Hard choice (Dark clouds before sunny weather - Book 2)

Chapter 15

Wei Wuxian was not completely convinced that Mo Xuanyu was fine even as they were leaving the infirmary. Not that he was doubting Wen Qing's treatment, he was just not sure the boy would actually tell him if he was still in pain. He could understand, in this aspect, he had been the same himself when he had been younger, until Lan Zhan got him out of this habit. How had he done it exactly? Wei Wuxian was thinking back, he wanted to do the same for Mo Xuanyu, it was just that he could not remember. He would have to ask his husband.

The doctor had been quite hard on him for overreacting and scolded him too. However, it had all been worth it, Wei Wuxian knew she had not been truly angry with him for running to the infirmary in a rush. After all, she had also seemed worried before she had finished Mo Xuanyu's examination. They must have had the same thoughts.

Wei Wuxian was thinking about all of this as he was walking back to the playground with the boy. He was holding Mo Xuanyu's hand unconsciously, just as he would have done to his sons. The boy had gotten a scare after all and even a candy from Wen Qing would surely not be enough to completely sooth him. Wei Wuxian decided that there had been one too many situations with high emotions for the child today, it was time to go back home.

They quickly picked up A-Yuan and headed for the car. Mo Xuanyu's hand was still in his and it was only at the moment when Wei Wuxian wanted to reach into his pocket to get the car keys that he actually realized this fact. He could only hope that he was not hurting the boy further as his palms were scratched.

He looked down at the child from the corner of his eye, checking for any signs of discomfort or pain. But he was surprised to not have found any, if anything, the boy seemed quite happy to be holding onto him. Suddenly, Wei Wuxian had a strong urge to never let go, to pull him closer into his embrace and protect him from the harshness of the world.

He kneeled down to be on the same level as the children and addressed Mo Xuanyu: "A-Yu, do you want to go directly home and watch cartoons with A-Yuan while I go to the supermarket or do you want to come with me?"

Wei Wuxian could not decide if it would be better to leave the boy in the safety of his house or whether to bring him to the supermarket to be able to pick the ingredients for the fried rice he had requested in the morning. He could tell Mo Xuanyu had been looking forward to going shopping with him, but after getting hurt, Wei Wuxian was not sure if he should let him push himself. So, he left the decision up to the boy himself.

He was not too clear on how other parents would have reacted, but this was his way of doing things. He liked to teach his children independence and that they had right to decide for themselves, granted the situation was favourable enough for this approach. He was not following any teachings or any advice he had read or gotten from anyone, he was just listening to his heart and instincts. He had never had this luxury when he had been a child and he knew he would have appreciated it. Lan Zhan understood so this was how they were raising their children from the beginning.

Mo Xuanyu however had not known any of this. That was most probably why his eyes flew wide open as he looked at Wei Wuxian. There was a clear doubt and indecisiveness inside of them. Luckily though, there was no fear. He just seemed confused that he would be asked what he wanted to do.

Wei Wuxian understood this in a matter of a fraction of a second and was already reassuring him: "Whatever you choose will be fine. I just do not want you to be hurting in any way. So, if you are not feeling up to it right now, we can go to the supermarket another day. You can just tell me what you would like and I can buy it for you, if this is what you prefer."

He could see Mo Xuanyu being torn between the two options. It was not clear whether he was more looking forward to the visit to the supermarket or to watching cartoons. It was almost certain that he had never been allowed to do something so leisurely as watching TV. However, at the same time, he had probably also not been able to decide for himself, even in such a simple matter as what he would like to eat.

The boy's pensive and confused expression would have been very adorable if it did not look so pitiful. To be agonizing over such a simple choice as saying what he wanted to do, it really was sad. Wei Wuxian's heart was breaking knowing the boy had possibly never been asked a similar question when he had lived with his relatives. He had to somehow help him to relax and not feel pressured that he had to choose.

"A-Yu," A-Yuan came a little closer at that moment and Mo Xuanyu was immediately not so tense anymore. It was such a remarkable change that Wei Wuxian could not miss it. He smiled to himself indulgently. It would seem A-Yuan and Mo Xuanyu had become even better friends than he could have imagined.

"Do not worry, you tell dad what you want. He will not be mad at you. And I will stay with you whatever you choose if you wish."

Such simple words from one child to another, but they had so much impact. Wei Wuxian was amazed with his son yet again. It looked like he knew exactly what to say to put Mo Xuanyu at ease. Even though he was just ten years old, he was already this sensible and kind, Wei Wuxian was proud to call himself his parent. He could clearly see Lan Zhan in him right then.

Mo Xuanyu lowered his head and seemed suddenly very shy and hesitant. Wei Wuxian understood that he had already decided but was now not sure how to tell him. He prompted again gently: "A-Yu, it is fine, please tell me what you would like to do."

The boy looked even shier but finally found his courage and whispered: "I... I would like to accompany you to the supermarket, Teacher."

"Alright!" Wei Wuxian concluded and smiled at him, patting his head as he was standing up. He was proud of Mo Xuanyu for being able to speak up for himself, if only in such a simple matter. He knew it must have not been easy for him.

"You did well telling me, A-Yu," he praised next, still patting his head. Then he turned towards the car and started rummaging in his pockets in a search for the key. He was sure it must be in one of them. "Let us go pick up A-Yi and we can all go together," he finished as he finally found what he had been looking for.

When he was opening the driver door, he caught a glimpse of the scene behind him as it was being reflected in the car window. A-Yuan was now whispering something to Mo Xuanyu and then holding his hand. They looked adorable together, especially Mo Xuanyu who had a wide smile on his face and whose eyes were alight with anticipation.