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

Chapter 51

They were staying in Lotus Pier for a few days after the younger boy's confession while Wei Ying was recovering and gaining some strength to be able to support the long journey back to Cloud Recess. While he was ordered to stay in bed most of the time and was only allowed short walks under supervision, he did not complain, he was being spoiled rotten by everyone, especially his husband.

Lan Zhan never left his side the whole time and would do all that his soulmate asked even before he would actually voice his desires and needs. He pampered the younger boy as much as he could, making up for all the time they have missed. He was observing him intently for any discomfort, indulging in almost excessive skin ship and asking the staff to cook all the Yunmeng Jiang disciple's favourites, although in their less spicy variations.

Wei Ying was actually really surprised how much the older boy was fuzzing over him. Normally, he would have teased his husband for that to see him blushing, but he knew full well that it was because of his rash actions and his confession that Lan Zhan got so overprotective. He would not make light of his soulmate's feelings even though he was not left alone even for so long to be able to take a bath in private.

After the night when they both cried themselves to sleep, the Second Jade was keeping a close watch on the younger boy. Although his husband promised not to do anything rash anymore, he was still feeling uneasy when he could not see him and touch him. The thought of his beloved disappearing once again with their child was waking him up in the middle of the night in cold sweat. He still could not believe that Wei Ying was dealing with all his anxiety and negative thoughts on his own, without the Second Jade ever knowing what his beloved was agonising over all the while.

Fortunately, it seemed like the Yunmeng Jiang sect disciple's previous hesitation and fears disappeared after his confession, it eased his conscience greatly. To tell the truth, the Gusu Lan sect disciple was horrified that his soulmate would even think about harming their unborn baby. It was hard for him to imagine how desperate and alone Wei Ying must have felt at that moment to even entertain the idea after his previous experience.

Although Lan Zhan had not known until recently about the event of that fateful night when his husband had left for the Burial Mounds, he still felt like he had failed to support him. It clearly took a toll on him. The Gusu Lan sect disciple wanted to make it up to his husband and make him believe that he would always be by his side.

Wei Ying would never have to make such decisions alone, never face difficulties alone and never have to fear his husband' reactions or doubt his support. He would make sure of it.

***

One day, just after lunch, Lan Xichen and Nie Huisang came to visit them. As soon as the visitors stepped into the room, Wei Ying could feel that something had changed between them, they seemed much closer to each other than the last time he had seen them together. He was wondering why that was, it was only a feeling, because as far as he could tell, they did not really behave any differently, still keeping up the polite decorum. Perhaps they stood a little closer to each other? Or were their eyes more sparkling when their gazes crossed? He did not know but it was definitely bugging him.

The Yunmeng Jiang sect disciple however quickly forgot about this topic when the Gusu Lan sect leader turned to him after finishing the polite small talk and being reassured that there was nothing wrong with the pregnant Omega's health: "Wuxian, there is something we have to talk about. I know you did not want to reveal yourself as an Omega and I hate to force you to do this but it became clear that if your and Wangji's child should be acknowledged for the status that rightfully belong to it, one of the future Gusu Lan sect heirs, it would need to be made public that you both are its parents.

I do not want to force you into anything you would not want to do, but just please give this a thought. We could still arrange for the acknowledgement at a later date, after the child would be born, but it would be much harder convince the other sects to believe us. If they see you now, pregnant, there could be no question about the truthfulness of your parentage. I really am sorry to dump this on you when you have just returned to us but..."

It was apparent from the First Jade's expression that he was really regretful for asking this of Wei Ying. The younger boy wanted to laugh and cry at the same time: "I caused so much trouble, did I not? Me not wanting to be recognized as an Omega was only one of them. Although I am now prepared to admit it and proudly show our child to the whole world, I guess I did not yet make that clear to them. And here they are, worrying about me. I am so lucky and blessed."

"Wei Ying is not afraid to be seen as an Omega anymore?" Lan Zhan was extremely surprised by that statement and the younger boy realized that he had not yet told even his soulmate about his dream. He really wanted to be recognized as his husband and the parent of their child, he did not want to hide his true identity anymore.

He leaned in and pecked a chaste kiss to the older boy's lips before turning back to Lan Xichen who was still talking and apologizing, visibly upset that he had to bring up the topic at all and also vary, probably wondering how Wei Ying would react to it. The Yunmeng Jiang sect disciple surprised both him and Nie Huisang when he cheerfully stated: "I would like nothing more than to publically announce my pregnancy, just as Shijie's was. It would be alright that way, right? I do not want to fear my second gender anymore and I want to show to everyone just how happy me and Lan Zhan are about the baby."

A soft "Oh" left the Gusu Lan sect leader's lips and his eyes were bright with pride. The Second Jade felt similar, he was extremely proud of his husband finally overcoming his greatest fear and taking such a huge step forward, finally stepping out of the phantom shadow of Yu Ziyuan.

It was Nie Huisang who spoke first, excitement apparent in the way he was actually bouncing up and down on his cushion: "Those are excellent news, Brother Wei. I am so glad you are not bothered by our suggestion. We were afraid you would be upset... If it is alright with you, we will organize for an official announcement the day after tomorrow." He winked conspiratorially at his friend and added: "We would not want it to clash with the announcement of Miss Jiang giving birth."

Wei Ying smiled loudly, the Qinghe Nie disciple knew him well. He would not like to overshadow his sister's happiness. "No time like the present!" he agreed.

The arrangements were made and sect leaders rushed to Lotus Pier once again. The announcement as such went great and Wei Ying was very surprised that no one was loathing or despising the fact that he was an Omega. If anything, he got a lot of praising remarks and compliments about how he was an outstanding talent as a cultivator.

He could not help himself to feel happy, everything seemed perfect to him at that moment. He would have never imagined his future would become this bright after all those years spend in fear. Lan Zhan was proudly standing by his side the whole time, a faint smile on his lips and his chest overflowing with pride and love.