Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 5: The Burden of Memories

As Wangji and Wei Ying parted ways that night, Wangji carried with him a profound certainty: their bond was not a mistake. Wei Ying's fervor and determination, even in defiance of Odin's authority, were qualities Wangji would stand by, no matter the cost. Over the months, Wei Ying had grown—less restrained, more resolute. His conviction, though often a source of friction, shone brightly.

In the quiet of the Cloud Recesses, Wangji reflected on the burden of mortal suffering. Humans, caught in the machinations of higher powers, bore consequences with little recourse. Odin's detached answers to Wei Ying's pleas played over in Wangji's mind, as did the anguish in Wei Ying's voice when he had accused Odin of indifference. Who was the "she" Wei Ying spoke of? Wangji faintly recalled a mention of a sister, but Wei Ying's family history remained veiled.

One evening, gazing out at the celestial realm, unease stirred in Wangji's chest. The thought of Wei Ying enduring his struggles alone gnawed at him. Finally, he resolved to act. Leaving behind the serene halls of the Cloud Recesses, Wangji set out for Yunmeng.

When he arrived at Wei Ying's home, the sound of laughter greeted him. The lively pitter-patter of small feet and warm voices carried through the air, so different from the weighty silence of their recent exchanges. Standing at the door, Wangji felt a quiet relief settle over him—Wei Ying was not alone.

Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door opened.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying exclaimed, eyes lighting up. "I knew I felt your presence!" His smile was warm, and Wangji's heart skipped at the sight.

"Wei Ying," Wangji replied softly, his voice steady, though his chest felt lighter.

"Come in, come in!" Wei Ying urged, stepping aside with a smile. "Is it late already? Sorry, I was playing hide and seek with A-Yuan and lost track of time."

Wangji entered, the atmosphere of Wei Ying's home wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. The laughter, the warmth—it was refreshing.

"Hmm, it's fine. A-Yuan needs you," Wangji said calmly, his gaze softening as he watched the bond between Wei Ying and the boy.

"Of course! A-Yuan, come say hello!" Wei Ying called, voice full of affection.

The boy dashed into the room, face bright. "Handsome gege, you're back!" he cried, throwing himself at Wangji's leg.

"A-Yuan, I told you that's not polite!" Wei Ying chided gently, a fond smile tugging at his lips.

"Up! Up!" A-Yuan demanded, arms stretched out eagerly.

"A-Yuan, come here, Lan Zhan doesn't..." Wei Ying started, but before he could finish, Wangji effortlessly lifted the boy into his arms. A-Yuan giggled, clinging to Wangji's neck.

"It's fine, Wei Ying," Wangji reassured, voice calm.

Wei Ying smiled warmly. "Sure, let's get some tea."

He led Wangji to a cozy corner of the living room, where a low table held a steaming pot of fragrant tea. The air was rich with the aroma as Wei Ying poured with practiced ease.

As they settled into the peaceful ambiance of the room, the crackling hearth and gentle rustle of fabric created a soothing backdrop. Wangji cradled A-Yuan, the boy's eyes fixed on the delicate butterflies swirling on Wangji's skin, like living tattoos.

"Do you want to touch them, A-Yuan?" Wangji asked softly.

A-Yuan nodded eagerly, eyes wide in wonder.

"Go ahead," Wangji said with a faint smile. "But be gentle. Don't hurt them."

A-Yuan traced the intricate patterns with feather-light fingers, his touch filled with awe.