Stolen Memories Are Never Forgotten - Book 1 (Completed)

Unexpected Return

Well, hello again!!  I'm glad you are still here and still reading this ridiculously long story of mine!  I never thought it would be this many chapters but the words just keep coming and these characters keep breaking my heart and making me smile.  Truthfully, this was never a chapter I thought to write in my original outline, I just thought this reunion would be a few sentences or maybe a paragraph to two.  Instead, it took on a life of its own so I hope you like it.  I pray all of you had a wonderful weekend and I hope that your week is filled with laughter and hugs!  Take care my faithful readers and be safe and healthy!  Love to all of you!

The journey back to Cloud Recesses was peaceful and the two men treasured their time together, away from the rest of the world's prying eyes and resentful stares. They reminisced about all their adventures together, both the good and the bad, past and present, with laughs and tears alike. 

Along the way, both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan told the other about their time apart, what they felt, what they did, and what would never happen again. Lan Zhan's heart broke as he listened to Wei Ying share how he had barely made it back to Cloud Recesses after leaving "Wang Xian" and how he then went to Yunmeng and Lotus Cove to try and forget him and their lost love. 

But then Lan Zhan smiled and let a short giggle escape his throat when Wei Ying told him about how Jiang Cheng threatened to break Wei Ying's legs if he didn't go out and fight for his partner.

"Yes, that is Jiang Cheng, is it not?" Lan Zhan said, thinking to himself that he would have to thank Jiang Wanyin personally when he saw him next.

As they neared Gusu, the two became quieter, each deep in his own thoughts of how much their lives had changed since meeting each other and how much more they were about to change since becoming partners in cultivation. Both were aware that male cultivation partners were never truly accepted in society and often their relationships crumbled under the scrutiny and ridicule of their peers. But they also knew that they could not live in this world without the other by his side, they had suffered through those times and both had nearly died of grief and heartbreak.

Wei Ying was worried more for Lan Zhan, not himself. He had suffered through ridicule before and, even though it had been difficult, he knew that as long as Lan Zhan was by his side, he could survive the trials of this new life. What he feared most was Lan Qiren's influence on his nephew. Wei Ying realized Lan Zhan and Xichen's uncle would be infuriated about their union and would do everything in his power to separate them because not only was Lan Zhan in love with another man but he was in love with the Yiling Laozu himself! If Qiren had hated Wei Ying before, he might kill him now.

Lan Zhan silently worried for Wei Ying's well-being knowing that, after years of being the center of everyone's hatred before clearing his name, he was once again going to be their target. He also knew that his uncle would be furious at their news and all Lan Zhan wanted to do was shield Wei Ying from his uncle's loathing. He didn't want his lover to feel like he needed to do what was right to protect him and leave again. 

But there was one thing that bothered Lan Zhan and he needed to know how Wei Ying planned on dealing with it before anyone saw them.

"Wei Ying." Wangji said, his feet planted, unmoving on the ground.

"Yes?" Wei stopped, glancing over at Lan Zhan's concerned face.

Lan Zhan stared into Wei Ying's trusting grey eyes unsure of the words he should use. His lips pursed together gently and his brows furrowed ever so slightly. "Even though you do not remember the bad, others still do. They will not let you forget so easily."