[曦澄 | XiCheng]: The Fear Of Falling In Love [~PART 1~]

[97.] Two arrows.

The very next morning, the housekeeper and half the servants selected the best room in the estate to clean up and prepare to accommodate the Masters. Most of Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng's belongings had burned up in the fire, but whatever could be salvaged was moved to the new master bedroom.

Jiang Wanyin wasn't sorry for his things  –  it was old memories from an old life he disliked. It had been months since he last wore the purple of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, so he only focused on his husband getting better, not really mourning the loss of his possessions. 

That night he was lying next to Zewu-Jun, basking in his warm embrace, flushed, thinking to himself that soon they would need to do some shopping for their baby too... Lan Huan had promised him a nursery. There was quite a lot to be done. He was listening to his lover's calm breathing, checking his skin for high fever; he was grateful he could be so close again.

He woke up early, but as his husband was sleeping deeply, he preferred not to move, nor wake him up. No one came to call them for breakfast and he was pleased  –  Zewu-Jun needed to rest and recover. 

He was hungry, but dared not move, breathless, just patiently waiting to see the gentle gaze again, to taste the soft lips again, and when Lan Xichen finally woke up, he murmured:

- Finally... I've missed you...

- Kitten... What time is it? Have you had breakfast?  –  Lan Huan frowned, still sleepy.

He shook his head, blushing, embarrassed to admit that he would give anything, just to be close, and ignore anything just to be held like that.

- I see how it is then.  –  Zewu-Jun smiled. –  Alright, help me up. I'll ask Wangji to accompany me to the Cold Spring  –  this should speed things up.

- Huan...  -  Jiang Cheng now felt the full weight of his husband's body as Zewu-Jun was leaning on him, and straining to get out of the bed. –  Too cold... Isn't it too cold...  -  he said shyly.

- Cold or not, it's best I went. The Clan needs me. My brother needs me too.  –  Lan Xichen said sternly.

- I...  -  Jiang Wanyin stuttered.

- Yes? You?  –  Zewu-Jun leaned in and looked deep into the large almond eyes.

- I need you too, husband.  -  Jiang Cheng whispered.

Lan Xichen bit his lip; he remembered Jiang Wanyin's heat. He pulled him sharply in and held him tight.

- Is it too bad, my love?  –  he asked gently in Jiang Cheng's neck, licking the skin and biting on his ear.

- Huan... Husband...  -  Jiang Cheng whimpered, shivering too much, helpless to resist, hopeless for more.

- Soon. I promise, Wanyin.  -  Lan Xichen growled.

Lan Huan kissed his mouth thirstily, leaving him panting. Jiang Cheng never knew when one of those swiping kisses was going to come, but every time they overtook him, defeated him, too overwhelming to be endured  –  just to be dreamed about, desired.

They entered the Main Hall to see their brothers having tea and snacks with their sons, who used to their advantage the fact that they now outnumbered their dads three to two.

- A-Cheng! Zewu-Jun! Good morning! Or not so much...  -  Wei Wuxian mumbled, as it was almost lunch time.

- How are you feeling, Brother?  –  Lan Wangji's eyes were rather pinned to Jiang Cheng, who was helping his husband walk and now  –  sit down.

- I am not  an old dying man. Please. Everybody worries too much.  –  Lan Xichen smiled faintly, making an effort not to dislocate the bandages from his arm.

- Masters.  –  the housekeeper was too ready for orders.

- Bring food and tea and wine.  -  Hanguang-Jun ordered without hesitation.

She bowed and was about to leave, when Lan Xichen's voice echoed in the Hall again:

- Please, after the meal, join me in my study. We have a few things to discuss.

- Of course, Master.

- Wangji, will you too join me? I was thinking about going for a swim?  –  he smiled.

Jiang Cheng was sitting next to him, not daring to be too close because of his injuries, but now he shivered, thinking about the thick snow and ice outside  –  it was the coldest time of winter.

- Naturally, Zewu-Jun. It's been a while; a great idea.  –  Lan Zhan replied, making his husband pout  –  Wei Ying did not approve of a topless Hanguang-Jun in the icy water when   he was not there with him.

Lan Wangji beckoned his eldest son, giving him the two burnt arrows, and saying seriously:

- Shīdì,  bring those to your Uncle Huan, please.

The boy obeyed, in awe, because of the serious and solemn task, taking the arrows with both hands and carrying them carefully across the Hall to his uncles.

- Zewu-Jun.  –  he bowed respectfully, solemnly, and handed them over.

Lan Xichen gave him his kindest smile, making Jiang Cheng's heart melt, observing all this.

- I thank you, Zhízi.  –  he bowed his head lightly in response, making the boy blush with pleasure.

Sandu Shengshou leaned his head against his shoulder  –  the arrows were lying in Zewu-Jun's lap and he was shaking his head sadly. Both of them knew too well. 

Those were Yunmeng made arrows.

- Damnit.  -  Jiang Cheng swore under his breath.