Seeking Solace

Ch. 18 -What it is to be Loved

"How long was I...?" Wei Wuxian questioned Lan Xuan.

"It took a few days. We thought we had failed somehow and had given up. We had no idea that it had actually worked, but I am very glad it did." Lan Xuan smiled gently.

"Everyone is still here, in the Jiang dining hall, waiting. At least all those who care." Lan Xuan told him. Except for two people, whose lives hang in the balance because of their horrid actions against you, Lan Xuan thought. He paused for a moment, sensing his baby brother's presence outside Wei Wuxian's door.

Lan Xuan hid a smile behind his sleeve. "I think I shall take my leave for the moment and let the others know that you are back, is that alright with you? Or do you need more time to adjust?"

Wei Wuxian smiled slightly, staring down at his hands. "It's true I need some time to adjust but I will be okay," I hope.

Lan Xuan hesitated and looked at Wei Wuxian carefully with worried eyes. Wei Wuxian was far away from being okay right now, but with time and some healing, Lan Xuan believed it would all work out for the best. He would be there for his brother and Wei Wuxian to protect and watch over them. And this time Wei Wuxian would have more people on his side. Lan Xuan hoped it would be enough to help him heal. To help them all heal.

"Very well, I will take my leave Master Wei."

Lan Xuan opened the door to exit the room to find Lan Wangji standing there anxiously. How cute he is. What a shame, I really want to tease him. It will have to wait though, Lan Xuan sighed internally. His brother must have heard Wei Wuxian's voice, realizing that he was alive and that the talisman had worked and now he was anxious to see him. Lan Xuan had closed the door gently behind him before speaking.

"Young Master Wei is fine, A-Ji. He is alive and well. Be gentle with him, Wangji, and have patience. And also.. he knows. About your feelings, that is. I told him. I know, I overstepped, and I was wrong to intervene like that but I couldn't let the misunderstandings continue. He believed you hated him all this time. I know you confessed that day in the cave..but he has no memory of it. The shock and trauma of that time was very critical for him...especially after Lady Jiang sacrificed her life for him right before his eyes. When you confessed, he was practically catatonic and not in his right mind." Lan Xuan took the time to explain all of it clearly for his brother so there was no confusion or misunderstandings, and he spoke very low and had concealed this conversation from Wei Wuxian through a sound barrier.

Lan Wangji's eyes widened with every word he spoke, glistening. Lan Xuan gave him a sad smile. "I swear to you, my words are true, my beloved younger brother. And I will also say, he does not hate you. If anything it's the exact opposite. But Master Wei has been through many traumatic things and is oblivious to any romantic feelings. I have been with you all of your life. I have seen master Wei since you first met. In my eyes, he has always been quite fond of you, even smitten. He wanted so much to be your friend and tried very hard to tease you and get your attention back then before...before everything changed. I know how you feel for him, and I believe deep down he still feels the same; however, he's been through much and...he needs time to process everything and heal. Even if he tries to push you away, because it will probably happen, just be there for him, support him as you have always wanted to. Be his shelter from the storm, the rock he can lean on when he can no longer stand on his own, because he is too exhausted to. Be his guiding light when he feels lost. And this time, you won't be alone either, because I will be right here for the both of you. No matter what. And it's not just me.You and Wei Wuxian are no longer alone." Lan Xuan spoke softly, gently brushing the back of his hand down his brother's face and under his eyes, wiping the tears falling from Lan Wangji's eyes.