WangXian Untamed Together

Chapter 26 - Planning Begins

Outside the Hanshi, Lan WangJi drew Wei WuXian to a stop by their joined hands.

"Yes, Lan Zhan? What is it?" asked Wei WuXian, turning to face his husband.

"I must speak with SiZhui, and it will be curfew in less than a half shichen. Will Wei Ying come with me, or would you rather go to the Jingshi, and I will join you later?" Lan WangJi waited quietly for his husband's response, enjoying the setting sun reflected in the silver eyes he loved so well.

"Ah, not fair, Lan Zhan! A moment together with our son or getting a head start on duty by myself?" Wei WuXian looked down the path leading to the disciples' quarters, then the other that would lead him to their home as his nimble mind ran through the numerous important tasks awaiting attention and argued with his heart, leaning so solidly toward time with his son. A moment of consideration, eyes flicking longingly towards the disciples' quarters then with a softened glance toward the Jingshi. A foot tapped impatiently, and Wei WuXian flung Lan WangJi's hand from him as he heaved a melodramatic sigh.

"Fine. Fine, fine, fine! Go then. Go be a good father and excellent leader. Your husband will be at home, all alone, slaving away and pining for your company while you bask in our son's regard."

With a saucy grin and a quick, warm kiss to Lan WangJi's cheek that erased any possible sting from his words, Wei WuXian turned, robes flaring, and stalked away toward the Jingshi. His garments flew around his (newly) long legs and revealed flashes of his red underrobes as he quickly strode away. Lan WangJi watched him go for a moment, enjoying the sight, one hand unconsciously lifted to his cheek where loving lips had left their lingering warmth, before he made his own swift way to Lan SiZhui's room.

Once with Lan SiZhui, Lan WangJi enjoyed a productive conversation with his son, discussing the needs of the Feng children and what the possible plans for their welfare might look like. He also inquired if Lan SiZhui could spare the time the following day to make a thorough assessment of the children's needs and Feng Tian's educational status, as well recommendations of how best to ensure the children's well being during this this liminal period of their lives.

"Of course, Father Lan," replied Lan SiZhui. "I am happy to see if I can figure out where Feng Tian is academically, and I will let her know Father Wei will be coming by to speak with her. The Matron of New Students has already been very helpful in making the Feng children comfortable. Her own little boy provided the robes that were borrowed for A-Wei and she has been by to see them several times. When JingYi and I took both children to see the rabbits they seemed to really enjoy it. They were very gentle with the bunnies. They're good children, Father."

Lan WangJi's expression softened, looking at his son, although only those who knew and loved him well would have seen the change. Lan WangJi felt content that Lan SiZhui was growing into a compassionate man and his kind heart and good humour were treasured by his father, who saw them as legacies of his early care in the hands of Wei WuXian.

"Thank you, SiZhui. Let us know your conclusions after the evening meal tomorrow, please. We will meet in the Hanshi and hear your report together.  We would like to keep the children until permanent plans can be made, but we don't want to make them so perfectly a part of Cloud Recesses they would be unhappy returning where they come from, if that proves to be in their best interests."

Good night wishes were exchanged, and Lan WangJi made his way home, arriving as the first notes of curfew were heard.

Slipping into the Jingshi, Lan WangJi turned and closed the door, absent-mindedly applying the privacy and silencing talismans that were required almost every night. Task completed, boots placed properly, and outermost robe hung carefully on a peg, it took but a further step to see where Wei WuXian sat, curled over some white pages on his desk, watercolours in several small dishes before him as he plied a brush with care. His posture was terrible, curled over his work as he was, and his tongue poked out one side of his mouth as he concentrated on the watercolours he was swatching on paper before him.