Dancing With Your Hands Tied (LXC x reader)

Date gone wrong. Who to blame?

With your fingers intertwined with Lan Xichen's as he led the way to the spot you decided to meet felt surreal.

It had been so long since you stepped in this cities. Tottering in the mountains of Gusu felt really amazing. The calm forest and cool wind released every bit of tension in your body.

You have prepared yourself for the big announcement you wanted to make. Hoping everything would be alright. Nervousness was easy to hide, but probably not from Lan Xichen. He gave your hand a squeeze and smiled,

"I see you are wearing my gift."

Your hand reached to your head, yes indeed. You had no idea that subconsciously you had put that on this morning. But you were glad nevertheless. Your eyes trailed to Lan Xichen's headpiece,

"I can say same to you."

The pure smile that radiated from Lan Xichen had you melting. You both reached at the clearing with a little stream flowing. It was good spot, same as Lan Xichen described in his letters. His description of this place was another reason you wanted to go out of your little bubble.

"So, what is that you wanted to say to me?" He asked, slowly turning to face you.

Your heart reached to your throat, you suck in a deep breath, reaching for his other hand as well and holding it tight.

"Yes.. Lan Huan I-" you exhaled sharply, then took in another breath.

"If it's difficult, I can wait darling. Don't worry." He once more squeezed your hands.

Shaking your head, you looked in his eyes once again, "I cannot wait. There is no time. The thing is, I am-"

The next words died in your mouth as an arrow, rippled through the air and sharply jabbed itself on your right shoulder. You were forced few steps back due to the impact.

Wide eyed Lan Xichen immediately got into defensive position. He shielded your body and drew out his sword. With one swift motion, he carried you and mounted his sword.

The sharp pain coursed as you pulled out the arrow and pressed on the wound. There is no way anyone from Gusu would dare to do this. And there is no way others can know about this meeting either then-

They cannot know about it, unless. You're lifted your gaze to Lan Xichen. He had scrunched eyebrows and worried expression.

No- he cannot do this! I trust him!

The dense forest was no help for sword flight and hence you both needed to land after a short flight.

"A-Ying, I am sorry-" he was reaching for your wounded shoulder to check it when another voice interrupted.

"Thank you Zewu Jun. Alt last, we finally got to have honour to meet Lanfeng Jun again!" The voice was sticky, and sounded calculating. Your head snapped to the direction of the voice.

Jin Guangshan, along with Jin Guangyao by his side and some armed sidekicks approached you.

With a smirk, Jin Guangshan continued, "Took you some time but surely you managed to get her out of her hiding. Now.." his voice dropped, "Where is Stygian Tiger amulet?"

You were baffled. Thought of Lan Xichen betraying you was not pleasant one but it was only explanation. Your brain was screaming the possible explanation while your heart kept denying it. There must be an explanation! This is ridiculous!

Not letting the dismay show, you turned your now cold gaze at Lan Xichen.

"A-ying I-"

"Now now. Zewu Jun, thank you for your service. We can take it from here."