OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER (A WANGXIAN STORY)

Chapter 44

Zizhen tripped on a stone. Jin Ling caught him in the nick of time, grabbing onto the fabric on the nape of his neck. "Are you blind now?.", he frowned. His steps bold and even. Zizhen just shook it off and followed. They were on their way back after another hunt. Of late they did most things together.

"Lets get a drink before heading home. Think of it as a celebration for getting you out of your castle.", Ouyang Zizhen tapped the other's back, making Jin Rulan stumble. The man in golden robes glared at his friend for a second then stood straight, hands locked behind him. Without another word he changed direction towards a popular eatery. His companion chuckled at his reaction. Jin Rulan was more tolerant of late; perhaps too tolerant of him.

They were offered a table, served and bit by bit they ate and drank. "Jin Ling, I received word from Lan Sizhui. He wants us to join them on a night hunt. Something about getting in shape before Wei Wuxian takes over. Your Uncle is crazy so I agree with him.", Zizhen refilled their cups.

"I'm not interested.", Rulan gulped down his liquor. The man in dark red sitting across him sighed. He didn't want to poke open wounds but he could not watch his friend distance himself. "Is it because of Jingyi?...Do you hate your cousin, Sizhui because of that?"

"I don't hate anyone and I don't care about Jingyi.", A streak of anger flashed on Rulan's face. "Then join us...", Zizhen was persistent. "Look, there are many beautiful men and women you could fall in love with...", he stressed.

"I'm done eating, lets leave.", Jin Ling put down his cup and picked up his sword. They were no where near done with their food but Zizhen had to run after him, leaving money on the table.

"Jin Ling!"

"Zizhen, I have enough to do. Uncle Cheng may be Reagent but I have to show him I'm competent. We are old enough to go on night hunts alone, so stop insisting.", Jin Ling unsheathed his sword and jumped on and without looking back he flew with the wind. Zizhen pursed his lips, and let him go...

***

The Pier got livelier everyday with Wei Wuxian around. Always making his brother panic when he urged MuYun to play roughly and letting his sister in-law play with his hair. Following Jiang Ju's comments about the sudden extra glow on his features, Wei Ying wanted to take better care of himself. In no time he was okay and the pain he hid within eased.

When he was not playing with MuYun or conversing with Lady Jiang, Wei Ying got entangled in his husbands heat. Day and night, they went at it like rabbits at any given chance. Whether in the library, forest, on a boat or in a shady tight corner, there was no limit to their wild activities. Wei Ying was the instigator, starting flames that eventually burned him out and Wangji, the main wood fuelling the fire. 

One month without reconciling with his brother was enough to make Xichen leave everything behind and chase after Wangji. He had not thought of what to say. What could he possibly say to Wangji for breaking his trust? So he reached out to the two people he was certain could help.

Stepping on the grounds he could not keep was bittersweet. Lan Xichen was once again at the Lake house, waiting for Jiang Cheng. Wei Ying would tag along. Winter was fast approaching and the Magnolia plant sitting by the lake had shed all of its fragrant blooms. Lan Xichen walked to the dock. Surprising how he could picture everything clearly like it was just yesterday, when he frolicked in the water holding Wanyin in his arms.

"ZewuJun"

He turned. The beautiful frame of a man he dreamed of every night greeted him with a serious look. Bright almond eyes and sharp features that grew gallant the more he aged. Xichen sucked in a breath. Anytime he laid eyes on Jiang Cheng his arms wanted to grab him and chain him to his chest but when he remembered Lady Jiang, he'd have enough strength to pull back.