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Lan Wangji looked up to the moon and the stars as he continued his night round. It was as quiet and peaceful as usual, a complete opposite from his bustling mind. Lan Wangji had never been a fan of celebrating his birthday, he saw no need for it. For most of his life that was a wish that everyone in the Gusu Lan sect had respected, until Wei Wuxian came along. The younger boy made sure to make a spectacle of Lan Wangji’s birthday every year, even if it got him in trouble. It was something that Lan Wangji had unwillingly grown fond of over the years.
This year had been different. Two weeks ago, Lu Yichen had been tasked by the head healer of the Gusu Lan sect to obtain some medicinal herbs only found in Meishan; she had still not returned. Wei Wuxian offered to go with Lu Yichen, feeling that it could be dangerous for his mother to embark on such a long trip by herself. Lan Wangji was more than understanding, he would’ve accompanied his fiancé and future mother-in-law but was sadly unable to. Lately the Gusu Lan sect had received many requests from small sects nearby for help during night hunts. Many dangerous creatures had appeared suddenly, something that hadn’t been seen in years. Although he hid it well, Lan Wangji knew his brother well enough to see past the perfect smile of a sect leader that his brother always wore. He knew his brother was struggling with all the requests. Lan Wangji could not leave him alone in such a moment.
Now Lan Wangji basked in the quiet of the Cloud Recesses after successfully completing the night hunts, but at the same time he hated it. He missed Wei Wuxian, this was the longest the two had been apart ever since they met when they were younger. Lan Wangji didn’t realize how much he’d miss the sound of his lovers laugh until it was gone completely. He missed the life Wei Wuxian brought to the Gusu Lan sect. For years he had wished for an uneventful birthday and now that his wish had been granted, he detested it with his whole being.
Lan Wangji was forced back into his reality when he heard a sound behind him. No one was supposed to be out this late at night. He unsheathed his sword and turned around, immediately pointing it at the intruder. His eyes widened once he saw who it was.
“Ah Lan Zhan, is this any way to greet your fiancé after not seeing him for so long?” Wei Wuxian said with clear mirth in his voice.
Lan Wangji lowered his sword in incredulity, “Wei Ying?”
“The one and only!” Wei Wuxian answered walking closer to Lan Wangji.
“You weren’t supposed to be back for days.” Lan Wangji continued; the disbelief clear in his voice.
“A-Niang and I managed to finish earlier than expected.” He answered, standing right before Lan Wangji now. “Lil’ Apple was also a big help. She can be extremely fast when properly persuaded. And now I can be here just in time to say happy birthday Lan Zhan!” He finished with the biggest smile on his face. Lan Wangji missed it so much.
He dropped his sword to the floor, uncaring that it was extremely unseemly of a Second Young Master and wasted no time in grabbing Wei Wuxian by the waist to pull him in for a scalding kiss. Wei Wuxian smiled into the kiss, quickly bringing his arms around Lan Wangji’s neck as they continued kissing.
Lan Wangji nipped Wei Wuxian’s bottom lip as he finally pulled away, both of them panting as they regained their breaths.
“Lan Zhaaaan, I missed you so much. I missed your mouth, and your arms, and your face and everything about you.” Wei Wuxian whined as he placed his forehead on Lan Wangji’s shoulder.
Lan Wangji smiled and nodded, “I missed you as well.”
“Next time you come with me, okay?” Wei Wuxian asked seriously as he looked up at Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji released a small puff of air in laughter, “You don’t have to ask.” He responded, pulling away from his fiancé.
“Good!” Wei Wuxian replied happily. He leaned down and picked Lan Wangji’s sword handing it over to his fiancé with a smirk on his face. Had it been anyone else, they would have been embarrassed by the implications, but Lan Wangji had never been one to be embarrassed over his feelings for Wei Wuxian.
“Okay let’s go!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed as soon as Lan Wangji sheathed his sword. He wasted no time in grabbing Lan Wangji’s wrist to lead him away from his post.
Lan Wangji frowned, confused, as he stopped Wei Wuxian. “Wei Yin-“ He began before Wei Wuxian interrupted him.
“Ah Lan Zhan I know I know,” He said rolling his eyes. “You have night rounds. And on your birthday too!” Wei Wuxian frowned and smacked Lan Wangji lightly on the arm as he said so. Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile at his fiancé. “I should’ve expected this! The one birthday where I’m not with you and you go ahead and give yourself work!” Wei Wuxian said pointing his finger at Lan Wangji accusingly.
Lan Wangji laughed as he grabbed Wei Wuxian’s menacing finger and instead brought his palm to his lips to place a kiss on it. “It wasn’t the same without you.”
Wei Wuxian’s face softened at his fiancé’s words, “I know.” He replied, placing a loving kiss on Lan Wangji’s lips. “Which is why I’m back! And why we’re going back to the Jingshi right now to celebrate what’s left of your birthday!” Wei Wuxian said with the brightest smile as he began tugging Lan Wangji in the direction of their home.
Wei Wuxian looked back and laughed at the look of hesitation on his fiancé’s face. “Lan Zhan don’t worry. I handled everything.”
The look on Lan Wangji’s face morphed to one of intrigue as he heard the other man’s words.
Wei Wuxian giggled at the look, “It’s a long story Lan Zhan.”
“We have time.” Lan Wangji replied, smirking.
Wei Wuxian shook his head, “Alright, alright. I’ll tell you.” Wei Wuxian walked over to the nearest tree and sat against it on the ground. He looked up as his fiancé came into his line of sight. He grinned at the older boy. “So basically a-Niang and I managed to return early but before coming to find you I helped her deliver everything to the Healer’s Pavilion. Then a-Niang kicked me out before I could help her put everything away.” He finished with a frown.
Lan Wangji smiled to himself at the mental image of Lu Yichen physically kicking her son out of a building. He’d seen it many times before and he would always find it quite amusing.
“She didn’t want me to waste any more time to go find you. Oh! That reminds me!” Wei Wuxian said, interrupting himself. “A-Niang wishes you a happy birthday. And she wanted me to remind you that she’s grateful that on a day like today, such a kind boy was born that was willing to put up with her son for the rest of his life.” Wei Wuxian said through giggles.
Lan Wangji wasted no time in replying, “I’m the one who’s grateful to Madam Lu. Once again, because of her I have received the greatest gift.”
Wei Wuxian’s giggles died out, instead being replaced by what he knew was a deep blush on his face and a sense of mortification. He covered his face with his hands and groaned into them. He was the one that was supposed to be embarrassed, why did it turn out like this? This is all a-Niang’s fault!, Wei Wuxian thought to himself. He missed the days when he was the one who could successfully tease Lan Wangji. Now it was always the other way around.
“Laaan Zhaan,” Wei Wuxian whined. “We’ve talked about this.” Wei Wuxian uncovered his face from his hands and looked up at Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji kneeled before Wei Wuxian and grinned, “My apologies.”
Wei Wuxian pouted at his fiancé. “You don’t mean it!”
Lan Wangji smiled and leaned in, giving Wei Wuxian a quick kiss to appease him . “Finish your story Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji said against his fiancé’s lips.
“Right.” Wei Wuxian answered quickly forging his fiancé. He grabbed Lan Wangji’s hand and intertwined their fingers. “Well, after a-Niang kicked me out I went straight to the Jingshi to surprise you but you weren’t there,” Wei Wuxian said, frowning. “I figured you were doing night rounds.”
Lan Wangji nodded, “You were correct.”
“Yep. I wanted to go find you and drag you back to the Jingshi but I know you well. I knew you’d never just abandon your post!” Wei Wuxian said animatedly.
“I wouldn’t.”
“Exactly! So before coming to find you I went straight to my dorm room and convinced Liu Gang to cover for you! He’ll come in around half an hour.” Wei Wuxian finished with a grin.
Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow in suspicion, “He agreed?”
Wei Wuxian chuckled at that. “Not at first. But I found a way to convince him.”
“How?” Lan Wangji asked, concerned.
“I told him I’d fill in for him and train the younger disciples for the next month.” Wei Wuxian answered.
Lan Wangji frowned at his fiancé, “You bribed him.”
Wei Wuxian wasted no time in leaning closer to Lan Wangji, his lips hovering right over the other mans. “Maybe,” He said in a flirty whisper, looking down at Lan Wangji’s lips and biting his own as an invitation. Lan Wangji took the hint and closed the distance between the two, he could never resist his Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji pulled away from the other man’s lips to catch his breath and quickly began peppering open mouthed kisses down his throat until he reached the crook of his neck. Wei Wuxian tilted his head to the side, allowing easier access as Lan Wangji began sucking a bruise on his neck. “I’m sure Hanguang-Jun will punish me as he sees fit,” Wei Wuxian finished through a whine.
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji warned as he pulled away from his fiancés neck and stared at the other man.
“Lan Zhan let’s go to the Jingshi. Let’s celebrate your birthday in private.” Wei Wuxian said flirtatiously as he leaned closer to his fiancés ear. “Don’t you wanna unwrap your gift?” Wei Wuxian finished, attempting to sound as innocent as possible but Lan Wangji knew better. He took in a deep breath as he felt Wei Wuxian’s hand begin to move up his leg.
It took everything in Lan Wangji to grab Wei Wuxian’s wrist and stop it from moving any further. “Not until Liu Gang arrives.” Lan Wangji knew he shouldn’t go, it was against the rules, but it was impossible to resist Wei Wuxian on a normal basis. He was finding that it was even harder when they hadn’t seen each other for weeks. He’d make sure to copy all the rules while doing handstands five times the next day.
Wei Wuxian pouted but nodded in acceptance, knowing that this was the best decision they could’ve reached right now. As much as Lan Wangji wanted to pick up Wei Wuxian and carry him all the way to the Jingshi, he couldn’t just leave his post unwatched, even if it would only be for a little while.
Wei Wuxian pulled Lan Wangji’s hand so that the other boy sat beside him instead of in front of him. Lan Wangji came easily, and Wei Wuxian wasted no time in laying his head on top of Lan Wangji’s shoulder. The two of them waited peacefully for Liu Gang’s arrival, catching up with one another as Wei Wuxian told him about his trip and Lan Wangji told him about all the recent night hunts he’d been on. Soon the two stopped as they heard footsteps approaching.
“Finally!” Wei Wuxian groaned out as he saw Liu Gang’s approaching figure.
The younger boy stopped in his tracks, surprised by the voice. “What are you two still doing here?”
Lan Wangji gracefully stood up and offered a hand to Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian smiled brightly as he graciously took the hand to stand and then intertwined their fingers.
“Lan Zhan didn’t want to leave until you came. But who knew you’d decide to take forever?” Wei Wuxian accused as he stared at his friend and roommate.
Liu Gang rolled his eyes at the older boy, “Not everyone is an expert at sneaking out of the disciple’s dormitories like you.”
“It’s not my fault you snore so loudly it’s impossible to get any sleep in our dorm room.” Wei Wuxian said teasingly.
Liu Gang laughed at that, “Oh right. Poor Wei Wuxian. Can’t sleep in the tiny disciple’s dorm so he’s forced to sleep in his fiancé’s enormous Jingshi.”
Wei Wuxian laughed as he and Lan Wangji finally began walking. “It works out for all of us. Lan Zhan isn’t alone, and you get the tiny dorm all to yourself.”
“Which is why you’ll never hear me complaining.” Liu Gang answered without missing a beat. “Wangji-xiong thank you once again for proposing to my roommate. It’s made life so much easier.”
Wei Wuxian frowned at his friend but before he could reply he heard the enchanting sound of Lan Wangji’s laughter beside him. He’d never tire of hearing it.
“The pleasure is mine.” Lan Wangji replied, looking at Wei Wuxian with so much love in his eyes. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but smile even wider at the words. He couldn’t wait to be alone with him.
“Anyways we’re leaving now thanks again for covering for Lan Zhan! Bye!” He said immediately, not wasting any more time than they already had.
Liu Gang laughed but waved them off. “Yeah yeah, it’s not a problem. Now go already!”
Lan Wangji nodded at Liu Gang and wasted no time in leading the way back to the Jingshi. Wei Wuxian laughed at his rush, but he made sure to go just as fast.
As soon as the two made it inside the Jingshi and closed the door, Lan Wangji wasted no time in pinning Wei Wuxian against the wall. His lips returned to its previous spot on Wei Wuxian’s neck while his hands began undoing Wei Wuxian’s outer robe. The younger boys robe soon fell to the floor, and Wei Wuxian helped as he loosened his inner shirt, giving Lan Wangji more access to his skin. Lan Wangji began sucking more bruises on his skin, replacing the ones that he’d left almost two weeks ago and had already vanished.
Wei Wuxian’s hand traveled up to Lan Wangji’s head, fingers swiftly caressing his fiancé’s long hair. “Wait Lan Zhan,” he began as he gently pulled Lan Wangji away from his shoulder. “Let me give you your gift first.”
“No need. You are enough for a gift,” Lan Wangji quickly replied as he resumed kissing Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian laughed at his fiancé’s words as he pulled away from his lips. “As much as my heart skips a beat whenever I hear you say that, how could you say that there’s no need for a gift? Of course there is!” Wei Wuxian said as he placed a sweet kiss on Lan Wangji’s lips. “And I really can’t wait anymore to give it to you.”
Lan Wangji couldn’t help but grin at the clear excitement in Wei Wuxian’s voice. He nodded, conceding to Wei Wuxian’s request.
Wei Wuxian grinned, “Okay! Perfect!” He added as he gave Lan Wangji a sweet peck. “Let me go get it!”
Lan Wangji smiled as he saw Wei Wuxian’s figure retreat into the other room. He leaned down to pick up Wei Wuxian’s discarded robe and headed into their room. He placed Wei Wuxian’s robe over the room divider, quickly removing his own to place it there as well. He moved on to swiftly removing his head piece, putting it away where it belonged. Once done, he made his way to the bed to wait for We Wuxian who was surprisingly not back yet.
When Wei Wuxian finally walked back into the room, it was clear that he was attempting to hide something behind his back. Lan Wangji couldn’t help but feel curious over what his lover was being so secretive about.
Wei Wuxian hopped on the bed, kneeling while facing Lan Wangji. “Happy birthday Lan Zhan!” He exclaimed as he revealed a scroll.
Lan Wangji took it in his hands and looked up at Wei Wuxian, curious. The younger boy giggled and gestured towards the gift. Lan Wangji wasted no time, he immediately opened the scroll. He felt his breath leave his lungs as he saw what the scroll held.
“The first time I saw you smile was when your brother talked about your mother,” Wei Wuxian said, breaking the silence that had suddenly filled the room. His serious tone forced Lan Wangji to focus on his words instead of the scroll before him. “It was a couple of months after a-Niang had brought me to the Cloud Recesses. I wanted to be your friend but some of the other kids said that the second young master was scary. But how could that be true when you saved me from that big evil dog?”
Lan Wangji smiled at those words; his eyes still taking in the gift before him. “I believe it was still a puppy.”
“An evil puppy!” Wei Wuxian replied, Lan Wangji laughed.
“I knew you weren’t scary, but you were always so serious,” Wei Wuxian continued instead through giggles. “Such a strict seven-year-old. No wonder the other kids thought were scared! I wanted to prove to them that you weren’t scary at all! And so, I wanted them to see you smile, because no one’s scary when they smile, right? Well except maybe your uncle…”
Lan Wangji laughed at the addition, he finally turned to look at Wei Wuxian. The other boy was smiling as brightly as ever.
“Anyways, I made it my mission to make you smile! But it was harder than I thought! You didn’t laugh at any of my jokes or smile at my compliments!” Wei Wuxian shook his head as he remembered the hard work he went through as a seven-year-old. “And then one day you smiled! We were at the library; you were reading something while Xichen-ge taught me some characters I didn’t know. I remember I was so tired; I thought it was so boring!” Wei Wuxian frowned at the memory. “I begged Xichen-ge for a funny story while we took a break and he decided to tell me a story of the two of you with your mother. Do you remember it?”
Lan Wangji nodded, “I do.” Lan Wangji looked back at the scroll, the image of him and his brother when they were kids, sat before their mother occupied his mind. The story Wei Wuxian spoke off was one that was quite funny indeed, it was a situation you never would have expected the Twin Jades of Gusu Lan to be in. Their mother had mentioned that Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji weren’t growing fast enough during their visit. The two were confused, no one had ever mentioned that they weren’t tall enough for their age, but if their mother said so then it must’ve been true. Lan Xichen asked their mother what they could do, and she replied in what they later realized was a joking tone that if you were one with nature you would grow as tall as a tree. The two boys interpreted that to mean that they should be planted like trees. Lan Qiren wasn’t very happy when he found the two boys about to dig up a hole big enough for two in the vegetable garden.
Wei Wuxian smiled, “I really loved that story. Your mom was incredible, and I wanted to be just like her.”
Lan Wangji laughed at the thought. He was sure Wei Wuxian would one day prank a child in the same way.
“Yeah, she was funny, not like the other seniors here, but I wanted to be like her because just the mention of her would make you smile.” Wei Wuxian smiled sadly at his words, he looked down at his lap and began playing with his robes. “I thought that you should always be that happy. And in that moment, I realized that maybe the reason why you were always so serious was because your mom wasn’t around to make you smile anymore.”
Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, eyes wide in surprise. He couldn’t help but feel amazed at the fact that Wei Wuxian had already understood him so well even when they had only known each other for a couple of months.
“I decided in that moment that I wanted to make you happy enough to smile like that. Just like your mother! No matter what it took!” Wei Wuxian finished, looking right into Lan Wangji’s eyes.
Lan Wangji was overwhelmed by the honesty in his fiancé’s words. Even at such a young age, the man in front of him was so good and selfless, he loved him more and more every day. He cupped Wei Wuxian’s cheek, bringing him closer for a kiss that showed just how much he was loved. He slowly parted from Wei Wuxian and smiled, “You’ve always made me happy. I’m the happiest with you by my side.”
Wei Wuxian beamed at those words, his hand grabbed the one that was still cupping his face, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “And you make me happy too! So so happy! So happy that I never want you to forget the happiness your mother brings you as well.”
Lan Wangji’s eyes watered at Wei Wuxian’s words, he smiled and looked down at the portrait of his mother. The face that he could only see in foggy memories was now right here before him. She looked just as he remembered. Her smiling presence kneeling before the low table the three of them always sat around, a gentian flower tucked behind her ear. She looked as beautiful as always.
“But how?” Lan Wangji asked. He still couldn’t believe that he was holding onto a portrait of his mother. He never thought he’d see her this clearly ever again.
“Your brother helped me. He’s a very detail-oriented person, I made many sketches based off of his descriptions of your mother and then I would take them to him to see if they were accurate. He’d give me any corrections and then I’d go fix it.” Wei Wuxian explained easily.
Lan Wangji’s eyes widened, “You did all that?”
Wei Wuxian nodded, “Of course I did! I wanted you to have a portrait of your mother. One that looked just like her so that you could always have her nearby and smile.”
Lan Wangji took the portrait into his hands and carefully placed it on the low table next to the bed. He turned back to Wei Wuxian, the younger boy smiling softly at him. He tugged Wei Wuxian closer to him and hugged him, burying his face in the crook of his neck. “I love it and I love you. Thank you.”
Wei Wuxian smiled as he tightened his arms around Lan Wangji, “You don’t ever have to thank me, my love”. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Happy birthday Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji placed a kiss on Wei Wuxian’s neck before tilting the other man’s face down for a kiss. He made sure Wei Wuxian could feel all his gratitude and love.
Wei Wuxian pulled away from Lan Wangji to catch his breath, eyes glossy from the kiss. “Do you want to unwrap your other gift now?” He asked.
Lan Wangji smirked at Wei Wuxian’s salacious tone. He quickly pushed Wei Wuxian to lay properly on the bed and pinned his arms over his head. His left arm reached to untie his own forehead ribbon while the other held Wei Wuxian’s wrists together. Wei Wuxian giggled at the smile on his fiancé’s face. He would always consider himself the luckiest man alive for being the one Lan Wangji chose to show
it to.