He has your soul. But he does not have our memories.
[ He picks Wei Ying up again as he walks them through the threshold, and places him seated down by a table to go get him some water. ]
I need to tell you something.
[ He places the water in front of Wei Ying, and does so with such a politeness, using the tongs so as not to touch the water, as if presenting tea to someone of very high importance. ]
Wei Ying was transformed into a rabbit...
[ He pauses. It's so tense. What's he about to say? He sounds so ashamed. ]
[Wei Wuxian lets himself be manhandled into the room and slouches into his seat with a pout. The conversation feels much too heavy for how intoxicated he is. Trying to think of how he and the other Wei Wuxian differed, about how the Lan Zhan's from their mirrored worlds were alike, but not the same.]
See, that's what I said! The other me... and me... are like... Wine from Caiyi and Yunmeng. They're both wine... and sweet... and might even have the same name, but they're not exactly the same. And I can like Yunmeng's wine, even if Emperor's Smile is my favorite.
O-oh but just because I'll drink anything, it doesn't mean I'll drink anything.
[He glances at the water, placed so delicately in front of him, eyes narrowing. It's never been good, when Lan Zhan starts a conversation that way. Well, with the exception of A-Yuan, perhaps. But before he can offer so much as a teasing retort, Lan Zhan is telling him a tale that seems better suited to children's bedtime stories. He rubs at his temple, trying to make sense of it. Did he just miss something, because of the drink? No, he was surely listening... but it still doesn't make sense.]
[ Well, okay, this was going worse than planned. He doesn't know how better to say this. The other Wei Ying turned into a rabbit. He kissed him. He feels guilty, not just because of the kiss but because of all the relentless flirting and hand-holding and basically the things they did too, before they got immediately engaged.
He drew the line! At kissing! And then he went and crossed this arbitrary line he drew and now he's trying to apologize.
He's not really following along with the explanation about the Yunmeng wine and the Emperor's Smile, but he tries to figure out the gist. ]
It's important to me that you know, that I would do anything for you, you need only ask.
[ Why is he doing this when Wei Ying is drunk honestly is the question ]
[He leans on the table, nearly spilling Lan Zhan's carefully placed cup of water. He knows what Lan Zhan is saying is important, that it means a lot to him, so he tries his best to pay attention and not ruin the nice moment he's sure Lan Zhan is trying for.
It's a nice sentiment, but Wei Wuxian has never been terribly good at asking for the things he needs. Not unless it's in a joking and cavalier sort of way. The answer comes surprisingly easy.]
Oh- What I want? That's... for Lan Zhan to be happy.
[ Even drunk, he is sweet. And a gremlin. Like he'd just magnified himself by drinking too much. He already didn't have a filter.
It does feel silly, because Wei Ying's happiness is what he wants. So they both just have this cyclical thing, of wanting to do more for the other. Isn't that what love is about? Each person giving 50% into the relationship, but wanting to provide enough for 75%?
He reaches out for Wei Ying's hand, and gives it a squeeze. ]
[ Okay, he should probably explain this better when Wei Ying is sober.
But he moves over to his side, so they can sit together. Perhaps the engagement was a bit hasty, but Lan Wangji can only feel solidified in his heart, how much it is he loves Wei Ying. He peers at his smile and counts how many blessings it is to see it every day. ]
[He sighs, but picks up the cup, drinking it slowly.]
They were strong! Lan Zhan, my pride was wounded, I had to finish at least three!
[He may have been this drunk before, but never with so few little drinks. Whatever they were serving, it probably would've knocked Lan Zhan out for a week straight!
As for getting ready for bed...
He finishes his cup of water, fixing Lan Zhan with a knowing smirk and a wagging finger.]
If I have help in the bath from Lan Zhan... I won't get clean, just more dirty.
[ He can wait until Wei Ying is sober, and Wei Ying can ask again and get a different answer.
But he does go to sit with him while the bath fills, once he's determined the water is the correct temperature. It's so interesting, how they even give them water that fills up at a singular temperature, and is hot almost immediately. ]
[He makes a show of pouting, but it's one of the few firm no's he's gotten from Lan Zhan and as much as he wants to keep teasing, he's also easily distracted.]
What makes you think I'm not having a good night now?
[Besides, the rest was pretty boring. Just chatting with the staff until they'd given up the information about the private party. But it was exactly that, just a party. No secrets, not a step closer to finding out more. Running into Lan Zhan had been the highlight of the evening, not the low point.]
[ He just assumed, since Lan Wangji is a square and Wei Ying is such the life of the party who likes to drink and flirt. Lan Wangji likes neither of these things. ]
You were having fun downstairs.
[ And also making some bad decisions, which is why his shoulder-angel came to the rescue. And also, wouldn't fit on his shoulder at all. ]
[ That's a short list of things, but there are more. He likes to play qin, he likes to read, he likes to have tea with his brother, he likes to take care of his rabbits, he likes to train his juniors, and he likes to spend time with Wei Ying.
He misses cooking for others. Bathing in the cold springs. Picking out groceries at Caiyi town. Tending to the gardens out back of the Cloud Recesses. Writing. Night hunting.
But he counts himself lucky to have what he has. ]
Wei Ying. Is it annoying, when I try to take care of you?
[ He wasn't sure if that was wholly the tea. Or maybe some confusion. ]
Lan Zhan, didn't you hear I'm having a good night? I can keep saying it if you want.
[He still smiles, talking too much has never been difficult for him.]
It's not annoying...
[He tries to put it into words, but any of his usual eloquence is gone.]
I'm just not used to it. If I have to learn a new technique, and my muscles are all tired, it's only because I haven't done it enough.
[The only person who'd ever been so soft to him was his sister; cooking him meals, drying his tears, patting his head, and speaking words of reassurance. He smiles a little softer now.]
[ How does he say that taking care of Wei Ying is the greatest honor? That by virtue of being able to do so officially as his husband is one of the greatest gifts he could be bestowed?
He says instead: ]
Only when Wei Ying does not behave.
[ But he gently pinches Wei Ying's side, so he knows that Lan Wangji is being facetious. Then he sits Wei Ying upright again, so he can go check up on the bath. The sound of water not running anymore suggests that it's probably ready, and so Wangji comes back to help Wei Ying get undressed and clean. ]
[The pinch earns him a laugh though, and he wriggles in his seat before leaning on the table for balance. While Lan Zhan checks on the bath, he lets his eyes wander after, and on his return, he's quick to reach for him, for his help to get to the bath without tripping over his own feet.]
[ Ah, Wei Ying. Living up to his name. Lan Wangji reaches over and scoops up his new toddler, helping him stand, helping him undo the ties of his clothing as they meander towards the bathroom.
Honestly, he'd happily live every night like this, if it meant being with Wei Ying. His heart is at peace. ]
Bubbles?
[ They'd given them really, really sudsy soaps. He detests them, but thinks that Wei Ying might enjoy some at the moment. ]
[He leans most of his weight on Lan Zhan, already certain he'll hold it, and he takes advantage of that to wrap his arms around his neck. It helps him stay upright, while Lan Zhan helps him out of his robes, or at least enough that they hang open in front as they walk toward the bath.
He's about to plop a foot in, still fully clothed, when the topic of bubbles come up and he nods enthusiastically.]
Yes, how did you know? You think of everything Lan Zhan!
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[ He picks Wei Ying up again as he walks them through the threshold, and places him seated down by a table to go get him some water. ]
I need to tell you something.
[ He places the water in front of Wei Ying, and does so with such a politeness, using the tongs so as not to touch the water, as if presenting tea to someone of very high importance. ]
Wei Ying was transformed into a rabbit...
[ He pauses. It's so tense. What's he about to say? He sounds so ashamed. ]
...And I kissed him. It was my fault.
[ He looks down. ]
Forgive me.
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See, that's what I said! The other me... and me... are like... Wine from Caiyi and Yunmeng. They're both wine... and sweet... and might even have the same name, but they're not exactly the same. And I can like Yunmeng's wine, even if Emperor's Smile is my favorite.
O-oh but just because I'll drink anything, it doesn't mean I'll drink anything.
[He glances at the water, placed so delicately in front of him, eyes narrowing. It's never been good, when Lan Zhan starts a conversation that way. Well, with the exception of A-Yuan, perhaps. But before he can offer so much as a teasing retort, Lan Zhan is telling him a tale that seems better suited to children's bedtime stories. He rubs at his temple, trying to make sense of it. Did he just miss something, because of the drink? No, he was surely listening... but it still doesn't make sense.]
Lan Zhan... are you sure you're not drunk too?
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He drew the line! At kissing! And then he went and crossed this arbitrary line he drew and now he's trying to apologize.
He's not really following along with the explanation about the Yunmeng wine and the Emperor's Smile, but he tries to figure out the gist. ]
It's important to me that you know, that I would do anything for you, you need only ask.
[ Why is he doing this when Wei Ying is drunk honestly is the question ]
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It's a nice sentiment, but Wei Wuxian has never been terribly good at asking for the things he needs. Not unless it's in a joking and cavalier sort of way. The answer comes surprisingly easy.]
Oh- What I want? That's... for Lan Zhan to be happy.
[He grins, drunkenly proud of himself.]
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It does feel silly, because Wei Ying's happiness is what he wants. So they both just have this cyclical thing, of wanting to do more for the other. Isn't that what love is about? Each person giving 50% into the relationship, but wanting to provide enough for 75%?
He reaches out for Wei Ying's hand, and gives it a squeeze. ]
I am happy.
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Then it's settled!
[He nods matter-of-factly, as if the answer has been obvious, the matter concluded.]
That wasn't so hard! Now. Now. No more somethings to know. Lan Zhan likes bunnies. I already know.
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But he moves over to his side, so they can sit together. Perhaps the engagement was a bit hasty, but Lan Wangji can only feel solidified in his heart, how much it is he loves Wei Ying. He peers at his smile and counts how many blessings it is to see it every day. ]
How drunk are you feeling?
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...I've been drunker.
[Though those times he'd blacked out, unable to recall most of the night.]
...I think.
[Trying to gauge it on a scale of one to ten, he holds up his hands and raises seven fingers, then eight, uncertainly.]
Maybe this many...?
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Drink.
Downstairs, they must be strong.
[ To topple Wei Ying. Which means he is probably going to be sick tonight. Just their luck. Ah well. ]
Will you need help bathing?
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They were strong! Lan Zhan, my pride was wounded, I had to finish at least three!
[He may have been this drunk before, but never with so few little drinks. Whatever they were serving, it probably would've knocked Lan Zhan out for a week straight!
As for getting ready for bed...
He finishes his cup of water, fixing Lan Zhan with a knowing smirk and a wagging finger.]
If I have help in the bath from Lan Zhan... I won't get clean, just more dirty.
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No. I would not take advantage of Wei Ying.
[ And at this rate, Wei Ying is going to drown if Lan Wangji makes him take a bath by himself.
Without another word, he gets up to go draw one. It's so much easier here in the hotel to do so. And the tubs are always so clean. ]
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Not even if I ask nice?
[He tries to give Lan Zhan a flirtatious look, though between trying not to laugh and the alcohol, he doesn't do so very well.]
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[ He can wait until Wei Ying is sober, and Wei Ying can ask again and get a different answer.
But he does go to sit with him while the bath fills, once he's determined the water is the correct temperature. It's so interesting, how they even give them water that fills up at a singular temperature, and is hot almost immediately. ]
Did you have a good night, aside from this?
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What makes you think I'm not having a good night now?
[Besides, the rest was pretty boring. Just chatting with the staff until they'd given up the information about the private party. But it was exactly that, just a party. No secrets, not a step closer to finding out more. Running into Lan Zhan had been the highlight of the evening, not the low point.]
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You were having fun downstairs.
[ And also making some bad decisions, which is why his shoulder-angel came to the rescue. And also, wouldn't fit on his shoulder at all. ]
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Both can be true.
[He looks thoughtful for a moment.]
But both are better with Lan Zhan.
[It might have been sweet, if not for the way he started tilting out of his chair and closer to the floor.]
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I don't like crowds, or touching drunk strangers.
[ And certainly doesn't like being threatened by dumb boyfriends whose girlfriends he accidentally walks into. ]
But if Wei Ying wants, I will go with him next time.
[ He would just like being told in advance... Please. ]
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[He laughs, as if he's made another hilarious joke.]
You don't have to if you don't like them, Lan Zhan! I can get drunk anywhere, it doesn't have to be one of those parties!
[He completely misses the point, but oh, Lan Zhan caught him. He looks up, still tipsy, and reaches up to pat the side of Lan Zhan's face.]
We can do things Lan Zhan likes too.
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[ That's a short list of things, but there are more. He likes to play qin, he likes to read, he likes to have tea with his brother, he likes to take care of his rabbits, he likes to train his juniors, and he likes to spend time with Wei Ying.
He misses cooking for others. Bathing in the cold springs. Picking out groceries at Caiyi town. Tending to the gardens out back of the Cloud Recesses. Writing. Night hunting.
But he counts himself lucky to have what he has. ]
Wei Ying. Is it annoying, when I try to take care of you?
[ He wasn't sure if that was wholly the tea. Or maybe some confusion. ]
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[He still smiles, talking too much has never been difficult for him.]
It's not annoying...
[He tries to put it into words, but any of his usual eloquence is gone.]
I'm just not used to it. If I have to learn a new technique, and my muscles are all tired, it's only because I haven't done it enough.
[The only person who'd ever been so soft to him was his sister; cooking him meals, drying his tears, patting his head, and speaking words of reassurance. He smiles a little softer now.]
Is it annoying, to take care of me?
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He says instead: ]
Only when Wei Ying does not behave.
[ But he gently pinches Wei Ying's side, so he knows that Lan Wangji is being facetious. Then he sits Wei Ying upright again, so he can go check up on the bath. The sound of water not running anymore suggests that it's probably ready, and so Wangji comes back to help Wei Ying get undressed and clean. ]
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Aah, right, so only all the time.
[The pinch earns him a laugh though, and he wriggles in his seat before leaning on the table for balance. While Lan Zhan checks on the bath, he lets his eyes wander after, and on his return, he's quick to reach for him, for his help to get to the bath without tripping over his own feet.]
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Honestly, he'd happily live every night like this, if it meant being with Wei Ying. His heart is at peace. ]
Bubbles?
[ They'd given them really, really sudsy soaps. He detests them, but thinks that Wei Ying might enjoy some at the moment. ]
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He's about to plop a foot in, still fully clothed, when the topic of bubbles come up and he nods enthusiastically.]
Yes, how did you know? You think of everything Lan Zhan!
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Be good.
[ He sounds firm, but it's also definitely the tone that Wei Ying had once used with Lan Wangji while the latter was drunk. ]
Don't go in until there are bubbles.
[ At least Wei Ying doesn't wear so many layers. ]
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