[pfsb]

[acrookedpath]

The latest idea that struck Wei Wuxian mid-lunch: if he combined one of the theoretical energy talismans with a paper doll, would that allow him to search the grounds for resentful energy without having to blanket the whole inn with talismans?

It seems like a sound idea! It won't replace the planned night hunt with Lan Zhan -- nor would he want it to -- but if he succeeds, it will be a fun experiment.

First, though: combining a paper doll with a simpler talisman. Which brings us to Wei Wuxian at a table underneath the Observation Window, not an inch left uncovered by his notes, scribbling onto a tiny cutout with a ballpoint pen Bar gave him. (What an invention!) He completes the last character with a flourish and waves his hand over the doll; it springs to its "feet," and, grinning, he directs it toward the empty cup perched precariously on a corner of the table.

Comments

[acrookedpath]

"You found him," he repeats. He sounds dazed, as if the news struck a physical blow across his head. "He's..."

He's alive.

He's alive, and Wei Wuxian is suddenly smiling as bright at Lan Zhan has ever seen him -- though his eyes are still red, though his cheeks are still damp -- and with no further warning than that, he grabs Lan Zhan in a tight embrace.

[lightamidchaos]

He startles, but immediately returns the embrace, putting both arms around Wei Ying without hesitation and holding him close once more.

[acrookedpath]

"Thank you," he says, muffled against Lan Zhan's robes. "Lan Zhan, thank you."

He can infer what must have happened after A-Yuan was left with the doctor. If he was severely ill, Lan Zhan may have already been in seclusion by the time he was better -- and while he does not trust Lan Qiren to have been kind to a Wen, even one as small as A-Yuan, maybe Zewu-jun was able to arrange something. A family in Yiling, or elsewhere, willing to take in a child. Willing to give him a good life.

A-Yuan is alive.

[lightamidchaos]

"No need."

He says it with quiet certainty.

[acrookedpath]

"You saved his life." He pulls away, but keeps his hands on Lan Zhan's shoulders. "Of course there's a need."

He was there when Wei Wuxian could not be.

[lightamidchaos]

He meets Wei Ying's eyes.

"So did you."

[acrookedpath]

His smile wobbles.

In lieu of saying anything else, he lets go of Lan Zhan -- but only so he can shift close again, hands in his lap, and set his head back on Lan Zhan's shoulder.

He's alive. He keeps repeating those two words in his mind, silently marveling. Not everything was lost that day.

[lightamidchaos]

Lan Wangji draws him in once more, one arm around him in support and his other hand resting lightly at Wei Ying's waist, as if to shelter and protect him.

He leans his head against the other man's and just breathes, quiet together in the darkness of the room.

[acrookedpath]

He doesn't want to go back to sleep. He needs to, eventually -- otherwise he suspects Lan Zhan won't sleep, either -- but all he wants to do is sit in the quiet, leaning against the solid, warm weight at his side, and let the final vestiges of the nightmare drift away.

He still feels as if he'll crumble, should he move too suddenly. But he can breathe; his eyes are dry. And Lan Zhan is here. Their beds are barely a meter apart, but that feels much too far away right now. He isn't ready to move.

(Briefly, he wonders if he should push their beds closer, and dismisses the thought before it can take root.)

But some indeterminate time later, he catches himself nodding off against Lan Zhan's shoulder. With a reluctant sigh, he raises his head, blinking sleepily.

[lightamidchaos]

He looks down at him as Wei Ying stirs, but doesn't say anything.

[acrookedpath]

"I think I will try to sleep again," he mumbles, and rubs at his eyes. "Maybe it won't be as difficult this time."

[lightamidchaos]

"I can keep watch. Until you do."

Expecting protest, he adds,

"I will go back to sleep after that."

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian, midway through opening his mouth to do just that, closes it at Lan Zhan's next sentence. He chuffs a small laugh and shakes his head.

"All right. But you must promise," he says, poking Lan Zhan's arm. "I will not have you losing too much sleep over me."

[lightamidchaos]

"Mn. I promise."

[acrookedpath]

"All right. Good."

He grins, brief and sleepy and heartfelt, and heaves himself up to step over to his bed. Soon enough he's settled in again, curled on his side to face Lan Zhan.

"Good night, Lan Zhan. Again," he adds, with a small chuckle that is immediately interrupted by a yawn.

[lightamidchaos]

"Good night, Wei Ying."

He waits until the other man's eyes close and his body starts to relax before he begins to hum the song written for him. He keeps it low, just barely audible - just loud enough for it to reach across the space between them, floating in the air while Wei Ying sinks back into sleep.

[acrookedpath]

As he drifts, Wei Wuxian finds himself in another cave, years and years ago. He burns with fever, struggling to stay awake as Lan Zhan pours a river of spiritual energy into his hand. It's so still and quiet -- and he is so ill -- that he feels oddly at peace, here in the dark with his hand in Lan Zhan's hand.

He can hear Lan Zhan humming softly. And he knows it will be all right.

He sinks into sleep with the faintest smile on his lips.

[lightamidchaos]

He repeats the song twice, then a third time, before he is certain that Wei Ying is deeply asleep once more.

Only then does he keep his promise, lying back down on his own bed and closing his eyes.

He wakes at mǎo hour as usual, and immediately looks to the side. Wei Ying is still asleep, peaceful and without any sign of distress, and Lan Wangji feels himself relax.

He rises silently and dresses for the day, donning his ribbon and hairpiece and slipping into his other layers of robes. After a moment's consideration, he goes to seat himself in front of the low table in the corner, and starts his morning meditation.

Eventually, Wei Ying will wake, and together they will begin another day.