The Dark's Light

Cloud Questions

Upon the young master Wei's waking from the unplanned sleep and the unexpected jump into Lan Zhan's arms, Lan Zhan refused to release the other, still holding him gently in his arms, whilst they readied themselves to head out. Lord Qiren's head was still filled with questions. As was young Xichen's. Both had questions that only Lan Zhan or Wei Ying would be able to answer.
What was that song?

How did Wei Ying know the song?

How did Lan Zhan's presence have such a profound affect on Wei Ying and why?

Why was Wei Ying's Qi all over the place?

These were merely a few of the the many questions which circled around the two Lans' minds that they both desperately wanted answers to. However, they understood, quite clearly at that, that they would be incapable of getting such answers from the boys. Not now. Wei Ying was not in a position to really answer any questions, and Lan Zhan would stop any form of actions that was causing the other distress. For now, they were forced to be content to just observe the two boys.

Traveling the rest of the way to the Cloud Recesses was enlightening if nothing else. If Xichen and Qiren did not know first hand what had happened during the night, they would not be able to understand Lan Zhan's clear worry. Well, as clear as Lan Zhan got anyways. Wei Ying seemed perfectly fine, not at all as though he had tormented nightmares throughout the night and recently almost suffered Qi Deviation not mere hours before. In fact, he seemed just as bright and joyful as he normally was. It concerned both Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen at how clearly talented of an actor the boy was.

Lan Zhan, for his part, stayed near Wei Ying. Never straying too far from the other boy. Hovering, one could say if they dared, over the younger boy, at all times the rest of the way to the Cloud Recesses. He did not allow Wei Ying to leave his direct line of sight. Nor could Wei Ying get too far from him. He kept pulling Wei Ying to his side at times when going over risky terrain or incredibly uneven ground, not allowing him to move farther than hands length reach from his side. The small looks Lan Zhan would give were more than enough to convey the other's desires. One would think that Wei Ying would protest. Lord Qiren had certainly expected a negative reaction from Cloud Recesses most famous troublemaker. The boy did not take well to being told what to do. He had broken nearly every rule within the Cloud Recesses. It was well known that Wei Ying was a free soul, who did not take well to being stifled and following rules and commands. Yet, none was forthcoming. No arguments, no disgruntled behaviors, no annoyance seemed to seep from Wei WuXian. The boy willingly went where Lan Zhan led, and merely obeyed the silent commands, or gentle guidance, with a smile, and eyes which sparkled as he did so. It would seem the time with the Wen Clan had changed Wei Ying more than they had thought.

Or perhaps not so much. The glint in the boy's eyes whenever he bugged Lan Zhan was always there, and the gentle prodding continued as well. In hindsight, it was difficult for Lan Qiren and Xichen to see just how they had failed to see the obvious. Xichen had known that his little brother liked Wei Ying, but looking back from now, it had always been obvious the feelings were reciprocated. Even if the youth constantly broke rules, or came close to it. Even if Lan Zhan punished him continually. 

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying suddenly spoke, sliding up right next to the other. "Are you excited to be going back?" He wondered aloud. 

"Mhm," Lan Zhan hummed in response. Wei Ying smiled at him. 

"Of course you are! I have to say, I am not really looking forwards to 3000 rules again but that's okay. Lan Zhan will be there." Wei Ying said with a bright eyed smile. He paused, thinking about it. "Hey Lan Zhan," Wei Ying waited for the customary humm showing Lan Zhan was at least paying attention to his words. "Since I am coming back with you, and Young Master Xichen, does that mean I still have to follow all of the rules?" Wei Ying asked curiously. Lan Zhan gave him a look which clearly answered the boy's question.

"Alright, alright," Wei Ying said hands raised in surrender. "I will not break too many rules. Promise!" Lan Zhan stared at him blankly. Wei Ying sighed heavily. "Come on now, Lan Zhan, you cannot possibly expect me to abide by all 3000 rules! I cannot even remember them all." Once more, Lan Zhan pinned Wei Ying with his blank stare. Wei Ying narrowed his eyes in response. "You cannot prove I memorized them all. I am sure that was merely a sign of duress is all." Lan Zhan rolled his eyes. "Fine," Wei Ying surrendered. "I will do my best not to break too many rules. At least, not the important ones." He said, quickly adding the last part.

Xichen and Qiren watched the two interact. They had to admit, it was somewhat heart warming. Lan Zhan finally had someone else who could understand him, besides them. Though, it was slightly unnerving how easily Wei Ying picked up on Lan Zhan's moods. And so quickly as well.
The two really were fated by the stars. Given the fact that the two were total opposites, in every aspect one could possibly think of, yet they worked so well together. Though unnerving, it was rare such a thing happened. How could it be anything but the fates intervening.

Qiren could not help but wonder what had happened. When Wei Ying first entered the Cloud Recesses Lan Zhan had been appalled by his behaviors, annoyed by them, and aggravated by the younger's constant shenanigans. Now, it would seem that Lan Zhan had no problem with them, at least to some extent. It baffled Qiren as to when this change had taken place. Or perhaps it had begun so slowly that it was only now that he had begun to see the aftereffects. Looking back, it seemed the two's connection was so glaringly obvious. Perhaps, it was only now, after living through the past and seeing the present, that the past could begin to make sense.