The Temple of Guanyin (MDZS AU)✅

Left without an Answer

Eventually, the Juniors caught up with Jin Guangyao. Given his depleted energy and the short time he'd had to escape, it was easy enough to catch up with him- provided you weren't distracted. Jin Ling was still slightly rattled, but to be truthful, he wasn't surprised.  His uncle had always been shifty, his eyes too caught up in lies to ever be truly present, anyway. That's why his Jiang uncle had never liked him. But at least....he'd tried caring for him. But even then, he wasn't  sure if his care had been genuine, or another scheme, like the plotted downfall of his father.

Well, it wasn't like there was anything to do anyway. Looking beyond Sizhui and Jingyi holding Jin Guangyao down having slapped an immobilisation talisman on his scheming back, he saw a swish of... Purple robes?

"Uncle Jiang?" his eyes widened.in surprise as he looked up, only to be met with the Jiang Clan Leader's stormy face.  He was absolutely furious, his brow furrowing.
"You little- who else could it be?" seeing Jin Guangyao bound, with an immobilisation talisman, he blinked, pausing. "What..." barely sparing Meng Yao a glance, he loftily replied, "Long story, but we've got to get him to Gusu Lan."

Without questioning, Jiang Cheng threw him over his shoulder. "Lead the way,"  before seeing another flash of white blue robes swishing forward, with a pair of hazel eyes rimmed red.
"Lan Xichen?"
"No, let me bring him!" the first Jade of Lan keeled over, panting, before looking at him determinedly. Looking at him, the mostly callous Lotus found his heart squeezed, and something within him sparked. Always did. But this wasn't their story, and it would never happen. His feelings for the man slung over his shoulder told him so. He was so unstable, he couldn't help but want to protect him. As if. Still...."No."

"Please?"

"No." But he looked so desperate, his eyes were growing moist, and- he could  feel his heart aching for the man standing before him. If he could, he'd throw this cockroach of a brother-in-law away, but there was legitimately no way he could do that now. Not when protocol called for him to place him under custody first, then he could sympathise with him and take him away.

So he turned and stepped away, before motioning to the Junior quadruplet to lead the way, loading up his sword. Letting his cultivation- no, his brother's golden core guide him , feeling it heat up his hand, flowing through his wrist and the rest of his body. Smiling bitterly to himself, he stepped on his sword. His cultivation- the only thing he'd truly been proud of, too, had been given by his brother. He couldn't help it- Wei Wuxian, could you have been less selfless? Could you not have simply let me go? Without questions asked?
"No. No way I'd have let you go without a golden core, shixiong." he could recognise that voice anywhere. As if he'd ever forget. Without meaning to, the words crawled out of his mouth. Raising his head, his eyes fell upon Wei Wuxian.

"Wei- Xiong?" the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could process them. A name he hadn't called for years. "Wei Wuxian?"
"Who else could I be?" the Second Jade of Lan pulled up beside him, eyes mildly simmering. Hurt him, those golden eyes said, and you'll regret it. He would have paled, but this was nothing surprising. And he was past that anyway.

This would be the most embarrassing thing he'd say in this life, but then...

Some day, you'll say those words in tears.

"Wei Wuxian, I know you've heard these words countless times by now, but I'm sorry. for the way I treated you, bullied you. My jealousy blinded me, but I have no excuses. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I'm sorry. " Bowing his head, he turned away swiftly, before gathering his cultivation once more and hopping away. Too afraid. He was too cowardly, to wait for what his once-brother would say. So he left.

Smiling wistfully to himself, he whispered. "I know. Unsure as I am if I'll ever truly forgive you, I know. It'll take me some time to heal, but I know. " And, "You didn't even wait for my answer."

Soundlessly, Lan Zhan wrapped his hands around Wei Ying, pulling him closer, nuzzling him reassuringly. His gilt eyes spoke without him having to. Nodding, he pulled his soulmate closer in answer.

Whatever it was, it'd take some time, but for now, all they wanted to do was bask in each other, to rest.  It'd been such a long journey, after all. Looking back at his lover, Wei Ying couldn't help but smile. Shakily, he whispered, "Stay?"
"Mnn. Always. " 
Because when it came to.one another, there was only ever one option.
Together.

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A/N: 814 words! I think this is the shortest chapter so far- but it's the fastest I can edit- anyway, my exams are coming soon- VERY soon, so I probably won't be updating this month after this-
Anyways, take care and stay safe! ❤️