Lan Wangji’s Point of View
The sun dipped behind the distant mountains, casting long shadows that crept over the stone pathways of the Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji stood by the serene koi pond, its waters still and reflective like his own thoughts. He watched as the fish moved gracefully beneath the surface, their fluid movements a stark contrast to the disjointed rhythm of his own life.
Wei Ying’s laughter echoed softly in the background, a sound that usually brought Lan Wangji a sense of peace. Yet, today it felt distant, like a melody played just out of tune. He turned his gaze to Wei Wuxian, who was sprawled comfortably on the grass, eyes closed as he soaked in the last rays of the sun. Even now, with a slight bruise peeking from beneath the collar of his robe, Wei Ying was radiant.
Lan Wangji’s chest tightened. It wasn’t the bruises themselves that bothered him—it was the fact that he, in his ignorance, had allowed them to happen. Every mark was a testament to his failure to protect Wei Ying in the most intimate way. He was trained to wield his sword with precision, to control his spiritual energy with utmost discipline, yet here, in the quiet moments meant for softness and connection, he found himself lost.
He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as he tried to push away the rising tide of frustration. He had always prided himself on his self-control, but with Wei Ying, everything felt unpredictable, chaotic. There were no rules to follow, no teachings from the Lan sect that could guide him through this unfamiliar terrain. The feeling of inadequacy was foreign and unwelcome, gnawing at the edges of his composure.
Lan Xichen’s gentle concern and Lan Qiren’s understanding words from earlier still echoed in his mind. Their offer of guidance was a lifeline he hadn’t realized he needed, yet accepting it felt like admitting defeat. Lan Wangji was not used to asking for help, especially in matters of the heart. But for Wei Ying, he would swallow his pride, he would learn, he would do anything to make things right.
A gentle breeze stirred the air, ruffling Wei Ying’s hair. Lan Wangji stepped closer, drawn by an invisible thread that always seemed to pull him toward the other man. He knelt beside Wei Ying, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from his face. The simple touch sent a jolt through him, a mix of tenderness and guilt.
Wei Ying opened his eyes, smiling up at Lan Wangji. “What’s on your mind, Lan Zhan? You look like you’re a thousand miles away.”
Lan Wangji hesitated, his gaze flickering to the faint bruise on Wei Ying’s neck. “I am… thinking of how to make things right.”
Wei Ying’s smile softened, and he sat up, resting a hand on Lan Wangji’s. “We’ll figure it out together, Lan Zhan. It’s just… new, that’s all.”
Lan Wangji nodded, but the knot in his chest remained. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was failing Wei Ying in the one place that mattered most. He vowed, silently, that he would learn, no matter how long it took, no matter how many mistakes they made along the way. Wei Ying deserved that, and so much more.
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**Wei Wuxian’s Point of View**
Wei Wuxian watched Lan Wangji’s retreating form, his back straight and posture tense as ever. Even in moments of vulnerability, Lan Zhan was the picture of discipline, every movement controlled and deliberate. Wei Wuxian admired that about him, but today, it felt like an invisible barrier keeping them apart.
He flopped back onto the grass, staring up at the sky. The bruises were a dull ache beneath his skin, but they were nothing compared to the ache in his heart. He knew Lan Zhan blamed himself, that every misstep in their intimate moments weighed heavily on his shoulders. Wei Wuxian wanted to laugh it off, to brush it aside with a joke or a smile, but even he couldn’t deny the sting of each failed attempt.
It wasn’t that Wei Wuxian didn’t understand what they were trying to do. He had heard the whispered stories in taverns, seen the paintings in old, forgotten scrolls. But knowing and doing were entirely different things, and with Lan Zhan, he found himself second-guessing every touch, every kiss. Was he being too rough? Too eager? Every mark left behind felt like a betrayal of the tenderness he wanted to convey.
Wei Wuxian sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch, the man who never backed down from a challenge. But here, in the quiet moments of their shared bed, he felt like a fumbling novice, stumbling in the dark. He glanced at his reflection in the pond’s surface, seeing not the confident cultivator everyone else saw, but a man struggling to connect with the one he loved most.
Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren’s offer of help was kind, but Wei Wuxian couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. It wasn’t like he could just walk up to them and ask, “So, how exactly do we do this without hurting each other?” The very thought made him want to bury his face in his hands. But then he remembered the look in Lan Zhan’s eyes—so filled with determination and care—and he knew they had to find a way.
Wei Wuxian pushed himself up, determination flaring in his chest. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he and Lan Zhan were a team. They had faced far worse than this—fierce battles, deadly curses, and countless enemies. This was just another challenge, another obstacle to overcome. And if they needed guidance, they would take it, even if it meant enduring a few awkward conversations.
Standing, Wei Wuxian dusted off his robes and set off to find Lan Zhan. As he walked, he thought of all the times Lan Zhan had stood by him, unwavering and unyielding, even when the world turned against them. Wei Wuxian knew that this time would be no different. They would figure this out, together, just as they always had.
He found Lan Zhan in the Jingshi, seated by the window with his guqin in hand. The soft strains of music filled the room, soothing and melancholic. Wei Wuxian approached quietly, his heart swelling with affection. Lan Zhan glanced up, his gaze meeting Wei Wuxian’s, and in that moment, words were unnecessary.
Wei Wuxian reached out, taking Lan Zhan’s hand in his own. “Let’s try again,” he said softly, determination lacing his voice. “We’ll learn. Together.”
Lan Zhan nodded, his grip tightening around Wei Wuxian’s hand. There was no hesitation, no doubt, only the quiet resolve that had carried them through so many trials before. In each other, they found the courage to keep trying, to keep loving, despite the bruises and the uncertainty.
Together, they would find their way, step by tender step.
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Whispers of the Silk Road
Fanfic--- **Summary:** In a realm where ancient traditions govern daily life, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji find themselves entangled in a love that transcends the boundaries of their world. As cultivators of the Yiling and Gusu sects, they have faced fierce...
