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

[114.] While you were sleeping.

Note:

Inspiration for the chapter's title:

Link:  

https://www.viki.com/tv/33538c-while-you-were-sleeping

****

Jiang Cheng was spending the afternoon with his youngest nephew on his knees, and the two of them were having fun solving some puzzle together, laughing and starting over and over again. 

Today, Zewu-Jun had to ride to town on some errands, and he was missing him, trying to keep busy and distract himself. They were engulfed in the game, but not to the extent where he wouldn't sense the approach of a tall, broad-shouldered figure, clad in the white Gusu robes. He lifted his eyes, hopeful, but his smile disappeared too quickly  –  it was Hanguang-Jun. He frowned and held the child closer to himself, as if to protect him from danger.

- Sandu Shengshou.  –  Lan Wangji bowed his head lightly.  –  I was hoping we could talk. Privately.

- Daddy!

The boy jumped down excitedly, away from his uncle's embrace, and ran to his father. Lan Zhan opened his arms and swept him up off his feet, smiling.

- How are you today, my love?  –  he cooed gently. –  Were you having fun with your  Shūshu?

The child nodded energetically and hid his face in his father's robe sleepily.

- I am sorry. I think it's time for his nap, I'm afraid I kept him here for too long. He is tired.  -  Jiang Cheng bit his lip, jealous, but realizing that it was only natural that the boy preferred his father to him.

- No need for apologies. It is important that he spends time with his family  –  I will never deny him that. He likes you a lot, Sandu Shengshou. He asks about his cousin often too.  –  Lan Wangji kissed his son's cheek and sat down to lull him to sleep.

Jiang Cheng was watching, mesmerized. Sometimes, especially when he was around his children, he literally could not recognize Hanguang-Jun. It was a different person altogether. 

Slowly, he was starting to recognize what his brother saw in him  –  that was a question that had been bugging Jiang Cheng's mind for years; now he could see his answer. Lan Wangji was very different from his brother in terms of character, but when it came to family  –  the two of them were the same. He cared about his husband and his sons deeply, always too ready to protect them, ready to lay his life down for them. He was always very gentle with Wei Wuxian, and he loved his children with a passion one would not expect from such a cold and distant person.

He changed in their company, just like Zewu-Jun had been changing, Jiang Wanyin could see it so clearly in the last couple of months. He still had trauma to deal with, just like himself, but Lan Xichen was definitely stronger and wiser because of his experiences, although his life had been falling to pieces for the longest time.

They sat in silence, but as soon as the child fell asleep, Lan Wangji said calmly:

- How have you been feeling lately, Brother-in-law?

- I... I am fine. Better.  -  Jiang Cheng was surprised, but tried to keep his calm.  –  The first three months were rough, but now things are settling.

- I see. I am glad. Zewu-Jun was extremely worried for you.  –  Lan Wangji huffed.  –  I see that things between you two are... going quite well?

The last sentence sounded rather like a question, and Jiang Cheng frowned, ready to defend himself from the typical attacks.

- We are working on our marriage. It is... complicated.  –  he said coldly.

- Trust me, I understand.  –  Lan Wangji looked up askew, shifting the child, now sleeping deeply,  in his arms, and got up to place him to sleep on the bed.

They were now sitting opposite each other in silence, and Jiang Cheng knew that he had to wait for his brother-in-law to say the things he needed to say. It would be time for dinner soon, and he expected Lan Xichen to come back home very soon; still, he wondered what Hanguang-Jun wanted with him.

- Sandu Shengshou, I have never seen my brother so happy. It is not easy for me to say this, but it is the truth.  –  finally Lan Wangji said sternly.  –  After our parents' deaths I guess we both focused on... duties and obligations. But he is so romantic. Strong in many respects, but weak in others. People tend to take advantage of him because of this.

- I understand.  -  Jiang Wanyin nodded, listening carefully, his heart pounding.

- I feel... I have to say "thank you",  and also apologize.  –  Lan Wangji mumbled, looking away.  –  Wei Ying also... insisted...on it.

- I... I see.  -  Jiang Cheng was gaping now, unsure where the conversation was going.

- Thank you for making my brother happy. You give him something that he has always been missing. I don't know what it is, I don't need to know. He has changed a lot for the past months after your wedding. I think that this union between the Clans was appropriate; I think you two are the future of our Clans indeed  –  you and your children.

- I appreciate your words, Hanguang-Jun.  -  Jiang Wanyin bowed, amazed, wondering if he was dreaming all this.

- I will always acknowledge the truth, Jiang Cheng.  –  he frowned. –  And so, I must also apologize. I hope you will be able to see my point of view. I will never stop protecting my brother. I am glad you are strong enough to stay by his side, even when he tries to... do stupid things.

Lan Wangji sighed. Sandu Shengshou bit his lips. It was so much easier to be angry and argue. But being polite and appreciative towards someone you dislike so much  –  it was a challenge for him. 

Finally, he murmured:

- We are now related, Hanguang-Jun. And family is very important both for me and for Lan Huan. We will always support and protect you too. You and your family.  –  he bowed his head lightly.

The honey eyes stared at him judgingly.

- Wei Ying loves you very much. I trust him; I trust his judgement about people. I cannot promise we can be close, or be friends... But as long as you make my brother happy  –  we can be allies.

- Fair enough.  -  Jiang Cheng was relieved. He knew how to deal with this now.

- And the moment you hurt him, I will kill you with my own hands, Sandu Shengshou. I thought you should know.

Jiang Cheng's face was thunder and lightning. 

He growled:

- If I ever do, you will have every right to, Hanguang-Jun.

***


When Zewu-Jun stepped into the master bedroom a little later, there was absolute silence, but also almost palpable tension in the air. He looked at the two men with curiosity, and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.