#was feeling really stress and sad so i drew my favs hugging

[randomapplekey]

Hug 💜🧡

FOP art: [Start] > [Previous] > [next]

[kanene-yaaay]

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AND THE SUN IS BRIGHT AND THE WORLD IS SINGING BECAUSE SQUEAKY BLESSED ALL OF US SIMPLE MORTALS WITH ONE OF HER MOST INCREDIBLE STORIES AGAIN LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO!!!!

All and every spoiler under the cut because I am SHAKING in excitment.

Okay I just started to read and I can not STRESS how much funny is for me to read all about Lan Zhan loving his routine and organization and order and everything when I just KNOW that Wei Wuxian - THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE TEHEEEE- will just come and like a hurricane leave any and everything out of place

AUGH THE ANGST AUGH I DIDN'T EXPECT IT

SHAKING LAN ZHAN BY THE SHOULDERS. HE DESERVES ALL THE LOVE, WEI WUXIAN COME HERE AND HUG UR HUSBAND

Bruh for a moment I just felt like Lan Zhan, all sorrowful and sad and the moment that he got into home and saw his beloved, teasing and being cute, I'm tearing up like in real life. Themmmm. They have so much love.

Me, reading the part where Lan Zhan carries Wei Wuxian in bridal style and starts carressing his back softly and full of love: <3 <3 <3 awwww <3 <3

Me, reading "'Unusually gentle.' He mused, shifting in his husband's hold in an attempt to remove his pants as they approached their bed": HEY HEY HEY CALM DOWN LET'S ALL CALM DOWN HERE

Mah bro literallly saw his husband walking to him and went like "Well, time to get back to work i guess. lemme just take out these pants-"

~~

"Shameless"

~~

[Wei Wuxian's delighted and delightful laughter rung pleasantly in his mind, the same sound he had heard since his youth transporting him back to that fateful night in the rooftops of Cloud Recesses. Loud, mischievous, carefree Wei Wuxian laughing in joy as they drew their swords. Even back then he knew that laugh, that smile, that troublemaker was his everything.]

SOBBING ON THE FLOOR AAAAA SO CUTE SO PRECIOUS SO MUCH LOVEEEEEE

You really didn't lie when you said that was the softest, fluffy thing ever like GOSH! I don't even have a comment for the entire cuddling moment because it's so soft, so sweet, domestic and cute that please just imagine me hugging my phone and occasionally tearing up and smiling and kicking my legst twirling my hair because GOOOOOSH HOW ADORABLY ADORABLE CAN THEY GEEEEET!!

Lan Zhan saying Wei Wuxian's name only to see if he is awake and Wei Wuxian answering with such energy and love aughhhhh i can'ttttt

~~

[Lan Wangji hummed in response. Wei Wuxian hated to admit it, but he was turning into an old man. There was no other reasonable explanation as to why his husband's comforting voice and touch— as wonderful as they were— were enough to almost lull him to sleep before it was even Hai Shi, when he was brimming with energy mere moments earlier. He was almost thankful for Lan Wangji's touch gradually lightening, the goosebumps-inducing drag of nails over his skin enough to keep him awake and aware, instead of drifting off when he could be spending quality time cuddling with his favorite person.]

OHOHOHOHOHOH WE'RE GETTING CLOSER!! I CAN FEEL IT!!! I CAN ALMOST HEAR THE GIGGLES AND SQUEAKS WER'RE GETTING CLOSER!!! THIS IS NOT A BAIT, I REPEAT: WE'RE GETTING CLOSER!!!

[He was perfectly happy lounging in Lan Wangji's arms and being on the receiving end of his care, until his breath hitched in his throat and the pressure of fingers exploring his back crossed the threshold of 'dangerously light' territory.]

VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TEHEEEEEE CARAI GIGGLING KICKING MY LEGS TWIRLING MY HAIR EHEHEHEEEEE RIP MY BROOOO WEI WUXIAN AHAHAHA YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET! DESTROYED! WITH! LOVE!!!!

~~

THE PART ABOUT WEI WUXIAN BEING HORRIBLY TICKLISH NOW IN MO'S BODY IS ONE OF MY FAV HEADCANOS AND AAAAA HOW HAPPY I AM TO SEE IT HERE AAAA <3 <3

[But, fate, as it seemed, took it upon its own hands to uphold karmic justice. Mo Xuanyu's body, in his far from biased opinion, of course, was insanely ticklish. Everywhere. A design flaw his beloved, endlessly benevolent yet merciless and cruel husband happily, constantly took advantage of. There was no way to tell if Lan Wangji was purposefully teasing him or if he had no such intentions, at least not without catching his eyes.]

Almost got feral at this paragraph and start bitting my pillow and shaking my head oof, thank god, essa foi quase, i hope that there won't be any more sentences like this in the fanfic oof, bet i will totally be able to maintain all the ounces of control here

~~

["You know, usually by now you'd already be pounding me into the bed. Why the change?" He blurted out, preening in victory when the man grew still. Better yet, Wei Wuxian's hand playing with Lan Wangji's hair brushed against a suddenly very warm ear.]

I ALMOST CRACKLED OUT LOUD CALMA LÁ WEI WUXIAN MY BRO HOLD OUR HORSES THERE ARE STILL CHILDREN WALKING AROUND

~~

HE TRYING TO WALK AWAY UNDER THE PRETENSE OF "CHECKING UNDER THE FLOOR FOR EMPTY JARS" OHOHOHO WEI WUXIAN YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWAHERE!! Look at Lan Zhan, your love, your husband, u think after 16 years he will be letting you go? e s p e c i a l l y if he is feeling mischiveous??? good luck good luck

~~

NO WAYYYYY, I AM READING THE PART WHERE THEY HOLD HANDS AND LAN ZHAN GRABS HIS WRITS AND I THOUGHT "If he kisses wei ying's wrists our dear patriarch yilling is going to DIE omg it would be so cute" AND GUESS WHAT Literally screaming!!!!! Those two!!!! I caaaant!!!!

~~

Bruh, I was going to go thro every few paragraphs and comment but when the tickling part got in I literally couldn't reading and I think I will combust at any moment now BUT STILL YOU WILL GET YOUR COMMENTS EVEN IF I END UP MELTING AND BEING WASHED AWAY BY THE RAIN. SING BALLADS IN MY FUNERAL, WILL YOU

~~

I already told you but I am going to tell you again: HOLY FUCK UR PACING!!! The way that it starts with just the lightest graze of fingers on his back and then we have Lan Zhan realizing (because of course he knows and is going to take ALL the advantages of his poor, awfully ticklish husband) and Wei Wuxian just letting go of his control when he gets bonded by the forehead ribbon AND DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO ESCAPE IT. HE WAS SO FROZEN BY THE TENDERNESS THAT FELL RIGHT INTO HIS TRAP

The part where he says "Lan Zhan, not so light!" AND THEM LAN FREAKING TICKLE MONSTER ZHAN STARTS TO TICKLE HIM EVEN MORE LIGHT KJHGFDFGHAAAAAAAAAAAA I HAVE NO WORDS!! LITERALLY NO WORDS BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lan Zhan tickled like it was an art, with a grace that would have anyone believing he'd been trained in it his entire life. Gentle, loving touches drifted across his skin sweetly and reverently, like every inch was worth being committed to memory and doused in affection.]HOW CAN YOU BE SO POETIC WHEN TALKING ABOUT TICKLING AND GIGGLING AND SILLYNESS I AM SHAKING YOU BY YOUR SHOULDERS!

["Wei Ying should thank him for helping you laugh so freely."

["Do not hide your smile from me."]

Literally shaking in the tune of shattering glass

Also! The kisses! The nibbles! The tickles under the chin (the fact that this is such a ticklish spot for him is literally the definition of karma. Seeing him just literally lose his mind with it absolutely held my soul and gave me like 30 years more of life. Not gonna lie, this fichas a LOT of moments that are the favorite of mine but this one... B R U H. AMAZING)

AND IN THE BEGINNING I WAS DEFENDING LAN ZHAN BECAUSE HE COUD NOT HAVE DISTRACTED WEI WUXIAN W KISSES ONLY TO ABSOLUTELY DESTROY HIS BELLY WITH TICKLES LATER BUT THEN I GOT ON THE END HE DID IT AGAIN LKJHGFGHJKGBHJ Lan Zhan you sneaky sneak

CAN WE TALK ABOUT HIS NEW TICKLING TECHINIQUE BTW??? Count on our dear Lan Totally Whipped And Maddly In Love Zhan to create an ENTIRE NEW FOR OF TICKLING just to make his beloved laugh and smile!! Poor wwx went right into hysterics immediately juhygtfrgthyjh so so sooooooooooo good! I never thought in using the passing qi thing as something ticklis, your mind!!!!!

And don't even get me started about the massage + tickling. That is what I am talking about!!! Wei Wuxian being absolutely PAMPERED as he deserves!!

["Unless I'm wrong? Should I ask Zewu-Jun for some stories of giggly A-Zhan?"]

I am. so normal. about this. totally normal thoughts. no internally screaming or going into the space. yeah. normal.

Then we get the very own patriarch yilling, the master of demonic cultivation asking for the tickles? I am dead on the floor. How can they both be so utterly in love and so so sooooft omg <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 my heart is absolutely melted with the domestic cuteness of all of it

Now, I know i already mentioned how much soft and cute is the moments where both Lan ZHan and Wei Wuxian describe how much they love and care about each other, and Lan Zhan's part being followed by so much dotting and caring, soft touches is absolutely delightful, truly. Each sentence only made everything much sweeter and amazing. I truly, truly loved this fic <3 <3 <3 thank you so much for writing and sharing it <3

Tenderness.

Fandom: Mo Dao Zu Shi / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Characters: Lee!Wei Wuxian, Ler!Lan Wangji

Warnings: Mentions of death and grief, Wei Wuxian being Wei Wuxian (some suggestive comments but nothing actually happens)

Word count: around 8.300 words

Summary: There are days where all Lan Wangji wants is to shower his husband in his affections.

A/N: This is the softest, sappiest thing I've ever written. Fluff and feelings without plot. God bless. (THANK YOU @kanene-yaaay FOR SCREAMING BACK AND FORTH WITH ME ABOUT THESE CHARACTERS FOR AN UNHOLY AMOUNT OF TIME, INSPIRING ME TO WRITE THIS. A MILLION THANKS AND HUGS TO YOU.)

Slouching was forbidden in the Cloud Recesses.

Even so, the weight on his shoulders did not lessen.

Lan Wangji had always meticulously followed his routine, unless disaster struck and he had no choice but to deviate from it. He was a man of habits. There was a proper time and place for everything, a carefully constructed schedule that should be followed. There was a proper time to rise in the morning. A proper time to tend to the affairs of his sect. A proper time to train his disciples. A proper time to retire for the day.

Such a schedule was followed rigorously and with precision so long as Lan Wangji was within the boundaries of Cloud Recesses.

Every day. For longer than Lan Wangji was willing to reflect on, lest the metaphorical weight on his shoulders only worsen. For countless days he had gone through the motions like there wasn't a gaping, bleeding gash in his heart that was the absence of Wei Wuxian.

Those days were far too painful to remember.

But they were long past. He now had his husband (his husband) safely by his side each night, teaching his own classes and running around causing mischief all throughout Cloud Recesses in the daytime when he thought Lan Wangji would be none the wiser.

Things were much, much better. Infinitely better. Perfect, he would say. Yet with Wei Wuxian not in his immediate sight as he followed the same grief-coated routine he did for years, sometimes it was easy to forget he had his fated one back in his life. That the loving moments they shared were indeed real and not dreams that taunted him with what he couldn't have. Quite a few times he felt consumed by an inexplicable wave of sorrow, only for it to be dispersed as he caught sight of his husband or heard his uncle fuming about something the man had done.

There was not a single minute of the day when Lan Wangji did not yearn for Wei Wuxian. Did not yearn to be with him. Some days, not acting on that urge bordered on painful.

Which is why returning to his bedchambers at the Jingshi at nighttime, where he would be warmly greeted by the love of his life, was undoubtedly one of his most cherished moments of the day.

"Lan Zhan!" Chirped a cheerful voice as the door shut behind him. His favorite cheerful voice. "You're early today!"

Lan Wangji stilled as his gaze fell upon Wei Wuxian. The former Yiling Laozu stood by the bathtub in the corner of the room, his frame half-obscured by the privacy screen sectioning his living space. With a mere glance his eyes were drawn to the way in which the man's damp hair stuck to his neck and cascaded down his bare back. Dressed in nothing but his pants.

Lan Wangji had discovered, recently, that he was also a man of instincts, when he allowed himself to be.

Wei Wuxian's smile grew impossibly wider as Lan Wangji strode towards him, the Second Jade of Lan's eyes dark with a longing Wei Wuxian was intimately familiar with. He schooled his features into a teasing smirk, a playfully scolding tone edge his voice. "Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, you're insatiable! I just got out of the bath- Lan Zhan!" An undignified sputter fell from his lips as Wei Wuxian felt hands pressing onto his back and slipping underneath his knees, hoisting him up into a bridal carry.

Rather than to be practically and enthusiastically tossed onto the bed as he occasionally was as they initiated their daily activities, which they had gleefully engaged in in the morning, Wei Wuxian remained cradled to Lan Wangji's chest. Nestled like a bunny, Wei Wuxian only blushed at the sensation of Lan Wangji's fingers on his back tracing small, light circles on the bare skin. 'Unusually gentle.' He mused, shifting in his husband's hold in an attempt to remove his pants as they approached their bed at a slower pace than Wei Wuxian would have liked.

"No need." Lan Wangji gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, setting Wei Wuxian down on the mattress with such tenderness he felt as if he were made of glass.

"You're always welcome to rip them off yourself." Wei Wuxian flashed him an impish grin, innuendo dripping from his voice. To his confusion and disappointment, his husband did not rise to the bait nor get that fetching blush that he oh so loved to cause. Lan Wangji's features softened to a point even someone unfamiliar with the art of reading Lan Wangji (Wei Wuxian had long mastered such art, he did!) would have been able to tell.

With a smile almost far too fond, Lan Wangji towered over his lover, who still stared up at him with a sultry gaze. "Shameless." He took off his boots and lowered himself next to Wei Wuxian, laying on his side as to face his love. His arms sneaked around the younger man's frame and pulled him close, holding him against his chest in a protective embrace. If Lan Wangji could have his way, his wish would be to never have to let go.

The soothing, familiar scent of sandalwood washed over Wei Wuxian as Lan Wangji's face pressed against the crook of his neck. Unmoving beyond that point. He could feel Lan Wangji's eyes drifting to a close, the man's eyelashes fluttering against his skin. Wei Wuxian felt his cheeks heating up slightly at the domestic affection and surrendered himself to the comfort of the cultivator's hold, sighing contentedly as he snuggled closer.

"Aiya, who would have guessed the mighty Hanguang-Jun was this cuddly? If you hold me any tighter I might cough out cotton since you're so insistent on making a stuffed toy out of me." Said the former boogeyman of the cultivation world, pressed snugly against Lan Wangji, clinging onto him as he too laced his arms around his beloved.

Bliss. He would have died a hundred deaths if it meant he could spend eternity like this afterwards.

"Only with you." Came the muffled response, Lan Wangji's face still tucked into Wei Wuxian's neck, hiding the pink that tinged his ears.

Only with his Wei Ying, and no one else.

He had waited thirteen years for this, if only to be able to hear Wei Wuxian's voice again if he couldn't have him the way he desired. Diligently and faithfully, despite his brother's knowing and consoling looks and despite young Lan Sizhui's cries for his Xian-gege. Those had stung more than the strike of any whip, had almost made him succumb under the weight of his loss, but he persevered. He had to. If Lan Wangji couldn't have hope, then he had nothing.

He tightened his hold on Wei Wuxian, just slightly. Thankfully, he didn't seem to protest.

"Are we going to sleep already?" Wei Wuxian nudged him with his nose after what, to Wei Wuxian, felt like prolonged silence. "It's not even Hai Shi yet, and you're still dressed. And we didn't put off the lights. How are we supposed to fall asleep like this?"

He couldn't fault Wei Wuxian for the assumption, though he wished his husband would stay awake so this peaceful, quiet (or as quiet as Wei Wuxian would allow. He couldn't say he wouldn't be content with endless chatter as well, if it was Wei Wuxian filling the silence) moment could be shared between the two of them. In the last few days, between their responsibilities, Wei Wuxian's shenanigans, night-hunts and passionate sex lives, they rarely got to spend time simply existing in their home within each other's arms that didn't include drifting off to sleep or waking up in the morning. That would not do. Lan Wangji would have to remedy that.

Even so, when the man beside him let out a long, dramatic yawn, Lan Wangji caved. With a flick of his hand and a stream of spiritual energy he extinguished most of the lanterns in the room, leaving only a couple to bask them in a warm, dim lighting. "You may sleep if you wish to. I... want to hold you for a while longer."

Wei Wuxian let out a tiny, fake sleepy sound in response, which would hopefully distract Lan Wangji from the color adorning his cheeks. He willed himself to stay as still as possible, certainly because he intended on going to sleep and not because wanted to keep enjoying being held by his husband. "Goodnight, Lan Zhan." Naturally, he failed. His hand reached out to play with the man's forehead ribbon, twirling it around his finger. He would get chilly soon, laying in bed without at least an undershirt in this time of year, but he wasn't backing down now.

"Mn. Sleep well."

Only then, with Wei Wuxian laying peacefully in his arms, did Lan Wangji allow himself to fully relax. He pulled back- only slightly so, though Wei Wuxian's dramatic whine of protest seemed to imply otherwise- so he could unabashedly stare at his husband. His eyes traced the younger man's features, lingering at the curl of his lips into a delighted smile as he undoubtedly felt Lan Wangji's gaze on him.

It had been jarring at first, seeing Wei Wuxian's smile- which he treasured above all else, tucked safely in his heart amidst a field of gentian flowers- on the face of another. But even in a body not originally his, everything he did screamed Wei Wuxian, and all nagging doubts or worries in his mind were washed away the moment that smile was directed at him.

Lan Wangji would always be thankful to Mo Xuanyu, but the body nestled in his embrace was his no longer. This was entirely, wholly and completely, Wei Wuxian.

Though he did wish he could have become this well acquainted with Wei Wuxian's original body. He wished for those silver eyes on him as he was caught stealing yearning glances as a teenager. He wished he could have held the man's cheek in his hand, transfixed by that youthful smile, untouched by war and loss. He did not understand how, even now, after all he had suffered through, Wei Wuxian continued to smile so brightly.

Wei Wuxian's delighted and delightful laughter rung pleasantly in his mind, the same sound he had heard since his youth transporting him back to that fateful night in the rooftops of Cloud Recesses. Loud, mischievous, carefree Wei Wuxian laughing in joy as they drew their swords. Even back then he knew that laugh, that smile, that troublemaker was his everything.

Lan Wangji was not his brother. Though his husband would firmly object, he did not have a talent for creating amusing, easy-going atmospheres where people were prone to smile. And so, every smile from his loved ones was a blessing. A gift.

Which is why, months after vanishing without a trace during the war, Wei Wuxian crushed him the moment Lan Wangji laid eyes on him. Neither the roaring, green flames nor the haunting sounds of the dizi mattered to him in that instant. Neither did the army of fierce corpses, as much as it had shamed him to admit it to himself back then.

Wei Ying was alive. Wei Ying's smile was cold, cruel and malicious.

Relief and horror had battled within him, the latter churning heavily in his stomach unlike anything he had ever experienced.

Lan Wangji held him a little closer.

The pain of memory was not something he would associate Wei Wuxian's smile with. Not when there were far more pleasant things to associate it to.

"Wei Ying."

"Lan Zhan!" The demonic cultivator chirped a little too enthusiastically for someone who had supposedly gone to sleep.

"Wanted to know if you were still awake." He responded when Wei Wuxian eyed him questioningly. "...Are you not tired?"

"I am! Exhausted!" Wei Wuxian made a show out of stretching his limbs and yawning excessively loud. "Hanguang-Jun, what are you Lans feeding these disciples? Are you sneaking them anything other than that rabbit food you all eat when I'm not looking? I had to watch Jingyi copy rules while on a handstand today! For hours! And he didn't even fall once! I got tired just from looking! Where does that arm strength come from?"

Ah. So, not tired.

In that case, Wei Wuxian could not blame him if he kept him awake for longer.

He let his hand roam the expanse of Wei Wuxian's back, firm and warm as it made its way down. A content little noise escaped the smaller man at the skin to skin contact. He would have sunk further into Lan Wangji's embrace, if possible. "Lan Zhan, how can you ignore your dear husband?" Wei Wuxian pouted, yet ultimately succumbed to the pleasant feeling. "But this feels nice."

Lan Wangji hummed in response. Wei Wuxian hated to admit it, but he was turning into an old man. There was no other reasonable explanation as to why his husband's comforting voice and touch— as wonderful as they were— were enough to almost lull him to sleep before it was even Hai Shi, when he was brimming with energy mere moments earlier. He was almost thankful for Lan Wangji's touch gradually lightening, the goosebumps-inducing drag of nails over his skin enough to keep him awake and aware, instead of drifting off when he could be spending quality time cuddling with his favorite person.

He was perfectly happy lounging in Lan Wangji's arms and being on the receiving end of his care, until his breath hitched in his throat and the pressure of fingers exploring his back crossed the threshold of 'dangerously light' territory.

In his first life, Wei Wuxian was proud to say he was barely ticklish.

Okay, that was a lie. But he wasn't devastatingly ticklish. At least nowhere near Jiang Cheng's level, who barked with laughter as soon as he was touched and tried to disguise it as an annoyed yell. Or, gods forbid, Nie Huaisang's, who shrieked and flinched away before he was even touched. (Wei Wuxian took the blame for Huaisng's unwilling breaking of the 'Do not make loud noises' rule during their lectures at Cloud Recesses quite often. It was worth it.)

But, fate, as it seemed, took it upon its own hands to uphold karmic justice. Mo Xuanyu's body, in his far from biased opinion, of course, was insanely ticklish. Everywhere. A design flaw his beloved, endlessly benevolent yet merciless and cruel husband happily, constantly took advantage of. There was no way to tell if Lan Wangji was purposefully teasing him or if he had no such intentions, at least not without catching his eyes.

And, after happening many times, there were two things he knew by heart.

One, if he saw Lan Wangji was indeed provoking him, there would be no stifling a nervous giggle.

Two, the moment that first giggle was out, he was done for.

He needed a diversion and he needed to work fast.

"You know, usually by now you'd already be pounding me into the bed. Why the change?" He blurted out, preening in victory when the man grew still. Better yet, Wei Wuxian's hand playing with Lan Wangji's hair brushed against a suddenly very warm ear.

But his triumph was short-lived. Wei Wuxian sucked in a breath as the wandering fingers on his back curled and uncurled ever so slightly, slowly crawling up and down his spine. He forced his body to freeze, sheer will and flustered trepidation keeping him from arching away in a fit of squeals. A chorus of half-hearted protests rang in his mind, which he was pretty sure he could feel scurrying around in his skull and giggling in anticipation. He could talk his way out of this for sure, right? He's talked his way out of much worse situations before, so a potentially mischievous Lan Wangji should be no trouble, surely. All he needed to do was keep talking, even if it was to spew nonsense. "Lan Zhan! Have you been drinking? Without me? Is that why you're acting different?"

Lan Wangji, to his own credit, did nothing more than huff in that particular way Wei Wuxian knew meant he was being laughed at. "No."

"So if I peek under the floorboard, I won't find an empty bottle? Maybe I should check to make sure Hanguang-Jun wasn't parading around Cloud Recesses while drunk. How scandalous would that be, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian shifted to rise out of bed and inconspicuously scamper from his husband's hold without making his intentions too obvious.

He tried, rather. He squirmed, he twisted, he shot Lan Wangji that slightly awkward smile he did after he'd been resurrected and didn't know exactly where they stood with each other. But the arms wrapped securely around him. Would. Not. Budge.

"I have not been in the Jingshi since morning, I could not have drunk. You know this." Lan Wangji noted, a sliver of amusement in his voice and ooh, Wei Wuxian knew he was screwed.

Skillful fingers between his shoulder blades drew out a gasp from him, which he promptly disguised as a forceful laugh. It was fine. No need to panic. He could hold in a few giggles, how hard could it be? "Right! Right, silly me."

Lan Wangji had to know what he was doing, that utter menace of a man. No one ever believed him when he said the Second Jade of Lan did, in fact, have a handful mischievous of bones in his body, contrary to popular belief. Apparently, not only was 'Sorry, Hanguang-Jun was feeling too affectionate and decided he had to tickle me silly' not a valid excuse for disheveled appearance, but earned him an extra glare from the Lan elders for 'lying'. Even when Hanguang-Jun himself admitted to it. Real unfair, in his opinion. Though he did always have as much fun as his husband when Lan Wangji got the best of him.

Maybe it was that thought that caused him to slack in his efforts. A single finger strayed too close to his side, and Wei Wuxian shivered. He couldn't have scooted more than an inch away, yet Lan Wangji caught onto the movement like a spiritual animal.

Lan Wangji merely stared, a ghost of a smile on his lips as his finger carried on. "Wei Ying. Stay still."

"I can't help it!" Wei Wuxian broke into a wobbly grin, his side muscles twitching. He glanced pleadingly up at the other, commanding a sultry tone into his voice even as his huffs bordered on giggling. "If you want to show love to yohour precious husband, thehehere's other ways you could use your hands."

Warm eyes took in every detail of his face, lingering on upturned lips. "Mn." Wei Wuxian heard, and yet before he could think of celebrating his victory- "No."

It happened so quickly Wei Wuxian barely processed it. With an agility rarely seen outside of battle, his upper body shot up and his hands flew to protect his side as an onslaught of touches ripped a laugh from his throat. Lan Wangji sat up and swiftly laced their fingers, just enough strength in his grip to have Wei Wuxian pause and glance at their joined hands with an honest to gods bashful expression. "Or you could- you could do that. That's fine too. Holding hands I mean."

For a lingering moment the two simply sit there, holding each other's hands and gazing into each other's eyes. Wei Wuxian would babble if his heart weren't beating so strongly in his chest he felt it in his throat. Without breaking eye contact, Lan Wangji released his hold only to instead clasp slightly below his partner's wrists.

Silently, Wei Wuxian watched his own wrist being brought closer to the man across from him. The pristine looking-cultivator, who he knew wouldn't look amiss among heavenly officials, his Lan Zhan, bent forward and pressed his lips against the skin of his inner wrist in a tender kiss. Wei Wuxian gawked. Lan Wangji repeated the motion with his other wrist. The demonic cultivator thought he might have accidentally activated a warmth talisman somehow- was the Jingshi warmer all of a sudden?

Wei Wuxian was brought back to his senses by something white and flimsy-looking moving in his field of vision. The sacred ribbon of the Gusu Lan sect slid off of Lan Wangji's forehead. Wei Wuxian hadn't even noticed the man letting go of him to untie it. Only when the white, cloud-embroidered cloth neared his wrists did Wei Wuxian's traitorous lips quirk upwards without his permission.

"Lan Zhan-" He squeaked and scooted backwards. "What are you doing-"

"You said you couldn't help it." Hanguang-Jun easily followed after him. Faster than a blink the sturdy fabric bound his wrists together, a knot- TWO knots- sealing his fate. "I am helping Wei Ying stay still."

With one light push, Wei Wuxian's back hit the mattress and blunt fingernails grazed idly along his top ribs. Any resolve he had been harboring in the past minutes abandoned ship, and it had the audacity to wave him goodbye too. "I dihihihidn't mehehehean ihihit lihihike thahahat!"

The look on Lan Wangji's face was deceptively innocuous as he happily and deliberately misinterpreted what he had heard. "Would you like them to be tied behind your back instead?"

"I thohohought yohou ohohonly dihid thahat whehehen yohohou're druhuhunk!" Wei Wuxian shot him the most betrayed look he could muster. It was promptly countered by his eyes nearly sealing shut with the force of his smile as a finger softly scratched at the skin between the bones. A faint tug on the ribbon binding his wrists had him snatching them away from Lan Wangji's reach. "Nohoho! They're fihihine lihike thihihis!"

Wei Wuxian wished he could kiss that smug microexpression off his face. Or better yet, morph it into that wide and radiant smile he ever got to see when the roles were reversed.

All thoughts of payback were pushed to the back of his mind by warm lips peppering kisses along his face. He swore up and down the only reason for his nonstop giggling was the electric sensation of his ribcage being skillfully played like a guqin and not at all because he swooned like a bashful maiden.

A musical cultivator indeed, his Lan Zhan. Long and slender fingers vibrated and practically plucked his ribs as if they were strings, the wide range of sounds being drawn out of him only adding to the comparison. The Second Jade of Lan was definitely focused as if he had his instrument lying in front of him, picking a spot and sticking to it regardless of any attempts to be pushed away. Wei Wuxian used to believe he had a thick face. That was before he knew the feeling of being under Hanguang-Jun's undivided attention and affections. He almost wished they were back in their teenage years, swordfighting on the roofs instead of this. (He did not say that part out loud. Lan "Lying is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses" Zhan could smell a lie from miles away, if it came from him.) At least that didn't have his heart doing somersaults in his chest or have his face flushing like a Lan fed peppers.

"Why tihihicklihihing?"

Lan Wangji did not answer, his mouth occupied trailing kisses on Wei Wuxian's jawline, which he deemed much more important than talking. His hands wandered up his ribcage, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake with his barely-there touch.

Wei Wuxian was raised in Lotus Pier, alongside Jiang Cheng and their martial brothers, who- in true Yunmeng Jiang spirit- were happy to roughhouse. It was the norm, actually. He was more than used to being on the receiving end of tickle fights, it was no big deal, honestly! He'd grown to expect quick, ruthless and overwhelming attacks where he felt as if his nerves were on fire- those that had him shrieking and flailing as soon as he was touched- aimed to weaken him so he couldn't turn the tables. He was limp and breathless within seconds, but it's not like it really affected him much. It was as fun as any other game he played, and that was it. No mushy-gushy feelings involved.

With Lan Zhan, it was a whole different story. Fingers prodding softly at his underarms made him all too aware of that.

Lan Zhan tickled like it was an art, with a grace that would have anyone believing he'd been trained in it his entire life. Gentle, loving touches drifted across his skin sweetly and reverently, like every inch was worth being committed to memory and doused in affection. Hands so strong they could probably punch through a tree made light and tender -doting on him, caring for him- with the sole purpose of making him let loose and giggle without a care in the world. Warm eyes tracking his every move like they've never seen anything more beautiful as he squirmed from the nuzzling behind his ear. The single-minded focus on each reaction coaxed out of him and the fondness seeping into him from every drawn-out touch until he almost forgot how to think.

Lan Zhan had him, and nothing could hurt him. Nothing bad could reach him while he laughed away under his husband's hands, while he was comfortably cocooned in their own little bubble of love, warmth and anticipation.

'Gross.' Said a mini Jiang Cheng in his head, rolling his eyes half-heartedly, before being swept away screaming alongside Wei Wuxian by a torrential wave of tingles by light nibbles on his ear paired with nails skittering underneath his arms.

"Husbahahand!" He squealed. "Nohohot so lihihihight!"

The wicked, dastardly man he married lightened his touch in response, humming in satisfaction when his squeaking grew more high-pitched and his trashing heightened. Wei Wuxian cursed the adoring, soft tactics he had no built-up resistance against. (Then turned back and apologized to it because he liked it very much.)

With the patience of a man who had all the time in the world, Lan Wangji's touch descended to the barely sensitive area between his chest and his stomach- drawing out the occasional huff but not much else- as to allow Wei Wuxian regain his breath. His intention was not to overwhelm him, there was no need to rush.

Wei Wuxian took several breaths below him, glancing up at him with a dopey smile. While Lan Wangji adored that dopey grin, as he did all others, he decided that at that moment it did not suffice when he could provoke a wide, euphoric smile whose brightness rivaled the sun.

Lan Wangji leaned down and pressed his lips to his neck in fleeting kisses, nose rubbing lovingly against the reddened area like a rabbit and Wei Wuxian broke into a stream of bubbly giggles, shoulders hunching up. Oh that was not fair. That was so not fair. He wasn't ticklish there at all in his first life, why did this body have to be ticklishness on two legs- "Dahahamn yohohou, Mo XuahahanyUHUHU-!" Steady nibbling showed Lan Wangji had strong issues with that statement.

"Wei Ying should thank him for helping you laugh so freely." Lan Wangji said into his skin, the chiding tone nullified by that slight teasing and playful edge only ever directed at him. He would have loved to shoot back a theatrical 'Lan Zhan! Are you teasing me?' if he wasn't a little busy with not melting into a giggly puddle by all the kissing and the nibbling and the nuzzling and those evil fingers caressing right above his stomach and did that spot somehow get more ticklish because oh man-

"I dohohon't neheheed any help to lahahaugh! I alreheheady laugh plehehenty!" He found it in himself to protest, battling his reflexes not to roll off the bed to escape the mischievous affection. Wei Wuxian caught a glimpse of his husband's expression shifting into something familiar and oh no- he realized with growing horror- the strength of his heart was about to get tested.

"Mn." Said the light of his life, the reason he might someday find out if a heart can burst from too much love, every inch of his normally jade-like features screaming Fond Fond Fond- "I am lucky to hear it every day. It is beautiful.

"You-!" He half-choked on air and dramatically clutched his chest, hands trembling against the bodily urge to swat Lan Wangji's away, and promptly shoved his face into the pillow to hide a flustered grin and cheeks that were definitely embarrassingly red. "Yohohou can't say suhuch thihihings wihihithout wahaharnihing! Yohour poor husbahahand's heart can ohohonly tahahake so muhuhch!"

His skin still buzzing, Wei Wuxian didn't even register his torso being left alone and a pair of hands focusing entirely on the exposed side of his neck had him arching forward in surprise. "Cheheheheater!" Stubbornly, he pressed his face further into the pillow.

"I do not recall setting any rules." With equal stubbornness he maintained his ministrations, alternating between skittering lightly and walking two fingers up and down the demonic cultivator's neck, poking slightly the way he remembered the feeling of his husband in paperman form strolling playfully on his own neck. "Do not hide your smile from me." He added his lips into the mix, ghosting over the reddened ear and nibbling softly.

Lan Wangji huffed lightly when there was no response aside from muffled tittering. "Wei Ying. You will not breathe well like this." He slid a palm between the pillow and Wei Wuxian's forehead, lifting the man's head just enough so his face wasn't so buried in, and returned to the mission of coaxing his cultivation partner out of hiding.

Wei Wuxian held his position for an impressive record of two minutes before he was forced to give in and turn his head to shield the vulnerable spot. (And seeing his husband's handsome face was always a priceless bonus.) He was rewarded with a very smug looking Lan and a chaste kiss to his lips. His whining at Lan Wangji pulling away went ignored and doubled when instead of gazing at his mouth, the white-clad man instead stared at his chin with a deeply pondering expression.

The way it was done to him so many times, Lan Wangji hooked a finger underneath his chin and scritched.

"Eeehehehehehehee nohohoho!" Understanding dawned on Wei Wuxian a second too late. All the blood rushing to his face was almost dizzying as squeal after squeal escaped from him, a sudden shyness tugging at him at having the affectionate gesture he so often dished out reflected back at him for the first time. He had half a mind to melt into the touch like a purring kitten, the foreign bashfulness it brought making him babble out mindless pleas. "Mehehercy, husbahahand! I'm mohohore tihihicklihish thahan you ahahare!"

That finger remained firmly in its place even as he twisted and turned, following behind as if on autopilot. Lan Wangji stared openly, transfixed, at the squirming man coming undone, shy-looking, with such a simple touch. His world reduced to sweet sight and sounds before him, gladly so. A flustered Wei Wuxian wasn't something often seen, and it swept him off his feet each time. If the wonder he felt upon driving the other to such state was half of what Wei Wuxian felt while pushing his buttons, Lan Wangji could understand why he was so fond of doing it.

By the point the melodic giggles had grown high-pitched and nearly frantic, he willed himself to pause- making a mental note to lavish the newly discovered spot in attention some other day.

His hands traced reverently down to the collarbones, slowly and appreciatively like one would handle fine, fragile embroidery. Like something enchanting with a magnetic pole to it. The Lan halted as he reached the spot over Wei Ying's heart. He pressed his palm to it. The warmth emanating from the skin and the quickened pulsing felt like gifts from the heavens. Not for the first time, Lan Wangji marveled.

Alive.

Wei Wuxian blinked at the change of pace and brought his bound hands to rest comfortingly over Lan Wangji's, which was still glued to his bare chest. Eyes caught his own, and any questions Wei Wuxian could have voiced were caught in his throat at the raw intensity of the look directed at him. Two decades of longing. Thirteen years of grief. A present thick with devotion and a promised eternity of love.

"Lan Zhan." His face softened, wishing he could cradle with care the emotions he was gifted with seeing, and tuck them safely away so Lan Wangji would never suffer again, least of all because of him. Gray eyes grew impossibly warm and he schooled his guise of pure adoration into one of dramatic swooning. "Lan Zhaaaaan!" He whined, falling back into the playful ambiance they had built. "You know I can't bear it when you look at me like that."

Obediently, the fervent gaze fell back to his chest, precisely at one spot which, in another lifetime, bore a mark mirrored in Lan Wangji's own chest. Lan Wangji traced a circle onto the naked skin. Followed by a smaller one inside. And an even smaller circle within it.

He bent forward and kissed the very center.

The demonic cultivator observed in awed silence as the faint touch then moved lower, tensing in anticipation as it advanced across his stomach and proceeded toward his side. But no frenzied laughter was ripped from his throat. Instead, a thumb sweetly caressed the scar his nephew had given him. The kisses came shortly after.

Then, a palm resting on his stomach. On his lower dantian.

The other surveyed the unblemished area closely, as if attempting to see something that was not there, that he had never seen and belonged on another body.

Wei Wuxian sucked in a sharp breath as he caught on. A trembling finger traced a line from below his navel up to the middle of his stomach. Then downwards, steadily, and up again. The touch so reverential it made his eyes prickle, so tremendously light it didn't even tickle. Wei Wuxian felt it all the same, oh he felt it, alright.

Lips brushed against the skin and the small golden core Mo Xuanyu had cultivated all but thrummed in response. He felt he could cultivate to immortality by simply laying there and surrendering to the moment, to the deep affection that every day he was pushed closer into believing he was worthy of. He tried to speak, but words failed him. Because Wei Wuxian understood now. He'd understood back in Guanyin Temple and it lounged happily at the back of his consciousness ever since, and now it all came spilling forth.

He understood the feeling of being completely, utterly seen in every single way. He understood being laid bare, every one of his vulnerabilities, mistakes and choices out in the open and being treated with compassion. He understood if Lan Zhan, of all people, would treat him in such a way and be thoroughly sure Wei Wuxian deserved it, maybe he wasn't so unworthy after all.

Lan Wangji's eyes were ablaze with emotions as they met his. Gah! It was official, he was only one more meaningful glance away from having his heart exploded. Or his body and mind turned to mush. Whichever came first.

That doting hand curled into a claw and that was all the warning he got before being thrown into cackles. "Hehehey!" Tips of fingernails dug lightly into his skin, barely vibrating yet still enough to get him hollering and pulling at his restraints. That right there was why the man was the most feared and favored tickle monster in his life. He lured you in with sweet, gentle touches until you were brimming with all sorts of fuzzy feelings, then he struck with even more gentle touches, but you're on the verge of losing your wits so everything feels at least three times as intense. "YOHOHOU MAHAHADE ME DROHOP MY GUAHAHARD ON PURPOHOHOSE!"

His husband, with his adorable and very kissable face, blinked owlishly down at him. There was a tiny furrow between his eyebrows and Wei Wuxian could have regretted the playful accusation if that subtle pout weren't so damn cute he wanted to scream. He got his wish when the other kneaded and squeezed all across his stomach with added speed to show his displeasure.

"Did not."

"WahAHAHAIT, I'm sohohorry! Dohohon't mIHIHInd whahahat thihis ohohone says, nohothihing good ehehever cohohomes out of his mohohouth!" Wei Wuxian giggled with reckless abandon, tipping into shrieks when Lan Wangji honed in to any spots he thought extra sensitive. He seemed to be enraptured in testing in how many ways he could make the muscles of his lower stomach jump and spasm with a measured fluttering of fingertips when he fixed Wei Wuxian with a glare.

"Not true." Lan Wangji was unrelenting, chasing his stomach no matter where he squirmed. Whenever he laid on one side, wiggling fingers readily greeted him until he turned to the other, where another hand waited patiently for its turn. Not to mention how many times the laughing bundle of joy curled in on himself, laid flat again when he realized that wouldn't protect him, only to return to the same position seconds after. The sect heir looked particularly endeared every time.

The demonic cultivator was nearly breathless when he was finally granted mercy. Or so he thought. As he pried an eye open, residual giggles still pouring out of him, a shudder ran through his body at the sight of thumbs poised over his hips and fingers hovering by his sides. Not touching, but close enough that the heat alone had him fidgeting away in bubbly snickers. His partner eyed him questioningly. "Nohoho, Lahan Zhan nohot yet! I'm gonna pahahass ohohout!"

Alright maybe that was an exaggeration, but it's not like he could be blamed! These were the only spots on his previous life that could actually send him into peals of laughter, and fate must have chosen for paying him back for all his pranks by unleashing onto him the ultimate prank of not only ensuring that ticklishness carried on to his current body, but making it even more sensitive. Wei Wuxian would not forget this betrayal.

Lan Wangji nodded, settling back onto the bare stomach. Then abruptly, the other noted in trepidation, his eyes were gleaming. "As you say." Hands latched onto each side of his navel, in precise places chosen with extreme calculation, and vibrated like it was their only purpose in life. Wei Wuxian had already thrown his head back and wheezed, sucking in his stomach to no avail, when he gasped at a foreign sensation.

The ex-Jiang disciple had both dished out and received a lot when it came to tickle fights. He was experienced and he flaunted it with pride. There was hardly anything he hadn't seen, felt or done. Hardly any dirty trick he didn't know.

Nothing could have prepared him for the feeling of spiritual energy flowing directly into his skin and below.

"WHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-" He screeched. His eyes bulged. His whole frame shook with unrestrained laughter as the qi dispersed through its immediate surroundings, searching for meridians to pass through, and dissipating when it found none. Again and again.

"I am transferring you spiritual energy. So you do not pass out."

"THAHAHAT'S NOHOT HOW YOHOHOU DO IHIHIHIT!" Wei Wuxian's voice had never gone higher in both lives. He'd pity the ears of anyone passing by if he was in any state to, which he definitely was not. The cool spiritual energy coursing through where it shouldn't be tickled more than what should even be possible, like it sunk down to his nerves to personally rub against them. Was he qi deviating? Was this what qi deviation felt like? What a way to go. Beats his first time any day.

His spiral into hysteria was met with only the teasing, miniscule raise of an eyebrow. "Wei Ying has always encouraged innovation."

"I TAHAHAKE IT BAHAHACK! I'LL BE THE MOHOHOST OHOHORTHODOX CULTIHIVAHAHATOR EVER, AND SO SHOHOHOULD YOUOHOU! NO TRYIHIHING NEW MEHEHETHODS! LAN ZHAHAHAHAN!"

Maybe the rumors were true and the virtuous Hanguang-Jun really had been corrupted by the sinful Yiling Laozu, to use his cultivation in such a way. Wei Wuxian would be seeing stars for hours. If he was lacking in incentives to work on his cultivation, he found one at the thought of his husband laughing frantically under that.

It did not end as quickly as it started. Even after Lan Wangji had stopped with a placating "No need", the remaining energy slowly trickling away into nothingness tingled like the after-effects of little shockwaves. If lightning could be baby proofed- and wasn't that a fun thought, he'd have to tinker with his talismans later- this was how he imagined it would feel like.

Gracious, kind and perfect Lan Zhan- and totally not evil whatsoever, when had Wei Wuxian said that?- dragged the hard part of his palms heavily across his stomach, massaging it back and forth until the ghost sensations simmered down. He snickered at the apologetic expression on the man's face and brought a palm to his own forehead to the best of his ability. "Hanguang-Jun has thoroughly defeated me. This Yiling Laozu surrenders. Whatever shall the illustrious Hanguang-Jun do to him, hm?"

Lan Wangji's lips twitched up, half in relief and half in fond exasperation, and soon Wei Wuxian was happy to get back to giggling. The electrifying touches had reverted to being tender and soft as they basked in the affection they spreaded through the room. The bell announcing Hai Shi had rung, and not even that was enough to stop them. Almost no ticklish area the Lan could reach was left untouched, and he had the pleasure of watching his beloved melt as he dutifully massaged each spot after it was targeted.

His not so calm reactions were equally cherished, of course. Like the way his heels dug into the mattress when Lan Wangji scribbled and traced senseless shapes on his thighs. Or when he tensed and babbled when he neared the inner thighs, collapsed in relief when he teased his knees just long enough to throw off suspicion, and bucked violently when he crept right back to the inner thighs and squeezed in rapid succession. He earned himself a glare for that as he soothed the skin. It was adorable.

Wei Wuxian had been reduced to a panting mess by the time the other massaged underneath his knees. ”You’re evil, Lan Zhan. How did you learn to be this mean? It couldn’t have been from me! I can barely tickle you for a couple minutes without you attacking me back like I kicked our bunnies!" Lan Wangji let the shameless lie slide and he gladly continued rambling. “I can’t imagine your uncle or even Zewu-Jun playing with little A-Zhan like this.”

He couldn't supress a quiver at the ghost of a touch traveling slowly up his legs, but ears reddening so swiftly they could combust seemed a lot more important. Lan Xichen's knowing smile when he once pinched Lan Zhan's ribs in his presence suddenly made a lot more sense. "Oh? Lan Zhan?" His grin widened when his husband ducked his head, and he was overtook with the need to coo. "Unless I'm wrong? Should I ask Zewu-Jun for some stories of giggly A-Zhan?"

Narrowed, flustered eyes rivaled a shit-eating grin. Lan Wangji struck.

A single, faint squeeze to his hips and down went Wei Wuxian. Any composure he still had bid him farewell as his entire body jerked. Hands jumped from his hips to his sides, then back to his hips in a dizzying loop. Whenever he thought he was getting used to the feeling of something, the other would change tactics to send him further into sweet lunacy. The Lan's body moved almost on its own as he traced swirls onto the man's sides, lightly and tenderly just the way he knew would fluster him most. Pinching, spidering and stroking his nails against the twitching skin no matter where his partner writhed. He wondered- and he had to restrain himself from standing and finding a brush- how much Wei Ying would squirm if he were to draw the swirling, elegant clouds of Gusu Lan robes on the sensitive spot. He would have to try eventually.

Lan Wangji stared fixedly, fascinated, at the enthralling sight that was his husband, at the joyous eyes curved into crescents and the beaming smile could ward off evil better than any talisman. He wouldn't dare try, yet at that moment he truly believed he was not capable of looking any other way.

'Fancy you, love you.'

Wei Wuxian was a hurricane. Chaotic energy in motion, incapable of keeping still on his own, even when he sometimes sought to. Lan Zhan's gentle, loving touches enveloped him in his entirety, slowing his mind down into a calm breeze. As paradoxical as it sounds, the buzzing, electrifying sensation coursing through him consumed him until he was completely pacified by it, despite his trashing limbs showing anything but. A state of complete bliss.

He looked up. If his laughter could have paused by itself, it would have.

Not even a thousand jars of Emperor's Smile could make Wei Wuxian crumble the way he did as he gazed into his husband's eyes. No heavenly intoxication in this world or the next could hope to compare to the warmth in his chest at the feeling of those golden eyes on him, shining with adoration. Or to the curl of his lips into a small smile, one that held so much love he could almost feel it in the air like energy. Wei Wuxian felt drunk in it.

'Want you, can't leave you.'

And after an eternity of circles being lightly stroked into his hipbones, curious pokes pressed to every possible inch of his sides, his legs kicking out for the umpteenth and a dozen cries for mercy both knew he didn't mean, Wei Wuxian's hands were freed. He hadn't even realized it, lost in his giggles and that mirthful sense of peace that encased him, until his wrists were being rubbed and he saw concern flashing on his husband's face.

His wrists weren't even red or so much as sore, and Lan Wangji still fussed over him every single time. Wei Wuxian had to huff a laugh.

'Whatever you.'

"It hurts, husband!" The demonic cultivator wailed and pouted in that way that let the other, who was very well used to his theatrics, know that it didn't hurt whatsoever. "Oh, it hurts!" He put on his best innocent, pleading look and lifted them closer to his husband. "Kiss it better?"

Lan Wangji didn't waste a second. Honestly, sometimes Wei Wuxian questioned just how much those eyes could soften after having already softened a bazillion times- a feat he was quite proud of, thank you very much.

With a gentle nudge he was encouraged to lay back comfortably. Wei Wuxian sighed contently as arms encompassed him, tugging him until their chests pressed against each other. Fingers carded through his hair, gently untangling the knots he'd gotten from his trashing as he sank into the warmth all around him. Against his better judgment, he yawned. For real this time.

A hand fell to his back, rubbing it soothingly. "Do you want to sleep now?"

Wei Wuxian felt his eyelids growing heavy, and stubbornly fought against the wave of drowsiness. He was getting the cuddling of his life and damn it all, he would be awake for it. Scooting backwards with intent into the hand sprawled on his back, he flashed Lan Wangji a toothy grin. "Tire me out a little more?"

His husband's eyes softened one more time. Score.

He was flung into airy, sleepy giggles as fingertips grazed the small of his back, fleeting and light enough he could easily relax into the touch and his mind was free to wander. Wei Wuxian grumbled, hiding his face in Lan Wangji's chest as he was stared at with open adoration, and wondered how in the world he got so lucky. What could he possibly have done so right to get to be loved with such fervor he could feel it in his bones, to be treated with such gentleness not because he required it as if he would break otherwise, but simply because to Lan Wangji, nothing less would suffice. He wasn't sure he would ever understand what his partner saw in him, but Lans only loved once. He would trust Lan Zhan's judgment.

Sleep had almost completely overtaken him, lulled by the sweet touches and the calm atmosphere of the Jingshi, when he felt the other had stopped. "Lan Zh'n?" He nodded in and out of consciousness, a sluggish whine escaping him. "Why'd you stop?"

Lan Wangji blinked, sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth and proceeded to shower Wei Wuxian's face in rapid kisses. Wei Wuxian screeched at the playful assault, scrunching his face and clutching tightly at the white robes while tickles rained down all over his back.

'Don't want anyone else but you...'

He was held as he squawked and sputtered, fingers prodding along his spine ane his head rendered still by a hand cradling his chin. Wei Wuxian blushed redder than his robes as Lan Wangji leaned in closer and he was unable to look away. "You asked why." His breath was hot on Wei Wuxian's skin as lips brushed against his forehead. "Wanted to see Wei Ying smile." A small peck to the tip of his nose. "Wanted to hear Wei Ying laugh." A lingering kiss and a nuzzle to his cheek. "Wanted Wei Ying to feel happy and loved. Wanted to cherish Wei Ying." A kiss to, well-

'...It has to be you!'

The giggly kiss was broken a while after, Wei Wuxian still squeaking into the other's mouth, foreheads leaning against each other. He had to bring a hand to his own lips to stifle yet another yawn. Traitorous body.

"Lan Zhan." He tsked with a lopsided grin before rolling and draping himself all over the cultivator much like he has the first night after he'd been resurrected. He was immediately embraced again. "Making me break the rules, laughing so loud at this hour? Such a rebel, Lan-er-gonzgi."

Lan Wangji turned to the window, as if surprised to see the darkness that had fallen over the back hills even when he deliberately ignored the ring of the bell announcing curfew. "Mn. I learned from the best." The corner of his eyes crinkled when Wei Wuxian's head was raised high in pride. "Will copy the rules in a handstand for punishment."

He would welcome more than a few exasperated pinches to his cheek if it got his husband to look at him with such tenderness for all time.

[snkpolls]

SnK S3E03 Results (Manga Reader Version)

The poll closed with 563 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated! 

Please note that this is the results of the manga reader poll. Anime only watchers are suggested not to read if you do not wish to be spoiled about certain events! Anime only viewers, click here to view your poll results!

Rate the episode

84% of users rated the episode a 4 or 5 this week, compared to 64% last week. This episode had less action, but was full of key character moments that manga readers were excited to see animated.

So far it's my favourite since it follows the most the manga but with some bearable adjustemements. If the episodes will be like this from now on, I'll be completely satisfied and could get over all the changes in the first two episodes.

The adaptation is doing well, but of course manga readers(me included) about some bits being changed and rearranged. But on the other hand they might come me up with something unexpectedly good. I won't forgive them if they don't give shit machine tho.

It’s starting to feel more like the arc I love

It was great, I'm having trouble deciding which episode is the best of this season yet. I thought the second one was the best, but then I remember the premiere and now, once again, I am thinking about the 3rd one being the greatest. The quality this season is off the charts.

Compared to episode 2, episode 3 was quite uninteresting

I think it must have been boring and confusing for Anime-only's

This episode was appropriately paced for an episode full of flashbacks, and honestly I think it paid off to get the backstories of Erwin and Historia in one showing to avoid conflicting with the future action episodes.  I don't have much else to say- I can't really be critical because it was a pretty good episode, adaptation-wise.

Which of the following moments were your favorite?

Hange taking their anger out on the table and Levi walking in on it is the winner here! The closest runner ups were seeing Levi’s wanted poster and getting Erwin and Historia’s backstories. We all agree it was nice to see many of these things in color animation finally!

Hange's scene where she blames her table destruction on a cockroach? Totally relatable. And I loved that Levi kinda teased her for it.

I have been waiting for Erwin's back story for AGES and was not disappointed! Kidwin was as heartbreakingly adorable as expected (that nose!! The sad bby at the funeral!!)

I liked all the topics they addressed that had been previously skipped (Historia and Erwin’s pasts). Also, while the sequence of events have been changed, I’m looking forward to how they are going to pan this out.

Erwin has great ass.

Hange's tableflip scene was amazeballs, man I love her!!

Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit. Pixis in a suit.

The conversation between Erwin and Pixis gave me thrills. I thought it was going to be boring, but it was very well shown.

My girl Hange's time to shine in this episode! I want her "BAAAKAAAA" as a ringtone asap

Who drew it better: WIT or Isayama?

51% of respondents thought the OG drew it best. Isayama can finally sleep at night. Funnily enough, the anime only respondents preferred WIT’s version!

Who has the best reaction to Historia’s backstory?

Sasha took the lead as she paused licking at her soup bowl to listen to Historia’s story. Connie was easily the next runner up with his dumbfounded expression. We weren’t surprised to see Springles win this one!

How cute was baby Historia?

The vast majority of respondents just wanna pinch those cute little cheeks (and probably take her home, treat her to some hot cocoa and love her properly).

And baby Historia was the cutest omg! That lil nose and her lil blush! I'm crying bittersweet tears here.

How could anyone possibly look down on and abuse such a precious little bean like baby Historia?? Alma's so pathetic…

Baby Historia is the cutest thing I have seen in anime. She is so adorable and sweet! I would love to hug her so much! She is just too cute! <3

Child Hisu is ADORKABLE

How cute was little Erwin?

While this is a tiny bit more spread out than Historia, the majority of respondents were also enamored with adorable kidwin and are ready to adopt him at any time (and probably give lots of hugs too!).

BABYWIN!!!!!!!!!

Young Erwin was def my fav bighead-bigbrows!

I love Erwin so muchhhh my precious baby is so cute and handsome at the same timeeeee I just want to hug him and never let anything bad happen to him againnnnn

The episode was dialogue heavy with a lot of character backstories and plot exposition. What type of episodes do you tend to prefer watching?

In general, respondents don’t mind if an episode has a lot of action or if it’s a bit slower with some good plot developments. What matters is that we keep moving forward and that it’s entertaining, right?

About episode type: Tense conversation ready to break into action at any second, like when Kenny and Levi were talking in the bar.

It was a nice change of pace after all the fights in the first 2 episodes but I'm looking forward to the action  coming back next episode

Did Flegel really stay in that alleyway the entire night?

We asked this mostly for fun and respondents didn’t disappoint. The majority believe that he did stay in the alleyway the entire night, but plenty of you had some fun commentary (and sass) to provide us all with some laughs:

Based on how the events at Erwin's went, I'd guess that Reeves was killed nearing dawn and it hasn't been that long.

During the night, he went to slay all of marley and came back in the morning, Flegel for president!

Oh crap, I didn't even notice that. Part of me wants to say maybe he left and came back, but that really doesn't make much sense if he's trying to not get caught. No doubt the Interior Squad would have surveyed the area a little before getting the body ready for a public reveal to frame Erwin.

He took one long leak

He went to get sour cream and came back

Slept in a trash-can then went for a morning stroll

insert Schroedinger's cat analogy

No clearly Annie came and rescued him

Somehow he knew Commander Handsome will be there, so yeah, he stayed. I would stay too <3

no, he crawled up the wall like a spider and slept on the rooftops dont worry

On a scale of 1-5, how distressed are you about Eren being tied, gagged and drugged?

Most respondents seemed unconcerned or indifferent to Eren’s current situation, but those who are distressed were pretty vocal about it:

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE POOR BOY GETS SOME WATER???  The little scene with his in-and-out of consciousness is very distressing to see!

I pray that Eren gets a happy ending; I feel SO stressed for him

Who has the best hat?

Connie’s sunhat took the lead! But we agree that all hats are good and that everyone was looking fab.

HAT HAT HAT I'm really hoping that from this point on, they will follow the manga more closely again, as I am not super impressed by the current shake-up in event order but most importantly HAT HAT HAT JEAN GOT HIS HAT.

The hats!!! The hats are so good!

Love his top hat but lost half his lines for it

JEAANNN'S HAAAT

How many flashbacks within flashbacks is too many?

Half of respondents appreciated the Inception reference and just want to be flashbacked into oblivion. Okay but seriously, there were some who got a bit confused by WIT’s use of flashbacks for some of these scenes. We hope you’re holding up okay during current manga chapters!

bit weird to slow it down this much when the first 2 episodes were so action packed, 2 flashbacks in one episode is a bit much if you ask me. the episode didnt give you any break or a few seconds to let the information sink in.

I was confused by flashbacks in flashbacks. I don't lke that type of stuff and I got feeling that they were traveling in time :/

How do you feel about the rearrangement of events after this episode?

45% are still tentative and not ready to judge the situation just yet. However, a good 37% combined are either content or are already finding they like the changes better. It seems the optimism is starting to improve overall!

Dont remember much of the order of events in this arc, as long as it all makes sense its fine. I trust Isayamas judgment

I prefer the manga’s order, but I am content, BUT I’m still waiting for more episodes to make a final judgement, BUT  I’m still very confused with where they are going with this.

I want to slap the whole WIT Studios and Yams but u know im okay for now.

Same story, different medium. Pretty neutral, happy I don’t know word for word what’s going to happen.

So I was very very nervous about the changes and pacing, but them taking the time to slow down and let the emotional weight of Historia and Erwin's backstories sink in is just what I needed to calm down a bit. I still have some preferences with the manga, but I'm sated to the point of watching and waiting without making too much of a fuss.

Some changes do make the action flow smoother, but im not happy that the studio decided to cut out Reeves-Levi wall bonding and L's squad 2.0's doubts on killing people

Rearrangement? Who cares? Erwin on graveyard was pure sex how was I supposed to thino about rearrangments???

I think the anime is doing a good job restructuring the arc, and is preserving its internal consistency quite well. But I am upset about some of the things that got removed, so I don't quite like the anime's retelling.

The rearrangement was understandable, however until I can look over the whole arc, I wouldn't be able to give a fair opinion on the execution of this season.

How do you feel about Historia’s absence when the Survey Corps proposed she needs to be queen?

As with the previous question, nearly half of voters are not yet ready to judge how the changes will affect the arc overall. 35% of you guys think it was a bad choice on WIT’s part. It’s probably safe to say we’re all on our toes wondering how WIT is going to handle this plot development as they move forward!

I hope we can still see the Levi smiling moment at the end of this arc despite the absence of these scenes.

I prefer Rod being the one to push the idea of her royalty into her, and I still think we'll get a moment regarding Levi's will to accept a different kind of hell and pushing Historia to make a choice in some other way later.

It didn't have a huge significance to the plot but it gave both Historia and Levi some good characterisation.

I feel a mixture of "I need more episodes" and "It was a poor choice".

Had to be done for an action packed start the season but I'm disappointed as it is an important scene for Levi's development

It was a poor choice that broke an important chain of events, it was Levi who had to force Historia.

Ralph called Hange a devil after they were locked up. Was this good foreshadowing to current manga events?

71% of respondents believed that this was good foreshadowing! We suppose one nice part of the anime being as behind from the manga as it is, is that we can recall these older moments that manage to have thematic relevance to current events.

I think Hange being called a devil was amazing foreshadowing, but also in a sense that, by overthrowing the current system, they are unwittingly putting themselves in the exact same position as the old government and its cronies were in with almost exactly the same problems and solutions available to them, the poor things just don't see it yet.

After this week, do you believe future episodes are now going to be more faithful to the original chapters?

50% of voters are confident that WIT is mostly headed back toward the linear timeline of the manga, with maybe small bits and pieces shuffled or omitted. 28% aren’t feeling as optimistic about it, however. But 18% are confident we’re back onto the strict manga timeline.

I'll have to wait and see all the episodes. No point trying to guess, only to be disappointed. Isayama authorised the changes, let's see what his new vision of these chapters!

I believe they will be faithful more than just "a little bit."  It seems the PV is a good indicator of that.  The Historia rising up to be queen is definitely going to be handled differently and there is no way around that.  But I'm ready, Wit!

im still trying to grasp what they trying to do of the pacing and the moments and i still hope the upcoming eps will make sense of all that cuts and flashbacks.

They'll have to do something different with Levi and Historia's 'discussion' about her becoming queen. I wonder if it will happen later, and someone else will do Reeve's line about him being a scary but good man? It would be interesting if someone like Mikasa does it.

Leaked episode titles PROVE they are gonna butcher up the cave scene

Maybe yes, maybe not. It all depends on Isayama and WIT, so let us wait for episode 41, shall we?

Which scene from the PV are you most looking forward to this week?

The largest group are most looking forward to Jean testing whether or not they can trust Marlowe and Hitch (please give us the stick WIT!). The close runner up is Levi interrogating the MP with the nice mustache and a case of foot-in-mouth. Literally.

I'm totally excited to see Marlowe and Hitch!

Central MP HQ next week?!?! Hoping for some new action scenes.

GIVE ME HITCH AND MARLO RIGHT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW

everyone in the PV is hot (yes pulverized erwin is still included)

Which group of characters are you favorite?

“All of them” wins as the good neutral vote.

I never know how to answer the which group is your favorite question because my fav is 104th + Annie (sans RB). So I'm always answering sans RBA which is unfair to Annie.

Where you do primarily discuss the series?

Additional thoughts on the episode?

A little bit better, but not enough. But overall I'm satisfied and I enjoyed it.

All in all, a very nicely done episode. I like how the story is coming together, all the different elements in the manga are there, just in a different order. I had high hopes for this season and so far I am not disappointed!

At this point I have absolutely NO clue where they are, or what's going on. The manga was less confusing for me.

Damn cockroaches, always ruining Hange's day.

Earlier I was really salty about Levi having to hold Mikasa back everytime it was mentioned that Eren was kidnapped, but later I noticed that instead of Mikasa being cool with it immediately like she was in her manga, in the anime they are slowing her development down to make it more realistic and believable(Levi had to physically restrain her the first time around, while the second time he just had to talk her down) so I still have faith it wit. I am still a little angry that the "That wasn't how I raised him." scene was cut though. It was an important Mikasa-Armin moment. But oh well! At least we got to see Jean in his glorious fedora!

Felt well-paced, I do like that they are tweeking things to make the anime feel more smooth.

Hanji looked like a snack throughout this episode shes so hot oh my god I’m so gay

Baby Erwin and Historia are wonderful, and I really like that they put two very different parent/child relationships on display here. Erwin's devotion to his father's theories, and the closeness to their relationship paralleled the neglegence Alma showed towards Historia - and in the end, the parents meet the same fate, offed by the Interior Squad."

Both Historia and Erwin's backstories needed stronger direction. Also, just a nitpick, but the soundtrack they used when Sannes told Hange "good luck" was an extremely weird choice. It was a very grim and ominous scene yet the music in the background didn't reflect that.

Pixis' lack of opposition was annoying. It seemed like he was just there so that Erwin had someone to talk about his backstory to. In the manga his red-line of no blood being spilled and his willingness to stay with the nobility if they had unknown but good reasons for their behaviour increased the stakes a lot.

I love the consistent tension buildup and the music choices that just compliment it. Sawano has been on a roll with the new tunes, and the way old ones have been used has been fantastic. Attack on D for Erwin's flashback is a choice I didn't consider, but I'll be damned if that wasn't a great call.

I just want to protect smol Historia and precious little Kidwin

Loving the development for Erwin. People need to realize that he isn't some cold hearted badass. He has feelings too ya know!

Thank you to everyone who participated! We’ll see you back on Monday!