At the sight of his lover looking expectantly at him made Lan Wangji swallowed the lump forming in his throat as a wave of inexplicable emotions overwhelmed him. What was happening to him? He couldn't seem to handle this. Not after seeing such a breath-taking view. He could feel his insides twisting into knots as his chest started to tighten. He sighed heavily and forced himself to keep breathing normally. He clenched both of his fists tightly under the table hoping that Xiao Zhan wouldn't notice him struggling. He cleared his throat and nodded slightly in reply, "Anything for you."
Xiao Zhan had made some upgrades on the Qiankun bag itself that let him summon his Guqin with a swipe of his hand and it was easier for him to move without his instrument stuck on his back these days. He shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts before beginning to play the music slowly and elegantly. His fingers danced deftly on the strings while the song continued. The soft melody of a familiar song began to drift out of the room and filled the room with a peaceful yet relaxing aura. Forcing himself to focus on the song instead of his lover, Lan Wangji felt a sense of peace come over him. He was so focused that he forgot to look at Xiao Zhan. He didn't dare to.
The music started playing and Xiao Zhan immediately felt better when he heard the familiar melody. His nerves calmed down gradually until he could finally breathe normally again without feeling suffocated.
When the song ended, it left a lingering silence in its wake. Lan Wangji took a few slow breaths before he broke the silence by clearing his throat and turning to look at Xiao Zhan, who seemed to be more relaxed than earlier. With a gentle expression on his face, he asked softly, "Wei Ying, do you feel better?"
The corners of Xiao Zhan's mouth curled upwards as he gave Lan Wangji a gentle smile, "Yes, thank you."
Lan Wangji nodded understandingly before standing up and kept his instrument to his spatial pouch. He was still anxious as he did not want to push the man too far and break his trust. He picked up the abandoned tray and said, "I'll clear this up. Shall I see you in the training ground?"
"Yes, see you there," Xiao Zhan replied easily as he stood up from his seat and watched the other man pick up everything in his peripheral vision.
"Alright," and with that said, Lan Wangji swiftly walked out. He closed the door behind him as gently as he could, but his steps were quick and hurried as he rushed back to the kitchen. His hands were shaking uncontrollably. He had never felt so helpless and at the same time exhilarated. The image was seared onto the back of his eyelids every time he blinked. The wet hair falling around his shoulders, his bare torso exposed in all its glory and his slender, long legs and those mesmerizing curves. His breath hitched. His face flushed in heat and his chest tightened painfully. As much as he wanted to deny it to himself, he knew he was undeniably attracted to his lover. He was completely powerless against his attraction towards the man. He had to stop doing something rash and foolish like taking advantage of Xiao Zhan's vulnerability or even worse, betraying the trust between them if he allowed himself to get carried away. The thought almost sent shivers down his spine. He knew that he would lose everything in return. There would be nothing to protect and he would be alone for eternity. That thought was one he refused to dwell on any longer. He forced himself to ignore the uncomfortable feelings stirring in his stomach and pushed them to the back of his mind. He tried his hardest to suppress the strong emotion that threatened to burst forth from within him. He needed to calm down; he must control himself. He took several deep breaths and tried to force the images of Xiao Zhan's perfectly sculpted body out of his mind. But he knew, deep down inside, that there was no way he would ever get rid of the image of Xiao Zhan's naked figure, no matter how hard he will try. It had become ingrained into his brain.
The moment he laid his eyes on his lover broke his resolve once again. He could feel another blush rising on his cheeks at the memory of Xiao Zhan's smooth skin. He clenched his eyes shut, forcing away his desire to reach out and touch those soft, silky black strands and pull Xiao Zhan into a passionate embrace as they kissed each other senseless.
"Lan Zhan, are you okay?"
He heard Xiao Zhan's concerned voice coming closer and he opened his eyes, startled to see Xiao Zhan looking at him with concern. He nodded hastily and tried to put his feelings to the side as quickly as possible to appear unbothered as he said, "Yes."
He saw Xiao Zhan studying his face and he knew very well that man could tell his emotions no matter how impassive he appeared. Xiao Zhan looked unconvinced, but he let it go without further comment and turned his gaze back on to what was in front of him as he asked, "What do you think on the array system design?"
"Mn." He mumbled an answer dreamily. He flinched when he noticed that there was an intense stare directed straight at him.
Xiao Zhan tilted his head and his brows slightly raised as he prompted, "Focus, my dear. Any other opinion besides 'Mn'?"
Lan Wangji frowned in concentration, trying to ignore the way his heartbeat quickened at the close proximity he had to his beloved. How could he concentrate when his body was telling him that he wants to touch Xiao Zhan's perfect curves and pull him close into his arms. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts, and then opened them back up, determined to stay composed.
"This is another upgraded version?" Lan Wangji inquired, breaking the silence which had settled over the room, he made a genuine educated comment after he studied the multilevel formation draft, "This is fantastic. Lesser energy to maintain but still as sturdy."
Xiao Zhan nodded, satisfied with his answer. It was obvious that he was pleased with the results of his experiments. His grey orbs sparkled with delight as he glanced at the array system. The two of them were sitting on the ground surrounded by Xiao Zhan's notes of ideas on inventions. Each piece of the array had been designed by Xiao Zhan himself so as to improve their functionality and speed while maintaining the maximum amount of spiritual energy used to power the array system. It was amazing to watch the complexity and intricacy of Xiao Zhan's work. Every part of the array system had been tested and perfected by Xiao Zhan and they all came out victorious in his eyes. Lan Wangji always loved to see Xiao Zhan being this enthusiastic about his works and he found it absolutely breathtaking. It warmed his heart just looking at Xiao Zhan. His eyes trailed the perfect outline of Xiao Zhan's features and the beautiful hair framing his face. It felt like there was a halo effect that illuminated every little movement his lover made, making it impossible for him to look away.
"You seem distracted, Lan Zhan. What are you thinking about?" Xiao Zhan blinked slowly as he spoke.
Lan Wangji jerked slightly in surprise and looked up at Xiao Zhan, surprised to see the playful glint in those piercing grey eyes. Before he could say anything in response, Xiao Zhan continued in his usual teasing manner, "Hmm... Someone can't stop staring. Am I that good looking?"
"You always are," Lan Wangji smiled gently in response.
He glanced back down at Xiao Zhan for a brief second before averting his eyes to the ground, focusing his attention back on his feet. He watched as the corners of Xiao Zhan's lips turned upward again at his words. It was such a tiny movement, yet it lit up the space around them making everything seem brighter. He loved the effect it has on his mood, and it always managed to make him feel better. Sometimes that ability of Xiao Zhan's had a weird way of affecting him, especially with the look he gave him as if he was glowing underneath the spotlight. He felt a surge of warmth in his chest that warmed his entire body as a result. He didn't even realize that he was smiling too.
He noticed then that Xiao Zhan was still gazing at him with adoration and something else he couldn't quite put his fingers on. A smirk began creeping its way onto his face, his beautiful eyes dancing with mirth as he spoke, "Lan Er Gege, you are going to make me blind one day with that smile of yours."
Lan Wangji's gaze lowered to the floor, and he said in a low voice, embarrassed, "I do not intend to blind you."
"Oh, really?" He grinned devilishly. "If that's the case, I hope you have no intention to blind anyone else either?"
"Of course not," Lan Wangji shook his head firmly, raising his gaze back to Xiao Zhan and fixing it upon his face, "I mean, I do not wish to. I only want you."
He took a deep breath and added with all sincerity, "Forever."
Xiao Zhan' eyes widened considerably, clearly taken aback by his sudden boldness. But, after a few seconds he started chuckling softly and smiled brightly at him, "You are definitely a natural born sweet talker. To that, I give you a hundred points."
Lan Wangji rolled his eyes in response, feeling a small amount of satisfaction at the fact that his words seemed to have affected Xiao Zhan in such a way.
They stared at each other for a moment, enjoying the warmth that radiated off of the other's body, before Xiao Zhan looked down shyly and cleared his throat. He changed the topic and started pointing out on the blueprint he made, "In theory, this latest version of the system will be approximately five times stronger than the current barrier. The amplifier added to the core will be the key component of our improved version of the barrier. So, instead of supplying energy directly to the core as how the old design would usually work, we will use the amplifiers and transmit their energy through a series of arrays."
Lan Wangji listened intently to Xiao Zhan as he elaborated the different things he had included in his latest invention. He couldn't help it; he loved hearing Xiao Zhan talk. Xiao Zhan went into details on the various components he mentioned on the sketch paper in front of him. "While the main source of power is still the core, the direct energy that passes through amplifier will be magnified by several times. Of course, we won't use such powerful energy source without some precautions. There are two more crucial components in this latest version. A transformer will be placed atop of the amplifier so that the energy from the amplifier can be transferred from one array circuit to the other without changing the intensity of it. And lastly a converter. The purpose of this particular converter is to store and distribute large amounts of energy efficiently at high concentrations so that it doesn't overload the arrays too severely. Hence, the risk of overloading and backlash of power will be close to none."
To him, it was definitely surprising that Xiao Zhan came up with such a detailed modification. The man seemed to be able to come up with anything and everything. However, Lan Wangji could barely concentrate when his eyes could not seem to leave the juicy lips that mouthed along in the rhythm as Xiao Zhan explained everything. With every word spoken, Lan Wangji's heart thudded in his chest, beating fast as he tried desperately to keep his composure. When Xiao Zhan bent a little while showing the components he was talking about, the neckline of the robes he was wearing fell open slightly, revealing the smooth, pale skin underneath. Despite the fact that he didn't want to, his gaze kept going back to trace his figure from head to toe with his eyes. The feeling of longing that swelled in his chest and spread throughout his entire body grew exponentially with each passing second. It almost hurt to breathe.
"It is basically a concept of direct current and alternate current system. So, what do you think?" Xiao Zhan asked after he finished explaining his idea. The dark eyelashes fluttered, highlighting the stars that were twinkling inside those silvery eyes and the soft silky hair fell delicately against his porcelain cheekbones. Xiao Zhan expression seemed to soften at the sight of Lan Wangji's intense gaze.
"You're not listening to any of it, are you?" The smile that formed on his face and the adorable tilting of his head as he spoke only accentuated his beauty. It should be illegal for anyone to be that beautiful and it was not fair. It did nothing but bring a bright fire to life within his soul, consuming him like the flames of the sun.
"Mn." Lan Wangji responded without thinking. Lan Wangji's mind seemed to short circuit at the sight as his gaze drifted downwards toward the Xiao Zhan's delicious pink and full pouting lip lips. He probably needed those transformer and converter implanted in his brain himself. He wanted nothing more but to lean forward and taste those lips until there was nothing left and the world around him faded away, replaced only by Xiao Zhan's loving, mesmerizing eyes. A shiver ran down his spine as his gaze traveled downward and his burning eyes met Xiao Zhan's, drinking the sight in. The next thing he realized was that he was leaning towards Xiao Zhan as he reached out his hand to lay it on top of Xiao Zhan's own, bringing it closer to his chest and trapping it between his arm and chest, his hand slowly wrapping itself around Xiao Zhan's slender wrist.
Xiao Zhan looked up at him with wide eyes and parted lips, clearly stunned by his action. He swallowed, as though trying to calm his rapid heartbeat, and then whispered, "What are you doing?"
Lan Wangji couldn't even bother replying to that. He felt his entire being was consumed by a searing need for Xiao Zhan. Instead of saying anything, he leaned closer and captured those soft plump lips in a heated kiss. He wrapped his arms protectively around the small waist and he could feel his lover's warm breath fan across his face as their lips collided. The heat and fervor of the moment made it hard to focus on anything else, let alone think logically.
"Lan Zhan." Xiao Zhan breathed softly, sounding like he too was lost in the sensations that were running through his body. The sound sent tingles down Lan Wangji's spine. The name sounded like a precious treasure falling from those lips. It echoed around in his mind like a melody, filling him with happiness, love and desire. There was no denying any longer that he felt deeply and strongly for this man. The emotions coursing through his body were overwhelming and somehow, he couldn't force himself to push them aside. They wouldn't go. If anything, they got stronger and stronger the closer he came to Xiao Zhan. He wanted him and needed him with every fiber of his being, which caused a strong urge to rip his forehead ribbon off his head.
'The meaning behind the forehead ribbon is to regulate oneself, and no one else can touch it. Only when you meet and fall in love with your fated person will this restriction be unnecessary.' That was what he was taught since he was a child. Now that he finally understood what the meaning of the symbol really meant, and he realized that he would never allow anyone but Xiao Zhan to touch his forehead ribbon.
"We are outside in broad daylight." Xiao Zhan's raspy and breathy voice broke into his reverie causing his heart to skip a beat. He paused momentarily at the spot under Xiao Zhan's eyes to brush his thumb across his eye ridge, watching his eyelashes flutter at the sensation.
"It doesn't matter anymore," He murmured, barely audible, as he trailed his lips softly and sensually over Xiao Zhan's cheeks. His fingertips lightly traced patterns onto Xiao Zhan' skin. He moved on, following the path down his neckline and placing light kisses and feathery touches all over the curve of Xiao Zhan's shoulder blade, moving down towards his neck and leaving faint marks everywhere he touched. He could hear Xiao Zhan whimpering softly at his tender ministrations as his hands trembled and moved to hold onto his shoulders, gripping tightly to Lan Wangi's robes.
"Lan Zhan. Please... Stop," Xiao Zhan was gasping heavily, obviously affected by Lan Wangji's actions, his breaths coming quickly as they hitched slightly in his throat every time Lan Wangji brushed his fingers over him.
Lan Wangji stopped kissing and caressing his beloved and lifted his head. Slowly and gently, he brought Xiao Zhan's head down onto his shoulder, wrapping an arm around Xiao Zhan's back and resting the side of his face against Xiao Zhan's, taking deep breaths to try to calm his racing thoughts. He closed his eyes briefly as the soft sensation of Xiao Zhan' hair tickling his nose, sending goosebumps all over his body. His body tensed and he clenched his jaw tightly, hoping Xiao Zhan wouldn't notice or feel the tightening of his muscles.
Lan Wangji could feel Xiao Zhan shaking slightly in his embrace that sent a stab of guilt for indulging into his desire, he whispered, "I'm sorry."
A long, heavy sigh escaped from Xiao Zhan's lips before he spoke, "It's okay."
They remained like that for several moments before Xiao Zhan spoke again, "Someone might see us."
Lan Wangji opened his eyes as he pulled away from Xiao Zhan slightly. After he regained some of his composure and composure, Lan Wangji replied quietly, "You're right. My apologies for being inappropriate. Please forgive me."
"No, you don't have to apologize." Xiao Zhan assured. He looked up at Lan Wangji and smiled at him again with his cheeks tinted pink. He cleared his throat and continued, attempting to change the subject, "Now, we should clear up the space. Let me help you put away the notes."
With that, Lan Wangji helped to pick up the papers and scrolls scattered across the ground. As they packed the things, Xiao Zhan spoke up again, "Lan Zhan."
"Yes, Wei Ying?" Lan Wangji responded immediately.
"I didn't stop you because I was angry or anything. You needn't apologies for kissing me. But your brother was right, we should not do this in places where people can see us, or in public." Xiao Zhan explained carefully. He paused for a while before adding, "Let's keep our private moments, just between us and in some place, no one can see us. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"Mn." Lan Wangji nodded his head in reply, "I'm sorry."
"I'm not asking for your apology, Lan Zhan. I'm not upset. Don't worry, okay?" Xiao Zhan said as he placed his hand softly atop Lan Wangji's cheek.
"Yes," he responded solemnly as he leaned into Xiao Zhan's palm, pressing a gentle kiss into his palm, "I understand."
A warm smile spread across Xiao Zhan's lips, and he leaned forward to give him a quick peck before speaking with a slight chuckle, "You're so cute."
Lan Wangji tilted his head slightly at the statement and a slight frown appeared on his face, "Cute?"
Xiao Zhan nodded with a soft bright laugh of his, "Yes! Very cute!"
The tips of Lan Wangji's ears were burning red from embarrassment as his eyes flickered downwards, he muttered, "Ridiculous."
"Lan Zhan!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed in laughter, "Come on, don't be embarrassed. It's adorable!"
"I'm not." Lan Wangji grumbled quietly under his breath, but it seemed like he lost the will to continue.
"Alright, alright. You are not cute. You are extremely good looking! Is that better?"" Xiao Zhan replied, grinning at his partner with an amused look on his face.
"..." Xiao Zhan's laughter entered Lan Wangji's ears again, but he gave up on arguing.
Once Xiao Zhan stopped laughing, he walked towards the center of circle shape formation on the ground and announced, "Okay then, Time to work! I need to do some adjustments on the arrays for the training session."
Lan Wangji observed Xiao Zhan's movements as he drew on some enchantments on the preexisting arrays that were already laid there for previous session. He was doing some tweaking and rearranging of the array runes to create a different type of formation. Xiao Zhan moved quickly and fluidly, making Lan Wangji unable to keep track of how many different formations he had used. He could hear the beautiful melody of his voice as he hummed some songs. He looked absolutely gorgeous with a light flush of exertion colouring his cheeks and neck that complimented the soft shade of his skin perfectly. His expression remained calm and steady, but the slight upward curve of the corner of his lips gave away his enjoyment of performing. His brows were furrowed as if he were concentrating intensely on the task. Beyond a shadow of doubt, his lover was the most talented person he had ever met before. It was one thing that, he could perform complex and difficult formations without any problems whatsoever. His singing was as pleasant as ever, and the splendor of his voice did much to melt Lan Wangji's heart. Lan Wangji knew how important precision was in controlling an array and making the array run smoothly. A mistake could cost someone his life. Even worse, mistakes could bring someone harm. Yet, Xiao Zhan made it seem effortless. He never hesitated for even a millisecond as his fingers moved swiftly with finesse and accuracy while his vocal switched in a smooth glide with every key change. Lan Wangji could only admire him endlessly.
The second Jade pulled himself together once he realized that Xiao Zhan's attention was no longer focused solely on his movements nor how he was manipulating the array. Instead, Xiao Zhan's beautiful eyes fell on him, and Lan Wangji froze under his intense gaze. He held Xiao Zhan's gaze for a while, feeling nervous and overwhelmed in his presence until Xiao Zhan broke the silence, a bright smile tugging at his lips. "Lan Zhan, I should start charging you by hours for staring at me that long. My appearance is expensive, you know?"
"I am willing to pay it all if that will please you," Lan Wangji answered instantly without missing a beat, completely oblivious to Xiao Zhan's tease.
"Oh, then I should start making a list of everything I must buy to make up for your unbridled staring. Maybe a whole new collection of clothing like how you saw last time?"
"You had a wardrobe that could dress you up differently every day for a year without repeating." Lan Wangji remarked plainly.
"Exactly. It was a huge collection." Xiao Zhan winked at him and a chuckle escaped his lips. He continued to tease, "So, how much can I charge you for staring so shamelessly to fill my wardrobe?"
"As much as you wish." Lan Wangji stated with a genuine smile.
Xiao Zhan laughed. "Lan Zhan, you're going to be broke. Really broke."
"It doesn't matter. I'll just make more to keep up with your spending." Lan Wangji insisted confidently and Xiao Zhan chuckled again.
"Lan Er Gege, you really are a man that is full of courage and bravery and righteousness! Very handsome and loaded as well!" He declared loudly in exaggerated tone and gestures.
Lan Wangji shook his head in amusement. "I'm glad that I please you, Wei Ying."
"Then I suppose the next order of business is to find a new wardrobe." Xiao Zhan grinned happily. He then twirled around and flippantly declared, "Now, let's do some more training!"
"Mn."