Backlash Part 1

Chapter 76: Return to Lotus Pier

Wei Wuxian was fidgeting in the boat. They flew by sword for most of the journey, but Wei Wuxian was concerned about being questioned for riding Bichen with Lan Wangji. So they finished the last leg of the journey by boat. The closer they got to Lotus Pier the more uncomfortable Wei Wuxian seemed to become. He was afraid to be seen flying with Lan Wangji on Bichen. He was afraid of wearing the new robes he had received as a courting gift.

Lan Wangji knew it wasn't about embarrassment. Wei Wuxian had not minded being seen riding Bichen with Lan Wangji at all during the journey. Even when coming to and from towns Wei Wuxian didn't seem worried. Similarly Lan Wangji remembered seeing Wei Wuxian gazing at his new robes for a long time before he ultimately got dressed in the robes he would typically wear in Lotus Pier. To Lan Wangji this was a clear indication that Wei Wuxian wanted to wear his new robes, and didn't dislike riding Bichen with Lan Wangji. Rather Wei Wuxian was afraid of having to explain himself to the Jiang's.

Lan Wangji a hot bristling emotion stir inside of him. He wasn't a stranger to anger, but Lan Wangji did not recall it coming on so quickly. Rather, before Wei Wuxian, it did not appear so suddenly, and even then the anger wasn't as fierce as what Lan Wangji was beginning to become familiar with. Just the thought of Wei Wuxian avoiding things he wanted because of shame made Lan Wangji want to rip apart the people who had made Wei Wuxian feel that way.

Lan Wangji settled for gently stroking Wei Wuxian's hair. Wei Wuxian was cuddled in his arms, but Lan Wangji could feel the tension vibrating through his body. Although Wei Wuxian was sitting, he was not still. His hands and feet were in constant motion like they were trying to release the anxiety that was building up in Wei Wuxian's body.

"We can always leave." Lan Wangji whispered quietly. Wei Wuxian smiled weakly.

"Lan Zhan... you know I can't. I have to do something to protect them." Wei Wuxian whispered back.

"We will, but if they hurt you we leave." Lan Wangji stated firmly. Some of his anger leaked into his voice adding a trace of heat to the words. Wei Wuxian hugged Lan Wangji.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this. I'm so glad you're here." Wei Wuxian said as he swallowed back tears that were threatening to gather in his eyes. Lan Wangji held Wei Wuxian a little bit tighter.

Lan Wangji was grateful this would be a relatively short visit. Two weeks, just for the two weeks before the discussion conference. Lan Wangji could not express how happy he was when his own uncle suggested Wei Wuxian return to Cloud Recesses after the discussion conference in Qishan. There was a hollow thunk as their boat gently hit the pier, signalling they had arrived. Lan Wangji gently squeezed Wei Wuxian.

"I will be right by your side." Lan Wangji said quietly. Wei Wuxian nodded as he released the breath he had been holding. With that the two of them exited the boat and stepped onto the pier.

Lan Wangji was momentarily startled when they stepped out. Everywhere Lan Wangji looked there were people. People running, talking, selling, playing, shouting, and all of it was loud. Caiyi seemed tame in comparison. Lan Wangji felt overwhelmed by all the stimuli. He took a breath to calm himself before glancing toward Wei Wuxian. In the past Wei Wuxian had been as loud and energetic as any person in this crowd. Now Wei Wuxian was staring at the crowded pier, his eyes a little too wide and his smile non-existent.

Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian's hand in his own. Wei Wuxian jumped slightly, turning fearful eyes towards Lan Wangji. Once their eyes met Wei Wuxian relaxed slightly. He gave Lan Wangji a small appreciative smile, which Lan Wangji returned. Wei Wuxian didn't like crowds the way he used to. He no longer liked being surrounded by so many people, or the loud noises it came with. Lan Wangji gently rubbed his thumb across Wei Wuxian's knuckles.