Backlash Part 1

Chapter 12: The Infirmary

Lan Wangji was pleased to see the concerned look in Wen Qing's eyes. Even more so he was glad that concern held a calm, slightly anxious edge to it. Lan Wangji felt confident that that look of concern was one that was looking to offer support. Of course Wen Qing had proven that to him already with her every word and action the day before. He considered how to explain the confusing confrontation that had just unfolded.

Jiang Wanyin had tried to talk with Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian at first didn't speak, but then tried to say nothing was wrong. This of course was a lie. Lan Wangji knew this and Jiang Wanyin certainly knew this as well. For there Lan Wangji didn't really understand what happened. Jiang Wanyin seemed angry, which Lan Wangji might have understood if it had presented differently. Lan Wangji had been unhappy that Wei Wuxian would call what happened nothing. It was not nothing and Wei Wuxian should not be acting so dismissive towards himself. However, for some reason, Jiang Wanyin seemed to become angry with Wei Wuxian. He shouted at him and commented about who Wei Wuxian chose to speak with. Then he had stormed off.

Lan Wangji had not really understood the purpose of the last comment, but it clearly had a great impact on Wei Wuxian. He had immediately jumped to his feet and began shaking. He seemed to desperately want to chase after Jiang Wanyin, but was also afraid to do so. Lan Wangji felt that there was something in this interaction that he was not understanding, but he knew what he felt was the most important part. It had hurt Wei Wuxian, who had already suffered more than any person should. Lan Wangji turned to the question in Wen Qing's eyes and gave her the only answer he could."

"Jiang Wanyin." He watched a look of understanding pass through Wen Qing's eyes followed by a flash of anger. Her lips pressed into a slight frown as she nodded her head in acknowledgement. Lan Wangji was pleased that she seemed to understand, until he realized that Wei Wuxian had suddenly gone stiff in his arms. Lan Wangji was immediately concerned and turned a worried gaze toward him.

"A-Ying," Wen Qing prompted. Wei Wuxian immediately relaxed and let out a relieved sigh. Who had he thought it was? Then Lan Wangji realized that while Wen Qing understood what Lan Wangji had meant, Wei Wuxian had not. All Wei Wuxian had known was that someone entered the room, and then Lan Wangji said Jiang Wanyin's name. Lan Wangji felt immediately ashamed. He should have made it clear who he was addressing before he answered Wen Qing's question. Lan Wangji gently rubbed Wei Wuxian's back a few times.

"I brought medicine for your throat," Wen Qing said, approaching them. Wei Wuxian turned in Lan Wangji's embrace so he could look at her. Lan Wangji was glad he hadn't moved away. Lan Wangji wanted Wei Wuxian close to him. He slid his arms around Wei Wuxian's waist and let him lean against his chest. It was still a new experience for Lan Wangji to want to touch someone, but holding Wei Wuxian was comforting and reassuring like nothing else. Wen Qing did not wait for Wei Wuxian to move closer to her either. She brought the bowl to him and he took it from her hands and drank it quickly. His face scrunched up and he stuck his tongue out in displeasure after he drank it. Wen Qing rolled her eyes, but there was a small poorly concealed smile on her face. She took the bowl away and set it on the table. After a brief pause the smile faded and her expression grew gentle and concerned.

"How are you doing?" Wei Wuxian groaned loudly and made a show of hiding his face in his hands.

"Jiejie..." He whined. "Can't you start with an easy question?" The playful and exaggerated complaint eased something inside of Lan Wangji. Wen Qing meanwhile shot Wei Wuxian a look.

"What easy questions?" she asked point blank. "On the list of questions that need to be asked, that is the easy one." Wei Wuxian let his hands fall away but stuck his lower lip out in a pout. She smiled at him and shook her head.