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

[134.] Hanguang-Jun.

The two older boys were trying to climb up a cherry tree in the back yard, and Wei Wuxian was paying attention to the conversation only with half his brain, as he was keeping an eye out, alert enough to run and catch whoever was bound to fall off a twig first. The youngest was sitting in his uncle's lap again  –  lately, he was the only one allowed to do that. His small hands were often glued to Jiang Cheng's belly, and his eyes would open wide and he would giggle every time the baby inside moved and kicked. This was his new favorite place in the world, and Jiang Wanyin loved having him  -  to hug and hold.

- But Papa, is Daddy coming  soon?  –  he babbled, asking for the millionth time today.

- Yes, my love. Daddy is coming today.  –  Wei Ying would mumble distractedly.

- But you said that yesterday too!   -  he mumbled, pouting.

- Uh, you worry too much, Brother. He will be fine. It is Hanguang-Jun  we are talking about! You remember? Hanguang-Jun?  -  Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, almost annoyed.

- But Papa, is Daddy coming now?  –  the boy tried to make sure again.

- Yes, son, Daddy is coming very soon.  –  Wei Ying's eyes were on the tall gates, and also on the cherry tree.

- Uh, pathetic!   -  Sandu Shengshou grunted.  –  I haven't seen you so worried for years now! Why?!

- He wrote he would be arriving yesterday. He is a day late.  Lan Zhan is never late.  Never...  -  Wei Wuxian was whispering, pale and sick with worry.

After the visit of the old Master Lan, the two brothers had become closer. Needless to say, they were still teasing each other and bickering over insignificant trifles, but Jiang Cheng's attitude changed. 

Lately, he had started to realize just how much his brother and his sister had been doing for him over the years, and he was grateful. In his heart he could not decide whether his family had shrunk  -  with the death of their parents  -  or had become bigger. The pregnancy was making him more emotional, for sure, but he was aware of the greater clarity he had in his life now too. The genuine love in his life was changing his perspectives; he was wondering whether he was perhaps just getting older.

Some servant yelled "The Master!"  somewhere in the yard, and Wei Wuxian jumped, beaming. He mumbled:

- A-Cheng, watch the kids, will you?

- Go, go.  –  he huffed.

Wei Ying ran. He was stifling sobs in his chest, and as soon as the horse managed to stop in the middle of the yard, his arms reached out and his hands pulled at the white Gusu robes, pulling Lan Zhan down with force, uncaring if they both would land on the ground, in the mud  –  in was urgent, he was desperate.

- Lan Zhan... Lan Zhan...  -  he sobbed, sinking in his husband's tight embrace.  –  So cruel, Hanguang-Jun... Leaving me all alone for so long... Without a single letter, without a single word... Punishing me, my heart... So cruel... Why do you hate me so much, Lan Zhan...  -  he was burying his face in Lan Wangji's hair, whispering hoarsely.

Hanguang-Jun held him tighter, letting him cry in his embrace, and just murmured:

- I love you, Wei Ying...

- I love you too...  -  Wei Wuxian whispered weakly, as now his sons were all over their father, climbing in his embrace, separating them, and screaming with pleasure to see him again, to be hugged and kissed by him again.

Jiang Cheng approached the scene slowly and majestically, holding his waist, and not in a great hurry to meet Lan Wangji. He ordered a servant to call for Zewu-Jun, but did his best to greet his brother-in-law properly.

- Forgive me, Hanguang-Jun. Bowing is becoming a problem lately.  –  he mumbled.

- Sandu Shengshou.  –  Lan Wangji bowed his head lightly. – No apologies needed. How is my nephew?

- Niece.  -  Jiang Cheng grumbled.  –  Has Lan Huan put you up to this?! He is convinced that it will be a boy! She is fine, we both are fine. Thank you.  –  Jiang Wanyin said, content.

Two warm hands slid over his body, making him tremble  –  Zewu-Jun had approached from behind his back, absolutely noiselessly. Sandu Shengshou smiled, doing his best not to make any love noises; his husband's touch would always remind him of their sex, and turn him on  –  it was inevitable.

- It's not my fault, my love.  –  Lan Xichen murmured in his ear gently, kissing his hair and then letting go of him.  –  Welcome, Wangji! I trust you have had a safe journey? –  Zewu-Jun bowed a little in greeting.

- Thank you, Brother. The river had overflown, I had some problems crossing over. I am sorry, I know I am late. I hope it was no trouble for you.

- Not at all.  -  Jiang Cheng mocked, grinning at Wei Wuxian who was blushing severely now.  –  My brother wasn't worried at all. He never lost appetite, nor sleep, worrying for you, Hanguang-Jun!  –  he said sarcastically.

- Wei Ying?  –  Lan Wangji turned towards his loved one, shaking all children off from himself and taking his hand gently.  –  You were worried? Sweetheart...

Wei Wuxian was too quick to wrap his arms around his neck and kiss him deeply, ashamed, avoiding any need for answers that way. The boys giggled, pointing fingers  –  it was a sight that they had not seen for more than a month now. Zewu-Jun used the pause to wrap his arms around his husband too, smiling and too happy to feel his gentle warmth close to his body again.

- You know I miss you so much... You know I can't live without you... So cruel, Lan Wangji!  –  Wei Ying whimpered when the kiss was over.

- I am here now, my love. I am home.  –  Lan Zhan said gently, a slow smile coming up to his lips  –  a smile he kept only for his husband.