[Wei Wuxian's experience is somewhat limited, but he wonders if most parents experience some sort of complicated feelings as the child they've raised starts to become his own person, forming opinions of his own, having relationships, and agency. Something about it tugs at his heartstrings, mourning the time he's missed, but pleased all the same that Lan Sizhui has found his own sort of happiness.
More than friends?
Wei Wuxian might be a fool when it comes to his own relationships, but he can see plain as day the meaning behind the phrase. More than anything, he wants to offer support for their son, and having experienced his own unconventional relationship, he knows well what it means to have his loved ones behind him.
He blinks at Lan Zhan, hearing those same words, does he make you happy, in his brother's voice. When he'd spoken with Jiang Cheng, he'd asked him the very same, and... that's what it came down to, didn't it? He was sure Lan Zhan would prickle at the comparison, but his brother had a point.]
We would! Ah- like to meet him, that is.
[He's bubbling with questions; just what sort of person is this Zhuque? What about him caught A-Yuan's fancy? As long as he's no haughty peacock, trampling on their son's feelings, he's pretty sure he can give his full endorsement.
He nudges Lan Zhan, offering an encouraging, if teasing smile.]
Serious? Of course it must be. Are you Lans ever anything but?
[hooboy, this ended up being both harder than he imagined and also easier; the former because he knows full-well he never mentioned his sweet spirit guardian by name, but has definitely made a few other friends that he's absolutely not been with in the same sense he has with zhuque, and the latter because – from what he can tell – neither cultivator across from him looks angry.
he exhales a breath he'd been holding then quickly explains,] We have, uhm, been intimate together... but only with each other. [which sparks up a whole new feeling of uncertainty, yet he continues anyway.] Yes, I— I want to be serious? Or I'm doing my best with what I understand. [because sometimes, it can be quite difficult trying to explain how things work to someone who has only been in a human body (only been alive) for a short amount of time. zhuque is smart though, catches on rather quickly and every time, it makes sizhui's heart soar, leaves him with a warm and fuzzy fond sensation that he's managed helping him understand some random household object or introduced him to food that he enjoys. it's helped him too, learning new things, striving to make certain that whatever it is, they learn and-slash-or teach to the best of their abilities.
unsurprisingly, this also means whatever emotions that might have been indecisive before have solidified into more true-blue feelings. one of them, without a single doubt, has been happiness.] He does, [the boy confirms.] I never came here expecting anything like this to ever happen, although now that it has, I find myself wanting to make him happy in return. Have realized that even if I might want to, I don't believe I could ignore these feelings. [and honestly wouldn't want to if given the choice
since, despite his nervousness admitting all this, lan sizhui really likes zhuque and would hate if he blew it by laying everything out on the table now.] I'm sorry I didn't tell you both sooner, I just. Wasn't sure how to explain that it all sort of happened so quickly.
[ Hanguang-Jun is an elegant, understated, and proper gentleman. He has never been known for his emotions, and has always kept a tight rein on his features. That said, his eyes are like dinner plates as Sizhui divulges the nature of his relationship with Zhuque.
Lan Wangji is feeling a little overheated all of a sudden.
His boy's just that -- a boy! Barely a man. And he remembers what he was like at nineteen: grown up too fast, even for a boy who'd always been an old man at heart. At nineteen, they were all in the middle of the sunshot campaign, and he wouldn't have Wei Ying much longer.
No, even if he doesn't approve of these circumstances, he would still never wish for Sizhui to have to endure waiting too long.
Ah, Wei Ying is correct, Lans are always so serious about these things. ]
Sizhui. We will have to meet him properly.
Does he have family here?
[ And yes, if he does have family here, that's when they'll have to start talking to Zhuque's parents about courtship matters. ]
[Wei Wuxian feels as if he's taken everything in a good-natured stride, understanding and ready to welcome Sizhui's friend, but hearing little A-Yuan talk about being intimate together with anyone is enough to make him choke on his own breath. He makes a wheezing sound, but is quick to recover after a couple of coughs.
It's not like Wei Wuxian hasn't been flirting with his fellow cultivators from... well, he started a lot younger than Sizhui, but if anyone had taken him up on his flirtation, he probably wouldn't have had the first clue of what to do with it. While A-Yuan will always be that little child from the burial mounds in his mind, it feels even more of a shock to have missed all the in-between, and now jump to seeing their child getting into a relationship of his own.
Despite how short a time he's had to spend getting to know this grown-up version of A-Yuan, he trusts that Lan Zhan has raised him with responsibility and good judgement in mind. Well- maybe not the best judgement when it came to selecting partners, if Wei Wuxian was any stick to measure by, but even so...]
More serious than I thought...
[His voice is still a bit thready, but he corrects it with one last clearing of his throat.]
Ah, but that's fine, that's fine! When things happen sometimes it's ah... sudden and hard to restrain.
[He gives Lan Zhan a nudge. After all, once there was even a hint that their own attraction had been mutual, the next thing he knew, they were tearing one another's clothes off in Lan Zhan's hotel room.]
Isn't that right, Lan Zhan?
[Wei Wuxian smiles back at their son, banishing those thoughts for the moment as he leans forward.]
I want to know what he's like. Just because Lan Zhan didn't have standards doesn't mean our A-Yuan won't.
[He tries to add a little levity, some laughter, even if it's just his own, as he raises a challenging eyebrow at his husband.]
[here comes that apprehension again at the sight of lan wangji's eyes becoming so wide, rising up in his chest until it's outright panic after wei wuxian chokes, making his own throat constrict to the point it feels like it might suffocate him entirely. except he maintains his composure for the most part, nervousness only apparent by the faint twitch in his lips, his trembling hands— which are being tucked beneath the table quicksilver-like and folded together across his lap.
maybe he's overshared? and perhaps he is just a boy, definitely one who hadn't the slightest idea what he was doing whenever the spirit guardian kissed him like it was the most natural thing to do. ridiculous, thinking such nonsense romantic things, but one thing's for certain: neither sizhui nor zhuque had known what they were doing at first, merely following animalistic instincts, yet once they'd awoken the next morning, discussing where to go from there somehow came easier following their activities the night before. (which is putting it lightly, to be honest, but it wasn't like they had actually ‘done the deed’ as it were.)
mortification lingers just on the edge of his thoughts; how could he do this? what will they think of him now? hopefully they aren't thinking too much about his admittance, now that he considers.
gosh, it is more serious after it's been voiced.]
O-Of course you both will meet him! I didn't mean for it to sound like that wasn't the case, given the circumstances. [everything he's said, the counter-offer for dinner which he'd immediately seized up when the chance presented itself.
his turn to blush once wei wuxian reassures and then makes that comment, but he can't help smiling afterward, delightfully surprised by how well (???) his parents have taken this.] Well, now that I've said all I need to – I think? – I would love to answer any questions you may have. [starting with lan wangji's first:] No, he does not have family here. It's only him from his homeworld.
[ Well, that puts a damper on things. Lan Wangji had at least asked Sizhui at the time - though he doesn't remember, now - for permission to marry Wei Ying. Okay, and that was after he proposed. But he did ask! He would have liked to meet Zhuque's family to work out all the kinks in becoming one family. Perhaps they would have refused - it was so difficult to know, as they've never met. But he supposes that they could at least start with meeting Zhuque. Again. Properly, this time. ]
Mn.
[ And he makes Sizhui happy, and he's promised to protect him with his life, whatever that means. He doesn't know how strong Zhuque is, but it's not like anyone can promise more than their life. ]
My son.
You have never given me reason to doubt your judgment.
[ And so, for now, he will trust Sizhui. Well, as far as he can trust anyone in his immediate family, himself included, in affairs of the heart. It turns out that both he and his brother eventually landed themselves with good partners, but between the questionable time the cultivation world feared the Yiling Laozu, and Jin Guangyao's entire existence, people did not think the Twin Jades were in a good position.
He is hoping Zhuque is not a mistake, because if there's anything to be said about how very strongly and seriously a Lan treats love, there's also very much to be said about how a Lan treats heartbreak. And so, he already makes a wish that he can, someday, accept this Son-in-Law. ]
[Ever skilled at jumping to conclusions, Wei Wuxian doesn't follow up with any questions to clarify just how intimate A-Yuan's relationship has become. Just because his memories of the boy are just that, a boy, doesn't mean Lan Zhan hasn't raised him into a perfect gentleman and role model for his other sect members, more importantly, he's grown enough to make these sort of decisions, wherever they might lead.
He glances to Lan Zhan, smile grown a bit more wistful and he squeezes his husband's hand once more. They'd struggled so hard to carve out a bit of happiness, deserved or not, that their child could come upon it readily, could experience his own, how could they cause him trouble? Aside from the expected bit of ribbing from time to time, of course.]
Right, then it's decided. Next time we'll get to tease him as well. I hope he's prepared.
[His smile grows once more, eager to put aside the more serious discussion and lighten the mood.]
Questions can wait, why aren't we celebrating? The only question I have is which father A-Yuan takes after when he's had a few drinks, hm?
[see, he'd had a feeling there would be disappointment toward zhuque not having family here; much as he wishes it were possible to meet them, sizhui has simply decided they will have to be his family instead. (or hopefully, anyway? he's still unaware that zhuque's even met lan wangji, will eventually meet wei wuxian in the future... and all before they've even had a chance to have dinner!) nevertheless, while he knows he's going out on a limb, he's also well-aware he isn't wrong putting his trust in zhuque throughout this whole ordeal, too.
‘my son,’ is what already has tears pricking the corners of his eyes, yet everything else following it – even wei wuxian's teasing – finally causes rivulets to begin streaming down his cheeks.
taking into account words have momentarily failed him, lan sizhui draws his arms up, stretches them across the table and clasps both hands over his fathers'. he sniffles softly, head inclined as he attempts regathering himself enough to say,] Thank you, [his gaze upturns again afterward, the faintest smile curving his mouth at the edges once he withdraws.] For believing in me, for giving him a chance.
[since, given the somewhat seriousness of the situation, it could've gone far worse— but both his guardians trust him enough to know what he's doing. now, it's just trusting himself as much as everyone else does.]
He is. [or sizhui will make sure he is to the best of his ability; it kinda helps zhuque doesn't quite understand embarrassment.] Celebrating? Ah... [he trails off, casts hanguang-jun a contemplative look.] I suppose, if it's okay? But I've no problem admitting now: my alcohol tolerance is much more like Wei-qianbei's.
[ He is slightly shocked to hear this, if only because: since when has Sizhui been drinking? Goodness, if only shufu were here, they'd all be in a load of trouble. Not the least, Lan Wangji hadn't even invited him to his wedding.
Ah, well.
He reaches up with his free hand to wipe away the tears on Sizhui's face, not having intended either of them to make him cry. Maybe they're tears of joy or relief, and there's no embarrassment here, but still. He stands up from his seat, only to round the corner of the table and kneel by Sizhui, enveloping him in the long, white sleeves of his embrace. ]
What other choice is there but to support you?
[ Even if they weren't two fathers and one son, they would still be family. And the only time Hanguang-Jun had ever turned his back on his family was to acquire his son. ]
[Displays of affection are still something he's getting used to, and while earnest declarations and a clasping of hands are proper, Wei Wuxian is glad when even Lan Zhan is able to drop any pretense and embrace little A-Yuan. He's quick to add to the mess, clinging to both of his boys like a limpet, mussing carefully styled hair with blatant disregard.
He's not one to dispense with sage advice, nor is his own love life one to take as example(despite how it has miraculously worked out in the end), so he finds himself short on words.]
We're happy for you.
[His tone is surprisingly honest, which is probably why he feels the urge to hide. Swallowing back his own tears and the growing lump of emotion in his throat, he pats Sizhui's cheek lightly.]
Of course, supporting our family goes without saying.
[when one has friends like lan jingyi and ouyang zizhen, one doesn't easily avoid gentle peer-pressuring here or there, and sometimes, he gives in with a drink or two. which is more than hanguang-jun's limit but definitely less than sizhui's as he's always been very careful to not overdo it in case his other friends are more liberal with their liquor. (please... if he were to show up, they'd immediately have to pray he doesn't qi deviate!)
the tears are from both joy and relief, to be fair, because he sincerely thought this would go far worse than expected, yet he's here holding both his fathers' hands without any weight on his chest now. having lan wangji get up to round the table so he can embrace him is simply an unexpected gesture that makes his throat constrict when heavier tears attempt choking him up.
what other choice is there? they could've said, “no, absolutely not,” or something worse; they could have forbade him from ever seeing zhuque again, which honestly would've been devastating compared to whatever other words they might have. wei wuxian joins the hug and sizhui's arms encircle both his dads (meaning good luck getting away), holding them tight while he attempts blinking away more tears.] I— I'm s-so glad, [comes brokenly through his sniffling, a soft laugh following that when another hand nudges against his cheek, encouraging him to regather himself somewhat better.]
Relieved, too. [obviously.] And I hope you both will like him.
[ Sizhui has always been a clinger, but after training through his childhood in Cloud Recesses, he has a stronger grip. But getting wrapped up in two of his best boys makes him so happy that he can't complain. He doesn't cry because he rarely cries, but he's so happy for Sizhui.
Of course, he deserves love. And he is a Lan - if he says he loves someone, then there would be no stopping him. Shufu might not approve of Wei Ying, but even he wouldn't have stopped Lan Wangji from marrying him. He would have just suffered through the procession.
But Lan Wangji also knows that if Sizhui ever gets his heart broken, Zhuque will get his neck broken, and Wei Ying will reanimate his body so he can break his neck a second time.
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More than friends?
Wei Wuxian might be a fool when it comes to his own relationships, but he can see plain as day the meaning behind the phrase. More than anything, he wants to offer support for their son, and having experienced his own unconventional relationship, he knows well what it means to have his loved ones behind him.
He blinks at Lan Zhan, hearing those same words, does he make you happy, in his brother's voice. When he'd spoken with Jiang Cheng, he'd asked him the very same, and... that's what it came down to, didn't it? He was sure Lan Zhan would prickle at the comparison, but his brother had a point.]
We would! Ah- like to meet him, that is.
[He's bubbling with questions; just what sort of person is this Zhuque? What about him caught A-Yuan's fancy? As long as he's no haughty peacock, trampling on their son's feelings, he's pretty sure he can give his full endorsement.
He nudges Lan Zhan, offering an encouraging, if teasing smile.]
Serious? Of course it must be. Are you Lans ever anything but?
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he exhales a breath he'd been holding then quickly explains,] We have, uhm, been intimate together... but only with each other. [which sparks up a whole new feeling of uncertainty, yet he continues anyway.] Yes, I— I want to be serious? Or I'm doing my best with what I understand. [because sometimes, it can be quite difficult trying to explain how things work to someone who has only been in a human body (only been alive) for a short amount of time. zhuque is smart though, catches on rather quickly and every time, it makes sizhui's heart soar, leaves him with a warm and fuzzy fond sensation that he's managed helping him understand some random household object or introduced him to food that he enjoys. it's helped him too, learning new things, striving to make certain that whatever it is, they learn and-slash-or teach to the best of their abilities.
unsurprisingly, this also means whatever emotions that might have been indecisive before have solidified into more true-blue feelings. one of them, without a single doubt, has been happiness.] He does, [the boy confirms.] I never came here expecting anything like this to ever happen, although now that it has, I find myself wanting to make him happy in return. Have realized that even if I might want to, I don't believe I could ignore these feelings. [and honestly wouldn't want to if given the choice
since, despite his nervousness admitting all this, lan sizhui really likes zhuque and would hate if he blew it by laying everything out on the table now.] I'm sorry I didn't tell you both sooner, I just. Wasn't sure how to explain that it all sort of happened so quickly.
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Lan Wangji is feeling a little overheated all of a sudden.
His boy's just that -- a boy! Barely a man. And he remembers what he was like at nineteen: grown up too fast, even for a boy who'd always been an old man at heart. At nineteen, they were all in the middle of the sunshot campaign, and he wouldn't have Wei Ying much longer.
No, even if he doesn't approve of these circumstances, he would still never wish for Sizhui to have to endure waiting too long.
Ah, Wei Ying is correct, Lans are always so serious about these things. ]
Sizhui. We will have to meet him properly.
Does he have family here?
[ And yes, if he does have family here, that's when they'll have to start talking to Zhuque's parents about courtship matters. ]
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It's not like Wei Wuxian hasn't been flirting with his fellow cultivators from... well, he started a lot younger than Sizhui, but if anyone had taken him up on his flirtation, he probably wouldn't have had the first clue of what to do with it. While A-Yuan will always be that little child from the burial mounds in his mind, it feels even more of a shock to have missed all the in-between, and now jump to seeing their child getting into a relationship of his own.
Despite how short a time he's had to spend getting to know this grown-up version of A-Yuan, he trusts that Lan Zhan has raised him with responsibility and good judgement in mind. Well- maybe not the best judgement when it came to selecting partners, if Wei Wuxian was any stick to measure by, but even so...]
More serious than I thought...
[His voice is still a bit thready, but he corrects it with one last clearing of his throat.]
Ah, but that's fine, that's fine! When things happen sometimes it's ah... sudden and hard to restrain.
[He gives Lan Zhan a nudge. After all, once there was even a hint that their own attraction had been mutual, the next thing he knew, they were tearing one another's clothes off in Lan Zhan's hotel room.]
Isn't that right, Lan Zhan?
[Wei Wuxian smiles back at their son, banishing those thoughts for the moment as he leans forward.]
I want to know what he's like. Just because Lan Zhan didn't have standards doesn't mean our A-Yuan won't.
[He tries to add a little levity, some laughter, even if it's just his own, as he raises a challenging eyebrow at his husband.]
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maybe he's overshared? and perhaps he is just a boy, definitely one who hadn't the slightest idea what he was doing whenever the spirit guardian kissed him like it was the most natural thing to do. ridiculous, thinking such nonsense romantic things, but one thing's for certain: neither sizhui nor zhuque had known what they were doing at first, merely following animalistic instincts, yet once they'd awoken the next morning, discussing where to go from there somehow came easier following their activities the night before. (which is putting it lightly, to be honest, but it wasn't like they had actually ‘done the deed’ as it were.)
mortification lingers just on the edge of his thoughts; how could he do this? what will they think of him now? hopefully they aren't thinking too much about his admittance, now that he considers.
gosh, it is more serious after it's been voiced.]
O-Of course you both will meet him! I didn't mean for it to sound like that wasn't the case, given the circumstances. [everything he's said, the counter-offer for dinner which he'd immediately seized up when the chance presented itself.
his turn to blush once wei wuxian reassures and then makes that comment, but he can't help smiling afterward, delightfully surprised by how well (???) his parents have taken this.] Well, now that I've said all I need to – I think? – I would love to answer any questions you may have. [starting with lan wangji's first:] No, he does not have family here. It's only him from his homeworld.
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[ Well, that puts a damper on things. Lan Wangji had at least asked Sizhui at the time - though he doesn't remember, now - for permission to marry Wei Ying. Okay, and that was after he proposed. But he did ask! He would have liked to meet Zhuque's family to work out all the kinks in becoming one family. Perhaps they would have refused - it was so difficult to know, as they've never met. But he supposes that they could at least start with meeting Zhuque. Again. Properly, this time. ]
Mn.
[ And he makes Sizhui happy, and he's promised to protect him with his life, whatever that means. He doesn't know how strong Zhuque is, but it's not like anyone can promise more than their life. ]
My son.
You have never given me reason to doubt your judgment.
[ And so, for now, he will trust Sizhui. Well, as far as he can trust anyone in his immediate family, himself included, in affairs of the heart. It turns out that both he and his brother eventually landed themselves with good partners, but between the questionable time the cultivation world feared the Yiling Laozu, and Jin Guangyao's entire existence, people did not think the Twin Jades were in a good position.
He is hoping Zhuque is not a mistake, because if there's anything to be said about how very strongly and seriously a Lan treats love, there's also very much to be said about how a Lan treats heartbreak. And so, he already makes a wish that he can, someday, accept this Son-in-Law. ]
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He glances to Lan Zhan, smile grown a bit more wistful and he squeezes his husband's hand once more. They'd struggled so hard to carve out a bit of happiness, deserved or not, that their child could come upon it readily, could experience his own, how could they cause him trouble? Aside from the expected bit of ribbing from time to time, of course.]
Right, then it's decided. Next time we'll get to tease him as well. I hope he's prepared.
[His smile grows once more, eager to put aside the more serious discussion and lighten the mood.]
Questions can wait, why aren't we celebrating? The only question I have is which father A-Yuan takes after when he's had a few drinks, hm?
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‘my son,’ is what already has tears pricking the corners of his eyes, yet everything else following it – even wei wuxian's teasing – finally causes rivulets to begin streaming down his cheeks.
taking into account words have momentarily failed him, lan sizhui draws his arms up, stretches them across the table and clasps both hands over his fathers'. he sniffles softly, head inclined as he attempts regathering himself enough to say,] Thank you, [his gaze upturns again afterward, the faintest smile curving his mouth at the edges once he withdraws.] For believing in me, for giving him a chance.
[since, given the somewhat seriousness of the situation, it could've gone far worse— but both his guardians trust him enough to know what he's doing. now, it's just trusting himself as much as everyone else does.]
He is. [or sizhui will make sure he is to the best of his ability; it kinda helps zhuque doesn't quite understand embarrassment.] Celebrating? Ah... [he trails off, casts hanguang-jun a contemplative look.] I suppose, if it's okay? But I've no problem admitting now: my alcohol tolerance is much more like Wei-qianbei's.
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Ah, well.
He reaches up with his free hand to wipe away the tears on Sizhui's face, not having intended either of them to make him cry. Maybe they're tears of joy or relief, and there's no embarrassment here, but still. He stands up from his seat, only to round the corner of the table and kneel by Sizhui, enveloping him in the long, white sleeves of his embrace. ]
What other choice is there but to support you?
[ Even if they weren't two fathers and one son, they would still be family. And the only time Hanguang-Jun had ever turned his back on his family was to acquire his son. ]
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He's not one to dispense with sage advice, nor is his own love life one to take as example(despite how it has miraculously worked out in the end), so he finds himself short on words.]
We're happy for you.
[His tone is surprisingly honest, which is probably why he feels the urge to hide. Swallowing back his own tears and the growing lump of emotion in his throat, he pats Sizhui's cheek lightly.]
Of course, supporting our family goes without saying.
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the tears are from both joy and relief, to be fair, because he sincerely thought this would go far worse than expected, yet he's here holding both his fathers' hands without any weight on his chest now. having lan wangji get up to round the table so he can embrace him is simply an unexpected gesture that makes his throat constrict when heavier tears attempt choking him up.
what other choice is there? they could've said, “no, absolutely not,” or something worse; they could have forbade him from ever seeing zhuque again, which honestly would've been devastating compared to whatever other words they might have. wei wuxian joins the hug and sizhui's arms encircle both his dads (meaning good luck getting away), holding them tight while he attempts blinking away more tears.] I— I'm s-so glad, [comes brokenly through his sniffling, a soft laugh following that when another hand nudges against his cheek, encouraging him to regather himself somewhat better.]
Relieved, too. [obviously.] And I hope you both will like him.
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Of course, he deserves love. And he is a Lan - if he says he loves someone, then there would be no stopping him. Shufu might not approve of Wei Ying, but even he wouldn't have stopped Lan Wangji from marrying him. He would have just suffered through the procession.
But Lan Wangji also knows that if Sizhui ever gets his heart broken, Zhuque will get his neck broken, and Wei Ying will reanimate his body so he can break his neck a second time.
So he is not that worried. ]