Bottles Of Promises

7 (Bottle of Promises)

"Lan Zhan did you know that these pearls can help grant wishes and fulfill promises."

"How?"

"Hehe when I was little I loved collecting colorful pearls, big or small is fine for me. Shijie then told me I could make wishes using the pearls so I placed the pearls in one of the bottles I found when I went to the surface for the first time." Wei Ying gracefully moved his hand in the water before it changed and showed an image of a bottle filled with colorful pearls.

"Every wish or promise I have made over the years are stored in that bottle. Some wishes or promises came true while some don't. They not only serve as that but also as a reminder of my childhood days." The sadness was evident in Wei Ying's voice. He badly wanted to relive his childhood days where he was still a carefree young boy who everyone adores. A young boy who has his family. Real family.

His sadness had not went unseen by Lan Zhan who had kept studying his every move and expression.

"Wei Ying. Let's make one as well."

"Huh?"

"The bottles and pearls. Let's create new memories, wishes and promises." This got Wei Ying perking up again as he showed his wide smile. His tail kept moving much like the manner of a dog wagging it's tail when happy or excited.

"You'd do that with me?" The twinkle in Wei Ying's eyes made Lan Zhan smile as he gave a slight nod. "Wahh Lan Zhan thank you."

"Okay let's start with I wish to know more about you Lan Zhan."

"Mn. Wish to know more about Wei Ying too." Lan Zhan said with that gentle smile and fond eyes that made Wei Ying blush.

Like who wouldn't, the guy he had been in love with is right in front of him smiling so gently that made him even more handsome than he already is.

"Kyaa... Why are you looking so innocent. Even such words makes my heart nearly jump out of my chest." Wei Ying then pulled his pouch out and got two pearls from it while Lan Zhan went to get the bottle.

It was clear and large enough to store about 100 or so pearls. Once the pearls were inside the promised or wish was sealed.

"Let's start and fulfill the wish. Since we both already know each others names then how about favorites?"

"Mn."

"Okay so I like to play around. Pretty obvious already, I also like creating things from things I find on the surface." to add more to his words Wei Ying again showed the stuffs he had made over the years. Some of which are being used by his Shijie up till now.

"Oh and I fell in love with that thing you always brought by the sea."

"Emperor Smile?"

"Is that what its called?" Lan Zhan gave a light nod which made Wei Ying smile widely.

"Can I have some? Please..."

Wei Ying didn't even have to asked as Lan Zhan left and got two bottles of Emperor smile. The man was smitten to the point he'll do anything the ethereal merman asked him to.

A few minutes later and Wei Ying is happily drinking his Emperor Smile while continuing his story telling.

....

"A-Cheng... Ah you won't mind me calling you that right?" Lan Xichen asked as he sat beside Jiang Cheng who's eyes are trained on Wei Ying who was happily talking to Lan Zhan.

"I... don't mind. Anyways tell me something. Why were you and your brother always going to that area?"

Lan Xichen gave a smile after figuring out Jiang Cheng's words. It was obvious the latter had been keeping a close watch on his brother, though in secret.

"We go there to be alone but also to escape our Uncle. It's mostly Wangji who goes there often as our Uncle always pressures him into marrying. For Wangji it's the only place where he can be safe and away from our Uncle. It's also a place for him to collect his thoughts."

"Why bring those bottles? He doesn't even drink them, instead its my brother who always drinks them."

"Those.... are for our parents. Wangji always brings two to give to our parents."

Jiang Cheng finally took his eyes off of his brother as he turned to look at Lan Xichen who's now looking at the sea.

"Are they gone?"

"Mm."

"Then forgive my brother for always stealing those drinks-" Lan Xichen cut off Jiang Cheng's words.

"No need A-Cheng. Those bottles were the reason why my brother and yours met, why my brother now becomes more expressive unlike before. I actually have to thank Wei Wuxian for stealing those bottles. He changed Wangji's life, though many may not notice but I know my brother well enough to recognize a change in him."

"Then I guess you must know that your brother and mine are mates?"

Lan Xichen took a glance at Lan Zhan and Wei Ying before turning back to look at Jiang Cheng.

"Yes. I have heard Wei Wuxian talk about mers having mates."

"My brother is a dense idiot who will never figure out this kind of thing unless someone reveals it to him. But- I can tell how fond he is with your brother." Jiang Cheng's eyes went back to looking at Wei Ying.

"Wei Wuxian has been alone for a while now, he... I could only visit him once in a while but not often. Now that he has found his mate he won't be alone anymore."

"A-Cheng if ever Wei Wuxian decides to stay with Wangji what will you do?"

That question made Jiang Cheng remember his mother's words before he left the cove to look for Wei Ying. He was the next in line to be the leader of Lotus Cove, his path was already set for him.

"Go back and lead my people. It's my responsibility as the future leader."

That made Lan Xichen's eyes change from happiness to sadness. The man has taken a liking to Jiang Cheng and the thought of him leaving and possibly never returning saddened him.