[Lan Zhan might seem worried, but Wei Wuxian hasn't been able to stop telling Lan Zhan about being called "Father" for the first time by little A-Yuan. He's thoroughly pleased, no matter how grave the news Lan Sizhui has to break to them. He probably should be worried, just a little, but he's finding it difficult when he's been smiling the entire way over.]
A-Yuan!
[Not one to stand on formality, he doesn't wait to be invited in, grinning and patting his son's head, mussing his hair just a bit before going inside. As usual, he's blunt and straight to the point, not even waiting for a seat or a cup of tea before broaching the subject.]
[‘we'll be over soon,’ it's left to loom over him, a reminder that after today, once he's put everything out there about himself and zhuque... well, things are going to be different, but hopefully not too much so. (let's be honest, he just hopes neither of them is mad.) during the whole ten minutes, he busies himself making tea for their arrival, setting everything up alongside some homemade lemon drop cookies in the dining room.
while it proves a good distraction, the panic rises anew and sizhui has to take a deep, steadying breath before he answers the door.
having at least one father waltz in normally eases some of the anxiety, causes the boy's mouth to quirk on one side with mirth after his hair gets ruffled, his hand momentarily darting out and catching wei wuxian's wrist before he gets too far.] A-Die, [is murmured quietly then his attention upturns to lan wangji, features softening once his concern registers.] Baba. [that, and him tugging each father into a warm, tight embrace should be more than enough of an invitation.
but he's also hoping it will help soften the blow he's about to deliver.] Let's sit in the dining room, okay? [then he reluctantly withdraws and begins leading them thataway.] I've made some chamomile tea and have cookies for us.
[ He gets increasingly worried as Sizhui refers to both of them with these titles again, but he follows along, trying not to tip his hand by looking over at Wei Ying. After all, he thinks he'd definitely give something away over what he's feeling.
He hugs Sizhui - and, at this angle, gets to put an arm around Wei Ying as well - leaning into his son and taking a deep breath that does calm him, just a little bit. Sizhui was a good boy: strong, proper, and trustworthy. And so, he takes this breath and tries to trust that everything is going to be alright. ]
Mn.
[ He walks into the dining room, and takes a seat, allowing Sizhui to go through the formality of pouring them tea and then taking a cookie to be polite. After all, he's gone through so much trouble to be adult-like, so Lan Wangji will try to acquiesce to this wish. ]
You look well.
[ He says that just to check: it's not about his health, is it? ]
[Wei Wuxian's grin only brightens at the nicknames, nevermind being swept up into a hug. He squeezes back, letting himself be led into the house and to the dining room. The deflection is pretty obvious, but this isn't a council meeting, Wei Wuxian decides not to pry just yet, content to sit next to Lan Zhan, interlocking their fingers beneath the table.]
Mm, well, and so grown up, attending to his old parents like this. What've we done to deserve such a welcome?
[He teases, leaning forward to prop the elbow of his other hand on the table, setting his chin in his palm and watching with rapt attention.]
[with them both seated and tea poured, sizhui takes his own chair (yoinking a cookie along the way), his cheeks flushing warmly with fondness.] Thank you. I am doing well and my parents, no matter how old— [is emphasized with an amused grin] —always deserve the best attendance. [they're his parents, after all, they have taken care of him for so long, it's the least he can do and especially with these circumstances taken into account.
which when reconsidered has his heartbeat racing again.] Well, it is, ah... somewhat of an important matter? One I should have been more forthright about sooner. [but better late than never, right? goodness gracious, it feels like his ribs might crack under the pressure.]
During one of the new arrival influxes some months ago, I ran into a fellow Gembonded that rescued me from the uproar by flying us to the townhome I share with Miss Yanli. [a momentary pause to both bite his cookie and cautiously glance between his dads to gauge their reactions while he chews.]
[ Wangji is taking all this information in, but he's still trying to piece together how it's relevant. He's relieved to know when he says it's an important matter, he doesn't seem sad about it or anything. Still, he reaches for Wei Ying's hand to hold it, just in case.
He had not known his son to be so serious. Even when asking for permission to go away on an adventure with Wen Ning, he had been quite casual, just stopping himself and Wei Ying before being on their way.
Will he ask to go away again, but this time on Sumarlok? Presumably he'd go to find out the mystery of why they were here, and figure out a way home.
But then, why wouldn't he ask his fathers to come with him? ]
We could have them for dinner, if you wish to thank them properly.
[ He doubts that's the reason, but just so they don't forget! ]
[Watching Lan Sizhui run through his nervous explanations, it's hard not to search for the childish features he'd once known. The round cheeks and little nose, the easy way he smiled. Many of the mannerisms are different now, his features grown and matured, but Wei Wuxian smiles and nods along, all the same.
He might have been completely oblivious to his own feelings and those of his husband's as they were growing up, but from the outside looking in, it's so apparent in the way A-Yuan speaks of this new friend that they're... well...]
Oh? Has A-Yuan been making some friends?
[Just how close Lan Sizhui has gotten to his new friend, that remains to be seen. A dinner might not be a bad idea, but maybe too formal? He glances from Lan Zhan to A-Yuan though, eager for more information.]
If they rescued A-Yuan, we should certainly be thanking them face-to-face.
[if sizhui were less prepared for this, perhaps lan wangji's offer to invite zhuque to dinner and thank him properly for his rescue or the way wei wuxian inquires about him making friends would've startled him more, but since he had (mostly) anticipated himself not being coy enough, he doesn't choke on his cookie.
although, when he fleetingly considers, “sure, let's invite the guy and thank him for taking their son's virginity,” his head does incline and the tips of his ears flush hotly. okay, while it maybe shouldn't be put like that, dinner wouldn't be the absolute worst idea.
he plucks up his cup, takes a quick sip, replaces it on the table then finally, softly admits,] We might be considered [pause] more than friends at this point? [it's the simplest way to put it and still, sizhui's stomach drops, he holds his breath a split second, attention darting from where their hands are connected, to wei wuxian's face to lan wangji's. despite having already taken a drink, his mouth is suddenly bone-dry, yet he forces himself to continue anyhow.]
But it makes me glad to hear you both would not mind having dinner because I want to introduce Zhuque. [now that they've made their intentions clear with one another.] And— [another moment's hesitation then he tentatively tries again.] And it is my hope you might like to meet him, too.
But for some reason he hadn't put two and two together because surely Sizhui has made other friends, other people who aren't Zhuque? Okay, wait, back up a second. This was all just new information coming at once, so Lan Wangji is once again doing some calculations in his head.
He has. Thoughts. ]
You are... very serious about him.
[ And he'd already said he would protect Sizhui with his life and also never break his heart - and honestly Wangji trusts his son to take care of himself, he is quite talented, but, he does want to know one thing. ]
[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.
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[ He'll make time. ]
I will be there in ten minutes.
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[he's still reeling a little at the memory but it feels good.]
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[ Ten minutes later, he's shown up with Wei Wuxian in tow, and at least Lan Wangji looks a little worried under his usual unshakable expression. ]
Sizhui.
[ Even though he just called them both father, he'll still wait to be invited inside. ]
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[Lan Zhan might seem worried, but Wei Wuxian hasn't been able to stop telling Lan Zhan about being called "Father" for the first time by little A-Yuan. He's thoroughly pleased, no matter how grave the news Lan Sizhui has to break to them. He probably should be worried, just a little, but he's finding it difficult when he's been smiling the entire way over.]
A-Yuan!
[Not one to stand on formality, he doesn't wait to be invited in, grinning and patting his son's head, mussing his hair just a bit before going inside. As usual, he's blunt and straight to the point, not even waiting for a seat or a cup of tea before broaching the subject.]
What's all this serious talk, hm?
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while it proves a good distraction, the panic rises anew and sizhui has to take a deep, steadying breath before he answers the door.
having at least one father waltz in normally eases some of the anxiety, causes the boy's mouth to quirk on one side with mirth after his hair gets ruffled, his hand momentarily darting out and catching wei wuxian's wrist before he gets too far.] A-Die, [is murmured quietly then his attention upturns to lan wangji, features softening once his concern registers.] Baba. [that, and him tugging each father into a warm, tight embrace should be more than enough of an invitation.
but he's also hoping it will help soften the blow he's about to deliver.] Let's sit in the dining room, okay? [then he reluctantly withdraws and begins leading them thataway.] I've made some chamomile tea and have cookies for us.
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He hugs Sizhui - and, at this angle, gets to put an arm around Wei Ying as well - leaning into his son and taking a deep breath that does calm him, just a little bit. Sizhui was a good boy: strong, proper, and trustworthy. And so, he takes this breath and tries to trust that everything is going to be alright. ]
Mn.
[ He walks into the dining room, and takes a seat, allowing Sizhui to go through the formality of pouring them tea and then taking a cookie to be polite. After all, he's gone through so much trouble to be adult-like, so Lan Wangji will try to acquiesce to this wish. ]
You look well.
[ He says that just to check: it's not about his health, is it? ]
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Mm, well, and so grown up, attending to his old parents like this. What've we done to deserve such a welcome?
[He teases, leaning forward to prop the elbow of his other hand on the table, setting his chin in his palm and watching with rapt attention.]
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which when reconsidered has his heartbeat racing again.] Well, it is, ah... somewhat of an important matter? One I should have been more forthright about sooner. [but better late than never, right? goodness gracious, it feels like his ribs might crack under the pressure.]
During one of the new arrival influxes some months ago, I ran into a fellow Gembonded that rescued me from the uproar by flying us to the townhome I share with Miss Yanli. [a momentary pause to both bite his cookie and cautiously glance between his dads to gauge their reactions while he chews.]
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He had not known his son to be so serious. Even when asking for permission to go away on an adventure with Wen Ning, he had been quite casual, just stopping himself and Wei Ying before being on their way.
Will he ask to go away again, but this time on Sumarlok? Presumably he'd go to find out the mystery of why they were here, and figure out a way home.
But then, why wouldn't he ask his fathers to come with him? ]
We could have them for dinner, if you wish to thank them properly.
[ He doubts that's the reason, but just so they don't forget! ]
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He might have been completely oblivious to his own feelings and those of his husband's as they were growing up, but from the outside looking in, it's so apparent in the way A-Yuan speaks of this new friend that they're... well...]
Oh? Has A-Yuan been making some friends?
[Just how close Lan Sizhui has gotten to his new friend, that remains to be seen. A dinner might not be a bad idea, but maybe too formal? He glances from Lan Zhan to A-Yuan though, eager for more information.]
If they rescued A-Yuan, we should certainly be thanking them face-to-face.
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although, when he fleetingly considers, “sure, let's invite the guy and thank him for taking their son's virginity,” his head does incline and the tips of his ears flush hotly. okay, while it maybe shouldn't be put like that, dinner wouldn't be the absolute worst idea.
he plucks up his cup, takes a quick sip, replaces it on the table then finally, softly admits,] We might be considered [pause] more than friends at this point? [it's the simplest way to put it and still, sizhui's stomach drops, he holds his breath a split second, attention darting from where their hands are connected, to wei wuxian's face to lan wangji's. despite having already taken a drink, his mouth is suddenly bone-dry, yet he forces himself to continue anyhow.]
But it makes me glad to hear you both would not mind having dinner because I want to introduce Zhuque. [now that they've made their intentions clear with one another.] And— [another moment's hesitation then he tentatively tries again.] And it is my hope you might like to meet him, too.
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[ Right, Zhuque might have.
Mentioned this.
But for some reason he hadn't put two and two together because surely Sizhui has made other friends, other people who aren't Zhuque? Okay, wait, back up a second. This was all just new information coming at once, so Lan Wangji is once again doing some calculations in his head.
He has. Thoughts. ]
You are... very serious about him.
[ And he'd already said he would protect Sizhui with his life and also never break his heart - and honestly Wangji trusts his son to take care of himself, he is quite talented, but, he does want to know one thing. ]
Does he make you happy?
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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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