Lean on Me

Ch. 8

Xiao Ying slowly opened his eyes. His back stung but it also felt numb. He saw Wangji and Xichen nearby talking.

Zhan-Gege? What did I do wrong? Why was I punished?

Lan Wangji turned to Xiao Ying and went over to carefully comfort him, "you did nothing wrong, you were wrongfully punished and I am so sorry little one. I hope you will forgive me. I never wanted this to happen to you."

You did not know?

"Not until I saw you come to me afterwards," Wangji said, "those who hurt you have been punished."

It hurts Gege!

"I know, just try to stay calm and lay still," Wangji said. He then placed his hand under Xiao Ying's little chin and placed a kiss on top of his head, "I'm so sorry."

I forgive you Gege, you did not do it. I wish to be held.

Lan Wangji carefully picked up Xiao Ying and cradled him in his arms. The pain was there only for a second but then when he was comfortable in Wangji's arms, it was like the pain was gone. Wangji sat at the table with his brother, still holding Xiao Ying in his arms.

"After he heals, I think it is best that he travels with me from now on. I think he will be safer that way," Wangji said.

"Wangji, I will allow it but this isn't your fault," Xichen told him, "Xiao Ying will heal but you have to be strong for him."

Wangji nodded.

Lan Xichen soon left the two as he had his duties to do as a sect leader. Once Lan Wangji was alone with Xiao Ying, he moved to sit on his bed still cradling Xiao Ying in his arms. Wangji didn't want to admit it yet but he was falling for this little fox. After seeing his human form, Wangji fell for him. He had never been one to think about love or marriage. He had deprived himself of emotions long ago, but since he found Xiao Ying, he is now sure what love meant. He just didn't want to show it just yet.

Xiao Ying moved his head so he was looking up at Wangji. His little silver eyes looked straight into gold and whined. He whined as he was in pain and he wanted it to go away. Lan Wangji felt so terrible for the little fox as there was only so much he could do to reduce his pain. Lan Wangji gently scratched behind Xiao Ying's ear while using some of his spiritual energy to pass through to him. It helped calm down the little fox's pain.

Lan Wangji laid down on his side with Xiao Ying curled up beside him, "I will be better on protecting you. I am sorry you are in so much pain," Wangji said.

Zhan-Gege, it is okay. I know you did not mean for this to happen.

"You are too precious, Xiao Ying, you are not upset for what happened?" Wangji asked.

Not really, it was just a misunderstanding and your uncle was deceived. I tried to tell him but he didn't want to listen. That one man, Su MinShan, smiled the whole time. He told your uncle that I was corrupting you.

"You are not corrupting me, and Su MinShan is no longer in this sect to harm you," Wangji said, "my uncle is pondering his faults for hurting you."

It is good he knows he has done wrong. I am not angry, I don't ever get angry. My parents raised me telling me that people are deceitful and they can be hurtful but I have to learn to be better than them. If I lash out, I could turn into a demonic fox and I do not want that. I do not want to be bad.

"Oh Xiao Ying, you are so good," Wangji praised, "so so good. And I will do what I can to help you. I'm sure your parents would want you to continue to do good."

You are good too. You are quiet but you are good. I like your company. You make me feel safe and comfortable.

Lan Wangji placed a kiss on Xiao Ying's little head. Xiao Ying responded by rubbing his head against Wangji's face. He was telling Wangji that he was being kind. He was being loving and compassionate and kind. Xiao Ying could feel Wangji's love towards him through their bond and Xiao Ying felt good.

Lan Xichen returned to visit his brother later on that evening. Wangji had not come out for dinner so Xichen was going to bring him food, as well as something for Xiao Ying. When he arrived, Wangji did not answer. Xichen entered only to see Wangji curled up in bed with his little fox asleep. Lan Xichen smiled at the sight. He set the food on the table and placed a couple talismans on it. One to keep it fresh for them and another to keep their food warm.

Xichen quietly went over to Wangji and carefully removed his headpiece and boots before covering him with a blanket. Xiao Ying lifted his head as he sensed Xichen's presence but did not wake Wangji.

Xichen-Gege?

Xichen knelt down and whispered, "hey, how are you feeling?"

I feel okay. I think Zhan-Gege sent me too much energy. Can you check him?

Lan Xichen nodded and carefully checked Wangji's spiritual energy level. It was very low so Xichen transferred some to him. Just enough so that after a night's rest, his energy would be restored.

"Thanks for telling me," Xichen said.

Your welcome. Thank you for helping me.

Xichen lightly pet Xiao Ying's head, "of course," Xichen said, "get some rest."

Xiao Ying then rested his head back down but shoved his little face into Wangji's robes. Wangji felt him move and unconsciously started to gently scratch behind his ear. Lan Xichen smiled at the sight before turning out the candles and left Wangji and Xiao Ying alone to rest. Xichen was determined to make sure that nothing like that happened to Xiao Ying ever again. He was going to set up a meeting with the sect to let them know about Xiao Ying and that he is not to be harmed. Lan Wangji is his owner and he will determine what happens with Xiao Ying from now on.