The Echo of Forgotten Dreams

Lingering Cold

Even after waking up in the warmth of Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji's home, Wei Wuxian's body still bore the effects of his time in the freezing snow. Though he tried to move, a deep chill still clung to his bones, making every muscle ache. His hands shook as he clutched the blanket tighter, his teeth still occasionally chattering despite the warmth around him.

Lan Wangji, ever observant, noticed how Wei Wuxian's lips were still slightly blue and his skin was pale. He frowned, concerned that the cold had done more damage than they initially thought. Without a word, he moved to the thermostat, turning up the heat another notch, then fetched more blankets to wrap around Wei Wuxian.

"You're still cold," Lan Wangji said quietly, kneeling beside him.

Wei Wuxian managed a weak, embarrassed smile. "Yeah... feels like I can't shake it off. I'll be fine though, don't worry."

Lan Xichen entered the room with a steaming mug of ginger tea and some extra socks, his brow creased with worry. "You've been exposed to the cold for too long, Wei Wuxian. Your body needs more time to recover."

Lan Xichen set the tea on the small table beside the couch, then handed the extra socks to Lan Wangji, who gently helped Wei Wuxian put them on. Wei Wuxian, feeling awkward at being cared for so tenderly, muttered a quiet, "Thank you."

Lan Xichen gave him a warm smile as he sat down nearby. "No need to thank us. Just focus on warming up."

Wei Wuxian took the tea, his hands trembling as he brought the cup to his lips. The warm liquid was a relief, soothing his throat and sending a wave of heat through his chilled body. But even as he drank, his hands continued to shake, and his muscles felt weak and stiff. The exposure to the freezing temperatures had taken more of a toll than he wanted to admit.

Lan Wangji sat down across from him, his sharp eyes still watching every movement. "You're not well yet. The cold has affected you more than you realize."

Wei Wuxian sighed, setting the empty cup down with a clatter that betrayed his still-shaking hands. "I know... I can feel it. But I'll be fine. I've been through worse."

Lan Wangji's frown deepened. "You shouldn't have to endure this."

Wei Wuxian's head dipped slightly, the weight of his situation pressing on him again. He had always been used to surviving on his own, pushing through whatever challenges came his way, no matter how tough they were. Admitting he needed help felt strange, almost wrong, but here, in the warmth of the Lan brothers' home, he felt... safe.

Lan Xichen's voice was soft but firm. "Wei Wuxian, I know you're used to handling things by yourself, but we're here now. You don't have to do this alone."

Wei Wuxian bit his lip, emotion welling up inside him. He hadn't expected kindness like this, not from two people who hardly knew him outside of school and a passing interaction. "I... I don't know what to say."

Lan Wangji exchanged a glance with his brother, then leaned in closer, his voice gentle but resolute. "There's nothing you need to say. Just rest. We'll help you recover."

Wei Wuxian's throat tightened as he looked between the two brothers. They had no reason to help him—no obligation or personal stake. And yet, here they were, caring for him like he was family. His defenses, already weakened by exhaustion and the cold, finally gave way.

His voice came out barely above a whisper. "I don't deserve this."

Lan Xichen shook his head gently, his tone filled with understanding. "Everyone deserves kindness, Wei Wuxian. You've been through enough. Let us help you now."

The warmth of their words settled around Wei Wuxian like the blankets that surrounded him, and for the first time in a long while, he let himself lean on someone else. He nodded, too tired and too overwhelmed to argue anymore.

Lan Wangji stood, moving to the kitchen to make some soup. "You need to eat something warm as well. It will help."

Wei Wuxian smiled faintly, watching him go. "You're really like a brother."

Lan Xichen chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "That's because he is. And now, you're part of our family too."

Wei Wuxian blinked, emotion welling up inside him at those words. Family. It was something he hadn't thought about in a long time. He'd been on his own for so long, drifting from place to place, never truly feeling like he belonged anywhere. But now, sitting here with the Lan brothers, something shifted inside him. Maybe... just maybe, he wasn't as alone as he'd always thought.

As the warmth of the room slowly began to seep into his bones, Wei Wuxian let his body relax, feeling a strange, unfamiliar sense of peace. For the first time in years, he wasn't just surviving—he was being cared for.

And for now, that was enough.