Lan Wangji grabbed Xiao Zhan's wrist; he was rather puzzled with Xiao Zhan's unusual reaction. He asked worriedly, "Wei Ying, tell me what's wrong?"
Xiao Zhan was unable to look at his direction, his voice was rather shaky as he replied, "Nothing. Nothing is wrong."
"You promised not to lie to me." Lan Wangji reminded him in a soft tone.
Xiao Zhan took a deep breath to calm himself down before responding, "Lan Zhan, we are outside. We should be more careful from now on."
Lan Wangji paused for a second, still keeping his grip on Xiao Zhan's, he asked earnestly, "Is it okay if we're inside then?"
Xiao Zhan blinked rapidly at him, unsure of how to respond, "Well... Yes... butâ"
Before Xiao Zhan could finish his sentence, Lan Wangji had already dragged him back into his place and closed the door. He stood between Xiao Zhan and the door before turning to face him, and as he did, Lan Wangji could see Xiao Zhan's face was getting even redder from all the blood that rushing to his head. He tried to hide it behind his hands but Lan Wangji caught them before they reached their destination, bringing Xiao Zhan closer so that they would face each other.
Xiao Zhan looked up at him, his heart beating rapidly and his palms sweaty. He muttered, trying to pull away again, "I need to go."
Lan Wangji's hold on his wrists got tighter causing Xiao Zhan to step backwards slightly. He said sternly, "Not until you tell me why are you acting this way."
The last thing he wanted to do right now was to be in the same room with the person that caused the heat of desire coursing through his body. It wasn't fair that he couldn't have control over his own feelings, especially since all he could think about was how badly he wanted to kiss those damned lips. All he wanted was for melt in the warmth of his embrace and feeling those lips travelled on his necks. He couldn't help the heat that spread across his cheeks and ears, he was certain that the tips of his ears were burning like mad. He swallowed thickly and tried to find the words he needed to tell him. After several moments he managed to form coherent sentences, "We need to restrain ourselves. Remember?"
Lan Wangji didn't move, instead, he just stared at the man in front of him. His expression was unreadable. Xiao Zhan felt like he would burst if he stayed here any longer. He cleared his throat and continued, "Maybe we need to step back a little..."
This is bad.
Xiao Zhan paused, he tried to take a deep breath but found that his body refused to cooperate. Instead, he started mumbling again. "I think... You and I shouldn't act on our feelings for now."
For God's sake! Stop doing things that make my mind go crazy! Stop being so attractive! Stop making everything else around us disappear!
To his surprise, Lan Wangji didn't release his hold on him or speak a word. Instead, he swiftly captured Xiao Zhan's lips with his own. Xiao Zhan could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears while he felt his knees giving out beneath him. Lan Wangji's hand moved from his wrist to the back of his neck gently pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.
This is really bad! Where did my pure innocent Lan Wangji disappear to??
Xiao Zhan's hand fisted his robes tightly to try and ground himself but soon found that he was no match for Lan Wangji's strength as they stumbled backwards into the wall behind them.
...What is this? This feels like a cliché plot in romantic drama!
That was when all his senses were clouded yet again and he responded. They kissed until neither of them could take it anymore. When they broke apart, the second Jade started trailing kisses along the side of Xiao Zhan's neck leaving him even more breathless.
No, I need to resist this!
Xiao Zhan's heart thumped wildly against his chest and his breaths grew ragged. "Lan Zhan... Control yourself." He said between breaths, trying his hardest to ignore Lan Wangji's nip of his sensitive skin. Lan Wangji only groaned in response and hummed against his skin, placing light kisses on his collarbones.
The moment felt almost too good to let go of but Xiao Zhan finally made a conscious decision to end the kiss. With all of his willpower, Xiao Zhan pushed past his lustful thoughts and tapped a time-out. He breathed heavily, "Stop...stop!"
Xiao Zhan panted out, "Lan Zhan, you know what will happen if we get carried away."
Lan Wangji reluctantly pulled away and looked at Xiao Zhan. There was an undercurrent of hurt lacing Lan Wangji's tone. "Do you not trust me?"
Xiao Zhan shook his head and placed his hand against the side of Lan Wangji's face. "Of course, I trust you!"
It's me that I don't trust!
"I don't blame you if you don't. It's hard to control myself when you look absolutely beautiful in my clothing." Lan Wangji said softly.
Xiao Zhan stared blankly for a moment. It seemed like his brain short circuited. He looked up and said, "I... I can't believe you said something like that!"
Lan Wangji's smile almost look like a grin, "Can you blame me? Wei Ying, you're beautiful."
Oh my God! He had officially lost his marbles. Didn't his brother just gave him some sort of reminder earlier? Also, why are you smiling, Lan Zhan?! Don't smile! Don't smile!
"Okay, maybe I can't trust you fully right now." Xiao Zhan pulled himself away from Lan Wangji's hug. He added as an afterthought. "And I can't trust myself either."
Lan Wangji blinked slowly, "But you still trust me enough?"
Now, you are pulling your puppy eye look! Are you really Lan Wangji?
"Yes. But that's not the point here!" Xiao Zhan got a little annoyed at this point.
Lan Wangji sighed, leaning forward to press his forehead against Xiao Zhan's before kissing his cheek, "Then we will just have to work harder to control ourselves."
No, it's you who needs to work harder now!
Xiao Zhan raised a brow, he warned, "Lan Zhan, don't push your luck."
Lan Wangji grabbed his waist once more and trapped him in his arms, "What if I wanted to push my luck?"
So, this is what you were thinking all the time, huh?
"If you do, you won't get far." Said Xiao Zhan in threatening tone as he lightly shoved Lan Wangji away.
Another sweet smile played on Lan Wangji's face, " I wouldn't dare do such a thing." He pulled Xiao Zhan back towards him, "Not without asking first."
Oh, how could I forget this incredibly stubborn part of him! This brat is more persistent than his brother by tenfold!
Xiao Zhan glared at him, he threatened, "Lan Zhan, I won't hold back. I will freeze you."
Lan Wangji chuckled a little at his words.
Damn you, you handsome brat! Why are you chuckling now? Do you know how stupidly good-looking you are?! Wait... You are using this fact to your advantage, aren't you? This is so unfair! Who taught him how to flirt like this??
Xiao Zhan could feel he was about to be charmed again, he quickly snapped himself back to reality before it happened and scowled at Lan Wangji. "I'm serious!"
Lan Wangji smiled fondly at him, knowing exactly what he was doing. He leaned forward and pecked Xiao Zhan's lips before asking, "Is that better?"
Xiao Zhan groaned and freed himself, "Your shamelessness has no boundaries now."
"Just for you." Lan Wangji said simply, not even trying to deny that.
"I can't believe this." Xiao Zhan huffed, shoving the man lightly to create a little distance. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself down.
I swear if he keeps on behaving like this, I'll lose my mind soon.
He squinted his eyes at his lover, and changed his tactic by changing the topic , "By the way, what happened to my clothes, Lan Zhan?"
"They were covered with dirt, so I sent them for laundry." Lan Wangji answered flatly.
"And why did you left your guest in your room all alone?" Xiao Zhan asked while pointing at himself.
"You're not a guest, Wei Ying. I'm yours therefore, my place is yours whenever you wanted it." Lan Wangji took his Xiao Zhan's hand into his, bringing it to his mouth and placing light kisses across his knuckles.
Xiao Zhan narrowed his eyes, not sure whether he should be annoyed or amused by his boyfriend's antics. He said sarcastically, "Smooth. Very smooth... Ten points for being a master at sweet talking."
"I am simply telling you the truth. Besides, you were sleeping peacefully in my bed and I didn't want to disturb you." Lan Wangji explained matter of factly, as he pulled Xiao Zhan towards him and this time he had no intention to let Xiao Zhan escape easily again.
Are you an octopus, Lan Zhan?
"That was very considerate of you." Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes and tried his best to push him away once more. However, there was still nothing stopping Lan Wangji who continued to try and seduce him with small kisses.
Yeah, he definitely is. An ethereal looking octopus!
"Now, I know you are upset with me." Lan Wangji stated, keeping his voice gentle as he pressed his lips against Xiao Zhan's jawline causing him to shiver slightly. He continued planting soft feathery kisses on the side of his neck, "I didn't expect that you would wake up so early. The last time you drained your energy, you slept for two days."
Make sense, my dear octopus. Stop kissing me... I can't feel my knees...
"That's because I improved my stamina." Xiao Zhan felt like his body turned into a mush again, he replied indignantly although he was not entirely sure if he had fully recovered from the depletion of his spiritual energy. He had a sensation of fatigue lingering in the pit of his stomach and a strange feeling of being overwhelmed with the darker side of cultivation of his. He shrugged, "Now, I feel fine again."
Lan Wangji looked skeptically at him for a brief moment before speaking, "You don't sound like you are fully fine ."
"That's because I am starving, okay? Starving!" He huffed exasperatedly before attempted to slip out Lan Wangji's enamoring assaults, "On that note, stop kissing me and let me go to my room to get change. Pronto!"
"No, why do you need to change?" Lan Wangji demanded, as he reached out and grabbed Xiao Zhan's wrists pinning them above his head, effectively immobilizing him.
Struggling against the solid grips that was pinning him, Xiao Zhan grouched, "Because, I'm starving, you insatiable beast!"
This man is definitely possessed! Most probably by Ursula!
"You look perfectly fine with my clothes." Lan Wangji argued with burning vigor.
Xiao Zhan cried out in frustration, "Lan Zhan!"
"Why?" Lan Wangji asked with a straight face but it was obvious to Xiao Zhan that glint in that golden pair of eyes meant mischief.
"Why do I have to change? Because I don't want to repeat the experience with your brother earlier!" Xiao Zhan said through gritted teeth. Feeling the hold on his wrists slackened a little, he wiggled his hands free from Lan Wangji's grasp and stepped further away from the bewitching man. He hurriedly headed towards the door, hoping to get away from the overwhelming amount of lust radiating off of Lan Wangji. "I am going now and you can't stop me."
Before he could reach the door, Lan Wangji called out to him while pointing at Suibian that was still on the nightstand, "Wei Ying, you forgot your sword."
Xiao Zhan froze and turned slowly around on his heel. Lan Wangji was beaming, looking quite pleased with himself.
Xiao Zhan glowered but quickly composed himself and walked back to where his sword was resting to pick it up. "Are you satisfied?" He said flatly, staring at Lan Wangji challengingly.
"Mn." Lan Wangji hummed in contentment. His face shifted into an expression full with affection and his gaze softened as he took his rightful place beside his beloved partner. He smiled, "I'll go with you."
"If that makes you happy." Xiao Zhan muttered dryly.
"It does make me happy." Lan Wangji responded in a heartbeat.
"Lead the way then!" Xiao Zhan declared in a flippant manner as he turned on his heels and marched past Lan Wangji. As much as he hated to admit it, the man in front of him had become the most important part of his life and he couldn't deny anything from him.
My heart is an idiot! Deeply in love idiot!
The pair walked side-by-side and they started their journey to his room. As they passed a few Lan disciples walking together, Xiao Zhan practically stormed past them. They glanced at each other with confusion and curiosity but kept quiet nonetheless and continued on their way.
"Wei-Xiong! Is that you?" An unmistakable voice breached through the hallways towards the dormitory. Xiao Zhan screeched into an abrupt halt and Lan Wangji paused with him.
Shit!
Xiao Zhan cursed inwardly. He did not even have to spare a glance to look back, he was sure that Nie Huaisang ogled at them like a tabloid magazine paparazzi. He then hastily resumed his fast-paced steps like greased lightning, effectively dragging Lan Wangji with him.
"Wei Ying, slow down." Lan Wangji demanded.
"Hell no! We are currently running away from another potential relentless teaser. So, keep up with me." Xiao Zhan retorted sharply and tightened his grip onto Lan Wangji's wrist.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Xiao Zhan hissed annoyedly when they almost reached his room. He turned his heels to another direction like a whirlwind. "We're taking a different path."
"What are you talking about?" Lan Wangji queried curiously as he fell into step with him once more. "Why are we turning back, Wei Ying?"
"I am getting away from him."
"From who?"
"Another annoying one."
"I don't see anyone."
"Exactly my intention."
"..."
"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng's voice rang as he screamed, catching up after the pair.
And you jinxed it! Shit! Shit! Shit!
Xiao Zhan knew by then that he had no other option now but to face another calamitous circumstance. Jiang Cheng hurried towards the two of them with a scowl plastered on his face, he yelled in chagrin. "You bastard! Do you think I'm blind? What the hell are you wearing this time!"
Xiao Zhan grimaced in exasperation and turned around to face Jiang Cheng who finally caught up, answering his question defensively. "What's wrong with my clothes?"
"Don't play dumb. Why are you dressed like that?!" Jiang demanded furiously, gesturing at his robe which made Lan Wangji furrowed his brows.
Xiao Zhan held his hands up to cover up his attire. "It's fashion okay. Fashion!"
Jiang Cheng scoffed at his response, "Yeah sure. Fashion my ass! Why are you dressed in his clothes?"
"It doesn't matter." Xiao Zhan shrugged his shoulders in reply, refusing to meet Jiang Cheng's gaze.
"Look, you can wear whatever you like. But, this is too much!" Jiang Cheng began, glaring angrily at Lan Wangji, " For heaven's sake! Are you announcing to the whole world that you two did it? Are you fucking insane?!"
"It?? What nonsense are you spouting?" Xiao Zhan cried loudly, throwing his hands in the air in disbelief. This was exactly the type of situation he hoped never to run into again in his life. He hurled at Jiang Cheng, "It's nothing like that! So, shut up!"
"No! You shut up! Are you serious? What if his uncle see you in his clothes?"
Do you want me to walk around in my undergarment then??
Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes, "So what? Besides, it's none of your business, Jiang Cheng!"
"None of my business, you say?? Do you want the entire cultivation world to know? What if the news spread? Don't you realize what people will say? They might start spreading rumors about you. What if - "Jiang Cheng continued his rant while gesturing wildly.
Xiao Zhan snapped. "Who cares what they think?! "
"Well, I care! You are ruining my image and you're dragging my name through the dirt with you too! "Jiang Cheng 's angry shout echoed across the hall.
Hah! So all you care about is your image? You're really getting onto my nerves now!
Xiao Zhan growled at him, "Jiang Cheng, I am warning you. You better shut your mouth!"
Jiang Cheng didn't care as he continued, "You are going to drag Lan Wangji's reputation down too with this affair!"
"Jiang Wanyin!" Lan Wangji called out in warning. His usual stoic face quickly replaced with an obvious anger.
"Fuck!" Xiao Zhan snapped as he was about to lose his shit, his hands forming firsts and trembling badly. "For fuck's sake, just let me be! Stop fucking pestering me! Please!" He yelled frustratedly.
"So now I am pestering you?!" Jiang Cheng still ignored the both of their outbursts and sneered, "If you want to continue being stupid then so be it!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Xiao Zhan exploded, his loud yell caused several disciples in the vicinity to jump, everyone within the hearing distance to freeze in place, and stared wide eyes at the scene.
"I warned you before, you cannot afford to piss me off!" Xiao Zhan's expression darkened significantly as he stood still with his fists clenched tightly in anger. His eyes wore a bright shade of crimson red as he stared daggers at Jiang Cheng. He spoke in a low gravelly voice, "I dare you to say another word!"
Jiang Cheng gasped as he saw the flash of red glowing on Xiao Zhan's eye. He froze in place, his mouth wide open in shock while his eyes were fixated on Xiao Zhan's irises. He paled slightly and gulped; he knew all too well that the tone Xiao Zhan used was absolutely and deadly serious. He glanced over at Lan Wangji, who seemed completely unfazed by the odd eye color and that made him even more baffled.
Lan Wangji turned to give a murderous glare to Jiang Cheng who was frozen with shock and terror, his tone was as deadly as his facial expression, "I won't tolerate this any longer, Jiang Wanyin!"
Jiang Cheng was speechless. He nodded nervously, still staring at Xiao Zhan's eyes who unblinking emitting his dark aura furiously.
Lan Wangji diverted his full attention to Xiao Zhan again, "Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan flinched slightly as his body became suddenly aware of the pressure on his wrist, and glanced behind him. Lan Wangji murmured softly in a pleading tone, "Come. Let's just go. Please?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes gradually met the golden hues, he realized belatedly that his eyes were changing color and he noticed that his body had started changing of its own accord. He shook his head slightly to shake off all negative thoughts and emotions he was feeling and focused on getting out of here without making things worse for the both of them. He closed his eyes for a short moment and breathed deeply to collect his thoughts. When he opened his eyes, there was no trace of red glow left, just silvery grey orbs looking at Lan Wangji. He silently apologized through a squeeze of his hand to his lover's hand before letting go.
He was shaking slightly from the exertion of keeping himself under control when he stepped closer to Jiang Cheng a brief moment later. He kept his expression passive while he spoke menacingly, tightening his hand that was placed on Jiang Cheng's shoulder. "Look, I am going to say this for the last time, Jiang Cheng. I don't give a damn about what others think or say. Now, I have to leave and you're going to let me. If you insist on doing this bullshit, I wont hesitate to kick you where it hurts! And I mean it."
After giving Jiang Cheng his piece, Xiao Zhan turned around to go back to Lan Wangji's side. After a few moments, Xiao Zhan stopped abruptly and whipped around to glare at his martial brother once again, shooting him a death stare. He warned sternly, "And you better be not tell anyone what you saw today!"
"Yeah, sure." Jiang Cheng replied absentmindedly as he waved his hand contemptuously.
Xiao Zhan heard Jiang Cheng mumbling incoherent words of confusion as they walked past him, but chose to disregard it.
"Wei Ying, did you know your eyes turned red just now?" Lan Wangji asked him in a hushed tone as they advanced to their destination in quick steps, avoiding as much people as they possibly could.
"I guess so." Xiao Zhan admitted quietly.
Lan Wangji frowned in concern. He glanced over at his partner and remarked, "It's been a while since I last played Song of Clarity for you. Would you like to hear it after this?"
Lan Wangji wasn't wrong. They were too busy with a lot going on and even when they spent their time alone, they were mostly too lost in their world of romance. Xiao Zhan didn't even notice how long it has been since he heard the song. He nodded gratefully at Lan Wangji, "That would be great."
However, as much as he would love to listen to the song right now, he could no longer ignore the sharp pain in his tummy, he smiled faintly, "But can you get me something to eat first? My stomach is going to have a hole in it."
"I'm sorry, I forgot about it. I will take care of that right away." Lan Wangji apologized guiltily. "Can you wait for me in for a bit? I shall bring some food to your room. I'll be right back soon."
"Okay, I'll see you later." Xiao Zhan said warmly.
Lan Wangji nodded affirmatively before hurrying towards the dining hall.
The moment Xiao Zhan reached his room and slammed the door shut, Xiao Zhan threw himself backwards against it.
What in the world is wrong with me? Why am I losing control so easily?
He closed his eyes tightly and took several deep breaths. He wanted nothing more than to forget what Jiang Cheng had said earlier but knew that there was nothing he could do at that point. If he was right, everyone would know about their relationship sooner or later, he would just have to suck it up and deal with everything later. He was also concerned about what Jiang Cheng saw and how would he explain about his eyes later on.
As his thoughts drifted off, he finally realized that he was still in Lan Wangji's clothing. He pursed his lips in aggravation as he stood up straight to change into them. But first, he needed to take a quick shower and so he quickly took off the white tunic with his own before dashing towards the washroom.
Facing the wardrobe, Xiao Zhan was standing with his hair still wet when he let the last piece of garment that covered him to slip down from his body and fell lightly on the floor. Startled with sudden sound of door opening, Xiao Zhan turned around on instinct and immediately froze. A blush spread across his cheeks once again when he realized that Lan Wangji was there equally as surprised as him. He spun his naked body towards the opposite direction as fast as possible and hastily put on a fresh set of his robes.
Lan Wangji averted his gaze and cleared his throat uncomfortably. He stepped forward, putting the tray of food in his hand on the table and muttered almost inaudibly, "Sorry."
Xiao Zhan put on his best act to pretend like nothing had happened as he took a seat opposite of Lan Wangji and looked at the food before him silently. Even if he was a professional actor prior to this transmigration, he definitely failed miserably in acting this time.
"Eat quickly," Lan Wangji sounded as calm as usual but his expression told a different story.
Why is everything going so wrong today?
"Um. Thank you," Xiao Zhan replied awkwardly. He looked down at the tray in front of him, trying to keep his attention from wandering elsewhere but the food. He picked up the chopsticks and started eating. His eyes were fixed on his plate while he ate. The silence was deafening. Neither one dared to utter anything lest they disturb the silence. Once Xiao Zhan was done with his meal he placed the tray back on the table along with his chopstick.
Lan Wangji watched him took his bites quietly, unable to tear his eyes away from him. He could not forget the image of that fraction of seconds when he caught a glimpse of Xiao Zhan's fully bare figure. He was feeling very restless because of that. Every time their gazes accidentally met, Lan Wangji could feel a spark igniting somewhere within him. It wasn't the usual fluttering feeling he got whenever he talked to Xiao Zhan. This one burned brightly with intensity, like a small fire that would burn him alive one day if he didn't quench it. He needed to calm the storm in his heart before he became lost in it.
"Lan Zhan." Xiao Zhan whispered softly while he bit on his lower lip. He knew it from a glance that Lan Wangji was having a turmoil of thoughts and he could tell the exact reason of that. He needed to say something to clear this jittery atmosphere.
"Mn." Lan Wangji hummed in acknowledgement although his attention was still very much distracted. His sight were still locked on Xiao Zhan's face and occasionally they drifted downwards to the neckline of his attire.
This is a whole new level of worse start of the day. Why are you so horny today, Lan Zhan? Are you drunk?
Knowing exactly what Lan Wangji was thinking about, a cold sweat trickled down Xiao Zhan's neck due to nervousness, but he made an effort to fix the situation anyway, "Can you play the song for me now?"
Who knows, the songs might work to clear his mind and most importantly the Second Young Master Lan. Xiao Zhan would play the song himself if he needed to.
This is a dangerous situation. Extremely dangerous. This is even worse than facing the waterborne abyss.