Fluffy WangXian Oneshots Book Two

Music And Memories Part 1

Lan Zhan surveys the crowds, the thousands of people gathered under one roof tonight for the final concert of the Burial Mounds. The cheers are thunderous, shaking the ground beneath him and then the usual clapping starts, a stamping of feet raucously requesting their signature encore.

He hasn't played for the band these past few years, letting SiZhui take over from him, both in the lead guitar and the lyrics, the singing that Wei Ying used to do. It's so painful to think about the man he's missing, has missed for each and every single day of these past thirteen years. Now Lan Zhan's role is more of an unofficial manager rather than the hands on position the group needed him to be, back at the start of their success.

He and Wei Ying had such dreams, high hopes that swung between the stars, a life on the road playing from venue to venue, just like this. Just like tonight.

But here he is, so painfully alone and missing the other half of his soul.

The stage is dark, but not for much longer.

Wen Qing, their pianist and quick-fingered keyboard player, Wen Ning, the quietly unassuming kick-ass drummer, and Uncle Four, a nickname he's never been able to shake, all need a break, even if it's only a fast five minute deal. SiZhui, their lead singer and guitar player, will bring them back as soon as possible, after a change of clothes and rehydration. He's been introducing his friends to play sometimes, and Wen Qing says that's good; the more kids joining up means they can retire that much faster. The Burial Mounds is an institution now, built on the success of brilliant song writing and punch-to-the-gut melodies intended to stay in the minds of their listeners.

Excitement thrums under his skin. Lan Zhan can see the shining dark irises of hundreds of eyes all diligently staring at the stage, willing the band to come back that much faster.

He turns then, glad of his anonymity still. The newer fans don't even know who he is; that's why Lan Zhan can pretty much go wherever he likes without being recognised. He's been thirsty all day, and yet one thing after another stopped him going to the bar just outside the seating area to pick up the two bottles of the Cloud Recesses mineral water.

This tradition is one deeply rooted inside his heart and he never ever fails to do it. One bottle for himself and one bottle for Wei Ying. It doesn't matter that half of these bottles aren't drunk. They always end up on Lan Zhan's bedside table, every night being the last thing he sees before going to sleep, after every single concert. Without fail. Today has just been unusually busy for him, but he thinks he can make a quick trip before the band gets back. His favourite place to watch his son is always from the sidelines.

But Lan Zhan has lingered too long.

The deafening roar of thousands of fans erupts and the brilliant lights blaze from the stage.

If he moves, people will notice him. The stewards and bouncers all around him wait, noticing his lanyard with his ID, and they leave him be.

SiZhui's voice rings out, loud and clear, full of anxious excitement.

"Hey everyone, thank you for waiting for us! You have to know by now, we love you, our fans! You guys are INCREDIBLE!" He draws it out, grinning at the sea people who are shouting back at him in encouragement. "And since this is our last night before we take a break, we thought it would be fitting to set a different tone for the last song. See, some of you may not be familiar with how our band started, all those years ago."

Lan Zhan sees SiZhui turn slightly to glance at his aunt, Wen Qing, who gives him a quick nod. He catches Wen Ning's eyes and receives a thumbs up. He checks the wing where Lan Zhan would normally be, and he masks his surprise at his father's absence remarkably well, turning back towards the crowd.