Fate

Ch. 60

For the past few weeks, Lan Xichen has been spending his time really thinking about some things. The image of his little brother in tears because of his words pained his heart and Xichen was so upset with himself for not being the older brother he should be. He sees the undeniably beautiful and everlasting love that his brother and Wuxian have for each other and they have achieved immortality because of it.

Being away from the two for a while gave him some time to think about the words he said and regretting them heavily. He was desperate to get back home, to see his uncle again, to see his sect again, to make sure everyone was okay, but he didn't think about the wellbeing of those he was currently with.

Xichen knew Wei Wuxian's story and it was a painful one. He thought back to the time he saw the bright and cheerful youth at Cloud Recesses all those years ago. He was just around sixteen or so and around Wangji's age. Xichen could see the tension between the two but the closer he looked at his brother Wangji, the more he could see deep down that he was actually curious about Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian was a curveball that plowed right through their strict teachings and harsh studies. He knew how to make people happy and even get curious about certain aspects. Wei Wuxian was extremely smart and he was very well versed in the six arts. People always judged him for not being from a prominent family like the Lans or the Jiangs. Though Xichen knew that the names Wei and Sanren were very much well known in the cultivator world.

Wei Wuxian's father was Sect Leader Jiang's second and the man treated Wuxian's father fairly. It was after meeting Wei Wuxian's mother, did he leave the sect. Wei Wuxian was famous just from her name. She was the daughter and disciple of the renowned and highly respected cultivator, Baoshan Sanren. It was always painful to hear people talk to poorly of Wei Wuxian's parents when they left such legacies behind. They were righteous and selfless. Being knowing Wei Wuxian, Xichen knew that he had his parents' morals.

Lan Xichen sighed as he left his room and went to spend some time outside. Wen Ning, and Wen Qing were both outside watching Fanxing and A'Yuan. Wen Qing was a bit upset with Xichen but she could understand that Xichen is having a hard time understanding something that he has not personally experienced. He hasn't even witnessed Wei Wuxian the Wen Qing had. The broken bones, the nightmares, the hidden emotional pain, and forcing himself to become an insomniac just to avoid his nightmares.

"You can talk to us you know," Wen Qing said, "I may not be an expert on emotional health like Xiao Zhan but talking does help."

Xichen sighed, "I am just thinking about the pain I put my brother through."

"Your brother just wants Wuxian to feel accepted," Wen Qing told him, "Wuxian used to be a very happy person and everyone praised him for his skills. When he turned towards the unorthodox path, people still talked but it was all hateful. Behind closed doors, Wuxian was already received hate from some people from Lotus Pier...I am sure you know who it is...He has been hurt and abandoned so many times that he needs to have some sense of security and peace. Your brother is giving him that. I can understand why he doesn't want to return...Wen Ning and I are the same. We don't want to return yet either...not until we know if there is a way to know we will be safe."

Lan Xichen nodded, "I guess that is why I want to return because I can be some sort of advocate," he said,  "I don't know how I'd reach you but I would do everything I could to help guarantee your safety to return. I'd marry you to even make sure it that no one can hurt you."

"Marry me?" When Qing asked, "You do understand what that would mean right? It would potentially give me some security but people would be against you marrying a Wen."

"It would not matter," Xichen said, "I am a prominent figure and I can marry who I want. Others may not like it but once you marry me, you'd be safe and it would also grant protection for Wen Ning and A'Yuan."

"A'Jie, don't decline it right away," Wen Ning said, "If he is genuinely offering this, then think about it before making a decision. You have a right to make decisions and even ask for something in return. I am technically dead so I can protect myself and I do not need to live within Cloud Recesses but I can live nearby. A'Yuan would have strict rules and teachings to follow but he'd learn to be a proper cultivator. He'd make friends even."

When Qing sighed, "Are you okay if I think it through?"

"Of course, we can even write down terms and conditions. If you wish to remain...untouched...I will respect that. I can even do what I can to get you into being a healer at our infirmary. You are a skilled physician and our healers would learn a lot from you. Your knowledge on the golden core alone will be very valuable to them," Xichen said.

"Wouldn't you want an heir?" Wen Qing asked, "What if we gain interest in one another in the process?"

"Then we will discuss it when we get there," Xichen said, "I already like you and admire your talents. It was wrong of me to follow blindly what others have said without looking into it myself. If I had, I would have done so much more to help you...I am sorry...Wen Qing."

When Qing felt sincerity in Xichen's apology, "I appreciate that," she said, "if it's okay, let's see how things go until Wuxian can help get you home. If things progress between us, I will consider going with you as long as you can guarantee to protect me."

"I would stay with A'Ying," Wen Ning said, "and return with them. I think A'Yuan should go back with you if you go."

When Qing nodded, "we can talk to A'Ying about communication between two dimensions," she said, "He might have a solution if he can figure out the talisman you gave him."

"Alright," Xichen said. He still had to work on his relationship with his brother but he was glad that he got somewhere with Wen Qing. He wanted to make sure she was safe when going back. If marrying her is her protection, he'd do it."