Mischief in Gusu

Chapter 6: A Subtle Shift

Morning arrived at the Cloud Recesses, the sky painted in soft hues of pale blue and gold. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of dew-kissed pine trees. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows of the Jingshi, Lan Wangji had already risen, moving about the room with his usual grace and precision. Despite the peaceful surroundings, an unspoken shift hung in the air, one that both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had been subtly aware of since their transformation the day before.

Wei Wuxian, however, was still comfortably curled under the covers, sprawled across the bed in a fashion that was anything but graceful. His black hair was a wild tangle, and his face was relaxed in a rare, unguarded moment of sleep. Lan Wangji couldn’t help but linger for a moment, watching the rise and fall of Wei Wuxian’s chest as he slept. It had become a habit of his—these quiet moments of observation, where the weight of the world seemed far away and Wei Wuxian was simply Wei Ying, free of burdens.

As the sunlight gradually brightened the room, Wei Wuxian stirred, his nose scrunching slightly as the light tickled his face. He blinked groggily, his eyes adjusting to the brightness, before finally catching sight of Lan Wangji standing by the window.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He propped himself up on one elbow, rubbing at his eyes. "Why are you always up so early? You’re going to make me feel lazy."

Lan Wangji turned from the window, his gaze softening as he met Wei Wuxian’s sleepy eyes. "You need rest, Wei Ying," he replied simply, his voice quiet but steady.

Wei Wuxian stretched his arms above his head, yawning widely. "I suppose you’re right, but it feels like I’ve slept for days." He threw the covers off and swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretching once more before standing up. He glanced at Lan Wangji with a playful grin. "Did you miss me while I was sleeping?"

Lan Wangji’s lips twitched, a barely-there smile tugging at the corners. "Mn."

Wei Wuxian’s grin widened, clearly pleased by the response. He sauntered over to where Lan Wangji stood and peered out the window, taking in the serene view of the Cloud Recesses. The courtyard was already bustling with juniors attending their morning duties, the quiet hum of activity creating a soothing background noise.

After a moment, Wei Wuxian leaned against the window frame, his expression growing thoughtful. "Lan Zhan," he began softly, "have you thought about what happened yesterday? I mean, it’s strange, right? We were turned into toddlers by a mysterious incense burner, and yet… it didn’t feel strange at all."

Lan Wangji nodded, his eyes still fixed on the peaceful scene outside. "It was unexpected, but…" he paused, choosing his words carefully, "it was not unpleasant."

Wei Wuxian’s eyes flickered with amusement. "Not unpleasant? That’s an understatement. It was fun! I got to see what you’d be like as a little Lan Zhan." He chuckled, recalling the sight of tiny Lan Wangji adjusting his flower crown with all the seriousness of his adult self. "You were so serious, even as a toddler."

Lan Wangji turned to him, his expression soft but unreadable. "And you were mischievous, as always."

Wei Wuxian grinned. "Some things never change."

For a brief moment, silence hung between them, but it was not uncomfortable. It was a shared quietness, filled with the weight of their bond. Despite everything they had gone through—wars, deaths, resurrections—there was always this deep connection that tied them together, regardless of the form they took.

Wei Wuxian’s gaze shifted to the juniors in the courtyard. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi were among them, laughing and talking as they worked. Watching them, Wei Wuxian felt a swell of affection, both for the juniors and for the life he had now. A life filled with peace, companionship, and, most importantly, Lan Wangji.

"Do you ever wonder, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian asked, his voice quiet but curious, "what it would’ve been like if we had known each other as children? If we grew up together?"

Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed slightly in thought. He had asked himself that question many times, in the privacy of his own mind, especially after seeing what they had been like as toddlers. "Perhaps… things would have been different," he said softly. "But I believe we would have found each other, no matter what."

Wei Wuxian smiled at that, a soft, genuine smile. "Yeah, I think so too." He glanced at Lan Wangji, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "You’d probably have been the one keeping me out of trouble, just like now."

Lan Wangji gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "That would not have changed."

Wei Wuxian laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Well, I’m glad we didn’t meet as kids then. It would’ve been a boring childhood without some mischief, wouldn’t it?"

Lan Wangji’s gaze softened even further. "I do not think any time with you could be considered boring, Wei Ying."

The warmth in Lan Wangji’s voice caught Wei Wuxian off guard for a moment, and his teasing demeanor faltered. For all the playful banter between them, there were still moments—like this one—that reminded Wei Wuxian just how deeply Lan Wangji felt for him. It was a quiet, steady love, one that did not need grand gestures to be understood.

Wei Wuxian’s grin softened into something more tender, and he reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Lan Wangji’s arm. "Lan Zhan," he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, "I know I don’t say it often, but… I’m really glad we found each other."

Lan Wangji’s eyes met Wei Wuxian’s, and in that moment, no words were needed. The connection between them spoke volumes, a bond that had been tested by time, distance, and death itself, yet remained unbreakable.

After a long moment, Wei Wuxian broke the silence with a cheeky grin. "Now, how about we make today a little more interesting, huh? No incense burners this time, I promise!"

Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and mild suspicion. "What do you have in mind, Wei Ying?"

Wei Wuxian’s grin turned positively wicked. "Oh, you’ll see," he said, already heading towards the door with a spring in his step. "Come on, Lan Zhan! Let’s have some fun!"

Lan Wangji followed after him, his usual calm exterior hiding the fact that, despite Wei Wuxian’s penchant for chaos, he found a certain joy in being swept along in his wake. As they stepped outside into the crisp morning air, Wei Wuxian’s laughter echoed through the Cloud Recesses, and Lan Wangji couldn’t help the small, contented smile that spread across his face.

Whatever mischief Wei Wuxian had planned, Lan Wangji knew one thing for certain—he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.