Perseverance (Wangxian)

Chapter 8 - Xichen is Always There

Lan Xichen was standing there on the bridge looking down at his brother kissing Wei Wuxian. He was a bit stunned by the sudden scene before him. Just yesterday he had a conversation with his brother about confessing, he actually did it. The thing is, Lan Xichen always seems to have just the right timing. He always manages to catch his brother and Wuxian having some sort of moment. Laying on his brother for example was one of them. There was some things in the past as well, teasing his brother about his interest for Wei Wuxian.

Seeing it now, he was lost for words. It all happened overnight that he wondered what happened exactly. But then, the shock wore off as he heard their conversation.....again! Wei Wuxian feels insecure because he is not in his original body. He was proud of his brother's words though. He knew he was sincere and speaking the truth saying that he loves Wei Wuxian for his personality. The body is just a vessel and to say that he loves Wei Ying now in his current form, means that Wangji is doing something right.

Xichen looked up at the sky and let oh a heavy sigh. He then looked back at the boys only to see them hugging. Xichen smiled and walked down the bridge he stood on and approached them.

"Wasn't considering on confessing huh?" Xichen teased them making them jump in their place. Wei Ying's face became hot again and hid his face in Wangji's robes, "oops, didn't mean to scare you," he said happily.

"It is fine," Wangji said a bit annoyed and comforted Wei Ying for him to calm down a bit.

"I was just walking by and saw you to being all, lovey-dovey," Xichen said with a smirk.

"You really have a habit of eavesdropping, Zewu Jun," Wei Ying called stepping out of Wangji's arms.

"I'm not doing it intentionally," he said in protest, "I am beginning to question my timing. I have once again walked by and saw you two embracing each other. I am questioning my life as we speak....why me?"

Wei Ying laughed, "you are just as entertaining being flustered and Lan Zhan is," Wei Ying teased.

"Shameless," Wangji spat.

Wei Ying pulled a straight face looking at Lan Zhan and blinked, "I am aware," he said.

Xichen cleared his throat, "what are you both doing over here anyway? Besides snogging."

"I was here meditating," Wei Ying answered, "I should go put on proper robes," he said and left the two quickly.

"He changed his mind?" Xichen asked.

"He said he would try, for me," Wangji said, "I would prefer he do those things for himself but I am letting it be. He is trying, that much is enough to go on right now."

"I am proud of you, by the way," Xichen told his brother.

"What do you mean?" Wangji asked.

"I heard you tell him that you fell for him for his personality not his looks. Seeing he is insecure is a big deal. I can't imagine how it must feel waking to find you are not in your body anymore. It would make since for him to question your intuition," Xichen explained.

"I love him, I find it that simple. His body now is just as handsome as his old one. Though, the body he is currently in, has a bit more of a feminine look to it. He is slimmer and has more of a curve to his figure. He might be underweight though. But I still love him very much," Wangji admitted.

"Like I said, I am proud," Xichen said, "now, I will let you get back to him. I am going to go copy the rules of a few times."

"Why?" Wangji asked.

"That is twice now that I caught myself listening to your conversation with Wuxian. I broke the eavesdropping rule twice now. I think I should write the rules as a punishment...care to tell me how much for my wrong doing?" Xichen asked.

"Well, it is a small offense and you are sect leader so that would give you reason to listen in," Wangji told him, "how about twenty. It's a small amount."

"I was thinking that same number, at first I was considering fifty," Xichen said and chuckled.

"No, fifty is too much, plus you don't break rules easily," Wangji said in defense.

Xichen nodded. The two walked back toward the main grounds together but parted when Wangji got to Jingshi. When he was inside, he found Wei Ying sitting at the table twirling his makeshift green bamboo Dizi.

"I miss Chenqing," Wei Ying said as Wangji sat down next to him.

"It was never found after your death, even your sword went missing at the time," Wangji told him, "the flute you have, is it okay for using at the moment?"

Wei Ying nodded, "I'm sure it is only temporary but should I still name it?"

"I think you should, it is out of respect for the instrument," Wangji said, "plus, with a name, it will gather spiritual energy faster and gain a spirit like Chenqing did."

Wei Ying nodded, "you have a point," he said, "I don't know what to name it though."

"I know the reason for your sword, Suibian, but how did you come about with the name Chenqing?" Wangji asked.

"If I remember it correctly, I had been through a lot within the War with he Wens and being dropped into the burial mounds. Chenqing is a name that has to do with feeling. I was mourning my sense of self, feelings, and emotional ties to everyone I loved. So it represents former love, old feelings, emotions," Wei Ying explained, "it's, a name that I thought of. I wanted a good for the flute and have it represent me at the time."

Wangji nodded and understood. He had a feeling it had to do something with his emotions and feelings. He liked his reason and meaning behind it all.

"Well, with this flute, how would you say it represents you now?" Wangji asked.

Wei Ying smiled, "how about Yìlì?"

Wangji thought about that four letter name, Yìlì, it means perseverance or to persevere. Facing difficulties or continuing your course of action with any, low, or no chance of success, but there is strength to move forward.

"I like it," Wangji said, "it is simple and direct. The meaning itself should not need any explanation if you understand it."

Wei Ying smiled, "I know, Yìlì, it is then."

As he held the flute the name suddenly engraved into it. Wei Ying smiled, "the flute seems to like it as well. I can already feel it wanting to communicate with me."

"That is a good sign," Wangji said, "you should learn to cultivate with it. As I did with my zither. There plenty of books in the library to look at for help, and I would be happy to teach you anything you want."

"I would like that," Wei Ying said.