#live laugh love wangxian

[celestemonarch]

Just a mini fic

Wangxian flavored

On a Night Hunt gone wrong, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were captured.

Clarification, Wei Wuxian got himself caught and when his husband arrived to save him, he was used as bait to get them both to surrender.

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but remember what happened with Jin Guangyao. Being held just out of reach with the threat of his life the only thing that caused Lan Wangji to give up.

Now, back in a similar situation, they are chained to a pillar. Lan Wangji fussed over the wound on his head. He was thrown against the ground and hit his head pretty hard.

“It’s fine Lan Zhan. I’ve felt worse.” Wei Wuxian tried to brush off but Lan Wangji was less than pleased at his words.

“Wei Ying shouldn’t have to be hurt.” He said ripping off a strip of his robes. Wei Wuxian startled at the noise.

“Ah! Lan Zhan! You don’t have to rip your robes for me! Stop! Stop! Stop!” His hands frantically tried to get him to stop but they were both stopped when a pot was thrown at the both of them. Lan Wangji caught it masterfully before it could hit either of them and glared at who graced their presence.

A big burly man stood in front of them now and grabbed Wei Wuxian hoisting him up. He unlocked the chains around his wrists before stuffing the key back into his pocket. Wei Wuxian pursed his lips looking him over.

“You don’t look like much.” He said offhandedly. The man growled holding him off the ground by his robe collar. The sound of chains moving was the only indication that Lan Wangji made a sudden move, but Wei Wuxian gestured to him that it was okay. He still remained stiff.

“You have a lot of talk for someone at someone else’s mercy.” He said. Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. Clearly he was unfazed by his words.

“I’ve been at someone else’s mercy before. Right Lan Zhan? We have our fun.” Wei Wuxian said with a cheeky smile. Lan Wangji’s ears felt hot and the man shook Wei Wuxian who laughed.

“You’re coming to the boss.” The man said dragging Wei Wuxian along.

“Coming am I?” Wei Wuxian said waggling his brows with a mischievous smile. He could hear Lan Wangji huff and knew he knew the insinuation.

“Shut up! I’ll kill you!”

“Before I come to your boss?”

The man threw him against the pillar and he laughed despite the pain. He quickly sat up and looked at Lan Wangji taking his face gently in his hands giving a quick smile before he kissed him.

It was soft at first and Lan Wangji was surprised but returned it. Suddenly, the kiss turned heated and Lan Wangji felt Wei Wuxian slip his tongue past his lips and just as he was about to push back he felt something hard pressed against his tongue.

Wei Wuxian was pulled back with a smug look on his face. The man dragged him behind him out of the room grumbling under his breath. Wei Wuxian laughed the entire time.

Once they were out of view, Lan Wangji spit out the thing Wei Wuxian had slipped him and found it was the key used on the chains. He could dwell on how he got it later, but he knew they were on the clock and quickly freed himself.

He stood and saw his Bichen. He grabbed his sword and made his way to find his husband before he did something else that could get himself killed.

—

Probably ooc I’ve never written anything for them before. I’m just doing a character study.

[gh0st-0f-luke]

six excerpts from my wangxian hostile-neighbors-to-lovers social media au 💖 read on ao3 here!!

[connectjump]

something i find really sweet about wangxian is just seeing the subtle changes with lwj from CR to both before, during & after the Sunshot campaign, to the events leading up to the siege on the BM's, followed by the aftermath of choosing to protect the person he loves, and to how he shows his love for wwx in little ways after his resurrection.

thirteen years lwj had to learn to live without him, to be given another chance that he wholeheartedly takes it upon himself to show wwx that he is loved, and how he will continue to stand against anyone who puts wwx's life at risk.

[bibbiosis]

RECENTLY FINISHED READING MDZS LIVE LAUGH LOVE WANGXIAN 😭🫶🫶

[ID in plain and alt text: digital painting of wei wuxian and lang wangji walking off into the distance in a field of flowers inspired by the last scene of the main story. wei wuxian is riding on little apple the spotted donkey with lan wangji walking beside them, their backs facing the viewer. End ID]

[neithoftheveil]

Neith’s TGCF Fic Recs:

I’ve never made a rec list before, but for Christmas, I wanted to share some (not all—by god, we’d be here forever) of the fics saved to my kindle, some of my bookmarks, and some of my friends’ works (with overlap between those categories).

In no particular order:

tell you every day by scrapimmortal

Adorable amnesia Wulian oneshot that makes me smile.

melt (i’d tell them; put me back in it) by scrapimmortal

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve read this, I would have many dollars; perfection.

The flap of a butterfly’s wing by Ameji

Really enjoyed the political and personal drama in this one. A fun, exciting read that got me thinking about how to approach my own fics.

Pig in the Garden by illuminatingsceadugunga

I love FengQing’s heads exploding over hualian being married pre-third ascension; it’s delightful—very fun fic!

The Supplicant by ardenrabbit

The anticipation in chapter 1 was literally killing me; so excited to see more!

Land of the Callous by starvingwritist

A very fun, well-constructed truth serum Xianle quartet fic; Hualian are perfect for each other, truly. Couldn’t wait to see what would go wrong (and right)!

Heaven is Overwhelming by crispytaco

I love selective mutism fics; this one is very sweet! Comfort read.

there’s no rush by miska_za

Very sweet marathon sex; another comfort read.

quiet like stains by haysel

This soulmate AU has permanently altered my brain. It’s my favorite modern AU.

and the rain won’t make any difference by haysel

The atmosphere and the emotion? Out of this world. Love at first sight that takes your breath away. So sweet.

Your Courage, Your Despair by boomchick

I think about this fic at least once a week. Hualian hurt/comfort is my favorite thing.

‘Til our compass stands still by edenwolfie

Cannot watch the s2 opening of the donghua without getting nostalgia for this fic. Love the OCs. Love the characterization of XL. I would live in this fic if I could.

The Road I Walked Alone by aewea

Gives me literal chills every time (love it). What would happen if the play at the Mid-Autumn Banquet was actually the 100 swords scene.

We Stan Scrap Gege! by paidsubscription

Couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. Love this author’s AUs. Always so well thought out. And the “ghost citizens” are amazingly written!

The southern guide to a happy marriage by illuminate

The way this author writes Mu Qing makes me feral. FengQing get married before Xie Lian ascends a third time. It’s horny. It’s fun.

I can feel your halo by illuminate

Probably my favorite fengqing fanfic; I’ve read it a dozen times! Mu Qing’s spiritual powers are stolen, and he takes full advantage of them being gone to fulfill some long-buried desires.

common love isn’t for us by nobirdstofly

A really fun, dynamic piece that plays with FengQing’s deputy disguises. Hot too!

I Want to Ki** You by tyelperintal

I love every interaction Xie Lian and Mu Qing have in this piece, especially when XL gives way too many details about his sex life in order to help MQ navigate his desire for FX.

Wu Ming Loving Hours by featherpoet

A cute and inventive what-if. A canon divergence from Wuming’s death.

When I Was Older by corduroyserpent

An emotional time travel fic I love. Read it twice. Plan to reread soon!

Nameless Longing by corduroyserpent

A follow-up to the above fic; the “good boy” lives rent free in my brain. A roleplay Wulian fic with a twist ending.

Against All Odds by yuushoku

A really sweet royalty AU where Hua Cheng has to pass three trials to wed Xie Lian. Comfort read.

bring a light by uraa

A cute wangxian/hualian crossover!

charcoal daydreams by beesinspades

One of the first fics I read for this fandom! The first tgcf fic I ever downloaded! Artist HC runs into his old crush when XL applies to be his model.

steady love (in a place we know) by beesinspades

Hurts my heart but in a good way; it’s like missing someone who’s right in front of you. Hualian go on a road trip.

Is he, you know, a follower of Ju Yang? by airawyn

Very cute! Love the fengqing dynamic and banter!

Your Touch Means Everything to Me by fayleen

Love the tension in this one! A canon-divergent first kiss after the Banyue arc.

The State of You by peppaspray

Hot and sweet! Hua Cheng trying to seduce his husband in different forms.

to be seen by blessinglanterns

An interesting look at Hua Cheng coming back from being dispersed on Tonglu. Very sweet.

If you love me for me by fullmetalpotterhead

A really adorable royalty AU where Hua Cheng needs to marry Xie Lian for political reasons but quickly falls in love with him after he disguises himself in order to meet XL before their wedding.

[wangxianficrecs]

Rewind 2024 - A few more recs...

WangxianFicRecs - Rewind 2024

Before the year ends, here are a few more recs of stories of 2024 that found their way into our inbox! I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope, that we can discover lots of fun fanfics next year as well! - Kay

Follower Recs

~*~

Think I've missed the 2024 Rewind follower recs but I've been absolutely loving this story!

WIP Modern Cultivators AU where WWX and LWJ have just agreed to a betrothal contract - for supposedly purely political reasons but in actuality because they fell hard and fast for each other during the prior fic in the series. POV switches between the two of them as they face up to (and increasingly embrace) the concept of being cared for and loved for being exactly who they are. Beautiful writing and brilliant characterisation, every update feels like a treat ☺️ @slothwithwifi

🔒 I'm Much Older Than I Thought I'd Be

by MajorEnglishEsquire (@chuckwinchester)

E, WIP, 81k, Wangxian

Summary: “Now. Before we break for the evening, as the topic has arisen between Lan Xichen and myself, directly, in accordance with an inquiry from the Lans,” Uncle passes him the copy of a draft agreement. “I wonder if you recall your lessons on the cross-clan arrangement of cultivation partnerships.” Picks up after The Further I Go, The Less I Know.

~*~

Hello! I want to submit this fic for Rewind because I love cherry magic AU and lwj pov is so rare. It’s very funny to listen to wwx pining in his head and lwj panicking over it. - Anon

My Heart is Yours to Fill or Burst

by anancites (@ananc1tes)

E, 67k, Wangxian

Summary: On his 30th birthday, Lan Zhan gets struck by a mysterious curse: suddenly he's a mind reader! As much as he dislikes most people talking too much, hearing their unfiltered thoughts is even worse. To top it all off, he learns that his old friend Wei Ying might not be flirting with him just to be a nuisance. He might be flirting with Lan Zhan because he's actually really into him? (a WangXian AU very loosely inspired by Cherry Magic)

~*~

Delightfully hilarious. I read it over a month ago and still laugh sometimes when I think about wwx in this. @alyseofwonderland

Living Art

by relenafanel (@relenafanel)

E, 8k, Wangxian

Summary: Broke artist Wei Wuxian takes a hard look at his finances and shrugs his way into becoming a content creator on OnlyFans. Jiang Cheng sighed. “These columns are negotiable. If you want to keep this subscription, you have to replace something to break even.” Wei Wuxian stared at the spreadsheet. He hummed in thought. “I need to break even.” “Yes.” “In order to keep my OnlyFans subscription I need $65 a month. On OnlyFans.” “No,” Jiang Cheng said quickly. “If I become a content creator and earn $65 a month--” “I am begging you--” “Then I can keep the subscription. Thanks A-Cheng!” The account in question? Hanguang Jun's Reading Livestreams.

~*~

🔒 Only with Time

by adrian_kres (@Bichen-Suibian)

E, WIP, 66k, Wangxian

Summary: Thirteen years ago, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were arranged to be married as is tradition. Throughout their thirteen-year-long "courtship," things were not always as they seemed. Now, newly married, old secrets have ripped open wounds they thought were closed, and they must work together to rebuild a trust they never had and a love they always did but couldn't see. Told from alternating points of view between LWJ and WWX with frequent flashbacks to memories of their "courtship". Updates weekly.

~*~

Proud Author Spotlight

~*~

I can't believe I almost forgot to shout-out my own fic that I started this year! It's a modern AU with cultivation where Wei Wuxian loses his hand, gets taken in my Wen Qing and her family, starts a prosthetic start-up and schemes to take down Wen Ruohan from the shadows feat. Wen Yuan having a big sister, Wen Zhuliu redemption and all the Found Family vibes!

Black Sun

by thelastdboy (@thelastdboyy)

E, WIP, 51k, Wangxian

Summary: Within one afternoon, the Yunmeng Jiang Clan became a mere branch of the Wen Clan. They lost their estate, all of their assets, and Wei Wuxian – He lost an arm. All to appease Wen Ruohan. To the Jiangs, the name Wen became a curse to be hissed out between gritted teeth. To Wei Wuxian, the name Wen became something dear after Wen Ning and Wen Qing saved his life and took him in. Years later, Wen Ruohan and his sons have long since died under mysterious circumstances and Wei Wuxian has been branded a traitor to the high society of the cultivation world. Together with the remaining Wens, he turned to the civilian world and revolutionized the medical field by developing prosthetics controlled by spiritual energy. Enter: Lan Wangji. After their fight against the Tulu Xuanwu, his leg never really recovered. Years of countless surgeries and feeling as if he was living inside a gilded cage while being patronized by his family passed, until Lan Wangji finally took his chance and absconded. To Yiling.

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for these hard-working authors if you like – or think others might like – these stories.)

[kittybobitty]

Ranking the Danmei I Read this Year

I got into Danmei this February, and wanted to do a top 5, but then realized I'd only read 5 this year lol, so instead I'm going to rank them from least favorite to most. So without further ado:

5. The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish

I picked this one up just because it sounded so ridiculous and funny, and never expected it to be so sweet! It's pure fluff and love. I've only ranked it low because it's just very low stakes compared to the rest of the series on the list. It's a great read in between much higher stakes series that constantly feel like they're ripping my heart out. I love Li Yu's character and how in love with him Prince Jing is. I'm looking forward tk getting the final volume next year!

4. Heaven Official's Blessing

We all know it and love it for a reason. I was absolutely enamored by hualian's love story. I love the lack of relationship drama because they trust eachother so completely, and I think it has one of the best confession scenes of any media ever. However, I did rank it lower because I didn't find the ending completely fulfilling. I know MXTX is doing an amended version and I'm anxious about her removing some characters but I am curious to see if I find the ending any better.

3. The Scum Villain's Self Saving System

It made me laugh so much, and then volume 3 broke my heart. I really love how related Shen Yuan is. It is MXTX's first series and it does feel like it is her first in a lot of ways, but this series has so much heart. I honestly would love to see more of the world explored, because I think it's so vast and interesting.

2. The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

I LOVE this series. I love our himbo protag living in the regret of his previous life, I love how much of a hopeless romantic CWN is behind his cold exterior and damn, it's good spice. I am spoiler free and have not even read volume 7 yet (it arrives tomorrow!) But it's definitely the longest series I've read, I belive it will have 11 volumes in total. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out, but until then, I will keep all the related tags blocked haha

1. The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Anyone who follows my blog probably wouldn't be surprised by this. The series with too many titles, MDZS, was my first danmei and still sits atop as my favorite. I see a lot of myself in Wei Ying. His story breaks my heart, but his love story with Lan Wanji heals me. I love their dynamic, their relationship to the juniors, and their devotion to each other. I was to keep experiencing this series in new ways; I already am collecting the webcomic, I've started watching the donghua (and I'd like to buy it) and I will eventually watch The Untamed. Theres also the new stage play happening soon (no idea how I'll see that) and me hoping and praying for someone to pick up the manga for publication in the west. I love Wangxian so much!

And that's all I've read thus far. I know it's kinda basic as far as danmei go, but everyone has to start somewhere! I would love recommendations for what to read next. I do prefer the cultivation storyline, but I'm also open to Palace Dramas. I'm not particularly interested in Modern stories.

I'm likely to pick up Thousand Autumns soon, and I've heard Remnants of Filth is in the same universe as Erha, so I may also check it out. Feel free to leave other recommendations (please also note I'm currently only interested in series that have been published as books in the US, and not interested in reading fan-translations)

Happy new year everyone!

[robby-bobby-tommy]

Honestly, I can't stress enough how important the theme of family is in mdzs. IMO it is the main theme of the book. Of course romance and devotion is important, but there's something so special about the way families are portrayed in mdzs and how important they are. (I watched donghua and read some of manhua btw)

Let's start with sibling relationships:

The whole plot started because of love for a brother and rage for how unjust his death was. The whole Cloud Recesses arc is an amazing set up for Wangxian etc, but it also shows the complicated yet sweet relationship between WWX and JC. How they both care so much about each other, how they tease each other. IMO JC did see WWX as a brother and loved him as such. Every time he scolds Wei Ying, it's always about Wei Ying's safety. Usually it's not "How dare you use demonic cultivation, you're gonna get our clan in danger", it's " If you keep it up, I won't be able to protect you". Even during the Wen invasion, the they're still together, they sacrifice themselves to save another. And don't get me started about Jiang Yanli, she loves her brothers very much. Despite Madam Yu creating a competition between the boys or Jiang Fengmian's lack of action and even enablement of WWX' dangerous and irresponsible behavior, they still love each other. I can ramble about yunmeng trio so much, but in short despite everything they went through, they cared for each other deeply. After Jiang Yanli's death everything changes, because imo the boys fully internalized Madam Yu's last words. WWX bring pain and destruction to Yunmeng. I think I need to stop, or we'll be here all day.

Or, another example: Nie bros. Nie Mingjue had to basically raise A-sang. They do deeply care about each other, and despite everything they'll be here for each other. Yet the desire to protect NHS from sad reality of golden core and qi deviation, their relationship soured a little. But it's obvious even for an outsider like WWX, that NMJ loves his brother. He pressures NHS, because he feels that he's starting to lose it. He wants to prepare his little bro to be a decent leader and to live without him. And NHS literally makes it his life mission to avenge his Dage even if it means having a blood on his hands.

Lan brothers show a good brother relationship. Lan Xichen supports LWJ in everything he does. Even his love for WWX. He gets protective, when he thinks WWX is laughing at LWJ's feelings. Lan Zhan is deeply saddened when his brother is missing and helps him discover the truth about his best friend's death. They're almost perfect siblings. (Plus they're super funny when drunk).

MXTX deserves an award for writing so many different sibling dynamics. And that's not all, she also portrays this different parental relationship so interesting.

Like, the nephews you didn't want, but care so much about, that you don't want them to suffer like their father did (Lan Qiren and this family drama); the kid of your husband's unrequited love, whom he seemingly loves more than your own children (Yunmeng Jiang happy house), JGS and the myriad of the kids he has ect. I love this variety so much.

I just love so much how MDZS has so much themes. Every time I think about MDZS, I find more and more interesting points and moments that change my perception of the characters. Every character is so humain and has their own motivation, that I can't truly hate some of them (apart from Wen Chao, his mistress and JGS, they suck).

TLDR: MXTX is a queen of writing complex human characters.

[panther-os]

absolutely in fucking love with @scarlettohairdye 's name for mianmian's husband, it just Fits in a sort of mouth feel and brain clicky way. however I cannot for the life of me find anywhere on the internet where scarlett mentions what characters are used in his name so I went hunting for the most likely suspects. there are approximately a million different ways to write fan wenxin, including two common surnames and one that has to do with trading/merchant-ship, but this one made me laugh and also just Feels Right

凡温馨

(fán wēn xīn)

google will tell you this means "where warmth" but Google is a liar and my actual Chinese English dictionary written by actual Chinese people says it means "common/ordinary/mundane comfort" (if you are also actually chinese and this is wrong please dm me)

but I do think "common comfort" is an amazing name for a non-cultivator who's just a stable presence supporting his wife

I'm also working on a list right now of English names for mdzs characters, for me to reference if I ever write a fic where they need to use them (somewhat likely, writing fic is hit or miss rn, but I live in an area with a ton of exchange students, immigrants, and visiting overseas businessmen so those situations are familiar to me) and I took the liberty of putting down "William Fan/Wendy Fan" for Fan Wenxin. 😅

anyways scarlett is my current favorite author when it comes to fic for my special interests. recs include:

Covered in Bees | T, Wangxian | Beekeeping au with tons of bee fun facts, one of my favorites long before I read scarlett's other stuff

leave all your love and your longing behind | E, Wangxian | Modern au feat. An Asshole Dog (TM) and some of my favorite modern characters dynamics ever

i know who i want to take me home | E, Wangxian | Su She and Jin Zixun are assholes and bartender Wei Wuxian rescues drunk Lan Wangji

There's a Baby Loose in the Burial Mounds! | T, gen | a-Yuan is very loved

My Zhiji's On Broadway | E, Wangxian | the most amazing of drunk Lan Wangji shenanigans, feat. the Washington State Convention Center as Sir Not Appearing In This Fic

stray cat strut | E, Wangxian | Wei Wuxian is cursed (ish) as a cat, Lan Wangji finds a random cat on a night hunt, aka the fic that gets vocal trash's cover of stray cat strut stuck in my head every time I read the title

[lwjsbedtime]

I tried to make gifs of this because it reset my brain a little, but it didn't work out, so... 🤷

No thoughts, dancers Wangxian:

...Okay, some thoughts:

I'd like to think WWX and LWJ first got paired together as part of a scholarship program. Something about 'nurturing great talent' and 'investing in the future of the arts', which basically just amounted to classically trained danseur LWJ being designated babysitter of the chaotic WWX during their first year at Cloud Recesses School of the Arts.

LWJ is, quite naturally, a little furious. He's worked hard to excel and earn his place at his family's academy without relying on nepotism, and yet here this...boy is - no talent, no skill, no drive. His only apparent accomplishment is succeeding in driving LWJ to madness.

Finally, after WWX weaves him a flower crown in some strange attempt at mockery, he has enough. LWJ asks to be assigned a new partner.

LXC refuses: kindly, but it's still a refusal. He assures LWJ that WWX is a once in a lifetime genius. LXC would know; he's on the auditions committee and has to approve every incoming hopeful's application. And he was very impressed by WWX.

LWJ wonders if his brother was ill on the day WWX auditioned, or if he's confused the boy with someone else. All WWX knows how to do is jump around, and put his hands on LWJ's waist while they stumble through their choreography.

And smile.

And laugh.

And look at LWJ with those stormy eyes while drawing close-

...The point is, LWJ isn't convinced WWX knows how to dance at all. And since he's swindled his way into Cloud Recesses somehow, he might as well learn. However, for all LWJ knows his art inside and out, he's not a certified teacher.

Surely then, the honour of tutoring WWX should go to someone more qualified?

"Wangji," LXC says, and LWJ's brows tick downward at the laughter glimmering in his brother's eyes. "Just give him a chance. I have no doubt you're the perfect fit for one another."

"Yes, brother."

Seeing no other option, LWJ concedes - for now. He leaves his brother's office, throwing one last reproachful glance over his shoulder to ensure LXC knows he still doesn't like the situation.

LXC, infuriatingly, only looks more amused.

----

Little does LWJ know, his brother isn't lying about WWX's talent. Sure, he's a little rough around the edges - and secretly very nervous - but his skill, once observed, cannot be denied.

WWX grew up with the Jiang, a traditional family who enrolled him in martial arts lessons as soon as his adoption papers were signed. But before that - before the pain and the hunger, and the brief stint of homelessness - he was Wei Ying, son of CSSR and WCZ, reigning king and queen of the international ballroom scene.

WWX's earliest memories are of his parents wrapped in a loving embrace, dancing with him held between them. They moved to the music crooning out of their staticky little radio like water following the path of a stream - effortless, and joyful.

They were so, so happy.

For the first five years of his life, WWX accompanied his parents all around the world as they danced in competitions, and performed live shows - and even acted, on one memorable occasion!

WWX's greatest dream was to follow in their footsteps, but then tragedy struck and he was left alone. When he was taken in by the Jiangs, he thought perhaps...

...But Auntie Yu scolded him harshly every time it seemed like he was finally coming out of his shell. WWX didn't want to think how badly she would have reacted to him asking for dance lessons. He knew he'd have to keep his passion secret in her house, or lose it forever; lose his parents with it.

For years, he practised in secret, locked in his room at night, or on the roof of his school building during breaks. WWX wasn't certain what he thought he was doing, or why, but in the moments he was dancing, he truly felt free.

And then, he saw him and everything made sense.

During the last year of high school, when everyone else had chosen the path their futures would take, and WWX was still unsure of his own, JYL suddenly handed him two tickets to the ballet.

"I'm sorry it's short notice, but Jin-the person I was going with cancelled, and I don't think I would like going alone," his sister said, her expression heavy with sadness. "I thought maybe you could take a date? Or a friend?"

WWX flushed at the idea of taking a date anywhere, but accepted the tickets. Clearly, his sister couldn't stand the sight of them. Whoever cancelled on her had a lot to answer for.

But also...the idea of seeing others dance - professionals, at that - sparked something small and bright in his heart.

"Thank you, jiejie," he said, his words more sincere than JYL would ever realise.

----

WWX hadn't asked anyone to accompany him in the end. He wasn't interested in dating, and his friends weren't the type to enjoy spending three hours watching 'grown adults prance around a stage' - a direct quote from JC, several years earlier when WWX made the mistake of looking too delighted by the performance of The Lady of the Camellias advertised in the paper.

Even if anyone had wanted to come with him, he wasn't certain he'd be good company with how his heart was hammering in his chest.

Arriving at the theatre, he took a deep breath and stepped inside. He'd arrived early (for once) so he had plenty of time to bounce his legs and look around anxiously before the seats filled up around him and the lights bordering the stage dimmed.

WWX looked straight ahead, his eyes riveted to the stage as the curtains drew back. From the pit, the lonely cry of a trombone sounded, soon accompanied by the rest of the orchestra.

The set was revealed slowly - the painted backdrop of a grand home. In a chair, a man was sleeping while beside him-

WWX's breath caught in his chest. Beside him danced the most beautiful, most graceful, prettiest fairy, bathed in the glow of silvery light.

The fairy's steps were light and playful as he bounded across the floor, the stones sewn into his costume glimmering like stars in the night sky.

WWX watched him, rapt; all his attention honed in to each soft, supple movement of the fairy's limbs. His heart fell when soon the dancer bounded off stage, replaced by a second, distinctly less lovely man.

For the rest of the performance, WWX could think of nothing but that graceful fairy, his entire being tingling whenever the boy again appeared on stage. There was something about the dancer's steps - the precision and joy of his movements - that brought a slumbering piece of WWX back to life.

After the curtains fell, WWX found out - through no small amount of internet sleuthing - that the fairy was in fact Lan Wangji, of the Lan family. The very same Lan family that ran Cloud Recesses School of the Arts - which coincidentally LWJ would be attending the next year.

WWX submitted his application the very same evening. By the time Auntie Yu kicked him out for rejecting the university she'd decided he would attend, he'd already been accepted into CR's very generous scholarship program.

All this to say, when WWX was matched with LWJ, he was 1) very surprised, 2) slightly nervous, and 3) halfway in love.

Surprisingly, none of these complex emotions interacted very well with one another. In fact, they made WWX worse.

And now LWJ thinks he's a good-for-nothing phoney, albeit with very large, very warm hands.

(WWX is not aware of this opinion, or else he might try to change it.)

As for what does make LWJ change his mind...

LWJ also studies musical composition. He's very practical like that. He won't be able to dance at his current level forever, and music is another passion of his - one less taxing on the joints. If push comes to shove, he wouldn't mind becoming a music tutor.

In truth, he might even prefer it. A part of him dislikes being the centre of attention, as well as the constant travel that comes with performing. Ballet is freeing, and it makes him feel closer to his mother, who was also a dancer. But music makes him feel at peace with himself. Safe. Warm. Home.

He's practising on his guqin one night when a shadow catches his eye from outside.

There, on the balcony of the neighbouring dorm, is WWX. And he's dancing - dancing properly to LWJ's music.

LWJ's fingers trip over the strings for a single moment before he manages to overcome his shock. WWX is good. Very good.

Which begs the question: why is he trying to sabotage their performances?

----

He resolves to confront WWX the next day but never quite manages to find the words to express his frustration.

Instead, he drives WWX into a corner, performing increasingly complex moves until WWX is forced to step up his game.

Surprisingly, it works, to an extent. However, there's no quick fix for inexperience. WWX is not a ballet dancer; naturally he's thrown off when LWJ slips into the solo from his last tour.

He falls back, watching slack jawed at the fine control demonstrated by LWJ; the quiet strength held in his lean body. He's so beautiful WWX can't look away.

It takes far too long for LWJ to realise he's gone off their choreography. Embarrassed with himself, he slips back into the routine they're meant to be practising, hoping the burning in his ears isn't noticeable.

WWX shakes himself into motion, falling into step with LWJ once more. But LWJ is growing increasingly frustrated. Unlike before, when LWJ was testing him, WWX keeps hesitating. He's back to playing the clumsy fool.

With something akin to anger thrumming in his veins, LWJ pins a flustered WWX against his body. He grabs the boy's hips, showing him how to move them properly.

"Like this," he all but demands.

WWX's answering hum is a little strangled, but surely he can be forgiven for that? The poor boy's experiencing a very sudden awakening, with his crotch pressed against LWJ's soft stomach.

LWJ continues to manhandle WWX through the steps until WWX is certain he's going to do something embarrassing. Pulling himself free, he chuckles.

"Ah, LZ, you know I don't usually do this sort of dancing."

LWJ stares at him. "This sort of dancing?"

"You know, with a partner."

LWJ continues to stare, hoping it will convince WWX to expand upon that. His audition sheet said he specialised in ballroom dancing. How could he not be familiar with partnered choreography?

Thankfully, WWX has never been reticent, and helpfully explains. "I kinda had to learn in secret, so I never really had the chance to dance with anyone else. Until you."

Inexplicably, LWJ's heart picks up. That explains some things then.

Feeling somewhat foolish about how unreasonable he's been acting, he moves his hands back to WWX's hips.

"I will teach you," he promises.

And then he proceeds to do just that.

For some reason, WWX's cheeks turn red.

"So kind, er gege," he jokes. "I'm in your hands."

Yes, LWJ thinks, his fingers flexing. You are.

----

Over the next few weeks, WWX and LWJ grow closer, their dance sessions turning into shared lunches, and lazy afternoon walks through campus. On the weekends, LWJ shows WWX his favourite spots in Caiyi, while WWX entices LWJ to try new - terrible, spicy - things he'd never dared to before.

By the time break comes around, LWJ thinks they've become friends.

LWJ, as always, plans to spend the break at his family manor, hidden in the forest behind campus. WWX...has only just realised he has nowhere to go. When he left home, Auntie Yu told him not to expect to be allowed back.

He sighs, frowning down at the untied laces of his booties, and wonders what he's going to do until classes start again.

LWJ, noticing how downcast WWX seems to be, asks what's wrong.

"It's nothing," he replies with a crooked grin that makes LWJ's heart skip a beat. "Just...I have nowhere to go during the holiday."

LWJ's brows furrow in understanding. Though he's unaware of the situation with the Jiangs, WWX has mentioned before he was orphaned at a young age.

LWJ does not like to see his friend look so dejected. He does the only thing he can possibly do. He invites WWX home with him.

At first, WWX almost refuses, but he likes LZ too much, and will miss not seeing him everyday otherwise.

"Okay, er gege," he agrees. "Take me home with you."

WWX's smile is so disarming, the next thing LWJ recalls is entering his family home with his partner in tow, the sound of luggage wheels scraping over concrete following them.

"Wow..." WWX says. "LZ, just how rich is your family?"

"Wealthy enough to run a private academy," he replies, just barely refraining from rolling his eyes.

From close behind him, he hears WWX laugh.

----

The next several days pass by like a dream LWJ is still half-afraid he'll wake from. Due to Uncle inviting some of their relatives over during the break, WWX has been relegated to sharing LWJ's bedroom with him. Which means LWJ wakes each morning to the sound of WWX's breathing, and falls asleep each night to his laughter.

During the day, they're inseparable, spending almost every spare waking moment in one another's company. It is...doing something to LWJ, and he isn't sure yet whether that something should be encouraged, or cut off at the root.

He thinks it would hurt him to smother the feeling, more than it would hurt to nurture it.

From across the kitchen counter, WWX smiles and asks him a question, and LWJ brushes all thoughts of strange new emotions aside.

Later that night they sit together in the lounge, cups of hot chocolate warming their hands. Uncle left earlier with LXC to pick up their visiting relatives, and so for now LWJ and WWX have the house to themselves.

There's something sizzling under LWJ's skin, and across the room, there's a DVD player connected to the TV that wasn't there before.

WWX has been quieter today than usual - almost melancholy. LWJ had asked if he was alright, to which his friend had ruefully admitted that it was the anniversary of his parents' death.

LWJ had been momentarily horrified for bringing it up, but WWX had looked up at him with an expression of guarded hope, and asked if LWJ would like to see them.

"Of course," he agreed instantly.

And so now here he sits, as WWX navigates the menu of a homemade DVD.

"I didn't have anything of theirs from before, and I wasn't really allowed to talk about them once I was adopted," WWX admits, almost carelessly. "But I found these online a few years ago. Turns out my parents were pretty popular."

He shoots a grin at LWJ as he presses play, looking very much like the little boy he must once have been.

On the TV, a disembodied voice announces the arrival of WCZ and CSSR to the floor, and LWJ's eyes widen as the couple steps out.

Wei Wuxian.

Wei Changze.

Wei Ying is the son of CSSR and WCZ?

He glances at his friend out of the corner of his eye, taking in the expression of longing on his face as the couple begins to dance.

Popular is an understatement! WWX's parents were lauded for their accomplishments. Even Uncle, who had something against CSSR in particular, used their choreography as examples in his class.

And WWX had barely had the chance to know them - hadn't been allowed to.

LWJ's fists clench around his mug. He'll look into the school's archive later. He's certain there's footage there WWX hasn't yet seen. If anyone deserves to watch CSSR and WCZ's famous dances, it would be their son.

"Weren't they great?"

LWJ startles, the sound of WWX's voice drawing him from his musings.

"Mn," he agrees, his throat tight. "They were wonderful."

He watches the rest of the video in awed silence, his arm brushing up against WWX's as his friend shifts about, eyes glued to the sight of his parents gliding across the screen.

LWJ is little better. He hardly registers the TV dimming as the video ends, engrossed as he is in the dancing.

It's once again WWX's voice that startles him back to full awareness.

"Hey, why don't we try doing that?"

LWJ looks up at WWX, uncomprehending. "Mn?"

"The last dance." His hand reaches out for LWJ to take, but he's facing away, as if shy. "My parents' dance. It looks fun."

LWJ feels himself flush. The last dance performed by WCZ and CSSR was...quite romantic.

But it would make WWX feel better, and LWJ is not entirely against being close to him, so...

"Mn," he agrees, placing his hand in WWX's waiting palm.

WWX turns to him with a grin so bright it must hurt. "Really?"

He pulls LWJ up from the couch.

"Mn," LWJ replies again, looking up at WWX through his eyelashes. Hesitantly, he places his free hand over the boy's chest. "Let's begin."

They're so close, he can feel the erratic beating of WWX's heart under his palm.

"We don't have music," WWX murmurs, as if afraid speaking any louder would break the tension suddenly palpable between them.

LWJ bends to collect the remote, presses play, and returns it to the table. On the TV screen, the host announces WCZ and CSSR again, and music begins to filter out into the lounge.

"Now we do." His voice is hushed as WWX's own, as he draws even closer.

"So smart, LZ," WWX says, his hands moving to LWJ's waist. "What would I do without you?"

"Many foolish things," LWJ replies, wrapping his own arms around WWX's neck.

WWX breaks out into a quiet chuckle, his hand tightening on LWJ's waist.

"So mean, er gege."

LWJ blinks up at him. Last week, WWX tried to catch one of the pheasants on campus, and almost got pecked to death. "It is true."

WWX sighs, leaning forward so their brows press together. "...It is."

In the darkness, LWJ smiles.

They rock together in the middle of the floor for a few moments, before WWX speaks again.

"This isn't the dance."

"It is not," LWJ agrees.

On the TV screen, WCZ and CSSR are sweeping across the floor. LWJ can't remember if they danced a tango or not. His mind has been utterly overtaken by the thought of 'Weiyingweiyingweiying' cycling through his head.

"I still like it," WWX admits.

LWJ kisses him.

He startles, shocked by his own boldness, and starts to pull away, but WWX kisses him back.

They stand, swaying - kissing - in the middle of the living room until they break for air.

"Lan Zhan-" Wei Wuxian begins, his eyes turbid with emotion.

LWJ grabs the remote again, turns the TV off, and pulls WWX closer, steering them both towards the door.

"Your parents should not see this," he says.

The way WWX's eyes grow darker sends a shiver down his spine.

----

LWJ wakes the next morning to the sound of WWX's breathing, exactly as he had the days before. However, the strange fluttering in his chest has quelled, replaced by a near-dazzling warmth.

WWX's arm is around his waist, his lips pressed to LWJ's scalp. LWJ rolls over to stare at him.

He brushes a stray strand of hair from WWX's brow; counts his eyelashes; lays a kiss to his chin.

"We will learn the dance," he whispers against his lover's skin, before rising to go about his day.

And, eventually, they do.

They dance. They kiss. They go on to take the world by storm for a very short time.

Several years later, LWJ retires from dancing professionally, reserving all his future performances for his husband, alone. In turn, WWX learns how to play the flute, so he can join LWJ in his love of music.

He continues to perform for a while longer, before taking up a teaching position at Cloud Recesses alongside his husband. His students are all very small and chubby-cheeked. WWX has never been happier.

Eventually, WWX and LWJ have a child of their own - a boy as happy and playful as any ever was. WWX looks at him and remembers the days of his early childhood, when love flowed freely, and the laughter never stopped. LWJ recalls his mother holding him, teaching him how to dance as she'd once taught him to walk; encouraging him to smile; reassuring him it was safe to experience big emotions.

Together, they think of their future ahead of them - a future of light and happiness, and so much dancing. Looking into one another's eyes, they see nothing but pure bliss.

----

...That was a lot more thoughts than I expected a modern AU to bring tbh. 😅

Seriously though, the video: those lifts. The chin tilt. I am not normal about this.

[gentil-minou]

Gentians on Doorways

Written for the @mdzsrbb and inspired by the beautiful artwork made by @wrecklwj !

“How were you and my mother…acquainted?” “Acquaintances? She was my best friend!" ~ After a decade of living abroad, Lan Zhan returns to China to sort through his mother's affairs after her death. There, he meets Wei Ying, his mother’s friend who she'd commissioned to illustrate a book of nursery rhymes. But Lan Zhan is out of his depth in a land that was once his home. After all, there's no step-by-step guide for when your mother dies.

Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning, Wakes & Funerals, Falling In Love, parental loss, Expat Lan Zhan, Artist Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, writing a funeral scene and trying to not make it accidentally horny aka the wangxian curse, just lots of feelings about moving away from your parents, and the fickleness of memories

Lan Zhan & Madam Lan + Wangxian | Complete | 33.7K | Rated T

Preview under the cut

The hallway seems to stretch into infinity, each click of the head teacher’s heels echoing through the vastness of space. A preposterous exaggeration, given that the feet that tread these walls belong primarily to small humans with smaller legs, and such a length would be impractical.

To Lan Zhan, in this moment, it’s the longest hallway in the world.

The head teacher gestures for him to follow her around the corner, as if Lan Zhan was like her young disciples and prone to getting lost in a singular hallway with no intersections. She’s younger than Lan Zhan had expected for a head teacher of an elementary school. She can’t be more than a few years older than him.

"Her classroom is just this way, south facing,” Haung-laoshi rambles, sending him another overly kind, pitying glance. “She loved that room. Lots of natural sunlight."

Lan Zhan nods absently, more out of politeness than true agreement. The light streaming in from the windows that line this hallway grates on his jetlagged state. His head is absent of most thoughts, only the inane recognition that south-facing windows must have meant her classroom would be sweltering and excruciating during a heatwave. Even now, the sun beats down on Lan Zhan, stifling in the late afternoon.

The windows face an inner courtyard. Distantly, Lan Zhan can hear the children laughing and playing, but much of it is drowned out by clicking heels on tiled floor.

He turns his head away from the glaring sun to the interior wall displaying a gallery of crudely drawn blocks and splotches of paint arranged unintelligibly on colored paper. A tiny placard next to each denotes the name of a kindergartener and the vision. Family pets, the playground, a favorite toy, a doting sibling.

A mother, her stick figure arms just out of reach of her stick figure child.

Hastily, Lan Zhan turns back to the endless hallway, where a wooden door seems to grow smaller and smaller as the walls expand outward impossibly so, like the distance is growing wider, not smaller, and clicking heels and laughing children run circles in his pounding head. Everything, from the rhythmic thumping of Lan Zhan’s shoes against tiled floors to the distant ringing in his ears, from the chipped paint along the baseboards to the glaring sunlight arcing overhead, pounds against Lan Zhan’s head like a stampede of charging elephants.

He should be running. Running and running, far and away before the stampede barrels over him leaving his body cracked and bruised in its wake. He shouldn’t be here. He should be anywhere but here.

Then, abruptly, the clicking of the heels ceases when Huang-laoshi stops in front of that wooden door, now a normal size and directly in front of Lan Zhan. A tiny frosted glass window rests above the doorknob in a vertical pane, with leftover pieces of tape missing the accoutrements they once secured.  A row of neatly painted purple flowers blooms through the wood on the bottom of the door, caught in motion as they dance in an unseen wind.

There is no wind to suggest this. He knows simply by looking at the brushstrokes, familiar swirls like the ones that once adorned the wooden doors of his childhood home. He can see it clearly in his mind’s eye, each stroke of a well-worn paintbrush and the subtle sighs of contentment when the artist in question lifted her brush and beamed back at him with pride.

“What do you think, ZhanZhan?”

This far away, the children’s roughhousing fades into the din leaving behind empty space.

Somehow, silence is worse.

“You must be so shocked. It was all so sudden…” Huang-laoshi remarks kindly as she retrieves a crumpled tissue from her pocket and dabs at the corners of her eyes. “I know I already said this, but I am so sorry for your loss.” She lifts a hand as if to pat his shoulder, but Lan Zhan takes a measured step to the side and her hand falls to rest by her side.

Outside, sunshine cascades through flowering trees and leaves speckled shadows dancing in the grass. A breeze slips in through the windows and winds through strands of Lan Zhan’s hair. The subtle scents of a summer on the rise, lying in wait for season’s change.

The breeze does little to soothe his heated skin. “Thank you,” Lan Zhan says politely with little inflection.

Huang-laoshi pauses, waiting for Lan Zhan to continue. But Lan Zhan has little more to say.

Ever since he’d arrived here, everyone seems to think Lan Zhan has something more to say.

What is there to say about his mother dying?

Read more on Ao3

[wangxianficfinder]

Fic Finder

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1. Hello...how are you. I'm looking for two fix

a) I don't know if it will make sense. I think it was a time travel fanfiction and wei ying was doing a mock night hunt with the juniors and every time jiang cheng and wei ying met will chose a group for themselves and do this mock night hunting.

b) Lan Zhan was hit with an isolation curse. He first lost his hearing then sight and eventually feelings but wei ying still found a way to commicate with him @hewhomustnotbenamed24

1A)

FOUND? And Time Is But a Paper Moon by sami (M, 139k, WangXian, XiChengQing, Time Travel, Fix-It, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Healing, Mental Health Issues, PTSD, Hurt/Comfort, Depression, BAMF WWX, BAMF JC, BAMF LWJ, BAMF JYL, Getting Together)

1B)

FOUND? shadows in the sun rise by Yuu_chi ( E, 24k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Night hunts, Curses, Intimacy, Light Angst with a Happy Ending)

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2. hi wonderful people! i've never done this before so hopefully i'm doing it right. i am very desperate to find this fic because it's haunting my brain!! i remember wei ying gets encased in some sort of crystal in jinlintai during jin ling's one month celebration or near that time and is kept hidden there. there was this one part where someone tried to break it and they were attacked by resentful energy? i'm pretty sure it was an everybody lives fic and it was quite long, if that helps! thanks! <;3 @circussocks

FOUND! laughing shadow by ich_bin_ein_stern (M, 32k, WangXian, Temporary Character Death, Blood Magic, Misunderstandings, Found Family, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, Canon Divergence)

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3. Hello

There is this fic i read some time ago

Wwx took the curse off a ghost. the curse said you won't be able to see the ppl who have very strong feelings about you

Wwx thinks it's hate and is very heartbroken when he can't see anyone, and starts spiraling and explaining to himself why ppl hate him

FOUND? See Me, Feel Me (Listening to You) by Ghost_Honey (T, 29k, WangXian, POV WWX, WWX Needs a Hug, WWX’s Abyssmal Self-Esteem, Emotional Healing, Angst, The Juniors love their Senior Wei, Curses, WWX is an Unreliable Narrator, JC & WWX Reconciliation, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Platonic Cuddling)

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4. I'm looking for a modern AU meet-cute where single dad WWX goes to a party at JYL + JXY's place (I think he gives JYL an ink painting for her birthday). Wen Chao hits on him and WWX needs an escape. He sees LWJ looking at a painting and pretends they're married, and LWJ immediately rolls with it to play the protective husband. They're smitten and leave together. LWJ makes pancakes the next morning and wins over A-Yuan. The fic is under 10k, I think, and probably E-rated for smut. Thanks so much!

FOUND! feel it so strong (we don’t even have to say goodbye) by curiositea (E, 6k, wangxian, Modern Setting, Strangers to Lovers, Love at First Sight, Single Parent WWX, Getting Together, Happy Ending, Fluff and Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Rimming, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Underprep, LWJ's Canonically Huge Cock, WC Being an Asshole, Fake/Pretend Relationship) except the Ink Painting for Yanli's birthday is from a different fic, the best of you by Sysrae

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5. hi! I'm finding this fic on ao3 where Wei Wuxian is from a minor sect. I think he was from Tianshan He (the clan that JGY and XY murdered in Villaneous Friends but I'm not very sure. The plot was starting from the Wen Discussion Conference I think ? Everyone is surprised to see a minor clan get the top spots because of Wei Wuxian, and take keen interest in him @wutheringskies

FOUND! every world, every universe by glitteringmoonlight (T, 5k, wangxian, HS & WWX, Canon Divergence, WWX is in Tingshan He, WWX Isn't Adopted by the Jiāngs, Fix-It of Sorts, Genius WWX, WIP) WWX is the Tingshen He head disciple who surprised everyone by winning the Wen archery tournament

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6. im looking for a fic but all i can remember is that after lan xichen caused wwx's death (killed him? kept lwj frok saving him? led a siege) lan wangji challenged him to a fight. for years after lxc refused to talk about his brother at conferences and i think? lwj left the cultivation world behind or went into hiding with ayuan? any help appreciated 🙏🏾 @onlyegret

Not FOUND! 💖 demons run when a good man goes to war by Miranda_Aurelia (T, 20k, wangxian, LWJ & NHS, JYL/JZX, canon divergence, angst w happy ending, NHS & LWJ friendship, not JGY friendly, dark LWJ, revenge, (presumed) major character death, not LXC friendly) might be demons run when a good man goes to war. if not, you may enjoy it anyway.

FOUND! Skin Tight by liverbiver9 (M, 28k, WangXian, Trans Female WWX, Gender Changes, Canon Divergence, Fix-It of Sorts, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, Transphobia, implied/mentioned but not super explicit, mentioned hate crimes, Sentient Burial Mounds, Chronic Pain, Major Character Injury, Permanent Injury, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Isolation, Found Family, but they're ghosts!, Queer Themes, Queer Families, Sunshot Campaign, Post-Sunshot Campaign, Pining, Self-Worth Issues, YLLZ WWX, Hurt WWX, Genius WWX, Misunderstandings, Bittersweet Ending, Ambiguous/Open Ending, kind of a happy ending?, JC Fucks Up, Misgendering, deadnaming, Implied Transphobia, depends on how you look at it tbh, Canon Temporary Character Death, Self-Sacrifice, Epistolary, WWX Creates a Sect | Yílíng Wèi Sect, but posthumously, rating for body horror and mature themes, not sexually explicit) this one has a scene like that near the end!

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7. hi! i'd love help finding a fairly popular (?) time travel fic that's escaping my searching ability somehow... it's a lil short, from at least a year ago. post-siege lwj is sent back to sunshot, and wants to do better by wwx, but wwx is already friendlier to him, and takes him flying to where he's hidden the wens. they play music to a-yuan, and then! (spoiler haha) it turns out to be post-canon wwx <3 idk why i can't find it, so thank you!

FOUND! More than a Dream of You by VoidRune (T, 8k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, Time Travel Fix-It, Hurt/Comfort, LWJ centric, Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Talks of Demonic Cultivation)

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8. Hi, you seem like you know things and I have exhausted myself trying to find this fic.

It’s about Wei Ying, his siblings and the Wen siblings living in a house together, modern era, while he renovates it little by little. He is actually a tattoo artist but isn’t working atm. Then Lan Zhan moves in and stays in Yanli’s room with her so he assumes that he is Yanli’s bf but never opens his mouth to ask. Lan Zhan and Yanli are actually best friends and while Wei Ying and Lan Zhan instantly click he tries to push Lan Zhan away because he thinks he is dating his sister. I vividly remember this fic but no matter what tag combos I try, I can’t find it. If you can find it you’d be my heroes :) Lan Zhan also wears skirts here which is always a bonus.

FOUND? could be Once Upon a Place by zeldasayre (E, 80k, WangXian, House restoration, Falling In Love, Misunderstandings, Enemies to Lovers, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Bisexual WWX, Trans Male WWX, Gay LWJ, JYL & LWJ Friendship, Modern AU, Set somewhere in America, Tattoo Artist WWX, Librarian LWJ, Mutual Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Domestic) I looked it up by the tattoo artist Wei ying tag, I haven't read it tho

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9. It's a modern-day college AU - Wei Wuxian has a roommate who is very confused why he keeps rhapsodizing about someone named Long John (as the roommate hears it)

FOUND? Long John by hasu (G, 3k, wangxian, modern, Crack Fluff, POV Outsider, College/University au)

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10. hi I'm looking for a modern au where lwj is kidnapped by the wen and wwx is being forced to work for them but they realize they're soulmates(?) and i think they might have memories of their past lives. wwx has to help the wen cuz jyl and jc are being held hostage. please and thanks 🙏🏾 @onlyegret

FOUND! in another life by dogear (M, 33k, WIP, WangXian, Past Lives, Enemies to Lovers, WWX POV)

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11. I can’t find this fic and it’s driving me crazy! It was a modern college au, and lwj brought wwx back to his family ranch for break. The premise was that wwx stole lwjs hat to wear, and everyone was giving them looks because there’s a saying like ‘wear the hat, ride the cowboy.’ There’s a scene where lwj literally grabs a bull by the horns and wrestles it to protect wwx. In the end lwj tells wwx about the saying and they fuck. I think this fic might be hidden/deleted but I can’t be sure? Even a link for the way back machine would be amazing. Thank you!! (I know exactly which fic this is but I cannot find it either :( I hope it wasn't deleted - Mod C) @adeametea

FOUND? 11 on recent FicFinder might be Local Cowboy Goes To Town (On A Poor Defenseless Twink) by Pancho. Unfortunately, Pancho's works are currently hidden due to AI scrapping

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12. Hello! I’m looking for a fic I read a while back where Wei Wuxian was resurrected by Qin Su, finds out that he is pregnant by Jim Guangyao, and tricks Lan Xichen into thinking that the child is his. I’ve been searching everywhere for this fic but I can’t seem to find it!

FOUND? So You Want to Start a War by JaenysBloodcourt (T, 41k, WIP, MY/QS, MY/WWX, WangXian, Reincarnation, Half-Sibling Incest Mention!, QS does the ritual instead of MXY, WWX as a woman, MY Is His Own Warning, Canon Divergence, Impersonation, Additional Warnings In Author’s Note, Please check the notes before reading a chapter, Timeline What Timeline, WWX Has PTSD)

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13. Hello I’m trying to find a fic i read a few years ago it was modern day and lan zhan kidnapped Wei wuxian who works at a coffee shop to be his husband and he keeps he locked up in a penthouse and he wasn’t allowed to look out the windows and one chapter he had a fever and stepped on broken glass. @stitch97

FOUND? Courtship Rite by FunkyShoes (M, 26k, WangXian, XiYao, Dark LWJ, Dark LXC, Morally Gray JGY, Malicious NHS, but that's not the focus of the story, banality of evil, Kidnapping, Courtship Gone Wrong, Manipulation, Mind Manipulation, Off Screen Violence, Supportive Sibling LXC, Modern AU, Dubious Consent, Rape/Non-con Elements, Non-Graphic Rape/Non-Con, I've been told I should tag for passive victim wwx) I think. It's JGY POV

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14. I'm looking for a fic, but the main problem is I'm not sure if it was on AO3, Tumblr or Twitter (and if it was Twitter, I think I read it as an unrolled thread). LWJ visits WWX in Lotus Pier and at one point gets accidentally whipped by YZY when she was aiming for WWX. He demands WWX's hand in marriage as reparation and I think LXC was a little exasperated but didn't contest it.

Thank you in advance, and no worries if you can't find it! (I feel like I read something like this recently but which of them was it is the problem TvT ~Mod L)

FOUND! Tumblr post by ronniexian I’m fairly certain it’s this

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15. I’m looking for a Cloud Recesses fic where Wei Wuxian wants to signal that he and Lan Wangji are courting so he grinds ink for him before class.

FOUND! 💖 Magical Marriage Ribbons Series by starandrea (Varies, 1m, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Accidental Marriage, Fluff, Happy Ending, Telepathic bond, Kink Negotiation, Family Drama, Magical Pregnancy, Dual Cultivation, Shapeshifters, Modern with Magic, Immortality, Yilling Wei Sect, podfic) I think #15 is one of the early worlds in the magical marriage ribbons series by starandrea. I'm not sure which, but I think there's a 30(?) Days of secret courting in cloud recess in it

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16. hi! for the fic finder: i remember only one scene from a fic where at a cultivation conference both lan xichen and nie mingjue kiss jiang yanli on the cheek. i think it was either to make jin zixuan aware of jyl or otherwise a result of someone's political scheming? i dont remember whose idea it was but it wasn't lxc or nmj's. im positive this fic is in my bookmarks somewhere but i dont remember enough to find it lmao

FOUND? Lynchpin by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 103k, WangXian, JC & WWX, Time Travel, Fix-It, Lynchpin [PODFIC] by Opalsong, [PODFIC] Lynchpin by Gwogobo) nhs convinces nmh and lwj to kiss jyl on the cheek at the phoenix mountain hunt to make jzx jealous

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17. This is a hyper specific ask because the only things I remember about this fic is wangxian are in university and wwx is an art major or in some art class where he shares this big space with a bunch of classmates that's divided up with tape. At some point he gets into a fight with another classmate cause he stuff spills over and lwj helps him. I think it might have been lwj's pov?

FOUND! could it be "show me a quiver, give me tonight" or its part 2 "crossed the world with these empty hands" by spookykingdomstarlight

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18. I’m looking for a fic where Lan Wangji first meets Wei Wuxian as his doctor, with Jiang Cheng storming out of his room shouting that Lan Wangji should just kill him because obviously WWX didn’t value his own life. (WWX had pushed JC out of the way of a car.) LW is darkly amused by it. He’s mildly obsessed with the pearl drop WWX wears? Runs into him in the meat department later, & eventually moves WWX in. Loves having him in their apartment, providing for him. Possibly too much @any-mouse

FOUND! singularity by azuresummer (E, 7k, WangXian, Modern AU, Dom/sub Undertones, Dominant LWJ, Submissive WWX, Serial Killers, Dark LWJ, Possessive LWJ, Protective LWJ, Serial Killer LWJ, Doctor LWJ, Stalking, Manipulation, Obsession, Mentions of Murder) I think 18 is singularity! Where lwj is a doctor/serial killer that stalks wwx at forst to kill him but falls in love wih him instead

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19. hi. i'm searching for a fic, i don't remember much except the wei family is actually a merchant family and wei changze is their 3rd or 2nd young master. wy inherited all his father wealth and let the butler to continue doing it for him? then the wei family send dowry to cloud recesses, lotus pier n qinghe? withdrawn their business from lanling jin? anyone know where i can find it? thank you. :) @aishiteru-amie

FOUND! Keep Holding On by abCEE (M, 316k, JC & WWX & JYL, wangxian, canon divergence, role reversal, YLLZ JYL, yunmeng sibling dynamics, good uncle LQR, sunshot campaign, PTSD, established relationship, angst w/ happy ending) I think its around chapter 36-37?

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20. Hi !! I've been looking everywhere for a fic (or maybe two ?) that takes place in the north (or south?) pole. I remember that they get trapped in there, and something is very wrong. I THINK that there was something about resentement-virus or something ? It was quite a while ago... I'm in the mood for Wangxian in the Arctic and i can't find it !!! xD If you managed to find it (or any like it...) Thank you so much by advance !! @czeriah

FOUND? and from our own/live to ourselves by betweentheheavesofstorm (M, 105k, WangXian, Modern AU, Fantasy, Reality TV, Arctic Survival, Blood Magic, Blood and Gore, Getting Together, Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Self-Harm, Bloodletting, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Animal Death, Hunting, Mild Sexual Content)

FOUND? Found in the Sharpness of Contrasts by nickel710 (T, 35k, wangxian, modern cultivation, Antarctic Expedition, Magic and Science, Fear, Survival Horror, Body Horror but pretty minimal, chapter notes will explain if you need more info, idiots to lovers, Mystery, Falling In Love, Case Fic, Worldbuilding, Featuring a Generator Named Bertha, Panic/Acute Anxiety) a modern with cultivation fic set on an Antarctic research base

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[admirableadmiranda]

I recently read somewhere here (won't name them) that after the Guanyin Temple confession, Lan Wangji's actions were selfish. That he should have stayed there to comfort his brother who has just lost (and killed) the love of his life instead of f-ing of to screw the love of his life. The person has referenced chapter 110 (111 on some websites) where Lan Wangji says that even comfort from his brother by birth will be in vain.

I hope you will analyse that part. Because I think it is a translation issue. It doesn't sound like something Lan Wangji would say. I would have accepted that person's analysis if their post wasn't so blatantly anti-wangxian?

Well anon, the thing is that the person posting it does have the correct line. It’s not a translation issue.

The issue is their whole interpretation of the situation. Lan Xichen was not in love with Jin Guangyao, he did not kill the love of his life and this person is doing the same rude shit as a lot of people who don’t like Wangxian choosing each other over nebulous ideas of duty.

They are taking a narration line and putting it in Lan Wangji’s mouth from the sound of it, lemme grab it for you. It is from Chapter 111, right after Wei Wuxian reveals that the Guanyin in the temple looks like Jin Guangyao’s mother.

“[Wei Wuxian] turned and glanced back, letting out a rare sigh, “I don’t want to care about any of those nasty things anymore. This is it.”

Lan WangJi nodded and tightened Lil’ Apple’s reins. He continued to walk with it.

Each could only deal with their own troubles. Even if Lan XiChen was his brother by birth, Lan WangJi couldn’t do anything to help him right now. Comfort was useless. It’d all be in vain.”

Bolded line highlighted for necessary emphasis.

It’s just narration there, it’s being treated as a fact - and it is. The things that Lan Xichen needs right now are not things that Lan Wangji can provide him. Lan Xichen needs time and space to grapple with everything that he saw and his own role in all the events that came to pass. What could Lan Wangji do? Lan Xichen is confronting his own guilt both in what he participated in and what he looked aside from, things that brought irreparable harm to a lot of people including his brother and the love of his brother’s life.

How would Lan Wangji staying help anything there? Lan Xichen has just watched them cuddle through a siege, flirt and laugh and tell each other how much they loved each other. It is the one unquestioningly good thing to come out of that night, something that he wanted, for his brother to be happy. That’s the whole crux of his rant at Wei Wuxian, he wants his brother to be happy and he thinks that Wei Wuxian is knowingly toying with his feelings.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are already planning to elope even before anyone else gets there. They sneak off really quickly and easily. Lan Xichen is not looking for them, he’s busy telling Lan Qiren to shut up and let him think.

Lan Xichen is already filled with guilt and confusion over what’s happened, but also think about how much worse it would feel if he knew his brother set aside his own marriage and honeymoon to come sit with him, sacrificing his own happiness to Lan Xichen again, this time much more knowingly. That wouldn’t make him feel better. That wouldn’t make anyone who has a shred of empathy feel better. It is more likely a comfort to Lan Xichen to know that something good did come out of that terrible night.

They return three months later, when they are settled and choose to come back and then Lan Xichen is ready for that comfort. He wouldn’t have wanted it then. It was too soon and the cost of it would have been too high.

These brothers care about each other and know each other well and they are in their thirties. They are not helpless children any longer. Lan Xichen is not alone and suffering, he returns to his clan with hundreds of people living in it to pick up the ashes at his feet. He has solace in knowing that at least one person is happy and better off despite his actions in the matter. Let him have that.

I hate that stupid trend you reference in your post. I hate the idea that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have to continue sacrificing their lives and everything else to take care of the people around them first.

They have been parted by circumstance, homophobia, war, the aftermath of war and fucking death for twenty years. They have in fact actually gone through worse than most of the rest of the cast and somehow finally found their way back to each other and a happy ending. What more do people want before they are allowed to be selfish for once in their lives?

[accio-victuuri]

RANDOM CANDIES 💌

I’ve been seeing some old candies being discussed around weibo and they are not long enough to require their own post. but these small ones can all live in this one space. 🫶🏼

a good number of these are fake rumors so keep that in mind. i cannot elaborate on them because that’s what these are, small hearsays and stories.

• While filming the scene in the waterfall, wyb told xz to call him “husband”, xz thought he meant to call lwj that but wyb said “call me.. not him.”

• OP said that when was on the set before, XLS would pout occasionally, it may be a subconscious action. Then WLS would say that XLS is so cute, He will say that every time, if XLS is tired, it is as good as if he is not because of WYB.

• Recently there was a kiss that looked like the two of them. They saw it and then WLS said if he hadn’t been there with him ( XLS ) he will believe that it’s true 😂😂😂

It’s allegedly this photo :

• i really don’t know how true this is, but it’s a fake contribution so just chill. OP said for the eleme commercial, there was a part that WYB’s character was supposed to draw something, he did but it was edited. because what he made was a “rabbit” and it ended up being just a person with a smiling face. and well, we know who the rabbit is — xiao zhan. 💟

• wyb said this to xz : “be cruel to others, leave your cuteness to me.” LOL.

• during cql days, XLS ordered KFC for everyone but realized he didn’t order enough so he just got one box and asked others to eat. So he started eating his chicken wings, WLS then said he wanted some too. Then he took bites from the same chicken wing XLS did. HAHAHAHAHAHA! The food sharing between them is just 👀 — they have no boundaries on that.

• i’m not really a fan of cpns that say they see something in xz’s eye. i just feel like it’s reaching too much. but this one is pretty sus cause i actually see it. who knows. 👁️👄👁️

the photo of wyb looks like the one reflected in his eyes.

• a rumor of XZ going through the bjyx st, because for 520 he mentioned that there is an art he really liked and praised it. saying that it’s of a beautiful couple and there is a red plum blossom. it is allegedly this art below. awwww. wangxian! we all know XZ loves them and he is an artist who has an eye for these things. didn’t expect to like the more scandalous type of art tho 👀

• apparently the filming of “drunk lwj” was chaotic, xz was first asking wyb if it’s okay to carry him and wyb said he is light. xz asks, how light? then wyb replied that he didn’t weigh himself recently. there was talks of xz carrying a sack ( wyb ) and them being asked to walk in an “s” direction, not in a straight line cause lwj is supposed to be drunk. they were stepping on each other clothes, hitting the pillar and just laughing the whole time 😂😂😂

• the fact that wyb once gave a wedding gift to a friend and it’s from wedgwood. now, xz is endorsing the brand.

-END.

[tunnelofdusk]

mdzs fic: wangxian, dark lan zhan, stalking, professor x student

wc: 1978

O how he loves you, darling boy. O how, like always, he invents the monsters underneath the bed to get you to sleep next to him, chest to chest or chest to back, the covers drawn around you in an act of faith against the night.

—

An air conditioner sputters incoherently as Wei Ying hunches over his laptop and pecks at the faded keyboard. Besides his laptop, a cracked smartphone lights up with a phone call set to speaker mode.

"Is that your air conditioner?" Jiang Yanli says worriedly.

"Yeah," Wei Ying says, "but it's fine. It does that all the time."

"Oh, A-Ying, I really think you should move back home."

Wei Ying laughs. "Jie, I think Yu-ayi has had enough of me! She even gave me a housewarming gift." It's true; an exorbitant metal contraption of a coffee maker takes up most of his kitchen counterspace. It's the nicest gift Yu-ayi has ever gotten him, considering the fact that she usually opts to just gift him money on special occasions. It's hush money, he had always joked even as his siblings would frown.

"Still, we live so close to your college; I don't see why you had to move out," Jiang Yanli frets. Her voice is sweet and Wei Ying smiles down at his laptop.

"It's part of the college experience!"

"Oh, A-Ying, you don't even have a roommate! I just don't think it's very safe for a young boy like you to be alone."

Wei Ying mouths "young boy" to himself and lets out a huff of laughter. "I'm 19, not 12. And jiejie, you're only 22!"

"Hmmm, I thought A-Ying was only 3…"

"A-Ying is only 3 when he wants jiejie's soup!"

Jiang Yanli giggles. "Even if my A-Ying is 3, 19, or 80, he can always have my soup."

Speaking of soup, Wei Ying flicks a glance at his steadily humming refrigerator where frozen containers on Yanli's soup reside. He's not ashamed to admit that that soup has been his primary source of sustenance as he battles past an ever-growing brigade of deadlines, exams, and presentations. He reassures Yanli when he confesses to as much. She continues to fret over him as he finishes off a paper until she finally concludes with an ominous warning that she's going to wrangle a family friend into checking up on him.

"He's a professor of psychology at your college too," she explains.

Apparently Jiang-shushu had connected with him, a professor named Lan Zhan, at a charity gala. And apparently while Wei Ying has been gone out of the house, this Lan Zhan had been visiting the house often enough with Jiang-shushu to even have Yu-ayi charmed by him. Even Jiang Cheng reluctantly admits that he's okay enough when Wei Ying had texted him with a series of question marks ("?????? Who is Lan Zhan????? 囧 Am I being replaced?????").

After collecting all of that data, Wei Ying had immediately formed a mental image of this Lan Zhan: a man as old as Jiang-shushu but with inexplicably white hair and wireframe glasses on a round, wrinkled face. Maybe he had a little scholarly paunch from a life spent inside among books and artificial lights.

When this storied Lan Zhan finally comes to check up on Wei Ying, it is on the day that Wei Ying's air conditioner gives off its last sputter. No amount of "percussive maintenance" had helped repair it and the temperature in Wei Ying's apartment had steadily begun to rise, matching the muggy atmosphere outside. And so on that day, Wei Ying has long since stripped down to a pair of loose shorts. Sprawled across the floor like a salted fish, Wei Ying stares up at the mildewed ceiling of his apartment with a rare quiet of his mind. He counts the cracks in the ceiling like stars in the sky—endless.

Once, Jiang-shushu had tried to rope the whole family into yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, but Wei Ying had ended up falling asleep during the guided meditation. Jiang Cheng had, worryingly enough, looked like he had lost his soul, as if he had come out on the other side of some internal battle all the worse for it. Jiang Yanli had done her best to meditate. And Yu-ayi had somehow ended up angrier as if she had meditated into a pure state of rage.

A crisp double knock on wood resounds through the apartment and knocks Wei Ying out of his musings. With a grumble, Wei Ying shakes off his lethargy to open the door. The bolt chain clinks merrily as his hands fumble. Finally, he swings the door open and pauses in his own doorway, staring at the man before him. The man, who must be Lan Zhan, has sharp features (with only wrinkles near his golden eyes; he must be an eye smiler!) and broad shoulders with a lightly muscled body outlined in a suit. It's so hot that Wei Ying could cook an egg on his floor, and yet this Lan Zhan looks cool and unruffled in his three-piece suit.

"Jiejie didn't say she was sending a handsome laoshi my way," Wei Ying blurts out.

"Nevertheless, your sister sent me to check up on you," Lan Zhan says blandly. The deepness of his voice sends a thrill through Wei Ying; it must be envy.

Wei Ying laughs, short and quivering. He steps back from the doorway and beckons Lan Zhan inside with a fluttering hand. Lan Zhan's eyes flicker down to that hand and a little scoff escapes him. Wei Ying eyes him in return with some indignance. So stiff!

Wei Ying watches as Lan Zhan unbuttons his blazer and settles into Wei Ying's battered sofa (it came with the apartment!). It's a bit ruder than Wei Ying would have expected from a person who consorts with the Jiangs' ilk. Yet, Lan Zhan somehow transforms the sofa into something regal—something worthy of a man like Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan's posture is stiff and the commanding spread of his thighs makes Wei Ying swallow dryly. He looks away.

"Well," he croaks out, "you checked up on me. I'm still alive, haha…"

Lan Zhan stares directly into Wei Ying's eyes, mouth tugging downward as if to say, "You live like this?"

"Where is your shirt?" is all Lan Zhan says. His gaze is heavy, lingering on Wei Ying's torso and transmitting a chill down his spine.

"It's too hot for a shirt," Wei Ying says.

"Indecent," Lan Zhan intones.

Wei Ying rolls his eyes and he watches the way Lan Zhan's fists slightly crumple his suit pants.

"I will tell your sister that you are clearly better off at home," Lan Zhan says stiffly.

Dramatically, Wei Ying drops to his knees in front of Lan Zhan's spread legs. "C'mon, laoshi, there's no need to be so extreme! I'll even put a shirt on if it makes you more comfortable!" he exclaims. He had already endured Jiang Yanli's glossy eyes when he said he would be moving out with no plans of coming back. ("A-Ying wants to be independent," he had concluded babyishly as Jiang Yanli unwillingly snorted an inelegant laugh.)

A darkness eclipses the gold of Lan Zhan's eyes and Wei Ying leans back as Lan Zhan leans down ever so slightly.

"Pathetic," Lan Zhan intones.

囧 囧 囧 囧 囧 flashes in Wei Ying's mind. "Family friend"—well, Wei Ying supposes that he had never truly been considered part of the family, at least not in Yu-ayi's eyes or in society's eyes…

"Lan-laoshi, aren't you being too harsh?" Wei Ying wheedles. "Jiejie just wanted you to check in on me, not bully this poor undergrad! Aren't you a professor too! Hmph, is this how you treat your students?"

"None of my students would behave like this."

"So cruel to A-Ying!"

"…A-Ying?"

Wei Ying laughs awkwardly. Jiang Cheng would never let him live this down if he ever found out…

"A-Ying?"

"You—you can just ignore that, haha…It's just how me and jiejie joke…"

"I am not your jiejie."

And Wei Ying looks up, suddenly confronted with the bulge in front of him. Jiang Cheng always did say that his playfulness would likely be the end of him..

"Haha…right, you're definitely not my jiejie, Lan-laoshi," Wei Ying says as he scrambles to rise from the floor. The apartment has somehow got even more hotter; the summer heat coaxes a flush to rise from his bare torso and to crawl up his neck.

Abruptly, Lan Zhan stands up and Wei Ying loses his hard-won high ground. The scent of sandalwood engulfs Wei Ying and he cannot help his hitching breath as Lan Zhan draws close.

"Your hospitality and home leave much to be desired," Lan Zhan says archly.

And then he just leaves—shouldering past Wei Ying and swinging open the door with an enviable grace that leaves Wei Ying dry-mouthed. Wei Ying stands shirtless and still in the middle of his living room before he scrambles for his phone, digging into his deep pockets.

He texts Jiang Yanli the following messages in quick succession:

囧 jiejie, ignore whatever lan-laoshi says!!!

he is a liar!!!

he is mean!!! 囧

a-ying is innocent!!!

a-ying was unjustly abused!!! slandered!!! 囧

😭😭😭

After a few harrowing minutes, Jiang Yanli texts back:

???

All he said was that he would look after you.

What's wrong?

"Did he just insult me for no reason then?!" Wei Ying mutters to himself. He sends off a final message:

nvm, a-ying is ok :) <3

-

A week after Wei Ying meets Lan Zhan, Wei Ying's professor for Introduction to Abnormal Psychology abruptly withdraws from the university for a family emergency. Wei Ying had never thought that he would have to see Lan-laoshi outside the confines of his apartment since typically, Lan-laoshi only teaches grad classes. And yet—

"Sit down, A-Ying," Lan Zhan says as Wei Ying gapes at the crisply suited figure behind the podium. Although Lan Zhan's features remain static, there is something about the curve of his eyes that reminds Wei Ying of a falcon before a dive. Lan-laoshi must really like teaching…

"You know him?" Nie Huaisang whispers as paper flutters with opening notebooks around the hall.

"Family friend," Wei Ying says as he scrawls the date across notebook paper, already tearing at the perforated line.

—

“Will you tell your brother? Your sister?” Lan Zhan says in a low voice, eyes intent.

Wei Ying shakes his head in a sharp, jerking movement. His hands are unsteady and his fingers desperately grip the balcony railing.

“They have enough to worry about,” Wei Ying eventually says. His eyes skim the view below them—trees reaching into the air, poking through the fog. High up in the mountains, the air is different. It is crisp. He takes a deep breath in and then a deep breath out, banishing his anxiety.

His hands are still unsteady.

“Will you at least report it?” Lan Zhan says.

The warmth of Lan Zhan’s concern heats Wei Ying up. He thinks, I’m not alone. (He never is but he won’t realize this until the end.)

Wei Ying shakes his head again.

“You know the police never do anything about stalkers,” he says bitterly. He thinks about Xiao Xingchen—a short-lived reconnection of Wei Ying and his uncle. Song Lan still looks for Xiao Xingchen, and grief still deadens his face until he can only smile at his daughter.

“Mn.”

“Thank you,” Wei Ying says quietly. His breath mists white in the chill air. “For letting me stay with you…”

Lan Zhan’s mouth curves thinly. “Between you and me, there is no need for 'thank you',” he says. His voice is low and even, and Wei Ying leans into his steadiness.

It is frightening to be the victim of a stalker.

Wei Ying is lucky to have such a good friend.

[rosethornewrites]

T & G reading since 9/11

Finished

Teen:

parley, by cafecliche (reread)

“Hmph,” Jiang Cheng says, when Wei Wuxian is finally finished. “Here I thought you already took your bows on some dusty mountaintop.”

Wei Wuxian laughs halfheartedly. “It was more of a hill.”

“Whatever its height,” Jiang Cheng says, louder, “why am I expected to attend a wedding for two people who’ve already been wed?”

(Or: two times Jiang Cheng unintentionally saved the Wangxian wedding, and one time he meant it.)

Sect Leader Yao Has Died, by JiangChengLotus

“Sect Leader Yao was a great man-”

Lan Wangji snorted out loud.

All heads turned to him, horrified, and Jiang Cheng wheezed, tears coming to his eyes as he laughed at everyone else’s expressions. He could hardly care about his reputation at that moment.

Lan Sizhui and Jin Ling looked mortified, but they too were struggling to hold in their laughter. Ouyang Zizhen had to furiously bite his lip and avoid his father’s watchful gaze. Lan Jingyi was struggling the most.

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang were covering their mouths with the back of a sleeve and fan, respectively. Lan Xichen was sighing, but his eyes were twinkling.

“My apologies for my husband and my brother.” Lan Xichen explained to the crowd in a neutral voice. “They are still processing this terrible loss."

~

(Or, Sect Leader Yao finally dies, Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji are overjoyed, struggle to keep straight faces at his funeral and strike poses next to his coffin.)

Murder, by snowberryrose (6 chapters)

In which Jiang Cheng lives up to his title

canon divergence from episode 28

To Our Eternity, by SZFiction

“Wei Ying.”

It processes slowly. The hint of gentleness in that tone, the slight hesitation. The dozens of other messages hidden in his name that, had he not known Lan Zhan down to his core, he would have missed.

His fear melts away. Even in the most vivid of illusions, he could not so perfectly emulate the sound of Lan Zhan’s voice. He’s here. He’s here.

General:

the future haunts the past, by sysrae

in which feelings about the parallels between Wei Wuxian and Madam Lan produced a poetry-adjacent chatfic

but I figured it out, then made my way back, by MichelleFeather (7 chapters)

It was an extreme, a desperate decision fueled by anger towards the entire cultivation world, a grief deeper than the deepest trenches in the ocean. The realization that Lan Wangji would now have to continue on living a second time without his beloved, where Wei Wuxian had died once again. Where, once more, his love had been taken from him by cruel, unrighteous men who thought they knew better, that they were doing the world a justice.

Lan Qiren had seen the state that his nephew had been in after Wei Wuxian’s first death, what Lan Wangji had done in his grief then, and he feared what Lan Wangji would do to himself if he was left alone with this repeated grief.

And the North Wind Carries My Words to You, by stiltonbasket

In which Jiang Fengmian, Wei Changze, and Cangse Sanren share ten years, five letters, and a lifetime's worth of friendship.

That's just my ghost, by FloweringSkulls

Wei Wuxian moves into a newly renovated house haunted by Lan Wangji. Who is a ghost. Obviously.

Unfinished

Teen:

journey of no envies, by spicymooncakes

When Wei Wuxian was expelled from the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, Jiang Yanli rushed to the Burial Mounds.

Nie Huaisang is content to be the useless second child his entire life. But for all his willful ignorance and indulgent cowardice, he worried for his brother. He then decided to visit an old friend.

Lan Wangji struggled using his words. But he yearned. He learned.

Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian encountered a series of strange curses in Yiling.

The different trails meet, and the paths diverged.

every world, every universe, by glitteringmoonlight

It is well-known that the resources offered by the great clans simply cannot be matched by smaller sects. The greater clans have the most renowned techniques and the best teachers. They have built their reputations over centuries, striving to be the best of the best. It is these clans that most young cultivators aspire to join, and so, they have their pick of recruits and are free to pick the best of the best. To anyone in the cultivation world, it is unquestionable that the great clans reign supreme.

It is, thus, quite understandable that even Wen Ruohan— a man largely known for being arrogant and unflappable— looks surprised at the announcement that the first place in the archery tournament has been won by the Head Disciple of the Tingshan He sect.

Or, Wei Wuxian is raised in Tingshan He. Some things change. Some do not.

Time Does Not Pass, It Continues, by Maze_VK

Chief Cultivator Wei Wuixan's favourite set of juniors (don't let anyone know, he isn't supposed to have favourites) are missing, and it is his duty to bring them home.

If he ends up creating an alternate universe where most persons remain untainted by the actions of others? Well, that's just a pleasant side-effect.

General:

Lies and Truth, by parodismal (🔒)

What happen if Lan Wangji decided to actually check Qiongqi Path after Wei Wuxian leave?

....

It leads to a domino effect towards a new Chief Cultivator

Is it a better?

Or worse?

Jaded, by Anonymous

When Lan Xichen asked the newly acknowledged Jin Guangyao to become sworn brothers with him and Mingjue, he thought the latter would jump at the chance. He himself was excited at the prospect of fostering better relationships between their respective clans and hopefully reconciling his two friends.

But in order to become sworn brothers, the three must take an oath to never harm each other in any way. And though the latter readily agrees, Lan Xichen had noticed his brief hesitation and the damage is already done.

The cultivation world is left reeling as the Lan Sect Leader gradually realizes that he has been a little too blind, and takes actions that will change the future as we know it.