Zhan calls him a nuisance are any indication.
Even so, he does not quit.
Even so, he does not quit.
85
If he feels bad, he laughs it off. If something gets to him, he may fall quiet for sometime but he comes back. He always comes back.
Somehow, this rankles Lan Zhan even more than his previous persistence, this inability to get offended no matter what. It's not right.
Somehow, this rankles Lan Zhan even more than his previous persistence, this inability to get offended no matter what. It's not right.
86
One day he will pout and scowl because Lan Zhan called him irritating, then next day he'll return to being even more irritating.
Nor does he cease his attempts to make Lan Zhan go out with his group of friends, movie, theatre, dinner, carnival, he's tried to sell them all.
Nor does he cease his attempts to make Lan Zhan go out with his group of friends, movie, theatre, dinner, carnival, he's tried to sell them all.
87
So it's highly unsurprising when Wei Ying sneaks up on him with another movie offer while he's in the garden talking to Mianmian.
If anything, he's glad to see him being his usual self again since Wei Ying seemed to be in a bad mood all day, quieter than ever.
If anything, he's glad to see him being his usual self again since Wei Ying seemed to be in a bad mood all day, quieter than ever.
88
"We're watching Dead Silence today, you should come," he says, perching beside him. Then turns to Mianmian and grins. "You can join too if you'd like, I promise to let you hold my hand during scary scenes."
Lan Zhan focuses his attention firmly on the book as Mianmian laughs.
Lan Zhan focuses his attention firmly on the book as Mianmian laughs.
89
"No thankyou, Yuandao," she teases. "I've got better plans."
Wei Ying shrugs. "Suit yourself, Lan Zhan and I will have fun all by ourselves, won't we?"
Lan Zhan blurts before he can help it. "No thankyou, I'm sure I can find something better to do with my time."
Wei Ying shrugs. "Suit yourself, Lan Zhan and I will have fun all by ourselves, won't we?"
Lan Zhan blurts before he can help it. "No thankyou, I'm sure I can find something better to do with my time."
90
Wei Ying falls quiet, and Lan Zhan internally curses himself. It feels worse today, somehow.
Distraction comes from Mianmian excusing herself. "I gotta go now, what time should I meet you on Monday? Also, you sure helping me won't hamper your studies?"
Lan Zhan shakes his head.
Distraction comes from Mianmian excusing herself. "I gotta go now, what time should I meet you on Monday? Also, you sure helping me won't hamper your studies?"
Lan Zhan shakes his head.
91
"Whatever time suits you is fine," he says. "And I will manage, do not worry about it."
Mianmian thanks him once more and scurries off. When he turns, he finds Wei Ying looking at him blankly. Moments later, he says, "You're not even half as nice to me as you are to her."
Mianmian thanks him once more and scurries off. When he turns, he finds Wei Ying looking at him blankly. Moments later, he says, "You're not even half as nice to me as you are to her."
92
Lan Zhan should have maybe detected the tone of his voice which isn't playful like always, but he's gotten so habitual of not filtering his words that he speaks before he can think. "That's because she is not half as annoying as you."
Wei Ying doesn't offer anything to that.
Wei Ying doesn't offer anything to that.
93
He doesn't speak for a long time, and when Lan Zhan looks up, he finds him staring with somewhat sharp eyes.
"Do you like her or something, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying asks all of a sudden. "Do you like Mianmian?"
"No." Lan Zhan denies, hard and clear.
"Do you like her or something, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying asks all of a sudden. "Do you like Mianmian?"
"No." Lan Zhan denies, hard and clear.
94
That somehow makes Wei Ying angrier, although his eyes refuse to meet him. "The problem is me then," he says angrily, but his voice is shaky. "What did I ever do to you?"
The outburst startles Lan Zhan. "What do you mean?"
"Why do you hate me so much?" Wei Ying nearly yells.
The outburst startles Lan Zhan. "What do you mean?"
"Why do you hate me so much?" Wei Ying nearly yells.
95
Lan Zhan blinks. Hate... he doesn't understand how Wei Ying could have come to that conclusion. Actually no... he does understand.
Back at the coven, Granny Fei has repeatedly taught him while teaching how to not read minds without consent, that he's not as expressive as others.
Back at the coven, Granny Fei has repeatedly taught him while teaching how to not read minds without consent, that he's not as expressive as others.
96
That Lan Zhan needs to get more handy with words because unlike him, the world cannot read his mind. And it's not like he's not aware how conflicted he has been towards Wei Ying.
Downcasting his eyes, he wonders how to go about it, how to answer Wei Ying.
Downcasting his eyes, he wonders how to go about it, how to answer Wei Ying.
97
Wei Ying beats him to it, however. "Aiyaah don't look so sad now, I didn't–I didn't mean to yell at you, I just," he sighs. "I don't know."
Lan Zhan gazes at him intently, not even surprised. This is so on brand. He has long stopped questioning how Wei Ying figures he's sad.
Lan Zhan gazes at him intently, not even surprised. This is so on brand. He has long stopped questioning how Wei Ying figures he's sad.
98
And feeling guilty over *rightfully* getting angry is just the kind of thing Wei Ying does.
"I keep trying to be your friend," Wei Ying is mumbling to himself now. "I do everything but you keep"—he sighs again—"let it be, you're right, I'll leave you alone from now."
"I keep trying to be your friend," Wei Ying is mumbling to himself now. "I do everything but you keep"—he sighs again—"let it be, you're right, I'll leave you alone from now."
99
He attempts to get up. Lan Zhan's hand moves on its own to grab his wrist.
Later, Lan Zhan will call himself stupid. Because he was just given the best outcome possible and he willingly trashed it. But right now, all he wants to do is wipe that look away from Wei Ying's face.
Later, Lan Zhan will call himself stupid. Because he was just given the best outcome possible and he willingly trashed it. But right now, all he wants to do is wipe that look away from Wei Ying's face.
100
'Be kind and trust your heart,' his mother had told him. Lan Zhan has failed at being kind so he needs to correct that.
As for his heart, love is what's forbidden for it. Not friendship. Wei Ying wants to be his friend. No one has ever wanted to be Lan Zhan's friend.
As for his heart, love is what's forbidden for it. Not friendship. Wei Ying wants to be his friend. No one has ever wanted to be Lan Zhan's friend.
101
Gaining experience was the whole point of joining school, wasn't it? Friends come under that. Uncle would surely understand.
Because his heart has already made a space for Wei Ying.
So he pulls him back down to sit on the ground and says, "I'm sorry."
Because his heart has already made a space for Wei Ying.
So he pulls him back down to sit on the ground and says, "I'm sorry."
102
Wei Ying looks visibly uncomfortable for a few moments, then punches Lan Zhan lightly on the shoulder. "Don't say that! I hate that word."
Something about it makes Lan Zhan feel Wei Ying doesn't get told that often, even when it's fully warranted. So he repeats.
Something about it makes Lan Zhan feel Wei Ying doesn't get told that often, even when it's fully warranted. So he repeats.
103
"I was unkind to you, I'm sorry."
"Ohmygod faaine faaine I get that, stop it now, it's alright."
"It's true, I do not know how to be a friend," Lan Zhan admits quietly. "I never had one, atleast not someone my age," and definitely not someone like Wei Ying who—
"Ohmygod faaine faaine I get that, stop it now, it's alright."
"It's true, I do not know how to be a friend," Lan Zhan admits quietly. "I never had one, atleast not someone my age," and definitely not someone like Wei Ying who—
104
makes him want to make all the bad decisions in the world all at once, but he keeps that piece of information to himself.
Wei Ying lights up, like the rising sun. "Friends, you say?"
His ears burn red hot, but Lan Zhan manages to make himself meet his gaze. "Mn."
Wei Ying lights up, like the rising sun. "Friends, you say?"
His ears burn red hot, but Lan Zhan manages to make himself meet his gaze. "Mn."
105
That evening, they watch Dead Silence. Well, Lan Zhan watches the movie while Wei Ying watches his face, rewinding every scene that Lan Zhan doesn't react appropriately to.
"We'll watch Curse of The Witch next weekend," he announces gleefully at the end. Lan Zhan coughs loudly.
"We'll watch Curse of The Witch next weekend," he announces gleefully at the end. Lan Zhan coughs loudly.
106
And next week, when final results of unit tests are announced, Wei Ying indeed manages to secure the seat next to Lan Zhan.
"Do you have any idea of how lucky you are?" Wei Ying says, with the biggest smile, sprawling on the desk as if to show the entire class his claim on it.
"Do you have any idea of how lucky you are?" Wei Ying says, with the biggest smile, sprawling on the desk as if to show the entire class his claim on it.
107
Lan Zhan raises a brow.
"Imagine nabbing me as your first friend! Lan Zhan ah Lan Zhan, you are the luckiest person on earth."
Lan Zhan huffs. He has no doubts about that.
"Imagine nabbing me as your first friend! Lan Zhan ah Lan Zhan, you are the luckiest person on earth."
Lan Zhan huffs. He has no doubts about that.
108
[ im making it boring, ain't I? I wanted to flesh it a bit but I really feel I'm making it boring. :(( Or idk so many inauspicious things have happened with this threadfic, maybe I'm just feeling bad. ugh. ]
anyway, to the top!
anyway, to the top!
grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
teen wangxian lovecurse au where LWJ is cursed with dark magic forbidding him from ever falling in love and WWX is a persistent annoyance who will stop at nothing to get his attention...
109
The thing is, Lan Zhan wasn't brought up at the cloud recesses.
While it has come to feel like a semblance of home in the three months he's been here now, there are a few things he's yet to get used to. Or perhaps, get unused to. Unlearn.
Tradition, for instance.
While it has come to feel like a semblance of home in the three months he's been here now, there are a few things he's yet to get used to. Or perhaps, get unused to. Unlearn.
Tradition, for instance.
110
The place Lan Zhan grew up in was a celebrator of all celestial events. Even a night as simple as a full moon used to be regarded highly by the coven. Something like a meteor shower would be a straight up festival.
Cloud Recesses have their own traditions, much simpler.
Cloud Recesses have their own traditions, much simpler.
111
It's not that Lan Zhan isn't excited. When the entire campus around you is vibrating with anticipation, it is bound to rub off on you. But he also can't help but miss the flair of the coven.
Granny Fei's enchanted gifts, chef Mo's elaborate five course meals, and most of all—
Granny Fei's enchanted gifts, chef Mo's elaborate five course meals, and most of all—
112
Auntie Yan's insistence to get everyone dressed to the nines, especially Lan Zhan, since he was her favourite muse, ever since he turned twelve.
"These innocent white robes make you look like virgin mary," she would say. "You're not virgin mary, Wangji."
"These innocent white robes make you look like virgin mary," she would say. "You're not virgin mary, Wangji."
113
Lan Zhan's ears would promptly colour at the blatant use of a word like 'virgin' but she would remain insistent.
"These hands hold the power to burn the world to ashes," she had once said, gently caressing his fingers. "You might as well look the part."
"These hands hold the power to burn the world to ashes," she had once said, gently caressing his fingers. "You might as well look the part."
114
Lan Zhan never admitted to her, but he really loved being her canvas.
Auntie Yan was what his school people would probably call the coven's queen bee, always up in everybody's business. But for Lan Zhan, she was the one who taught him the magic of being himself.
Auntie Yan was what his school people would probably call the coven's queen bee, always up in everybody's business. But for Lan Zhan, she was the one who taught him the magic of being himself.
115
He doesn't know if it's the nature of magic inside him or simply his general temperament, but he likes feeling sexy. He even owns several items that he treasures, all Auntie Yan's handowns but still.
The students here will probably just want to have fun after the meteor shower.
The students here will probably just want to have fun after the meteor shower.
116
Good food and some jolly time with friends. Nothing extravagant.
A pair of hands on his eyes startle him out of his musings, and Lan Zhan sighs.
In the past three months, Wei Ying has done this probably thirty times, in vain because no one else ever dares touch Lan Zhan.
A pair of hands on his eyes startle him out of his musings, and Lan Zhan sighs.
In the past three months, Wei Ying has done this probably thirty times, in vain because no one else ever dares touch Lan Zhan.
117
"Guess who?" Wei Ying asks, like an idiot.
Lan Zhan makes his voice as bored as possible, to focus away from the point of contact Wei Ying's hands make with his skin, and says, "The 77th incarnation of the Devil."
Wei Ying laughs, having received his favourite answer.
Lan Zhan makes his voice as bored as possible, to focus away from the point of contact Wei Ying's hands make with his skin, and says, "The 77th incarnation of the Devil."
Wei Ying laughs, having received his favourite answer.
118
As Wei Ying rounds up to sit on the bench beside him, Lan Zhan retrieves a small tiffin box from his bag. Wei Ying snatches the box, takes a look inside and gasps dramatically, with a hand on heart.
"Lan Zhan, love of my life, apple of my eyes, what would I do without you?"
"Lan Zhan, love of my life, apple of my eyes, what would I do without you?"
119
'Maybe starve to death,' Lan Zhan wants to say but Wei Ying is already reaching for atleast four rice balls and stuffing them into his mouth, all at once, causing his cheeks to bulge out.
He doesn't even swallow the mouthful before beginning to lick the life out of his fingers.
He doesn't even swallow the mouthful before beginning to lick the life out of his fingers.
120
It's filthy. And ridiculously satisfying.
It's one of those observations about Wei Ying that Lan Zhan has been storing away in his mental box of whys. Why does his smile feel comforting? Why does skin contact make him breathless? Why is it so satisfying to watch Wei Ying eat?
It's one of those observations about Wei Ying that Lan Zhan has been storing away in his mental box of whys. Why does his smile feel comforting? Why does skin contact make him breathless? Why is it so satisfying to watch Wei Ying eat?
121
All this time he's spent with Wei Ying make him question more and more, everything he knew about the concept of friendship. Wei Ying is like a whirlwind, too fast for Lan Zhan to catch up to. But also one that feels safe. Like the eye of a storm.
122
But Lan Zhan is not sure if it's just friendship when he ideally catches himself wondering what Wei Ying must be doing, or the explicable urge to pin him on the wall when Wei Ying is teasing him, or when his gaze lingers on those lips a little too—
Nope. No. Not at all.
Nope. No. Not at all.
123
Lan Zhan does have a few friends now—mostly Wei Ying's own, Mianmian, who's Lan Zhan's favourite, Huaisang, whom he already knows, Jiang Cheng, whom he's not sure if he wants to know, and Wen Qing, whom he likes the most—and he's certain he doesn't feel the same for any of them.
124
Anyway, it doesn't matter. Lan Zhan hasn't prepared himself for sixteen years to never ever go down that path only for it to be undone now by a boy who smiles too much.
Wei Ying's complete unreciprocation in that regard, however hurtful, definitely helps Lan Zhan's situation.
Wei Ying's complete unreciprocation in that regard, however hurtful, definitely helps Lan Zhan's situation.
125
"Mmhhhh Lan Zhan, you do know you're my favourite person in the world, right?" Wei Ying breaks him out of his stupor with a content sigh, having finished the whole box of jarringly red spicy rice balls. "I sincerely believe my soul will starve if not for you."
126
Lan Zhan doesn't even doubt that, considering how all Wei Ying had done the first week was pick his food and whine, quite audibly, just how bad Lan Zhan's home food is.
That was when Lan Zhan had told him he actually grew up somewhere else, with ayis on his mother's side.
That was when Lan Zhan had told him he actually grew up somewhere else, with ayis on his mother's side.
127
And Wei Ying's first question was, "Did they have spicy food there? Do you like it too?"
Unfortunately, Wei Ying was disappointed on that front. While the people at the coven did love spice, Lan Zhan could never grow a taste for them.
Unfortunately, Wei Ying was disappointed on that front. While the people at the coven did love spice, Lan Zhan could never grow a taste for them.
128
But Lan Zhan had made up for it, by showing up with a box of scary red chicken bites the next day and Wei Ying had quite positively lost his mind, stuffing his face like a starved animal, refusing to share even when Huaisang had explicitly asked for some.
129
The entire table had given Lan Zhan a pointed, betrayed look. But Lan Zhan had already discovered that joys of feeding Wei Ying. And so, their lunchbox sharing happens here now, on the garden bench, away from prying eyes.
There's just one problem though—
There's just one problem though—
130
Wei Ying plops his head down on Lan Zhan's lap, and sighs happily, rubbing his belly.
"I'm sure you're my guardian angel."
Right. That. Lan Zhan looks away.
Besides mistaking Lan Zhan for an angle, as opposed to the destructive sorcerer he is, Wei Ying has, somehow—
"I'm sure you're my guardian angel."
Right. That. Lan Zhan looks away.
Besides mistaking Lan Zhan for an angle, as opposed to the destructive sorcerer he is, Wei Ying has, somehow—
131
simply assumed that Lan Zhan makes the lunches himself.
Which isn't entirely false, but isn't entirely true either. All Lan Zhan does is sneak into the kitchen, summon the ingredients onto the counter, and command them to cook themselves into something edible. And spicy.
Which isn't entirely false, but isn't entirely true either. All Lan Zhan does is sneak into the kitchen, summon the ingredients onto the counter, and command them to cook themselves into something edible. And spicy.
132
Lan Zhan would feel bad about it if not for—
"Who could've known you were such a great cook!" Wei Ying smiles up at him.
If not for this million dollar toothy grin. It makes the embarrassment worth it. So Lan Zhan swallows it down and says, "Mn."
"Who could've known you were such a great cook!" Wei Ying smiles up at him.
If not for this million dollar toothy grin. It makes the embarrassment worth it. So Lan Zhan swallows it down and says, "Mn."
133
"Anyway! Now that I'm fed and not nearly starving anymore, care to tell me where you were lost before I came?"
Lan Zhan hadn't really given it a thought if he'd like to say anything in case Wei Ying asked again, but he finds himself talking.
"The place I grew up at," he says.
Lan Zhan hadn't really given it a thought if he'd like to say anything in case Wei Ying asked again, but he finds himself talking.
"The place I grew up at," he says.
134
Wei Ying's eyes soften. "You miss it?"
"Maybe," Lan Zhan says, staring at the students buzzing around. "Cosmic occurences were a big deal there. They would always call for celebrations."
Wei Ying pulls his knees up on the bench, and turns to sit facing him. "Tell me more."
"Maybe," Lan Zhan says, staring at the students buzzing around. "Cosmic occurences were a big deal there. They would always call for celebrations."
Wei Ying pulls his knees up on the bench, and turns to sit facing him. "Tell me more."
135
Lan Zhan huffs. "We used to study constellations on every full moon, and on new moons, every house had to light candles in multiples of thirteen."
Wei Ying raises a brow, and Lan Zhan immediately berates himself. He definitely overshared there and now Wei Ying is going to—
Wei Ying raises a brow, and Lan Zhan immediately berates himself. He definitely overshared there and now Wei Ying is going to—
136
"That's so... cool," Wei Ying is now saying to himself, frowning. "What on earth is this place? Why don't I know of it?"
"It's a small village," Lan Zhan says, feeling a different kind of adoration in his chest. "Probably unavailable even on maps."
"It's a small village," Lan Zhan says, feeling a different kind of adoration in his chest. "Probably unavailable even on maps."
137
"I see...," Wei Ying is somehow still frowning, as if sad that he doesn't know. "Tell me more Lan Zhan, I'm kinda intrigued, what would be happening there right now?"
A tiny smile quirks up his lips. "I'm certain Auntie Yan must be fretting over some kind of latest black lace."
A tiny smile quirks up his lips. "I'm certain Auntie Yan must be fretting over some kind of latest black lace."
138
Wei Ying blinks, lost for words. Lan Zhan can understand that. He was the same initially.
"Meteor showers were important to us," he explains. "Granny Fei would get the house decorated, there would be feasts all around the cove–arena," he coughs. "The village, I mean."
"Meteor showers were important to us," he explains. "Granny Fei would get the house decorated, there would be feasts all around the cove–arena," he coughs. "The village, I mean."
139
Granny Fei and other elders also used to stay up all night analysing planetary movements so they can predict the upcoming calamities, if any, but Lan Zhan keeps that bit to himself.
Not like Wei Ying would want to know about the sacrificial rituals they had to employ sometimes—
Not like Wei Ying would want to know about the sacrificial rituals they had to employ sometimes—
140
to prevent the worst of tragedies. Anyway, it doesn't matter since Lan Zhan was mostly kept away from the main coven business in consideration of his mother's wishes.
"Auntie Yan liked to deck us all up," he tells Wei Ying. "In various shades of dark. It was... nice."
"Auntie Yan liked to deck us all up," he tells Wei Ying. "In various shades of dark. It was... nice."
141
Wei Ying smiles. "You really do miss it, don't you?"
Lan Zhan shrugs. "No use dwelling on silly nostalgia, I'm sure what we have here will be equally nice."
"Bullshit," Wei Ying gets off the bench and bends to his eyel level. "But lucky you for having Wei Ying as a friend."
Lan Zhan shrugs. "No use dwelling on silly nostalgia, I'm sure what we have here will be equally nice."
"Bullshit," Wei Ying gets off the bench and bends to his eyel level. "But lucky you for having Wei Ying as a friend."
142
A knot appears between his brows. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is—," Wei Ying lightly taps on the knot with his index finger, repeatedly, until it disappears, "that my Lan Zhan should have everything he wants."
"What I mean is—," Wei Ying lightly taps on the knot with his index finger, repeatedly, until it disappears, "that my Lan Zhan should have everything he wants."
143
Lan Zhan would have maybe asked more, or showed reluctance, if he wasn't busy violently trampling on his loudly thudding heart and gripping the edge of the bench. By the time he comes to, Wei Ying is already jogging towards the dining hall.
"Wei Ying, no—
"Lan Zhan, Yes!"
"Wei Ying, no—
"Lan Zhan, Yes!"
144
For fifteen whole minutes, Lan Zhan sits on the bench by himself, waiting—half dreading whatever Wei Ying will come back with, and half reeling with the way his heart is still thumping. He will never get used to this, these years of preparation were all for naught.
145
When Wei Ying comes back, two minutes before the bell rings and recess gets over, he's panting and heaving and smiling bright as ever. Just what is one supposed to do with such a smile.
And announces, all in one breath, and in no uncertain terms, his grand "change of plans".
And announces, all in one breath, and in no uncertain terms, his grand "change of plans".
146
Apparently, nobody will be going home after the meteor shower anymore because now, there's a bonfire after that they're expected to dress up for. Wei Ying says, "The theme is goth." They also need not worry about anything because Huaisang will take will care of everything.
147
"Its literally his dream come true," Wei Ying adds.
This is too much information for Lan Zhan to process all at once so he focuses on what he deems important. "What do you mean goth?"
Because what he knows of gothic covens isn't all that... pleasant, to put it charitably.
This is too much information for Lan Zhan to process all at once so he focuses on what he deems important. "What do you mean goth?"
Because what he knows of gothic covens isn't all that... pleasant, to put it charitably.
148
Wei Ying laughs. "Don't you worry about that, it's just an excuse to make people dress up in dark clothes, since that's what you wanted?" He quirks a questioning eyebrow so Lan Zhan nods. "Essentially, it just means that you, my dear, get to be whoever you want."
149
Black was Auntie Yan's favorite color, besides being a compulsion for them to wear for important occasions. Consequently, most of what Lan Zhan retains from the coven is black.
Today, however, he has been telling himself repeatedly not to walk down that forbidden road.
Today, however, he has been telling himself repeatedly not to walk down that forbidden road.
150
Telling himself that he wants to wear that only because of Auntie Yan, not because—
"I'll finally get to wear that black shirt with hellfire prints!" Wei Ying says excitedly beside him.
—not because it's Wei Ying's colour.
"I'll finally get to wear that black shirt with hellfire prints!" Wei Ying says excitedly beside him.
—not because it's Wei Ying's colour.
151
He peels his gaze away from Wei Ying's sweat covered clavicle and says, "Hellfire?"
Wei Ying laughs again. "It's just red flames on a black blouse, I call it hellfire out of love," he says fondly, as if Lan Zhan isn't already aware Wei Ying loves the strangest things.
Wei Ying laughs again. "It's just red flames on a black blouse, I call it hellfire out of love," he says fondly, as if Lan Zhan isn't already aware Wei Ying loves the strangest things.
152
"Like I said," Wei Ying adds pointedly, "You can be as sexy or as weird as you want. You can wear anything you want."
Lan Zhan looks up. "Even a dress?"
Wei Ying's eyes widen slightly, sending a jolt of fluster down Lan Zhan's neck, but then his eyes crease up with a smile.
Lan Zhan looks up. "Even a dress?"
Wei Ying's eyes widen slightly, sending a jolt of fluster down Lan Zhan's neck, but then his eyes crease up with a smile.
153
"Just make sure not to kill us mortals," he says, teasingly.
Ears burning, Lan Zhan looks away. The bell goes off, beginning the fifth period, they walk back to the class. Except, unlike before, Lan Zhan finds his tummy knotted with both, dread and anticipation.
Ears burning, Lan Zhan looks away. The bell goes off, beginning the fifth period, they walk back to the class. Except, unlike before, Lan Zhan finds his tummy knotted with both, dread and anticipation.
154
———
The thing is, this was normal back at the coven.
It was Usual. Ordinary. And because of that, Lan Zhan might have underestimated what he was planning. Riding high on misplaced confidence and his wish to grab Wei Ying's eyes, he might have dug himself a hole.
The thing is, this was normal back at the coven.
It was Usual. Ordinary. And because of that, Lan Zhan might have underestimated what he was planning. Riding high on misplaced confidence and his wish to grab Wei Ying's eyes, he might have dug himself a hole.
155
Because standing here infront of the mirror now, in auntie Yan's highneck black dress with a lacey cape on its shoulders—pinched snug on his waist only by virtue of the resizing spell she infused it with before giving it to Lan Zhan—it all feels terribly terribly overdone.
156
No one is going to be this extra. He's already a freak for some people and now, he can almost see himself be their laughing stock. Right infront of Wei Ying.
His hands clam up just thinking of that. Being a butt of jokes infront of Wei Ying is not something he can live with.
His hands clam up just thinking of that. Being a butt of jokes infront of Wei Ying is not something he can live with.
157
Moving haphazardly, he retrives the silver box from under his cupboard and taking out a few poppy leaves, infuses it with a jolt of blue energy before sending a message. "Auntie Yan, I need help."
Merely two seconds later, a voice booms through the Jingshi.
Merely two seconds later, a voice booms through the Jingshi.
158
"Boy you better not be hitting me up for—oooh la la la."
Lan Zhan turns with a startle and finds her in his dressing room mirror, dressed up in a black flared gown, much more extravagant than Lan Zhan's, complete with dark shades of makeup, giving him a blatant once over.
Lan Zhan turns with a startle and finds her in his dressing room mirror, dressed up in a black flared gown, much more extravagant than Lan Zhan's, complete with dark shades of makeup, giving him a blatant once over.
159
"Let me tell you, Zhanzhan, nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing you upholding our tradition, specifically my teachings."
Lan Zhan rolls his eyes. "Focus, please."
"Oh. Right." Auntie Yan squints her eyes at him, "Hmm, while I do love what you've done with those eyes—
Lan Zhan rolls his eyes. "Focus, please."
"Oh. Right." Auntie Yan squints her eyes at him, "Hmm, while I do love what you've done with those eyes—
160
"do me a favour and touch up the lip gloss dear, would you? And," she frowns, "there's something missing, uhmm, some pearls might do the magic but I'd say go for the cuff, they'd give you—
"Auntie Yan! Not that!"
The lady in the mirror startles. "You told me to focus."
"Auntie Yan! Not that!"
The lady in the mirror startles. "You told me to focus."
161
Lan Zhan almost, almost stomps a foot. "I mean, look at me, I've overdone everything. People here don't dress like this."
"Well, their lack of taste is not your fault."
His lips press thin. "I wanted to be a little inconspicuous. Nobody here will look like me."
"Well, their lack of taste is not your fault."
His lips press thin. "I wanted to be a little inconspicuous. Nobody here will look like me."
162
"Oh dear, let's be honest now, nobody anywhere will look like you," Auntie Yan shakes her head fondly. "From that face to the powers surging in your veins, nothing about you is inconspicuous baobao, it's just the way things are."
"You're not helping." Lan Zhan sighs.
"You're not helping." Lan Zhan sighs.
163
Auntie Yan sighs too. "Are you even a teenager if you don't overdress for occasion?" She says, smiling. "Listen to me, it's every teenager's birthright to put the red carpet to shame, and you left the coven to be a weird normal boy so might as well play the part."
164
Calling her was certainly a bad idea, Lan Zhan thinks. Auntie Yan holds a record of being the most convincing when it comes to flowery talk. Now Lan Zhan will be convinced to go, and everyone will laugh at him, and Wei Ying feel sorry with those big eyes—
"Wei Ying huh..."
"Wei Ying huh..."
165
He looks up with a jerk and finds her grinning curiously. With murder on mind, he shuts his eyes and forces the woman out of his mind and quickly draws up the barriers.
"I'm telling Granny Fei!" He nearly yells.
Auntie Yan rolls her eyes. "Go ahead, do that."
"I'm telling Granny Fei!" He nearly yells.
Auntie Yan rolls her eyes. "Go ahead, do that."
166
She's one of the most influential witches in the coven, and certainly exploits her status. Not that Lan Zhan would ever tell on her.
"So tell me about this Wei Ying," she says.
Lan Zhan turns away. "None of your business."
"Is he atleast nice to you?"
"So tell me about this Wei Ying," she says.
Lan Zhan turns away. "None of your business."
"Is he atleast nice to you?"
167
There's probably no one in the world who's as nice as Wei Ying. And it must show on his face, for he hears Auntie Yan say, "Oh dear."
"Aren't you supposed to advise me against this or something," he says quietly. "You know well what my stars say."
"Aren't you supposed to advise me against this or something," he says quietly. "You know well what my stars say."
168
Her face softens, and Lan Zhan immediately feels guilty. His curse had never been an easy topic to talk about at the coven, especially for Auntie Yan, since it was one of her own sisters who had sealed Lan Zhan's fate.
"Zhanzhan, what do I always tell you?" She asks, softly.
"Zhanzhan, what do I always tell you?" She asks, softly.
169
"Those shapely fingers of yours hold the power to burn the world down," it's rare for Auntie Yan to sound as serious as she does now. "And if some measly stars up above say that you, of all the people, cannot have love, I say you burn those stars down too."
170
Easier said than done, Lan Zhan thinks.
"Everything is easy when my Zhanzhan puts his mind to it."
"Stop getting into my mind!" He bristles.
"I didn't do anything this time, you've got the barriers up, did you forget?" She says scowling. "I just read your face."
"Everything is easy when my Zhanzhan puts his mind to it."
"Stop getting into my mind!" He bristles.
"I didn't do anything this time, you've got the barriers up, did you forget?" She says scowling. "I just read your face."
171
"Right." He sighs. "Anyway, the point at hand is that I need to look normal."
"Why on earth would you want that when you can look like this?"
"People here already call me names," he mumbles, staring at his shoes. "This would just be an invitation to laugh at me."
"Why on earth would you want that when you can look like this?"
"People here already call me names," he mumbles, staring at his shoes. "This would just be an invitation to laugh at me."
172
He hears her sigh. "A-Zhan, look at me, c'mon, eyes up!"
He does.
"Do you like the way you look?"
He nods.
"Then nothing else matters. I'm sure this Wei Ying will agree with me."
His ears burn bright as he glares at the woman in the mirror who's outright gleeful.
He does.
"Do you like the way you look?"
He nods.
"Then nothing else matters. I'm sure this Wei Ying will agree with me."
His ears burn bright as he glares at the woman in the mirror who's outright gleeful.
173
"Now you quickly give me one last twirl, then off you go dazzling your man, c'mon!"
Lan Zhan does that too, rotating on his feet like a robot, mostly to hide his coloring cheeks.
"Hmm perfect, just one more thing—," she moves her fingers and out comes from Lan Zhan's cupboard—
Lan Zhan does that too, rotating on his feet like a robot, mostly to hide his coloring cheeks.
"Hmm perfect, just one more thing—," she moves her fingers and out comes from Lan Zhan's cupboard—
174
a pair of black wrist cuffs, elaborate but elegant, made of delicate lace. "The final touch to cap it all up with flair."
Lan Zhan puts them on and they settle on his pale wrists like a second skin, before puffing up beautifully on the edges.
Lan Zhan puts them on and they settle on his pale wrists like a second skin, before puffing up beautifully on the edges.
175
"Lastly," says Auntie Yan, "You won't get this night again, so try not to leave anything for regrets. Also... don't forget the hair pin, you'll need it today more than ever before."
Lan Zhan ignores her in favour of picking up the poppy leaves on the table.
Lan Zhan ignores her in favour of picking up the poppy leaves on the table.
176
"Before I go," she says, suddenly remembering something. "Who's this kid calling you names and all? Tell Auntie. What's his name?"
Alarms blaring in his ears, Lan Zhan quickly casts the spell to cut the communication before Auntie Yan can hex Jin Zixun with a tail or something.
Alarms blaring in his ears, Lan Zhan quickly casts the spell to cut the communication before Auntie Yan can hex Jin Zixun with a tail or something.
177
He gives himself a few moments, then turns to the mirror again.
This time, he doesn't look as odd to himself. He looks pretty, infact. Sexy. Like he used to back at the coven. He even *feels* pretty.
Wei Ying had said after, that he can be whoever he wants to be.
This time, he doesn't look as odd to himself. He looks pretty, infact. Sexy. Like he used to back at the coven. He even *feels* pretty.
Wei Ying had said after, that he can be whoever he wants to be.
178
He will also be wearing something over the top. What had he said? Black shirt with red flames of hellfire—
Inadvertently, Lan Zhan's eyes fall on the cuffs on his wrists.
Auntie Yan was right about one thing. He won't get tonight again.
Inadvertently, Lan Zhan's eyes fall on the cuffs on his wrists.
Auntie Yan was right about one thing. He won't get tonight again.
179
He's already crossed lines of *normal* so what's a little more?
Swallowing, he places a hand over the lace on his wrist. The neon blue glow from his fingers coils up sprirally, slowly turning all the black fabric to... red.
It's the most shameless thing Lan Zhan has ever done.
Swallowing, he places a hand over the lace on his wrist. The neon blue glow from his fingers coils up sprirally, slowly turning all the black fabric to... red.
It's the most shameless thing Lan Zhan has ever done.
180
But it looks better like this, almost like a statement, almost like a....
He shakes his head to dispel the thoughts away. There are a lot of consequences Lan Zhan will need to consider for this, but he can always do that after the night ends.
Tonight, he's just a teenager.
He shakes his head to dispel the thoughts away. There are a lot of consequences Lan Zhan will need to consider for this, but he can always do that after the night ends.
Tonight, he's just a teenager.
181
Remembering Auntie Yan's words, he retrives the red hairpin and inserts it between the studded hair claw holding his hair up in a half bun.
It was a gift from Granny Fei, charmed with protective spells. If touched by anyone other than Lan Zhan, it would alert the elders.
It was a gift from Granny Fei, charmed with protective spells. If touched by anyone other than Lan Zhan, it would alert the elders.
182
Lan Zhan was supposed to have it on his person at all times, which he never did. But today, he wears it, just to have a bit of red in his hair.
It is still an enchanted article, though. He cannot afford to have it touched, or stolen, so he covers it up with a black hat.
It is still an enchanted article, though. He cannot afford to have it touched, or stolen, so he covers it up with a black hat.
183
On second thoughts, he turns the hat red too, to round up this assortment of red and black outfit.
He has no idea what he's doing. But no matter how tonight goes, at least Lan Zhan won't look back and wonder what ifs.
With that last thought in mind, he steps out of the room.
He has no idea what he's doing. But no matter how tonight goes, at least Lan Zhan won't look back and wonder what ifs.
With that last thought in mind, he steps out of the room.
184
[ stopping here for tonight. we'll have the meteor shower and bonfire tomorrow, lol what a weird thing to say. anyway, this is LWJ's outfit incase y'all would like some visuals. ]
grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
very soon we'll be putting LWJ into this outfit in the witchji threadfic, the wrist cuff same colour as the hat (i couldn't find it)
185
If Lan Zhan was planning to make a quiet entrance, he fails tremendously.
First, he gets lost on his way down the mountain because the permission for bonfire post-curfew was given only under the condition that it will be held outside the premises.
First, he gets lost on his way down the mountain because the permission for bonfire post-curfew was given only under the condition that it will be held outside the premises.
186
Second, much more embarrassing, he trips–TRIPS!–on a large rock right at the entrance because it's too dark. Mercifully, he's completely shielded by the gate for anyone to see, but he gets so rankled he can barely help it when his eyes glow blue and burst the rock to smithereens.
187
The worst happens when he enters.
Apparently, the commotion at the gate had grabbed attention so he steps inside to quite a few eyes already watching. It's almost audible the way their talking reduces to a buzzing murmur before ultimately melting into a hushed silence.
Apparently, the commotion at the gate had grabbed attention so he steps inside to quite a few eyes already watching. It's almost audible the way their talking reduces to a buzzing murmur before ultimately melting into a hushed silence.
188
His hands fist up, clammier than ever before. This was a bad idea, he was right. It seems like not a single reaction is escaping him, the widened eyes, the raised eyebrows, that cursed whistle Lan Zhan just heard.
His first instinct is to just turn back and return.
His first instinct is to just turn back and return.
189
Second instinct is to escape to some desolate corner and tear away his cape and hat and cuffs and all extra accessories so he can mute the outfit down to something subtle.
And maybe he would have done just that, if not for a familiar laughter peeling through the atmosphere.
And maybe he would have done just that, if not for a familiar laughter peeling through the atmosphere.
190
Lan Zhan turns sideways, and his eyes zero on the figure they were searching for. The bonfire has already been lit, some students are dancing, some talking, and there's Wei Ying, far away with his back towards Lan Zhan, comically jabbering away at Huaisang.
191
Just as promised, he's dressed in a loose silk black shirt with padded shoulders and a hem that barely comes up to his waist. Printed on it are the red flames, of his beloved hellfire. The sight is as endearing as shameless is the fact that their reds are indeed matching.
192
It also gives Lan Zhan the confidence to tune out everyone else and walk towards him. With every step he takes, his heart hammers, and it's almost bursting in his throat when Huaisang spots him and wails, out of nowhere, "Ohmygod no way!!!"
Lan Zhan freezes, still far away.
Lan Zhan freezes, still far away.
193
And just like that, with an utter lack of consideration for his thundering heart, Wei Ying turns, a smile plastered on his face.
One look, and his smile disappears.
Before Lan Zhan can even begin to process, he's startled, once again by Huaisang, much closer to him now.
One look, and his smile disappears.
Before Lan Zhan can even begin to process, he's startled, once again by Huaisang, much closer to him now.
194
So focused on Wei Ying he was, that he didn't notice that others had walked over and were now looking at him, not much different from the people at the entrance.
"You weren't supposed to one-up me!" Huaisang whines loudly, making Lan Zhan shuffle the side.
"You weren't supposed to one-up me!" Huaisang whines loudly, making Lan Zhan shuffle the side.
195
He's has a dress on as well, which is relieving, and he looks really good so Lan Zhan has no idea what he—
"You call me friend and you NEVER shared that lip thing!" It's Mianmian now, faking a lot of indignation.
Lip thing? It's just the lip gloss Auntie Yan gifted him.
"You call me friend and you NEVER shared that lip thing!" It's Mianmian now, faking a lot of indignation.
Lip thing? It's just the lip gloss Auntie Yan gifted him.
196
While he doesn't these are bad reactions, it's all very very confusing.
"I like the cuffs," says Wen Qing, finally someone sane. "Let it never be said Lan Wangji has the sexiest hands the world."
Wholly unintentional, a huff bursts out of him. Wen Qing's eyebrows shoot up.
"I like the cuffs," says Wen Qing, finally someone sane. "Let it never be said Lan Wangji has the sexiest hands the world."
Wholly unintentional, a huff bursts out of him. Wen Qing's eyebrows shoot up.
197
"Did you just—oh wow, does that mean I have the same powers as Wei Wuxian?"
Mention of his name makes Lan Zhan glance at Wei Ying who is standing a little distance away, eyes-wide, as if rooted to the spot. There's still no trace of smile on his face.
Lan Zhan's stomach drops.
Mention of his name makes Lan Zhan glance at Wei Ying who is standing a little distance away, eyes-wide, as if rooted to the spot. There's still no trace of smile on his face.
Lan Zhan's stomach drops.
198
Wei Ying is the kind to shower people with compliments even without occasion, and while Lan Zhan doesn't think he looks bad, considering the reactions of his friends, he does wonder now if it's not to Wei Ying's taste, or if he too thinks Lan Zhan overdid it all.
199
Not even a smile. That must mean something.
"You just reminded me of an aunt of mine," he says to Wen Qing. "She had said the same thing when she introduced me to these."
"Well," Wen Qing raises one of his hands to inspect the cuffs closely. "She definitely has taste."
"You just reminded me of an aunt of mine," he says to Wen Qing. "She had said the same thing when she introduced me to these."
"Well," Wen Qing raises one of his hands to inspect the cuffs closely. "She definitely has taste."
200
He's beginning to see who, out of his friends, would be Auntie Yan fav—
"The colour is really pretty, isn't is Wei Wuxian?" Wen Qing asks him directly. In response, Wei Ying squeaks.
"How savvy of you!" Wen Qing gives him a thumbs-up. "And that's our cue to get us drinks.
"The colour is really pretty, isn't is Wei Wuxian?" Wen Qing asks him directly. In response, Wei Ying squeaks.
"How savvy of you!" Wen Qing gives him a thumbs-up. "And that's our cue to get us drinks.
201
On her way, she drags Mianmian along who doesn't budge until she's extracted a lipgloss sharing promise from Lan Zhan.
Suddenly left alone, Lan Zhan finds no more excuse to avoid Wei Ying's eyes that are close to burning a hole into his cheek despite the lack of compliments.
Suddenly left alone, Lan Zhan finds no more excuse to avoid Wei Ying's eyes that are close to burning a hole into his cheek despite the lack of compliments.
202
He looks up, and Wei Ying averts his eyes, exhaling a large breath, as though he had been holding it for a long time.
His neck is a little sweaty, face flushed scarlet and now that Lan Zhan is actually looking back, Wei Ying can't seem to meet his gaze. He's entirely a stranger.
His neck is a little sweaty, face flushed scarlet and now that Lan Zhan is actually looking back, Wei Ying can't seem to meet his gaze. He's entirely a stranger.
203
Lan Zhan would have never ever asked a thing as shameless as this, but the boy he put in all the efforts is starting to worry him, so he finds himself blurting, "How do I look? Is it too much?"
Wei Ying looks up with a jerk, eyes wide and blinking, as if he's spooked.
Wei Ying looks up with a jerk, eyes wide and blinking, as if he's spooked.
204
Then he bends down and puts his face into his palms. Lan Zhan is starting to regret everything, and the entirety of today is beginning to catch up on him.
But then Wei Ying straightens up, and this time, he's smiling. "What did I tell you about going easy on us mortals?"
But then Wei Ying straightens up, and this time, he's smiling. "What did I tell you about going easy on us mortals?"
205
The widening of eyes is mutual. For Lan Zhan because he's wholly surprised, and for Wei Ying perhaps because he hadn't intended to flirt so blatantly, if the worsening fluster on his face is any indication.
Wei Ying coughs, then takes a step back, then scratches his neck.
Wei Ying coughs, then takes a step back, then scratches his neck.
206
"Ahh Lan Zhan," he says, somewhat sheepish. "Why don't we go sit there? I've secured us the best viewing seats."
Lan Zhan nods readily, just to give himself a moment. Inside, he's preening. Outside, his whole face seems to be on fire, and body on pins and needles.
Lan Zhan nods readily, just to give himself a moment. Inside, he's preening. Outside, his whole face seems to be on fire, and body on pins and needles.
207
The short walk returns him the little semblance of composure. The bonfire is arranged on a lakeside, so the cool breeze also helpes his nerves.
Wei Ying sits close beside him, but still at a distance, which is odd because he's never had qualms invading his boundaries before.
Wei Ying sits close beside him, but still at a distance, which is odd because he's never had qualms invading his boundaries before.
208
The wind blows, making Lan Zhan huddle into himself.
"Are you cold?" Wei Ying suddenly asks. "Let me know if you are, alright."
Just to be a menace, and also to ease some of the tension, Lan Zhan narrows his eyes. "Just what coat are you going to offer me if I am?"
"Are you cold?" Wei Ying suddenly asks. "Let me know if you are, alright."
Just to be a menace, and also to ease some of the tension, Lan Zhan narrows his eyes. "Just what coat are you going to offer me if I am?"
209
For a moment, Wei Ying startles. Then, he bursts out laughing, and the remaining tension dissolves too.
"I was thinking of shifting closer to the fire, silly," Wei Ying, cackles, and all the blood once again rushes to Lan Zhan's face who keeps his eyes firmly on the fire.
"I was thinking of shifting closer to the fire, silly," Wei Ying, cackles, and all the blood once again rushes to Lan Zhan's face who keeps his eyes firmly on the fire.
210
Moments later, he hears Wei Ying's voice again, much closer to his ears. "I don't mind giving you my shirt though."
Lan Zhan sucks in a breath, and firmly refuses to give Wei Ying any face, knowing well that with earlier awkwardness now gone, he'll continue to be shameless.
Lan Zhan sucks in a breath, and firmly refuses to give Wei Ying any face, knowing well that with earlier awkwardness now gone, he'll continue to be shameless.
211
Sure enough, Wei Ying pokes finger on his shoulder, giggling. "What's wrong Zhanzhan? Scared of seeing me shirtless?"
Lan Zhan would like to tell him that he's actually scared of others seeing Wei Ying shirtless, but he keeps his mouth tight shut.
Lan Zhan would like to tell him that he's actually scared of others seeing Wei Ying shirtless, but he keeps his mouth tight shut.
212
The night goes on relatively simple, between Wei Ying's teasing and jokes.
It's not much different from how he is everyday except for the little things that wouldn't even seem off if Lan Zhan wasn't observing him so closely. It's almost somewhat testing his patience.
It's not much different from how he is everyday except for the little things that wouldn't even seem off if Lan Zhan wasn't observing him so closely. It's almost somewhat testing his patience.
213
For someone who's ridiculously used to laying down on Lan Zhan's lap, Wei Ying seems almost... reluctant to touch him. He seems hyper aware of the distance between them. For someone incapable of shutting up, Wei Ying is mostly quiet, and when he does talk, it feels unnatural.
214
He's either talking too much too loud, or being weirdly silent, lost in thoughts.
And most of all, for someone who's eyes have always been so sincere, Wei Ying's gaze tonight makes him squirm. Everytime he catches Wei Ying looking, there's an intensity that unnerves him.
And most of all, for someone who's eyes have always been so sincere, Wei Ying's gaze tonight makes him squirm. Everytime he catches Wei Ying looking, there's an intensity that unnerves him.
215
As if he's trying to figure something out and if Lan Zhan leans even a little closer, he'll find all the answers.
All in all, it's a little bumming. For all that Lan Zhan had wanted tonight to be special, he cherishes his everyday Wei Ying too much to like this new one.
All in all, it's a little bumming. For all that Lan Zhan had wanted tonight to be special, he cherishes his everyday Wei Ying too much to like this new one.
216
When silence stretches brittle, he says, "Wen Qing has come back yet," for the sake of saying something.
"Are you thirsty?" Wei Ying asks. Lan Zhan nods, because well, he is.
"I'll get you something," Wei Ying gets on his feet so swiftly it's almost as if he wants to run away.
"Are you thirsty?" Wei Ying asks. Lan Zhan nods, because well, he is.
"I'll get you something," Wei Ying gets on his feet so swiftly it's almost as if he wants to run away.
217
Just as quickly however, he sits back down, eyes casted far away. Following his gaze, Lan Zhan finds it on the group around the Wen brothers. He doesn't know anything about them except that they're Wen Qing's distant family whom she can't stand.
"Did they give you any trouble?"
"Did they give you any trouble?"
218
Wei Ying raises a brow, then huffs shaking his head. "You have no idea what's going on around you, do you?"
"What?" Lan Zhan asks, carefully looking around. The surroundings seem fine to him.
Wei Ying huffs again, but he does not answer. Instead, he starts yelling for Huaisang.
"What?" Lan Zhan asks, carefully looking around. The surroundings seem fine to him.
Wei Ying huffs again, but he does not answer. Instead, he starts yelling for Huaisang.
219
"Can you get us something to drink?" He asks once Huaisang is close enough.
"Do I look like your waiter?" Huaisang blares.
"C'moooon, please?" Wei Ying gives him a puppy look, followed by a pointed look. Lan Zhan understands nothing but Huaisang relents with a, "faaaaine!"
"Do I look like your waiter?" Huaisang blares.
"C'moooon, please?" Wei Ying gives him a puppy look, followed by a pointed look. Lan Zhan understands nothing but Huaisang relents with a, "faaaaine!"
220
Once again, they're left with silence, although not that uncomfortable. Lan Zhan looks up ideally. The sky is so dark as if it's preparing for the shower too.
"Do you like it that much?" Wei Ying asks. When Lan Zhan raises a questioning brow, he adds, "You keep looking up."
"Do you like it that much?" Wei Ying asks. When Lan Zhan raises a questioning brow, he adds, "You keep looking up."
221
Has he been looking up at the sky all night? Lan Zhan cannot tell, occupied as his mind has been the whole time with a million thoughts.
"Is it hard to wait?" Wei Ying teases.
Lan Zhan looks back up and says, "Do you not find the space intriguing?"
"Is it hard to wait?" Wei Ying teases.
Lan Zhan looks back up and says, "Do you not find the space intriguing?"
222
Wei Ying nods. "Intriguing is one way to put it."
"I have... always wanted to know more," Lan Zhan finds himself saying. "Nothing in the universe holds more secrets than this endless sky. There's so much that I want to see."
Wei Ying tilts his head. "Like what?"
"I have... always wanted to know more," Lan Zhan finds himself saying. "Nothing in the universe holds more secrets than this endless sky. There's so much that I want to see."
Wei Ying tilts his head. "Like what?"
223
Back at the coven, Lan Zhan had a very specific interest in constellations even though all he could do as a child was memorize their names and shapes and coordinates. Granny Fei was the one who taught him how to identify. As he grew up, that duty was overtaken by others.
224
As the years progressed, he also progressed to galaxies and planets and nebulas and supernovas. All in theory, he was never allowed to access the watching bowl by himself because of how delicate it could be. Auntie Yan often secretly took him to watch, just to make him happy.
225
Before he can say anything, they're interrupted by Wen Qing delivering them drinks. "Get your own if you want more afterwards," she says.
"Am I supposed to leave him alone by himself?" Wei Ying despairs dramatically.
"I can go by myself," Lan Zhan quickly offers.
"Am I supposed to leave him alone by himself?" Wei Ying despairs dramatically.
"I can go by myself," Lan Zhan quickly offers.
226
At the same time, Wen Qing smacks Wei Ying on the head. "Why don't you pee around him too since that would be much better," she grumbles, then stalks off.
"Aiyaah," Wei Ying shakes his head. "We'll go together if you want more."
Lan Zhan still doesn't understand, but he shrugs.
"Aiyaah," Wei Ying shakes his head. "We'll go together if you want more."
Lan Zhan still doesn't understand, but he shrugs.
227
When silence dawns on them once again, Lan Zhan doesn't find it oppressing. Instead, he finds it himself speaking, very quietly. "The heart nebula."
"What?" Wei Ying quirks an eyebrow.
"One of the things that I want to see up there," Lan Zhan tells him. "The heart nebula."
"What?" Wei Ying quirks an eyebrow.
"One of the things that I want to see up there," Lan Zhan tells him. "The heart nebula."
228
He has seen most things that naked eyes can see in the cosmos, and also some that bare eyes cannot see, with the help of Auntie Yan. But that one fascination has always been elusive, never giving him more than a bare outline.
"Is that really it's name?" Wei Ying asks, amused.
"Is that really it's name?" Wei Ying asks, amused.
229
Lan Zhan huffs. "It has other names too, I just like that one more."
Wei Ying's eyes crease up. "Lan Zhan, you're secretly a romantic at heart, aren't you?"
He rolls his eyes. "It's called so because of its shape and colour, not because of some romantic implication."
Wei Ying's eyes crease up. "Lan Zhan, you're secretly a romantic at heart, aren't you?"
He rolls his eyes. "It's called so because of its shape and colour, not because of some romantic implication."
230
"Naah I think we've just established that you, my dear, are the biggest romantic at heart."
Wei Ying says it so gleefully that Lan Zhan does not refute it, mostly because it's true, and partially because an unfathomable sadness chokes his throat all of a sudden.
Wei Ying says it so gleefully that Lan Zhan does not refute it, mostly because it's true, and partially because an unfathomable sadness chokes his throat all of a sudden.
231
He cannot tell Wei Ying that he cannot afford to be a romantic because that would be a curse worse than his own. The curse of his fate will ruin Lan Zhan alone, but looking for love may burn both of them.
So he keeps quiet and lets Wei Ying's voice wash over him.
So he keeps quiet and lets Wei Ying's voice wash over him.
232
It's amidst this quiet conversation that they hear a commotion near the lake.
"It's time!" Someone yells as a large number of students begin clustering around the lake. Lan Zhan stays right where he is. Wei Ying had said he's secured them the best viewing point, after all.
"It's time!" Someone yells as a large number of students begin clustering around the lake. Lan Zhan stays right where he is. Wei Ying had said he's secured them the best viewing point, after all.
233
And it is. Near to the fire, right next to Wei Ying. It couldn't have been better.
It begins quite slow and muted, as the meteorites begin passing above them. It's as breathtaking as Lan Zhan remembers, perhaps more so because Wei Ying is there watching with him.
It begins quite slow and muted, as the meteorites begin passing above them. It's as breathtaking as Lan Zhan remembers, perhaps more so because Wei Ying is there watching with him.
234
It will take a while for the shower to build up to its peak, but even so, with the dark sky getting increasingly studded with fluorescent streaks of light in various colours followed by thinning tails. It's beautiful. For a moment, he wishes he could take a picture.
235
Just of Wei Ying and him, watching lights dance in the sky, right before dying, as if to commemorate their end.
His earliest memory of a meteor shower is that in Granny Fei's lap. At that time, little Lan Zhan had raised his grubby hands as if to pluck the lights for himself.
His earliest memory of a meteor shower is that in Granny Fei's lap. At that time, little Lan Zhan had raised his grubby hands as if to pluck the lights for himself.
236
Some other memories include asking Auntie Yan if they were spaceships, and if yes, where they were going.
His new favourite memory would be watching them sitting next to Wei Ying, and wondering how can something that's destined to die be so beautiful, so breathtaking.
His new favourite memory would be watching them sitting next to Wei Ying, and wondering how can something that's destined to die be so beautiful, so breathtaking.
237
He's brought out of his thoughts by rapid whispering in a hushed voice. Frowning, he turns and finds Wei Ying murmuring something in a lightning fast speed, eyes shut tight, and hands folded.
Lan Zhan leans in to listen what he's saying but he can make out next to nothing.
Lan Zhan leans in to listen what he's saying but he can make out next to nothing.
238
Even focused hard, Wei Ying looks beautiful. The orange fire light casts a different kind of glow on his face, making him look much softer. If Lan Zhan leans in... just a little—
Wei Ying opens his eyes and turns, jolting Lan Zhan back with gasp.
"Your turn," he says brightly.
Wei Ying opens his eyes and turns, jolting Lan Zhan back with gasp.
"Your turn," he says brightly.
239
"What?" Lan Zhan blinks rapidly.
"Your turn to make a wish."
When all Lan Zhan does is stare on, Wei Ying sighs. "I know this is different but they actually look like a million shooting stars. We might as well take some advantage." He shrugs, grinning.
"Your turn to make a wish."
When all Lan Zhan does is stare on, Wei Ying sighs. "I know this is different but they actually look like a million shooting stars. We might as well take some advantage." He shrugs, grinning.
240
"You were making a wish?" Lan Zhan asks.
Wei Ying nods vigorously.
Lan Zhan fixes his gaze on the ground, and asks quietly. "What did you wish for?"
Wei Ying opens his mouth, then closes it. "They say wishes must not be told or they don't get fulfilled," he says, pouting.
Wei Ying nods vigorously.
Lan Zhan fixes his gaze on the ground, and asks quietly. "What did you wish for?"
Wei Ying opens his mouth, then closes it. "They say wishes must not be told or they don't get fulfilled," he says, pouting.
241
Lan Zhan nods. "I see." That was a really long wish Wei Ying just made. "You must want a lot of things."
Wei Ying shrugs. "I just have a lot of people to wish for."
Right. Ofcourse. Lan Zhan doesn't know why he ever expected less. "I hope one of those people is yourself."
Wei Ying shrugs. "I just have a lot of people to wish for."
Right. Ofcourse. Lan Zhan doesn't know why he ever expected less. "I hope one of those people is yourself."
242
Beside him, Wei Ying says nothing. So Lan Zhan asks again, insistent. "Wei Ying, you did wish something for yourself too, right?"
"Ahh haha," Wei Ying scratches the back of his head. "I kinda... forgot?"
Lan Zhan immediately frowns. "That is not fair."
"Ahh haha," Wei Ying scratches the back of his head. "I kinda... forgot?"
Lan Zhan immediately frowns. "That is not fair."
243
"But—
"It's a good thing these fake shooting stars can last a while," he interrupts, then slowly raises a hand and places it over Wei Ying's eyes, gently closing them, "Make a wish for yourself now."
Below his hands, Wei Ying licks his lips and swallows, shuddering a little.
"It's a good thing these fake shooting stars can last a while," he interrupts, then slowly raises a hand and places it over Wei Ying's eyes, gently closing them, "Make a wish for yourself now."
Below his hands, Wei Ying licks his lips and swallows, shuddering a little.
244
It's a moment before his lips begin to move, forming a quiet wish. Unlike previously, this one is much shorter.
"Done," he whispers, and Lan Zhan's hand comes down.
"Your turn now," Wei Ying says quietly, staring at his face.
"Done," he whispers, and Lan Zhan's hand comes down.
"Your turn now," Wei Ying says quietly, staring at his face.
245
Lan Zhan turns to the sky, then back at Wei Ying. "I do not believe in them."
Not entirely true. But there's only one thing he'd like to ask for, and he's sure these stars cannot get him that. Nothing can get him that.
"But I do believe in them," Wei Ying says.
Not entirely true. But there's only one thing he'd like to ask for, and he's sure these stars cannot get him that. Nothing can get him that.
"But I do believe in them," Wei Ying says.
246
"There must be something you want."
There really isn't, except what he can't have. But Wei Ying is looking at him with all the earnestness in the world, so Lan Zhan closes his eyes and turns to the sky.
He wishes for all of Wei Ying's wishes to come true.
There really isn't, except what he can't have. But Wei Ying is looking at him with all the earnestness in the world, so Lan Zhan closes his eyes and turns to the sky.
He wishes for all of Wei Ying's wishes to come true.
247
"Done," he says, opening his eyes and finds Wei Ying still staring at his face, perhaps a little below.
A loud hoot strays his attention. The meteor shower is at its peak now, studding the entire dark sky with what look like colorful, twinkling gemstones.
A loud hoot strays his attention. The meteor shower is at its peak now, studding the entire dark sky with what look like colorful, twinkling gemstones.
248
Lan Zhan's breath catches for a moment, even though he has seen it so many times before. "So pretty," he finds himself whispering.
"Truly beautiful," Wei Ying agrees, but Lan Zhan is hyper aware that his eyes are not on the sky, but rather, on Lan Zhan's face.
"Truly beautiful," Wei Ying agrees, but Lan Zhan is hyper aware that his eyes are not on the sky, but rather, on Lan Zhan's face.
249
It's the most uncomfortable moment of Lan Zhan's life, and also one that he never wants to end. But end it does, like all good things.
Most of the night thereafter passes in a blur because he spends it sneaking glances at Wei Ying, who's once again utterly quiet.
Most of the night thereafter passes in a blur because he spends it sneaking glances at Wei Ying, who's once again utterly quiet.
250
Huaisang comes to call him to dance at one point, but Wei Ying refuses. He also refuses to play Jenga. Basically he refuses everything that requires him to move, sitting close beside Lan Zhan, making small conversations, right until he catches Lan Zhan nodding off.
251
Thereafter, he excuses them both to return to the Cloud Recesses.
"I can find my way back," Lan Zhan tells him. "You stay here."
Wei Ying looks around thoughtfully, then says, "What for?"
And so they go back, trudging up the mountain with Wei Ying walking close behind —
"I can find my way back," Lan Zhan tells him. "You stay here."
Wei Ying looks around thoughtfully, then says, "What for?"
And so they go back, trudging up the mountain with Wei Ying walking close behind —
252
hands outstretched as if he expects Lan Zhan to tumble any moment. Or perhaps to topple down due to sleep.
Outside the Jingshi, Lan Zhan finds him shuffling on his feet and toeing into the ground. After a moment, Wei Ying blurts, "You were really pretty today."
Outside the Jingshi, Lan Zhan finds him shuffling on his feet and toeing into the ground. After a moment, Wei Ying blurts, "You were really pretty today."
253
Once again, the widening of eyes of mutual.
"I–I mean, that's nothing new ofcourse, I tell you that everyday," he clears his throat, then fixes his eyes on his shoes. "What I mean is... you were different today, good kind of different, my colours suit you really well."
"I–I mean, that's nothing new ofcourse, I tell you that everyday," he clears his throat, then fixes his eyes on his shoes. "What I mean is... you were different today, good kind of different, my colours suit you really well."
254
This time when Wei Ying's eyes widen, they're almost falling out of the sockets.
"Those!" He squeaks, loudly. "Those, I mean, those colours suit you well."
It was worth it then, this whole ordeal. All of Lan Zhan's doubts slowly uncoil, simply from these words of Wei Ying.
"Those!" He squeaks, loudly. "Those, I mean, those colours suit you well."
It was worth it then, this whole ordeal. All of Lan Zhan's doubts slowly uncoil, simply from these words of Wei Ying.
255
Gazing on the ground, Wei Ying mumbles. "I'm sure you dazzled them all."
"Including you?" It flies out before he can stop it. A shameless, bold question, but Lan Zhan needs to know. It's the only answer that matters.
Wei Ying looks up and smiles. "Especially me."
"Including you?" It flies out before he can stop it. A shameless, bold question, but Lan Zhan needs to know. It's the only answer that matters.
Wei Ying looks up and smiles. "Especially me."
256
Lan Zhan bites back a smile and says, "See you tomorrow, Wei Ying."
Wei Ying grins. "Goodnight, sleep well." He turns to go, then turns right back. "S–Sweet dreams."
Halfway through, he turns again and waves. "See you tomorrow, Lan Zhan!"
With that, he finally scurries off.
Wei Ying grins. "Goodnight, sleep well." He turns to go, then turns right back. "S–Sweet dreams."
Halfway through, he turns again and waves. "See you tomorrow, Lan Zhan!"
With that, he finally scurries off.
257
Lan Zhan takes a moment to collect his breath before he retreats to his room.
Tonight was supposed to be fun and pleasant, and while Lan Zhan cannot exactly say how much *fun* he had, he's certain that never before has he felt so alive.
Tonight was supposed to be fun and pleasant, and while Lan Zhan cannot exactly say how much *fun* he had, he's certain that never before has he felt so alive.
258
[ whew! finally done with this huge ass update but I'm ngl, this one's very close to my heart so I really really hope y'all liked it too. I'm super tired now so gnite! ]
Top!
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Top!
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[ ALSOOO we have an EXCRUCIATINGLY cute art of witchji asking how he looks and wwx *visibly* losing his mind lol. I'm linking it below. please interact with the artist's tweet. not mine. ]
x.com/Al4lalan/statu…
x.com/Al4lalan/statu…
260
Something is changed.
Wei Ying is different, not much in the way that he's still Wei Ying, but rather in the way he is with Lan Zhan. If Lan Zhan had expected to get the old one back after the weirdness of the bonfire night ended, he was in for a disappointment.
Wei Ying is different, not much in the way that he's still Wei Ying, but rather in the way he is with Lan Zhan. If Lan Zhan had expected to get the old one back after the weirdness of the bonfire night ended, he was in for a disappointment.
261
It's not even all bad, just... different. Unusual. Too bizzare for Lan Zhan to find a level ground all too sudden. He's never been one to take to changes easily, especially not when they mean to alter something he has come to cherish.
It's all too confusing.
It's all too confusing.
262
Lan Zhan would be lying if he says he doesn't miss the simpler days.
When his biggest concern used to be that one of the chits Wei Ying throws him will be found by the teacher. Because Wei Ying no longer throws him paper balls. As annoying as they were, Lan Zhan misses them.
When his biggest concern used to be that one of the chits Wei Ying throws him will be found by the teacher. Because Wei Ying no longer throws him paper balls. As annoying as they were, Lan Zhan misses them.
263
But Wei Ying no longer asks for attention. Sometimes, Lan Zhan turns back himself, almost subconsciously.
Except, everytime he does so, he finds Wei Ying already looking at him. Eyes just as intense as they had been that night, as if he's trying to figure something out.
Except, everytime he does so, he finds Wei Ying already looking at him. Eyes just as intense as they had been that night, as if he's trying to figure something out.
264
Sometimes, Wei Ying catches him looking over and immediately averts his eyes, other times, when he's more daring, he holds Lan Zhan's gaze, almost as if daring him to look away.
It's unnerving.
Lan Zhan always looks away.
He also no longer calls Lan Zhan pretty day and night.
It's unnerving.
Lan Zhan always looks away.
He also no longer calls Lan Zhan pretty day and night.
265
But Lan Zhan can't even bring himself to feel some way about it because it's as if he no longer needs to be told.
The way Wei Ying smiles at him has changed as well, the sincerity as well as the softness of it. Lan Zhan doesn't know what to do with this kind of adoration.
The way Wei Ying smiles at him has changed as well, the sincerity as well as the softness of it. Lan Zhan doesn't know what to do with this kind of adoration.
266
So it's not all bad, if Lan Zhan's worsening nerves were discounted.
Perhaps except that Wei Ying also remains absent quite a lot, not entirely but considerably enough to be noticeable. Lan Zhan would feel offended if not for the fact he seems to be avoiding everyone.
Perhaps except that Wei Ying also remains absent quite a lot, not entirely but considerably enough to be noticeable. Lan Zhan would feel offended if not for the fact he seems to be avoiding everyone.
267
"He's always holed up in his dorm, when he's not in classes or busy harassing you," is what Huaisang tells him one day.
So it's kind of hard to feel bad when Lan Zhan is actually the exception to Wei Ying's self imposed curfew. Does mean he doesn't miss him.
So it's kind of hard to feel bad when Lan Zhan is actually the exception to Wei Ying's self imposed curfew. Does mean he doesn't miss him.
268
Or wonder what it is that has him so busy that he can barely step out... well, unless there's a sign of Wen Xu in Lan Zhan's vicinity.
Because that's another thing that has changed since the bonfire. Th emergence of this annoyance named Wen Xu. Unlike Wei Ying, he's a real one.
Because that's another thing that has changed since the bonfire. Th emergence of this annoyance named Wen Xu. Unlike Wei Ying, he's a real one.
269
He seems hell bent on trying to corner Lan Zhan, for something or the other. Sometimes, he'd ask for class notes, most times, he'd say things like, "Can we talk?"
Lan Zhan would gladly give him a piece of his mind if he wasn't also the only way to lure Wei Ying out of his cave.
Lan Zhan would gladly give him a piece of his mind if he wasn't also the only way to lure Wei Ying out of his cave.
270
It's almost bewildering, if not a little scary, the way Wei Ying emerges the moment Lan Zhan wanders too close to Wen Xu.
Wen Xu would stop him at the water tank, and there would be Wei Ying, emerging from behind it with a, "Come Lan Zhan, gotta show you something nice."
Wen Xu would stop him at the water tank, and there would be Wei Ying, emerging from behind it with a, "Come Lan Zhan, gotta show you something nice."
271
Before he can even process, he'd be dragged halfway away.
"How do you even know?" Lan Zhan had asked once.
Wei Ying had said, "Sixth sense."
Lan Zhan had secretly checked, if Wei Ying had powers too. He didn't. So now, Lan Zhan uses the 'sixth sense' to lure him out instead.
"How do you even know?" Lan Zhan had asked once.
Wei Ying had said, "Sixth sense."
Lan Zhan had secretly checked, if Wei Ying had powers too. He didn't. So now, Lan Zhan uses the 'sixth sense' to lure him out instead.
272
He had asked Wei Ying once, "Do you have a problem Wen Xu?"
Wei Ying had replied, "Yes, he looks at you bad."
Lan Zhan had barely understood the reasoning, but his heart had preened shamelessly. Sometimes Lan Zhan forgets he's not supposed to delight in these things.
Wei Ying had replied, "Yes, he looks at you bad."
Lan Zhan had barely understood the reasoning, but his heart had preened shamelessly. Sometimes Lan Zhan forgets he's not supposed to delight in these things.
273
So he had told Wei Ying, very quietly, "That's not for you to have a problem with."
In response, Wei Ying has gazed right into his eyes, and said, without any trace of smile, "I will have a problem with everyone who looks at you bad."
And that had been that.
In response, Wei Ying has gazed right into his eyes, and said, without any trace of smile, "I will have a problem with everyone who looks at you bad."
And that had been that.
274
It's perhaps these little conversations that have started to weigh on him, making it harder and harder to pretend he doesn't miss Wei Ying practically clinging to him all day long.
Because it's been over a month, and Wei Ying's secret ‘escapades’ haven't come to an end.
Because it's been over a month, and Wei Ying's secret ‘escapades’ haven't come to an end.
275
‘There's only so much patience I have in me,’ he thinks, frowning mutinously as the watch on his wrist completes yet another round, adding to the long duration Lan Zhan has been waiting.
He's not exactly a fan of waiting, especially not when he was invited in the first place.
He's not exactly a fan of waiting, especially not when he was invited in the first place.
276
He's seen Wei Ying for barely few minutes in the whole of last week and he's so not appreciating him being late now when Wei Ying himself requested Lan Zhan to be here.
As much as he had looked forward to spending time with him, the delay irritates him beyond comprehension.
As much as he had looked forward to spending time with him, the delay irritates him beyond comprehension.
277
When five more minutes pass and there's no sign of Wei Ying, Lan Zhan shoves the box of rice cakes he had prepared on the ground, feeling a lot like crying. This is stupid, he berates himself. It's such a small thing, no need to get so frustrated, so worked up.
278
In the same breath, he promises himself to never talk to Wei Ying again. And to never agree if he asks to see him. And to make him wait ten hours the next time. And to never make food for him ever again. What's the point when he—
"Lan Wangji... hey, I was looking for you."
"Lan Wangji... hey, I was looking for you."
279
He looks up and finds Wen Xu on the side, and sighs. Ofcourse. Now would be just the time for everyone to test his patience. He grits his teeth and says nothing. Wen Xu takes the seat beside him on the bench.
"That upcoming group project... I was wondering if you would—
"That upcoming group project... I was wondering if you would—
280
Lan Zhan senses it before he feels it. Wei Ying's hands on his shoulders followed by his chirpy voice. "Oh yeah, our group has already been filled, why, you wanted to join or something?"
Ofcourse now he'll show up. Because this matters more to him than Lan Zhan waiting.
Ofcourse now he'll show up. Because this matters more to him than Lan Zhan waiting.
281
"Well, I wasn't talking to you," Wen Xu shrugs him off, fixing his eyes on Lan Zhan once again.
Wei Ying practically inserts himself between the two of them, shoving Lan Zhan completely behind him. "I'm the group leader," he tells Wen Xu. "So you'll have to talk to me."
Wei Ying practically inserts himself between the two of them, shoving Lan Zhan completely behind him. "I'm the group leader," he tells Wen Xu. "So you'll have to talk to me."
282
It takes no time for Wen Xu's temper to flare up. Very soon, he begins threatening Wei Ying how crossing him is a mistake. In response, Wei Ying goads him more and more, provoking him unnecessarily.
With another sigh, Lan Zhan tunes them out. This is nothing new.
With another sigh, Lan Zhan tunes them out. This is nothing new.
283
Let Wei Ying act like a protector of Lan Zhan who can very well hang Wen Xu on the highest branch of a tree with just a flick of the finger. He deserves that for making him wait.
At one point Wen Xu calls Wei Ying something along the lines of "a fucking orphan"—
At one point Wen Xu calls Wei Ying something along the lines of "a fucking orphan"—
284
so Lan Zhan closes his eyes and make the coconut tree he's standing next to bend in half, stopping right above his head, just a hair breath short of crushing him. Wen Xu is so freaked he skitters back to the dorms like a rat.
Unfortunately, Wei Ying gets just as freaked.
Unfortunately, Wei Ying gets just as freaked.
285
"Lan Zhan let's move away," he says, desperately pulling at him. "These trees are scary."
"It won't fall again," Lan Zhan tries to assure him but Wei Ying doesn't listen until he's pulled him far along and they're sitting in the open ground, away from all scary trees.
"It won't fall again," Lan Zhan tries to assure him but Wei Ying doesn't listen until he's pulled him far along and they're sitting in the open ground, away from all scary trees.
286
Once Wei Ying deems them safe, he places a hand on his shoulder, smiling. "Hey stranger," he says brightly. It'd be impossible to say he was scared just a moment and angry the moment before that.
In response, Lan Zhan shrugs his hand off of him and looks away, saying nothing.
In response, Lan Zhan shrugs his hand off of him and looks away, saying nothing.
287
He feels Wei Ying's gaze boring into him before Wei Ying clears his throat and speaks again, much more brightly. "So guess who's birthday it is next week!"
Mood already stormy, Lan Zhan snaps. "I do not care about birthdays, mine it anybody else's."
Mood already stormy, Lan Zhan snaps. "I do not care about birthdays, mine it anybody else's."
288
It's only when Wei Ying falls quiet, that Lan Zhan realizes just what month they're in. Next week is the last week of October.
He turns back, and finds Wei Ying staring at him, head tilted as if peering into his soul. Moments later, he says, "I'm sorry I was late."
He turns back, and finds Wei Ying staring at him, head tilted as if peering into his soul. Moments later, he says, "I'm sorry I was late."
289
Lan Zhan turns away again, scowling a little. "I'm not mad."
Wei Ying makes a sound that's half a snort and half a cough, earning himself an immediate glare. "I never said you were. I'm just saying sorry. It was not very nice of me to keep you waiting."
Wei Ying makes a sound that's half a snort and half a cough, earning himself an immediate glare. "I never said you were. I'm just saying sorry. It was not very nice of me to keep you waiting."
290
In response, Lan Zhan picks up the box of rice cakes and throws it into his lap.
"Ooooh are these for me," Wei Ying excitedly rubs his hands and dives in, sighing contently.
Just to get back at him, Lan Zhan says, "The next time you're late, I'll give them to Wen Xu."
"Ooooh are these for me," Wei Ying excitedly rubs his hands and dives in, sighing contently.
Just to get back at him, Lan Zhan says, "The next time you're late, I'll give them to Wen Xu."
291
The rightfully earns him a kick on the ankle. "Stop ruining the taste," Wei Ying grumbles.
So Lan Zhan shuts his mouth and let's Wei Ying eat. Only once half the cakes are gone does he speak again, very quietly. "My birthday also marks my mother's death anniversary."
So Lan Zhan shuts his mouth and let's Wei Ying eat. Only once half the cakes are gone does he speak again, very quietly. "My birthday also marks my mother's death anniversary."
292
The rice cakes in Wei Ying's hands drops back into the box. "Oh," he says, blinking widely.
Lan Zhan shakes his head, picks the cake back up and shoves it into Wei Ying's mouth. "But I would love to celebrate yours with you."
Wei Ying's eyes soften immensely.
Lan Zhan shakes his head, picks the cake back up and shoves it into Wei Ying's mouth. "But I would love to celebrate yours with you."
Wei Ying's eyes soften immensely.
293
Neither of them speaks as Wei Ying chews and swallows the bite, after which, he smiles brightly. "I'll make it worth your while, Lan Zhan, I'll give you the biggest present."
Lan Zhan huffs. "Isn't it your birthday? Shouldn't I be the one to give you a present?"
Lan Zhan huffs. "Isn't it your birthday? Shouldn't I be the one to give you a present?"
294
"Oh you are!" Wei Ying chirps.
"I am?"
"Mhmm," Wei Ying nods. "You're spending the whole day with me."
Lan Zhan narrows his eyes. "I am?"
Wei Ying nods again. "We'll have fun down at Caiyi, and in the evening, I'll take you somewhere."
"Where?" Lan Zhan quirks a brow.
"I am?"
"Mhmm," Wei Ying nods. "You're spending the whole day with me."
Lan Zhan narrows his eyes. "I am?"
Wei Ying nods again. "We'll have fun down at Caiyi, and in the evening, I'll take you somewhere."
"Where?" Lan Zhan quirks a brow.
295
"Aiyaah!" Wei Ying rolls his eyes. "Let the surprise remain a surprise, will you? It's just something I want to show you." A pause. "I hope you like it," he adds softly.
Wei Ying could give him a piece of wood and Lan Zhan would cherish it. As it is, he cannot wait for the day.
Wei Ying could give him a piece of wood and Lan Zhan would cherish it. As it is, he cannot wait for the day.
296
The week leading up to Wei Ying's birthday, Lan Zhan spends it thinking of a present for him and trying not to vibrate out of his skin at the prospect of spending a whole day together.
He also looks for an outfit subtle enough to make him pretty without making it obvious.
He also looks for an outfit subtle enough to make him pretty without making it obvious.
297
"Will you give a hint what you've planned?" He asks one day, trying his best not to give away just how impatient and curious he is.
Wei Ying gives him a blatant dead eye and says, "Was old man Qiren talking about you when he said patience is a virtue not many possess?"
Wei Ying gives him a blatant dead eye and says, "Was old man Qiren talking about you when he said patience is a virtue not many possess?"
298
So Lan Zhan corners Huaisang two days before when Wei Ying is not looking.
"Is that why he refused to party with us?" Huaisang asks, incensed. "So he can loiter around Caiyi with you alone? That bastard!"
Lan Zhan has never fled a situation faster than he does that day.
"Is that why he refused to party with us?" Huaisang asks, incensed. "So he can loiter around Caiyi with you alone? That bastard!"
Lan Zhan has never fled a situation faster than he does that day.
299
The group of friends makes Wei Ying treat them all as a compensation, showing no remorse as they order the most expensive dishes at the cafeteria.
Wei Ying refusing Lan Zhan's help and begrudgingly pays for it all. He also gives Lan Zhan disappointed stares all through it.
Wei Ying refusing Lan Zhan's help and begrudgingly pays for it all. He also gives Lan Zhan disappointed stares all through it.
300
For his present, Lan Zhan buys a flute, a simple one because Wei Ying had once told him he likes to play. He colors the flute black with golden-red stripes, giving it the appearance of hellfire that Wei Ying seems to be so in love with.
And then, he casts a spell on it.
And then, he casts a spell on it.
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A protective spell. As long as Wei Ying keeps this flute close, no harm will ever befall him.
Lastly, to give it the final finish, Lan Zhan tops it off with a tassel that looks like the skeleton of the danger sign. He knows it already that Wei Ying is going to love it.
Lastly, to give it the final finish, Lan Zhan tops it off with a tassel that looks like the skeleton of the danger sign. He knows it already that Wei Ying is going to love it.
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On the morning of his 17th birthday, when Wei Ying shows up on Lan Zhan's doorstep, he's dressed in a baby blue highneck and off-white trousers with tasteful rips on them.
These are so not his colours. They make him look ridiculously like... a good boy. It's painfully endearing.
These are so not his colours. They make him look ridiculously like... a good boy. It's painfully endearing.
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He looks like such a good boy that Lan Zhan has to take a deep breath to restrain himself from kissing him.
"How do I look?" He asks excitedly. "Do these colours suit me?"
Lan Zhan bites back a smile and says, "You look like an angel the devil would happily die for."
"How do I look?" He asks excitedly. "Do these colours suit me?"
Lan Zhan bites back a smile and says, "You look like an angel the devil would happily die for."
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Just as expected, Wei Ying jaw drops, before he bursts out giggling. "Ohmygod that's so corny, where did you learn that?"
Lan Zhan does not appreciate that, so he presses his mouth thin. "Why? Are you the only one allowed to be corny?"
Wei Ying laughs again, shaking his head.
Lan Zhan does not appreciate that, so he presses his mouth thin. "Why? Are you the only one allowed to be corny?"
Wei Ying laughs again, shaking his head.
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"Out of all the things I expected this outfit to do," he says, teasingly, "unleashing the corny kraken wasn't one of them."
So Lan Zhan shoves him and walks away, leaving him to follow.
When given his present, just as expected, Wei Ying loses his mind.
So Lan Zhan shoves him and walks away, leaving him to follow.
When given his present, just as expected, Wei Ying loses his mind.
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"Holy shit Lan Zhan this is so cool," he says, running his hands and eyes all over it. "The best thing I've ever gotten!"
Wei Ying is merely exaggerating, as he has a habit of doing. But for once, he is right, even if he had no idea just what the flute holds.
Wei Ying is merely exaggerating, as he has a habit of doing. But for once, he is right, even if he had no idea just what the flute holds.
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He wraps the flute back with far more patience than he had shown while opening the present, ripping the cover off like a baby racoon.
Now, he sets it carefully into the case, and places it deep into his shoulder bag, and then he refuses to let the bag go even for a second.
Now, he sets it carefully into the case, and places it deep into his shoulder bag, and then he refuses to let the bag go even for a second.
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The day is mostly spend exploring various unknown streets, eating greasy street food, and indulging and whatever amusement catches Wei Ying's eye. Like the haunted house near Lake Biling.
For all that it's Lan Zhan's hometown, he's just as stranger to it as Wei Ying.
For all that it's Lan Zhan's hometown, he's just as stranger to it as Wei Ying.
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So he's less than amused at being forced enter a presumably cursed premises that's apparently connected with a lot of deaths nearby. As for Wei Ying, he all but barrels into the house, laughing like a ghost himself as if he's just been given a treasure trove to explore.
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How Lan Zhan is the one with powers between them is something that mistifies even him.
In the end, they find no spirits or demons in the house, much to Lan Zhan's secret relief and Wei Ying's very visible vexation. "Should've known it was a fraud," he grumbles while leaving.
In the end, they find no spirits or demons in the house, much to Lan Zhan's secret relief and Wei Ying's very visible vexation. "Should've known it was a fraud," he grumbles while leaving.
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For dinner, Wei Ying takes them to a place owned by an old grandma who smiles the moment she sees him. "Its been so long, come let nana see your face," she says.
Wei Ying smiles and dutifully bends forward to show his face, and the old lady gently pats his cheeks.
Wei Ying smiles and dutifully bends forward to show his face, and the old lady gently pats his cheeks.
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"Nana, this is Lan Zhan."
The old woman turns to him, eyes twinkling. "Nice to finally meet you, Wei Ying's Lan Zhan," she says and gives Lan Zhan a head pat as well. Lan Zhan asks her if they may have a cake to which she agrees promptly and says it'll be on the house.
The old woman turns to him, eyes twinkling. "Nice to finally meet you, Wei Ying's Lan Zhan," she says and gives Lan Zhan a head pat as well. Lan Zhan asks her if they may have a cake to which she agrees promptly and says it'll be on the house.
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While cutting the cake, Wei Ying grins devilishly, "Lan Zhan, I get to be older to you for the next three months. Do I get to lord over you now? I think you should call me gege until you turn 17 too."
In response, Lan Zhan shoves a large piece of cake into Wei Ying's mouth.
In response, Lan Zhan shoves a large piece of cake into Wei Ying's mouth.
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Finally, when everything is done, the sun has set and the night is completely dark, Wei Ying turns to him with a smile. "Time for you present, Zhanzhan."
In a very cryptic Wei Ying fashion, he retrives a black strip of cloth from the bag and ties it over Lan Zhan's eyes.
In a very cryptic Wei Ying fashion, he retrives a black strip of cloth from the bag and ties it over Lan Zhan's eyes.
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It's takes around fifteen minutes of walking for them to reach wherever Wei Ying is leading Lan Zhan by the shoulders, swaying him this way and that everytime Lan Zhan runs the danger of colliding with a tree.
Lan Zhan smells fresh grass at one point and wonders if Wei Ying—
Lan Zhan smells fresh grass at one point and wonders if Wei Ying—
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has brought him to the rabbit meadow to present him with a lot more bunnies.
But no. When the blindfold comes off, they're in a small green field on the top of a hilltop. There's cool breeze on all sides and the grass seems fresh, coated with droplets of moisture.
But no. When the blindfold comes off, they're in a small green field on the top of a hilltop. There's cool breeze on all sides and the grass seems fresh, coated with droplets of moisture.
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And on an elevated ridge in the middle of the field is a—
Lan Zhan's breath catches.
—a large self-made telescope. Made of cardboard tube and wooden planks.
Beside him, Wei Ying places an arm on his shoulder and says, "Guess we'll see it together, Lan Zhan. The heart nebula."
Lan Zhan's breath catches.
—a large self-made telescope. Made of cardboard tube and wooden planks.
Beside him, Wei Ying places an arm on his shoulder and says, "Guess we'll see it together, Lan Zhan. The heart nebula."
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[ okay the unroller is still not working properly on it. If anybody has an alternative for threadreaderapp, please let me know. ]