Lan Wangji's golden eyes glittered as they settled on Xiao Zhan, taking in the sight of him as the man was putting on his black sleeveless long vest and a silver belt. His free hair cascaded down his back in smooth, gentle waves, framing a face that held a youthful look. He moved closer, his hand reaching out for a long strand of black, silky hair. His voice broke through the silence of the room. "Let me help you with your hair."
"If you wish to pamper me, then I would not say no to such an offer," Xiao Zhan's lips were pulled up into a small smile at this gesture, turning to allow the other access to his soft locks. There were no complaints nor questions in his tone when he let Lan Wangji tangle his long fingers in his dark hair.
Lan Wangji smiled at his statement, his slender fingers deftly threading into his dark locks, pulling the strands together and tying it with the red ribbon. His eyes roaming over Xiao Zhan's appearance, taking in every angle of the man's face and spoke softly, "Beautiful."
Xiao Zhan turned to look at the tall, elegant figure before him, meeting his intense gaze. He smiled fondly, "You're really a sweet talker."
"I'm merely speaking the truth. You are beautiful." There was that beautiful flicker of a smile again, lighting up those expressive golden eyes.
"Stop flirting with me. We are going to be late to the ceremony." Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes playfully, turning away from Lan Wangji and slipping his boots on his feet. He picked up his sword, swinging it casually around his body and heading towards the door, "Shall we go?"
"Mn." Lan Wangji nodded, following him out of the room, closing the door behind them. Their steps echoed down the corridor as the two made their way down the stone steps, towards the main hall of Impure Realm, where a number of people from Nie Sect gathered.
Xiao Zhan spotted Jiang Fengmian and Sect Leader Nie standing off to the side near the entrance to the hall, chatting amiably amongst each other. They looked up when they heard footsteps nearing and saw the Yin and Yang duo in their gracious poise, bowing respectfully towards them.
Jiang Fengmian returned their greetings pleasantly before addressing Xiao Zhan, "I was just telling your adoptive father about how much trouble you used to get yourself into."
A warm smile graced Sect Leader Nie's features. "I heard that you were quite a troublemaker once upon a time."
Xiao Zhan groaned under his breath, looking slightly exasperated and trying his best to keep his composure. "Yeah. The past me was immature."
Technically that wasn't me.
"Second Young Master Lan must be a very good influence on you since he made you behave so prudently now," Sect Leader Nie commented thoughtfully, his gaze shifting between the pair of cultivators before him.
Lan Wangji dipped his head in a bow, "I didn't do anything, Sect Leader Nie."
"You're too humble, Second Young Master Lan." Jiang Fengmian interjected cheerily. "A-Ying used to be a complete wild child. Now, he's as prim and proper as one could ask for. It's like having another version of Wei Ying right here in front of us!"
Xiao Zhan could only laugh dryly at this point.
Well, you're not wrong. The past Wei Ying is an entirely different person.
"On another note, I have a piece of exciting news for you. When we were talking earlier, we came to a decision." Sect Leader Nie clapped his hands together. He announced, looking expectantly at his adopted son, "Fengmian will be my sworn brother from today onwards."
Xiao Zhan's jaw almost dropped open as he looked at the two elder men in total bafflement. Even Lan Wangji's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly indicating his surprise at the unexpected twist. Xiao Zhan muttered, "What the..."
They don't look like they're joking... Are they drunk? What happened in the last three hours?
"That must've been a big shock to hear, right, A-Ying?" A wide grin spread across Jiang Fengmian's features.
"If your aim is to surprise me, you both did it." Xiao Zhan deadpanned.
The two elders laughed loudly at this remark. Jiang Fengmian gave a firm squeeze on upper arm, waiting for his comment on the matter, "What do you think? Isn't this great?"
"That's..." Xiao Zhan paused as he looked at both elders who looked like they were already acting like they're brothers. He couldn't help but to chuckle, "I suppose we all really became one big family then."
"Indeed. We are now family." Sect Leader Nie said delightedly.
A chorus of approval and smiles sounded as they continued to chat about this new development and whatnot. Inwardly, Xiao Zhan was glad. As long as both parties were happy, then it was fine for him.
This probably turns out to be better than I expected.
The ritual soon took place and everyone to witness the exchange of pledge of allegiance and loyalty between Xiao Zhan and Sect Leader Nie, before the two sect leaders sworn an oath of brotherhood. With that, the two prominent sects had forged an even stronger relationship than a mere alliance between themselves.
The rest of the proceedings were uneventful, and a banquet was held in the celebration of the occasion where Sect Leader Nie introduced him to the highest-ranking elders who were in the inner circle of the clan. Xiao Zhan carried himself in a dignified and regal manner, as though he was born for the role of the noble Young Master while Lan Wangji kept close beside him throughout in the same level of decorum. Everyone seemed impressed with their conduct.
Afterwards, Nie Mingjue approached his side with a few of his closest subordinates, slapping his adoptive brother on the shoulder playfully, "Let me introduce you to my loyal men!"
Xiao Zhan gave a polite bow of acknowledgement to the three men behind his new annoying big brother.
They continued chatting about trivial matters, getting friendly with one another. Lan Wangji's eyes followed the interaction between Xiao Zhan and the other men. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He then remembered the hellish tickling he endured from his lover, and he quickly erase those thoughts, reminding himself that tickling is a new level of torture that he would not want to experience ever again.
Xiao Zhan noticed his uneasiness and excused himself from the conversation a brief moment later. With a sweet smile on his face, he wrapped an arm around his shoulder, leaning on his taller form. The gesture seemed to placate the Second Young Master Lan at once.
As the night progress, and there was a plethora of delicacies. The feast was a lavish affair that night, food, drink and chatters filling the space with a sense of joy. The lanterns hung along the walls flickered prettily in the warm light of torches and candles that lit the room to a dim glow.The atmosphere in the banquet hall felt like a warm summer's day compared to the chill wind outside that rumbled against the windows. The banquet guests were drinking deeply and eating heartily and joyfully as a result.
"Oh, no. We won't drink any alcohol tonight." Xiao Zhan shook his head solemnly at a group of young female disciple of Nie Sect who had approached them with wine cups in their hands. They were giggling with their eyes glued mostly at the handsome man beside him who wore a deep frown on his delicate features. It was clear that he was displeased by the uninvited guests.
"No means no." Lan Wangji spoke sharply as he eyed the female disciples, narrowing his golden eyes at them threateningly.
Ah, the joy of having an extremely good-looking boyfriend.
"Aiya, Gege. Don't be so serious." A petite girl tugged on Lan Wangji's sleeve. She pushed the cup towards him insistently, batting her eyelashes in anticipation for him to take it.
Xiao Zhan clenched his jaws and gritted his teeth at the sight.
What?? Gege??
Lan Wangji immediately pulled his sleeve away from her grip, his eyes flashing dangerously as he glared at the girl's direction. She flinched in response, falling back a few steps. Her eyes widened as she stammered, "N-no need to get so mad, Gege. I was only teasing."
Who the fuck is your Gege??
Xiao Zhan almost exploded at the term of endearment given by the girl to his lover. Almost, because he restrained himself. He knew that he would only cause unnecessary embarrassment to them should he lose his temper right now. That's why he said nothing. He simply stared at her with narrowed eyes that glinted with barely concealed rage like a silent threat. The girl immediately dropped her gaze and went back to her group of friends.
Xiao Zhan looked away, biting the inside of his cheek to stop himself from snapping. The other girls were still feasting their eyes with Lan Wangji's ethereal appearance. He didn't care about those flirtatious stares that were sent his way, but he was really bothered by the ones that harassing his beloved. He was internally seething in anger.
For fuck's sake, stop ogling him! He's mine!
It was the moment that someone else came forward, placing himself in the gap between Xiao Zhan and the group of girls. Sect Leader Nie said smoothly, "Please forgive the young ladies. They were just excited to see someone as good looking as you two."
This caused the ladies to erupt in flurry of excited gushing.
"That's true, how can we ignore such handsome men!" One of them exclaimed gleefully, throwing glances at Xiao Zhan and Lan Wangji appreciatively.
Another one piped up. "Yes! Both of them are so beautiful!"
The others began to coo at the sight of these two gorgeous men, completely oblivious to the dark mood Xiao Zhan was currently in.
"Ladies, please leave these two men alone. They are really not interested, " Sect Leader Nie waved his hands to dismiss the women. These girls were obviously drunk. This was probably why they had approached the duo without a second thought.
"Yes, Sect Leader Nie." The ladies bowed politely in his direction, whispering to each other. They backed away quickly, clearly intimidated by the powerful presence that emanated off of Xiao Zhan at the moment. They left with a few final gawking thrown over their shoulders before vanishing out of sight.
Lan Wangji returned to his usual expressionless visage before he turned his attention back onto Xiao Zhan. He reached out, placing his hand gently on Xiao Zhan's waist and squeezed affectionately.
Xiao Zhan felt himself relax minutely against the warmth of the gentle touch. He gazed at Lan Wangji gratefully before he exhaled heavily through his nostrils in relief, still feeling rather annoyed with the way the woman had called Lan Wangji 'Gege'.
"A-Ying, why don't you play some music?" Jiang Fengmian requested suddenly in an attempt to diffuse the situation after noticing the way Xiao Zhan's mood had begun to sour somewhat. He knew that his nephew needed something relaxing and distracting in order to calm down a little bit. His tone was light enough yet firm enough to convince him, "We are celebrating after all. Wouldn't it be fitting to listen to a song or two in this happy occasion?"
"Okay, Uncle. Whatever you wish." Xiao Zhan agreed easily, nodding in acquiescence. He then retrieved his flute from his waistband. He turned to Lan Wangji and flashed his brightest smile, "Accompany me?"
"Mn." Lan Wangji agreed without hesitation.
Needless to say, everyone was enraptured by the duo's performance as soon as they started. The duet began playing and the sound of the strings resonating together with the limpid tune of a flute created an elegant and mellow harmony that filled the entire hall, a perfect blend of two different instruments.
Lan Wangji glanced over at Xiao Zhan as he played like a dream. The other's hair fell loosely in front of his face; falling against his pale skin, his lips curved gently upwards as he concentrated on the notes of the music that floated through the air.
Xiao Zhan noticed his gaze and glanced up. He smiled softly at his beloved before focusing on playing his instrument once again, his eyes softening a little at the look of love and admiration reflected in Lan Wangji's eyes.
Sect Leader Nie watched the couple with a fond expression on his face. His gaze flickered briefly towards Lan Wangji; he noticed the way the Second Jade of Gusu Lan gazing at his adopted son with the utmost gentleness. It was evident, the man cherished the other very much. The fact that the young man could make the infamous aloof Second Young Master Lan to show such pure happiness, filled his heart with pride.
Jiang Fengmian who stood beside him, watched intently at the couple, trying his best not to squeal with delight. Instead, he just made a comment with a content sigh, "Lovely pair, aren't they?"
Sect Leader Nie nodded in agreement with the other man, a pleased grin crossing his lips, "It would seem so."
******
Right before the banquet ended and everyone prepared to leave, Jiang Fengmian approached Xiao Zhan, dragging him to an isolated corner and whispered something into his ear.
Xiao Zhan's eyes widened as he listened to what his uncle said and his frown marring his features when his uncle pushed something into his palm. He rolled his eyes as he looked at the gift in his hand, "Uncle Jiang! This... is embarrassing!"
"Nothing to be embarrassed about, A-Ying." Jiang Fengmian gave out a cackle and pat him on the back. He then grinned slyly at him with a slight twinkle in his eye. He couldn't help it; it was fun watching his nephew looking all flustered. "I am sure it will be useful for you."
"What do you-"
Before Xiao Zhan could finish talking, Jiang Fengmian gestured, pointing out the hickey which was partially hidden by his collar.
Of course, it's going to have to be something like this...
A deep blush crept onto Xiao Zhan's cheek as realization dawned to him. He then let out a long-suffering sigh as he rubbed his neck with his slender fingers to cover it. He didn't even bother arguing with his uncle about the matter because he knew that he wouldn't be winning this round. As expected, his uncle laughed at him and patted him on the shoulder with an understanding glance. He then watched his uncle walk away in a long stride and he was sure there was a smirk playing on the older man's face. He could feel his cheeks reddening even more, if that was possible.
"What's wrong?" Lan Wangji asked curiously as he approached his lover's side right after Jiang Fengmian left to rejoin the other elders.
"Just my uncle teasing me," Xiao Zhan sighed defeatedly as he looked down at the gift in his hand.
Lan Wangji furrowed his brow as he stared intently at the object that Xiao Zhan held tightly in his hands, "What is it?"
Xiao Zhan averted his gaze from his lover, biting his lower lips nervously. It took every ounce of strength in him not to tell Lan Wangji right there and then about it.
"It's nothing..." Xiao Zhan mumbled under his breath before hastily putting it inside his sleeve. He then faced his partner and determinedly, forcing himself to look as unbothered as possible, "Let's go, okay? I'll tell you once we get back to the room."
Lan Wangji frowned but did not argue. He merely nodded and followed Xiao Zhan's steps obediently, bidding everyone good night courteously and leaving the hall together.
Once they reached the room, Xiao Zhan allowed Lan Wangji to take a look for himself at what he had received, pulling out the object wrapped in silk and placed it on the small stand near the bed. He removed his footwear and outer robes while his eyes never stray from Lan Wangji's face, anticipating his reaction.
Lan Wangji carefully unwrapped the item to find a small round jar but beautifully engraved with blooming lotus flowers on its surface. When Lan Wangji unscrewed the lid, he felt a surge of warmth spread from his fingertips to the tips of his ears. A shocked gasp escaped Lan Wangji's lips when he realized what it was, "This is..."
"Yep, Uncle Jiang is a menace alright." Xiao Zhan huffed, no longer able to contain the laughter bubbling within him. It seemed as though there was no end to his Uncle Jiang's antics.
Lan Wangji placed the round shaped article back onto the table while ears burned in embarrassment, trying his best to hide his own feelings regarding it. He remarked as impassively as he could, but his voice betrayed him, "Your uncle is... presumptuous."
"You're the one to talk, 'Gege'. Xiao Zhan retorted with an exaggerated roll of his eyes, imitating the tone that the girl had used on him earlier. He then pulled his collar down slightly, revealing the red spot on his neck before pointing out, "Also, Uncle Jiang saw the evidence of you being shameless, 'Gege'. Didn't I tell you not to leave any marks?"
Lan Wangji pursed his lips tightly together, unable to deny the fact.
"I have no choice but to forgive you since you pouted so cutely like this!" Xiao Zhan then laughed at his silent rebuttal as he flopped down onto the bed lazily and stretched out, humming contently as his limbs flexed languidly beneath him.
Lan Wangji just shook his head fondly and began to remove the top layer of his own robes and let his hair fall freely. The pale blue robe fell away and the white robe that remained hung loosely around his lean frame.
Xiao Zhan watched him as he did so. His eyes trailed down the curve of the muscular body, noticing how the muscles rippled slightly underneath his smooth, creamy pale skin, giving off an inviting scent of sandalwood. His gaze lingered on the faint outline of abs and valleys which appeared faintly beneath the fabric and his gaze became momentarily distracted.
Lan Wangji caught his gaze and shot him a warm smile, "Do you need something?"
Yes. You. Damn it.
Xiao Zhan's mouth opened and closed several times as he struggled to speak; his eyes glued to Lan Wangji's sculptured figure. He mumbled awkwardly, unable to take his eyes off the toned frame and strong shoulders, "I'm fine. Just... uh... watching."
Lan Wangji smiled and laid down onto the bed next to Xiao Zhan, wrapping an arm around his beloved, bringing him into his embrace. He reached over to brush back the stray bangs which stuck to Xiao Zhan's forehead and framed his soft features beautifully, "Wei Ying, are you going to sleep now?"
"Hmm? No," Xiao Zhan answered softly, gazing up at Lan Wangji with affection, "Why?"
Lan Wangji leaned down slowly, closing the gap between them. He gently brushed his thumb against Xiao Zhan's cheek and whispered, "Can I kiss you?"
"Since when do you ask permission to do that, Lan Zhan?"
"Since now." Lan Wangji whispered into his lips before connecting their lips. Their lips met gently. His fingers slid along his jawline before settling on one side of Xiao Zhan's face and the other hand wrapped around Xiao Zhan's waist while the soft lips continued to move sensually against each other.
After a few moments, Lan Wangji broke apart from the kiss. His forehead was pressed against Xiao Zhan's and their breaths mingled together, each panting heavily. His eyes drifted down to rest upon Xiao Zhan's exposed skin and his gaze darkened at the sight. His lips descended and lingered in the crook of his neck while his hands roamed over Xiao Zhan's smooth curves, his fingers grazing across his hips and ribs.
"Lan Zhan!" Xiao Zhan whined breathlessly. His hands flew up to grasp onto Lan Wangji's arm as he tried to push him away." Have you forgotten? You're not supposed to touch me for a week. "
"We only have a few nights here. I can't wait much longer." Lan Wangji replied, his tone low and husky. He then leaned down again, trailing feather light kisses down Xiao Zhan's neck, nipping slightly at the skin below.
After a few moments, Xiao Zhan pushed himself upwards into a sitting position abruptly, causing Lan Wangji to pull away. A grin appeared on his face and his voice laced with teasing undertone as he said in seductive whisper, "But Gege. I haven't given you permission to touch me. So technically, you should stop."
That caused Lan Wangji to freeze in the middle of his actions.
"But I didn't say anything about me touching you, did I?" Xiao Zhan asked, smirking as he pushed him lightly backwards while hovering above him, trapping Lan Wangji beneath him.
"..." Lan Wangji blinked rapidly, still caught off guard at Xiao Zhan's sudden boldness.
"You know, Gege?" Xiao Zhan's hand trailed down Lan Wangji's muscular chest, pausing on his collarbone. He traced it with his fingertips, enjoying how Lan Wangji shuddered slightly underneath him as he continued to tease Lan Wangji. "I was jealous. So, I think that gives me some sort of rights to do whatever I want. Just like what you did. Don't you agree, 'Gege'?"
Lan Wangji growled in frustration, "Stop calling me that."
Xiao Zhan raised his eyebrows playfully and grinned. His hands moved downwards, sliding across Lan Wangji's stomach. "What would you prefer then? Er Ge? Zhan Er? Wangji?"
"...Stop teasing, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji hissed.
"I'll stick with Lan Zhan then." Xiao Zhan smiled and halted his movement. He then sat upright, letting the lapels of his robe fall down from his shoulders and exposing his porcelain skin.
Lan Wangji's gaze drifted over his body appreciatively and he swallowed thickly. The hunger radiating from his dilated pupil that almost covered the golden orbs entirely made Xiao Zhan shiver in response.
Xiao Zhan's finger danced along the edge of the hem of Lan Wangji's robe, tugging at the fabric ever so slightly. He looked down at Lan Wangji, who was staring up at him with his lips slightly parted and grinned impishly, "Now, I am teasing you."
"Wei Ying..." Lan Wangji growled low in his throat as propped himself up on his elbows the fingers of his left hand trailed upwards, trailing over Xiao Zhan's smooth abdomen lightly.
"Hey, no touching!" Xiao Zhan slapped his hand away playfully, pushing him back onto the bed, laughing softly. He quickly grabbed Lan Wangji's wrists and pinned them to his sides. He commanded with a smirk. "Behave. Don't move."
"..." Lan Wangji glared at him before sighing exasperatedly. He lowered his gaze reluctantly, feeling his cheeks grow even hotter than usual after seeing the playful expression upon Xiao Zhan's face. He eventually relented, "Fine."
"Good." Xiao Zhan lowered his head slowly, pressing his lips to the center of Lan Wangji's chest, trailing kisses down Lan Wangji's sternum. He paused at his navel for a second to look up as he heard a faint sound escaped Lan Wangji's lips whose eyelids fluttered shut. He smiled against the skin as he continued his exploration downward, kissing his way further until he reached the thin strip of skin exposed by the hem of Lan Wangji's robes, stopping at the top of the material, right where his waist meets. There his fingers rested, stroking softly at the cloth, sending goosebumps all through Lan Wangji's frame.
"This is getting in the way." Xiao Zhan commented quietly before he undid the ties that barely holding the robes together.
They slipped off of Lan Wangji's slim body, allowing his bare torso to be illuminated by the light of the moon and stars shining brilliantly upon the night. Xiao Zhan stared at him appreciatively. He couldn't help but admire how well built and handsome his lover was.
"Wei Yi-" Lan Wangji managed to say as he realized what Xiao Zhan was intending to do.
"Shh. Let me show you how much I love you." He whispered before lowering his face down towards the apex of Lan Wangji's thigh.
Lan Wangji sucked in a sharp breath as Xiao Zhan's mouth made contact with the part between his legs. A shudder racked his entire being. He felt hot breath caress against his sensitive flesh and the sensation sent a wave of desire crashing through his body. He clenched his eyes closed as he bit his lip hard, trying to fight back any sound escaping from his lips. His chest heaved with rapid breaths as he tried desperately to slow his heartbeat to a calmer pace.
"That's... enough." Lan Wangji gasped out as he reached out his hand to stop Xiao Zhan but the latter swiftly swatted it away.
A moment later, a low grunt escaped his parted lips as his body suddenly erupted in fire that consumed every inch of his nerves.
Xiao Zhan looked up at him with a beaming smile, his expression filled with unabashed satisfaction as he wiped his lips with the back of his hand. Lan Wangji laid there panting heavily as he tried to regain some semblance of composure.
"Good boy." Xiao Zhan praised, brushing another lingering kiss across his heated abdomen.
With that, Lan Wangji could no longer stand the teasing anymore. Without warning, he grabbed Xiao Zhan by the arm and flipped Xiao Zhan onto the bed, climbing atop him.
"So impatient." A low chuckle rumbled in Xiao Zhan's chest as Lan Wangji settled between his legs, his arm resting above Xiao Zhan's head as he held him in place with one hand.
"Let me show you how much I love you, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji murmured in his deep voice and reached out to for the container at the table just beside the bed, which was Jiang Fengmian's gift. He dipped his fingers into the jar which contained carrageenan, coating them in the gelatinous substance generously. He brought his lips down onto Xiao Zhan's once again while his fingers were busy massaging the slippery mixture Xiao Zhan's inner thighs.
Xiao Zhan's head fell back against the pillow, his eyes fluttering close as Lan Wangji worked wonders on his thighs. It took quite a willpower not to moan aloud as he let his body be guided by Lan Wangji's gentle movements, savoring the blissful feeling spreading throughout his whole being.
I guess I have to thank Uncle Jiang for this...
******
A/N: Everyday means everyday guys.