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

[50.] Departure. [TW]

The dim morning sunshine was washing weakly over the Cloud Recesses, which was now fraught with tumult, in extreme contrast to the absolute peace and quiet of the previous three days.

The household was whole again, and both Bai Li and Hanguang-Jun were having a busy time organizing and taking care of everyone. Lan Wangji and Lan Sizhui had thought that they successfully managed not to wake up Wei Wuxian that morning, but he got out of the bedroom grumpily very shortly after them. 

He hated the cold. But he loved it when his husband was hugging him to keep him warm.

- Good morning, Wei Qianbei. – Bai Li greeted and bowed.

- Go away. – he mumbled. – Lan Zhan! Why did you sneak out, huh? Did you think I am going to miss out on my son's departure? – he scoffed unhappily.

- Breakfast.

Hanguang-Jun did not need to say any more. Bai Li ran to bring food and tea to the Masters personally, and they all moved to the hall, where, thankfully, the fire had already been lit. The servants were taking care of the Young Master's travelling arrangements, so they could afford some time to say their goodbyes over a cup of tea.

- Son! – Wei Ying leaned in to kiss Lan Sizhui's cheeks. – Did you sleep well?

- Yes, Papa, very well! – he smiled, watching his dads, once again, sitting together, hugging.

- Ugh, awful weather! How will you travel, my baby? Please, write to me as soon as you get there! I need to know you are well! Promise me, A-Yuan! – Wei Ying wailed, looking through the window with disgust and disdain.

- Us. We. – Lan Wangji murmured over his tea.

Wei Ying ignored him, but then changed his mind and reached to kiss his cheek gently, smiling. Lan Wangji hummed, sipping on his tea without any further comment. Lan Sizhui laughed out loud happily, taking some bits of food – it was a long way ahead, and he knew the next meal for him might be very well into the evening.

- I promise I will write! Dad, Papa. – he bowed lightly to the one, and then to the other. – It is so good to be home, I wish I didn't have to leave. But you also must tell me all the news! About the baby too!

- If you manage to get a couple of days off – we are going to see you at Lotus Pier in three months' time, A-Yuan. – Lan Zhan said calmly.

Wei Wuxian looked at him, surprised.

- Are we now? – he huffed. – Why don't I know about it, husband?

- I thought a lot about it, my love. It is not so very far, and you can ride with me.

Wei Ying felt the grip on his waist tighten. He smiled faintly; he was pretty sure Hanguang-Jun was doing this subconsciously. But he always loved it. He moved to sit even closer into Lan Zhan's embrace.

- I really need to see my brother, and I think you also need to talk to Sandu Shengshou. If Miao Lu is pregnant by then, we might have to leave her here, but if the weather is fine – we could ride together. I would like to stay and see how Lan Huan is doing. He was... desperate when I saw him last.

- Hmm, I see. – Wei Ying nodded. – A-Yuan, it will be great to see you again, and see your present for your dad's birthday too!!! – he grinned mischievously.

- Haha, Papa! You are impossible! – he laughed. – I will try!

Bai Li interrupted the laughter after a soft knock on the door.

- Young Master, all is set and ready. Do the Masters need anything further? – she had expected the be summoned even earlier, as per Hanguang-Jun request from the previous night, but he seemed to be reluctant to do it, and postponing the conversation. She was guessing the topic, though.

- Yes, stay, Bai Li. You can take your goodbyes with A-Yuan. And then I will want a word.

She bowed and took the seat next to Lan Sizhui and, taking his hand in hers gently, said:

- Master, please promise me to take care of yourself, when I am not there to take care of you. – she said quietly. – And please visit more often, if you can.

- Bai Li! Why are you so worried all of a sudden? – he raised his eyebrows, wondering. – I always take care! Ah, Li-jie, you spend too much time with my dads! You have started to act like them! – he smiled, but took her hands and brought them to his lips to kiss respectfully as if it was his mother.

She brushed tears away quickly and bowed a little.

- You are like a son to me, Master, I have watched you grow up to be the man you are today. I will always worry.

Lan Zhan was waiting patiently for them to talk; he most definitely was not in a hurry for Lan Sizhui to leave. Wei Wuxian was relaxing in his arms, and he thought to himself that he was very quiet today.