Backlash Part 1

Chapter 24: The Jingshi

Lan Xichen returned to the infirmary just after curfew. He felt this was the best time to move Wei Wuxian to the Jingshi. Lan Wangji normally would have felt there was something wrong with deliberately doing so after curfew. After all, they were supposed to return to their rooms and not venture out. However all it took was thinking that this was being done to protect Wei Wuxian, and suddenly Lan Wangji found he didn't care about the curfew anymore.

Lan Wangji knew that Wei Wuxian was not ready to talk with people. Lan Wangji had seen the apprehension in Wei Wuxian's eyes whenever they could hear a large group passing near the infirmary. Considering that the groups were usually quite quiet it was even more concerning. Wei Wuxian might not have said that he didn't want to be around any large groups, but the look in his eyes spoke loud enough for Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian, who used to be the center of attention. Who used to run into any crowd and draw all eyes to him. Wei Wuxian now seemed to anxiously avoid people.

As they stepped out of the infirmary Wei Wuxian appeared skittish. He had pressed himself close to Lan Wangji's side. His eyes darted around anxiously while he tightly gripped Lan Wangji's sleeves. Lan Wangji hated seeing Wei Wuxian so distressed. He wanted to comfort him in some fashion. Anything that could help relieve the tension and anxiety in Wei Wuxian's features. Lan Wangji paused in his step.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji began. Wei Wuxian appeared startled by the sudden stop. He jolted and his eyes darted around the open area. Upon seeing no one, Wei Wuxian turned back to Lan Wangji. A look of realization flashed through Wei Wuxian's eyes. He slowly released his hold on Lan Wangji's sleeve and took a step away from Lan Wangji. Whatever Wei Wuxian had thought he realized, it was not what Lan Wangji had intended. It was physically painful to see Wei Wuxian peel himself away. Once there was space between them Wei Wuxian's entire countenance fell. His gaze fell to the ground and he hugged his arms around his middle as though trying to reassure himself.

"S-sorry Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian apologized. Lan Wangji frowned. Before Wei Wuxian could say anything else, Lan Wangji abruptly stepped forward and scooped Wei Wuxian into his arms.

"Lan Zhan?!" Wei Wuxian squeaked in surprise.   Wen Qing glanced at Wen Qionglin.  He had blushed upon seeing Lan Wangji lift Wei Wuxian into his arms.  He quickly glanced away from the couple, seeming to be embarrassed to witness them.  Wen Qing gave him a reassuring pat on his back to get him moving forward again.  She glanced ahead to see Lan Xichen had similarly frozen in his step.  Wen Qing shook her head.  Lan Xichen had almost the same look on his face now as the first time he saw Wei Wuxian asleep curled in Lan Wangji's lap.  She took a few quick steps forward, grabbed Lan Xichen by his arm and forced him to start walking and stop staring.  Fortunately Wen Qionglin was following her lead so she did not need to also drag him.

"L-Lan Zhan. Put me down." Wei Wuxian protested. The behaviour of those around him were doing nothing to lessen his embarrassment. Lan Wangji made no move to respond to him. He simply continued walking without acknowledging the request.

"Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian's tone became stern. "There's no way this is considered proper behaviour in Cloud Recesses. Put me down." Wei Wuxian began to squirm in Lan Wangji's hold.

"No." Lan Wangji said in his normal expressionless tone.

"Lan Zhan. Put me down. I'm a man. It's too embarrassing to be carried like this." Wei Wuxian protested as he continued to try and make Lan Wangji lose his grip. Lan Wangji looked down at Wei Wuxian raising an eyebrow at him in response to his last comment. Wei Wuxian stilled in Lan Wangji's arms. Wei Wuxian's cheeks blushed pink and he looked away from Lan Wangji's face in embarrassment. Lan Wangji made another adjustment so Wei Wuxian was leaning more against his chest. The arms around Wei Wuxian held him securely in a warm embrace.