Pitched Normal

part 31

Xichen was rather surprised when his brother showed up out of nowhere, that was true, but he also supposed he should have expected that. He watched, and waited, not wanting to push him to say anything, and definitely not wanting to rush the conversation. Despite Curfew, Xichen was willing to pardon Wangji regarding it. He had done so many times before, though disguised as requests that he go and check something before settling for bed. He supposed that in the end as long as Wangji did not feel as though he were breaking any rules, that was truly all that mattered. Otherwise he would blame himself and insist on punishment. XiChen knew him, however, and should he demand that an action be taken prior to to his returning to sleep, well that often worked brilliantly. 

"I wish to court Wei Ying." Wangji said simply, much to XiChen's shock, causing him to almost choke on his tea.He had not at all expected his brother to be so forwards with that request. He had figured that the request was coming, had almost bet on it. However, for him to come straight out and say that he wanted to court Wei Ying with absolutely no preamble? He supposed he should have figured that it would be all or nothing on Wangji's part. He was a very serious person, and so should he make such a request it would not be done lightly. He likely had given this much thought. Furthermore, subtly was not exactly in Wangji's nature. He had a difficult time at best with most things, subtly being one of them. It was a good thing that XiChen handled most of the political aspects of things. 

"Court...Young Master Wei? Any particular reason as to why?" Wangji swallowed, flushing slightly. 

"Wei Ying and I enjoy each other's company, and...We..." Wangji flushed hard, trying to figure out how to say the next part. "We would like to see if it was possible, our personalities, to potentially cultivate a relationship." XiChen forced back a smile. It would not do to smirk about these sorts of things, he had to be proactive. 

"You wish to court Wei Ying, have you asked Wei Ying what he feels about this?" 

"Wei Ying agrees that he wishes to court as well. Has accepted my offer." XiChen hummed as though thinking on it. 

"Have you spoken to Uncle about this?" 

"Have not." He admitted. XiChen had truthfully expected this. "Respect Uncle's opinion..." 

XiChen finally did smirk that that. He could not help it, what Wangji was not saying was equally as important. His opinion was the most important and as such Wangji did not go to his Uncle, knowing how he would feel about the union between the two. It was quite an interesting development, but Xichen could not say he was surprised. Wangji was quite the stubborn boy when he wanted to be. Furthermore, Uncle did have a weak point for him, either way, Xichen was quite entertained. 

"Do you wish for me to inform Uncle of this?" Wangji nodded once, with a small please. "Very well, I give you permission to court Wei Ying, however, are you certain that the Jiangs will be amenable to such a union?" 

"Wei Ying has made it clear that should they deny he will succeed from the sect." XiChen did not know what to say to that, unable to do anything but...blink in shock. He had not expected Wei Ying to be so serious about this. "ah, XiongZhang, I..." Wangji paused, not really sure how he could state this without making it seem as though he had broken the rules. "Wei Ying has made it evident that...the Jiang Clan does not treat him very well." XiChen tilted his head slightly. "Though, we both hope that this courtship shall succeed, Wei Ying has said that should he need to leave his sect in order for it to be granted, that it would not truly be a regretful thing." XiChen sighed. 

Wei Ying may say that, but he would also bet that he would not leave the sect otherwise. This was...quite drastic a move to make, but he also was aware of the type of person that Wei Ying was. Once he committed himself, he committed himself fully, and everyone knew that, anyone who knew him could see that, and even those who did not, it was quite obvious after all. 

"Is Young Master Wei in any danger staying with the Jiang sect?" XiChen questioned. He had suspected that Wei WuXian was not exactly treated...overly kindly, but he had also hoped that it did not extend to outright abuse, it would seem, considering Wangji's obvious concern, that he had more to worry about in that regard then had thought. He knew that Wei Ying was not treated well. Anyone could see that. Just from how Jiang Wanyin treated Wei Ying when they were in public it was obvious enough. Wei Ying may smile and laugh about it all he wishes, but in the end, it hurt him. There was only so long that someone could take that sort of treatment until they broke. XiChen was worried that Wei Ying may be on the verge of breaking. Seeing the look in Wangji's eyes only added to those fears. 

"Wei Ying claims otherwise," Which was pretty much, yes, but Wei Ying does not want to worry me so he will not admit it in Wangji's terms. XiChen closed his eyes. He would need to request that Wei Ying stay here, then. There was no way that, should they come to an agreement, that he could justify sending Wei Ying back to a sect where he was in major physical danger. He dreaded what sort of things Wei Ying was in danger from, but according to dark look he feared that he may just not want to know.

"Very well, I shall speak with Uncle, and we will get a draft of request finished and headed to Lotus Pier by the end of tomorrow." XiChen spoke gently. Wangji bowed, whispering his thanks. "And Wangji," He called, stopping Lan Zhan in his tracks to glance back at him curiously. "I am proud of you, truly. And Young Master Wei, if you could inform him of that as well." 

"Thank you," Lan Zhan said the words quietly, but the watery film in his eyes showed just how thankful he was. XiChen knew that it had to have been hard to come up to him and ask for something like this, particularly considering how Uncle viewed Wei Ying and how young that they were. However, he knew the determination that both his brother and Wei WuXian could possess when they wanted. Despite their young age, he knew that they were incredibly serious.