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

[148.] The morning after.

As promised, the physician arrived the next morning. He announced that the baby seemed healthy and had a very strong heartbeat, so the only thing needed was rest and peace now. 

Lan Xichen was standing by the bed the whole time, but he was very silent and never spoke throughout the visit. Jiang Cheng was flushed and looked lethargic and tired. His hands were constantly placed on his belly and he shyly asked for much how longer they could be having sex. 

The question made Lan Xichen flinch.

- It is fine for now, Master. You should refrain from it in the last month, though, as it might induce labor too soon. But you still have time.  –  the doctor grinned.  –  I am glad that the Masters have such a healthy bond.  It is really important for the mother to feel good and cherished. Sex helps a lot. Most women feel too self-conscious during pregnancy and shun away from their husbands. You shouldn't. It is good for the baby too.

***

Wei Wuxian noticed that something was wrong that day; his brother and his brother-in-law would not touch and kept separated almost all the time, each going about his own tasks in preparation for the trip. Even at meal times, they would just sit next to each other, quiet and sulking. He was observing them, amazed, doubting his memories from just a day ago when they would not, could not be separated for the world. There was a problem, and this was the worst possible time for it.

He did not comment on it, as he knew that Jiang Cheng would explode overly dramatically about it, being in the irritable state he was currently in, but late in the afternoon he managed to catch Zewu-Jun all alone in his study.

- I think we need to talk, Lan Xichen.  –  he mumbled.

- Wei Qianbei.  –  Zewu-Jun was not too pleased with this visit; he knew what it was going to be about.

- So, what the Hell happened overnight?!?  –  he scoffed.  –  One night, Zewu-Jun!

- I wish I knew the answer to that, Master Wei.  –  Lan Xichen frowned.

- What has my idiot brother done again? I am still amazed you put up with him so much...  -  he sighed.

- I love him, Master Wei.  –  Lan Xichen blushed and put the painting brush aside, rising from his seat.

- The truth is, your brother has been under a lot of pressure lately, and I don't want to add to his stress. I prefer we do not comment on it, Wei Qianbei. If he needs his time  –  I am willing to give it to him.

Wei Wuxian gaped. This was a very good and mature thing to say, true, but then  –  why was Lan Xichen's face so distorted by utter misery? Unlike Lan Wangji, this Lan Master was not too good at hiding his emotions. Not when it came to his silly, spoilt husband anyway.

- Love should not be a sacrifice, Lan Xichen.  –  he mumbled, and looked away, as now Zewu-Jun was standing very close to him, facing him openly.

- There is nothing I wouldn't do for him. For our child. I mean this.  –  Lan Huan said simply.

Wei Ying bit his lip; there wasn't much he could do or say  –  Zewu-Jun was totally blinded by his love, and would not budge.