Sweet Encounter

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/17650610.

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù
Relationship: Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī/Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn
Character: Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Lan Zhan | Lan Wangji, Lan Yuan | Lan Sizhui,
Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin, Jiang Yanli, Jiang Fengmian, Jin Zixuan,
Nie Huaisang, Lan Huan | Lan Xichen, Lan Qiren, Wēn Cháo
Additional Tags: full fluff, baby a-yuan, Kindergarten Teacher, Adorable, Alternate
Universe - Modern Setting, wangji a rich man, High School Flashbacks,
Everything is Beautiful, Damn cliche but we all for that, Nothing will hurt
as much, I promise, Alternate Universe - Daycare, Alternate Universe -
High School, Curses, Bullying
Stats: Published: 2019-02-03 Completed: 2019-05-16 Chapters: 2/2 Words:
5738

Sweet Encounter
by silverprism

Summary

Wei WuXian's day at the kindergarten was as normal as ever and it was now time to leave.
Until cutie A-Yuan's guardian was not there yet, they both had to wait for hours. Amusing
enough, once the guardian arrives, WuXian realizes it is someone whom he never imagined
he was to encounter again in his life.

After awakening sealed memories, they're ready to create new ones together.

Notes

This is a repost from Tumblr, I first published it there. But it doesn't take out the fact that
this is the first fic that I have ever published and I am so excited for this work honestly.
Without further ado, just go read now, and most importantly, ENJOY!
 Chapter 1
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

WuXian felt accomplished as he tenderly stared at the kids while they were getting ready to leave.
The day went on surprisingly smooth; usually there are two to three inconveniences or specific
troubles, but today, it was rather calm and the kids were all obedient. As this thought crossed
WuXian’s mind, he concluded he was getting real good at his job and couldn’t help but let out a
heartfelt chuckle. Suddenly, WuXian felt how something warm and small started to envelop his
right leg. Ah, this must be cutie A-Yuan.

Indeed, it was none other than A-Yuan. This kid loves to hug people’s legs, but he didn’t do it to
anyone, it was only to those who made him feel save and protected. It was this 4-year-old kid’s
unique way of showing love and gratitude.

“A-Yuan, I’ll carry you, let’s go and wait for your mommy to pick you up.” As soon as WuXian
said this, A-Yuan looked puzzled all the way until they reached the entrance. The kid suddenly
concluded something and became excited.

“Mommy? ….Mommy! Mommy!.” A-Yuan screamed whilst pointing at WuXian. Wei WuXian
froze, being called mommy was something he didn’t know if to consider a compliment or a joke,
regardless he slightly blushed. And he blushed even more when he realized he was wearing a pink
apron on top of his casual clothes, which didn’t help at all. They gained numerous stares and
giggles coming from mothers around them and he just dismissed it with a sheepish smile.

An hour and thirty minutes passed and most of the kids were already gone. Except for A-Yuan.
Now, WuXian did know how to handle these kind of situations. He usually gives a lollipop to the
kids— if they’re allowed to, of course —sit them next to him as he reads them stories or play a
little game, simple. But he was out of stories and games already and time was running a marathon
today. They sat in silence for a while and WuXian saw that the kid was happier than he should
normally be; usually, kids cry or get real desperate when their guardians have not yet arrived for
them. But A-Yuan seemed to be as calm as a bunny.

WuXian giggled, “Cutie A-Yuan, I’ll call your parents if they don’t come in an hour.” A-Yuan
only nodded, which made WuXian feel relieved and content.

An hour passed, and not a single soul came for the kid.
WuXian began to worry and overthink the situation, he has always been an exaggerated person
when it came to similar circumstances and he could only think that A-Yuan’s parents got into an
accident. Feeling heavy in the heart, he rose with A-Yuan in arms and rapidly walked in search for
the guardian’s phone number. A-Yuan began to sense WuXian’s uneasiness, but he gave a
reassuring smile to the child. Once he found the number he immediately dialed it and with no
moment’s hesitation, called. The phone rang five times, each chime making WuXian increasingly
anxious until a deep, attractive voice answered the call.

“Hello?”

WuXian was out of breath. He didn’t know if from relieve or because of how lovely the voice in
the other end sounded. He composed himself and cleared his throat, “Ah, y-yes hello? We’re
calling from the kindergarten, I am A-Yuan’s teacher and he’s been waiting for more than an hour
here with me, I was worried something might’ve happened so I’d like to know if someone will
pick him up or I can do the favor and take him ho-”

“No need, I’ll go for him, thank you.”

“Oh, okay sure, I’ll be here with him then.”

The call ended.

He slowly turned to A-Yuan, “Did you hear that?”

A-Yuan nodded.

“Is that your dad?”

A-Yuan nodded.

“Just who do you have as a father?” WuXian sighed and A-Yuan only giggled in response.

They both returned to the entrance and sat while they were playing rock, papers scissors for the nth
time. A-Yuan loved to play this game since he would win against WuXian most of the time.
“Aghhhhh, cutie A-Yuan you always beat me at this game, I can’t believe. Oh! my dignity!” He
clenched his fist on his heart in form of distress and fell backwards on the bench in which they sat.
A-Yuan could only laugh hard and high-pitched, a sound lovely to WuXian and couldn’t help but
laugh himself. No more than 15 minutes have passed when they heard approaching footsteps from
afar.

Both of them were sobering up when a tall figure was suddenly in front of them. A-Yuan gasped in
awe and rushed to wrap his arms around the elegant character's leg, gaining a soft pat on the head.
As WuXian witnessed this he could only lift his gaze as he stood up and swore he laid eyes on a
literal god.

WuXian scanned him from bottom to top, top to bottom. The man—who seemed to be around
WuXian’s age—fancied refined black boots, black jeans, white tucked plain shirt and a long baby
blue winter coat. When he reached his face, his heart gave a back flip. It was as if he was shaped
with white jade, every faction prominent with eyes clear yet penetrating, eyelashes sufficiently
long and lips dangerously captivating. WuXian could tell this man had to have a girlfriend, on top
of that, he has a son! WuXian slightly pouted in reproach.

As if the latter was scrutinizing WuXian as well, a lasting silence fell over them. After some
seconds, the unknown beauty caught WuXian’s eyes and lifted an eyebrow to get him out of his
reverie. Instantly, WuXian snapped out of it and remembered manners exist.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you, you must be A-Yuan’s father.” He extended his hand.

The man held and shook his hand firmly. If hands could blush, WuXian would be in real trouble,
but alas, cheeks can. “I’m not his father actually, but I do am his guardian.”

WuXian fought the urge to hum in victory with this news. “Oh, I see.”

Their hands released and WuXian didn’t know what to do next, when he opened his mouth to say
something he was interrupted.

“Your name?”

“Huh?”
“You haven’t told me your name, and you seem quite familiar.”

Familiar?

“Right! How could I forget? My name’s Wei WuXian, what’s yours?” WuXian swore the man’s
eyes sparkled.

“My name is Lan WangJi.”

Lan WangJi. Why did that name sound awfully familiar to him as well. WuXian begged his brain
to make some memory and remember when he has heard about a Lan WangJi before. …Oh my
god. That’s right! It was the kid who never cracked a smile no matter how much WuXian tried
back in high school. He was aware that WangJi used to be fairly handsome back then, but now?
Handsome was an understatement. WuXian’s realization showed in his face and he pointed at
WangJi.

“Lan Zhan!”

“Wei Ying.”

“I can’t believe! You- you grew up so well, and you’re even a kid’s guardian, just what the hell
happened Lan WangJi, wow, I need to catch up with your life now don’t I?”

“Mn.”

“Gosh, you’re the same as always though, that frosty expression-” WuXian halted and noticeably
blushed.

“What’s the matter?” WangJi asked.

“Lan Zhan. Are you married?” He held his breath as he waited for the answer.
Taken aback from that inquiry, WangJi looked straight at Wei WuXian.

“No. Why?”

“I see, nothing, I was just wondering. I wouldn’t like it that a glacier like you marries first than
me.” He chuckled.

WangJi didn’t return the smile, and stared at WuXian as if he was plotting something. WuXian
wasn’t able to handle being pierced by that intense glare and he shyly looked away.

“Wei Ying, I must repay you.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For waiting with him.”

WuXian lowered his head and saw how A-Yuan absentmindedly held WangJi’s leg tightly still, he
had completely forgotten about him.

“Oh, please don’t, it’s my job after all.”

“You aren’t obliged to wait outside working hours.”

“I didn’t have the heart to leave him.”

“I know. Allow me to invite you to a meal today.”

WuXian’s whole face blushed, no, his whole self did. He had never felt this flustered and by such a
simple statement he could easily accept or decline.

“A-a meal? Right now? You don’t need to, you know? I-”
 “I insist.”

WuXian closed his mouth immediately. Since when was he this dominant and impulsive? What
happened to the Lan Zhan who used to shy away whenever WuXian came too close to him? What
happened to the Lan Zhan who used to never start a conversation no matter what? Nowhere to be
found. Lan Zhan evolved.

“I guess… it would make no harm? And we can update on each other’s lives.”

“Sure, let’s go then.”

WuXian didn’t care about the details anymore. He didn’t care that he was still wearing that pink
apron, and that he left his bicycle at the kindergarten. He was about to have a meal with the most
beautiful man he has ever seen, the rest cancels out in this situation. WuXian was holding A-
Yuan’s little hand and WangJi held the other—looking like a family, they walked. A-Yuan, in his
happiness, shouted two words that made both of the men blush the brightest pink one could emit.
“Mommy and Daddy!”

Unbeknownst to WuXian, WangJi flashed a wide momentary smile and thought: Ah, Wei Ying, I
thought I was never going to see you again. I won’t leave your side anymore.

Chapter End Notes

NO WORDS.

I feel alive now. I figured I couldn't leave this with an ambiguous ending, so I'll make
this a three chapter work. Look at me being this productive I am PROUD.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Summary

High School WangXian.

Chapter Notes

It took me an embarrassing amount of time to finally update this, but here we are. This
is the longest chapter I've written with 4k words so we feast today. I actually had no
idea how this was going to continue so I took huge ass breaks on it until I set myself to
finish it. The way the school system works is a combination of Japan and America but
we only care about WangXian so bye. Point is it's finished now, enjoy T-T ♡

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Lan WangJi came as he went: unexpectedly.

WuXian contemplated the swift movements of two hummingbirds outside the window who were
hovering over an oak tree.

As he absentmindedly admired nature, the teacher began to prepare for his usual morning greeting.
With a small ‘ahem’, the students instantly hushed and turned their eyes towards the voice.

“Good morning students, I hope you had a nice weekend. Since all the desks are full I assume
we’re all here today. Now, it’s been a long time since we’ve had a new recruit.” The teacher
chuckled at his own remark yet the students remained silent. Clearing his throat to regain his
dignity he corrected, “A new student. Without further ado, I’ll ask you to respectfully welcome
your new classmate. Mr. Lan, you may come in now.”

The door slowly rattled open, every second increased the students’ curiosity. WuXian lifted his
chin in order to have a complete view of the now-appearing figure—sitting at the back had its
downsides after all. The boy finally stood up in front of the class.

A deafening silence wrapped the classroom.

The new student was inexplicably beautiful.

WuXian had only seen handsome factions like that on TV. He wholeheartedly believed the
school’s uniform didn’t look decent on anyone, but this boy began to change his thoughts. For a
junior in high school, he has no business looking like he’s the son of Aphrodite or some deity.

The teacher broke the silence, “Please introduce yourself, Mr. Lan.”

“Hello, my name is Lan WangJi, it’s nice to meet you. I hope we get along, please take good care
of me.” He nodded to the crowd once, expression unfazed.

Wei WuXian’s eyes twinkled. He had suspicions that this boy is the cold type, but now that he
heard his short and direct way of speaking, there was no doubt of it. WuXian instantly wanted to
befriend him. But there is no surprise in this, since he already loves to befriend everyone else, and
he succeeds at that.

The teacher hushed the ongoing murmurs, “Well, you guys know how this works, anyone wanna
volunteer on being his buddy and show him around today?”.

Several hands were instantly raised—unsurprisingly, they were all from mischievous girls with
flirtatious fame. Except for one hand that made everyone turn their gaze towards: it was none other
than Wei WuXian’s. Jiang Cheng and Jin ZiXuan rolled their eyes instantly, what to expect from
this kid?

Lan WangJi couldn’t help but notice this contrast, glaring right at the boy with judgemental eyes.
WuXian was busy sticking out his tongue to one of the girls whose arm was raised straight in the
air. Irritated, the girl dismissed his teasing with a resentful Hmph. WuXian giggled and felt a
piercing gaze on him, as he looked at his observer, he smiled widely. Lan WangJi was taken aback.

The teacher seemed troubled with his options and regretted even having asked, so he just went for
the safest and decided upon the class president, Jin ZiXuan, to do the job.
“How did it go with the new kid?”

“He’s a total iceberg, he didn’t utter a single word apart from ‘Mn’.”

“Wow, his appearance reflects his personality.”

“Huh, his aura is so cold I had chills all the while I was with him. Wouldn’t be surprised if you tell
me he’s a ghost.”

ZiXuan and Jiang Cheng went to and fro about this new individual. Meanwhile WuXian focused
on his freshly updated manga and HuaiSang’s eyes were glued on his phone. HuaiSang let Jiang
Cheng tangle a braid on his hair—imitating the way his sister does it to him and WuXian. A usual
scenery. All four together. But this time WuXian’s ears sharpened with keen attention to what was
being discussed, and he interrupted with glee:

“I’m going to have so much fun with him!”

The three boys present knew Wei WuXian too well and they were aware this was the beginning of
a major headache.

“Don’t bully him. He looks like he would knock you dead before you can even hit back.” Jiang
Cheng was just about to finish the pretty-looking braid. “I don’t want to end up cleaning your mess
like always.”

“You know I never ask you to but much appreciated. And I mean, I don’t bully I just tease, there’s
a difference. Plus I have no ill intentions so I won’t even tease.” WuXian winked and he gained a
death stare from Jiang Cheng as he let go of HuaiSang’s now decorated hair.

“Whatever, just don’t go around and trouble others.”

“Can’t promise anything, mom. He’s also very handsome and he doesn’t go around showing off
like our president here.” ZiXuan buried his nose on schoolwork while they were chattering. He had
yet to master the art of blocking WuXian’s remarks, but he continued to elegantly write on his
homework while feigning deaf ears.

“Ignore me all you want but we know it’s true, right princess?”

Nie HuaiSang finally lifted his attention from his phone to WuXian with a dangling braid. Jiang
Cheng and ZiXuan flinched at how HuaiSang responded to that nickname without hesitation and
pinched their noses simultaneously.

“Um, sorry I only caught the part where the new kid is handsome.”

“And that’s all there is to it!”

ZiXuan coincidentally glanced outside the classroom window facing the hall and exclaimed,
“Speak of the devil.”

Everyone turned around in unison: it was none other than Lan WangJi. He seemed to be very
lonely but his ambience repelled any sort of company altogether. This uncommon concoction made
WuXian want to approach him even further. What goes on in the mind of an aloof beauty like him?

“Well I’m off, don’t eat my sandwich Jiang Cheng.” WuXian managed to slip away from the hands
of his friends before they tightened their grasp on him.

Wei WuXian hurried his pace yet he carefully approached WangJi from behind. Lan WangJi, apart
from being a walking iceberg, he was a walking magnet for the eyes of anyone he passed by.
People couldn’t take off their eyes once they saw him; some were discreet, many were not. It was
worse once they saw WuXian closely behind WangJi, people gawked recklessly. Before WangJi
turned around or changed directions, WuXian swiftly caught up with his pace and were instantly
side by side.

“So where are we going?”

There was no response.

Lan WangJi’s expression remained unperturbed. WuXian could only stare at the boy’s profile,
waiting for a reaction or an answer. Anything. Now that he had him centimeters away, he realized
his nose bridge was high and beautifully shaped, his eyes twinkled a yellow hue and his lips
attractively matched his face. If Lan WangJi is eye-catching from afar, he is definitely flawless up
close. In a few years his factions will sharpen, that’ll be a sight to behold, WuXian thought.
WangJi abruptly changed directions and snapped WuXian out of his scrutiny and realized they
were heading outside the school building.

Wei WuXian felt as if he should say something but was too curious to know where they were
heading to so he kept it hushed. Soon enough they reached the rear part of the school building past
the sports field and the moment Wei WuXian opened his mouth to breathe out a question, Lan
WangJi settled down under an oak tree. Wei WuXian froze on his tracks. Meanwhile unflustered
Lan WangJi fetched out a book from his backpack and his eyes began to bounce from word to
word. Wei WuXian bursted out laughing.

“There was no way I wouldn’t expect less from you!” His sudden reaction finally caught WangJi’s
attention. WuXian laughed to his heart’s content and slowly sobered up, leaving a red-ears WangJi.

“What is it?”

“Oh, you spoke. Hi I’m Wei WuXian, but you can just call me Wei Ying now that we’re friends.”

“Since when?”

“From today onwards!”

Lan WangJi lingered his eyes on that strikingly brilliant face, before he was blinded by it, he
turned back to reading again.

“Aww, c’mon man, I’m making it easier here for you. Let’s start with the basics, I know your
name already, do you have a nickname?” WuXian sat down next to him.

“If you’re going to be loud, please leave.”

Wei WuXian covered his mouth in comprehension and whispered, “That gave me chills man
you’re so cold, so no nickname?”
“I meant, if you aren’t completely silent, then please leave.”

The boys were taken aback by WangJi’s stern remark. He didn’t mean to sound so brusque and
didn’t know what to do to mend for it, so he went back to reading. WuXian remained silent as he
took his manga from his bag and lied down. The flipping pages and the sound of nature made
WuXian feel an indescribable peace. He prefers to be surrounded by noise or do something that
involves movement, but the calmness his companion radiated moved him in ways he thought
impossible. His heart warmed.

They remained like that until the bell rang. Once they were about to leave, Wei WuXian
accidentally tripped on a bulging root and his opened bag scattered his belongings to the floor.
Unexpectedly, Lan WangJi kneeled down next to him and lent him a hand. At this, WuXian
discovered something enthralling. There was a dangling silver necklace on WangJi’s neck, so thin
that it’s likely to be ignored by naked eyes easily, but under the sun, it beamed beautifully. What
caught WuXian’s rapt attention was the cloud-shaped pendant: it had the characters Lan Zhan
engraved on it.

“So it’s Lan Zhan!”

Lan WangJi halted.

“That’s the nickname you’ve been hiding from me. I’ll call you Lan Zhan from now on, what do
you think?”

“Suit yourself.”

“Yay! Does that mean I can join you like this everyday?” Lan WangJi spared him a last glance and
stood up to leave.

“I’ll take that as a yes!”

They went back to class shoulder to shoulder.

Halving his time with his friends and then with Lan WangJi became a custom for Wei WuXian.
WangJi and WuXian became more familiar with each other by the day. Occasionally, they would
spend the time talking about random things—even though Wei WuXian was the chattiest—they
enjoyed the silence that prevailed when it embraced them. The two boys got used to each other
rather quickly and one could not spend a day without seeing the other.

Lan WangJi became too conscious of himself when he was around Wei WuXian, he didn’t know
how to handle this or what this foreign yet pleasant feeling was. He meditated about it on his way
to school and once he reached the halls he caught sight of WuXian’s cute-looking disheveled hair.
But something seemed off. There was a deep frown between his eyebrows.

“I bet that you two have done it already.”

“What are you even talking about, Wen Chao.”

WangJi got startled by WuXian’s violent tone. He immediately recognized the other individual as
Wen Chao, the spoiled kid that tormented Wei WuXian for no reason at all. WuXian’s personality
made him an idiosyncratic individual, way too flamboyant for other’s taste. Usually, people found
him charming, but others found pleasure on picking on this trait. People like Wen Chao. His
favorite hobby was to make WuXian’s school life a pain in the balls. But he did not acquiescent
either.

“You know, I bet you two have done that, already.”

“Stop talking nonsense or I’ll fucking rip you apart.” People began to surround the scandal.

“Don’t be ashamed about it. I mean, you and that Lan kid are boyfriends so it’s pretty normal for
lovers to have se-”

“He is not my boyfriend.”

Lan WangJi’s heart sank.

“And I’m not having sex with anyone unlike you who go around sticking your dick everywhere.”

In an abrupt movement, Wen Chao gripped WuXian’s collar and their faces were instantly five
centimeters apart. WuXian did not flinch.

“You shut up now, fucking scum.”

“How sick do you have to be to go around saying shit that isn’t even true? What, you’re jealous of
us?”

“Gay orphan good for nothing.”

The silence that followed was uncanny. It was the first time WangJi heard about WuXian being
gay and an orphan, now that he thought about it, Wei WuXian never mentioned his family
background nor other details. The air stood still for dreadful seconds and WuXian’s eyes turned
fierce, his knuckles white. No one dared say anything. Just when everyone was about to leave, an
agile ‘Ptoo’ broke the silence. Wei WuXian spat on Wen Chao’s eye with apparent hate.

After a few groans Wen Chao lifted his red eyes and raged, “I’m going to kill you Wei WuXian.”

Next thing everyone knew, a number of fists landed on WuXian’s face with violence. Lan
WangJi’s blood turned cold and before he knew it, he grabbed Wen Chao by the collar and
punched his face mercilessly. He became completely numb: he couldn’t feel the pain on his
knuckles or didn’t listen to the teacher’s request to stop until a loud ‘Lan Zhan!’ echoed in his ears
and brought him to a halt.

It was the first time he ever lost composure.

It was the first time he ever acted out of impulse.

“Apart from deducting points in conduct, you’ll have to copy the rules a hundred times. Don’t
worry your other classmate is getting the same penalty but in the nursery.” The teacher glanced at
Lan WangJi and the latter lowered his head. “I gotta go guys it’s my daughter’s birthday and I
asked for permission to leave, we trust you won’t leave. I’ll check it tomorrow, if you don’t do it
you’ll copy them three hundred times more. Good bye now.”

The door closed.

Lan WangJi has never gotten detention in his life, moreover he has never felt this awkward in his
life either. Wei WuXian’s swollen lips remained sealed ever since the incident happened and he
was the one who usually led the conversations, so WangJi felt the responsibility to say something.
But he didn’t. He didn’t know what to say. WangJi doesn’t recall beginning a conversation with
anyone but his brother, so he had much to learn.

The boys silently began scribbling and their minds wandered away with the repetitive task. When
they finished, the sun was already setting making the room glow gold. Wei WuXian was about to
slide the door open but it didn’t move.

“What the heck?” He tried several times more to realize it was locked from outside. There was no
way to open it from the inside but with a key, which they didn’t have.

“You have to be kidding me.”

They had nothing with them, they were obliged to leave their belongings in their lockers so they
had no phone to call for help. The boys instantly knew who was responsible for this: none other
than Wen Chao. Lan WangJi left his face funnily swollen, there was no doubt he was going to
come for them again sooner or later. It came sooner than expected. With a deep sigh Wei WuXian
let his back slide down against the wall and sat on the floor, looking defeated. Lan WangJi
followed him next. Their positions were the same as when they’re under the oak tree, the only
difference was the setting and the gloomy mood. The boys remained silent for a minute until Wei
WuXian managed to breathe out a question.

“How much did you listen?”

“Enough to learn new things about you.”

“I see.”

Silence.

“I’m sorry Lan Zhan.”

“For what?”

“Well obviously for bringing you down with me and getting you in trouble! If I wouldn’t have
forced myself into being your friend you wouldn’t have been involved in this stupid gossip and
your record would still be intact. It’s all my fault, can't you see?” Wei WuXian exploded and he
gobbled deep breaths to calm himself down.

Lan WangJi stared at his hands. If anything, he was glad Wei WuXian forced himself into him.
“I’m sorry too, Wei Ying.”

WuXian turned his head to face him in surprise, he was in lost of words so WangJi continued, “I’m
sorry you have to go through that when you don’t deserve it. I’m sorry no one does anything about
it. I’m sorry I didn’t intervene sooner, maybe certain incidents would’ve been avoided. Wei Ying,
you’re injured but you worry about my reputation first, be more thoughtful of yourself.”

Wei WuXian stared at him with mouth agape. He retained the teary eyes so much it burned. His
heart tingled with warmness that soon traveled to the end of his fingertips. First of all, he wasn’t
used to Lan WangJi saying more than one sentence. Second, WuXian has never been told any of
these words in his life. He’s only received a compromising ‘take care’ out of formality from anyone
he’s talked to, but Lan WangJi’s tone was truthful and way too caring.

“Lan Zhan, you- you’re unbelievable. I might fall for you at this rate.”

Lan WangJi jolted in surprise.

“I’m kidding, man. Thank you.”

“Mn.” Ears reddened. Lan WangJi wished that ‘I’m kidding’ didn’t bother him as it did.
Before they fell into a distant silence again, Lan WangJi’s mind looked for a way to begin a new
topic. After all, who knows how much time they were going to spend there until someone finds out
they’re missing. His brain went through all the basic conversations one could possibly come up
with and before he knew it, he blurted a simple question with utmost indifference.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Lan WangJi instantly gained a round of laughter from his friend, he expected a unique reaction
indeed, but this one made him regret having opened his mouth.

“You are full of surprises Lan Zhan, now you begin the conversations huh? That’s good, that’s
good” He continued to laugh until he saw Lan WangJi’s vexed expression.

WuXian chortled, “Well, I don’t know Lan Zhan, one thing I do know is that I love kids. I once
thought of becoming a pediatrician but I wouldn’t be able to deal with needles. And I am not
willing to study medicine for that insane amount of years. That’s a no-no.” Lan Zhan stared at him
attentively. He continued, “You know Lan Zhan, I am still unsure about it all honestly, time will
decide.” He let out a sigh through his nose, the cool breath he released tingled on WangJi’s resting
hand. WuXian murmured, “You must have it all planned by now Lan Zhan, I’m guessing you will
inherit your family’s business along with your big brother. It’s no secret, the whole school knows.”

WuXian turned his head to catch WangJi’s eyesight, his clear eyes glistened despite the lack of
light in the room. The last sun rays hid behind the horizon.

Lowering his eyes, WangJi responded with a soft “Mn.”

WuXian chuckled, “I wonder why you’re even here—at this school, you could just study
somewhere else I mean, damn, you’re loaded.” He let out a loud laugh from deep inside his
stomach once he saw how WangJi’s expression changed to a displeased frown. “But not only that
Lan Zhan, you’re an outstanding student, you could excel somewhere else, somewhere you can
develop your skills to the fullest.”

“You’re an outstanding student yourself.”

“You praise me Lan Zhan but not as great as you, plus, you know I wouldn’t be able to go study
somewhere else even if I wanted to.”
No he wouldn’t. His parents died in an accident at an age he wasn’t even able to collect memories
yet, hence the lack of reminiscence when it came to his parents. Wei WuXian, nor the people
around him would talk much about it, so he never knew about the details in particular and he didn’t
deem it necessary either. At this time and age, why would he torment himself with that past?
Though he visits their graves twice a year to show respects.

After his parent’s death, WuXian was left in limbo. Unfortunately for him, this is where his
memories began to assemble. He spent months within the orphan dormitories waiting for a distant
family member to claim him. No one came. Until one of his parents’ old friend finally heard about
this matter; the gentleman didn’t have the heart to leave the kid there. Since then, he took the kid as
his own son. Amusing enough, he had an eldest daughter and little son around WuXian’s age
himself. Jiang YanLi and Jiang Cheng! The delicate spot WuXian has for kids may have come
from how Jiang FengMian took him in without prejudices or wanting something in return. He
wants every kid to feel loved and appreciated just like Jiang FengMian did towards him. That's
why he'd never ask for more than what he is given, Wei WuXian is already thankful enough.

WuXian’s eyes widened when he realized he was actually revealing his past out loud. WangJi
seemed to be stunned by the sudden revelation and couldn’t explain to himself why his heart
clenched alarmingly in pain.

WuXian fidgeted awkwardly, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“You don’t have to apologize, and I do not feel uncomfortable.”

WuXian froze in place. WangJi didn’t realize how briskly he responded, so he shyly withdrew his
face to the side and regained his composure with a low cough. Throughout the course of the day,
WuXian saw new sides and reactions from his companion, he couldn’t help but catch every
expression he made.

“Say, Wei Ying, why did you want to become my friend?”

“Apart from the fact that you’re handsome?”

Lan WangJi glared at him.

“Okay okay, I’ll tell you. I didn’t know myself but you seemed to be like a calm and peaceful
character, I needed that in my life so much I found myself looking for it on someone else. And I
found it on you.”

It was the first time Lan WangJi was grateful his emotions reflected on his ears and not his cheeks.
His heart gave backflips.

“I see.”

There was no light in the room anymore. The boys began to feel hunger and WuXian fell asleep
without warning. His neck looked uncomfortable so Lan WangJi leaned closer and painstakingly
pulled his head on his shoulder. After a while WangJi started to doze off as well, when a thin ray
of white light went through the window and the door handle rattled open.

His brother and uncle came into view along with Jiang Cheng, a worried girl and a tall man that
resembled the two kids. Before they got to them, Lan WangJi managed to wake WuXian up and
both of them stood up languidly.

“Lan WangJi! Get here this instant, we need to talk.”

“Yes, uncle.”

Lan WangJi began to walk towards his people and his uncle shot an evil eye to Wei WuXian’s
direction. While his older brother seemed to analyze the proximity those two were in. He smiled.
Baffled WuXian turned to Jiang Cheng, Jiang YanLi and their father.

“I knew if I let you alone for a second you would get in trouble!” Jiang Cheng feigned annoyance
but it was evident he felt guilty.

“Are you okay, A-Xian?”

“He’s fine YanLi, just a little scratch.” Jiang FengMian winked at Wei WuXian and he smiled, but
he knew they were going to have a word when they got home.

The teacher who opened the door began to narrate an apology. When they were about to go
 separate ways, Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi made eye contact and jumped in surprise but
WuXian shot a full smile towards him.

To his surprise, Lan WangJi returned the gesture. It was the first time Wei WuXian saw him smile.
His face was too handsome with his standard expression, but when he smiled, it made each of his
features seem cute and tender.

Wei Ying went home looking forward to more smiling Lan Zhan.

But he never imagined that was the first and last time he ever witnessed his smile. Let alone he
never imagined that was going to be the last time he ever saw Lan WangJi himself.

Without a word, Lan WangJi didn’t go back to school the next day, nor the day after, nor a week
later. It was announced that he had left the school, plus it was rumoured that he left the country.
People began to blame Wei WuXian for it, and he couldn’t help but blame himself as well. His
heart ached without mercy, but he didn’t let that consume him. With time, he sealed those loving
memories he collected and carried them with love.

It is what it is.

Lan WangJi came as he went: unexpectedly.

Chapter End Notes

And we cry.

Edit (June 4, 2021):

And we really cry because, after 2 years, I decided that this is where this fic will end.
Not finishing it has been bothering me, but I found different interests when it comes to
creating and contributing to fandoms. I hope you all still enjoy it, I love this fic dearly.
Thank you so much for understanding!
Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!