It took some time for Wei WuXian to regain his composure. Lan XiChen distracted the Hall by signalling the servers to bring forth the banquet, which successfully refocussed almost everyone to their more immediate concerns. Lan WangJi used the curtain of his hair and expansive white sleeves to shield Wei WuXian from the curious gaze of onlookers as he ran soothing hands up and down his husband's back until Wei WuXian had wept out the surprise, the shock, and the nerves, and he was quiet once more. Even then, Lan WangJi continued to stroke his back and whisper quiet words of support for some time longer. While he attended to his husband, Lan SiZhui quietly made sure their bowls and cups were filled and waiting for when they would be ready.
Wei WuXian eventually sat up, wiping his eyes with his sleeves. Lan WangJi handed over a snowy linen handkerchief and Wei WuXian blew his nose, a final hiccup the end of his tears.
"I didn't mean to do that," Wei WuXian started, his voice shaky and thin, but Lan WangJi just shook his head.
"Wei Ying. It's alright. It was a lot to take in. I did not tell you before as I wanted you to receive the recognition you deserve, and I felt certain you would find some way to avoid it if you were aware."
Wei WuXian scowled briefly at Lan WangJi. "I'd have run away, and you know it!"
"And so, I could not tell Wei Ying," answered Lan WangJi, his simple logic dragging a reluctant smile from his husband.
"You know me too well."
Lan WangJi nodded to his husband and produced the ubiquitous chili oil, which Wei WuXian accepted with a small smile, eyes still damp but the clouds within clearing. The remainder of the banquet held no surprises; the usual silence held while eating, even at a banquet in Cloud Recesses. Once the food had been cleared away, fresh tea was served to all along with a rare offering of sweets and dainties in recognition of QiXi, and quiet socializing was enjoyed. The soft sounds of restrained laughter once more drifted about the Hall, much as it had when the men arrived for the official welcome.
More disciples than Wei WuXian would have predicted came to offer their congratulations to Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian for their marriage, largely the younger disciples who were more familiar with Wei WuXian. As the day turned fully to evening a smaller but still notable proportion of the senior disciples and elders came to speak with Wei WuXian and extend their gratitude to him for preserving the life of their Grandmaster. All things considered, Wei WuXian was feeling very content when Lan WangJi took his elbow and nodded towards the doorway. The two men rose to their feet and bowed their respects to Lan XiChen, before leaving the Hall, arm in arm.
Once outside the Main Hall, the men paused a moment. Wei WuXian looked up at the beginnings of sunset and the glowing lanterns and red ornaments strung about the landing. He took a deep breath and felt his shoulders relax.
"Aiya... no more surprises for a long time, alright Lan Zhan? I think I've had quite enough of them now and your surprises always seem to be a bit larger than life."
"Mn," acknowledged Lan WangJi. He gestured down the path and steered Wei WuXian away from the one he'd turned to automatically, assuming a return to the Jingshi.
"What's this?" asked Wei WuXian. "No more surprises, sweetheart, please... my heart really can't handle any more today."
Lan WangJi simply continued striding along, drawing his husband down the path at his side. Down the path they trod, through Cloud Recesses.
"Oh! Are we visiting the bunnies?" asked Wei WuXian, as he recognized the way.
"No, Wei Ying," answered Lan Zhan, who kept right on walking.
YOU ARE READING
WangXian Untamed Together
FanfictionSequel to WangXian Untamed. Two souls bonded beyond death into a second life. They will do whatever it takes to protect their world, their loved ones and each other. Anything - as long as they're together.
