Different oneshots

"Stuck in Transit: A Paralyzing Tale"

Note:   The chapter title is generated by AI, bcz I've got nothing on naming things.. just look at my cats names!! The horror!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this modern era fic.

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Lan Wangji had never been fond of public transportation. He preferred the tranquility of walking or the controlled environment of his car. Yet, on this crisp autumn morning, with the city’s streets teeming with activity and his car in the shop for routine maintenance, he found himself reluctantly boarding the bus. The interior was surprisingly crowded for the early hour, and he had to squeeze past several passengers to find a seat near the middle.

The hum of the engine and the rhythmic swaying of the vehicle soon created a lulling effect. Lan Wangji allowed his gaze to drift out the window, watching as the city blurred past. It was then, as he settled into his seat, that a sudden flashback hit him with the force of a tidal wave.

He was back in his childhood home, the austere and rigid atmosphere pressing down on him. His father’s stern voice echoed in his ears, a litany of expectations and reprimands. His brother, always dutiful, stood by silently. The memory of a particularly harsh punishment resurfaced, one where he had been confined to his room for days, every minute a reminder of his perceived failures.

The sharpness of the memory made his breath catch, and he felt his muscles tense involuntarily. He tried to push the memory away, focusing on the present, on the steady rhythm of the bus, the muted conversations around him. But the grip of the past was relentless, and he felt himself slipping further into the mire of old traumas.

A sudden jolt of the bus pulled him partially back to the present, but when he attempted to rise from his seat, he found himself paralyzed. Panic surged through him as he struggled to move, his limbs unresponsive to his desperate commands. His heart pounded in his chest, and a cold sweat broke out across his forehead.

The paralysis was temporary, he knew that on some level, but the fear it induced was very real. He was trapped, both in his mind and in his body, unable to escape the confines of his seat. The bus continued its journey, oblivious to his silent struggle, each stop and start a torment of uncertainty.

Minutes passed, though they felt like hours, before he finally felt a tingling in his legs, a gradual return of sensation. With great effort, he managed to stand, his legs shaky but functional. He stumbled to the front of the bus and disembarked at the next stop, breathing deeply as he stepped onto solid ground.

The walk home was slow and unsteady. Each step required concentration, his mind still reeling from the unexpected assault of the flashback and the subsequent paralysis. By the time he reached the door of his apartment, he was exhausted both physically and emotionally.

Wei Wuxian, his husband, greeted him with a bright smile that immediately faltered upon seeing the state Lan Wangji was in. Without a word, Wei Wuxian wrapped an arm around his waist, guiding him gently to the couch. Lan Wangji sank into the cushions with a heavy sigh, his eyes closing as he leaned back.

“Lan Zhan, what happened?” Wei Wuxian asked softly, his voice filled with concern as he knelt by Lan Wangji’s side, one hand resting on his knee.

Lan Wangji took a moment to collect his thoughts, to find the words to explain the inexplicable. “I had a flashback,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper. “On the bus. It was… overwhelming. I couldn’t move.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in alarm, but he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. “You’re safe now,” he said firmly. “I’m here. We’ll figure this out together.”

He stood and fetched a blanket, draping it over Lan Wangji’s lap before sitting beside him, taking his hand in both of his. The warmth and familiarity of Wei Ying’s touch helped to steady Lan Wangji’s racing heart.

“Let’s get you comfortable,” Wei Wuxian suggested, his tone gentle but insistent. He helped Lan Wangji change into more comfortable clothes, the simple acts of undressing and redressing performed with an intimacy and care that spoke volumes of their deep bond.

Once Lan Wangji was settled, Wei Wuxian prepared a pot of tea, the aromatic steam filling the room with a calming scent. He brought two cups over and handed one to Lan Wangji, who accepted it with a grateful nod.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the warmth of the tea seeping into Lan Wangji’s hands and spreading through his body. Wei Wuxian’s presence was a balm to his frayed nerves, his steadying influence a reminder that he was not alone.

“We should see a doctor,” Wei Wuxian said after a time, breaking the silence. “Just to make sure everything is okay. Maybe they can help with the flashbacks.”

Lan Wangji nodded slowly. The idea of seeking help was daunting, but he knew it was necessary. The events of the day had shown him that much. “I agree,” he said quietly. “Thank you.”

Wei Wuxian smiled, squeezing his hand. “We’ll go together. You don’t have to face this alone.”

The days that followed were a blur of doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions. Wei Wuxian was by his side through it all, his unwavering support a constant source of strength. The doctors confirmed that the paralysis had been a temporary, stress-induced episode, likely a manifestation of his body’s response to the severe anxiety triggered by the flashback.

Therapy sessions provided a safe space for Lan Wangji to confront the traumas of his past, to untangle the web of memories that had ensnared him for so long. Wei Wuxian attended some of the sessions with him, offering his own perspectives and support, his presence a reminder that Lan Wangji was no longer alone in his struggles.

In the evenings, they would return home, where Wei Wuxian would coax Lan Wangji into relaxation with gentle words and tender touches. They developed a routine of mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques, practices that helped Lan Wangji reclaim control over his mind and body.

One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji with a thoughtful expression. “You know,” he began, “we’ve been through so much together. I’ve seen you face down all sorts of dangers, both external and internal. And through it all, you’ve been incredibly strong.”

Lan Wangji looked at him, his expression softened by the affection he felt for his husband. “It’s easier with you by my side,” he admitted.

Wei Ying smiled, leaning in to kiss him softly. “And I’ll always be here,” he promised. “No matter what.”

Lan Wangji’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. In Wei Ying, he had found not only a partner but a source of unyielding strength and love. With him, he could face the lingering shadows of his past and move forward into the light of a future they would build together, one step at a time.

The journey was far from over, but with Wei Ying by his side, Lan Wangji knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would navigate the complexities of healing and find solace in each other’s arms, their bond unbreakable, their love a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.