Lan Wangji's eyes widened as those gestures combined with the words sent a warm buzzing of joy throughout his entire body, "What did you just say?"
There was a brief pause and then Xiao Zhan answered in clear voice, "I said I'm yours."
That sentence was like a bomb exploded inside of Lan Wangji. He tightened his grip on Xiao Zhan's waist unconsciously and buried his face in his hair. His lips forming into an involuntary smile which he couldn't stop, not that he wanted to. Savoring each word that tumbled past his tongue with relish, he repeated slowly before placing a gentle kiss on top of his head, "Mn. You're mine, Wei Ying."
When Xiao Zhan woke up the next day, he felt like he was lying on top of something. Or more precisely someone. He opened his bleary sleep-filled eyes slowly and his gaze went up to see Lan Wangji's face in his field of sight and the man underneath him was keeping a firm grip on his waist with his right hand and another on his upper back. He blinked his eyes rapidly and tried to remember what happened last night. All he knew for certain was that he drank too much wine and he vaguely remembered Lan Wangji placing him onto the bed. His brain was still sluggishly processing on how they ended up in this position.
Shit! This is exactly why alcohol is bad!
He stared at Lan Wangji's sleeping face which looked utterly serene, and his heartstring was tugged so strongly by the sight that he forgot about everything else momentarily. It made the butterflies flutter crazily in his stomach and his cheeks to heat up as his heart melted further into a puddle. He soon realized that Lan Wangji was entirely supporting his entire body weight and attempted to roll over quietly to the side without waking up the sleeping person. However, he failed miserably when the strong arms that snaked around him tightened its grip in reaction. He blurted out in response, "Lan Zhan..."
He heard Lan Wangji groaned softly into the crook of his neck and the breath fanning out over his skin made goosebumps form, his raspy voice asked wearily, "What now?"
Lan Wangji just managed to fall asleep an hour ago after going through a torturous night trying to hold himself together. The whole process was exhausting, and he had been so focused on making sure that he or the other man didn't do anything stupid.
That being said, Xiao Zhan didn't make things easier for him with when he refused to move away from his chest. His hands roamed freely everywhere and every touch or caress that his beloved initiated caused goosebumps to erupt all over his body as if an electric current was going through his veins, driving him almost to the brink of insanity. At times, Lan Wangji was tempted to kiss him senselessly just to relieve the overwhelming feelings coursing within him, but he restrained himself from acting on his desires and tried to ignore those sensation.
Even when Lan Wangji managed to make him lie down by his side, Xiao Zhan would go back to cling onto him tightly and burrow into his chest like a cuddly octopus a few minutes later. Eventually, he just surrendered and let his lover have his way with him.
Xiao Zhan had a satisfied smile when he laid his head on the broad chest that he loved so much while patting it gently. He murmured under his breath sleepily, "So comfortable..."
Lan Wangji could not even say a word, swallowing the lump that formed in his throat as Xiao Zhan's body was pressed tightly against his own and he could feel the heat radiating from his body through the thin fabric of his inner robes. He knew that his lover liked to cuddle, but this was way too much even for him. He could hardly think straight but one thought was clear, he needed to control himself. He needed to lie still and just play dead. Really still. Just lie there for the time being.
A few hours later, when he thought Xiao Zhan was satisfied with using him as a pillow, the man got even more ridiculous. He woke up in the middle of the night, complaining about the heat and decided to remove the final piece of clothing that covered his body. Before he could bare that alluring body of his, Lan Wangji stopped him swiftly and held on to the deep red silky fabric together like it was his lifeline, preventing that article of clothing from slipping off Xiao Zhan's shoulders in time.
"It's too hot!" Xiao Zhan whined grumpily and put up a fierce fight to be free, struggling in vain.
For a while, it was like a game of tug-of-war between the two as Lan Wangji tried to keep Xiao Zhan still and keep him clothed. He was finally successful when Xiao Zhan stopped and huffed in exasperation.
Xiao Zhan pouted like a spoiled child and crossed his arms across his chest. He was clearly not happy with how the second Jade disallowed him to be in his birthday suit. He demanded strongly, "At least take off your robes! How can a person sleep with so many layers..."
Lan Wangji shook his head vigorously and insisted, "No. Absolutely not!"
However, drunk Xiao Zhan would not take another 'no' for answer. He was nothing less than stubborn and determined, he wouldn't allow his wish to be denied. "Then I'll take them off myself!"
"Wei Ying! What are you doing?" Lan Wangji exclaimed in surprise as Xiao Zhan pushed him down to the bed within a split second and grabbed the front of his waist band.
"What does it look like? I'm taking them off!" Xiao Zhan declared as he started to undo Lan Wangji's robes. The golden-eyed man could only stare at him like he was being bullied as he watched helplessly how Xiao Zhan threw the offending outermost layers of attire aside and left him with his last piece of clothing. Once he succeeded in taking off whatever he wanted, he then went back to lay on top of Lan Wangji while clutching on Lan Wangji's white ribbon like it was a keepsake. He mumbled triumphantly, "This belongs to me."
Lan Wangji did not know whether to smile or cry at this point but the sight of his adorable partner snuggling in such close proximity and holding onto his sacred silken strip of headband as if it was his most treasured possession. The man continued to insist that his ribbon belonged to him no matter what Lan Wangji said, and he refused to give it back, wrapping it around his fingers securely. The Second Jade could do nothing but sigh as he pulled his beloved closer and ran his fingers through the soft, dark hair atop his head.
"Alright. It's yours, Wei Ying." He whispered into Xiao Zhan's hair before wrapping his arms around the slender waist to hug Xiao Zhan tightly.
Xiao Zhan smiled in contentment when he felt Lan Wangji tighten his grip around him. His eyelids grew heavy again and he let out a soft sigh and snuggled closer against his body until they were completely entangled and their bodies melding together like a pair of puzzle pieces.
Lan Wangji stared through his long eyelashes at the peaceful expression that was displayed across Xiao Zhan's face. He then closed his eyes and prayed silently that his lover would stay asleep this time around. Thankfully, Xiao Zhan slept like a baby afterwards, clinging to the warmth that enveloped him and throughout the ongoing battle of angel and demon in Lan Wangji's mind which was keeping him wide awake until the crack of dawn.
At that remembrance, Lan Wangji subconsciously squeezed Xiao Zhan's body closer to keep him in place. Xiao Zhan winced at the strong clutch and tapped out on his chest as he squirmed to get free from that embrace which somehow made his hips feel all tingly. He protested grouchily, "Lan Zhan! You're going to break my spine!"
The shifting movements caused Lan Wangji to softly as he could feel their bodies brushed up against each other and caused some friction, making it harder for him to keep himself in one piece. He warned in a low rumble of a voice, "Wei Ying, stop moving."
The effect was instantaneous. Xiao Zhan stopped dead in his tracks when he realized what wriggling like that could do to a healthy young adult's body. He immediately lay still and quiet as if he were a statue instead of a human being. He didn't even dare breathe loudly. He closed his eyes and prayed silently to whoever above that he wouldn't get aroused by the way Lan Wangji held his hips tightly or vice versa.
After what seemed like forever, Lan Wangji eventually relaxed his grasp on Xiao Zhan and rolled him over to lie down comfortably beside him.
Xiao Zhan turned around to face the man beside him while muttering, "What happened?"
"You don't remember anything?" Lan Wangji replied tiredly.
"Did we...?" Xiao Zhan asked hesitantly and when he saw how Lan Wangji was only wearing his inner and a heap of their discarded clothes piled up on the floor.
"No." Lan Wangji answered in a heartbeat.
Xiao Zhan nodded before sighing in relief. He leaned forward slightly and gazed deeply at the man lying beside him. His eyes then noticed something was missing. He reached out to touch Lan Wangji's forehead and inquired, "Where's your headband?"
"In your hand." Lan Wangji said quietly.
"My hand?" Xiao Zhan said as he held out the hand that were tracing the bare forehead, splaying it across his line of sight and found nothing. He stated plainly, "No, it's not in my hand."
"Your other hand, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji reminded him patiently.
"Oh... My other hand..." Xiao Zhan looked down on his hand that was still clutching on the silky strip. It was only then Xiao Zhan saw the white ribbon that was wrapped around his fingers. He hurriedly handed it back to the rightful owner. "Ah! I'm sorry."
Lan Wangji propped himself up and took it unhurriedly, smoothing it down a little bit. His fingers trailed down the edge of the ribbon, trailing over the embroidered pattern for a moment before swiftly tied it back around his forehead. He then sat up as glanced at Xiao Zhan who was adjusting himself into a seated position as well.
Xiao Zhan frowned as the sunbeams shone through the window onto his face. His pale skin looked like it was illuminating under the sunlight and his cheeks were still a little red due to the alcohol. The sight of Xiao Zhan all rumpled, sleepy, and his red robe hanging low enough to expose part of his toned abdomen, making him blush heavily, and made his heart race. With deep-set collarbones, the lines of his torso flowed smoothly. Although it almost flaunted its adolescence, it was full of youthful energy and strength.
Lan Wangji quickly averted his eyes and cleared his throat nervously, "Wei Ying, can you please dress up properly?"
Xiao Zhan looked down at himself and immediately adjusted his attire to cover his exposed skin. Finding humor in this awkward situation, he joked to lighten up the atmosphere, "Well, you're lucky that I didn't strip everything off while I was drunk."
"You tried." Lan Wangji remarked dryly as the memories of the uncompromising drunk Xiao Zhan flashing before his eyes. He added, "You are forbidden from drinking from now on."
Xiao Zhan bit his lips as some bits of his inebriated behavior came back to him. He facepalmed in mortification when he recalled how he took off Lan Wangji's robes off after he pushed him down onto the bed quite aggressively. He secretly praised his lover's perseverance of self-control when he was sure that he pretty much provoked him in every way possible and probably drove Lan Wangji mad, which was exactly what happened. It must be a very trying night for him. He apologized sincerely, "I'm really sorry."
"No, you don't have to say sorry." Lan Wangji muttered quietly in a low voice. "I should have stopped you from drinking too much."
Xiao Zhan felt a wave of guilt wash over him and couldn't help but to feel bad for putting Lan Wangji in such position. He knew what kind of turmoil that his actions had caused Lan Wangji. "It's not your fault. I should've known better than to drink irresponsibly."
"Mn." Lan Wangji responded indifferently.
Xiao Zhan watched Lan Wangji's facial expression closely, interpreting the emotion behind the stoic face. Their faces were just inches apart as he stared into his lover's eyes and whispered, "You're upset."
Lan Wangji couldn't deny the truthfulness in his lover's voice. He was feeling guilty, embarrassed, and a little disappointed in himself. He reasoned with a slight frown, "How could I be upset when you were too drunk to notice what you were doing?"
"Well, I wouldn't blame you if you do." Xiao Zhan said with a slight grin. He then chuckled a little, "How ironic. I was trying to prevent you from getting drunk and I was the one who got wasted at the end."
"Crazy drunk." Lan Wangji accentuated.
"Yes, I was crazy drunk. Okay? I admit it." Xiao Zhan acknowledged with a fond smile. How the table was turned on him. On the bright side, at least he didn't go out and disturb somebody's chickens or something. Albeit, he undeniably had caused Lan Wangji's miserable sleepless night by clinging on to him like a koala bear. His hand went up to fix Lan Wangji's headband so that it was perfectly straight again as he sighed, "You should have just pushed me away."
Lan Wangji stared at his hands wordlessly for a few moments before he looked back at Xiao Zhan, his gaze was firm, "Wei Ying, do you remember what you said?"
"Huh? Which one? I am pretty sure I said a lot of nonsense." Xiao Zhan looked up and blinked owlishly as his brain tried to process everything that the handsome man just said to him, and then the words registered in his mind. His lips curled upward slightly in a smirk before saying in a low, husky voice, "Oh, I know. I remembered saying something like, you're mine."
"And?" Lan Wangji questioned, wanting him to continue.
Xiao Zhan smiled at him softly as a gentle glint flickered in his eyes and they sparkled with warmth and affection before he spoke softly, "And I'm yours."
Lan Wangji couldn't suppress the fondness that rose to fill his heart when he looked into Xiao Zhan's bright and warm eyes, he spoke quietly as he stroked Xiao Zhan's cheeks gently, "For that reason, I can never push you away, Wei Ying. If this kind of thing happens again, I might not be able to control myself next time."
"Hmm... Thanks for the warning, Lan Zhan." Xiao Zhan replied in a teasing manner.
"I'm serious." Lan Wangji told him firmly.
"Yes, yes. I'll keep that in mind." Xiao Zhan promised with a small chuckle before adding, "And thank you for putting up with me last night. It must be hard for you."
""It's certainly not easy." Lan Wangji admitted.
"Wow. So brutally honest." Xiao Zhan grinned teasingly.
Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes slightly before replying, "Do you want me to lie?"
Xiao Zhan giggled at his reply, but his head throbbed a little bit because of it, making him frown slightly. He put a hand over his head and murmured a bit before speaking, "Urgh, this hangover is killing me! This is why I'm never drinking anymore!"
Lan Wangji reached out his hand to massage his scalp soothingly, "Sleep more then."
"You too need to sleep. You stayed up all night to deal with me last night." Xiao Zhan pointed out as he placed his palm against the side of Lan Wangji's face and caressed his cheekbone tenderly. "Please rest now. I'm going to close my eyes for a bit too."
"Mn." Lan Wangji did not protest since he was truly exhausted and close his eyes, leaning against his touch. His eyelids began to feel heavy with exhaustion and he found it easier and easier to just drift off into a comfortable slumber.
Xiao Zhan leaned forward to kiss the top of his head gently before he nestled himself closer to him and let his eyes slowly slide shut.
It was already past ten in the morning and the couple had yet to leave the room as they continued sleeping blissfully and oblivious to the outside world. Jiang Yanli was knocking at the door for a while but received heard no answer. She got a little worried, so she opened the door slowly and peeked inside. Her eyes landed on the two figures who were sleeping in each other's arm with Xiao Zhan resting his head on Lan Wangji's chest.
Her cheeks instantly flared up in color of deep crimson when she saw how close the couple was. That didn't stop the grin from growing on her face.
Jiang Yanli quietly slipped out from the room as she giggled to herself and walked towards the kitchen where she began preparing some food for the both of them. After she was done, she carefully brought a tray filled with steaming food to her martial brother's room and placed it on the table. She put her hands over her lips to hide a mischievous smile as she thought of an idea to tease the couple.
Xiao Zhan knitted his brows as he heard someone called his name and he opened his eyes slowly.
He almost had a heart attack when he saw Jiang Yanli's smiling face right above him and greeted him cheerfully, "Good morning!"
"Shijie!" Xiao Zhan shrieked as he hastily sat up and scrambled away from Lan Wangji's arms. His face was already flushed pink but there was no escape from the embarrassment. Lan Wangji followed suit not long after. His entire body went rigid, and he stiffened in surprise to see the Young Lady Jiang standing beside the bed.
Jiang Yanli bent over at a 90-degree angle as she clutched her sides and guffawed uncontrollably for a good minute while the duo stared at her all speechless and flustered. After a while, she managed to catch her breath and wiped her teary eyes before standing up straight once more with her lips curved up into sly grin. "Please enjoy the nutritious breakfast. It's good for replenishing energy."
"It's not what you think it is, Shijie." Xiao Zhan insisted with awkwardness written all over his face.
"Oh, really? Then who might be responsible for this mess?" Jiang Yanli asked in amusement before pointing at their untidy clothes and the rest of their attires that were strewn all over the floor.
Xiao Zhan blushed furiously as he glanced at Lan Wangji who averted his gaze shyly. His ears and cheeks were burning red as he mumbled, "Nothing happened..."
He trailed off as he realized that saying more would only make things worse for the both of them.
"Hmm... I doubt that." Jiang Yanli said as she smiled even wider.
"Shijie..." Xiao Zhan whined before letting out an exasperated groan while Lan Wangji remained silent, his face still covered in a light shade of pink as he tried to avoid looking Jiang Yanli in the eye.
"I'll leave you two to have some privacy then." She whispered with a wink before closing the door silently behind her, leaving the two men alone with the smell of food in the air and the silence that surrounded them.
*****
A/N: Short hiatus notice for health reason. I'll be posting new chapters when I feel good enough to do so. Thanks for reading my nonsensical fiction.ð