Whispers of innocence
Thank you Lily (quotev) for requesting this!
d/n = daughter's name
Lan Xichen stood at the doorway, a worried expression softening his usually composed features as he observed Y/n nestled in bed, visibly unwell. It was a rare sight to witness her in such a state, and his heart tugged with concern for her well-being. Approaching the bedside with a quiet grace, he couldn't help the tender smile that curved his lips as he gazed down at her.
"Rest well, my love," his voice was a soothing murmur, laced with affection. He leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead, his touch lingering as if to impart his comfort and care. "I'll be right here if you need anything."
Y/n managed a faint smile, her fingers weakly curling around his hand. "Thank you, Xichen. I just need some rest."
"A-niang!" D/n burst into the room, her energy uncontainable as she barged in. The Lan disciples scrambled to rein in her exuberance, their attempts to hold her back a gentle reminder of decorum in the presence of the Clan Leader and his wife.
"Sorry, Zewu-Jun and Lan Furen," the lan disciples offered apologetic bows.
Lan Xichen raised a hand, signaling a halt, and offered a reassuring smile to the disciples before they left. He turned his attention back to the scene unfolding before him, where d/n stood with her parents.
"A-niang!" D/n's voice was a symphony of delight as she addressed her mother. "Are you feeling better?"
Y/n's lips curved into a warm smile, her eyes shining with affection for her daughter. "I am, especially now that you're here."
D/n's face lit up with joy, her happiness radiating like a sunbeam. She approached the bedside, her small hands reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from y/n's face.
"But Lan Jingyi told me that if you're sick, you'll grow worms in your belly and have bugs coming out of your head," d/n said, her innocence evident in her tone as she relayed the curious information she had picked up.
Y/n couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of Lan Jingyi's imaginative warning. "Oh, really?" She exchanged a knowing glance with Lan Xichen, amusement dancing in their eyes.
Lan Xichen joined the conversation, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Well, d/n, Lan Jingyi's imagination can be quite vivid, but I assure you, your A-niang is in good hands. She's resting and will be better soon."
D/n's brows furrowed in contemplation, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "I guess worms and bugs are not very good caretakers, are they?"
Lan Xichen chuckled softly, his gaze fond as he ruffled her hair affectionately. "No, they're not quite the nurturing type."
D/n nodded, seemingly satisfied with this clarification. Her attention shifted back to her mother, her expression softening with affection. "A-niang, can I stay with you for a while?"
"It's best for A-niang to be alone for a while so she can recover," Lan Xichen gently explained to his daughter as they exited the room, leaving his wife to rest and recuperate.
D/n's brows furrowed in a mix of concern and curiosity as she mulled over her father's words. "But Lan Jingyi told me that if you're alone for too long, you won't get better. He said little bugs will start to collect your soul." Her pout was accompanied by a worried expression.
Lan Xichen couldn't help but hide a small smile at the imaginative explanation provided by Lan Jingyi. "Oh, is that so?" He knelt down to her eye level, his tone conspiratorial. "Well, I think Lan Jingyi might have been having some fun with his words. You see, A-niang just needs some quiet time to rest and regain her strength. No bugs involved."
D/n's eyes widened with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Are you sure, a-die?"
Lan Xichen nodded with an earnest expression. "Absolutely sure. Sometimes, being alone and resting can help our bodies heal faster."
D/n pondered his words, her pout slowly transforming into a thoughtful expression. "So, no bugs?"
Lan Xichen chuckled softly. "No bugs, I promise."
D/n's lips curled into a relieved smile, her worry dissipating. "Okay, then. I guess I can let A-niang rest."
"That's very considerate of you," Lan Xichen praised, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your A-niang will appreciate it very much."
D/n beamed with pride, her worries now replaced with a sense of understanding. "I want her to get better soon so we can play together!"
Lan Xichen stood up and held out his hand, ready to continue their journey. "That's a wonderful thought, d/n. Now, how about we go for a little walk while A-niang rests? We can come up with fun ideas to surprise her when she feels better."
D/n's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of planning surprises. She took her father's hand, her grip firm and determined. "Yes, let's do that, a-die!"
As the father and daughter strolled through the tranquil corridors of the Lan Clan residence, the serenity of the surroundings seemed to trigger a flood of memories for Lan Xichen. The way y/n interacted with d/n, their laughter and affectionate exchanges, transported him back to his own childhood days alongside Lan Wangji, a time when their mother's presence still graced their lives.
Lost in his reminiscences, Lan Xichen was suddenly brought back to reality by the sound of d/n's exuberant voice. "You know, a-die!" Her declaration echoed down the hallways, drawing curious glances from passing disciples.
Startled by her enthusiastic announcement, Lan Xichen couldn't help but pause in his steps. "D/n," he interjected gently, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Let's keep our voices down. We must show respect for our elders as they go about their duties."
D/n nodded in understanding, though her enthusiasm remained undeterred. "Yes, a-die," she responded in a hushed tone, her eyes shining with energy. "But you know, when I grow up, I want to marry Lan Jingyi!"
Lan Xichen's steps faltered as d/n's words hit him like a sudden gust of wind. Her declaration seemed to reverberate through his mind, momentarily jolting him out of his composed demeanor. He looked down at his daughter, his eyes wide with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.
"You want to marry Lan Jingyi?" he repeated, his voice tinged with shock as he struggled to process her straightforward statement.
D/n nodded enthusiastically, her innocent expression unchanged. "Yes, a-die! When I grow up, I want to marry Lan Jingyi. He's funny and nice, and we play together all the time!"
Lan Xichen's mind raced, trying to reconcile his daughter's innocent proclamation with the reality before him. He hadn't expected such a candid revelation, especially from someone so young. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.
"D/n, that's a very interesting thought," he managed to say, his voice gentle yet tinged with surprise. "But you're still very young, and there's a lot of time ahead for you to grow and explore different paths."
D/n looked up at him with wide, earnest eyes. "But a-die, you always say that we should find someone who makes us happy. And Lan Jingyi makes me really happy!"
Lan Xichen blinked, her innocence cutting through his momentary shock. He had indeed imparted those values to her, encouraging her to seek happiness and kindness in her relationships. He couldn't help but smile at her conviction, a mixture of fondness and amusement in his expression.
"You're absolutely right, d/n," he conceded, his smile softening. "Finding someone who brings joy to your life is important. But remember, there's no rush. Take your time to grow and discover what truly makes your heart happy."
D/n's face lit up with a bright smile, her trust in her father unwavering. "I will, a-die!"
Lan Xichen crouched down to her level, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "That's the spirit, d/n. Enjoy your journey of growing up, and know that your family will always be here to support you."
D/n's smile widened, and she gave him a quick hug. "Thank you, a-die!"
As they continued their walk, Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. His daughter's candidness and straightforwardness were a constant reminder of the purity of childhood innocence. And in her innocent aspiration, he found a reminder that life's dreams and aspirations often take root in the most unexpected moments.
Lan Xichen's attention was swiftly captured by d/n's excited exclamation. Her little finger pointed towards a group of baby bunnies, their soft and pristine coats standing out against the green backdrop of the lan clan's surroundings. Their playful hops and wiggles were a sight to behold, and a smile involuntarily graced his lips.
"Indeed, they are quite the adorable sight," he replied, his voice gentle.
D/n's request to take one of the baby bunnies home pulled at his heartstrings. Her earnestness and cute expression were hard to resist, yet he knew the importance of teaching her about the balance of nature and the creatures that shared their world.
He crouched down to her eye level, his eyes meeting hers as he spoke. "My dear, while it's a wonderful thought, these baby bunnies have their own homes and families here. They belong in our lan clan's environment, and it's best to let them remain where they thrive."
A soft smile graced his features as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fatherly affection evident. "How about we sit here for a while and observe their playful antics? We can appreciate their beauty and happiness without disturbing their natural habitat."
D/n's expression held a mix of disappointment and understanding, and he marveled at her capacity to grasp such concepts. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"All right, A-die," she agreed, her voice soft but content. "Let's watch them play together."
On their journey back, d/n's excitement seemed to radiate as she bounded towards her mother, eager to share the day's enchanting escapades.
"A-niang, guess what?" d/n bubbled with enthusiasm. "A-die and I had the most amazing adventures today!"
Y/n's tender smile welcomed her daughter's chatter, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fondness and curiosity. "Tell me all about it, sweetheart."
D/n's yawn was a testament to her day's energy expenditure, but it didn't dampen her animated storytelling. "We explored and saw so many things. But the best part was when we found these cute little bunnies! I really wanted to bring one home, but a-die said we shouldn't."
Y/n's soothing voice carried a note of understanding as she responded, "I'm glad you had such a wonderful time, my love. Exploring with your a-die sounds like so much fun."
Lan Xichen's arrival with their tired daughter in his arms was a gentle interruption. D/n's eyelids drooped as her yawns continued to punctuate her words. Her mother's arms welcomed her into a cozy embrace, and Lan Xichen swiftly tucked her into bed.
"Time for you to rest, my little adventurer," y/n cooed softly, brushing a gentle kiss against d/n's forehead.
D/n's voice was a sleepy murmur as she nestled in her mother's embrace, recounting the day's highlights one last time before slumber claimed her. "Tomorrow, maybe the bunnies will have babies of their own..."
As Lan Xichen quietly left the room to give their daughter the rest she needed, he couldn't help but smile at the bond they shared and the joyful memories they were building together. Back in their own room, he rejoined y/n, the warmth of their daughter's stories lingering in the air.
"It seems like you guys had quite the adventure," y/n remarked with a knowing smile. "D/n's energy and curiosity remind me of someone."
Lan Xichen's expression shifted, a mixture of emotions passing through his eyes. "You promised, y/n. We agreed never to bring him up."
A heavy sigh escaped y/n's lips, her gaze soft but steadfast. "I understand your feelings, Xichen. But we both know Wei Wuxian isn't solely at fault. The past is complex, and there's more to it than what meets the eye."
Lan Xichen's brows furrowed, his frustration and lingering resentment evident. "He brought trouble to our clan, and Lan Wangji bore the burden of his actions. It's not so simple."
Y/n reached out, her hand finding its way to his. Her touch was a comforting reassurance as she spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "I know it's not simple, Xichen. But it's important not to let anger and blame cloud our judgment. We've seen the good he's done too. Just as Lan Wangji has."
Lan Xichen's gaze met hers, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within. He knew y/n was right, but letting go of years of resentment wasn't an easy task. Their hands remained intertwined, a silent understanding passing between them, bridging the gap between differing perspectives.
"He caused an overwhelming amount of chaos within the clan," Lan Xichen's voice carried the weight of history as memories resurfaced. "The repercussions of his actions were extensive, leading to the loss of many innocent civilians. It's difficult to fathom how a single individual could bring about so much death and pain."
Y/n's gaze softened with understanding, her eyes reflecting the shared pain of their clan's past. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Lan Xichen's temple. "You're right, my love. It's a topic best left untouched for now. The past can't be changed, and Wei Wuxian is no longer among the living."
Lan Xichen's shoulders relaxed slightly at her touch and words, the weight of his thoughts eased by her presence. "You're right, y/n. Thank you for being here with me."
With a gentle smile, she intertwined her fingers with his, their bond a testament to the strength they found in each other. "Always, Xichen. We face our challenges together, no matter the weight of the past."
As they settled into bed, the room filled with a sense of solace, a reminder that even in the face of their clan's tumultuous history, their love remained a beacon of hope for the future.
179 notes
·
View notes
"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says from his spot in front of the table, watching Wei Ying beside him closely, as his bleary eyes blink to clean up the haze and move slowly to look up to him.
"Are you sleepy?" He whispers, not wanting to break the silence in case it wakes him up fully. Wei Ying is sitting slumped next to him, still holding his chopsticks very loosely and looking at him with hooded and unfocused eyes. His brows furrowed a bit, glaring at Lan Wangji in a way that showed his displeasure at being woken up, his pouty lips ruining the annoyed look he was probably going for. The moment he processes the question he straightens up, and vigorously shakes his head, so much so he almost falls to the side.
"No no no," he says, while holding onto the table with the hand not holding the chopsticks, probably because he shook himself so hard he got dizzy. Lan Wangji places a hand cautiously on his waist, holding onto him so his husband doesn't slump over to the side. His hair was already messy from the night hunt they had just come back from, the red ribbon he wears everyday struggling to hold it up from so much tussling. After such shaking, the ribbon loosened enough to fall, Wei Ying's hair coming down messily and getting tangled on the ribbon.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's not even curfew yet, it's way too early! I don't sleep as early as you do," He protests, pointing his chopsticks at him and moving them close to Lan Wangji's cheek, grabbing the air threateningly like he's about to squish it like a jiaozi, before shaking his head again with a chuckle, this time slower so as to not knock himself unconscious, and going back to eating his food.
Lan Wangji caresses his hair, untangling the ribbon with dexterous fingers, so gently Wei Ying doesn't realize what he's doing, closing his eyes at the sudden affection. He's drowsy enough his attention to their surroundings is slipping. Wei Ying once told him he only felt safe enough to let go of his vigilance around him. The thought makes his lips curl up slightly.
"It was a long day," Lan Wangji murmurs after he's finished untangling the ribbon, folding it carefully over the table before passing his fingers through Wei Ying's hair, combing through it gently until he's satisfied with the state of it. Nodding to himself, he goes back to eating his own dinner, keeping an eye on Wei Ying in case he falls asleep again.
After a little while, when Lan Wangji has already finished eating, he notices Wei Ying's hand drop to the table as his eyes close, head tilting forward slowly until he wakes himself up with a start and begins the process all over again. It's very amusing and endearing, seeing Wei Ying fall asleep while eating like A-yuan used to do as a kid. It's also a testament to how tired Wei Ying is that the Jingshi is completely devoid of sound.
He watches him for a bit, as Wei Ying tries to finish his dinner, besotted beside himself, until Wei Ying actually drops forward and almost bangs his head against the table. Luckily Lan Wangji has good reflexes and managed to catch him by the shoulders. He wakes up again, blinking wearily up at him before dropping all his weight on Lan Wangji, resting his head over his chest.
Lan Wangji huffs a laugh, kissing the top of Wei Ying's head. He takes away the chopsticks that he is somehow still holding and picks him up in his arms.
"Still not sleepy?" He says softly as he carries him to bed, laying him down over it before arranging himself next to him, covering them both with the blankets. Wei Ying's hair is long and dark, splayed over the pillow and framing his face in beautiful contrast. Lan Wangji's hand goes unconsciously to it, touching his cheek sweetly.
"Nope," Wei Ying says, eyes still closed, and then gives an impressively big yawn, moving around on the bed until finally laying down on his side facing Lan Wangji. He grabs the hand closest to him, the one stroking his cheek, and kisses the palm before moving up to kiss Lan Wangji's lips, sighing out before relaxing completely.
"Not at all," is the last thing he says, whispering so softly he barely hears it, before his breathing evens out as he falls asleep. Lan Wangji is in love with a ridiculous man, and he hugs said ridiculous man close with a smile. He wouldn't have it any other way.
–
Inspired by the "are you sleepy?" Incorrect quote from @wangxian-on-repeat :]
164 notes
·
View notes