Lan Huan was the first cultivator in several generation to reach and break the cusp of immortality, yet he was only the first of his generation. The people he had grown up with are strong and learned from war to never stop getting stronger. Not all of them made it, of course. Wei Wuxian couldn't, not in his feeble second body, and as such, Lan Wangji stayed mortal so they could live and die together. Nie Huaisang, barely a cultivator at all, did not become an immortal to anyone's knowledge. He simply disappeared one day, without so much as a note. Jiang Wanyin was the second to become immortal— Wei Wuxian joked that it was to distance himself from the infamous 'Yiling Patriarch' even farther. Wen Ning couldn't become an immortal, of course, but Wei Wuxian pressed him to spend more time with Jiang Wanyin and Lan Huan himself, since the fierce corpse could hardly die twice. There were others, people he didn't know quite as well, hadn't fought and laughed and cried alongside of. They became immortals as well and slowly, a small community began to grow where they laughed together and taught their tricks to each other. Lan Huan rarely joined in and only on the occasion that Jiang Wanyin or Wen Ning asked him to.
Despite being the first to attain immortality, Lan Huan also knows that his status is the most tenuous. He always seems just a sidestep from a qi deviation and, when not in seclusion to focus solely on cultivation, he is almost sickly in nature. The cold winter months feel too cold, the warm summer ones too warm. His constitution wasn't always so weak, he knows. He had grown up in the Gusu peaks and yet he had hardly felt the chill of the wind when he was younger. But then, he had been happy. He had had his brother and Uncle and later...
Later he had had his sworn brothers. Before Jin Guangyao decided Nie Mingjue's life was worth the praise of his father, before Jin Guangyao manipulated and killed his way to the top, before Lan Xichen put his sword through Jin Guangyao's heart. Before all all of it fell to pieces, he had been young and naive and in love. Now, he is neither hound nor naive but he is still so, so in love. So much so that every breath aches in his chest and every beat of his heart sends shocks of pain through him. Now, he has no uncle to fall back on, no brother to listen to and support him. No one but his memories and bitter regret.
He stays in the mountains when the other immortals leave, secludes himself away from the sect that was once his. He lets it move on from him, from the shadows of a war and a betrayal that he carries with him like another cultivator would carry a sword. He sits in meditation wondering if he sits still enough for long enough if he will turn to stone, become another relic from a past long since over.
The first thing he hears is not the methodical tap of feet against stone but a title he left behind him.
"Zewu-jun?" It is not someone he knows, when he lets his eyes flutter open. They are not from any sect he recognizes, though the white of their robes bears a resemblance to GusuLan. They glow in the dim light of the cave, kind brown eyes turning liquid amber. He looks upon them with a bone deep weariness and recognizes that they are not an immortal, not even human. He lets out a breath he expects to steam in the air but doesn't.
"I was, once" he returns quietly, voice rough. They smile, sad and soft. From anyone else he thinks he'd find it demeaning but they have a genuine air around them that's hard to fake. Of course, it's difficult to trick him these days but... he has a feeling that if this being wished to, they would have no trouble at all. They slide into a sitting position across from him, respectful though they both know they don't need to be.
"I have... a proposal," they say. Their words are hesitant, slow like they're tasting each one before they let it fall from their mouth. He raises a brow. Curious and wary, he wants to know what proposition a martial god would come to him for.
"I would like to offer you a second chance," they say quietly. "One single chance to fix what you feel needs fixing." His mouth runs dry. What this god is talking is- it's impossible. A chance to change everything to his whims- such power doesn't belong in the hands of a mistake-prone human like him. There's a softness to the god's eyes now, an understanding.
"It's a difficult choice, I know. You may want to speak with your friends first-"
"I'll do it," he blurts, mind racing with the possibilities of a future where he isn't quite so alone. The god pauses and he freezes, hoping he hadn't just ruined his one chance to make everything better.
"That's great, Zewu-jun!" The god says cheerily and he relaxes with a sigh and a hesitant smile.
"My name is Lan Xichen," he says quietly. They grin brightly.
"Nice to meet you, a-Chen! I'm Xie Lian."
It's Cloud Recesses. It's quiet and cold and undoubtedly the Cloud Recesses. He hadn't realized how much he had missed his former sect until he was left face to face with it. He takes in a deep breath, the cold air soothing in its familiarity. He thinks, maybe, there was nothing he missed more than this. The beauty of the Cloud Recesses, the knowledge that everyone he knows and loves are here and safe under its protections. That's not quite true anymore, his love reaching beyond these walls for individuals he never would have cared about more than in passing if it weren't for a war. The war. Such an unimaginable price to pay for a few friends.
"I'll have to leave you here," Xie Lian says softly. The god looks simultaneously in place and ridiculously out of place when he glances at them. They smile, sweet. "I won't be able to help you anymore. I've already taken such a chance just bringing you back." The idea is strange, that the gods have rules and regulations to follow just like humans. He smiles, helpless in his response.
"Thank you," he says. "Thank you so, so much." He can almost see the imprint of Xie Lian's smile in the air where they disappeared. He takes a deep breath and turns back the achingly familiar veneer of his home. After the Cloud Recesses had been burned down, it had been rebuilt startlingly similar to its original form but there were differences. Of course there was- no one's memory is perfect and so things were not quite the same, just close enough. The buildings were newer, of course, the ancient trees replaced with young saplings, some bricks irreversibly stained with the ash of the fire. There were missing people, as well. The Wen did not take prisoners. Wei Wuxian was, perhaps, the only non-Wen to earn the hospitality of their prisons. They were much fonder of killing or crippling to make their message clear.
Now, that all has yet to happen. More than that, he has time. Time to adjust, to plan. To remember and mourn and rejoice in his second chance.
He takes another deep breath, cementing his confidence with the misty taste of the air. Before anything, he wants to speak with his brother. He wants to assure himself of... all of this, he wants to make sure his brother knows and understands that he will always, always support him. Lan Huan starts towards the Jingshi, letting his eyes wander over his home. It's early, the white of his surroundings dyed pink and orange and gold in the morning light.
The Jingshi is abandoned when he arrives. Dark and empty and foreboding. It lacks the scent of sandalwood that Lan Wangji had let sink into the wood, lacks the innate warmth of a home lived in. There's a flash of panic and his breath comes too short and too fast as he sinks to the floor, palms pressed against the grain of the wood just so he has something to ground himself with.
Think, Xichen, think. Why wouldn't Lan Wangji be in the Jingshi? He brings up his hands to press the heels of his palms into his eyes until he sees spots, tries to calm his erratic breathing. There has to be a sensible explanation. There has to be- has to be something he's missing, that he hasn't thought of yet. Why is his brother missing? Why does the Jingshi feel so unlived in? Why, why, why.
When is he?
Lan Huan stumbles to his feet, swallowing back his gasping breaths so he can at least pretend to be okay. Maybe seeing his uncle will give something away. Maybe he'll find Lan Wangji. He manages to keep himself still and calm long enough to straighten out his robes and hair though a part of him sneers at the idea of something so simple having quite literally brought him to his knees. The most pathetic immortal, indeed. He takes one last shuttering breath before he attaches himself so firmly to the rules of his youth and the seclusion of his immortality that he can pull a facade of peaceful calm down around him like a cloak. He can't force himself to wear the genial smile often painted onto his face when he was younger so he makes do without. It's apparently good enough since he grabs no more attention than the heir to a sect normally would.
Despite actively searching for him, running into Lan Qiren is an accident. It's been long enough for him that he's forgotten the morning rituals his uncle has, has forgotten where to go to find the sect disciples he had once known. He had forgotten bits and pieces of Lan Qiren, as well, and it's only from the practice he's had as an immortal that he doesn't actually break down for the second time when he sees the man again. He can tell he's not quite as good at hiding his split-second reaction as he'd like to be by the furrow in his uncle's brow, the way his frown softens ever so slightly.
"Xichen, what is going on with you?" He asks and the familiar bluntness makes Lan Huan smile in a helpless sort of way because he hasn't heard that tone in years, the fondness his uncle tries so hard to hide.
"Apologies, Uncle, I..." Lan Huan searches desperately for a good enough excuse that Lan Qiren will accept but the man knows him too well, raised him to be how he is.
"Xichen," Lan Qiren says firmly.
"I just... would like to see Wangji," he says quietly. It's true, he would, but that's not there all is to it. It's so endlessly complicated and overwhelming. He knows he can trust his uncle but Lan Qiren won't understand, not really. He's too rigid, too set in his ways. Lan Huan isn't the best choice for this, either. Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang- they're the people with the drive, the ability to do what they must to get the ending they want. Lan Huan can't even think of what has happened, will happen, without breaking down. Before that, he wants to see his brother, wants at least to be able to look Lan Wangji in the eyes and know that he has to do what he has to do to ensure a better life for his beloved little brother. Lan Qiren eyes him, face set in a hard expression. Lan Huan wonders, for a moment, if he'll be punished for excess emotion. His uncle clings to the rules for guidance like Lan Wangji did- still does.
Finally, Lan Qiren says, "Wangji will return by tomorrow. You can speak with him then. For now, focus on your duties. The guest disciples will need a strict role model." Lan Huan sighs softly. If disciples have just arrived and Lan Wangji is to return tonight, then he has time to settle, to plan.
To enjoy the time that he's gained to relearn all the pieces of his family that he's forgotten.
Lan Huan doesn't manage to catch Lan Wangji before the introductory classes of the next day. It doesn't bother him as much now since he's managed to calm himself in the time he's been in the past but it still sparks some anxiety in him. He lived so long without his brother, he doesn't want to live any longer like that. Still, he can if he must. He'll do anything he needs to to change what has passed. The sight of these men, kids, in front of him threatens to drown him in panic once more but he clings to the tradition, to his uncle's steady voice, powerful in his desperation.
Lan Qiren is explaining the rules, eyeing Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang, both obvious in their disinterest. He doesn't say anything, trusting Lan Huan to take care of it once he leaves. Contrary to popular belief, Lan Qiren does try to give other sects' disciples more leeway. Wei Wuxian just got under his skin. It's a skill of the boy, Lan Huan knows. After spending so many years with the rulebreaker, he understands far more than he really ever wanted to. Lan Huan steps forward, arresting the disciples' attention as Lan Qiren leaves
"Hello everyone. I am Zewu-jun, Lan Xichen." Perhaps the introduction isn't entirely necessary but it's been so long he's forgotten who he's supposed to know at this point. "If you need any assistance during your stay here, don't hesitate to ask me for help. As long as you remember to follow the rules, your stay here will go by fine." A perfect segue into talking to the two who most certainly will not follow the rules. "Young masters Nie and Wei, perhaps you need some incentive to pay attention?" The effect is immediate. Nie Huaisang pulls back bashfully, snapping a fan open in front of his face. Wei Wuxian however, goes through several emotions before settling on affronted, puffing himself up.
"I've been paying attention!" He argues. Lan Huan stifles a smile, playing along willfully. "Then you were listening when Uncle went over the rules?" Wei Wuxian scoffs as if he's insulted anyone would believe otherwise.
"Of course." How many rules had they had at this time? 3,000, 4,000? Better play it safe. "Can you tell me what rule number 458 is?"
"Don't waste," Wei Wuxian says confidently, no hesitation in his answer. Nie Huaisang winces. Jian Cheng looks like he wants to strangle his adopted brother.
"You're 207 rules off. Would you like to try again?" Lan Huan sees the exact moment Wei Wuxian's confidence crumbles. It's the same moment Jiang Cheng snaps and turns scarily emotionless.
"Aha… respect your elders?" Lan Huan isn't sure if this is sad or funny or both. Either way, it's a great way of getting his mind off things. He's going to get back at Wei Wuxian for all of the years he spent living next to him and his brother. It was scarring.
"That is rule number 18." Wei Wuxian pouts.
"Aiya, I promise I was paying attention, I just can't remember the order they came in!" Lan Huan arches a brow.
"Do not raise your voice, do not complain, do not show excess emotion. Shall I continue, Young Master Wei?" Wei Wuxian starts to ready himself for an argument but Jiang Cheng seems to snap out of his fog just in time to elbow his brother to a stop.
"I apologize for my brother, he can be difficult." Jiang Cheng sounds so exhausted. Lan Huan smiles warmly at him.
"It's fine, Young Master Jiang." Moving on, he turns his attention back to the whole crowd, most of whom are stifling snickers. "You have been shown to the guest quarters already?" Lan Huan waits for the group to grumble out various sounds of agreement. "Then you all are free to go." The disciples all start to filter out, Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian already deep into their schemes, Jiang Cheng following with a pained expression. Soon, it's just him and his brother. Lan Huan lets a breath shudder out, no longer able to distract himself from the ache of being back. Lan Huan steps closer to Lan Wangji, pulling him into a fierce hug. He can tell his brother is surprised, hesitant in his return of the hug. Once Lan Huan is sure he won't breakdown again he pulls back.
"...Xiongzhang?" Lan Wangji asks hesitantly. Lan Huan shakes his head slightly, unwilling to burden his little brother with the future, and smiles.
"Wangji. It's-" heartbreaking, a miracle, "nice to see you again." Lan Wangji's concern doesn't abate and Lan Huan isn't surprised. They have always been good at picking up on each other's feelings. Lan Wangji's eyes flick down to his scabbard. Or actually, his lack of one.
"Shuoyue?" Lan Wangji pushes.
"Ah… I forgot it back in my room. It's fine, really." The lie tastes like ash on his tongue and Lan Wangji is clearly unimpressed with the excuse. "Seriously, Wangji, I'm fine. There's no reason for you to worry." That's a lie as well but how he wishes it wasn't.
"Mn." Lan Huan's smile tightens for a moment and he rushes to change the subject.
"Well? Have any of the guest disciples caught your attention?" A bit underhanded, perhaps, considering what he knows, but what works works. There's a moment where Lan Wangji hesitates and a twitch in his expression that Lan Huan knows to mean his thoughts have strayed, like always, to Wei Wuxian. Still, Lan Wangji shakes his head, trying to convince them both.
"That Wei Wuxian is interesting," Lan Huan pushes. "I heard from Uncle that you ran into him when you first returned?" Lan Wangji frowns.
"Troublesome," Lan Wangji says firmly.
"You like him," Lan Huan can't help himself from teasing. Lan Wangji glowers, his ears turning bright red.
"No," He says. Lan Huan laughs fondly. "You know lying is against the rules, even if it's to yourself." Lan Wangji's expression darkens even more and, with a huff, he storms away, all the while making sure it doesn't actually look like he's storming. Lan Huan had forgotten how fun his brother had been to tease at this age. He sighs, smile turning bittersweet.
"I wonder," he says softly, "if you ever knew just how far I'd be willing to go for you."
"Zewu-jun!" Lan Huan pauses, turning to watch as Jiang Cheng catches up. He's speed-walking which gains him some dirty looks from the Lan disciples but isn't technically against the rules. Of the three of them, Jiang Cheng was always the best at getting around the rules on technicalities.
"Yes, Young Master Jiang?" Lan Huan asks, unable to keep the amusement from his voice.
"Have you seen my brother?" Suddenly, Lan Huan is a whole lot more concerned.
"Not recently, no," he says, cautious.
"Fuck," Jiang Cheng breathes out.
"Language, Young Master Jiang," he says automatically. "Should I tell him you're looking for him if I am to come across him?" Jiang Cheng groans, pressing a hand to his forehead.
"No point, really. He probably won't show up until he's finished-" Jiang Cheng cuts off, clearly deciding that revealing whatever Wei Wuxian is doing this time isn't worth it. "-well, until he's ready to be found."
"If that's what you think is best," Lan Huan says uncertainly. Jiang Cheng makes a noise he thinks is supposed to be grateful, marching down the path. Lan Huan blinks after him, forgetting what he had been in the process of. With a sigh, he turns to head down towards the library. If anyone's seen Wei Wuxian, he would bet his brother has. He pauses when he's near the library, surprised to find Wei Wuxian perched on the sill, holding two rabbits in his hands.
"...Ah. I had forgotten about that," he says under his breath. He had adored the rabbits and he hasn't even thought of them since he returned. He remembers them being excellent at draining your stress away.
"C'mon, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian whines, rocking dangerously on his perch. "They're a gift!" He can hear Lan Wangji respond from within.
"Pets are not allowed in Cloud Recesses." Wei Wuxian pouts, visibly put out.
"Aiya…" There's a second of calm before Wei Wuxian's face lights up. "I suppose if you won't accept them, I'll just have to kill and eat them!" Lan Huan grimaces, rocking back on his heels to stop from stopping Wei Wuxian himself. It had worked out the first time, after all.
"Wei Ying!" Lan Wangji snaps, aghast. Wei Wuxian grins, shaking the poor rabbits tauntingly. No wonder they had never really warmed up to him as much as others.
"So? What's it gonna be, Lan-er-gege? Are you going to rescue these cute little bunnies from the mean and nasty Wei Wuxian?" Lan Wangji snatched the rabbits from Wei Wuxian, the boy laughing gleefully. He darts from his perch just as a sheathed Bichen jabs through. Without Wei Wuxian in the way, Lan Huan can see the furious shade of Lan Wangji's expression. Wei Wuxian is cackling, not watching where he's going, and Lan Huan catches him before they crash together. Immediately, Wei Wuxian schools his face into a look of innocence.
"Zewu-jun! What an unexpected pleasure." Lan Huan smiles, stepping away when he's sure Wei Wuxian has his balance back.
"No running, Young Master Wei." Wei Wuxian, too giddy to stand still much less keep serious, grins.
"I forgot!" He chirps cheerfully.
"I believe your brother is looking for you," he informs. Like a switch has been flipped, his expression turns nervous.
"Aha… well, I'd better get going." Wei Wuxian starts down the path again at a more reasonable pace but Lan Huan stops him from going too far, a thought coming to mind. Why not help a bit?
"Wangji has trouble with his emotions. Give him time, Young Master Wei."
Wei Wuxian leans forward and Nie Huaisang can't quite tell if it's a drunken list or if he's simply determined to prove his point. Either would fit, at this point. His own sight is swimming and he's undoubtedly dizzy but he's still clearheaded enough to think. He's not so sure about his drinking partners.
"I'm telling you, we're friends!" Wei Wuxian hisses, bracing himself with one hand and takes a swig from the jar in his other. None of this is helping his case.
"Lan Wangji hates you," Jiang Cheng says flatly. "In fact, I don't think I've ever seen someone like you less."
"Jiang Cheng! He- he-" Wei Wuxian seems to lose his train of thought and he turns on Nie Huaisang. "Tell him, A-Sang!" Nie Huaisang smiles nervously, playing with his fan.
"A-ah, I think A-Cheng is right… Lan Wangji really doesn't look like he likes you bothering him…" It's a lie but Wei Wuxian will forever be fun to rile up. Wei Wuxian levels a pout at them and points threateningly at them. Or at least in their general direction.
"We're friends! Lan Zhan jus' has trouble showing it… Lan Xichen told me so!" Nie Huaisang's tipsy-ness takes a sudden back seat, tilting his head curiously.
"He did not," Jiang Cheng scoffs. "You're making it up."
"Yes he did!"
"Oh really, when?"
"Yesterday, after I gave Lan Zhan a gift. That he accepted!" Nie Huaisang narrows his eyes, the puzzle pieces slotting into place.
"Oh, you mean when you were off breaking every rule you could think of?" Jiang Cheng growls. Wei Wuxian doesn't shrink back in his drunken state, rather letting his expression fall into one of solemn understanding. Or as close to it as he can get, at least.
"You're just jealous that Zewu-jun likes me better than you," Wei Wuxian manages in a croon. Nie Huaisang's grip tightens on his fan when Jiang Cheng responds with nervous outrage instead of the expected dismissal. He ignores it, turning his attention back to the problem at hand.
"Xichen never said anything to them," he murmurs, the words slipping out before he can stop them. Maybe the alcohol is affecting him a bit more than he thought. Both of his friends turn to him, their argument dying between them.
"What did you say, A-Sang?" Wei Wuxian asks. He looks up at the other innocently, eyes as wide as he can make them.
"I just asked if you're sure you didn't dream it." Wei Wuxian whines, pressing a hand to his chest as he flops over dramatically.
"A-Sang! I trusted you! I can't believe you've betrayed me like this!" Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang laugh, the conversation veering away from Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen in favour of complaining about Lan Qiren and other topics that come just as naturally. Nie Huaisang tries to ignore the new splinter in his fan, tries to ignore his roiling emotions, tries to ignore Jiang Cheng's ever so slightly suspicious look, tries to pretend that he's not who he is, that he doesn't know what he knows.
It doesn't work.
Lan Huan takes a deep breath, fingers shaking as he reaches for his sword. It's been so long since he's set his eyes on Shuoyue, much less unsheathed her. There's some part of him that fears the blood staining the blade, sticky and clinging as it drags him down. There's no blood there, he knows, but the memories are just as cloying and far more dangerous. He takes the sword into his lap, staring down at her with apprehension, fear. With one last breath to gather his courage, he unsheathes her. The blade glints in the light, reflecting familiar kind eyes.
"A-Yao," He chokes out, air coming ragged and broken. The blood stains his hands, sinks into his skin until it's impossible to get it out. He-
"Zewu-jun?" The familiar voice breaks through his panic and he snaps the sheathe shut before he's dragged back down. "It's Jiang Wanyin." Lan Huan sweeps to his feet, dropping Shuoyue with less care than she deserves onto a sword stand. He straightens his robes, forcefully getting his breathing back under control. The people of this time don't need to deal with his memories and the problems that come with them.
"Come in," he says, his voice steadier than he feels. He busies himself with making tea as Jiang Cheng enters, hoping to at least hide his shaking hands. "Was there something you wished to speak with me about?" Lan Huan glances at Jiang Cheng, surprised to find the usually headstrong disciple shifting uncomfortably and almost nervously.
"Ah, well… I came to apologise." Lan Huan turns from his tea, meeting Jiang Cheng's gaze head on. Whatever it is, he's sure Jiang Cheng doesn't need to apologise.
"Whatever for? Besides some minor infractions, you've been a model guest. Besides, you've been quite pleasant to have around." A bit more honest than he would be usually. He blames it on the near panic attack. Jiang Cheng flushes.
"Oh- that's-... thank you." Jiang Cheng seems to gather himself, turning serious once more as the blush fades. "I was thinking more about Wei Wuxian's actions, however. I know that he's been less that courteous and that he bothers Lan Wangji all the time and as the Jiang Heir, I should take responsibility for his… him." Lan Huan laughs both at the description of Wei Wuxian and at the idea that he could ever bother Lan Wangji.
"Young Master Wei is fine," he assures. "He isn't made for Cloud Recesses and I understand that, even if Uncle does not. It's natural for him and Uncle to clash. It'd almost be more worrisome if they didn't. As for Wangji… well, my brother appreciated Young Master Wei's friendship more than he lets on."
"Wei Wuxian told us you had said something to that effect before," Jiang Cheng muses. He shakes his head, returning to the topic at hand. "Still, my brother is a handful. Please tell me if there's anything I can do to try and make him less so." Lan Huan frowns, shaking his head.
"Jiang Wanyin. You are here to learn, not to control Young Master Wei. I understand how you feel but please don't worry. You deserve to be able to use your time here for yourself as well." The tea finishes perfectly timed and Lan Huan turns back to it, pouring it into two cups. He sets them down at the table and sits, tipping his head towards the empty spot with a smile. Jian Cheng is clearly hesitant.
"Now, I would love for you to be able to sit with me and have some tea and conversation if you would be so inclined."
"I could hardly impose-"
"Please, Jiang Wanyin." Lan Huan swallows when his voice shakes, eyes flicking down to his cup of tea. It's scalding against the skin of his hands. "I could use the company of a friend." Jiang Cheng hesitates for another moment and Lan Huan believes he's going to leave but then he sits, careful and respectful like he's not sure he's welcome.
"We're… friends?"
"I would certainly like to be," Lan Huan says softly, not trusting himself to look Jiang Cheng in the eyes quite yet.
"...Friends, then." Jiang Cheng says, as firm as he is hesitant. It all feels so, so fragile.
"I would like to stay friends and see you again if time would permit," Lan Huan says. Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and he can't help but smile back.
"I suppose I can live with that. Although…" Jiang Cheng makes a face. "You'd have to come to Lotus Pier. Sorry, but I hope to never deal with your 3,000 rules again." Lan Huan laughs.
"I can understand the sentiment. I'll have to come visit, then. I hear it's gorgeous." Jiang Cheng lights up, pouncing on the opportunity to gush about his home.
"It is and with way better food than here, no offense. My jiejie makes the best food. You'll have to live with Wei Wuxian annoying you when you visit, though."
"I'm sure I can manage. Bringing Wangji along would be a suitable distraction, I think." Jiang Cheng snorts.
"Throwing your brother to the wolves, are you?" Lan Huan copies Wei Wuxian's usual innocent expression. He can see the dismay in Jiang Cheng's expression.
"Socialization is a necessary part of growing up," he says factually. "Anyway, he's great friends with Young Master Wei."
"You know," Jiang Cheng muses, "no matter how many times you say that, I just can't believe you. I'm sure he hates my idiot brother." Nie Huaisang joins in, overhearing and following his need to be at the center of all drama. Lan Huan's not sure he'll ever understand the Nie heir.
"I'm telling you, they're in love," Nie Huaisang says stubbornly. "The tension between them is palpable." Well, he's not wrong. Lan Huan glances over to where Wei Wuxian is hanging off of his brother, Lan Wangji torn between annoyance and adoration. He's glad he'd been able to keep Wei Wuxian from being sent home early.
"See, now," Jiang Cheng argues, "That's the murderous intent. One of them is going to die and I'd bet it won't be Lan Wangji." Nie Huaisang laughs.
"Have a little more faith in Wuxian, A-Cheng. I'm sure he'd manage to find a way to rise from the dead just to bother you." Oh, how accurate.
"Ugh, probably, the bastard." Ah, that sounds like his cue.
"You're still within Cloud Recesses' walls, Jiang Cheng, at least try to pretend to follow the rules." Despite his words, they're not technically in Cloud Recesses anymore. Jiang Cheng and his technicalities.
"Of course Lan Huan, I'd never break any of your rules." Nie Huaisang scoffs, playfully shoving Jiang Cheng.
"Okay, first of all, we all know that's a lie, A-Cheng, you and Wuxian break all of the rules just by existing, and second… when did you two get so close?" Nie Huaisang whirls on Lan Huan, pout at full power. "And why won't you call me A-Sang? I've known you longer than him!" Lan Huan smiles serenely at Nie Huaisang.
"Because, Young Master Nie, you copied off of Young Master Wei and still managed to fail." Nie Huaisang gasps dramatically, snapping open his fan.
"I can't believe anyone thinks you follow all those rules, you're just as bad as the rest of us." Lan Huan manages to keep from rolling his eyes. Barely.
"Goodbye, Young Master Nie and… goodbye, A-Cheng." Nie Huaisang's offended squawks follow him as Jiang Cheng drags him down the stairs, waving his own goodbye. This has been good, Lan Huan decides. Even if he wasn't as focused on changing the future as he should have been.
