Pitched Normal

Part 24

XiChen did not want to dwell on the negative possible thoughts. He did not really want to even know the answers to the questions that were swirling around his head as the conclusions brought a picture far darker than he would care to know. Shaking himself from the dark and slightly depressing thoughts, he gave Wei Ying and Lan Zhan a smile. 

"You are well within curfew, there is no need to worry." He said with a gentle tone, wanting to calm Wei Ying down on that aspect at the very least. The boy practically wilted in relief. He gave Lan XiChen a slightly nervous look before rushing back behind Lan Zhan, something that seemed to befuddle his brother as much as it confused him. 

It would seem as though the nerve that he had to defend Lan Wangji ran out the moment that he realized that he was not in danger. Which was...interesting. Also somewhat concerning, but that was something that would have to be dissected at a different time. He gave the two a small smile. 

"I am glad that you went out for the evening," XiChen gave the two a smile. "Curfew is, however, almost here. Where are your group mates?" Wei Ying stared at XiChen a blank look on his face before casting his gaze up to Lan Wangji, blinking rapidly. 

"I think we left them at the diner." He whispered softly, biting his lower lip, almost wanting to laugh about how the situation turned out. Jiang Cheng always was one who made him go back for anything should anything be forgotten or lost, and he found it somewhat hilarious that he was the one lost now. Wei Ying had no intention of going back either. 

He knew that he would likely regret doing this later, considering the fact that he would likely get scolded quite severely, and he could only hope that neither Jiang Cheng or Yanli would tell Madam Yu. He almost outwardly shivered at that thought. He did not want to think about what she would do to him if she found out that he had left Jiang Cheng in Caiyi. She would be livid, and even the explination that the Second Jade had told him to follow would not calm her. Then again, when did she ever need a reason to punish him?

Lan Wangji did not even blink, simply nodded. "They did not listen." He spoke gently, but  without emotion. For some reason, Wei Ying had not really expected that, and as such all he could really do was look down at the floor, shock flooding his body leaving him floored. Lan Wangji had actually ditched Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang. He knew that there was a good reason for that, and that otherwise they would be in danger of missing curfew, but a part of him just...was surprised. It shocked him. The upstanding Second Jade could do something as simple as leave their companions in CaiYi simply because they refused to follow the rules of curfew. 

However, Wei Ying could not really recall Lan ZHan having said anything to Huaisang or A-Cheng about curfew. He knew that Lan Zhan had spoken to him about it. He remembered that quite clearly. He had not even really turned to look at the other two. He supposed Lan Zhan was not technically lying, but it was on a technicallity, something which also shocked him. To XiChen of all people. He would understand if it was, Lan Qiren, that man hated him for reasons that Wei Ying supposed he understood. He had disrupted the old man's days after all. 

Yet, to XiChen? Wei Ying was wary of the other man, but even still he understood Lan Wangji's relationship with his brother was quite firm and fasted. He would not have comprehended that Lan Wangji would be standing here, protecting a possible situation that could get him into trouble just because...from even his brother. 

"Ah, well, hopefully they have the sense to get here before curfew then." XiChen said, a small smile that Wei Ying would swear held more. He could swear that he had seen through Lan Zhan, there was just that twinkle in his eyes. He could not really explain it further than that. He just...he knew. Narrowing his eyes at XiChen unconsciously, he clung to the arm fabric of Lan Zhan's robes just a bit tighter. This did not escape XiChen's eyes, but he graciously did not say anything more about it. 

"What..." Wei Ying paused. "What will happen if they do not make it in time?" He was not looking at XiChen when this was said, but rather Lan Zhan, though it was XiChen that spoke. 

"They will simply not be allowed within the Cloud Recesses, it is the same as when you first came here." XiChen graciously explained. Wei Ying glanced back at him, before staring up at Lan Zhan. "Ah, forgive me, it is getting quite late after all. Wangji, perhaps you should take your friend to his rooms." Wangji simply nodded to his brother, Wei Ying did not really...need an escort, but he did want to talk to Lan Zhan alone so he agreed quietly, allowing XiChen to smile at the two and wish them good night. 

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying began once they were out of earshot of XiChen. He paused, waiting for Lan Zhan to acknowledge him. 

"Mhm," Came as it always did, and Wei Ying could not help but smile, joy on his face. There was always that slight fear, momentary thought it was, that Lan Zhan would not want him to speak, and he would not know what to do at that instance. Stay silent, who knows, but he knew that it would crush him. Lan Zhan so far was really the only person who allowed him to speak, when it was appropriate of course, without trying to shut him up. He was worried eventually Lan Zhan would run out of his endless patience, and Wei Ying would just annoy him too much that he agitated him and was silenced. 

"Why did you leave Jiang Cheng and Huaisang in Caiyi?" Lan Zhan just looked at him. Wei Ying could not really read what it is that he was saying, but it was obvious that he did not approve of one or both of them. We iYing shook his head fondly. "Lan Zhan," He whined. "We can't just let them stay outside all by themselves." 

"They can handle themselves," Wei Ying laughed a bit, shocked at the sternness that the other was showing. 

"Alright, alright, you are correct."