A Means to an End (WangXian)

Strangers in a Storm

Wei Wuxian's feet dangled off the edge of the dock. They swung back and forth, and at times he could see his shoes in front of him, and other times, they would disappear underneath. His hands were pressed against the wood, piercing splinters into his hands.

He had this far away look. His eyes were clouded over, but shown brightly in the fading sun. His shoulders were sagged forward, completely unaware of the bustling movement going on in the market behind him.

He stared at the sunset, partially watching the sun go down. He watched as the sky fades from bright orange and yellow to a dark purple and black. Stars started emerging in spots of the sky where the sunlight no longer touched.

It was a little chilly in the air. There was a cold breeze that came in, promising the potential of rain to come in over night. Large clouds loomed behind Wei Wuxian, slowly moving in.

Lan Wangji had just returned, two steaming bowls in his hands. "Wei Ying," he called and took a seat at a small table towards the beginning of the dock.

Wei Wuxian turned towards him and saw the food he had set down. Silently, Wei Wuxian stood up and moved towards Lan Wangji, taking a seat beside him.

"Soup?" Wei Wuxian questioned.

"It is comforting," Lan Wangji replied.

Wei Wuxian gave a light smile. He grabbed the grey-colored bowl and brought it up closer to him, enjoying the light aroma that wafted into the air.

The two ate in silence. For Lan Wangji, this was a norm. His meals were always taken in silence.

For Wei Wuxian, it was odd. He did not speak, but not because he knew the Lan wouldn't reply. Instead, his mind continued to wander.

He worried about Jiang Wanyin. How he was doing now that he not only lost his father, but Wei Wuxian as well. He knew Yu Ziyuan would do everything in her power to ensure that Wei Wuxian would never set foot in Lotus Pier again, let alone talk to Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli. He doesn't doubt she will begin to poison Jiang Wanyin's mind with lies about him.

Though, Wei Wuxian admits he doesn't care what she has to say. Not really, anyway. However, he was worried what this would all do to Jiang Wanyin. Would he turn towards that hatred again like he did in the previous life? Would Wei Wuxian be able to hold onto that fragile relationship this time? Or will it end like it had before?

Then his thoughts turned to Jiang Fengmian. His death devasted Wei Wuxian in a way. He had come to terms that the way he was treated wasn't normal. Living in the Cloud Recesses had taught him that. However, he still felt discouraged that he couldn't save him. It made him think back to the Cloud Recesses invasion, where despite preparing for so much, he still couldn't change everything. He couldn't stop Su She from returning and betraying the Lan Sect. He couldn't stop the death of Lan Wangji's father.

It made him fearful.

Would anything he does matter in the end? Will it still help those he cares about or will they die, sullying his hands with their blood once again?

Lan Wangji observed Wei Wuxian. He absolutely despised when Wei Wuxian went quiet, and it has been days of this. He's done many things to help Wei Wuxian and tried to reason with him that it wasn't his fault, that he can't save everyone. He could see Wei Wuxian agree with him. In his mind, Wei Wuxian understands that perfectly, but his heart is telling him something different.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji called once both of them had finished their meal. "We should go."

Wei Wuxian looked up at Lan Wangji. He then glanced around the light atmosphere of the village people, completely happy and content. They were still within the Jiang borders. It would not be good to continue to remain. He let out a sigh. "Yes, you're right." The two stood and continued on their journey out of the village.