Red Light

The Room: Part 2

Lan Xichen paused outside of the room. Meng Yao's hands were entwined in his lap again. Knuckles white with pressure.

"A'Yao?"

"I'm fine." He looked up and saw the concern. "A little anxious, I guess."

The doctor crouched down so he was eye to eye with Meng Yao.

"We don't have to go in. I don't want you getting stressed again. You've had enough stress for one day."

He tucked a strand of hair behind the man's ear. "It's okay if we wait until tomorrow."

"I ummm... I want to go in. Do you think it'll be okay?"

"I do. Mn. If you are uncomfortable, perhaps you can just say you are tired and I will take you back. Is that acceptable?"

Meng Yao's hands relaxed slightly.

"Thank you, Xichen. Not really used to meeting people socially and after this morning... but I want to do this. I do."

"Okay then we'll do it." Xichen smiled warmly. "Remember you're safe and, if it's too much, just say you're tired."

"Okay." Meng Yao smiled back.

Opening the door, Lan Xichen pushed Meng Yao's wheel chair into the room. They were greeted by smiles which thrilled Meng Yao.

From his hospital bed, Wei Ying smiled at the man. It was the same accepting sunshine smile that had greeted Meng Yao in the red light district.

"A'Yao! It is good to see you."

Meng Yao smiled as the tension eased in his shoulders. "Wei Ying, it is good to see you as well!"

Beside Wei Ying was Lan Wangji. Their fingers were entwined. He nodded to them both.

"Ge-ge. Meng Yao."

"Brother." Lan Xichen replied.

Tucked against Wei Ying was a young boy. He was looking back and forth between Lan Wangji and Meng Yao with wide fearful eyes.

He knew what happened last time. He paled and began to shake. Hiding his face against Wei Ying, he had a death grip on his arm.

"A'Yuan?" Wei Ying asked surprised.

No response.

It took a few seconds for Wei Ying to put the pieces together. At least he hoped he had the right pieces together.

"A'Yuan, it is safe. Lan Zhan apologized to Meng Yao and Meng Yao accepted. Lan Zhan has said he will not behave that way again. Look at me, Little Lion." Wei Ying's voice was soothing and firm. He believed what he said.

It took a moment but A'Yuan looked up with anxious eyes.

He brushed his son's ragged bangs back.

"No one here will hurt you. Everyone here will protect you and keep you safe. Look around, Little Lion. These people, even if they yell, are not going to hit you. It may take some time but we will prove it to you. We will." Wei Ying smiled. It was warm and loving. Kind and honest.

These weren't just words to make him feel better. Not a sugar-coated lie.

A jerky nod but A'Yuan's fingers loosened.

"That's my boy." Wei Ying side hugged A'Yuan and looked at Sizhui. "Do you think Sizhui might like to play the game Zixuan brought you? I bet you two could give each other some tips on how to play. We can just roll his chair over by the bed and you can stay right here."

A hesitant nod.

"Sizhui? Would you like to help beta test a game with A'Yuan?" Wei Ying asked.

"Umm, sure. What kind of game?"