Den Uncle and his Cubs -LXC x JC- Xicheng fic

End of all Chaos

For a moment, Lan Jingyi's soul left his body at the sight of a scowling Sect Leader with a chubby baby propped against his hip.

That deserted soul came whooshing back when he recognized it was Lan Xue, wildly waving her hands at him with a huge grin on her face.

"A-XUE...", he exclaimed happily before turning to the frown of his teacher. "Er. Grandmaster Qiren. This disciple apologises for his incompetence". He bowed low, praying to all his Lan ancestors that the punishment won't include cleaning.

"After the conference ends, we'll discuss your punishment", Lan Qiren instructs, leaving to his study, where he hopes a hot pot of tea will settle the madness that appears to trail after him like a bloody imprinted duck.

Swearing is prohibited in Cloud Recesses.

Once he was out of their sight, Lan Jingyi rose from his bow and ran over to the duo and pouted, pouted , at the child.

"A-Xue, you left me", he whined, uncaring of the looks he received from everyone around him. He faked a sigh and questioned in his baby voice, "Was this gege not cool enough for you that you went to the conference? To listen to big and scary people, talk?", he wailed.

Jiang Cheng scoffed at this - 'As if talking is one of the seven sins of hell'.

Lan Xue giggled toothily at him not listening to any words uttered after her name. Most of the other sect members had scattered to their lodgings while a few still lingered to stare at the smoothened edges of the fearsome Jiang Sect Leader.

"Wei Wuxian, see this menace. You have tainted the Lan disciples. Now, he is as dramatic as you are", Jiang Cheng scolded, with no heat in his voice, seeming almost amused at the loud Lan.

"I tainted them? Look at A-Xue. You spent two days with her. She has crashed into a conference, lied and is now stuck to you like leech, glaring at anyone who tries to take her away. Almost makes me feel thankful that A-Ling turned out okay. Mostly".

Everyone collectively ignored the indignant squawk from Jin Ling. Jingyi slowly extended his arms towards A-Xue but she burrowed further into Jiang Cheng's embrace with a giggle as if they're playing a little game.

"What is this favoritism? I found her. I am supposed to be her immediate family. She only tolerates me; even on her best days. Xue-er, please come to gege. I'll buy you candies and toys", he begged.

"And you think I can't?", Sect Leader Jiang scoffed.

If he wasn't a Lan, Jingyi would have stomped his leg and thrown a tantrum right alongside her. But since he was a Lan, he just pouted harder at their teasing.

"I also haven't held her for this long, Jingyi. Perhaps she just feels more comfortable with Sect Leader Jiang", Lan Xichen reasoned with his ever-present kind smile.

Even he couldn't help but bury the small jealousy that grew at the sight of the mischievous toddler and the smug Sect Leader, looking like a model family.

If only I could be a part as well.

Lan Wangji, who had been silently observing the entire spectacle, finally spoke, "Mn. Her needs come first", as in lieu of saying sorry to them.

But Jiang Cheng knew this was the closest to an apology he would get, especially after Lan Qiren's bashing and so he called truce, for the sake of everyone's sanity.

"This is SO unfair. Every kid loves me, be it a Jiang or a Lan. Except this tiny devil", moaned Wei Wuxian, throwing half his weight on his husband who held him effortlessly.