Returns To Innocent

Chapter 21: A Joyous Return

After Lan Zhan's curse had been lifted, a renewed energy swept through the Cloud Recesses. Lan Zhan had returned to his adult form, and life seemed filled with a joy and lightness that hadn't been present in years. His spirit, once weighed down by the dark magic that had plagued him, was now free, allowing him to fully experience life's simpler pleasures.

Morning in the Cloud Recesses

Wei Wuxian woke up in high spirits, eagerly making his way through the winding paths of the Cloud Recesses. He had planned a day full of festivities to celebrate Lan Zhan's return, wanting to give him a warm reminder of the love and happiness he was surrounded by.

He found Lan Zhan standing beneath the cherry blossom tree where they'd often met, gazing up at the pink blossoms. The breeze rustled through the branches, causing petals to float down around him, creating an ethereal, dreamlike scene.

"Good morning, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian called, grinning widely.

Lan Zhan turned, a gentle smile softening his features. "Good morning, Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian bounded over, tugging Lan Zhan by the hand. "I've got a surprise for you. Come on!"

Lan Zhan let himself be pulled along, his curiosity piqued by Wei Wuxian's excitement.

---

The Festivities Begin

They arrived at a small clearing in the Cloud Recesses where Wei Wuxian had set up a gathering spot, decorated with vibrant paper lanterns and adorned with flowers. Lan Xichen, sensing the need for celebration, had enlisted a few disciples to help prepare, though they all left when Wei Wuxian hinted that he wanted some time alone with Lan Zhan.

Lan Zhan looked around in awe. "Wei Ying... did you do all this?"

"Of course! It's a celebration, isn't it?" Wei Wuxian said proudly. "You're finally free, Lan Zhan. That deserves a party!"

Lan Zhan's smile grew wider, the reserved expression that usually accompanied him giving way to a pure, unrestrained happiness. "Thank you, Wei Ying. It means a lot."

The two settled down with a small feast Wei Wuxian had prepared: rice cakes, lotus buns, and sweet pastries filled with red bean paste. Lan Zhan watched Wei Wuxian with amusement as he piled his plate high.

"You know, Wei Ying, it's surprising you're still so excited about food," Lan Zhan teased lightly, a playful glint in his eyes.

Wei Wuxian smirked. "Life is too short to deny yourself good food! Besides, I finally have you here to share it with me."

As they ate, Wei Wuxian's laughter and Lan Zhan's rare but radiant smiles filled the air. The atmosphere was charged with the warmth of their friendship and love, a bond forged through countless trials.

---

Returning to Daily Life

As the days passed, Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian began to return to their daily routines. Yet, there was a newfound freedom in Lan Zhan's demeanor. Where once he had been reserved and stoic, now there was a hint of playfulness that had not been there before. Wei Wuxian noticed, with no small amount of pride, that Lan Zhan seemed more open to joining in his lighthearted mischief.

One afternoon, they wandered into the library pavilion, where Lan Qiren was busy organizing scrolls. Lan Qiren looked up, narrowing his eyes as he caught sight of Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan together.

"Ah, I see trouble has arrived," Lan Qiren muttered, but his tone was less stern than usual, almost as if he had grown accustomed to the pair's antics.

Wei Wuxian grinned, feigning innocence. "Shufu, we're just here to study! Isn't that right, Lan Zhan?"

Lan Zhan gave a slow nod, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Of course, Uncle."

Lan Qiren sighed, seemingly resigned, and went back to his work. Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan exchanged a look, and Wei Wuxian whispered, "Want to have a little fun?"

Lan Zhan's lips twitched in a barely suppressed smile. "What do you have in mind?"

Wei Wuxian smirked, pulling out a brush and ink. "A little artistic addition to Shufu's scrolls, perhaps?"

With surprising eagerness, Lan Zhan took the brush and dipped it in ink, adding a small, subtle doodle in the margin of one of the scrolls. They both stifled their laughter, and Wei Wuxian did the same on another scroll. The two moved quickly, leaving tiny, hidden sketches on several scrolls before Lan Qiren finally noticed.

"Lan Zhan! Wei Wuxian! What is this?" Lan Qiren barked, holding up a scroll with a tiny rabbit sketch in the corner.

Wei Wuxian widened his eyes, feigning shock. "Oh no, Shufu, how did that get there?"

Lan Zhan attempted to keep a straight face, but his lips quirked upward, betraying his amusement. Lan Qiren looked at him with a mixture of exasperation and disbelief, clearly unused to seeing Lan Zhan so unrestrained.

"Lan Zhan," Lan Qiren said, a faint hint of resignation in his tone, "I never thought I'd see the day..."

Wei Wuxian chuckled. "It's all for good morale, Shufu!"

---

A Heartfelt Reunion

Later that evening, Lan Xichen joined them for a quiet gathering in the garden. He was elated to see his brother finally at peace, freed from the shackles of his childhood curse.

"Wangji, you seem... lighter, somehow," Lan Xichen observed with a warm smile.

Lan Zhan looked at him, his gaze soft. "I feel lighter, Xichen-ge. For so long, I was carrying something I didn't even understand. Now, thanks to Wei Ying... and you, I'm free."

Wei Wuxian cleared his throat, looking away with a slight blush. "You would have done the same for me, Lan Zhan."

Lan Xichen watched them, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Well, I'm grateful you both have each other. And Wei Wuxian, thank you for helping Wangji in ways I couldn't."

Wei Wuxian gave a soft smile, touched by Lan Xichen's words. "It was my honor."

---

A Glimmer of the Past

Though the curse was lifted, remnants of its impact still lingered. Occasionally, Lan Zhan would find himself slipping into a childlike wonder, marveling at things he would normally overlook. Wei Wuxian noticed it when Lan Zhan would stop to examine a butterfly resting on a flower or tilt his head curiously at a new sound.

One afternoon, as they strolled through the Cloud Recesses, Lan Zhan paused to watch a group of children playing by the lotus pond. Wei Wuxian glanced at him, noticing a distant look in his eyes.

"Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian asked gently, placing a hand on his arm.

Lan Zhan blinked, his gaze refocusing. "I was just... remembering. When I was cursed, I missed out on many things. Now, I feel as if I'm seeing the world anew."

Wei Wuxian squeezed his arm reassuringly. "You're free now, Lan Zhan. You can enjoy every moment however you want."

Lan Zhan smiled softly, and Wei Wuxian's heart swelled with joy, knowing that Lan Zhan was finally able to live his life fully.

---

A New Beginning

With each passing day, Lan Zhan continued to explore his newfound freedom and the world around him with Wei Wuxian by his side. They returned to their duties, their bond stronger and their hearts lighter. And while their journey had been fraught with challenges and heartache, it had also deepened their connection and given them a renewed appreciation for the simple beauty of life.

As they stood beneath the cherry blossom tree one last time that evening, Lan Zhan turned to Wei Wuxian, his voice steady and full of warmth. "Thank you, Wei Ying, for everything."

Wei Wuxian smiled, his eyes bright with affection. "Always, Lan Zhan."

And with that, they stepped forward together, ready to face whatever the future held, knowing that their love and friendship would see them through anything that came their way.