*Xiao Zhan's POV
After he heard the click of the door behind him, Xiao Zhan released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and dropped heavily onto the bed and let his mind wander. He couldn't help but replay the events of earlier from earlier. It was too intense to describe. It had taken him quite a while to calm down from the multiple unforeseen situations that occurred in such a short span of time. He rubbed his forehead in frustration as his entire being feeling drained from the past few hours event. After all, it wasn't easy to be a teenager even though this was his second time of being one. He groaned, closing his eyes as he tried to erase the image of Lan Wangji's facial expression when he saw him in all his glory, from his mind. He really hoped that Lan Wangji wouldn't remember his fully bare body later in order to spare him from embarrassment and pain, although that most probably not going to be the case, judging from his reaction. He just wanted everything to go back to normal but apparently, he wouldn't have that luxury. He couldn't help but chuckle wryly at the thought of that particular memory being replayed over and over again. His laughter echoed throughout the bedroom but quickly died out.
What in the world did I get myself into this time? Did he see everything? How do I make him forget what he saw? Can I act normal around Lan Wangji after this? This is just great! Ah! Nothing is going right! Why is it always like this?
He closed his eyes, forcing himself not to think about anything in particular. The last thing he needed was for his mind to continue tormenting him with these thoughts. The best thing he could do now was to rely on his previous profession. He was an actor so as an actor, he surely could pretend like nothing happened. Despite the fact, this was still a difficult task and there was no way he would survive the rest of the day without putting up an act. He just needed to get on with it for now and think about all these embarrassing incidents later. With a heavy sigh, he slowly lifted himself up from the bed as he stood up and walked towards the door, taking several deep breaths before making his way to the training ground.
Once he reached his personal working space at the corner of the field, he immersed himself in improving his designs on array formations. He didn't know how long he spent working on them and he did not even hear the footsteps approaching until they were right beside him.
"Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan jumped slightly at hearing the soft voice coming from next to him. He whipped his head around to see that it belonged to none other than Lan Wangji, of course. The man standing in front of him looked equally as nervous as he was. He seemed to be trying hard to contain whatever emotion he felt within himself.
Act normal. Act normal. Action!
Xiao Zhan said smiling at him as if he wasn't currently freaking out, "You're here."
"Mn." Came a soft reply, followed by a quick nod.
This is awkward.
They both stared at each other in silence for a few minutes, neither knowing exactly what to say or how to start a conversation between them.
You are an actor. Act like one! You can do this! Ok! Take 2!
With his gaze fixated on the paper in front of him, Xiao Zhan finally broke the ice as he cleared his throat to speak, "Come here, take a look at this latest upgrade of the barrier."
Lan Wangji gave him a nod and proceeded to sit down cross legged beside him. Once he settled down in his seat, Xiao Zhan proceeded to explain the different elements of the barrier to him, and his fingers traced the surface of the paper as he pointed out the components. Halfway into his presentation, he noticed that the other man almost forgot to breath with his lips were pursed tightly and his eyes were squeezed shut as if he was experiencing some kind of intense physical torture. His chest heaved as if he was exerting immense effort to control his breathing. His lips trembled and his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists tightly. Xiao Zhan could tell that the other was struggling internally with an obvious turmoil inside of him. The scene made him feel rather disturbed, almost akin to guilt. It was strange because he was not doing anything wrong.
Oh, you poor thing. You must be suffering too. I'm sorry. You shouldn't have deal with all this. I mean, we shouldn't.
"Lan Zhan, are you okay?" Xiao Zhan asked in a gentle tone.
"Yes." When Lan Wangji raised his head to meet his gaze, Xiao Zhan noticed that Lan Wangji's pupils were dilated and although he tried his best to put on his usual stoic look, he failed miserably.
He was definitely not okay.
Xiao Zhan had always seen straight through Lan Wangji's mask just by one glance. He immediately felt compelled to do something. He wanted to help somehow in some way and the best way to help right now was to divert his attention back to the draft. With that plan in mind, he requested his opinion, "What do you think of the array system design?"
"Mn." Lan Wangji nodded absentmindedly, still not able to catch his breath. This was definitely not the response that Xiao Zhan expected.
Hmm... That bad huh? It's really getting into his head. Come on Lan Zhan, you can get through this. Don't think about it. Let's not think about it. Think about something else, okay? We can do this.
For that reason, he tried to shift back Lan Wangji's focus to the array, keeping his voice as professional as he could, "Focus, my dear. Any other opinion besides 'Mn'?
Xiao Zhan observed how Lan Wangji struggled to compose himself again. His heart felt a twist of worry and he was slightly frustrated at his inability to distract the other man enough to relax.
"This is another upgraded design?" Lan Wangji asked tentatively as he studied the array diagram. "This is fantastic. Lesser energy to maintain but still as sturdy."
There you go.
Xiao Zhan silently breathed a relief internally upon his reply. The fact that Lan Wangji had acknowledged the design meant he was putting his best effort to maintain his composure this time. He then gave him a little smile and continued to enthusiastically explain further on his invention.
For a brief moment, Lan Wangji's attention seemed to be on the array. Nevertheless, his focus drifted again to the land of teenage dream and his eyes were locked on Xiao Zhan.
Oh Lan Zhan, eyes on the array please.
Xiao Zhan tried to ignore the burning staring that he got as the words flowed out like river from his mouth. He could feel it traveling on his face and mostly on his lips.
This is not working.
He swallowed thickly and blinked, trying to break the intense gaze from Lan Wangji that was burring hole into his face if it went on for any longer, "You seem distracted, Lan Zhan. What are you thinking about?"
Crap. Wrong question. Don't answer. Don't answer. Why did I even ask that question? What else could he be thinking? Shit, tactic change it is.
Before Lan Wangji could notice his few seconds of panic attack, he resorted to his wild card, teasing. It took him his best effort to be the playful Wei Ying and it must had taken him his entire self to do it. He grinned playfully and turned to meet Lan Wangji's confused stare, "Hmm... Someone can't stop staring. Am I that good looking?"
"You always are," Lan Wangji answered calmly without missing a beat as he smiled slightly.
Damn it. What are you? A butter?
The corners of Xiao Zhan's mouth quirked up as a slight blush appeared on his cheeks.
You sure have a lot of tricks up your sleeves, Lan Zhan. Alright, let's see who's going to win this game of rainbow talk.
He took advantage of this new situation by flaunting his flair in flattering, "Lan Er Gege, you are going to make me blind one day with that smile of yours."
Xiao Zhan found himself smiling fondly at him in satisfaction when Lan Wangji turned bright red at his teasing. The second Young Master Lan muttered lowly as he looked away, "I do not intend to blind you."
Wow, what a subtle way of flirting. Very effective though. I should play along then.
"Oh, really?" Xiao Zhan hummed with a devious smile. He couldn't believe the lengths he went to tease him. He never really had anything against Lan Wangji but seeing Lan Wangji flustered by his words made him want to tease him even more. "If that's the case, I hope you have no intention to blind anyone else either?" he teased softly.
Lan Wangji's eyes widened in surprise and panic, he shook his head and denied immediately, "Of course not. I mean, I do not wish to. I only want you."
Well damn. He was born to flirt.
Lan Wangji took a deep breath, his voice was the reflection of his genuineness, "Forever."
That was one strike, one kill. I've lost the battle completely. Well played!
Xiao Zhan choked on his saliva. He felt like an utter idiot because what a smooth move that was. If there was one thing, he was sure of, it was that it would probably be best if Lan Wangji stayed in his vision at all times or he would end up charming other people. Somehow, he was also pleased to hear the utterance of promise, he chuckled, "You are definitely a natural born sweet talker. To that, I give you a hundred points."
Lan Wangji frowned slightly but Xiao Zhan could see that tiny twitch of his lips. He seemed content with the praise. After a good one minute, Lan Wangji's eyes were still trained loyally on his and he suddenly had to force himself not to fidget under Lan Wangji's stare. He felt his cheeks warm up at his intense gaze and cursed himself mentally.
You reap what you saw Xiao Zhan! Oh, how that tactic backfired! Oh God, please don't do this to yourself, Xiao Zhan. If you don't, you'll end up making things even worse. Let's just continue talking like normal. Don't flirt around. Okay, let's focus now on the magic circle. It's magic Xiao Zhan! It's awesome. So cool. Amazing. Interesting. I can do this! Stay focus!
Xiao Zhan cleared his throat and turned his gaze to the blueprint, ignoring the heat that was creeping into his chest again. He resumed explaining about how the arrays worked and where the key components lay inside the array, and he tried desperately not to think about Lan Wangji. As soon as he got on with his elaboration of his newest invention, he was absorbed in it like usual and words after words left his mouth like a dam just broke. After the presentation reached the end, he felt his heart skip a beat upon noticing the unrelenting stare directed at him and he could not help himself, the corners of his mouth quirked upwards, he asked while tilting his head," You're not listening to any of it, are you?"
He watched as Lan Wangji kept his eye contact, but his gaze seemed glazed when he hummed his signature answer, "Mn."
Yep, that whole thing was a waste of saliva.
The vacant stare of Lan Wangji suddenly burned bright and alive; it made his heart quickened its pace. His gut was telling him that Lan Wangji wasn't quite there anymore. Something else was stirring inside of Lan Wangji's head and it was a bad sign.
Oh boy... He's gone again.
It wasn't hard to imagine what Lan Wangji was feeling at that very moment. Xiao Zhan could see Lan Wangji's hand reaching out to grab his hand and his mind went blank at once. In a blink of an eye, he was in the warmth and solid embrace of his lover. No doubt in his mind that Lan Wangji was holding on tight enough that it may bruise or even leave a bruise. It felt oddly nice, but he should be worried. He gulped and he could hear his voice came out as a whisper, "What are you doing?"
What else Xiao Zhan? What else? God have mercy!
Lan Wangji remained silent, his grip on Xiao Zhan tightened. But before Xiao Zhan had the chance to react, Lan Wangji's lips was already on his, and he couldn't find any strength within himself to resist. He melted into Lan Wangji's arms easily, letting himself sink further into his lover. Lan Wangji moved his hands along his body slowly, pulling him tighter and closer. Xiao Zhan could feel the heat radiating off the man's body, he woke up a little from the trance and breathed out his name in order to pull Lan Wangji out of it too, "Lan Zhan..."
Wake up. Come back to reality please. Just listen to my voice. Stay calm.... Shit, I am not calm as well. I need to resist. Resist the temptation, Xiao Zhan. You too, my dear Lan Zhan!
Lan Wangji pulled back for only just long enough to let Xiao Zhan speak one sentence.
Xiao Zhan's eyes scanned the area they were at. They were in a completely deserted training field and there wasn't a single soul in sight, not even an animal. Thankfully. He gasped for air as he reminded his lover, "We are outside in broad daylight."
Please, I don't want us to get caught again. Your brother had fully traumatized me.
As though Lan Wangji wasn't fully aware that they were not in public yet, he replied, "It doesn't matter anymore."
The way Lan Wangji said those words made his breath hitch. His gaze locked onto Lan Wangji's face.
What? What doesn't matter? It matters, Lan Zhan! You are going to make me lose my mind again! My heart is going to explode!
Before he could reply, Lan Wangji leaned back in, kissing him everywhere he could reach, his neck, his jawline, and his ear lobes. Xiao Zhan could feel his fingers curl tightly around Lan Wangji's robes, he could barely control his breathing.
We should stop this.... Damn it, that feels so good...
He shuddered at the sensation. His skin was tingling everywhere that Lan Wangji touched and his whole body trembled as he tried to hold on to him with all the strength he possessed. Well probably not all, but that was all he had during this intoxicating moment.
I have almost zero strength when it came to this guy! I'm getting dizzy... We should before my brain stops working, let's fight these nice feelings! Just remember, that tormentor Lan Xichen. Yes, I can do this.
His fingers tremored with how strong his grasp was on Lan Wangji's robes and with the slight pressure that Lan Wangji applied to his waist. "Lan Zhan, please... stop."
When Lan Wangji finally stopped, Xiao Zhan's heart leapt as he waited to get some air into his lungs. He took several deep breaths, fighting to catch his breath. He felt Lan Wangji's hand gently brought him to rest on his shoulder and he came to realize how badly he was shaking.
Thank you, Lan Zhan. And welcome back.
At the same time, he was aware of how tensed Lan Wangji was as he tried to suppress the urge to kiss and nuzzle his neck again. He whispered with embarrassment and disappointment clear in his tone, "I'm sorry."
Xiao Zhan sighed as he attempted to calm himself down as well, "It's okay."
They stayed in the position for a while. Xiao Zhan suddenly realized that they were out in public area, "Someone might see us."
Lan Wangji didn't respond right away, Xiao Zhan thought he'd lost him again until he heard him speak. He pulled away instantly and sounded embarrassed as he admitted, "You're right. My apologies for being inappropriate. Please forgive me."
No, don't be sorry. I was the one who provoked you at the first place.
His voice broke as he spoke, and it made Xiao Zhan's heart ached. He felt guilty. This was not what he wanted. Not this reaction at least. He offered a reassuring smile as he replied, "No, you don't have to apologize."
He looked around again. It seemed that Xiao Zhan's luck held because there were no one present.
It's fine. It's fine. Nobody saw us. This time.
He trailed off and took another deep breath to collect his thoughts, "Now, we should clear up the space. Let me help you put away the notes."
Lan Wangji nodded and stood up to help him carry the papers. Xiao Zhan saw that the troubled and conflicted look on his lover's face.
This was my fault. I knew what you were thinking and yet, my body just couldn't stop flirting. I was the one who teased you and caused you to snap.
He called out softly, "Lan Zhan."
"Yes, Wei Ying." There was a hint of sadness in his tone and Xiao Zhan hated that he caused it.
Did I hurt him?
He sighed heavily, "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."
I am just afraid that it will bring more trouble to both of us. It sure did bring multiple just in less than a day. Please be the good boy you always are, Lan Zhan.
Lan Wangji's expression softened considerably at those words.
Xiao Zhan gave him and apologetic smile and continued, "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 and he smiled slightly, but it quickly fell. "I'm sorry."
Stop saying that! Please don't apologize to me. I can't take it.
Xiao Zhan felt the guilt gnawing at him more than ever. It was entirely his fault, not Lan Wangji's. He reached out to caress the soft cheek, "I'm not asking for your apology, Lan Zhan. I'm not upset. Don't worry, okay?"
Lan Wangji leaned into Xiao Zhan's palm, pressing a gentle kiss into his palm, "I understand."
How can you be so adorable? Too cute! My heart...
Xiao Zhan couldn't help but to place a chaste kiss on top of that cutie pie. He squealed, "You're so cute."
"Cute?" His eyes sparkled as he talked. The slight tilt of Lan Wangji's head and the frown adorning his face made it seemed even more lovable.
Aww...My precious little puppy!
Xiao Zhan giggled, "Yes, very cute!"
Xiao Zhan could swear that Lan Wangji was pouting as he grumbled, "Ridiculous."
A thousand points for being a master of cuteness!
"Lan Zhan!" Xiao Zhan whined playfully. "Come on, don't be embarrassed. It's adorable!"
"I'm not." Lan Wangji huffed, turning away as if that would erase his blush.
That was definitely a pout. The cutest pout I had ever seen!
"Alright, alright. You are not cute. You are extremely good looking! Is that better?" Xiao Zhan chuckled happily to know that the shy side of Lan Zhan was also showing.
Lan Wangji still wouldn't meet his eyes. He looked so embarrassed at being praised like that.
This is so much fun but let's stop before any one of us get carried away again. We have work to do.
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."
Xiao Zhan began working on the array and his habit of singing under his breath was once again rekindled by its familiarity. With every movement, every twist and turn, every step and each syllable, his heart rate picked up, and the anticipation grew even stronger. His fingers moved so fast, sometimes faster than he could see, he wondered for a bit on how he managed to do all of this and still maintain a stable rhythm. With full concentration, he finished his first set of calculations quickly and he continued to adjust the arrays, increasing the strength, stabilizing the energy flows, improving the efficiency. Each change in the array would create a new wave of energy inside of him, giving him a newfound sense of power. He moved across the magical circle like a choreographed dance, adding some small changes here and there. He didn't have to concentrate to keep up with the tempo. He could move with such ease, as though this were second nature to him. It was like there was music playing quietly inside his brain, and now with the addition of the melody, he could see a picture forming, clearer than before. He could picture everything he wanted to happen, and he was done.
In his peripheral vision, he noticed that Lan Wangji had been staring unblinkingly at him absorbedly again without moving. He studied the sharp features carefully, taking them all in. When his eyes met Lan Wangji's again, they locked together and held there. He could see a light blush dusting across Lan Wangji's cheeks, and he wanted nothing more than to lean over and plant a peck on those rosy lips of his. Instead, he smiled gently at him as he said, "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 blurted out quickly.
Xiao Zhan was taken aback momentarily.
Smooth. You've really stepped up your game.
"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?" Xiao Zhan smirked as he teased him, and he could practically hear Lan Wangji's ears turn red.
"You had a wardrobe that could dress you up differently every day for a year without repeating." Lan Wangji remarked plainly.
That's more or less right. Ah, I miss a plain tee and simple pants. Those coats, leather jackets and suits were aesthetically pleasing but there was nothing like comfort.
"Exactly. It was a huge collection." Xiao Zhan replied proudly as he remembered his past. He let out a soft laugh and winked at him flirtatiously, "So, how much can I charge you for staring so shamelessly to fill my wardrobe?"
"As much as you wish." Lan Wangji responded simply as he smiled back at him.
Way to be charming!
A warm feeling spread from within Xiao Zhan when he saw those eyes twinkling with amusement. "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."
How sweet of you! Your tongue surely made of honey! Are you planning to make me fall even harder? God, this perfect man deserves all the good things and only the good things in the world! And right now, you deserved some praises!
"Lan Er Gege, you really are a man that is full of courage and bravery and righteousness! Very handsome and loaded as well!" Xiao Zhan declared as his eyes sparkled brightly and his hands flying through the air.
Lan Wangji shook his head at his actions. "I'm glad that I please you, Wei Ying."
The sincerity of his words was enough to melt anyone's heart. Xiao Zhan wanted nothing else but to cherish him forever and to love him more than life itself.
"Then I suppose the next order of business is to find a new wardrobe." Xiao Zhan said in sing song voice. He was happy and content to see Lan Wangji smile with his words.
Lan Zhan, I will make sure that you are always safe and happy. To do that, we will have to be stronger and end the impending war earlier than the original timeline! I promise to protect you, whatever it takes!
He then raised his arms in the air and exclaimed grandiosely, "Now, let's do some more training!"
"Mn." Lan Wangji nodded, and the two of them began doing their routine sparring as warm up before the trainees entered the field. It was like their second love language. Their movements flowed like silk, graceful, precise and beautiful. They danced so beautifully together, a symphony in motion. And oh, they were really fighting with their maximum swordsmanship. Their blades clashed like thunder, creating vibrations of immense power, and the sound created a powerful resonance around them. Even the sounds of the forest outside were absorbed into the intensity of the battle. The sparks of sword glares lighted up the whole area. Xiao Zhan could feel the heat from his own blood pumping through him as he fought and fought, with every swing of his blade Lan Zhan's sword matched it. Their movements were synchronized like a dance, their feet almost moving at the same time. They were two halves of one whole.
Xiao Zhan's mind was completely focused on what was happening before him. On his opponent. His opponent who was the most important person in this life. He felt his body grow tense as his heart oumped up with excitement. He was exhilarated to be in Lan Wangji's graceful presence. The energy he radiated was intoxicating. He couldn't get enough, and he loved it. Xiao Zhan could tell, as Lan Wangji mirrored all of his moves exactly. This boy knew how to fight and how to kill. He was truly amazing. He was his equal. A true match.
"Lan Zhan, are you holding back?" Xiao Zhan asked as he blocked another attack from Lan Wangji. He tried to keep the smirk off his face, but he failed, his lips curved upward in the most sinful smile ever.
"No. You're just getting stronger." Lan Wangji stated without losing his breath, and his response was honest. Not a trace of doubt was left on his face.
"In what way?" Xiao Zhan questioned as he took a step forward while catching Lan Wangji's sword with one hand, putting it to a stop. Bichen seemed to be trembling in his fingers.
Lan Wangji looked up from his sword and looked straight into his eyes, as he replied softly, "You just caught my sword with barehand in midst of an offense, Wei Ying."
"Ah, did I?" Xiao Zhan questioned. He pulled back slightly when he realized it.
"That's the proof." Lan Wangji replied and lifted his sword once more.
"That's only possible because you pulled back at the very last minute." Xiao Zhan retorted playfully, "Didn't you?"
Lan Wangji smiled as he answered, "No. You had memorized my moves completely."
"You're right. Perhaps you need to create new moves then." Xiao Zhan said while he twirled around his incoming strike.
They continued their duel, switching between their stances, blocking and dodging attacks in quick succession. The energy flowing through them brought out the best in each other, and their movements grew faster and faster, fueled by their passion. Their swords came down hard against each other with each stroke, leaving a trail of sparks behind them.
The trainees had already filled the training ground and they watched from the side as the two trainers of theirs who were oblivious to their presence, getting immersed in their intense fighting. Their movements were graceful, and precise as they flung powerful and lethal attacks towards each other. It was like a beautiful performance of sword dances but at the same time, frighteningly dangerous.
"Who do you think would win?" One of the trainees asked another. It was a question he heard a million times before, but he still had to ask.
The answer didn't seem to have any difficulty coming to the young man's lips. He shrugged and said simply, "Wei Wuxian, of course. Didn't you see he caught that blade with his fingers? Second Young Master Lan is indeed stronger than anyone of us but that person is just on different level."
"But still he can keep up with that speed. What a pair of monsters!" Another trainee commented.
"I heard that!" Xiao Zhan shouted as he spun away, narrowly avoiding another blow from Lan Wangji's sword. His chuckles sounded eerie in the flustered trainee's ears.