Meet Me Halfway

Arc 12 - Fresh start

"Can you imagine a Lan without all those restrictions?" Wondered Jiang Cheng out loud.

Jiang YanLi chuckled, "Actually, there are people who follow rules like Lan clan."

"Are you sure?" The indignant mixed with disbelieve was obvious from Jiang Cheng's tone.

"Just because they didn't write down all those rules, doesn't meant they didn't follow. Besides, they were largely civilians with barely enough education to write and read, so they can live their ordinary lives."

"Shijie is right. Actually, there are people who did so little that they actually didn't do more than the Lan clan members." Joined an amused voice, making both Jiang siblings turned around to look towards the bed. Both Jiang siblings stared for solid ten seconds, before Jiang YanLi blinks.

'They must be really worried to react properly,' thought Wei WuXian, as he observed Jiang Cheng's imitation of a dying fish.

"A-Xian!" Jiang YanLi quickly approach the bed, "A-Cheng, bring healer Lan FanZhi." Jiang Cheng stopped his attempt to talk and take some moments to observe his brother. Wei WuXian made eye contact and smiled, silently promised he'll still be alright.

"Anything else you need, jie?" Jiang Cheng stopped by the door to watch his elder sister help his adopted elder brother to sit up before taking several sips of water.

"You can pass along the message that A-Xian is awake to the Clan Leader Lan or someone," with practice ease, Jiang YanLi once again diligent in wiping away any perspiration from Wei WuXian's face, neck and hands.

Wei WuXian content in letting his sister fussing over him. He understands it was her way to cope with the overwhelming feeling, or she will crumbles.

"Shijie,"

"Do you need something, A-Xian?" A gentle smile blossoms on her light pink lips.

"I'm sorry that I made you worried. I have no insight that I'll be in this situation."

"A-Xian ... You cannot say you're sorry for something that was out of your control."

"I should be more careful," mumbled Wei WuXian stubbornly.

"It was not your fault that you nearly drown. I'm just thankful that you're still here and alive," stated Jiang YanLi as she entrapped both Wei WuXian's hands in hers. Wei WuXian focused on the elegant fingers that tapping assurances on his hand. He looked up and nodded understanding of her intention.

"Do you remember what happened, A-Xian?" Concerns reflected unhindered in Jiang YanLi's gentle eyes. Her fingers busy fixing his hair into slightly more presentable.

"I can't remember very well," his brows furrowed together. It seems his sister had been worrying too much and he can see the shadow under her eyes manifesting.

"Don't worry, just take it easy." Jiang YanLi pats Wei WuXian's arm reassuring and left with the basin of cold water.

"Shijie, you should take care of yourself."

"Like you keep on calling, I'm your shijie. Seeing as you are the one on the bed resting, it is reasonable for me to take care of you, right?" Countered Jiang YanLi smoothly with teasing smile.

"How long I passed out?" asked Wei WuXian abashed.

"Four days," Jiang YanLi parting word left Wei WuXian stunned. He usually took a night to recuperate, worst scenario he top two nights. Yet this time he woke up after fourth day.

'Something was amiss?'
...

Wei WuXian's POV

By the time healer Lan FanZhi arrived, Lan WangJi also reached there.

'Lan Zhan ...?' looking at the poker face I thought I recognizes the anxious look. While others waiting with baited breath as healer Lan FanZhi was checking on my condition, being bold and unrestrained, I keep on staring at the cold and silent younger Lan siblings. My mind distantly caught healer Lan FanZhi reporting my condition to someone.

Healer Lan FanZhi finally take my hand to inspect on my pulse and Lan WangJi looks up. Eyes locked with the younger Lan siblings, my traitorous' heart skipped a beat then beating a faster rhythm and he feels the room getting warmer. After a while, his eyes swarming with colours, and his head started to be lightheaded.

'I have a premonition that healer Lan FanZhi will repeat the whole health inspection process and I will be given more bed rest.' In his mind, he suddenly recalled a dream ... of memory ... spirited away into a chilling hidden cave, meeting with a Lan ancestor and lots ... of bunnies.

'Lan Zhan ... do you have any idea what have you done to me?' I lamented for seconds in self despair ... until I recognised the small smirk blossoming on the jade sculpture visage.

*#*#"#"

Lan WangJi's POV

I should be worried that I keep getting dreams of Wei WuXian and myself. I should have talked about it with my brother or uncle. Yet deep in my heart, I rejoices and mourns. Rejoices of the cherish moments and mourns of the heartache moments.

Sounds of rapid footsteps bordering on running in the hallway made me looks up. Jiang WanYin looking anxious, yet he was hiding a smile unsuccessfully.

'He was awake? Wei WuXian finally awake?'

"Lan Zhan, enough!" Wei WuXian rebuked angrily. It was gone as sudden as it came.

"You promised that you would let me help you,"

"But if you don't believe me, how are you going to help me?"

'If I choose to believe what I've seen so far, would I regret it later?' thought Lan WangJi as he walks towards the room that accommodates the very person that invades his dreams lately.

It didn't take long for Jiang Cheng to return with healer Lan FanZhi. Lan Zhan observed movements and conversation that occurred in the room quietly.

Jiang YanLi has been reluctant to give space to the healer, yet she stands anxiously with Jiang Cheng a few steps from the bed. It seems healer Lan FanZhi was being meticulous this time around. It seems someone was willing to make changes because he was checking on Wei WuXian's golden core longer than usual.

Meanwhile, Wei WuXian himself was too quiet. Even in his silence, his presence had become too impressive to ignore. A silent Wei WuXian was recipe for mischief.

'What is he thinking right now? Does he remember those ... memories? If he does ... Were those his memories or--' I look up to take a glance at his expression. There were twin pool of hurricane in those eyes. The rapid changes of emotions in those eyes like hurricanes that trapped me rooted to the ground.

Those rosy cheeks had compliment his fair skin. His blushing visage was unexpected but something I wouldn't want to miss.

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A/n - No promises that next update will be soon. Thanks for your support 💕💕

[Sat, 23 Jan 2021]
1100 words