[[忘羡 | WangXian 3]] : Our Flesh And Bones

[18.] Consequences.

Bai Li knocked on the door the next morning, carrying fresh water and fresh change of clothes, but as there came no reply, she entered quietly, thinking that the girl was probably still sleeping. She found Miao Lu naked, lying in bed, shivering all over.

- What... Are you ok?

The girl didn't speak, but only shook her head, her eyes wide open and unblinking.

- Gods! It was that bad, huh? – Bai Li frowned.

She helped her get up, and get cleaned as Miao Lu was in shock still after last night.

- The Masters are waiting for you for breakfast, dear. They really seemed keen to talk to you today. – she looked at her, curious, as she could not say a word and just shuddered and shook her head. – You have to go, dear, no one says "no" to Hanguang-Jun and Wei Qianbei. Not on my watch. Now, be a darling and put these nice clothes on. I am sure you are hungry.

Miao Lu was just shaking her head and crying silent tears.

- Ah, it must be nerves! - Bai Li smiled at her, and took her face in her hands, brushing the tears away. – Do you want to tell me what happened? No? Well. I need you to get a grip, dear. We all have out duties to perform, even when it is not pleasant. Trust me. – she said firmly and took her by the hand, dragging her out of the room and to the dining-room. 

As they stood at the door, before entering, the housekeeper took a last glance at her, mumbling:

- I can't go in there with you, girl. Be brave and show your Masters the love and respect they deserve.

She opened the door and literally pushed her in. Miao Lu stumbled, but quickly bowed low and dared not move until spoken to, trembling all over. She saw that Wei Wuxian was once again sitting comfortably in Lan Wangji's embrace, leaning his back into his chest and resting his head against his shoulder. Today he looked tired and pale, and his typical cheerfulness was gone. Lan Zhan would not take his eyes off him.

She waited by the door but they did not seem to notice her, they were only staring at each other.

Time had stopped for Lan Wangji. 

He was looking at that beloved face that was so wanton today. The violet eyes had lost their sparkle and Wei Ying's eyelids were drooping, as if he hadn't slept for a couple of days. His lips still bore marks from his bites the night before and were smiling at him faintly. He knew his lover was hurting today and was trying for his body to take such a position that would be most comfortable and cozy for him; he had ordered that the room be strewn with any and all cushions they possessed in the house. He watched him with love in his eyes, and subconsciously his lips parted as his heart longed for him, even though he was resting in his arms that very moment.

Time had stopped for Wei Wuxian. 

He felt as safe and warm as was ever possible, here, in the arms of his beloved. His uplifted eyes were roaming the dear features of that perfect face, tracing every line, and every curve. He knew them all by heart, but he would never tire to watch him – his detached, cold beauty that could only be melted into strong emotions by love and passion. Last night had exhausted him; Lan Zhan's cultivation magic had hit him too deep and today he felt weak. He wanted to spend the day like this, in the arms of the one he adored, but he knew well that was hardly ever possible. He gazed at those parted lips, feeling Lan Zhan's heartbeat, strong and steady, right under his cheek. Subconsciously, he raised his hand and his fingertips caressed those fine, soft lips, lovingly, longingly. He had no words to express what he felt at that moment.

Miao Lu's eyes filled with tears yet again as she was watching the quiet adoration between the two. Last night was awful, but also so intimate that she felt both ashamed and terrified. She looked around, lost, wondering whether to leave or stay - the minutes passed and no one spoke. Finally, she turned to go, but as her hand was on the door, she heard Hanguang-Jun's voice – Lan Zhan was the first to break the spell.

- Come and sit. We have to talk. – he said firmly.

She turned around and took a seat, noticing that Wei Wuxian had closed his eyes, his face cradled in the chest of his husband.

- How do you feel after last night, Miao Lu? – Lan Zhan asked matter-of-factly.

- I...  -  her voice was breaking but she tried to speak up. – I am fine, thank you, Master.

- You don't seem so fine to me. – he scoffed, staring at her paleness with unblinking eyes.

She blushed and bowed low, answering:

- Forgive me, Master. Last night has...shaken me a little.

- Yes, you shouldn't have stayed. It was a mistake. But we won't repeat it again, trust me. Wei Qianbei thought that showing you some trust and letting you fully in our bedroom would help you relax towards this whole thing, but it turns out we all need our own time and space.

Miao Lu thought that all this sounded like a lecture. She saw the logic of it, but still her heart ached a little. Her Master wanted her to feel wanted, but Hanguang-Jun's suggestion merely rendered her a tool to be used on occasion. 

She suppressed a sigh and bowed again, murmuring:

- I trust that my Masters are wise and will make a decision that is best for all. I apologize if I have offended you, Hanguang-Jun.