~ For yinception: Return to Cloud Recesses

Continuation from here: Link!

Wangji is more withdrawn and quiet than he had been before. So much had happened between them that he needed some time to think and sort through his emotions- which he wasn't used to dealing with so much. It helps that there are some very practical tasks to keep him focused rather than deal with what Wei Ying had said- or hadn't. He had to scrub his robes of the mud that had gotten on them, they had to get back to the inn in the village, and then find a way to endure the night with Wuxian again. He isn't completely standoffish physically, putting up with it when they have to share a bed again and eventually getting a Ying blanket, but it's certainly not what it had been in the river when he was actively, eagerly kissing him back.

He's awake the next morning early and deals once again with the innkeeper, who rudely reminds him that he still owes the silver for the room and alcohol as though Wangji could forget. Fortunately, Wuxian isn't there to witness it this time and he makes no comment besides bowing his head in agreement.

When he returns to the room, he wakes Wuxian and they set off for Cloud Recesses shortly after that. He participates very little in whatever chatter his companion is saying, barely even listening. Normally, he'd at least be paying attention. Instead, he feels his stomach knotting as he dreads having to ask for money for the innkeeper.

Once they've crossed the gate, he stops and bows to Wuxian dismissively. "We part ways here. Speak to the kitchen staff. Tell them I've requested they provide you a meal at an unscheduled time." He is certain his uncle and brother will dole out a punishment and.. perhaps this was a small thanks for what Wuxian has done but he'd rather the other young man be spared. He'll endure it for the both of them.

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Wangji merely tolerating him is still progress, and in the moment, it's more than enough for Wuxian. He sleeps well and comfortably, confident in the knowledge that Wangji sorta-kinda-almost likes him now (or at least doesn't hate him!). They're ~lovers~ and everything!

Somehow it's only when normal life resumes that Wuxian inexplicably feels a loss. Progress is what he surely made, and yet... why has nothing changed? He still wants something more that he's not getting here, and he just doesn't know what it is. (Mostly because he's an idiot.)

Regardless of what he doesn't know, there is one thing he does: he will not let Wangji report what happened alone. For one thing: they did this together, and Wuxian wants credit too! (Whyyy is that what he's expecting? Well, mostly because he missed part two of the rude innkeeper, so he's mostly successfully ignored the certainty of trouble down the road.) For another: isn't he supposed to learn how to deal with Lan Qiren? Then clearly this is the perfect opportunity to make a good impression!

"A meal can wait! Besides, I need to get used to talking to your uncle, right?" For if he does ever... want to marry Wangji, or something. And clearly these are the perfect circumstances to practice in. (Noooooo!)

Lan Zhan frowns at his incredibly subtle gesture of mercy has gone unnoticed. (When will he learn he needs to be more obvious with Wuxian?) He's about to insist on it when the second part of what the other young cultivator has to say catches him completely off-guard.

"Why?" He asks after a moment of stunned silence. He doesn't want to let himself get his hopes up, but that is immediately what happens. Why aren't emotions as easy to control around Wei Ying as they normally are in every other aspect of his carefully repressed life? It is truly exasperating! Regardless, this is the first remark that might indicate his reaction at the stream wasn't a complete rejection. Is it at all possible, Wei Ying might want him enough to try?

A little distressed with this potential shift (as much as he wants it, it's also a bit scary someone might actually care about him that much), he glances toward the building he knows his uncle is and back at Wuxian. "You shouldn't come with me." He doesn't want to see Wei Ying get beat again or whatever punishment his family deems fit.

"Because! What if we really do stick together?" That.. probably doesn't sound as positive and proactive as he means it. But he's not counting on anything! Not because he doesn't want it, but because all of this is new to him, and he's pretty sure it's new to Wangji, too. They'll have to discover together how these things go! And Wuxian kind of likes that idea, really. "I'll have to learn how to deal with your uncle, right?"

... Maybe that is not the most respectful way to say it, but. Still accurate!

"C'mon, how bad can it be?" Okay, maybe he isn't only expecting praise. He for sure isn't expecting punishment, though... "Your uncle may be tough, but he's still no Madam Yu."

Edited Date: 2022-01-16 11:59 am (UTC)

Stick together? What did that even mean? He can see clearly Wei Ying means what he's saying in theory, but he's doubting if the other man understands what he's offering in this current situation. His doubts get relieved though when Wuxian remarks on how tough Madam Yu is. It is reassuring that they both get they are walking in for a punishment, but he does wish he could prevent it for Wei Ying. He wishes there was a way to express that (you know, since like speaking and saying the words wasn't the obvious choice).

"If you're certain," he slowly relents. His concern about what they're facing doesn't change but there is something rather noble about Wuxian insisting on standing with him. It's.. well, frankly, it's a little hot. No, correction, it's very hot.

Before he can think about what he's doing, he gestures for the other disciple to follow him. Instead of leading him directly to his uncle's rooms though, he guides Wei Ying through a small garden on the side of the building. It's secluded and tucked behind a wall.

As soon as they're through the gate, he glances around and turns to Wuxian. Without warning, Lan Zhan shoves him against the stone. He pins Wei Ying between the wall and his body, wraps his arms around him, and kisses him firmly.

What do you know? Some things have change.

Punishment or not, they did a good thing. (Many good things, in fact.) Wuxian really does feel they deserve credit, but at the same time, he knows that most authority figures don't see things his way. (Too bad for them, being so wrong all the time!) He also knows that Wangji is unlikely to argue with any complaints from Lan Qiren - and that is another reason why it is a good idea for Wuxian to go along. What people think of him, he doesn't really care. But what people think of Wangji? That's more important.

"I am, I am!" Very certain, actually. With that would-be permission, Wuxian's face lights up. Happy and carefree, he doesn't even realize that they're not strictly walking the right way at first, but that little garden is new to him, and he takes a closer look around, wondering where this is -

which is the perfect opportunity for Wangji to catch him completely off guard. Wuxian would never have expected Wangji to do that kind of thing, let alone here, and the shock of it turns his world upside down in the best possible way. It takes him a moment to recover, but then he kisses back, surprisingly meekly, because... well, he's a little overwhelmed! But, oh boy, this is surprisingly hot...

"Lan Zhan," he breathes, when he can breathe again, "I thought lewd acts were forbidden in the Cloud Recesses?" That's not a complaint, though. It's decidedly the opposite of a complaint, Wuxian smirking a bit as he suppresses the urge to kiss again... for now.

He's reluctant to draw back enough to even let the other man speak again. As soon as he feels Wuxian kissing him back, all the desire from earlier rushes back to him. There isn't time and this is certainly not the place for such a thing. He also isn't willing to do to Wei Ying what was so painful to himself, but.. if only he didn't care so much. He'd bury himself in this beautiful, infuriating man and never let him go.

As he relents and hears what the fool who has his heart says, he almost rolls his eyes. "Don't ruin this." He kisses Wuxian again, just as possessively as before but perhaps with a little more sweetness. Again it takes great effort to pull back. When he does this time, he even steps back. He knows if he doesn't they're never going to make it to his uncle's rooms. "Don't say anything stupid."

Please, Wei Ying, don't announce to his family that they're screwing or he might personally drown you in the cold springs.

This time, Wuxian isn't taken by surprise quite as much, and he kisses back properly, wrapping his arms around Wangji. This certainly opens up a door to many wonderful possibilities, doesn't it? If Wangji doesn't actually mind breaking a rule or two (or three), Wuxian could even share Wangji's room with him! Suddenly them both being guys feels like a huge benefit. They would have been separated upon their return, otherwise! What an amazing loophole!

Nevertheless, Wuxian doesn't object when Wangji stops kissing. It's fine! They can continue later. They do have something to do, first.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!"

He never says anything stupid! Never ever! ... Mostly never. How dare you impugn his honor, Sir?! Full of confidence (and a little bit of righteous indignation), Wuxian follows after Wangji.

... He may have spoken too soon. While he wasn't expecting Lan Qiren to be kind or grateful, neither was he expecting to be absolutely lectured. It's really not fair, let alone deserved! Still, he bites his lip, trying to behave. He really is trying to behave!

And it's going to be about three more seconds before that resolve crumbles.

The only positive about the lecture they receive from Lan Qiren is the announcement that someone else is being sent to return the silver to the innkeeper. Sadly, it's accompanied by a long commentary on the responsibility of a Jade of Gusu to bring light to the clan's reputation not to harm it.

Just about the time Lan Qiren seems close to finishing, he finds another point to belabor over the irresponsible actions of the two young disciples kneeling before him. He starts off complaining at great length over the fact this current incident happened so soon after their last punishment. This is followed by an extensive brow beating over the involvement of alcohol for a second time. He criticizes Wuxian's mother unruly personality again and includes a harsh remark on Wangji's mother being some kind of negative influence despite his best efforts. It's hard to understand without knowing the family history, but subtly, Wangji's hand curls into a fist and his nails dig into the palm of his hand.

At long last, the old man finally relents and focuses on doling out their punishment. "Since beating you both didn't seem to have much affect, perhaps some hard work will! The both of you will report to the cook tomorrow at five in the morning and work with the kitchen servants for three days. If I hear of even one more incident, you'll have to kneel for a beating again!"

He turns then to glower down at his nephew. "Wangji, you disappoint me. Your behavior should be a model for others, not be something so easily sunk to their level. Over the next three days I expect you to atone by fasting since you clearly need a reminder on the value of money, resources, and responsibility. Understood?"

"Yes, uncle," Wangji responds obediently.

"You're dismissed."

Wuxian gets so close to getting through that lecture without a hitch. He behaves, for the most part; he doesn't even ask about his mother, although he really wants to. (Lan Qiren wouldn't tell him anything, anyway.) While he's eager to jump to Wangji's defense, he's trying to behave as Wangji asked him to, instead. And just when he thinks he can't take it anymore, Wangji's mother gets brought up, and Wuxian can only stare at Wangji's reaction, wondering what it all means. It distracts him from his building anger, if nothing else. And it's not like working in the kitchen is the worst they could be made to do. (Wuxian will show these people what food is, yet!)

But just as the finish line is in sight, Wuxian really can't take it anymore. Not even for Wangji's sake can he tolerate Wangji being kicked while he's down like that. That Wangji simply accepts it only makes it worse!

"Excuse me, but do you really think it's reasonable to punish Lan Zhan more when he's done nothing wrong?" This isn't technically true, of course, but good luck to Lan Qiren trying to prove otherwise.

"Whatever else he did," Lan Qiren bristles, already looking like he's about to qi deviate even though this is literally the first time Wuxian has spoken up, "he should have kept a closer eye on you."

"You can't hold him responsible for someone else's actions. You can't keep a closer eye on me, either."

He's just saying! He really doesn't mean it all that rudely! He just wants to get Wangji out of being punished, or at least out of being punished disproportionately more.

"You..!" Lan Qiren starts, shaking with rage, but he doesn't even manage to finish that sentence.

"If you want someone to fast, I'll fast. I'll fast the whole week if you want. But Lan Zhan is punished enough already."

"Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan hisses, mortified when Wuxian starts in. However, as he listens to how he's being defended it's difficult to maintain that indignation. Wangji holds his silence again right up until Wei Ying is volunteering to take on the punishment meant for him.

"No, Wei Ying! I don't want that!" He didn't want the other man to have to starve. Losing the purse was Wangji's fault. It was the innkeeper's fault for making a big deal about it afterward and now it was Lan Qiren's for being unreasonable. The only person who had no guilt here at all shouldn't be the one burdened with the consequences. (Never mind that Wei Ying is the one who ran up the bill).

He lifts his arms and ducks his head in a bow to his uncle. "Forgive him for defending me, uncle. I'll do as you ask."

"Silence!" Lan Qiren snaps at them. "One more word and you'll both be sentenced to fifty candles immediately for being disrespectful!"

Lan Zhan sinks back into a proper kneel but braces for Wei Ying to be unable to keep his mouth shut. He knows it's not a punishment an outsider would be familiar with but 'fifty candles' was being made to hold a plank position on boards over a bed of fifty tea candles until they all burn out. If Wuxian does manage to keep his mouth shut, they can be dismissed and get some rest.

Wangji will do as Lan Qiren asks? Like hell! Wuxian is about to argue with that, but Lan Qiren beats him to it with yet another demand for SILENCE! and while that's not enough in itself to make Wuxian stop, the unfamiliar punishment has him wondering about what it might entail long enough that the heat of the argument has cooled down. He really isn't worried about any punishment, even though the Lan ones are pretty brutal, too. But he's distracted for long enough that he stops arguing with Lan Qiren for the moment, and that allows them a quick retreat.

"I can't believe he's so unreasonable," he complains once they're safely out of earshot. "And unthinking, too! Who punishes people to fast, and then has them work in the kitchen?" That's just asking for cheating! And well deserved, if you ask Wuxian.

Someone who knows the person being punished won't cheat and wants to really rub their nose in it.

This! This is exactly why he hadn't wanted Wei Ying there. He didn't want an even greater rift between his uncle and his suitor. He'd known any arguing over their punishment would result in even more being dumped on them. He'd also known any punishment would've made Wei Ying mouth off in some embarrassing way. Never mind the fact he'd never been defended quite like that before and it had made him lose an even greater portion of his heart to the frustrating boy.

Lan Zhan shoots a glare at Wei Ying as they walk. He doesn't know why the other man is even still with him! Once they were dismissed the Jiang disciple should be going back to his own family and rooms to rest, but instead- like always- he's following along wherever Lan Zhan goes (which in this case is his Quiet Room). He really wants to be annoyed by this fact but it isn't working. Fortunately he has plenty of other things he's annoyed with Wuxian about to pretend it is.

"I will not be disobedient!" He's offended at the very implication he would take advantage of being in the kitchen. The criticism he'd just received had cut deep whether he'd let any of it show or not. To be a disappointment to the only one who had been willing to parent him, when his own parents had not, was devastating to the young man.

Of course Wuxian goes with Wangji, because where else would he go? He's genuinely not even thinking about what he's doing, either: it's just too natural. Eventually he'll become conscious of it, at which point it may get embarrassing or only feel more natural, depending on the circumstances... but for now, he just does. Acting first and thinking later usually works out pretty well, if you have a good brain and decent instincts!

Which some people definitely do not, gosh...

"Lan Zhan, you did nothing to deserve such a punishment! If anyone should be punished, it should be me."

Not that he thinks he did a lot wrong, really, but... well, he did do things that tended to be punished! That's just the way of the world. The sun goes up, the sun goes down; Wuxian does what he wants, and sometimes he goes too far and/or gets caught, at which point he gets punished. He can't say he enjoys it, but he can usually shrug it off soon enough.

In the Quiet Room, Wuxian plops himself down on the nearest surface suitable for it, fingers reaching out to play with whatever nearest item he finds - a calligraphy brush, maybe. It's not with any purpose; he just thinks better when his hands are busy, and so he twirls it between his fingers.

"Your uncle made his point; that's the important thing for him. You don't have to starve yourself."

He remains quiet as he listens to Wei Ying's opinion. He's torn about what he should do or how to feel about the whole mess. If he didn't do anything worthy of punishment then why does he feel so bad? It didn't matter if he is uncomfortable for a few days if it means regaining his clan's approval. At least, that was the logic he'd used in the past, but he's being faced with something very unexpected. He wants Wei Ying's approval too. When had that started?

He goes to the small tea set he has on a table in the center of the room and starts fixing it for two. Fasting was for food. Tea was not something the Lan clan of Gusu would deny anyone. As the hot water heats, he sits down on a cushion and faces his companion. "It is wrong to disobey elders." Was his hands not tied about this? It might not seem like it, but he's genuinely asking. What choice did he have here?

"Sure," even Wuxian agrees with that, although in theory, and with limits: "but what if elders are wrong? If elders told you to kill some innocent girl, would you do it?"

He's not expecting an answer; getting an answer is not the point. All he wants is for Wangji to think outside of his sect rules for a bit. He's shown by now that he's capable of it, and yet the moment Wuxian thinks that Wangji has seen the light, he goes and does something like this again!

Not that he'd ever not support Wangji regardless. But sometimes it feels like the guy is so trapped by rules, it hurts just to watch it!

"Rules are nice in theory, but for every single rule, there are a whole bunch of exceptions. That's why, in the end, you have to make your decisions for yourself."

And suffer the consequences, he might normally add, when it comes to himself - but that's exactly what he's trying to avoid here, for Wangji. (Look, Wuxian can be a bit of a hypocrite, too.)

Lan Zhan is ready to say it isn't his place to question the rightness of his elder's choices, but then Wei Wuxian has to use an example like that. His frown deepens. It's obvious what the answer of that question should be but it brings up a lot of other uncomfortable questions. Where's the line between being a nephew of filial piety worthy of his lineage and righteously standing against actions he questions?

It's frustrating since the actions in question are something he would normally not think twice about. As far as his uncle's strict disciplinary measures, being told to fast for a few days seemed fairly mild. It was also something he could do quietly and no one else would even have to know he was being punished. This time, though, someone else did know and they clearly had a big issue with this. Lan Zhan recognizes the hypocrisy too that he was willing to do the fasting but it upset him when Wei Ying offered to do it too.

Rules weren't supposed to have exceptions. They were supposed to be reliable, unmovable facts that one could always count on. They were what he had been taught he could use as guides in his life to know what was good and what was evil, what was right and what was wrong. If it was left up to just his judgement, what would happen if he was wrong? What if his actions ended up hurting others instead of helping them?

He reaches over to the small kettle and poured two cups. He offers the first to Wei Ying. "Are you going to stay here?" He asks quietly.

If Wangji insist on fasting, it's fine: Wuxian will just do the same, complaining the whole way, and if that gives Wangji some insight, so much the better. If not, well, it's not like Wuxian has better ways to get his message across! He'll have to make do.

Wuxian wasn't expecting an answer to his (highly rhetorical) question, but neither was he expecting Wangji to catch him off guard with a totally unrelated question like that.

"Oh... yeah." He accepts the tea like nothing about this is weird at all. "For a little bit, anyway..."

He really has no time frame in mind. He just wants to make this not!weird?? So clearly being vague and adjusting to Wangji's reaction is the way to go.

What does being lovers mean, especially in their context? Wuxian doesn't know, but he's oddly nervous about it.

He needs time to think. He doesn't make decisions the way Wei Ying does, acting and letting the chips fall where they may. He cautiously considers each decision and what the consequences likely will be. It might mean changes he makes are frustratingly slow, but it doesn't mean he won't progress or adjust. Of course, this painstakingly careful process has led to a few misunderstandings between the two young men already.

Regardless of their conversation though, Lan Zhan was home now and there were things he'd like to do to unwind from his trip. He studies Wuxian's face for a moment, uncertain. He doesn't know how they're supposed to behave around each other either. Even if their relationship had simply changed from whatever it had been to friends, he'd still not know.

"Would you like me to request a hot bath?" He offers. If it were just him, he'd likely go down to the cold springs with fresh robes to change into but he knew Wuxian would probably enjoy the hot water more. (And frankly, after how cold he'd been off and on this trip, a hot bath sounds lovely to him as well).

Really, Wuxian would be glad to just stay here indefinitely. Unless Wangji will send him away (or seem to), Wuxian is going to stick around. Besides, he'll need all the help he can get to get up early in the morning for kitchen duty!

"Oh! I'd like that!" A hot bath really does sound like a lovely plan! ... and then Wuxian starts to think of all the things they did in and around the water, and he becomes oddly bashful... but also excited. Wangji did kiss him already, even though Wuxian is pretty sure it's against the rules. (Then again, maybe less so with designated partners?) What, then, is one more case of rule breaking to add to their sins?

He is pleased he thought of something Wuxian would enjoy so much. Though as he takes another small sip of his tea, he notices the emotions playing out on his friend's expressive face. His head tilts to one side as he watches and tries in vain to figure out what Wuxian is thinking.

When the expression settles on bashful, he feels a sudden rush of the emotion himself. Maybe it's something in the air or the tea, but he starts thinking about Wuxian over him and laying back against the sandy bank. He remember the feeling of the pretty man's lips against his skin and the pressure deep within him as Wuxian moved.

He looks away and sets down his tea cup. As he gets to his feet, he says, "I'll go request the tub and water."

"Oh... yeah."

Of course Wangji has to leave for that, if only briefly. Of course he does. So why is Wuxian still a little disappointed? He likes company, but it's not like he can't stand being alone.

Still, when Wangji leaves, there is a definite emptiness that Wuxian feels - one he doesn't quite understand, even with everything he (thinks he) knows about the two of them now. Still playing with that ink brush, he sets his tea aside and starts doodling. It's a waste of resources at best, but he likes it, just letting his thoughts channel into his hand and into the ink, to let them suddenly take shape again on the paper.

He's not really thinking about what he's painting, but there is only one thing on his mind, and so that is what comes out: Wangji, seemingly naked, standing waist-deep in water. It's a rather tasteful work of art, if he does say do himself, but there is also a definite erotic appeal to it.

Busy painting, he absolutely won't notice when Wangji comes back.

It was an excuse as much as anything to put some distance between himself and the man who keeps making his blood sizzle. He should be able to control himself better than this. Regardless of his best effort, there was a lure ever since Wuxian had held him that first night to return to those arms. No, that wasn't entirely truly. He's longed for it ever since he met the Jiang disciple and they fought on the roof.

As he walks down the familiar path from the Jingshi, he marvels at how everything feels different. He was raised to be to beacon of discipline and virtue and he was having an affair. He'd let someone know him on the most intimate and primal level and he desperately wanted to again.

Shaking his head, he finds a servant and gives them his request- the large bath tub, hot water with scented oil, and petals. It was what the gentry who visit often receive, but not usually a request from him. They ask about food and he's torn. After a moment, he agrees to some fruit.. for Wuxian, not that he says that to them.

Eventually, he finds the courage to return to his Jingshi. Walking up with his usual silent steps, he discovers Wei Ying has taken to painting while he was gone. He moves closer as quietly as he could to see and lets out a small gasp.

Th- that was him! It wasn't like before in the library either with the picture where Wei Ying gave him a silly flower in his hair. No, this time he's bare and standing in the stream. His cheeks color and he knows he should be angry at being displayed in such a way, but he can't take his eyes off of it. He's never viewed himself as this picture portrays him, alluring and sexual. Was this truly how Wuxian saw him? Was he seeing himself through his lover's eyes?

"Wei Ying.." he breathes more than says, though he has no idea what to say beyond that.

The funniest thing is that, right now, Wuxian doesn't have the faintest idea that Wangji has liked him for all that time. He's pretty sure this all started with himself and his tireless efforts to make a friend of Wangji belatedly proving far too powerful! He does like Wangji back, of course, but just how much hadn't really hit him until they'd messed around a bit. Not that he didn't like Wangji before that, too! But how deep it went was something that had never occurred to him.

Just like the fact that Wangji is bound to return to what is, after all, his room, apparently.

"AaaaaAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

Wuxian just about leaps up in shock, brush leaving a long streak on the paper - though thankfully in the part of the painting where he's indicated the water's surface, so it doesn't ruin the picture too much.

"L-Lan Zhan... you're back."

Well. Yes. That much is obvious... Wuxian doesn't even know what he's so nervous about! His eyes drift from the real Wangji in front of him to the Wangji on the paper. It's not like he meant anything bad by it? So he doesn't really feel bad, but somehow he's a little nervous about Wangji's reaction all the same.

"I was just... remembering. The things we did." He means the nighthunt and being in the water! He genuinely isn't thinking anything bad! ... Well, not only that, anyway.

Lan Zhan's heart leaps in his throat as he watches in horror as the brush haphazardly run along the beautiful picture. Despite how much he acted like he was above such things, the other picture had been neatly tucked away in his favorite book where it would be hidden and safe like the sweetest secret.

A hand rises to his mouth and covers it as he steps forward to see the damage done. For the moment, he ignores Wuxian in favor of assessing if there was a way to get rid of that extra line. He breathes a bit easier when he finally decides it didn't harm anything.

He looks back at Wei Ying just in time to hear him say what he'd been thinking when he drew the picture. It only makes his blush darken. Clearly the other young cultivator was thinking about those things if this drawing was any indication (though Lan Zhan may be slightly off about which part he's focused on).

"Perhaps I should've requested cold water."

Wangji studying the painting with such attention makes Wuxian feel weird in a way he doesn't quite understand, his heart beating a little faster. What is he even expecting Wangji to do or think? He doesn't know, himself, but he feels unusually exposed, even though he doesn't know why, himself.

"That would be uncomfortable!" Wuxian says, because it's the first thing that comes into his mind, and saying something is always better than saying nothing: it's something to do, to break through the awkwardness. "Besides, it's not like we have to reenact things perfectly."

... If he seems to be suggesting they need to have sex again, and in the exact same way and setting as before, he is genuinely unaware.