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20 - Departed Clouds

On the way to Lotus Pier, I spent time thinking about Wei Ying and the moment we shared. It was now evident that I needed him and I knew Shufu was not going to accept him so easily...if he accepts it at all. He doesn't even know that I am into men...thought it has only been one man my entire life. I spent the other majority of my time meditating so my leg could heal a bit more quickly. Wei Ying's ribbon was still holding it within a splint, and I really wanted to return it to him.

When we got to Lotus Pier, I was taken to the infirmary first. I was allowed to room with Wei Ying. Being roomed with Wei Ying, I was starting to get the idea of how he is treated here. It's been three days since returning to Lotus Pier though, but I thought Wei Ying would have more visitors. My brother stopped in every now and then. Maiden Jiang would come in every now and then and check on Wei Ying and me. She is very kind, and I can see why Wei Ying dots on her all the time. I've noticed that Maiden Jiang was the only one aside from a healer to come in or out of the room. I only saw Sect Leader Jiang come in once, and then leave. Jiang Wanyin didn't come in at all either, nor did Madam Yu. Today though, Shufu decided to join him in visiting me.

I went to properly greet them but they stopped me, "you are recovering, no need for formalities," Shufu told me and glanced over at Wei Ying who was still unconscious with a fever.

"Shufu?" I asked.

"I'm proud of you both for killing such a creature as Xuanwu the Slaughter," Shufu said, "why did you decide to room with him though?"

"I wanted to," I said, "I care about him."

"You care for a servant's son?" Shufu asked.

I did not like where this conversation was going, "I love him," I told him outright, "I refuse to leave his side. If you do not like him. I will secede the sect!"

"Didi, do not make such rash decisions," Xiongzhang told me.

"You know how important he is to me! He is my soulmate! And I cannot live without him!" I said louder.

"That delinquent has blinded your mind. You want to throw away all that I've taught you for him?" Shufu asked.

"I'm not throwing it away. I'm done living to your standards. I've already had several panic attacks that Xiongzhang has witnessed. I don't want you to worry about me. I've made my decision. You can take these robes and this stupid ribbon if you cannot accept me as I am. I am a cut-sleeve, and I have been for a long time. You just never bothered to care to notice. You never cared for my feelings anyway. So, yes I am throwing it away, but I am throwing away your ways, and doing things my way. And that involves being with Wei Ying."

"Wangji!" Shufu said, holding out his hand.

I rolled my eyes removing my robes and forehead ribbon, "I keep Bichen and my guqin! Have fun without me!"

"Shufu, you can't be serious! You are letting him go?!" Xiongzhang asked, "As the sect leader I forbid it!"

"He can come back when he comes to his senses! Feel free to join him if you so please," Shufu said and bolted out of the room.

I was just sitting there in the bed in my trousers, as tears filled my eyes, "I will help you with what I can, Wangji. I won't let you suffer alone. I won't let you starve, or roam the streets. I will get a place for you back in Gusu if you like. I will give you money whenever you need it. Let me go get you some fresh robes," Xiongzhang said and left for a moment. He returned with a spare set of his own robes, "just until you know what you want to do."

I put the robes on and turned to look at Wei Ying, "I can't leave him."

"I know, I support you. Shufu doesn't have the authority to actually kick you out. I do. So if you want, I can let you back whenever you want. I will talk some sense into him," brother said.

"I'm sorry," I said crying more, "I just don't want to lose Wei Ying. Every time I even think about being separated, I can't breathe. It just hurts. And now Shufu hates me even more."

"Leave Shufu to me," Xiongzhang said, "I want you to remain with Wei Gongzi for now. He may think it's not right, but he should know what happened."

"I already know," Wei Ying said as he sat up.

I looked over at him. Xiongzhang went over to him and helped him sit up, "how do you feel?"

"A bit better," Wei Ying answered, "can I have some water?" Xiongzhang nodded and poured him a cup, handing it to him, "Are you sure you want to be with me knowing you just got shunned by your Shufu?" Wei Ying asked.

I carefully got up and went over to sit beside him. With Xiongzhang's help of course, "Wei Ying, I told him I'd leave the sect if you aren't accepted and he didn't accept me for being myself. You are my soulmate, and I just want to be with you."

"Well, welcome to Lotus Pier," Wei Ying said, "Madam Yu and Jiang Cheng don't usually give warm welcomes but Shijie and Uncle Jiang will."

"Your uncle and Shijie already approve of us," I told him, "Jiang Fengmian said he'd speak about an engagement later if we wanted."

Wei Ying seemed surprised, "so soon...you want to marry me?"

"Yes, don't you want to marry me?" I asked.

Wei Ying flashed his beautiful smile at me, "I do," he said, "but we have to probably focus on putting new barriers up. With what happened in Xuanwu's Cave, Wen Chao will not be happy."

"I have spoken with Sect Leader Jiang about that already. We have both The Lan Clan and the Nie Clan residing here right at the moment. We have extra security and more barriers," Xiongzhang explained, "speaking of, I will go inform him and your Shijie about you being awake."

We both watched Xiongzhang step out before turning back to each other. I adjusted myself and sat beside him, placing an arm over him as he laid onto me. His arms wrapped around me and his head on my shoulder.

"How long have I been out?" He asked.

"Three days," I answered.

Wei Ying sat up and looked me in the eyes, "I've been out for three days?! No hugs? No kissing?" He teased.

I playfully glared at him, "you want a kiss?" I asked.

Wei Ying pouted to me, "yes."

I chuckled as I gently grabbed his chin and lifted his head up a little before placing my lips to his. The slide of our tongues together was so welcoming, soft, and eager with a slight bit of hunger to it. I wrapped one arm around his soulmate's thin waist and pulled him closer as the other hand cupped Wei Ying's soft flushed face. Wei Ying kissed back, moving his lips gently yet pouring every drop of emotions into the kiss. Wei Ying melted into a puddle into my strong arms as our tongues continued to fight for dominance.

My fingers grip his hair, playing with strand after strand. My veins throb and my heart explodes. I have never wanted more than I do right now. I inhale the sweetness of lotus flowers that linger on him, and I have longed to love; and that extra scent that's just. him. The most delicious smell I could ever imagine. After a minute, he pulled back, and both of us panting for air. I rested my forehead on Wei Ying's.

"I love you Lan Zhan," he said in a whisper.

"I love you too, Wei Ying...I love you so much."

I gently lifted Wei Ying's hand and kissed the back of his hand. Wei Ying let out a comfort filled sigh as he let himself get comfortable against my chest as we waited for his Uncle and Shijie.