Author's Notes: Hi there! While YenGirl has been writing The Untamed: For the Love of Two Boys, I spotted (and unhelpfully pointed out) several scenes where the events could have taken a very different turn. This chapter was inspired by scifigeek14's comment on Chapter 6 An Unexpected Confession.

Spoilers for The Untamed: For the Love of Two Boys (obviously).

Beta: YenGirl

-Start-

Lan XiChen breathed a sigh of relief as the cool night air caressed his face, bringing with it some measure of calm to the stress-filled night. It seemed that young Master Wei had been right after all. An hour to tend to his basic necessities had left him feeling much more refreshed.

Upon meeting up with Uncle in front of the Jingshi and giving him a brief salutation, he could tell that the short reprieve had similarly done him well. However, neither of them would be able to rest until they were certain that WangJi would make a full recovery.

Upon seeing his uncle direct a suspicious stare at the door as if to discern the propriety of conduct through the wood and paper, XiChen couldn't help but give a small smile, "We have only been gone an hour, and Young Master Wei care- holds WangJi in high regard. I doubt he would have attempted anything improper while we were gone."

Lan QiRen sniffed and (nervously) stroked his goatee. "Hmmph, beyond what he has already done! Though I suppose even that miscreant would understand the gravity of the situation."

XiChen nodded in agreement though inwardly amused at his uncle's continued prickly attitude. He then slid open the door, before stepping in and murmuring a quiet "We're back."

He was promptly greeted by the sight of Wei WuXian sitting beside WangJi, one hand holding tightly onto his brother's, the other covering his mouth. Fresh tear tracks ran down his face as he took shuddering breaths.

WangJi's face on the other hand, was the most serene it had been since the attack. His lips were tilted up in the peaceful smile of one who had finally been released from great pain and suffering.

XXX

Wei Ying was still staring down at Lan Zhan's peaceful face when a strangled sound made him swing around. Master Lan and ZeWu Jun stood a few feet away; both with expressions of horror on their faces.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

"WANGJI!"

Every disciple who was startled awake would forever remember that night. For the first time in recorded history, the rule: "No shouting is permitted in the Cloud Recesses." was completely and utterly obliterated, at the hands (voices) of both the Lan Sect leader and an esteemed Lan elder, no less.