The Black Flash's Suitor
Ever since Wuxian joined the war, it was only ever with Lan Wangji to make his allegiance clear.
Being a Rogue did NOT help last time.
And this time, he solely used his swordsmanship and talisman magic which was a lot safer for his reputation. This way after war, he can live in peace and probably, be a teacher for the rest of his long life.
Mission after mission...that he was at front, while the Lans utilized their deadly music.
But he was veeery quick!
'How did you do it?' Wangji asked him. 'You move so fast out there.'
'Well I got strong legs.' Wuxian quipped. 'My technique...requires well developed muscles if you're a mortal man...or for a Cultivator Equivalent, Low Recreation. Otherwise, this technique that requires a 'very-conditioned, muscular physique', will cause ongoing cumulative muscular trauma to underdeveloped muscles. Its why I focused on my body since meeting my master.'
Wuxian felt up Wangji's legs to his mortification that his only saving grace was that they're in his tent together as being caressed...and pinched gently just to check on his leg muscles sent a weird, but pleasurable sensation Wangji could not understand but both liked it and at the same time, embarrassed. 'Aiya, you're an archer with the Lan's crazy bow weight so your upper body's muscles are developed...while you CAN wield the sword techniques, you cannot move as fast as me or tear your legs over time, so develop your legs first as reaching Body Recreation takes too much time, unless we go abroad.'
'Alright.' he was willing to teach as long as he has the musculature. Wei Ying trusts him with his skills.
Wuxian also helped around to cement his good reputation even if inwardly, he hated doing it. For who was it who chanted for his death last time?
But even he has his limits.
Sometimes the Lans worked with other sects.
Rotating this and that way, as long as both of them are paired up. Wuxian refuses to work with anyone else unless it's with his best friends whom he trusted instead of prodding him as if they have the right to simply because 'we're a respectable sect and you're a rogue, so tell us your skills!' and take credit as if its their right to. He made that clear to Lan Xichen who's his 'boss' for the time being as it's him who assigns Wangji jobs.
That, or working with the Nie and Jiang Sect as its where his best friends are. He dislikes everyone else, given where he's from. As long as his simple, but selfish request is fulfilled, he'll take on even insane jobs as long as he works with only three sects. Period.
He was a cynical person who saw the worst and can accurately read people as a result of overexposure, while Xichen only sees the best in people and 'refuses to see anything else', which was why Wuxian trusted only Wangji, Mingjue and Huaisang with the truth about Dongying. Xichen's 'nature' makes him prone to 'selectively blind' on what he doesn't want to see. He likes the guy as a very good, trustworthy and reliable friend to count on, but this one flaw, is a dangerous one. For himself and others close to him.
Thus as far as Xichen knows, its about Wuxian's tourist adventures in Dongying. But for the Nie brothers, Mo Xuanyu, Jiang Cheng and Wangji, the fatal gold mine within. One slip...!
Huaisang once told Wuxian his brother wasn't happy about how Wuxian analyzed Xichen, but as time passed by during meetings, Mingjue can see it as well that he's now Xichen's minder and protecting him by carefully wording his words when Xichen has his mind set on people to convince the guy that Mingjue unwittingly polished his politician's tongue...to quote Huaisang.
Wangji also wasn't happy with Wuxian's evaluation on his brother, but if that's what he saw with his ability born from cultivating with the Burial Mounds itself...there was nothing Wangji can do, but make sure the wrong people don't get close and use his brother.
And now, Wuxian is gaining a reputation as 'The Black Flash' in missions he participates in. Because he was a blur when he attacks. One blink, you're dead. And he has a lot of kills too. In all sorties he's in, he has the highest kill count, and only listens to Wangji's orders.
And now, the Jiang Sect Mission with the Lans?
AWKWARD.
It's OK to be with Jiang Cheng, and Uncle Jiang, but he's not gonna give him any ideas. He doesn't wanna deal with Yu Ziyuan ever again!
'Wei Wuxian, I wish you did not have such mission parameters on yourself.' Jiang Fengmian lamented as when he asked Mingjue about Wuxian, to his horror, Wuxian made a request in exchange for a crazy trade-off as he disliked everyone else due to his misanthropy, making him wonder how mistreated was he, as a child by townsfolk when Fengmian couldn't get him in time.
Ironically, by STAYING in the streets, he was able to study Resentful Energy by experimenting, and created a formula that effectively saved the Nie Sect by 'stumbling' into it as he originally created it as exorcism on creatures by weakening their energy supply. He didn't know he could heal the Nies with it until he was asked. And while that was not practical in wartime, usually military-sanctioned by Court Martial if you're a Sect Member, Wuxian being a Rogue Cultivator classifies as a Mercenary thus he can get away with it as he named his price for his services. Wuxian made his selfish request count, as he never failed in any job he was sent to, as long as he's with three sects only.
'I know what my selfishness means in wartime so I must pay the price, Jiang-zongzhu.' said Wuxian.
'Yeah, I heard from a-die, what're you thinking you crazy kid.' Jiang Cheng sighed. 'So, how's it goin' with your kid? I get interesting letters from Huaisang.'
'Well, I hope we make it through or I leave that kid's education incomplete.' said Wuxian wryly.
'Ehhh have you met that Meng Yao kid yet?'
'I have.' said Wuxian. 'As you know given how cynical I am, society will only remember bad things about you just to look good and feel better about themselves, correct?' Wuxian wore his cynical personality Fengmian was shaken by Wuxian's expression. 'His mother was forced to work in a man's happy place and like many touched by that itchy yellow bastard, she was made to hope he would come back for her till she died from illness. Meng Yao was forever known as the son of an...entertainer.'
'He was desperate for any family who'd give a damn about him he'd do anything for acknowledgment and I do mean anything.' Wuxian continued. 'How far he'll go for it, he'll go for it no matter what...and that, is dangerous and we all know what kind of man itchy yellow bastard is.' Fengmian sported an exasperated look on his face while Jiang Cheng snorted with an armfold. 'I had to tell Nie-zongzhu to NEVER allow Meng Yao any reason to go to, and stay in Jin Sect at least until War is over.'
'As you know, the Jins made the least effort out of all Sects and with his silver tongue, he can get away with it.' Wuxian continued. 'He's a slippery politician but when war aftermath comes, he'll surely take what he can get and he hasn't even earned any rights to those. Meng Yao is an intelligent kid he's bound to accomplish big for us given the chance. What if, during war he made his identity known and accomplished great? Guess what that guy will do?'
After some pause...father and son cringed.
Scenarios ran through their minds and Fengmian put a hand on his forehead as if to nurse a headache.
'...to quote Lan-xiong, shameless.' Jiang Cheng shook his head.
'Mm. It's why until war ends, war aftermath, who gets what credit and all that shit, its best Meng Yao sees his true nature, instead of the rose-colored glasses his mother made him wear. Nie-zongzhu will know what to do and how to handle that kid while tying him to Qinghe Nie until war ends. I had to walk on eggshells around that boy myself and be careful with what I say and what I do while being a good big brother figure to build some rapport and hopefully, sway him to be better instead of clinging to what will never be. Because unless I trace Mo Xiuyi's family tree, I have no proof she is truly connected to my Wei Family or not because A-Yu's resemblance is too uncanny I keep seeing my father in him.' he said glumly. 'And I want to teach him how to be the better man.'
'I see...do you need help in tracing it?' Fengmian offered. 'I can ask someone from Meishan Yu...they're discreet for a price.'
'I'm willing to pay it.' said Wuxian. 'Even if he wasn't my cousin, I'll still look after my student. How does 2000 taels sound?' he offered, making them choke at his offer.
'You crazy guy!' Jiang Cheng's eyes popped out at the money he was willing to pay.
'Information for a family tree costs 600 taels, young master...not 2000.' Fengmian told Wuxian weakly.
xxx
Cloud Recesses...
Wangji worries as no matter what, Wuxian prefers to room in his residence despite locations he was assigned to. When it's over, no matter his condition, he always goes back to the Recesses that there's one time he was so anemic he couldn't be chucked out for months.
His only consolation was they spend time together. And he enjoys it.
He was making things clearer in his own way as...he had trouble talking that he lets his actions do all the work.
Wuxian notices that Wangji...spoils him a lot.
He was thinking 'What's going on? Why is he spoiling me?' maybe all his work in the past truly changed Lan Wangji?
Solution: consult the ol' fuddy duddy as Xichen ain't around.
But when Wuxian told his tale? Lan Qiren twitched before sighing in utter mental exhaustion.
'Wei Wuxian...there's a good reason why we have so many rules on our walls...this situation is one of them.' he said to Wuxian's surprise. 'We Lans live our lifestyle as strict as ours, so we do not fall prey easily like people outside our mountains. It also enables us to choose our Fated Ones. We don't care what gender as long as the person is one we hold most dear to our hearts as spouses. One cannot control the heart despite all discipline in the world when it comes to falling in love as is taught to us by our founder. To do so, we broke free in our own way and lived our own culture.'
'S-so you mean...Zhanzhan?' Wuxian's jaws dropped. Then what about past timeline? The timeline he hated him and so judgmental of him?
'With you...yes.' Qiren sighed. 'And I suspect Xichen is, to Nie-zongzhu, so he'll be adopting a relative as his heir if they hit it off with Wangji succeeding him as Lan Sect Leader.' he said. 'All our rules protect us from the folly outside, as well as choosing the wrong person. Outsiders fall in and out of love too quickly, leading to heartbreak, anger and foolish hate for silliest and stupidest of reasons. The rules also help us judge character well...all for the sake of Love. We love only once, and no more after.' he told Wuxian grimly. 'We are all like that. We protect our hearts from choosing wrong through our rules. Because when we love...well, you've seen how far Wangji will go.'
And how, Wuxian thought as his face went scarlet.
'Oh hell, the way he's doing it he thinks it's to earn my love...love is a two-way street last I checked...'
'He's courting. Showing you that he's a good husband.'
'...that's what courting is like?'
'You'll learn. Wangji is the Wei Changze to your Cangse Sanren. Like your father, he is all action and less talk while you and your mother are the mouthy ones.' said Qiren wryly, making Wuxian sputter awkwardly. 'Well to be fair...YOU made him fall in love with you with all your antics, unwitting as it may be.' he said with a snort as Wuxian's antics for his nephew were for the sake of a memory he held strong. 'All you've done, made him fall hard. Don't break my nephew's heart.'
xxx
That got Wuxian thinking as he returned to the Jingshi, shell-shocked.
He recalled all he's done since the second timeline...and he realized all he did, was for the sake of that second childhood memory that made an impact on him...what drove his actions...indeed, it was him who made Lan freaking Wangji fall in love with him.
The adherence to rules...oh hell...
He came back to Wangji er...is he asleep on the floor...and is he seriously surrounded by his rabbits?!
"Lan Zhan...of this time is different compared to that cold-hearted thing where I'm from." he thought. The other Lan Zhan did nothing but judge him and cold to him yet this one was different.
Or are they the same?
Nah, can't be...he did the same thing in his school days. Goof off and tease! He couldn't think of what he did...but what's done is done.
This Lan Wangji is in love with him.
He...he's never known love. Only hate and scorn that he did not deserve.
He knows how to deal with hate.
But...love is out of his expertise.
His time of love was short with his parents. Night Hunt took them away from him and his childhood was foggy.
Yu Ziyuan's hatred and abuse for thinking he was Uncle Jiang's lovechild with his mom and took him into HER home. She compared him and Jiang Cheng on purpose to create the Jiang Cheng he's known.
The hate of the world inflamed by greed for power by Jin Guangshan. He was slandered, vicious rumors of him were spread, all so he has no one after shijie was killed saving him, and they killed off Wen Qing's family.
But...
Being loved...?
That's a whole new ballpark.
Being loved by the guy who hated him in his first timeline that he demanded he come to Gusu with him to be imprisoned for his practice.
Well...he'll see. He forgot his family's love. Only got hatred afterwards.
His heart ached at his suffering and losses.
He only had bitterness and hate.
Hate for Jin Guangshan who ruined his life, so he can be Wen Ruohan II with his amulet.
Maybe if he marries, he's untouchable? Can he really marry Wangji when he doesn't even know how to love?
After all, how can you give, what you don't know and don't have?
Back to ol' fuddy duddy he went, giving Lan Qiren a headache.
'...I can't hurt Zhanzhan the way I am now, teacher.' said Wuxian softly. 'I can't and don't want to hurt him. How can I give what I never know and have?'
Qiren carefully eyed his former student who was scared of even trying. What happened, that he lost his faith in people that yes, he did have friends, but he was afraid of trying to love in hopes of being loved back romantically, yet he could love what's possibly a cousin in a familial manner? Well, he knows family love but THAT kind of love? A blank is what he is.
'Sometimes, the answer lies in oneself.' said Qiren. 'Look at yourself. Know yourself. What would you do, can do, can't do, won't do to and for the person who loves you? Only you can answer that. And to you who self-admitted knowing only the worst, can you try to give yourself a chance to have something good for once? You would know what to never do for the one who loves you. You know the world of hurt that you won't want that on those you care for.' he asked the wayward boy carefully, but gently.
'...Zhanzhan will have to take the lead...since I don't know this.' said Wuxian sadly while trembling. 'I guess I'm the wife, only, he's the better cook between us?' he asked with a shaky smile.
Qiren snorted in amusement before bopping him on the head with a knife hand.
'If you feel its what must be done, for you to learn what it means to be loved.' Qiren tut-tutted.
xxx
When Wangji woke up, he found himself a bit elevated and on something firm and humming a song. He looked up to find that his head was on Wei Ying's lap and he was humming a song. '...Wei Ying?'
'...Zhanzhan, you're awake.' Wuxian smiled. 'You slept with a pile of rabbits, it's adorable.' Wangji then got up. 'Dunno when you slept, it must be between my talk to grandmaster and the trip to his office and back that takes half-shichen each.'
'...'
'You must be tired but a bed would be better than a cold floor.' Wuxian advised.
'...what did you talk to uncle about? You said its an important matter.' Wangji inquired, facing him. Wuxian looked embarrassed and meek. His face red.
'You were acting strange lately and spoiling me like crazy. I had no idea what's going on so I asked him how to translate your baffling moves as of late since you hardly talk...' Wangji stiffened. Did he scare him off. '...and he said we're like...my parents. I'm the mouthy one that used to be like my mom and you're like my dad...less talk more action. And he told me to my face you're courting me.' Wangji looked nervous now at being outed by his uncle. 'Zhanzhan...I only know and received cruelty and hate in the world. I don't know l-love at all...how can I give what I never know...but I believe teacher since he knows you best.' he said to Wangji's nervous gaze at him. 'Will you teach your...clueless wife?'
Wangji removed his headband, and tied it to their wrists. Wuxian blinked owlishly as he looked at his tied arm.
'Er?'
'...when we find our fated person, we can let go of all regulations symbolized by our ribbons...and tie one end on that person's arm and tie the other end on the other.' Wangji explained. '...we show to elders.'
'And then what?'
'We're married in the eyes of the clan.' Wangji smiled. 'Wife then wears husband's ribbon around their arm by husband wrapping it around them before the elders as a ceremonial gesture. Whichever is fine. Once we are acknowledged by the elders, then we are truly married. And you will wear for one year the white robes of the 'wife' just to let everyone know you're married to a Lan husband. I'll call brother home as the Sect Leader must also witness.'
xxx
Qinghe Nie Sect...
Xichen got a messenger bird days later...and his eyes widened during dinner with the Nies. 'O-oh my! I have to go home immediately!' he sounded excited.
'Xichen-ge what's going on?' Huaisang asked the giddy older man.
'Wangji finally proposed to Wei-xiong and I have to get home because as Sect Leader, I must witness the Tying of the Ribbon!' Xichen exclaimed in delight as Huaisang's jaws dropped. 'As Sect Leader I also classify as Clan Elder!'
'Oi oi, go tomorrow, it's late already!' Mingjue chuckled. 'Can't go at your fastest speed without sleep or a meal!'
'Out of the three of us he's the first to get married?!' Huaisang howled at the incredulity of it all. 'How'd that happen?!'
xxx
Next morning...
Breakfast in Meishan Yu was disturbed by Jiang Cheng choking in his soup as he read the letter from Huaisang.
'A-Cheng!' Grandmother Yu gasped as her grandson choked on his food. 'Did something wrong happen that you swallowed your food wrong?'
'E-er, one of my friends is getting married.' Jiang Cheng wheezed. 'Lan-Style Private Family Ceremony. It's all out of the blue at a time like this and the last person I expected is the first of us to get married.' he laughed weakly. 'Did the moon turn blue last night and I missed it? Looks like I'll be seeing a Madam Lan soon!'
'Oh my, who is this friend A-Cheng?' Yanli asked her brother kindly, but also amused.
'One of my friends from the lecture, Wei Wuxian and he's marrying Lan Wangji!' Yu Ziyuan paused mid-soup slurp and Fengmian choked in his tea. 'He's the clumsiest guy I ever knew, gullible enough to be tricked by merchants into wearing a foreign dress and now he gets married!' he cackled. 'How the hell did Lan-xiong manage that I'll never know! I'll wait for the next gossip from Huaisang I guess!'
'Oho, marriage at wartime often happens, sonny. Feelings are often confessed left and right because of an uncertain future.' Grandmother Yu tut-tutted. 'Because at war, who knows what may happen so might as well take the chance while you still can.' she said. 'At least you're together be it life or death.' she said. 'How about you dear, found a lady or lass yet?'
'I never met any female cultivators in the recesses grandma, how'd I know who to marry...'
'Then let this grandma help you out, shall I?'