Collide and Cry

Return of the Sect Leader

Lan XiChen returned early the next morning. Lan Wangji had been informed that his brother was likely to return soon, and he was grateful. There were many things which he wished to speak to his brother about, he was just...uncertain how to really approach the subject with his older brother. It had always been difficult to put his thoughts into words, and so Lan Zhan feared that he would not manage to do so properly. 

Lan Wangji had decided to allow Wei Ying to rest more the next morning, as clearly the other needed it, and Lan Zhan just could not find it within him to deprive the youth of that. He had been so exhausted the night before, and Lan Zhan did not know when the last time that the other had been able to get a decent amount of sleep was. Though the rules dictated a waking schedule of 9am, he felt that it was fine should he allow it to slide this time, just...not all of the time. Sleep would do the other a good deal of good, and even Lan Zhan was aware that the other would want to see Lan XiChen instantly the moment that he woke up, and Lan Zhan still had a few things he needed to do and needed to discuss with his elder brother before Wei Ying did so. Plus, his brother would also need to talk to their Uncle before even Lan Zhan saw him in the first place.

So, it was with determination which Lan Zhan marched towards where his brother would be upon finishing with their Uncle, calmly and carefully schooling his expressions. He could not allow his brother to think that something was wrong. Or his Uncle, but he did really wish to speak with his brother. 

He managed to get to the pavilion just as Lan XiChen was leaving, undoubtedly having spoken to Uncle beforehand. Lan XIChen seemed...anxious, but also not too tense. Clearly whatever it was that they had needed to speak about had gone relatively well, otherwise Lan XiChen would not be so relaxed as he was now. It was clear that he was worried, but not enough to impede himself in relaxation.

"Lan Wangji," Lan XiChen greeted with a small smile towards him. Lan Zhan was glad to see his brother again. Even if it did not show in his expression.

"Brother," Wangji returned. Lan Zhan straightened from his bow, and looked at his brother silently.

"I figured that you would have questions," XiChen said simply. "What questions do you have." Lan Zhan paused, trying to figure out exactly how to word his questions. Now that it came time to really ask the questions he realized that he had no idea how to ask what he wanted to know. He was uncertain how to really put the questions into words. Or how to really express his worries. It was a problem which he had more often than not.

"Wei WuXian, wants to return your coin." Lan Zhan said simply. Lan Xichen looked a bit perplexed at that. After all, there was no good reason for the other to deny protection, especially not with what the Jiang clan had done to him. If anything it was more of a reason for him to not deny such protection from the prominent clan.

"Is there any specific reason that he gave as to why?" XiChen asked curiously, glancing at his brother as they walked down the pavilion. Lan Zhan nodded.

"Said it did not feel appropriate. He would feel bad." He informed his brother dutifully. Lan XiChen looked completely confused at such a thing. 

Not that Lan Zhan could blame his older brother for such feelings as he felt the same way. It was the first time someone had refused such an offer of protection before, and therefore they were both confused immensely. 

"Ah, I see," The other stated slowly. He would need to ask Wei WuXian about the details behind such a feeling further. he would later when he was speaking to the other. He had to inform him of what had happened after all. "Is there anything else?" Lan XiChen asked, looking at his brother with a knowing gleam in his eyes.

"Wei Wuxian is underweight." Lan Zhan said uncertainly. Luckily, his brother understood fully what it was that he was trying to say. Lan XIChen sighed heavily. 

"I know, the boy probably has not been properly fed in ages. Along with his injuries I feared that he may not make it here in the first place. I am glad to see that he has." Lan XiChen confessed. 

"What..." Lan Zhan stopped, he did not really understand how to put his thoughts into words. 

"He will be fine, Wangji," Lan XiChen said softly. Lan Zhan looked up at his brother. "He will be fine, he has been here for a few days, and already has managed to introduce himself to Uncle, which means that he is getting better already." Lan XiChen reassured him.

"When is the conference?" Lan Xichen smiled at his brother's change of topic. It was just such a...Lan Zhan thing to do, changing the topics when he was either too overwhelmed or did not wish to speak further on the current conversation. 

"Nie Mingjue has expressed concern that Wei WuXian would be anxious randomly being uprooted. After all, he was brought to the Cloud Recesses so suddenly. Therefore both he and Jin ZiXuan have asked that we as what he would prefer." 

"Mhm," Lan ZHan felt that was appropriate. Furthermore, he was not entirely certain that Wei Ying would be able to make a trip anywhere at the current moment.

"Wei WuXian should see a healer." Lan Zhan said simply. Lan XiChen looked down at his brother with concern.

"Has he not yet?" He asked, slightly alarmed.

"Did not know was injured." Was all Lan Zhan said simply. Lan XiChen sighed heavily. "Was caught up in trying to settle him." He admitted. "Never mention he was injured." Lan XiChen knew that he could not blame anyone for such things, and SiZhui could not be held responsible, they were but juniors, and Lan XiChen had not technically ordered them to take him to the healing bay, still, he was overly concerned now, knowing it had been quite a few days since the injuries were sustained and yet no healer was called to check on them.

"Come, let us visit him." Lan XiChen said simply.