Red Light

Anger and Consequences

Meng Yao looked at the detective in horrified confusion. He wasn't sure why but this man had every intention of hurting him. Badly. He closed his eyes. He didn't want to see someone else he didn't even know hate him.

He could feel his headache begin to crawl across the top of his head. Digging in with increasing pain.

'At least I'm already at the hospital.' he thought in a slightly hysterical voice.

He heard a rustle of movement and opened his eyes. His assumption the detective would be in front of him and the beating would begin was wrong. Before him was a white coat covering broad shoulders.

"Di-di, stop." The words were firm. "You can't do this. It's wrong."

Lan Wangji looked at his brother. He could feel the limp weight of Wei Ying in his arms. See his eyes clouded in death. And now a man who had taken advantage of his Wei Ying was before him? The fear and grief still lurking from the dream had ignited. Transforming into an anger the likes of which he had never felt before.

"Move, Ge-ge." The words were growled.

"I won't allow it, Lan Zhan." Xichen's voice was still firm. He knew his brother. His Di-di wouldn't hurt him. It didn't matter if Lan Zhan could put him on floor if he chose.

He would trust his brother and stand his ground.

Lan Zhan was seething. His large hands in fists so tight his knuckles were white. It was a stand off. He couldn't bring himself to hurt his brother but he could sweep him out of way. As he prepared to step forward, he heard a voice behind him.

"Lan Zhan? Don't hurt him. Don't hurt anyone. Not for me."

Wei Ying had recovered his voice. Stunned, he had watched the fury on Lan Zhan's face as he had abruptly risen from the chair. Watched as he had stalked forward toward A'Yao. It had taken him a moment to pull himself back together.

"He- Wei Ying, he ..." Lan Zhan's voice faltered. The words refused to leave his mouth.

"Lan Zhan? Please, come here. Please?"

Wei Ying was pleading. How could he say no?

He reluctantly turned from his brother and looked at Wei Ying whose eyes were worried. Stressed. Sad. Wei Ying patted the bed.

"Please?"

With taut movements, Lan Zhan returned to Wei Ying and sat stiffly on the bed.

Lan Xichen let out a silent sigh. It had come to a hair's width from violence. He didn't want that on his little brother's conscience. He moved slightly to the side and glanced back at Meng Yao.

Two large eyes were staring at him. So many emotions swam there it was difficult to separate them with one exception. Gratitude.

Wei Ying held Lan Zhan's fist in the warmth of his two hands. He looked into eyes darkened by his rage.

"You can't hurt the men who hired me. You can't, Lan Zhan. I don't want anyone hurt. I don't want you hurt." His voice was calm. Low. Serious. "Can you handle knowing there are men who did those things? Know and not hurt them? Know that I am damaged goods? Accept that I was touched by many?"

Wei Ying searched the eyes so hard with anger. His chest ached. He knew Lan Zhan deserved so much better.

"Did he...?" Lan Zhan began to ask.

"No, I didn't." Meng Yao stood up from the wheelchair. He was pretty sure he had a migraine. It was excruciating.

"I hired Yiling -"