Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

Chapter 20: WELCOME IN

       The week went by quicker than expected with both boys being occupied between school work and training. It was definitely taking a toll on them but they kept on with it for the sake of the tournament. The weekend finally arrived and it marked another step for them. It was Wuxian's turn to visit Lan Zhan's home, a privilege only few elites were granted. The two had talked to each other and had decided to practice over at Lan Zhan's from then on in order to avoid what happened at Wuxian's ever again. It was clear that his aunt would bring issues no matter what and they didn't need all of that before they competed. Besides, Lan Zhan's place was more quiet and serene, had more space and training equipment and above all, his father would not be around 98% of the time. It was more than convinient for them. It also would be the first time that Lan Zhan would have someone over at his home for his own cause and he would be lying if he wasn't excited about it.
      
        This time, Wuxian was well prepared and told his uncle and aunt early enough that he was going to be hanging out with Lan Zhan for the rest of the month on the weekends. He was very explicit and precise and made sure that his aunt was well aware that he had permission. They made effective plans and Wuxian recalled that he was way more nervous than he was when Lan Zhan came over his place. That day he woke up earlier than needed as he knew Lan Zhan was strict when it came to time and he also wanted to leave before his relatives woke up and began to disrupt his day before it started. This was an important day for him.

      Wuxian didn't bother with breakfast that early Saturday morning, he just took a bunch of ripe plums to go and slipped out of the mansion as quickly as possible. He was in much excitement to see Lan Zhan and explore this new venture of theirs. They had agreed to meet at school because Lan Zhan's home was difficult to locate in all honesty and Lan Zhan didn't need any added complications of Wuxian getting lost on his way. Besides, it would be more enjoyable to walk up together to his home.

     Wuxian skipped merrily as he made his way, his mood very light and jolly. The weather was good enough for spring and the blooming season was about to set in. He took his time getting to the school as he imagined over and over how Lan Zhan's house would be. He was about 10 metres away from the establishment when he spotted the rigid figure of Lan Zhan. No one could tell who it was from afar but Wuxian wasn't anyone anymore. He could pinpoint Lan Zhan by his shadow alone at this point and there was only one person who stood like that in the whole world. A smile immediately plastered itself on his face as Wuxian decided to play a small prank on Lan Zhan whose back was turned against him.

Lan Zhan had arrived prior by a few minutes and had been waiting for a while now. He was the one who had suggested to pick Wuxian up than let him come all the way alone but now he was beginning to rethink his decision. It was quiet for a while as Lan Zhan thought to give Wuxian more time when he sensed something behind approach ever so lightly that one wouldn't be able to detect it if they weren't Lan Zhan. During such times, Lan Zhan would guard up and be ready to retaliate but he already knew who it was by the sound of the footsteps and the scent. Wuxian wasn't as slick as he thought he was. Nevertheless, Lan Zhan didn't bother to let him know that he knew. He pretended to just be in the unknown and let Wuxian do as he pleased.

      Wuxian saw that Lan Zhan hadn't noticed him yet and realised this was the chance to surprise. Agile as a cat, he jumped up as high as  possible and grabbed Lan Zhan's shoulders with glee.

     "Wooooo!!!" he exclaimed as he turned Lan Zhan's body towards himself. His smile was wide and contagious, mischief gleaming in his eyes and it lit up further when he met Lan Zhan's stoic face.

    "Ahhhhh! I knew it Lan Zhan, you weren't surprised were you?" Wuxian commented as he let go of him clearly disappointed. Lan Zhan raised an eyebrow in return and the other boy sighed heavily.