Letting go of self-restraint 2 - All that is missing is a little one

Chapter 46

Just as Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan have finished their breakfast and handed the empty dishes back to Wen Ning, someone knocked on the door. If the Dafan Wen doctor noticed how the Yunmeng Jiang sect disciple startled or how the Second Jade drew himself closer to his soulmate, he seemed to not pay it any mind as he went to see who was seeking them.

Even before the door was open, Wei Wuxian heard Lan Xichen's voice and he relaxed instantaneously. When the First Jade stepped inside, Wen Ning gave a quick bow in his direction and left. The Gusu Lan sect leader approached the bed, his lips turned upwards in a gentle smile. The Yunmeng Jiang disciple felt guilt starting to swirl in his stomach. Although his brother-in-law's expression did not betray anything but concern, he was sure that Lan Xichen was blaming him for running away and leaving his brother struggling alone.

Lan Zhan was very vague when explaining what had happened during the month he was hiding in the Burial Mounds, but he could feel through their mental bond that the older boy was suffering the whole time, looking for him desperately. Wei Wuxian was blaming himself for his husband's pain, so it was only logical that his brother-in-law would be blaming him too.

The Second Jade squeezed his hand to stop the younger boy's negative thoughts: "Wei Ying, we already talked about this. It was not your fault. You did what you thought was necessary. I understand that. And so does brother..."

There was no more time for their silent conversation as Lan Xichen approached the bed and inquired: "Wuxian, Wangji, how are you feeling?"

The Yunmeng Jiang disciple tried his best to smile back and sound cheerful: "Brother Xichen, we have eaten and have slept well. We are both doing much better. Thank you for your concern."

There was relief in the Gusu Lan sect leader's eyes, if he entertained any doubts about the younger boy's words, he kept them to himself: "That is good to hear. I am happy you are back by Wangji's side, we were worried." Wei Wuxian's thoughts were once again spiralling towards guilt, he was saved by another tightening of Lan Zhan's grip on his hand.

As if his brother-in-law understood the younger boy's feelings, he calmly continued: "We are all glad you and the baby are safe. Although we are concerned about what horrible experience pushed you to make such a decision, we will not press you to reveal anything to us. I know there are probably many things in your past that you still cannot bring yourself to talk to us about; just know that we are here for you. Also, despite not fully understanding your motives, we will never blame you for trying to protect yourself and the baby; it is only a natural reaction when one thinks there is danger lurking nearby.

I only hope you are not scared anymore and that you trust us not to hurt you or your baby. You can rely on us for anything anytime. I think you already know it, but we would never abandon or hurt an innocent child. You need not to be afraid that it would be unwanted either, in fact, we are overjoyed, Wangji most of all; it is such great news! I am so happy for you and Wangji, this surely is an occasion for celebration!"

That was all it took for Wei Wuxian's emotions to be stirred again and for the water gates of his tears to become completely undone. He did not know what it was with him that he was crying so much the last two days but he just could not help himself, he was extremely emotional. He did not know how did he come to deserve such a loving and understanding family, yet he was eternally grateful to have found it and to be accepted into it; and now that family would have one more member.

He smiled sweetly, putting one hand on his belly, the other was still claimed by his husband. Tears were still streaming down his cheeks, now however, they were no longer bitter, guilty or fearful, he cried out of happiness. "Thank you, Brother Xichen," he whispered, voice still full of emotions.

Suddenly he jumped a little, startled by a movement in his belly. The Second Jade grew concerned instantly as he whispered: "Wei Ying?" Without any explanation, the Yunmeng Jiang sect disciple drew Lan Zhan's hand over his stomach to feel their child moving, he did not want his husband to miss this moment.

The Gusu Lan sect disciple went very still, Wei Wuxian could feel his muscles stiffening where he was touching him with his back as he was still seated in his soulmate's lap. Immediately, the younger boy was overcome with doubts whether Lan Zhan was really approving of them having a child, he thought that perhaps he was just saying so without really understanding all the implications behind it.

He risked a quick glance at his husband and had to smile to himself: the Second Jade's eyes and mouth were wide open, his expression was pure shock mixed with amazement. He only realized in the corner of his mind that Lan Xichen was leaving silently, probably to give them some privacy. Wei Wuxian leaned more into his soulmate's embrace while still keeping the older boy's hand on his belly. He stretched upwards a bit and sealed Lan Zhan's agape mouth with his own.

He was surprised when the Gusu Lan sect disciple's eyes became watery, until tears slipped down his cheeks. The younger boy could feel his husband's emotions through their mental bond, they warmed his heart. There was no deception, nor rejection, Lan Zhan genuinely wanted and already loved their child.

The baby stopped moving but the Second Jade did not retract his hand. He only tightened his hold on Wei Wuxian with his other limb and drew him closer, into another burning kiss. It took them both a while to calm down enough to stop crying and to have their vision clear up. The baby moved again while they were entangled with each other which resulted in another heated moment.

With one last gentle kiss, Lan Zhan touched his soulmate's cheek and whispered, his voice thick with emotions, his eyes speaking volumes about how much he loved the younger boy and how grateful he was for their union being blessed with a child: "Thank you, Wei Ying. I am the happiest man alive because of you."