Backlash Part 1

Chapter 14: The Infirmary

Jiang Yanli was taken aback when her eyes first landed on the room's table. Three people were at the table, but they were only occupying the space of two. Wei Wuxian was sitting on Lan Wangji's lap taking the space of only a single person. Wei Wuxian was completely wrapped in Lan-er-gongzi's arms, cuddling in a tight embrace. Jiang Yanli felt her face flush in embarrassment and ducked her head slightly. She felt like she had interrupted something intimate, even though Wen Qing was clearly sitting at the same table as them.

Jiang Yanli felt even more embarrassed at how she was reacting. She was accustomed to Wei Wuxian being physically close with others. He was always hugging, grabbing, and dragging his friends and family. When he was upset he always found physical contact to be the most reassuring. When he was frightened by a dog he often wouldn't calm down unless he was held or physically soothed in some way. When he was little and had nightmares she would sometimes sit with him and stroke his hair until he fell asleep. However none of these interactions held the same feeling of intimacy as what she was seeing now.

Jiang Yanli wasn't accustomed to seeing such displays of romantic affection between people she knew. It wasn't that it was forbidden to express such things, at least not at Lotus Pier. However her parents rarely had a peaceful conversation. Forget finding her mother sitting in her father's lap. She wasn't certain she could recall them engaging in even the most chased of hugs. Jiang Yanli did her best to calm her mind. She felt ashamed that she had been so easily flustered. She had hoped that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji might become closer than friends. She hadn't been certain Wei Wuxian understood his feelings let alone actually spoke of them, let alone been confident that those feelings were returned.

"A-Xian." She wasn't sure whether to try asking him if he was feeling better. Maybe she should just start with offering him soup and not pry? In her slight hesitation the decision was made for her.

"Shijie..." Wei Wuxian's voice came out as a whimper. Tears were gathering in Wei Wuxian's eyes. All of Jiang Yanli's previous embarrassment was gone. She rushed forward hastily abandoning the soup on the table. Wei Wuxian had not given her a look like that in years. The last time she saw such a sad pleading expression in his eyes he had been a young child, newly brought to Lotus Pier.

Jiang Yanli wasn't quite sure whether she scooped Wei Wuxian into her arms or if he launched himself there. In either case she was kneeling beside the table holding a sobbing Wei Wuxian. Jiang Yanli tried to listen to the words he was mumbling between his sobs. She hoped it would give her some idea of how to reassure him, but all she heard was him calling for her. She held him while he sobbed and gently combed her fingers through his hair. It felt like she sat there for hours, though she was certain that wasn't the case.

Slowly Wei Wuxian's sobs grew quiet. His breaths hiccuping slightly with the aftershocks of his tears. She continued to offer what comfort she could. Even when his breathing was steady she continued to hold him and gently stroke his hair.

"Shijie?" Wei Wuxian's voice still sounded a bit tight. "Be careful in the future," he said quietly. Jiang Yanli was a bit surprised. Her hand paused momentarily before she continued her motion.

"What do you want me to be careful of? A-Xian." She said softly. She felt his grip tighten around her.

"You should learn to use defensive talismans. Someone can make them for you. And... don't go to dangerous places." Wei Wuxian said quietly.

"A-Xian. You don't need to worry about me so much." Jiang Yanli reassured. Wei Wuxian suddenly sat up and gripped her shoulders.

"What would Jiang Cheng do if something happened to you?! What would I do?!" Wei Wuxian was shouting from right in front of her. It was nothing like how he usually acted around her. His eyes were fearful and pained. Jiang Yanli felt her heart hurt.