An Almost Lan

Chapter 27

A/N: AU and OOC, just a reminder.

Thank you for your votes and comments, they really encourage me!

Thanks to @CALActorsTypist on Twitter for editing this, remaining errors are all mine.

Warnings:  Lan Zhan's POV

The night started full of surprises for him. The fact that Wei Ying seemed to be going on a date was the first one, however, the most shocking one had been, without a doubt, the fact that Wei Ying was going on a date with a guy. True, the guy was also Wen Rouhan's heir, but at this point it seemed not a big deal, at least for him. He wasn't sure about A-Li and A-Cheng's views on that matter.

In fact, they seemed as confused as he felt, and that was somewhat reassuring for him. Of course, that was not a consolation. He felt devastated at the sight of Wen Xu kissing Wei Ying's cheek as a greeting. It had been a quick peck and the startled look on Wei Ying's face told him that this was not a common occurrence between them, which unsettled and relieved him at the same time.

He was in the midst of a turmoil, wanting to ask Wei Ying too many questions, but knowing he had relinquished any right he might have possessed in that sense. He had given it up when he failed to explain his true motives for opposing Wei Ying's adoption to the entire family, but most importantly, to Wei Ying.

Heavens knew he had tried to overcome his inability to speak to Wei Ying and finally explain himself. He had discussed it endlessly with his therapist, who in turn had made several suggestions for him to work on. Nothing seemed to work. It appeared to have become a trauma for him. Neither he nor his therapist have renounced their original intention of giving Wei Ying a proper apology and explanation. He knew he owed him one. It was the very least he could do even if forgiveness was never granted to him.

Of course, he had zero expectations of any romantic relationship with Wei Ying. In his own mind, he didn't deserve it. But at least... at least he hoped to be understood and to erase any misinterpretation of his past actions or lack thereof.

Tonight's events, however, were a game changer. Now he had to face one of his biggest fears, the fact that Wei Ying seemed ready to date. It had been only a matter of time. He knew that this day would come and tried to prepare himself for it, but nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared him for the tide of jealousy that washed over his being.

Rationally, it was only logical that Wei Ying would be sought after as a potential romantic partner by... anyone. Who could not find Wei Ying enticing after meeting him? But reason and logic don't usually control emotions, and Lan Zhan was doomed to watch from the sidelines as Wei Ying's heart was snatched away from him while he stood powerless to do anything about it.

After Wei Ying left the house with his 'date' he went immediately to his room and started getting ready for bed. He wanted nothing more than a little respite, a couple of hours immersed in the sweet oblivion that sleep sometimes provided.

Ready to lick his wounds in private, under the covers of his bed, he was interrupted by the sound of his cell phone ringing. It was odd. Even if it was not even his usual time to go to bed, the only people that might call him knew his bed time was approaching and they would respect it.

This must be an emergency, was his first thought. Without looking to see who the caller was, he answered.

"Hello," he said. If A-Huan and A-Li weren't home at the moment, he would have been truly worried. Wei Ying... he wouldn't call him.

"Lan Zhan? Still awake?" the voice in his phone questioned him. It actually took him a second to identify the caller. He was a bit alarmed by the call. Had something happened to his friend?