Talk is something Wei Wuxian has always had far too much of, Lan Wangji too little, and somehow the balance still left their communication wanting.

"This is still new," he says finally, "to all of us. It feels fragile, and I hate that, but-"

His eyes are watery, throat tight, but he presses on. It's easier, like this, face pressed against Lan Zhan's shoulder.

"Lan Zhan, everything I've cared about has broken eventually, and it's not that I don't believe it, when you tell me you love me. I do, that's exactly what makes me so scared sometimes. What brings out those stupid, ugly, insecure feelings."

Nothing made him feel so whole, and nothing terrified him like the thought of losing it someday.

"You told me not to think about it," he gives a quiet, if sniffly laugh, "so of course that's all I could do."

He lets out a breath, "but I came to some conclusions."