Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

CHAPTER: 11.5

     Everything resumed to normal after they returned to their class and the two went on until it was time to go home. As always Wuxian was among the first ones to rush out, craving that freedom from school and club activities. He was surprised to find that his usual group weren't waiting for him as usual but that could be easily be explained. Lately, he and Jin had not been on good terms. They had argued over something so ridiculous and now this was the consequence he was getting. Walking home alone. Hmm, Wuxian felt like laughing. As if that  was a punishment... Anyway, he decided not to think about it tooo much and just let Jin get over his childish antics.

    Wuxian was just standing by the gates when he saw Lan Zhan a far walking himself home. A bright idea got to his head as he decided to walk with Lan Zhan instead. Of course it would mean that Wuxian have to take the long route home but it would be worth it. Today they had made ground break and Wuxian really wanted to be closer to Lan Zhan. He immediately started jogging to catch up with him and shouted out his name.

    Lan Zhan was in his own world of worries as he took time to get home. He was still contemplating about his issue with his father and wondered if he would meet him at home. He hoped not. It was just the two of them until his brother got back for vacations. He didn't like complications but his father was pressing him into a corner. Lan Zhan was soo deep in thought that he didn't hear Wuxian at all not until Wuxian called out again at him but this time in a very different tone, one that suggested he was in grave danger.
  
   Lan Zhan turned around abruptly to look at the person who had called him out like that. He immediately spotted Wuxian on the ground, crouched in a fetal position up against the school wall in absolute fear. He was trembling unable to even talk and it was well deserved. Before him was a small pack of about 3 stray dogs that had come up behind him from the street below. Wuxian had not noticed them until he felt something behind and had reacted in panic. His whole body had shut down on him and he crumbled to the ground. The situation was further made worse when the pack surrounded him and began sniffing him for any food to share, their tails wagging excitedly.

     “LAN ZHAAAN!!” Wuxian screamed out in terror. His adrenaline was building up fast and he needed help or else he might pass out. Lan Zhan acted with abrupt precision. He was aware that Wuxian had told him about his fear but he didn't think it was this serious. He knew how adverse fears could be and the outcome they could trigger in a person. At the moment, Wuxian was in between fight and flight. If he chose either, he could very well put himself in real danger as opposed to what he had now. The dogs weren't really doing anything but sniffing and getting close to Wuxian but he was at the point of hyper ventilating from just that so, Lan Zhan headed back to help.

   He shooed the dogs away with body movements and scares and the pack ran off leaving the two in peace. Lan Zhan crouched down to check on Wuxian who was by then covering his whole face and pushing his whole body into the wall. He really had a phobia of dogs. Lan Zhan glanced at Wuxian to ensure that nothing had happened to him physically and that he was alright.

     “Wuxian, Wei Wuxian, it's alright. The dogs are gone. It's fine.”Lan Zhan comforted as best as he could, sitting down next to him and held him by his shoulders. Wuxian unfolded his arms, reveling his scared face. His eyes had teared up a bit and his heart was beating erratically.

     “The...... They're  g..... g..... gone for sure?” Wuxian stammered as he sat up properly with the help of Lan Zhan.

“Yes, they are gone. Calm down and just relax.” Lan Zhan softly responded. He dug into his pocket and removed a packet of sour sweets and handed one to Wuxian.

    “Eat this. You body has just gone into overdrive and your sympathetic reaction needs to calm down.” Wuxian took it with shaking hands and immediately ate it. He snivelled a bit and winced once the sourness hit but it slowly worked as he refocused his attention to the sour candy and not his traumatic moment.

     “I am sorry about that Lan Zhan. I hadn't meant for you to see me like this,” Wuxian finally said after regaining composure. He was a bit embarrassed about his little episode but he couldn't help it. He had been attacked once by a dog when he was very young and that had left a scarring memory for him. Ever since then, he had been afraid of dogs. Lan Zhan didn't respond to Wuxian words and  just sat by his side until he had noticeably calmed down. They sat there for a few minutes before Lan Zhan finally stood up and grabbed Wuxian's arm as well.

“Come. I'll take you home since your friends don't seem to be around and you may meet those dogs again on the way.” he said as he answered Wuxian's unspoken question. Wuxian couldn't explain it but suddenly he felt 1000 times better and safer. Lan Zhan was actually reaching out to him. It made him smile so brightly that even Lan Zhan noticed it.

    “ Do not misunderstand me Wuxian. I am just repaying you for what you have done for me today so stop smiling like that. Besides, it wouldn't be prudent to have you die out of shock in the open because of some dogs. Now, let's go.” Lan Zhan explained waiting for Wuxian to lead the way. He was only doing this because it was the right thing to do. Nothing more, nothing less. Wuxian decided not to comment on Lan Zhan's words but just nodded his head and began walking. Lan Zhan could say all what he wanted but Wuxian knew he was starting to get to him. A little more time and Wuxian would truly be Lan Zhan's friend.

     They walked, with Wuxian at the front and Lan Zhan close behind until they reached the street leading into Wuxian's house. “You can stop here Lan Zhan. My house is nearby. Thank you for walking me home. Turns out there's a sweet side to you after all.” Wuxian stated beginning his usual antics. Lan Zhan just gave him a blank stare before he turned to leave.

    “Lan Zhan wait, I just have one favour to ask...... Could you please not tell anyone about what happened today. It would really ruin my image not to mention completely destroy my pride. I hope you understand..... So..... Let's keep this between us, ok?” Wuxian pleaded before he went on. Lan Zhan glanced back at Wuxian for a moment as if in thought. Who would Lan Zhan tell even if he wanted?

He ultimately nodded his head in agreement and left on his way. Wuxian watched him go and felt relieved. He wanted to call out to him again to say goodbye but he let it slide. He had bothered Lan Zhan enough for one day. He would get another chance another day, and he did but this time for a very different reason. And frankly, it was one of the worst ones.