A Means to an End (WangXian)

Reuniting With Family

Wei Wuxian stared out at the flowing water and leaned against a tree. It had been awhile since he had gotten the chance to take in the serene environment of the Cloud Recesses. It was tranquil and calming.

He hated it when he first came here. All the rules were so stifling and no one in the Cloud Recesses seemed to enjoy any kind of humor. The only true joy he got from here was teasing Lan Wangji. If he was annoying enough, he could get the most rewarding expressions from Lan Wangji, even if they were hard to notice.

His favorite thing was his ears and how they turn bright red when embarrassed or angry. It wasn't until the Xuanwu cave that Wei Wuxian had learned this.

How more corrupt would his teasing be if he had known from the start that Lan Wangji expresses his emotions from his ears? Wei Wuxian would probably have been kicked out of the Cloud Recesses much sooner.

He smiled lightly to himself. He kept thinking back to that moment in Caiyi next to the water and the setting sun.

Next to the time they spent with the bunnies, Wei Wuxian wanted to treasure that moment forever. The way the sunlight made Lan Wangji's golden eyes sparkle and burn. He swore he even saw the smallest curve of his lips, giving a gentle smile.

Wei Wuxian would always remember that moment.

Being back in the Cloud Recesses now, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but feel warm. Even if the rules are stifling and there are quite a few people here who hate him, the pure energy in the air felt much nicer than anything he had experienced, especially after spending over a year living in the burial mounds.

It brought peace to him that he hadn't experienced in quite some time.

The sound of something hitting a tree pulled Wei Wuxian out of his thoughts. He momentarily forgot why he came here.

This is the place Wen Ning and him had officially met for the first time. Wei Wuxian was determined to make an even greater impression on him and his sister than he did last time. The quicker he got to know them, the better in the long run. Besides, he really missed spending time with them.

Wei Wuxian pushed off the tree and headed for the direction that the sound came.

Sure enough, Wen Ning stood with a bow and arrow in hand and practiced hitting a target on a tree a little far in front of him. He drew his bow back again and aimed.

"Great shot!" Wei Wuxian proclaimed. The sudden intrusion startled Wen Ning and he accidentally shot the arrow in the direction of the voice.

Wei Wuxian smiled, fully aware of what he just did. He side-stepped and caught the arrow before it remotely had a chance to hit him.

"I-I'm so sorry! I-I d-didn't mean to shoot a-at you!" Wen Ning bowed repeatedly and kept apologizing.

"It's no worries! Please! Stop bowing! It was entirely my fault for distracting you."

Wen Ning looked up at the person hesitantly. "I'm so bad with a-archery. Please forgive me."

Wei Wuxian shook his head and waved it off. "What are you talking about? That was an excellent shot! I was watching for a moment before showing myself. I promise, you're really good. Maybe even one of the best! I don't know many people who can shoot as well as you!" he praised.

Wen Ning grew embarrassed by the praise and blushed a deep scarlet red. "Y-You don't have to be so kind."

"I'm only speaking the truth." Wei Wuxian made his way over to him. "Though, I might have a suggestion to make it even better."

Wen Ning looked at Wei Wuxian surprised and hopeful. "R-Really?"

"Yep! Watch, get into position to shoot."