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

[67.] Garden.

Lan Wangji's first instinct was to bring Wei Wuxian to bed. But as he was carrying him safely in his arms, a thought crossed his mind and he turned around – to the utter surprise of the servants.

"I need to try. Then we will know." – he thought to himself.

He carried him to the furthest end of the garden and chose a dry patch of land under a large oak tree. 

He sat down, took off his robe and wrapped his lover in it, then took him in his embrace to keep him warm. The noon sun was falling on them and Lan Zhan waited, holding him, and rocking him gently in his arms. He closed his eyes and tried to meditate, focus on balancing everything and all.

Some time passed and Wei Ying stirred in his arms, sighing as if waking from a deep sleep. He was warm and comfortable, more so than he had felt in a long time. 

He blinked, confused. As he exhaled, he saw the vapor of his breath visible in the cold air. He was not in the Library any more.

- Hanguang-Jun? – he turned a little. Even without facing him, he could immediately tell whose arms those were.

- How do you feel, sweetheart? – Lan Zhan asked gently.

- Hanguang-Jun.... –  Wei Ying murmured and turned more to kiss his husband, caressing any part of him that his hand could reach. He suddenly realized that he was not wearing his robe.

- Lan Zhan!!! Why are you so lightly dressed? Aren't you cold?! And why... why am I not cold...  -  he mumbled.

He smiled – yes, Wei Wuxian was alright if he had the energy to be grumpy.

- It's all fine, darling, I am not cold at all. And I think I know why you aren't either. – he raised an eyebrow.

- Miao Lu. The baby. – Wei Ying grunted. – I had my suspicions too.

Lan Wangji nodded.

- It seems the bond is threefold. The closer you are, the weaker you feel. You passed out in the Library Room, Wei Ying... - he said, worried.

- Uh, I see. – Wei Ying felt the grip of Lan Zhan's arms on his tighten. He was worried for him. Again. – But the baby needs me too, Hanguang-Jun... I cannot leave.

- Indeed. But, we must regulate the time you spend with the Young Mistress. I cannot bear to see you sick all the time, my love... - Lan Wangji kissed his hair softly.

Wei Ying did not comment, but snuggled more into Lan Zhan's embrace and his clothes. He felt great, actually, for the first time in a month, and the winter chill did not bother him at all.

- Can we stay here a little longer, my heart... I need this rest. – he begged.

- Aren't you hungry, love? It is lunchtime. I promised Bai Li that this time we will be there. She has prepared something chilly for you, I believe. – Lan Wangji smiled.

- What do you think, eh? Do I choose you, or do I choose food? – he huffed. – She can bring the lunch here. I am  hungry. – Wei Ying snuggled again, just like a child.

Lan Wangji laughed out loud, but said nothing. He was pretty sure that soon the housekeeper would send someone to find them. 

He said simply:

- I love you.

- Hmmm. – Wei Ying grinned.

**

Soon Wei Wuxian was observing, amused, a couple of servant girls running to and fro, fussing around and bowing all the time, as Bai Li had taken it to heart to make their decision for an outdoors lunch a reality. They brought along low chairs, a table cloth, even the table, blankets for their Masters, all sorts of dishes and meals – both the ones prepared for lunch, and the ones left from the breakfast. 

Bai Li was mumbling that all her plans were flipped topsy-turvy again, and how it was a good thing that she was missing  the market day that day, because that household would obviously be lost without her.

After all was ready, Lan Wangji asked her to stay as he was taking a great pleasure of observing his husband eat with quite an appetite. Almost all meals contained meat.

- Bai Li, we will be absent for midwinter, for New Year's too, but I would like to leave two tasks to you for that time. As your Master will be away, Miao Lu must be observed at all times. Have you thought about a maid for her? Do we need to hire a new girl, or?

- Yes, Master. No, Master. No need. I have someone in mind – Sue Lin, she is smart enough to be discreet; she's a good girl too, I can trust her.

He nodded.

- I will have a physician in soon, to check on her too, but I think my brother's would be the more useful opinion in this case. – he hummed.

- I understand, Hanguang-Jun. – she bowed, flattered to be one of the very few people who knew details about the situation.

- The second task, Bai Li. – he looked up at her. – I'd like you to organize the construction of a small summer gazebo around this location. It seems your Master feels better here. – he smiled.

Wei Ying was half listening, as he was just now realizing just how hungry he was. Bai Li looked at him, happy and proud that her cooking was approved.

- It shall be done, Master. I think the idea is great. As soon as the big snow melts away – we can start. – she said,

- I only want it to be comfortable. With drapes and cushions. – Wei Ying grinned and winked at his husband.

Lan Zhan blushed and shook his head.

- You can go, Bai Li. Let us know when dinner is served. We would like to catch the sun today. The weather is marvelous. – he said.

- Please, send someone with some extra clothes for your Master, annoying young woman! – Wei Ying frowned.

She smiled and bowed, leaving them hugging and enjoying each other's company under the tree.