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Moments

Wei Ying's eyes fluttered open. He was warm, comfortable and, for the first time that day, hadn't woken because of a nightmare. No pain from the incision when he jerked up trying to escape his own imaginings. The warmth from A'Yuan was soothing as was the warmth holding his hand.

He smiled at his sleeping son. It was surreal to think he had a son but he was serious about the responsibility. Suddenly, he wanted to draw him in charcoal.

He wanted to draw them both.

He smiled at the sleeping Lan Wangji. He owed this man his life. If he hadn't jumped through the window, Wen Chao would have killed him and the boy would have been sold to pedophiles. Just the thought of A'Yuan being hurt that way made him feel sick.

Reminding himself A'Yuan was safe and would stay that way if any of them had a say in it, he looked around the room.

ShiJie and Zixuan were asleep on the sofa. Yanli was tucked safely in her husband's arms. Nie Huaisang was asleep with Yu Bin's good hand held firmly. Yu Bin was occasionally tugging at his arm even in his sleep.

Everyone was asleep and rightfully so after the recent events.

Looking back at Lan Wangji, he was surprised to see him awake and looking at him with affection. For some reason, this made him blush.

"Did Wei Ying sleep well?" Lan Wangji's voice was soft. Deep.

"Yes. I did. No nightmare this time." Wei Ying's voice was also soft. He realized this was the first time they had talked without everyone awake and listening. "Thank you. For saving my life and saving A'Yuan."

He squeezed the fingers intertwined with his own.

"I am glad I was there in time." Lan Wangji smiled. Wei Ying found himself smiling back.

"May I ask you a question?" the detective asked. A nod from Wei Ying.

"Why did you call yourself Yiling? You seemed determined to hide yourself but used the name of your painting. Why?" Lan Wangji's gaze was intense, startling Wei Ying.

"It was a piece of me. My painting." His eyes were far away.

"It was a last connection to my old life. Maybe a way to hold on to parts of me. Protect what wasn't tainted." He looked down at their joined hands.

"Wei Ying is not tainted." his voice was firm and brooked no opposition causing Wei Ying to look up in surprise.

"What if I am?" his voice was a whisper. "I was careful but... I don't want to endanger anyone."

'Not clean. Not clean. Not clean.' chanted through his thoughts.

"Lan Xichen said you were tested going into surgery." Lan Wangji said. "He told you it was negative."

"This time. What if it reads positive in three months? Or six?" Lan Xichen had been kind but he had told them what needed to happen to insure he was safe. Wei Ying was quiet. Apprehensive. And rightly so.

"You came back negative on a top of the line test for HIV. That bodes well."

Wei Ying's eyes welled up. He covered his face and tried to swallow the sob that rose. Lan Wangji was holding him before the second sob escaped.

"Shhh... you are okay. We will be careful for the next few months and then we won't have to wory. You are safe." Lan Wangji whispered into his hair.

The relief that he had at least a chance to come out of this without getting HIV was almost too much.

"Wei Ying will be fine. We will go and celebrate when we get the negative test results in six months. How do you want to celebrate?" Lan Wangji asked.

His quiet sob shifted to a laugh despite his tears.