[[[忘羡 | WangXian 1]] : The Second Kiss That Came Too Soon

[24.] Take me back to the Cloud Recesses. (I)

***

The Cloud Recesses had not changed at all. 

Wei Ying had the strong sensation of déjà vu.  

As they were approaching the gates, he half-expected Lan Zhan to be there, telling him he cannot pass without the proper paperwork. Of course, this time is was all too easy to pass the gates as the Clan leader was riding along with him. He looked disappointed. But then he thought that meeting Lan Zhan too soon was probably also not a very good idea as he could not guess how the idiot was going to react to seeing him here. As far as he knew, Lan Zhan did not know about Lan Xichen's arrangements.

He was nervous. More nervous than he thought he'd be. Was Lan Zhan really so sick? If his brother had travelled all the way to the Lotus Pier –  then it surely was serious? His heart was aching; it was so hard to breathe, now that they had arrived.

Was this love?

***

The servants came to take away the horses and greeted both young men politely. Everyone was clad in white and blue, just like Wei Wuxian remembered it. He was the only one sticking out, like a crow amongst doves, with his black-and-red attire.

He was just about to grab his bag and pat the horse goodbye, when he heard that one voice he could recognize in a crowd.

- Brother, I didn't know you were away, I needed your assistance with---    

Lan Zhan could not go on, his mouth went dry  -  he knew that slim figure dressed in black-and-crimson intimately well.

- Ah,  Wangji!  –  Lan Xichen said merrily – I am so sorry, I was away on an assignment. Won't you greet Young Master Wei here?

Lan Zhan approached as in a dream, as Wei Wuxian turned around, smiling at him. 

Yes, yes, this was a waking dream. He could not  possibly be here, right?

- Greetings, Young Master Wei. Welcome to Cloud Recesses.  –  Lan Wangji bowed stiffly, and very politely.