XiCheng: The Last Lotus [AU- OMEGAVERSE]

3

"I love you too."

Lan Xichen let out a tired sigh, nearly collapsing in relief when they finally made it to Gusu. His A-Cheng was a boisterous young boy and had dragged them all around Caiyi Town- forcing them to buy him his favorite treats.

He was now happily munching away on candies, while Xichen was struggling to even stand.

Lan Xichen gave a soft snort. Oh, the irony- to be bested by an eight-year-old. Not that his A-Cheng wasn't a capable omega in his own right. But Xichen really shouldn't get this tired over a little shopping trip.

"A-Cheng, shall I show the way to your rooms?" he asked, reaching a hand out for Jiang Cheng. The younger immediately latched on, skipping forward to catch up with the older.

"No Huan-ge! I want to see the rabbits first!"

Xichen laughed, shaking his head with fondness. A soft light lit up his eyes, as he gazed at the young boy in front of him. "Uncle?" he murmured, shooting a questioning look at Lan Qiren.

His uncle nearly rolled his eyes, before catching himself at the last second. He waved a dismissive hand. "Alright then. Remember to hurry back before dinner."

"Yes, uncle!"

Lan Xichen beamed, tucking Jiang Cheng's hand in his. He raced forward, hair whipping in the wind as he laughed with carefree abandon. Hysterical giggles built up in his chest, as a feeling of warmth bloomed inside him.

"A-Cheng look! The rabbits!" he called, pointing a finger at the sight before him. "And Wangji is here too!"

Jiang Cheng slowed, his brows furrowing when he saw the young boy in front of him. Lan Zhan was the spitting image of his brother, and Jiang Cheng's eyes darted back and forth between the two. "Are you Lan Zhan?" he murmured, tilting his head in confusion.

A cold look immediately flashed across Lan Zhan's face. "Do not call me that," he muttered, frowning when he saw Lan Xichen's hand clutched close to the omega's chest. "And do not touch brother."

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes, lips turning down in a pout. He gripped Xichen's hand, purposely shuffling closer to the older boy. "Why can't I touch Huan-ge?"

Lan Zhan's eyes widened, the look of disgust clear on his face. "Do not call brother that!"

Jiang Cheng harrumphed, lifting his head haughtily."Hmph. Huan-ge loves me. He wouldn't tell me to stop," he declared, turning his attention back to Lan Xichen. Leaning closer, he gave Xichen his best pleading look. "Huan-ge, you like it when I call you that right?"

"Of course A-Cheng! Huan-ge loves his A-Cheng," Lan Xichen immediately reassured, trying to soothe Jiang Cheng's ruffled feathers. His beloved was quite the possessive little demon. He might not look like it, but he protected and loved fiercely those he called his own. It was one of the many, many things Xichen loved about him.

"Brother?" Wangji murmured, a betrayed look on his face. He glowered at Jiang Cheng. How dare that brat steal his brother from him! Brother was Wangji's brother! How dare this hussy seduce brother!

"Wangji," Xichen chuckled, stifling a laugh behind his sleeve. His little brother looked like he had just eaten something extremely unpleasant. His face was twisted, and there was a revolted look in his eyes. He glared at Jiang Cheng, fixing a hard stare at their tangled hands. A look of envy crossed his face, and he sulked in misery.

"Brother," he pouted, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Xichen felt his lips quirking up in a smile, as he moved forward to place a placating hand on Wangji's shoulder. "It's alright Wangji, I love you too."