#it’s been silent since Monday hahahahahahahahahahaha

[notveryshrugemoji]

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[bettydice]

(Planning the Day) To Meet You

Wangxian, Modern AU, Slow Burn, E-Rated

[Read on AO3]

Chapter 7

Sunday, Wei Ying-less

Lan Wangji knows he owes his brother a visit. He hasn’t seen him since last Saturday, when he laid on his carpet and cried, because he thought Wei Wuxian was married. In retrospect, maybe a tad overdramatic. Maybe that’s the reason he has only exchanged messages with Lan Xichen this week. He let Xichen know that he was right, that Wei Ying isn’t married after all, because it was easier to admit in a message than it would be face to face.

When he arrives at his brother’s apartment, Lan Xichen greets him with a hug. It is not exactly rare that they hug, but it is rare enough Lan Wangji regrets not stopping by during the week. Apart from Nie Mingjue, who is always travelling for work, Lan Wangji is the only person his brother currently sees.

Xichen has already prepared tea for them in his living room, but Lan Wangji has to greet Cloud and Jade first. After that is done, he sits down across from his brother, who is looking at him expectantly.

“So, Wei Wuxian is not married?”

He must’ve been very curious, to get straight to the point like this. “Mn.”

“You asked him?”

“Mn.”

Xichen smiles, pride in his eyes. Lan Wangji wonders what it says that his brother would be proud of him for simply asking a question. Or maybe it just shows how much Xichen understands him, that he knows how difficult this was for him.

“That’s good. Did you ask him other things as well? Or did you tell him anything?”

Mhm, apparently his brother is already done with Getting Straight To The Point and back to vague questions Lan Wangji can answer with as much or - more often - as little detail as he wishes. Xichen’s patience and understanding is something he’s always loved about his brother. He’s always looked at it as Xichen being like this for Lan Wangji, because he knows that Lan Wangji doesn’t want to be pushed, likes to figure things out for himself and then share only what he considers important. But it’s not a quality Xichen developed on his own, not wholly. Other people molded him to be this way, taught him that questions meant he was prying and that he should be the first to apologize.

“Wangji?” Xichen has put down his teacup and his eyes are full of worry.

“I’m sorry.”

He is so sorry. He wishes he’d caught on to what Meng Yao was doing, how he’d twisted his brother’s gentleness and used it against him. He wishes that Nie Mingjue hadn’t been the only one to punch that smirk off Meng Yao’s face. And then after… Lan Wangji is not the right person, has never been the right person to help Xichen come back to the world. All this time, he himself has been too comfortable closing himself off to others that he failed his brother, who must be… so lonely. Even when they’re together, Lan Wangji keeps so many things to himself that Xichen must feel a distance. Lan Wangji just always thought since Xichen knows him, he doesn’t need to say anything. But often, things not said will become things not shared.

“Wangji… are you alright?” Xichen is peering into his face, worry only intesifying. It is the last thing Lan Wangji wants, giving his brother even more grievances.

“Yes.” Lan Wangji blinks a few times and clears his throat, trying to relax his heart that’s twisting painfully in his chest and hoping his face doesn’t show any of his inner turmoil. “Xichen, what do you want to know?”

“About what?”

“About Wei Ying.”

“Whatever you wish to tell me, Wangji.” Xichen smiles and lifts his teacup to take a sip. He’s signalling to Lan Wangji that he can take all the time he needs, but also provides him with yet another out, if he wishes to take it. Lan Wangji’s heart twists again.

So he tells him. The words leave his mouth reluctantly at first, but soon it becomes easier.

He tells him how Wei Wuxian appeared in his life one day by chance and immediately began dismantling Lan Wangji’s walls, without even meaning to. How he has so many beautiful smiles and how he knows how to read Lan Wangji’s frowns. About A-Yuan and how he fell asleep on Lan Wangji’s arm and put his head on his shoulder. How Wei Ying turned his life upside down to help his friends and didn’t even hesitate. Tells him, ears burning, how Wei Ying has been flirting, that he said “there’s no rush” and Lan Wangji held his hand. That he is gentle and funny and he talks while he eats and is in a band with Wen Ning, who is very nice and invited Lan Wangji to their home. He even shows him his spicy lockscreen.

When he’s finished, they’re both smiling, but there are tears in Lan Xichen’s eyes. Because he is a Lan, he blinks a few times and then they’re gone, but because he’s Xichen, one tear still escapes and his brother simply wipes it away with a silent laugh.

“I’m so happy for you, Wangji. He sounds wonderful.”

“He is.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

Lan Wangji is sure that his brother means it when he says that he’s happy for him and grateful. But he’s sure it’s not the reason he cried. There’s a wistfulness to Xichen’s smile - maybe he’s remembering happier times or wondering if they’ll ever come to him again. Lan Wangji takes his brother’s hand and simply holds it, until the sadness has left Xichen’s eyes. At least for the moment.

Wei Ying Lan Zhan! I don’t think I’ll make it to the library tomorrow. I have… errands to run. Want to be done in time for dinner!

Lan Wangji Alright. Six o’clock, yes?

Wei Ying Yes! I’m looking forward to it! I hope you’ll like my cooking.

Lan Wangji I’m sure whatever Wei Ying makes will taste good.

Wei Ying Hahahahahahahahahahaha yes

Monday, Fifteenth Day with Wei Ying

Lan Wangji leaves his flat at 5 p.m., even though the internet tells him he’ll only need about thirty minutes to Wei Wuxian’s home. He always likes to leave early if he’s going somewhere unknown, and under no circumstances does he want to be late the first time Wei Ying invites him over.

He arrives at 5:35 p.m.

Lan Wangji finds himself in a predicament. He has an inkling Wei Wuxian is not the type to be happy about people arriving early, but he’s also carrying a large bouquet of flowers and a strawberry cake. It’s a bit awkward to stand around in front of the building like this, in a part of town he’s never been to before. He sincerely hopes Wei Wuxian isn’t watching from a window.

At 5:45 p.m. Lan Wangji loses his patience, takes the three steps to the door, and presses the doorbell for the Wen household with his elbow. It takes about twenty seconds until a female voice can be heard from the intercom.

“Hello?”

“Lan Wangji. I’m here to see Wei Wuxian.”

Are his ears deceiving him or does he hear a muttered “Oh, thank god”? He has no time to think about it though, because then Wen Qing - he assumes - talks again, louder and clearer.

“Come on in. Third floor, elevator is broken, sorry.”

Lan Wangji slowly climbs the stairs, heart beating faster with every step. There are two doors on the third floor, the one to the left slightly ajar, but neither have a name sign on them. He takes a deep breath and then awkwardly knocks on the door with the hand that is holding the cake.

“Coming, coming!” It’s Wei Ying’s voice. Lan Wangji relaxes his shoulders.

A few seconds later, Wei Ying yanks the door open and Lan Wangji almost drops what he’s carrying. Wei Ying’s hair is in a very messy bun, he’s panting as though he’s been running, he’s wearing a black shirt with buttons and… only the middle button is closed.

“You’re early!” Wei Wuxian points an accusatory finger at Lan Wangji, but before he can explain, Wei Ying grabs him by his arm and pulls him inside.

The hallway he finds himself in is small and crammed with shoes and jackets, and Lan Wangji, hands still full, stands and looks at Wei Ying, trying very, very hard not to look lower than his face.

“Hello.”

“Lan Zhan, hello!” Wei Ying’s smile is radiant and Lan Wangji has to return it.

“Slippers?”

“Ah, uh… there’s… “ Wei Wuxian scratches the back of his neck and then grins sheepishly. “Take mine, they should fit!”

He chucks off his slippers and then pushes them with his toe until they’re in front of Lan Wangji’s feet. However, Lan Wangji needs to empty his hands first, if he wants to take his shoes off.

“I brought cake.” He hands Wei Ying the box with the cake.

“Aaah, you’re so sweet! A-Yuan will be so happy!”

“And flowers.” He hands those to Wei Ying too while trying to gauge his reaction. He spent a lot of time in the flower shop today, debating whether he should really buy some. Would Wei Ying like them? Would he find the gesture awkward or stupid?

“For Wen Qing?” Wei Wuxian laughs and then closes his eyes and smells the flowers. And then he sneezes. ”Achoo! Ha, sorry. But they’re really pretty - she’ll love them!”

Lan Wangji frowns, taken aback. That is not a reaction he’d anticipated. Well. Next time he’ll have to bring something better than flowers then.

“Well? Come on in, Lan Zhan! Everyone’s in the kitchen, excited to see you!”

Lan Wangji suppresses a sigh, takes off his shoes, slips into Wei Ying’s - they’re still warm - and then follows Wei Ying further into the flat.

It’s very clear this flat is occupied by four people and not intended to be used that way. It’s not at all dirty or horribly messy, but there’s just… a lot of clutter, mostly toys and other things probably meant for A-Yuan. They walk through the “living room slash A-Yuan’s room for anything but sleeping slash Wen Qing’s bedroom when she’s not at the hospital”, and then Wei Ying leads him into a tiny kitchen that is already filled to the brim with the two adults and one child currently inside.

“Look who’s here! And he brought cake!” Wei Ying somehow finds some leftover space to squeeze himself into and puts the cake on top of one unused stovetop. He really… shouldn’t put it next to heat, the frosting might melt.

Wen Ning, who’s standing in front of the stove, stirring a pot, turns around and happily waves at Lan Wangji. Whatever he’s stirring smells really good, but Lan Wangji can’t tell what it is from here. The woman doing the dishes next to him must be Wen Qing. She turns around as well, gives Lan Wangji a once over, nods - her approval? - and then narrows her eyes at Wei Ying.

“Wei Wuxian, get out of the kitchen. There’s no space for your antics, we’ll take care of the rest. Go sit with Lan Wangji in the living room and be a good host.”

“Tall-gege!” A-Yuan wraps himself around his leg again. Lan Wangji is honestly glad about the familiarity amidst all this chaos.

“But I wanted to do the cooking today!” Wei Ying whines and tries to snatch the spoon out of Wen Ning’s hand, who holds on to it tightly.

Wen Qing sighs, rolls her eyes and then looks back at Lan Wangji.

“Lan Wangji, rest assured that Wei Wuxian did most of the cooking and we’re just here doing the finishing touches, making sure it doesn’t burn. Also, nice to meet you. We’ll greet you properly later, sorry for the chaos.”

He nods, a bit distracted by A-Yuan trying to run circles around his leg, even though Lan Wangji has a whole second leg that gets a bit in the way.

“Oh hey, Wen Qing, look at these flowers Lan Zhan brought you! Aren’t they pretty!”

Lan Wangji has to gather all of his self-control to not roll his eyes and sigh forever, but maybe some frustration did make it onto his face, because Wen Qing gives him A Look and then shakes her head at Wei Ying.

“Put those in your room. We can’t put them in the living room, A-Yuan would just grab them or something. Now get out of the kitchen.”

“Alright, alright, alright! Going, going! So bossy!” Wei Ying slowly backs out of the kitchen and Lan Wangji tries to also move back to make space, without tripping over A-Yuan. Wei Ying sends a warm smile their way and then stops and frowns. “Wait… Do we even own a vase?”

Wen Ning does let go of the spoon then, reaches over to a cupboard on the wall, gets out a tall glass that might be repurposed as a vase, and hands it to Wei Ying.

“A-Ning is the best, as usual!”

“Out. Of. The. Kitchen.” Wen Qing shakes the brush she’s using on the dishes in Wei Ying’s direction, slightly spraying Wen Ning in the process.

“Going!” Wei Ying does not immediately go though, he reaches across Wen Qing’s arms to fill the glass, happily ignoring the daggers shooting out of her eyes. “Already gone! Let me… just… fill this… there we go.”

Wei Ying instructs him to go sit on the sofa and wait while he puts the flowers in his room. Lan Wangji is glad to have a few seconds to himself. Well, not entirely to himself. A-Yuan is there and proves himself to be a dutiful host and introduces Lan Wangji to his stuffed animals.

“Apple!” A-Yuan holds up a fluffy black donkey.

“Hello… Apple?”

“Grrrraawww!” A red dragon is shoved into Lan Wangji’s hands.

“Hello… Grrraw.”

“Bear!” A small pink fluffy thing that Lan Wangji cannot identify, but it most certainly doesn’t look like a bear.

“Hello Bear.”

When Wei Ying returns, Lan Wangji has five plush animals sitting in his lap and A-Yuan has run off to his room to get more. Wei Ying huffs a laugh, equal parts fond and exasperated, and plops himself down next to Lan Wangji. He grabs the donkey and for some reason, smushes the donkey’s face against Lan Wangji’s cheek.

“I see A-Yuan’s making sure you’re meeting all of the family.”

The donkey gets smushed against his other cheek and Lan Wangji lifts his eyebrows in a question.

“Lil Apple’s just happy to see you,” Wei Ying grins and smushes Apple against Lan Wangji’s nose to emphasize his point. The point does get across and Lan Wangji picks up the dragon and softly presses it against Wei Ying’s cheek.

“I’m also happy to see you.”

Wei Ying gives him the look that Lan Wangji is pretty confident means he successfully flirted and something in Wei Ying’s brain short-circuited for a second. Lan Wangji enjoys that look very much. He puts Grrraw back on his lap and in the process his gaze falls on Wei Ying’s shirt. There’s still only one button holding the shirt - and Lan Wangji’s sanity - together. There isn’t actually a lot of skin on display, only a glimpse of chest and stomach to catch, but simply the knowledge that he’d only have to reach out and undo one single button to… He can’t… stop… looking.

Of course, Wei Ying notices his stare and his fingers start playing with the button. Lan Wangji snaps his head back up. Wei Ying’s lips slowly curl up into that smirk that guarantees trouble for Lan Wangji.

“Ah, forgive me, Lan Zhan. Since you arrived early, I’m not yet properly dressed.” He strokes a fingertip over the button and Lan Wangji swallows. “I should really fix that. What do you think, how many buttons should I close? What would you find decent, Lan Zhan?”

It’s Lan Wangji’s turn to have a brain malfunction. It’s not like he necessarily wants Wei Ying to look… decent. But he’s about to have dinner with his family, so…

“All of them. Distracting.” Lan Wangji burrows his fingers into the dragon, so he doesn’t accidentally reach out and button up Wei Wuxian himself.

“Aw, no fun.” Wei Ying pouts and then mercifully buttons up his shirt. He does it slowly, under Lan Wangji’s intense stare, and with every button back in its place, Lan Wangji’s urge to undo all of that only grows. Luckily, A-Yuan saves him before he can do something unwise.

“Tall-gege, Yuyu!” A-Yuan comes barrelling back into the room, carrying a radish plushie almost as tall as himself.

“Hello Yuyu,” Lan Wangji dutifully replies.

A bit more chaos follows, while Wei Ying sets the small dining table in the corner of the living room (after Wen Qing admonishes him for not having done that yet). Wen Ning helps A-Yuan return all his plushies to his room, and helping turns into carrying A-Yuan while putting back the plushies. Wen Qing carries over food and drinks from the kitchen, trying to put them on the table without colliding with Wei Ying. Lan Wangji is secretly relieved his offer to help was declined by all of them.

Once they’ve all squeezed themselves around the table, Wei Ying to his right and Wen Ning to his left, things calm down a little. Though dinner certainly is more… lively than Lan Wangji is used to, even compared to lunches with Wei Wuxian. While Wen Ning fills all over their bowls, Wen Qing uses the time to properly greet him and then ask him a few questions about his life and his studies. Lan Wangji answers them to the best of his ability. However, he doesn’t get the chance to ask her questions in return, because Wei Ying interrupts them.

“Stop pestering Lan Zhan!”

“I’m only being polite and welcoming, as was requested of me earlier,” she replies with a sharp look in Wei Ying’s direction.

Wei Ying mutters something inaudible under his breath and then says out loud: “Yes, great. But look, poor Lan Zhan hasn’t even been able to taste the food yet, because he’s so well-mannered and can’t eat while he talks.” Wei Ying nudges him with his elbow and nods his encouragement. “Please, go ahead! I hope you like it! I put in as many vegetables as I could find and look, the meat is separate, because I wasn’t sure if you eat any.”

Lan Wangji looks down at his bowl, properly taking in the food for the first time. The stew is indeed brimming with vegetables and the steam rising towards him carries a very appealing smell. “It looks very tasty. And I do eat meat, thank you.”

As soon as he says that, Wei Ying reaches out with his chopsticks, grabs two pieces of meat and puts them on top of Lan Wangji’s bowl.

Lan Wangji nods his thanks, the sudden fondness he feels making it difficult to talk. Instead, he lifts his spoon to his lips, to taste the stew for the first time. He’s very aware that Wei Ying is unabashedly staring at him, while Wen Qing and Wen Ning also look at him, even though less obviously. Lan Wangji suddenly feels irrationally nervous about eating some stew. He closes his lips around his spoon and chews a couple of times. The flavours and spices are stronger than he usually prefers, but the taste is still very pleasant. Made even more so by the fact that Wei Ying made this for him. As soon as he swallows, Wei Ying’s arm presses into his, his nervous energy almost tangible.

“Lan Zhan, does it taste good? Is it too salty? Not salty enough? Do you need more spice? We have chili oil or-”

“Delicious. No spice needed, thank you.”

Wei Ying lets out a relieved sigh and he sends a pleased smile Lan Wangji’s way, before he turns back to his own food. And then proceeds to dump an inordinate amount of chili oil over it.

“Wei Ying! Careful!”

“Huh?” Wei Ying gives him a confused glance, adding even more oil. “Oh, don’t worry, I like it this way!”

Lan Wangji watches in horror as Wei Ying takes a bite, making exaggerated noises of contentment while chewing. Wen Qing simply rolls her eyes and Wen Ning laughs quietly into his food.

This is followed by five minutes of A-Yuan insisting he also wants chili oil and Wei Ying pretending to add something to his food, followed by “More!”. Halfway through, Wen Qing picks up her conversation with Lan Wangji again, and he hurries to ask her about her internship at the hospital. He also learns that Wen Ning is a freelance web designer which is an occupation Lan Wangji knows nothing about, so he’s happy to listen to Wen Ning’s explanations.

All in all, it is a very lovely dinner and once everyone is finished, the warmth that fills Lan Wangji is not only due to the good food. Despite his worries, sharing dinner with these people didn’t make him feel like an outsider. Even though there was barely any space for Lan Wangji, they all simply scooted their chairs together and welcomed him, not questioning his place at Wei Wuxian’s side.

Nonetheless, he’s glad everyone spreads out again after dinner. Wen Qing has to go to the hospital, but before she leaves, she makes sure to let Lan Wangji know he’s welcome here any time. Wen Ning tells them he’ll do the dishes later and to not worry about it, because “Lan Wangji still needs to listen to Yiling Laozu after all” and then quickly lifts up A-Yuan, holds him like a shield in front of his face when Wei Ying threatens to hit him with a pillow, and carries him away to his room.

Wei Ying throws the pillow back on the couch and turns to Lan Wangji with a defeated sigh.

“Lan Zhan, are you sure?”

“Mn.”

“Well, I suppose it’s only fair. You did bribe me with a lovely picture.” Wei Ying winks at him and Lan Wangji’s neck grows hot at the reminder of his daring actions - as well as the wink.

A few seconds later, Lan Wangji steps into Wei Ying’s room. The first thing he sees is the bed, already familiar to him from the spicy picture. Then he sees… everything else.

It’s not a large room but it manages to hold a surprising number of things. Books, clothes, posters, drawing utensils, a few stray toys… It’s obvious that Wei Ying has attempted to tidy things up, but since there isn’t much storage space, it was probably hard to do. There’s a small desk in one corner, Lan Wangji’s flowers taking up a lot of space on it, and finally, finally Lan Wangji sees a computer in Wei Ying’s vicinity. It has not only one but two screens and also two keyboards for some reason and one of them is blinking.

And everywhere there are pictures. Pictures of Wei Ying and his family and friends, smiling. He’s surrounded by Wei Ying’s smiles and this room has quickly become one of Lan Wangji’s favourite rooms he’s ever been in.

His gaze falls on Wei Ying again, who looks at him the same way he did when he was waiting for Lan Wangji to swallow his first bite.

“I like your room,” he says, sincerely.

“Ah, that’s very nice of you. I know it’s a mess. I tried, but… uh, make yourself comfortable, the desk chair or the bed, I don’t have a proper chair, sorry, let me just move these clothes and…”

“I like your room,” Lan Wangji says again, with more insistence. “I like being surrounded by Wei Ying.”

Wei Ying’s face softens for a second, but then the wicked smile appears on his face, the same moment that Lan Wangji realises how his words could be… understood.

With burning cheeks he sits down on the bed, resolutely ignoring the mirth dancing in Wei Ying’s eyes. “I want to hear Yiling Laozu.”

Wei Ying groans and then sits down next to Lan Wangji, leaning back on his arms.

“Why do you have to ruin the mood, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji simply stares at him with a level gaze.

“Fine, fine, let’s get this over with.” Wei Ying sighs theatrically and then reaches under his pillow to produce a laptop. Lan Wangji wonders how many computers he has hidden here and why he never brings them with him to the library. “Alright, get ready. This song is called Burial Mounds and it’s about… well, the transience of life but also murderous zombies.”

Wei Ying presses play and then there’s noise. Lan Wangji tries to listen with an open mind and slightly less open ears but it’s very difficult. Whoever the drummer is, is very enthusiastic or angry, but not always sticking to the rhythm and with everything going on here, it’s entirely possible that this was intended. There’s a bunch of things Lan Wangji can only describe as ‘weird as fuck synths’, as well as an electric guitar that never gets to play more than one chord. Buried under it all is Wei Wuxian’s voice; sometimes whispering, sometimes screaming. Lan Wangji prefers the whisper and would like to hear it without everything else, preferably next to his ear. When the flute solo kicks in near the end, he’s already so desensitized by it all, it doesn’t even faze him anymore.

Once the song comes to an end, Wei Ying closes his laptop and slides it back under his pillow. Lan Wangji swallows and stares down at his hands, desperately trying to think of something complimentary to say.

“It was uh… unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. Very unique.” There. Not a lie, yet still somewhat positive.

“Oh, yes? I’m so glad. Lan Zhan, did you like the lyrics?”

How should he know??? They were impossible to understand! “I… might have to… listen again, to make sure I hear them all.” He really, really doesn’t want to listen again, but for Wei Ying, he would.

“Mhm, I’m curious. What emotions did this song evoke in you? Everyone has very different reactions to it.”

Lan Wangji, still staring intently at his hands, begins to sweat. “Hard to say. Ah. Despair?”

Next to him, Wei Ying starts shaking and Lan Wangji finally lifts his head, worried he’s offended him. But no, Wei Ying is laughing, head thrown back and eyes closed.

Lan Wangji realises he’s been toyed with but doesn’t mind, because he’s distracted by the curve of Wei Ying’s neck.

“Lan Zhan, ah, what should I do. You’re so sweet, trying to be nice about our shitty music.” Wei Ying opens his eyes and cocks his head at Lan Wangji. “But don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded for your suffering.”

Wei Ying hops to his feet and a shockingly large part of Lan Wangji’s brain is disappointed the reward doesn’t necessitate physical closeness. Luckily, Wei Ying returns to his side after fetching a notebook from his desk, looks for a certain page, and then places it on top of Lan Wangji’s legs.

It is… a watercolour drawing of Cloud and Jade. They’re sitting next to each other and Cloud is chewing on Jade’s ear. Lan Wangji stares at it for a long while until Wei Ying’s hand appears to turn the page.

Another drawing. Lan Wangji draws in a shaky breath. It’s them. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in the library. Lan Wangji is reading a book, while Wei Ying looks at him, smiling, head resting on his hand. Cloud and Jade are there, too, sitting under the table between their feet. The drawing feels peaceful and gentle and… and… there’s warmth and love in every brushstroke and does Wei Ying know? Does he know Lan Wangji sees those things? Does he know he wants them?

Lan Wangji slowly turns his head and immediately meets Wei Ying’s gaze. Once again, he’s obviously trying to gauge his reaction and Lan Wangji doesn’t know what to do.

He wants to kiss Wei Ying.

These drawings are the most beautiful thing he’s ever received and Wei Ying is…

Lan Wangji wants to kiss him.

“Lan Zhan… do you like it?”

“Beautiful. It’s beautiful. Thank you.” Lan Wangji can’t look away from Wei Ying’s face. He’s waiting for all of Wei Ying’s nervousness to disappear, waiting for him to understand that Lan Wangji really means it. That this is perfect. “Wei Ying, I love it.”

“Ah, haha… well, I’m glad you like my silly little drawing. Your bunnies are so cute, so it was fun to do! You can keep them of course, I’ll put them in a folder for you, if I can find one,” Wei Ying chatters, avoiding his eyes and then takes the notebook, closes it and puts it on the bedside table. Lan Wangji frowns.

“Wei Ying.”

He waits for Wei Ying to look back at him, though he’s still avoiding his gaze, choosing to look at a spot over his shoulder instead.

“Wei Ying, look at me.”

Wei Ying reluctantly does so, though he opens his mouth as well, undoubtedly to say something to break the tension or to belittle his drawing again.

“Wei Ying, I love it.”

He slowly lifts his hand, wanting to stroke Wei Ying’s cheek but at the last moment, he simply puts it on Wei Ying’s shoulder. Wei Ying’s mouth closes again.

They keep staring into each other’s eyes and with every second this continues, anticipation grows low in Lan Wangji’s stomach.

He really wants to kiss Wei Ying…

A loud banging against the door startles them and Wei Ying immediately jumps to his feet, needlessly straightening his shirt.

“What?” He sounds as annoyed by the interruption as Lan Wangji feels.

“Gege goodnight!”

Wei Ying rolls his eyes, yet smiles and goes to open the door. A-Yuan is standing in front of it, wearing rainbow-coloured footie pyjamas and clutching his radish. Behind him stands a sheepish-looking Wen Ning.

“Sorry...”

“Aaah, you can’t sleep without me saying goodnight, right? Because A-Yuan loves me so much?” Wei Ying picks up A-Yuan and snuggles him extensively.

“Dream spell!”

“Hm? Oh, you’re right, very important!” Wei Ying puts A-Yuan down again and crouches down in front of him. Then he takes A-Yuan’s face between his hands and presses a kiss to each of his cheeks, his forehead and to the tip of his nose. “Sweet, sweet dreams, my little radish.”

A-Yuan also kisses Wei Ying’s cheek and then looks at Lan Wangji with large eyes. Lan Wangji waves tentatively.

“Good night, A-Yuan. Sweet dreams.”

A-Yuan runs up to him, hugs his leg, lets Lan Wangji pat his head and then runs back to Wen Ning, apparently done with saying goodnight.

When they’re alone again, it’s clear the moment between them has passed. Lan Wangji is disappointed but a part of him is relieved, because he doesn’t know what would happen after.

Wei Ying tucks the two drawings in a large envelope, gives them to Lan Wangji and then offers him some tea. Lan Wangji happily accepts and they drink it in the living room. Wei Ying tells him all about a problem he’s run into during coding. Lan Wangji only understands every third word, but he doesn’t need to understand everything to encourage Wei Ying to keep trying.

It’s shortly after 8 o’clock, when Lan Wangji announces he should leave and Wei Ying escorts him to the door, promising to be at the library tomorrow. Lan Wangji thanks him for the lovely evening, thanks him again for the drawing and then he’s walking down the stairs. He’s reached the second floor, when he suddenly hears someone running down the stairs behind him.

“Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji turns around, heart beating fast in his chest without even knowing why. Wei Ying’s face is flushed and he’s panting a little.

“Wei Ying?”

“Lan Zhan… I forgot to give you a dream spell.” Wei Ying takes Lan Wangji’s face between his hands and pulls it towards himself, a determined expression on his face. But then he waits, only a few inches away from Lan Wangji. “Alright?”

Lan Wangji opens his mouth, but decides to nod instead, not trusting his voice. Yes. Yes, this is alright. More than.

Wei Ying nods as well, strokes his thumbs over Lan Wangji’s cheekbones and then closes the remaining distance between them. Wei Ying kisses him on his cheek, then his other cheek, his forehead and then the tip of his nose. “Sweet, sweet dreams, my Lan Zhan.”

Wei Ying smiles softly, lets Lan Wangji’s face go and then runs the stairs back up again. A few seconds later, Lan Wangji hears the door close.

Lan Wangji… has to sit down on the stairs, his legs not willing to support him any longer.

He’s not quite sure how long he sits there in a daze, fingertips pressed against his cheeks, where Wei Ying’s lips had touched him.

He makes it home, eventually, and manages to follow his evening routine in a timely manner.

But that night, sleep doesn’t come easily and Lan Wangji doesn’t go searching for it either. He spends a long, long time looking at the drawing of them in the library, at Wei Ying’s expression as he looks at Lan Wangji. He thought he would have to wait for Wei Wuxian to catch up with his feelings…

Maybe the wait won’t be as long as he expected.