The white lotus of the Cloud Recesses

by wintercub

Summary:

Wei Wuxian put the handkerchief into his robes and started walking to his next class. He was unusually quiet and the other two male omegas walking next to him from the embroidery class to the Orchid Room also stayed silent, noticing that something was different about his mood today.

When they arrived at the entrance though, all three of them froze, then awkwardly slowly hurried to their designated seats. In place of their usual teacher was the second jade. What was he doing here?

 

Or, for the past eight years, 18-year-old Wei Wuxian has lived comfortably in the Cloud Recesses. One day 31-year-old Lan Wangji makes it known that he is courting him, but the innocent and playful young omega wants to wait for marriage, driving his betrothed alpha crazy.

Chapter 1: The bud

Notes:

This is my first fanfic for this fandom. I hope you enjoy reading!

 

The alphas and omegas in this AU have two layers to their scent. There's a base layer that doesn't change after presenting and a second layer that changes based on mood and other things.

Wei Wuxian
Base scent: Iris root (sweet, earthy, freshly washed skin)
Second layer: Lotus flower (aquatic, floral) and milk (during pregnancy)

Lan Wangji
Base scent: Sandalwood (creamy and light wood scent)
Second layer: Cedar (like an old wooden building) and ginger (spicy, medicinal)

Wei Ying first came to Gusu when he was ten years old. His parents had died when he was young and he had wandered the streets since then until one day his father's former master, clan leader Jiang, had come to find him and pick him off the streets after hearing of his former subordinate’s death.

Wei Ying had felt a little bit happy and hopeful, but also quite scared being carried somewhere by the unfamiliar man, even though he had known his and his parents’ names. Then everything went downhill from there when they arrived at Lotus Pier.

The clan leader's son’s three dogs had been driven away because of his fear of dogs. It had resulted in the little young master running away from home, searching for his pets all throughout Yunmeng. Thankfully he hadn't travelled too far and someone had recognized the little young master, bringing him back to Lotus Pier the following morning.

The sight that had awaited the little young master after arriving was his mom screaming at the crying child sitting on the ground. Repeating all kinds of things about him never being able to become anything more than a servant and him taking after his mom in messing up the order of the Jiang family.

She also made sure to yell at his dad to take the small orphan anywhere else but the Lotus Pier. She yelled at his sister for apparently giving the crying child food. She also yelled at the servant who had taken the dogs away at his dad’s request, telling him to bring them back at whatever cost.

That very day clan leader Jiang had packed his things for a short trip to Gusu in hopes of the Lan clan being able to take the little orphan in. He had a very short meeting with Lan Qiren, since clan leader Jiang didn't have any information about the kid. He could only tell him what had happened at Lotus Pier.

The Lan elder had agreed to take the orphan in as an outer disciple, allowing him to cultivate, call the Cloud Recesses his home and also take care of all of his basic needs. When Wei Ying had turned fifteen and presented as an omega, he had started using his courtesy name given by the man. His base scent had presented as iris root: earthy, sweet and like freshly washed skin.

~

Wei Wuxian was now eighteen years old. He was the head disciple of a group of male omegas and betas. This was a system unique to the Lan clan. Usually clans didn't bother to give the title of a head disciple to more than one individual.

In the Cloud Recesses, the living quarters were divided into four groups. It mostly just applied to the outer disciples, juniors who were unmarried and guest disciples. Other people in the Lan clan either lived with their family before becoming a junior, or they lived alone as an adult outside of one of these four living quarters.

Male omegas were rare, as were female alphas. Therefore the four groups were: male alphas, male omegas and betas, female alphas and betas, and female omegas.

Training, night hunting and studying were usually done in these groups, although sometimes two different groups might be combined. The living quarters were divided more strictly and no one from a different group was allowed to enter.

Lan Wangji was the clan leader's younger brother. He was 31 this year and had presented as an alpha at fourteen, just like his brother, but for some reason he didn't really portray any typical alpha traits. Someone could have even mistaken him for a beta if it wasn't for his scent. He was very studious and ascetic, never showing any interest in an omega, or anyone else.

He was known for being rarely seen outside of his study. He was mysterious, elegant, otherworldly handsome and with one of the highest cultivation levels in all recorded history. And he was very strict about the clan's rules, which happened to be the best way of catching a glimpse of the great second jade, since he was in charge of punishments in the Cloud Recesses. The second best way was catching a glimpse from a distance when he went night hunting, always alone.

Some elders who knew him better were even secretly worried that something had gone wrong with his presentation and that he would be unable to ever find a mate, but they didn't dare to voice their thoughts out loud since making up rumors was prohibited.

Wei Wuxian was a very talented cultivator himself, which helped him stay under the elders’ radar most of the time. Even if he was slacking off, he was still far ahead of the others and most of the time there wasn't any specific rule he had broken. If he wanted to drink alcohol, he just had to drink it outside the Cloud Recesses’ walls, no big deal.

It also helped that Lan Qiren had a secret soft spot for him, having been the one to take him in. The other elders also admired his high cultivation level and thought of it as a blessing for the Lan clan. The young alphas of the Lan clan were also reluctant to tell on him if they ever accidentally saw him doing something suspicious with the other omegas, since they all secretly wanted to court him but knew that once someone makes the first move, all the others will follow and the competition will be tough.

Therefore, Wei Wuxian had lived well in the Cloud Recesses for the past eight years.

Despite being known among the omegas and betas as a little troublemaker, most of the time Wei Wuxian was actually a really good student. He took the clan rules to heart, only bending them slightly, since without the Lan clan taking him in and giving him a chance to cultivate he would be nowhere near where he was in life today.

Wei Wuxian had his own cottage in the living quarters of the male omegas and betas. Each cottage was just one small room with a small porch. It was enough room for a sleeping area, a dressing area and a study area. There were also some shared cottages, which were slightly bigger and could accommodate two to four disciples. Which one you got depended on your position in the Lan clan. Guest disciples, betas and kids under fifteen who didn't have a family to live with usually got the shared cottages. Wei Wuxian had also moved out from one of the shared cottages three years ago when he started presenting.

Nine times out of ten you could guess a child's second gender before they present. Wei Wuxian had also been pretty sure he would present as an omega and was not surprised when the signs started. He had actually been quite excited about it.

~

Wei Wuxian was sitting at his desk on the floor, sometimes drawing something silly, sometimes writing poetry seriously. As an omega of marriageable age, he was expected to be good at certain arts, like poetry and embroidery, to be able to bring honor to his future alpha.

The clouds were lower than usual today, leaving the sky above the Cloud Recesses clear. The bright sunlight was pouring in from the open window, onto Wei Wuxian who was looking outside at a pond where white lotuses were planted. They were probably his favorite flower if you asked, although the large magnolia tree in full bloom, which he sometimes climbed, was a close second.

The pond was visible from his window, although at a distance. His little cottage was at the outer edge of the living quarters, which enabled him to see the pond even though it was in the public area outside the short wall of the omega's and beta’s residences. The lotuses weren't in bloom yet, but would be in maybe a week or two. He could see the still small buds forming at the ends of the stalks.

They were currently having a two week summer break, which would sadly end tomorrow. Wei Wuxian was therefore doing this in his free time, since he had had a moment of inspiration today after waking up and had started writing.

The omega looked down at all the papers he had written and scribbled on. He was starting to lose the focus he had earlier and now wanted to clean up and go enjoy the last day of their summer break. There was one beginning of a poem that he was most satisfied with.

‘The bud at the end of the green stalk is young’

‘I prepare diligently to meet my beloved’

Wei Wuxian was actually not that good at completing his poems, which might be one of the reasons he was practicing, even during a day like this. Another reason was that he was already eighteen years old. Most omegas found their partner in their teen years and were married by the time they were twenty, although at the earliest you could get married at fifteen, which some did.

He was slightly worried about his lack of concentration skills when it came to poetry and embroidery, but he didn't let it show on the outside. He was secretly worried about being left behind when it came to finding an alpha. In cultivation, he was far ahead of the others and not worried at all. But when it came to relationships, he hadn't even had a crush yet, which made him feel insecure when the other omegas were talking about theirs while showing off something beautiful they had embroidered.

Wei Wuxian couldn't focus at all anymore. The day was still young and he wanted to spend most of it by playing outside. He threw most of the scribbles into a woven basket and placed a jade weight on the somewhat good ones to let them dry completely. He put away his ink but left the other writing equipment laying on the desk and headed out.

~

The next morning Wei Wuxian woke up to a busy day full of classes. Along with the water for washing, he had been delivered a paper with the schedule for each day of the week written on it. He read the section of his schedule for today.

Mao time (05-07):
After the 5am morning bell rang, every disciple was supposed to wake up, wash up, get dressed and go eat breakfast. Then, halfway into Mao time, there was the first class of the day, which was one hour of meditation.

Chen time (07-09):
After the meditation, his group had two hours of sword training on the gravel training grounds.

Si time (09-11):
For the first half of Si time, the group continued strength training and stretching on the training grounds. The second half was reserved for having lunch.

Wu time (11-13):
After lunch time he had two hours of embroidery class in the Plum Blossom Room, which was a classroom on the female side of the Cloud Recesses. The class was mandatory for all omegas.

Wei time (13-15):
And lastly, his least favorite class. Two hours of studying the clan rules he already knew in the Orchid Room.

Wei Wuxian sighed and put down the paper after reading it through and memorizing it. He was usually tired in the mornings and so the 5am morning bell had already rang half an hour before he had managed to get out of bed. He usually skipped breakfast, just like today.

The omega sleepily washed up and got dressed. He had naturally straight black hair and pale skin but during summer he would always develop a softer contrast from spending a lot of time outside. Currently his hair was a deep dark brown color and his skin slightly tan. The humidity of summer and his special hair drying method also made his hair slightly wavy.

He gathered up his long hair, the ends of his forehead ribbon included, and tied it with a wider and shorter white ribbon, creating a bow with it while doing so. Lastly, he put on his white outer robe, white boots and grabbed Suibian to head out to the meditation class.

~

Several hours later Wei Wuxian was holding his poorly embroidered handkerchief and pouting at it. He was so good at drawing, everyone praised him for it. Why couldn't he get the hang of embroidery the same way?

He put the handkerchief into his robes and started walking to his next class. He was unusually quiet and the other two male omegas walking next to him from the embroidery class to the Orchid Room also stayed silent, noticing that something was different about his mood today.

When they arrived at the entrance though, all three of them froze, then awkwardly slowly hurried to their designated seats. In place of their usual teacher was the second jade. What was he doing here?

The normally silent classroom was even more silent today. Everyone sat still, back straight and gaze forward. Even Wei Wuxian whose emotional state was a mess today and couldn't really be bothered to. He had no other choice. The second jade was in charge of punishment and Wei Wuxian really wanted to be done with today after this class.

Everyone was nervous today, but Wei Wuxian swore that Lan Wangji kept looking at him every five minutes. And every time he did, his gaze lingered.

After two hours, the class was dismissed and Wei Wuxian felt weirdly lightheaded as he stood up. He had a lot of gaps in his memory from the class and felt frustrated with himself. He gathered up his things and accidentally locked eyes with Lan Wangji for two seconds before turning around and heading towards the living quarters.

While walking, he heard other disciples whispering about the second jade acting strange during today's class. Weird, Wei Wuxian hadn't noticed anything different about his behavior today. He turned towards the disciples to ask how exactly had he acted strange, but they looked startled and walked away from him before he could ask.

He left his notes from class and Suibian in his room and walked up to the lotus pond. He sat down on the grass in front of the pond and took out his embroidery from his robes, comparing it to the real lotus leaves in front of him.

They used silk thread in class today and were practicing how to embroider a gradient color. He had used three different shades of green that reflected light beautifully. It was only a shame that he couldn't bring out the full beauty of the thread with his skills.

Wei Wuxian suddenly saw white robes from the corner of his eye and was startled. He relaxed immediately though, white robes were nothing unusual in the Cloud Recesses. Then he realized that he hadn't heard or sensed the person approaching at all, which meant that they had to have a higher level of cultivation than he had, which meant that they were most likely his senior and he should greet them politely.

He turned his head to see who he should greet, but was confused at who he saw standing there, looking down at him with his mesmerizing golden eyes, like polished jewels.

“Hanguang-jun?”

Had he done something wrong during class after all?

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian was surprised at the use of his birth name.

“May I sit here?” Lan Wangji asked.

“Of course.” Wei Wuxian was confused. This was the Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji was a member of the main Lan family. Why couldn't he sit wherever he wanted?

“Your embroidery?” Lan Wangji spoke after sitting down next to him.

“Yes. I did it in class today, but… I'm not very good at it.” Wei Wuxian explained.

“Can I take a look at it?”

“Sure.” Wei Wuxian handed the object to him, slightly self-conscious at having someone as distinguished as Hanguang-jun looking at it so closely.

“Lotus leaves?”

“Yes. I'm surprised you actually recognized that. It looks like a mess, haha.” Wei Wuxian answered awkwardly.

Lan Wangji looked at the embroidery intently, not taking his gaze away for a long time. It almost looked like he was reluctant to part with it. Maybe he wasn't as bad at embroidery as he had thought?

“You can keep it.” Wei Wuxian offered tentatively after a while.

“Are you sure?”

Wei Wuxian thought about it for a while. It's not like he had anything to lose. He couldn't keep it around to give to his future alpha anyway, he had a lot more practicing to do before his skills were at that kind of level.

“Yes.” He answered.

Lan Wangji looked at him, and confirming that he was okay with parting with it, tucked it into his own robes. Wei Wuxian wondered what the alpha wanted it for.

They sat in silence for a while, looking at the reflection of the sky on the surface of the pond and the gentle swaying of the large leaves in the calm breeze. Or at least that was what Wei Wuxian was looking at.

Wei Wuxian thought back on the several times he had seen Lan Wangji in the past eight years. When he was ten years old, Wei Wuxian had once had a bad day because of the food served in the Lan clan and had been crying so much that Lan Qiren had let him sit on his lap during a family banquet. He had met Lan Wangji only once before that, when he had been introduced to all the inner disciples and the main Lan family one by one.

One night when he was fifteen years old, he had snuck a pair of emperor's smile into his newly acquired single room. He wanted to celebrate his recent presentation with his omega friends from the Lan clan, and also an omega from the Nie clan who had come to study as a guest cultivator at the Cloud Recesses.

He had been caught by the great Hanguang-jun who was on guard duty that night while he was in the middle of climbing a wall, smelling like a freshly presented omega. Of course he couldn't expect to not be caught by someone with such a high cultivation level, but he was naturally very intelligent and that had saved him on that day.

Lan Wangji had looked down at the bottles, then up at his face questioningly. Wei Wuxian had simply smiled and stated “They are already empty, I drank them in Gusu city to celebrate my presentation and want to bring them back to keep as a memory.”

Then the evening bell had rang, signalling the beginning of Hai time. But luckily he had just barely made it on the side of the wall that was inside the protective barrier. Then he had bowed as a sign of respect and floated down under the soft moonlight, making sure to be quiet.

Wei Wuxian had held in his laugh as he walked back to the cottage. The alpha couldn't do anything. He hadn't broken any rules, except maybe lying and smuggling alcohol, but the other wouldn't have known that.

But come to think of it, the alpha's naturally heightened sense of smell and high cultivation level should have made it impossible for him not to smell the alcohol inside the bottles. But there was no way the person responsible for punishment would have just let him go like that. There must have been something on his mind to distract him, or maybe he just figured that you could smell the alcohol regardless as long as you haven't scrubbed them completely clean after drinking them.

Since then, whenever he saw Lan Wangji, although it was always at a distance, he could feel the other's eyes on him, as if waiting to catch him in action so he could be punished.

Lan Wangji’s company right now was actually surprisingly comfortable and calming, Wei Wuxian thought. Suddenly, he started to feel restless again. He gently rocked back and forth on the grass, biting his lower lip and started considering what he should eat for dinner today. He turned to look at Lan Wangji and barely saw the other turn his head away from him.

“Hanguang-jun?”

“Hm?” Lan Wangji hummed gently.

“Have you ever eaten at the Sichuan restaurant in Gusu city?”

“No.”

“Oh… Well, I think I'm gonna go there to have dinner today. It's a shame that I forgot to ask anyone to come to eat with me today though…”

“I could come with you.” Lan Wangji said, surprising the omega.

“Ah, it's okay. You don't have to do that.” Wei Wuxian offered the other a way out politely.

“What if I insist?”

“Then I guess we will go eat at Gusu city today.” Wei Wuxian replied with a smile.

Notes:

Thank you for reading the first chapter, please leave a comment if you liked it!

(Wei Wuxian has slightly low self-confidence now, but it will get better soon. Also, this is not going to be student/teacher.)

Chapter 2: Night hunt

It was an hour later and they were walking in Gusu city, Wei Wuxian leading the way and Lan Wangji following behind. After some time walking along the canals and old loquat trees, they arrived in front of the restaurant Wei Wuxian wanted to eat at. The two Lan cultivators sat down on opposite sides of a vacant table and the waiter didn't take long to appear.

“What would you two cultivators want to eat?” He asked politely.

Wei Wuxian listed a few dishes he knew he liked and then smiled and looked up at Lan Wangji. Usually he would also order alcohol at this point but didn't dare to because of the other person with him.

“I…” Lan Wangji hesitated.

“Oh yeah, you've never eaten here before. How about I recommend you something. What do you like?” Wei Wuxian spoke while smiling.

“I like… something mild.”

“Hmm.” Wei Wuxian thought about it.

The alpha had grown up in the Cloud Recesses his whole life. Obviously he would like something mild and tasteless. This would be a good chance to introduce him to something tasty, but… he was afraid of scaring the second jade’s taste buds and losing the chance to ever interact this intimately with him again. He decided on recommending the most tasteless and bland meal on the menu and to his surprise, although should he really be surprised, the other seemed to like it and ate it entirely.

They ate in silence since Wei Wuxian had gotten lost in his thoughts, wondering how today's events had led to him sitting across from the respected Hanguang-jun and having a meal with him. He was also still slightly worried that he had done something wrong during class earlier, he for sure knew he could've at least focused better, and that the other was here just to keep an eye on him.

Once Wei Wuxian was full he started taking out his money pouch, but Lan Wangji noticed his intention and took out his own as well.

‘Isn't that the one I lost about a year ago?’ Wei Wuxian thought. He had dropped his money pouch one day and when he realized it he had gone back to look for it. It didn't have anything valuable inside but leaving items laying around was forbidden. When he couldn't find it he figured someone must have cleaned it up already. But how did it end up on Lan Wangji?

Lan Wangji had already managed to pay for both of them while Wei Wuxian was still thinking about the money pouch.

“Let us go.” Lan Wangji said and stood up, waiting for the omega to do so as well.

They walked back to the city gates and flew by sword from there until they arrived at the large wooden main gate of the Cloud Recesses. The sun hadn't set yet, but the lanterns of the Cloud Recesses had been lit already and the air was cooling down, showing that it was getting late. The disciples standing guard paused and looked between the two before bowing respectfully.

“Hanguang-jun. Wei gongzi.” They greeted.

Lan Wangji nodded and walked through the gate, the omega following close behind.

“It is getting late. You should go back to your quarters.” Lan Wangji said.

“Ahh, yes, of course.” Wei Wuxian answered, feeling strangely empty, and went on his way after respectfully bowing and saying goodbye.

The more he thought about it, the more weird it was that Lan Wangji had actually had dinner with him. Just the two of them. And he had fun, even though he had felt a bit tense at first. It was almost like it had been a date, but the second jade never went on dates. He never showed any interest in finding a mate or even any interest in making friends. Maybe the other juniors had been right about Hanguang-jun acting strange today.

Wei Wuxian decided not to tell the others about today. He didn't understand Lan Wangji’s intentions and didn't want others making assumptions based on his story if he couldn't give them an explanation on the alpha’s intention. It could create a mess that he could handle but which would be unfair for the alpha to go through.

~

It was early morning two days later. Thirty Lan juniors were gathered at the training grounds, which was a large rectangular field of white gravel. It was great for sword technique and other practice that requires a lot of unobstructed open space. Usually their morning lessons were held here, but some days were dedicated to night hunt practice instead of the usual schedule.

Lan Wangji stood in front of the group with perfect posture, an aura of strength and respect emanating from his very presence. He was facing the juniors who were organized into six perfect lines in front of him. Wei Wuxian was also among them, since it was the group of male omegas and betas he was a head disciple of. Lan Wangji took attendance and repeated the rules that had to be stated every time juniors were led to practice night hunting.

“Do not stray from the rest of the group. Do not do anything without my orders. Do not hesitate to help someone in need or call for my help if needed.” Lan Wangji said calmly.

They mounted their swords and set off slowly, since some of the juniors weren't as practiced at riding swords yet. The black tiled roofs of the Cloud Recesses turned grey as they ascended higher and the layer of mist between them grew thicker.

The group landed when they arrived at a large waterfall surrounded by rocky terrain and a shallow, clear stream. The waterfall area was lower than ground level and therefore there weren't many animals or vegetation. There were mostly just insects, small aquatic critters and overgrown thorny bushes. The opening was large and a lot of sunlight reached the ground since there weren't any trees above them. It made visibility good during the day and therefore a good training spot for inexperienced juniors.

The area often attracted different kinds of yao and there had been a sighting of a large bat yao yesterday by an older Lan clan member, which is why today had been decided to be dedicated to night hunt training.

Lan Wangji led the group around the area until they reached the waterfall. The bat had been sighted in the rocky ceiling between the flowing water and the rock wall behind it.

“Be careful. Do your best.” Lan Wangji spoke. A sign for the juniors to start.

Wei Wuxian was the first to enter the gap, being the head disciple of the group. The others entered one by one until all thirty were walking on the narrow, slippery path. Eventually they came across an indentation in the rock where there was an area with dry ground. The group gathered there to discuss.

“Did anyone see the bat?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“No. How could anyone look up when the path was so slippery.” A shidi answered.

“Yeah, me neither.” Another junior answered and the rest all shook their heads.

It seemed that no one had seen it yet so they kept going.

Wei Wuxian led the group further and further. They walked slowly and carefully. Sometimes the path went up and sometimes down, sometimes it got wider and sometimes narrower. All was well and good until they reached a very tricky spot. The path was a little bit wider but very uneven and descending. It also happened to be the spot where the bat yao was.

They all looked up at the sleeping yao. It was black and orange, with two pairs of wings and it was slowly waking up, staring back at the group with its half-opened purple eyes. Two juniors stepped forward, one shidi and one shixiong. Wei Wuxian wasn't worried about the older one, but he kept his eyes on the 15-year-old.

The shixiong drew his sword and the yao immediately reacted, spreading its four wings and causing chaos in the uneven, slippery place. He started going after the bat but Wei Wuxian didn't know if he managed to catch it or not since the shidi slipped on the wet rock right in front of him when the bat lunged towards them. Wei Wuxian grabbed him without hesitation, getting the junior barely out of the way, but he ended up bumping into a sharp rock, scraping his shin and when he flinched away, his head got scraped with a thorny branch.

“Shixiong! Shidi! Are you okay?” Some of the other juniors asked.

Thankfully they were right at the other end of the waterfall and only needed to walk a few more steps to get out of the tight space and into the dry open land where Lan Wangji was waiting for them.

“Yeah.” Wei Wuxian answered the few who hadn't chased after the bat.

It seemed that someone had managed to kill the yao, since the rest of the group started appearing where they were and Wei Wuxian carefully crossed the difficult spot with the rest of the juniors.

The omega emerged from the waterfall path and stopped. He stood there dumbly, staring at Lan Wangji. His hair was disheveled, his ribbon barely holding on. There was a smudged drop of blood on his temple and one of his sleeves had ripped, revealing his inner robe underneath it. He thought that he was definitely going to get punished this time for appearing improperly or letting a dangerous situation happen so he didn't even dare to move.

Lan Wangji only saw the red and brown on Wei Wuxian's pristine white robes. He acted without hesitation and carried the omega to sit onto a rock, kneeled and started taking his shoe off. Before removing the shoe completely, he turned his intense but worried gaze that said ‘do not look’ towards the other juniors, who then hurried somewhere else.

When they had been left alone, Lan Wangji continued, removing the white boot and sock. He placed them aside and rolled up the pant leg up until the thigh. He held the leg by the ankle to avoid touching the affected area, quickly assessed the shallow wound and started treating it while Wei Wuxian told him a short summary of what happened.

Wei Wuxian removed the white ribbon from his hair to look at it, it was slipping off and he would have to re-tie it anyway. It was usually inappropriate to let your hair loose in front of someone who wasn't your parent or significant other, but Wei Wuxian was still too shocked to think before it was already in his hand and his long hair fell onto his shoulders and the tips onto the rock he was sitting on.

Lan Wangji's breath hitched when the loose, dark tips entered his field of vision. He looked up at the omega and saw him pouting at the scraped ribbon in his hand.

“Do not worry about it. I will buy you a new one.”

After he was done treating the wound, Lan Wangji took gauze and a healing pill from his emergency qiankun pouch, wrapping the leg and giving the pill and a bamboo bottle full of water to the omega.

Lan Wangji lowered the pant leg back down and placed the sock and shoe back onto the naked foot. After letting the leg back down, he moved his gaze up to the smaller wound on his head. It was covered by disheveled hair and difficult to see but it was only a scrape and didn't need that much treatment for now.

He gave the omega a piece of gauze with alcohol on it and told him to press it over the scrape for a minute. Then he gave the omega another piece of gauze soaked in a medicinal liquid and told him to do the same again.

“You should tie your hair now.” Lan Wangji said after the omega handed him back the two used pieces of gauze to be discarded.

Wei Wuxian started tying his hair but his hands were shaking and the ripped part also made it more difficult. Lan Wangji waited at first, but after a minute of watching the other struggle he made a decision and even though it was inappropriate to touch the omega’s hair, he took the ribbon from his hand.

“Let me.” He said and tied the half-ripped ribbon as best as he could.

“Is my forehead ribbon also ripped?” Wei Wuxian asked while blushing slightly at the feeling of Lan Wangji’s fingers in his hair.

“It is not.” Lan Wangji answered after taking a proper look at it.

“Ahh, that's good.” Wei Wuxian sighed with relief.

Lan Wangji finished tying his hair and helped the omega up.

“Will I be punished?” Wei Wuxian asked apprehensively.

“No.”

“But I…”

“You saved your shidi. You did not break any rules.” Lan Wangji answered and led the omega where the rest of the group was waiting for them.

“Hanguang-jun.” The group of juniors greeted.

“We will return to the Cloud Recesses.” Lan Wangji spoke to the whole group.

“Yes, sir.” The juniors answered.

Lan Wangji commanded Bichen to hover between him and Wei Wuxian.

“You will fly with me.“ He said in a tone that didn't allow for objections.

Wei Wuxian stepped onto Bichen after Lan Wangji and as he wrapped his hands around the other's waist for support, he realized just how small he was against the taller cultivator. It wasn't even that he was that short, especially for an omega, but both of the twin jades, and most of the main Lan family, were known for their tall and sturdy build, making him feel small, but in a comfortable way.

“Hold on tight.” Lan Wangji spoke softly and the group took off.

Chapter 3: Large bud

Notes:

I added an explanation on what their scents are in the beginning of the first chapter.

When they arrived at the main gate of the Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji dismissed the group of juniors. Apart from Wei Wuxian, the shidi who had slipped and one other junior who had a small scratch on his hand, the rest returned to their own living quarters. Lan Wangji continued towards the healer’s cottage with the other three.

The healer led all of them inside. He first took a quick look at the three mildly injured juniors and listened to Lan Wangji's short report on what had happened. He told them to sit down and wait while he wrote a short report on all injuries, as it was one of his responsibilities.

The shidi had mildly sprained his ankle, but could walk normally, so the healer recommended that he keep it wrapped and avoid exercising for a few days. The other junior's hand was also only mildly scraped and he had disinfected it back at the waterfall, so the healer applied a medicinal paste onto it, covered it with gauze and told him to come back if it doesn't get better. The two were dismissed and it left only Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji had already treated his wounds so there was nothing much the healer could do today. Opening and reapplying the wrapping on the leg would only irritate the wound and the small scratch on his scalp had already been disinfected. It looked like it might even be already healed by tomorrow thanks to the omega's well developed golden core.

Lan Wangji took out a handkerchief and the bamboo water bottle from earlier and started to clean the omega's face. Wei Wuxian was surprised at first, but figured that the alpha felt responsible for the group of juniors he had led and just wanted to do whatever he could to make the injured junior feel better. He smiled shyly at the alpha and let him continue to do what he wanted to.

There was still a small amount of dried blood left in Wei Wuxian's hair. Lan Wangji hesitated for a while, but eventually let himself wipe that off too. He couldn't avoid touching the omega's hair while doing so, having to move the strands around to get all of the blood off. It was the second time today already, but Wei Wuxian didn't feel like stopping him.

The only people who had ever touched his hair before apart from himself were few. There were his parents, which he couldn't remember anything about, Lan Xiansheng, who had taken him in, and a few other Lan elders when he had been young and it couldn't be avoided.

Lan Wangji took the omega's wrist into his hand and checked his pulse to make sure that there was nothing else wrong. There wasn't. The healer then recommended Wei Wuxian to avoid exercising, getting the wound wet and to come to either him or Lan Wangji once a day to get the wound checked and re-wrapped until his shin is fully healed. Then he was also dismissed.

Lan Wangji walked him back until the small wooden gate of the living quarters for the male omegas and betas. This was the farthest he could go. There was a ward set up along the short wall that prevented alphas from entering and although he could probably break it, that would only cause trouble since he had no good reason to.

“I will arrange for a new set of robes to be sent to your living quarters tomorrow.” He told the young omega.

“Thank you.” Wei Wuxian said and bowed.

Lan Wangji looked reluctant to part with him, but didn't continue to say anything else, so the omega took it upon himself to enter through the gate and disappear into his little cottage.

~

The next morning Wei Wuxian received the set of new robes he had been promised and stayed in his room to meditate for four hours since he was banned from the active morning classes until his leg was better. Usually he would've probably just slept in, but he figured that meditation would be better than sleeping for the healing process.

He tied his hair loosely with the broken white ribbon and joined the other disciples for lunch. Even though he didn't eat much during lunch time, he still enjoyed the company of his friends. He always added some chili oil to his lunch. It had one day appeared and been regularly available since then, even though he had never seen anyone else touch it.

After lunch, there was a calligraphy class and then the last lesson for the day was the one Lan Wangji was teaching. The class went by quickly. Wei Wuxian was lost in his thoughts more than he actually focused, but Lan Wangji didn't seem to notice as he didn't call on him even once during the lesson.

After the other students started leaving the Orchid Room to go back to the living quarters, Wei Wuxian didn't dare to get up because Lan Wangji was looking at him so intensely, as if communicating telepathically to not go anywhere.

“Wei Ying. Come here.” Lan Wangji finally spoke when the classroom was empty except for the two.

Wei Wuxian got up and walked to the front of the room. Lan Wangji motioned for him to sit on the teacher's desk and started pulling out things from the emergency qiankun pouch. He rolled up the pant leg and removed the dressing.

The leg was healing well thanks to Wei Wuxian's meditation this morning and Lan Wangji’s care the previous day. Lan Wangji applied a new layer of medicinal paste to it and wrapped it up again. He probably felt very guilty for taking such care over such a small wound, Wei Wuxian thought.

Then the alpha stood up and took a white ribbon from his robes. It was pretty much identical to the one he was wearing right now, but the silk looked to be of a higher quality.

“Get up.” Lan Wangji ordered with his deep but gentle voice.

He held the omega by the shoulders and turned him around. He then gathered up his hair and tied it with the new ribbon. Wei Wuxian let him, enjoying the feeling of the fingers against his scalp as he gathered up the hair. Wei Wuxian had never resisted it to begin with but by now he had completely accepted that Lan Wangji was one of the people who were allowed to touch his hair.

Even though, if he thought about it, he knew it was inappropriate for someone who's not a parent or a close or respected elder to touch his hair, let alone an unmated alpha. The intimacy felt nice though, and Wei Wuxian wasn't complaining.

“There.” Lan Wangji said and removed his hands from his hair.

“Thank you, Hanguang-jun.” Wei Wuxian said happily and turned around.

Lan Wangji's passive face almost looked like he was frowning. Oh yeah, he hadn't focused much during class again, Wei Wuxian remembered. Was he going to be punished now?

Thankfully he had never been punished physically in his eight years in the Cloud Recesses, but maybe he was going to have to copy the clan rules again, or maybe he would get more homework than the others?

“You should get back now.” Lan Wangji only said.

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian made a confused face.

“Was there something else?”

Wei Wuxian looked up at him with his large, round eyes and blinked twice. “You're just going to let me go home?”

“Did you want to do something with me instead?”

Wei Wuxian thought about it for a while, and honestly, he did. He really enjoyed the alpha's company and based on his words it didn't seem like he was going to punish him for anything this time either, so he replied with a “Yes.”

“Uhm…” The alpha looked surprised and also just blinked a few times.

“How about we go eat together again?” Wei Wuxian suggested before the mood turned weird.

“Mn.” The alpha agreed.

~

Wei Wuxian took them to a different restaurant this time. They boarded a boat in Gusu city at the nearest point to the Cloud Recesses and travelled by boat to Caiyi town from there. They knew they had reached the town when the roofs on the white walled buildings had changed from black to grey.

Old willow trees lined the narrow streets of the town, hanging above the canals and creating a canopy that shaded them from the sun. Red lanterns hung everywhere and flowers of different colors bloomed around the town, a contrast to the Cloud Recesses’ all-white theme.

The boat stopped in front of a building that was lined with wooden windows. It was a Hunan restaurant that Wei Wuxian loved. Lan Wangji paid the rower and helped Wei Wuxian up, supporting him as they disembarked the boat. Although Wei Wuxian could walk on his own as normal, he didn't complain.

They entered the restaurant and a waitress who recognized him as a regular customer came to serve them.

“Would you like to have your regular order?” She asked.

“Yes, please.”

“What about this gentleman?” She asked Lan Wangji.

Before the alpha had to answer, Wei Wuxian added something mild to their order again. The waitress walked away and the two were left alone. Calm music was being played in the background and they both awkwardly looked out to the canals from the open window next to their table. The omega wondered how he had gotten into this kind of situation twice in one week.

A while later, the waitress returned with their food. A bottle of alcohol was also added to the table.

Lan Wangji frowned slightly but didn't comment. Lan cultivators were strongly suggested to avoid alcohol, even outside the Cloud Recesses, but it wasn't completely banned.

“Ahh. This…. I usually have a drink when I come here. Don't worry, I won't get drunk from this.” Wei Wuxian explained nervously.

Lan Wangji didn't comment and they started eating in silence. Wei Wuxian nervously drank the alcohol throughout the meal, eventually finishing the whole bottle and like he had promised, he wasn't drunk at all.

Lan Wangji had completely finished the meal Wei Wuxian had chosen for him and then took out his money pouch and paid for the both of them again.

“You don't have to pay for the alcohol.” Wei Wuxian said, feeling slightly guilty about drinking in front of the other.

“It is fine.” Lan Wangji said after a short pause.

After leaving the restaurant, they were standing on a nearby stone bridge, waiting for a boat to arrive to take them back. The lanterns had been lit and the cool evening breeze blew gently. The handsome alpha who took care of him was standing securely by his side. This kind of mood felt weirdly romantic, Wei Wuxian thought.

~

It had been two days since they ate dinner together again and Wei Wuxian was still banned from the morning classes for one more day, which was today. He was sitting at his desk at home, trying to write poetry again while waiting for lunch time. As much as he appreciated a free pass on skipping lessons, he hated not being able to practice with his sword.

He looked out from his window at the small lotus pond and managed to write down two more lines after the previous two.

‘The bud is large and waiting to open any moment now’

‘I sit in anticipation in front of the misty pond’

They only had one day off a week and that day would be tomorrow. Wei Wuxian was growing bored with writing poetry and got an idea. He wrote a simple note to give to Lan Wangji today after class.

‘Meet me at the lotus pond tomorrow at Wu time. I have a surprise for you.’ He wrote, and drew a cute smiley face at the end.

Several hours later Wei Wuxian was sitting at his desk in the Orchid Room. The lesson had just ended and the disciples were leaving the classroom one by one. The omega got up and walked up to the front to give Lan Wangji the note. He waited for the alpha to open and read it. After he did, Lan Wangji looked up and nodded, his ears slightly pink.

Notes:

Maybe they will finally talk about their feelings in the next chapter.

Chapter 4: The mountain stream

Notes:

Vocabulary for this chapter:
Gongfu = skill
Gaiwan = lidded cup
Celadon = a shade of green

Wei Wuxian sat by the pond, looking at the large lotus buds. The most developed ones had already turned white and stood almost still within the morning mist. There was a box, wrapped in a simple black cloth, sitting by his side on the grass. He was early and was only waiting for the other to arrive.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji suddenly spoke from beside him.

“Hanguang-jun.” Wei Wuxian turned his head and greeted.

“You are all healed now?”

“Yeah.” Wei Wuxian smiled and got up.

“That is good.”

“Let's go.” Wei Wuxian grabbed the alpha's hand and started to lead him somewhere.

They passed by the living quarters and walked downhill through a section of the wild forest, with bamboo mixed in with the other trees. Wei Wuxian stopped only when they arrived at a mountain stream. The blanket of clouds was thick and it was humid and warm, but being midday it was still bright outside and the surface of the stream sparkled as it flowed.

Wei Wuxian picked a good spot for them on top of a large, flat rock. He unwrapped the box and started laying out its contents on the rock. He used the wrapping cloth as a mat and sat down, encouraging the alpha to do the same.

Wei Wuxian owned a simple tea set. It was great for brewing tea in his little cottage whenever he wanted to and it was also an expected skill for an omega to have when getting married. This was a good chance for him to practice the gongfu tea brewing method and to show off his skills to the alpha.

The tea tray was made of dark wood, the fairness cup was glass and the gaiwan and the teacups were light celadon porcelain. There were also two plates, one with small sweet cakes and one with melon seeds on it.

“Look at my tea pet. Isn't it cute? It's just like the wild rabbits that live around the mountain.” Wei Wuxian showed the last item while smiling and added it onto the tray.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded.

Wei Wuxian fetched some water from the clear stream and added it into a kettle. He picked up a small stone with a flat top and heated it up with a talisman, on which he had drawn a weak fire spell in advance. Then he placed the full kettle onto the hot stone and waited for the water to heat up to the perfect temperature. This was one of his skills he was very proud to show off.

When the water was ready, Wei Wuxian rinsed the cups first, then took some tea leaves out of a ceramic container, put them inside the gaiwan and added hot water. It was a valued green tea grown on a mountain in Gusu. Pleasantly fragrant with a delicate, floral taste.

After a few seconds of letting the tea brew, he was ready to pour the liquid into the fairness cup. Holding the gaiwan in one hand, he started pouring, but the lid slipped slightly and hot water got onto his hand. He held it in enough to set his equipment down without breaking anything but retrieved his hand immediately after.

The water hadn't been boiling and his hand wasn't burned, but it was red and painful. He circulated his qi into his hand quickly to prevent any lasting damage, but a slight stinging redness remained. He was about to continue, but Lan Wangji, with a worried frown on his face, firmly held his own hand between the cup and Wei Wuxian’s hand.

“Let me.” He stated.

Lan Wangji then checked and confirmed that the hand was okay, except for the stinging that would only go away with time. He transferred some cooling qi to the omega and told him not to touch the cup again.

Wei Wuxian pouted slightly while watching the alpha prepare the tea for him which he was supposed to be preparing for the alpha, although he wasn't complaining about the treatment. Lan Wangji continued from where the omega had left off. His tea brewing skills were perfect, quick and elegant and he handed the other a cup once he was done.

They appreciated the tea and snacks in silence for a few minutes, until Wei Wuxian started telling the whole story on when and where he had gotten each item and snack. Lan Wangji listened intently the whole time.

“I… also have something for you.” Lan Wangji spoke up when the other had finished talking.

“Oh, really?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji answered and fished out a simple wooden box from his robes.

“You mentioned you have a surprise for me, so I also wanted to give you something.” He continued.

“Thank you.” Wei Wuxian smiled as he received the small box.

“You do not have to say that every time.” Lan Wangji said while looking slightly uncomfortable.

“But isn't it improper to receive favors or gifts without being grateful?” Wei Wuxian quoted a Lan rule, the first language of the second jade.

“It is not a favor.” Lan Wangji answered, a slight frustration showing through his composed face.

“What about a gift?”

“I do not need anything in return from you.” Lan Wangji said after taking a deep breath and returning to his calm self.

Wei Wuxian felt slightly uncomfortable about his gratefulness being rejected, but also kind of warm inside, as if he and the second jade were closely acquainted. He looked down at the box and opened it, revealing a beautiful red silk ribbon inside.

“I love it.” Wei Wuxian said and smiled brightly. “Can you put it on me?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed and turned him around.

Lan Wangji untied the white ribbon and gathered the long, soft strands into his hand, using the other to tie the red one into a bow, just like the omega always did. The red ribbon was longer than the white one and the ends of it reached down the omega’s back. The alpha was satisfied with how the shade of red he had picked complimented the omega perfectly. His gaze lingered on the omega's smooth neck for a few seconds until the other turned around and smiled at him again.

“Hanguang-jun.”

“You do not have to call me that.”

“Then, what should I call you?” Wei Wuxian asked, confused.

“Lan Zhan.”

“Lan Zhan?” The omega repeated obediently.

“Mn.”

“Then, Lan Zhan, what made you want to start teaching the juniors suddenly?”

Lan Wangji was slightly surprised by the question, but knew that he would eventually have to say something about it.

“I wanted to take on teaching the younger disciples. You are the future of the Lan clan after all.”

“Will you continue to be our teacher from now on?” Wei Wuxian wondered.

“I was supposed to, but I spoke to Xiongzhang and I will continue teaching a different class in the future.”

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian sounded disappointed.

Lan Wangji observed the omega's expression and lifted a hand to stroke his thumb gently along the other's temple.

“Why?” Wei Wuxian asked while leaning into the touch.

“Because… of you.”

“What about me?” Wei Wuxian looked up at him.

“It wouldn't be proper.”

Wei Wuxian considered the other's words. Lan Wangji’s hand felt warm and nice. He was comfortable and because the alpha didn't move his hand away, he also didn't make a move to pull away.

Wei Wuxian was so close that he could see the details on the snow white robes that only the main family had. They all had protective spells on their robes, but the main Lan family also had some simple decorative patterns embroidered with white silk thread onto their robes. He moved his gaze up to Lan Wangji's neck, his skin was smooth and perfect. He moved his gaze further up, the alpha's face was gorgeously handsome. He felt his heart beating faster for some reason.

The alpha's intense golden gaze looked down at him. His eyes flickered down to his lips for a second, then away before he could even blink. Wei Wuxian felt his cheeks heat up. Thinking there might be some leftover food crumbs, he licked his lips unconsciously.

“Lan Zhan...” He said breathily. “What did you say to clan leader Lan about me?”

Lan Wangji couldn't resist the adorable omega's flirting anymore and instead of answering, he leaned down and pressed his lips against his. When the other didn't resist, he moved his hand to the back of his head and pulled him forward to deepen the kiss.

Lan Wangji was kissing him? An alpha was actually attracted to him to the point of moving his lips and tongue against his? And it was the gorgeous and righteous second jade of all alphas? Wei Wuxian felt himself tear up slightly as he was held and kissed.

Lan Wangji’s lips were so soft and he was being held both so firmly and so gently. He closed his eyes and let his body relax completely, which encouraged the alpha to kiss him even harder.

Lan Wangji bit his lower lip and started moving down, kissing and biting at his neck. The omega let out quiet, high-pitched moans, but instead of encouraging the alpha further, he pulled back. Wei Wuxian's breathing was uneven and the alpha's eyes and ears were slightly red.

“Wait, Lan Zhan. Does this mean you would marry me?” The omega asked with wet lashes.

Lan Wangji didn't answer.

“Are you courting me?” Wei Wuxian tried again.

“Yes.” The alpha said, sounding slightly frustrated.

Wei Wuxian blinked a few times, making an unshed tear fall down. Lan Wangji wiped it away with his thumb.

Wei Wuxian looked down at his lips and started to lean in again but the alpha suddenly turned him around by his shoulders, holding him firmly in place. After he had calmed down a little, he started to nuzzle against the omega's neck, scenting him with his own woody scent and taking in the sweet and earthy scent. He moved up slightly and kissed the omega's hair, then he moved down his neck again and opened his mouth slightly, gently holding his teeth against the other's neck.

“Lan Zhan?”

“Mn?” He moved away slightly to answer.

“You're not trying to mark me immediately are you?”

“I...” He hadn't been thinking about it, in fact he was actively trying to restrain himself and avoid thinking about anything, but now that the omega had mentioned it he couldn't get it out of his head and stopped touching the other.

“Please wait until the wedding day.” The omega teased smugly.

When the other didn't say anything, he added, “You are going to take responsibility for stealing my first kiss, right?”

“Wei Ying.” The alpha said in a half-growl.

“What?” Wei Wuxian asked in an innocent voice.

The alpha sighed heavily and pulled the smaller body entirely into his lap by the shoulders. One hand went to hold his waist and the other hand went to his chest.

“You asked for it.” He continued in a half-growl.

Lan Wangji started touching his chest and kissing his neck, sometimes growling quietly against the skin. He sucked marks onto the smooth skin and scratched his nails against the omega's nipples through the fabric. Wei Wuxian's hips twitched in response. The alpha eventually moved the other hand up as well and played with the soft flesh and the hardened nipples on the omega's chest, while resting his face against the other's neck.

Wei Wuxian relaxed into the alpha’s hold, pushing his chest out and revealing more of his neck. He felt so good he had stopped thinking and being aware of anything else.

Lan Wangji had succeeded in making the omega quiet, apart from the soft little moans, and had to stop before he did something he would regret. He removed his hands and stayed silent. His breathing was only a little bit unstable compared to usual. Wei Wuxian listened to it for a while and then subconsciously lifted his own hands to his chest when the alpha's touch didn't come back.

Lan Wangji indulged the omega for a few long seconds until he gently gripped his wrists and lowered them down to his waist. Wei Wuxian whined and Lan Wangji leaned towards his ear to softly whisper “Do not touch yourself.”

The omega was too overwhelmed by both the pleasure and it being taken away to say anything.

“Unmated alphas will be attracted to your slick. It is dangerous for you to ever touch yourself without me present. Do not get used to it.“ Lan Wangji continued.

Wei Wuxian blushed when he realised that he was in fact producing slick, and also relieved that Lan Wangji was there with him, because he was right. The Cloud Recesses had quite a lot of unmated alphas and if any of them happened to be close enough to smell his slick, they would also be able to smell that there was another alpha with him.

Lan Wangji released his wrists and held his waist. Wei Wuxian started squirming in his lap. Was the alpha really done with touching him now?

He managed to turn around partly in the other’s lap and saw that the alpha almost looked like he was smiling. Wei Wuxian turned around the rest of the way, the alpha letting him, and placed his hands onto the strong shoulders.

He had never seen such a happy expression on the other and his heart melted. He had forgotten to think again, but this time his needy arousal was slowly fading, although he was still quite sensitive down there and his pants were soaked.

“Do you really like me?”

Lan Wangji hummed softly in agreement and kissed his forehead.

“Do you want to marry me?”

“Yes.” The alpha answered and stroked his lower back.

“Good, because I want to marry you as well.”

Lan Wangji kissed him deeply, but this time it was less heated and more romantic. He pulled away and looked at the omega.

Then the question from before returned to Wei Wuxian. “Does this mean you told clan leader Lan that you like me?”

“I only told him that I felt it would be improper for me to teach a class with omegas in it.”

“Usually it wouldn't be that improper, since you're only teaching us. What did he say?” Wei Wuxian wondered.

“He was surprised but said he would arrange it when possible.”

After they were done enjoying each other's company, they were walking uphill back into the main living area. They walked slowly in comfortable silence, this time with Lan Wangji leading the way, holding Wei Wuxian's hand in his and the wrapped tea set in the other.

They arrived at the simple wooden gate at the entrance to the omega's living quarters and they parted ways after exchanging a few more kisses. Lan Wangji continued to the cold springs to meditate.

~

Later in the evening, Wei Wuxian was in his room, heating water with a talisman to take a bath. He entered the warm water and bathed with a bar of soap. As an omega his body was naturally smooth and hairless.

Wei Wuxian tried hard to avoid touching himself while bathing. When he washed his chest, he felt dizzy from how much he wanted the alpha's hands back on him. After washing his whole body, including his upper thighs and around his pussy where the dried slick was, he was slightly trembling, holding onto the edge of the wooden bathtub and breathing deeply, trying to think unarousing thoughts until he calmed down.

He was determined to stay virgin until the wedding day. Did that mean that he would have to do this every time he bathed or met up with the alpha until then?

Unlike his reputation and his omega friend from the Nie clan, whenever he would read his friend's magazines, he often didn’t become that aroused and avoided touching himself, since staying pure until his wedding day was important to him. Although he had arousing thoughts while reading the magazines and learning about sex, it was just a warm excited tightness in his core, he had never gotten wet to this extent before.

His thoughts had drifted back to the alpha again. The whole point was to wash off the scent of slick and arousal off his body, not to become wet again, he reminded himself. He gripped onto the bathtub as fresh slick dripped down onto the water and he had to recite the clan rules in his head a couple of times until he had properly calmed down.

Unfortunately, washing his body also washed off the scent of the alpha, but the marks on his neck stayed. Sitting in the warm bathwater, he started to wonder if his alpha would like his body. Even though Lan Wangji was really good to him, he had always had a slight fear of being rejected at any point of the marriage process. What had happened today didn't feel quite real yet, but he was so happy. Someone wanted him.

Chapter 5: Full bloom

The next morning Wei Wuxian joined the others for the morning classes again and was happily standing on the white gravel of the training grounds. The green mountains towered in the mist around them and the sky was white, covered in a thin layer of clouds.

He was full of energy after being forced to rest for several days and his cultivation was feeling recharged after the three extra hours of meditation per day. He proudly wore the marks on his neck from the previous day.

Wei Wuxian got a few looks for the new red ribbon that stood out among the sea of white. Colorful accessories weren't necessarily banned completely, but limited, and even so the other disciples mostly opted for light and neutral colors to look elegant and avoid standing out.

His hair was left completely straight today and he had tied the ribbon into a cute bow again. It contrasted against his skills once he was back in action, showing the others once again just how far behind they were of the head disciple of their group.

The rest were practicing a simpler move on the ground, while Wei Wuxian was practicing an advanced technique of flipping in the air while riding his sword. The teacher nodded to himself while supervising Wei Wuxian for a few rounds, then he moved onto the other 29 of the juniors and remained instructing them for the rest of the lesson.

All his shidis and shixiongs were treating him weirdly distantly and respectfully today. It even continued in the Plum Blossom Room after lunch. The omega shijie and shimei who always sat on either side of him during the embroidery lessons were unusually quiet today.

Wei Wuxian ignored the weird atmosphere while sketching two lotus leaves onto a fabric and then started poking it with a needle once he was done. He used three different shades of green silk thread again. He felt like he could somehow focus better today and was actually making some progress in his technique. Was it because he didn't have anyone to talk to today, or because he was technically considered engaged to the alpha now and that motivated him?

Now that he thought about it, it didn't take many thoughts to come to the conclusion that something had happened between him and an alpha, considering the marks on his neck that he hadn't done anything about to try to hide them. But if anyone had any idea that the alpha that had made them was the powerful and respected second jade of the main Lan family, the clan leader's younger brother and the one who was in charge of punishment in the Cloud Recesses, it would make perfect sense why people were behaving like this today. But how could they have come to know that?

~

“Xiongzhang, I… would like to have a wedding organized.” Lan Wangji spoke up.

He had a class to teach later but in the meantime he was sitting down in the Hanshi, having tea with his brother.

“A wedding?”

“Mn.”

“For who?”

“For myself.”

Lan Xichen was only slightly surprised. His younger brother had never expressed any desire to get married, but he was probably the only person in the world who could see through him and see that he also had alpha instincts, although well hidden.

“Do you have someone specific in mind or do you need me to send a matchmaker out to the different clans?” The clan leader asked.

“I already have someone. He is from our clan.”

“Could it be… Wei-gongzi?” Lan Xichen wondered out loud.

“How did you know?”

“I have seen you pay a lot of attention to him these past three years, but I was not sure what your intentions towards him were.” Lan Xichen explained.

“Have you already expressed your intentions to him?” He asked after a pause.

“Yes. He agrees.”

“That's great then. I'm happy for you two. You have finally found someone.” Lan Xichen said while smiling.

“I will organize for a matchmaker to come look at your birthdays and find an auspicious date and time. I will also have to invite the elders after her visit to pick the final date for the wedding.” The clan leader explained.

“Thank you, Xiongzhang.” Lan Wangji bowed.

~

The most boring class had suddenly become the most interesting part of Wei Wuxian's day. The omega held the ink brush in his hand and wrote obediently, occasionally looking up and locking eyes with Lan Wangji. When it happened and he smiled, the alpha's ears always blushed and he looked away right after.

Wei Wuxian unconsciously touched the bruises on his neck from time to time. The alpha's scent lightly lingered on his outer robes and had comforted him throughout the day when everyone kept ignoring him. Could it be that all the other juniors had recognized who the scent belongs to?

~

Wei Wuxian was sitting at his desk late at night, waiting to become tired enough to go to sleep. He was absentmindedly scribbling down whatever thoughts came up. He poured himself another cup of tea, which helped him relax in the evening.

His mind wandered to the way Lan Wangji had poured tea for him, how elegant and caring he had been. He smiled softly to himself in the candlelight. He didn't usually almost burn his hand when brewing tea, but being excited to impress the alpha had probably made him more nervous than usual the previous day.

Wei Wuxian looked at the distant pond through the open window. It was late and the sky was dark. The Cloud Recesses was bathed in the blue hue of the night, which was contrasted by the yellow light coming from the lit lanterns. The first white lotus had opened up and was fluttering in the chilly night air.

‘The white petals open and reveal the golden seed pod’

‘I cannot capture my beloved's beauty with mere words’

He wrote two more lines and finally finished the poem he had started about a week ago. He wondered if he should give it to Lan Wangji. Somehow the idea made him feel nervous, but if the other was courting him, wasn't this a good way to show the genuinity of his own feelings.

~

It was another rare clear day up in the mountains. The day was warm, but still cool compared to the many towns of Gusu at ground level. More of the white lotuses had opened overnight. It was the first day this year for the omega to see his favorite flowers in full bloom.

Wei Wuxian had asked Lan Wangji to meet him again at the lotus pond after his lessons had ended today. He had the poem tucked into his sleeve and his heart was beating slightly faster than normal. He had written it all onto a new sheet of paper, paying extra attention to make his calligraphy clear and beautiful.

The alpha arrived and sat down next to him. This time he had purposefully made noise with his steps to not startle the other.

“Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian greeted and smiled at him nervously.

“I have something for you again.” He said and took out the paper, handing it over to the alpha.

Lan Wangji received it and read the poem.

“Thank you.” The alpha said in an almost shy voice and lifted his gaze from the writing to Wei Wuxian's face.

“Don't. If I'm not allowed to thank you, you are not allowed either.” The omega objected.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed and silently tucked the poem into his own robes to appreciate it more at home later.

“I have told Xiongzhang about our marriage.”

“Oh. What did he say?” Wei Wuxian asked curiously.

“He has invited a matchmaker to come look at our birthdays. The auspicious date will be picked soon.”

“Great! Everything's happening so fast.”

“Are you happy about that?”

“Of course! I can't wait to marry my strong and handsome alpha.” Wei Wuxian smiled brightly.

Lan Wangji felt his ears warm up and leaned forward to kiss the charming omega gently. Wei Wuxian leaned in acceptingly and it encouraged the alpha to move a hand to the back of his head and deepen the kiss. He bit Wei Wuxian's bottom lip, making the omega gasp and part his lips. The alpha took the chance to push his tongue inside and explore the inside of his mouth for a while. He finished the kiss with another bite and pulled back with a thin strand of saliva connecting their mouths.

Wei Wuxian's face was flushed as he stared at the strand of saliva in fascination until it became too thin and broke. He looked at his alpha, whose gaze was locked in on him. He took in their surroundings then, remembering that they were visible to anyone who would walk past.

He turned his head away from the alpha to the small pond. They were here to look at the blooming lotuses, he reminded himself. Wei Wuxian took in their beauty. The pure white color of the petals, the bright yellow color of the young seed pod in the middle. The beautiful green shade of the large leaves under the sunlight, the reflection of the cloudless sky on the surface of the pond.

Then he felt the alpha place a hand onto his thigh and turned his head to see Lan Wangji looking at him, as if he had never turned his gaze away to look at the flowers. Maybe he didn't like the lotuses? But he had liked the poem and the embroidery, the touched look on his face looked genuine.

“The lotuses have just bloomed, aren't they beautiful?” Wei Wuxian tried.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed without looking away.

“You know, they've been my favorite flower ever since I've lived here.”

“Mn.” The alpha smiled, happy to learn about his omega's favorite things.

He moved his hand higher on the omega's thigh. Wei Wuxian reminded himself that if he was sitting back at his desk at home, looking outside his window right now, he could see them clearly. Thankfully there weren't other windows pointing in this direction, except for some of the windowed garden walls in the distance.

He took the alpha's larger hand from his thigh into his own, stood up and walked for a few minutes to a more private area on the grass. There were a few bushes and trees shielding them now and it wasn't in a common area where people walked by throughout the day, although it wasn't exactly that far away or secluded from the common area either.

As soon as he stopped walking, the alpha's hands were on him again and somehow he ended up laying on the grass underneath the stronger man. The alpha towered above him, caging him in with his arms and legs.

“Here?” Wei Wuxian asked, although he had already sensed earlier that the alpha really wanted to touch him.

Lan Wangji answered by pressing his face against the omega's neck and kissing it once.

“You really like my neck, don't you?”

“Mn.” The alpha agreed and bit lightly.

“Ow.” Wei Wuxian whined and the alpha soothed the spot with another kiss.

He moved onto his lips and nipped impatiently. The omega parted his lips voluntarily and let the other in to explore the inside of his mouth again. Lan Wangji licked and sucked the warm mouth and tongue, swallowing all of the omega's sweet moans.

Wei Wuxian rested his hands on the alpha’s waist. This was the deepest he had been kissed so far and he felt lightheaded. His body relaxed and his stomach felt warm.

Lan Wangji separated with a bite, pulling the omega's lower lip with his teeth. He then moved down onto the other side of the neck, licking it and scenting the other. He growled quietly against the skin.

Lan Wangji pressed his hips down against the body underneath him. Wei Wuxian could easily feel his half-hard member through the clothing. The omega realized he was also already becoming wet. He pushed at the alpha's shoulders and looked up at him with his slightly glazed black eyes and swollen lips.

“Lan Zhan. No.”

Lan Wangji frowned, his breathing was slightly heavier than usual.

“I have prepared for years to be a good husband for my future alpha. I want to be pure on my wedding day.” Wei Wuxian reasoned.

“You are pure to me regardless.” Lan Wangji replied.

Wei Wuxian felt emotional. The noble, rule-obsessed Hanguang-jun was okay with him not being a virgin on their wedding day. He was touched that someone wanted him in this way and definitely wanted to spend the rest of his life with this man.

“Wife.” Lan Wangji suddenly said.

“Huh?”

“Wife.” He repeated.

Wei Wuxian chuckled lightly. “Do you not want your wife to be a virgin on your wedding day?”

“I do not care about that.”

“How can you not care? The rules are your life.” The omega teased.

“I do not care as long as it is you.”

Wei Wuxian smiled softly. He already loved this man so much, even while he was looking down at him with bloodshot eyes and a clenched jaw.

“Well, anyway, I want to wait for marriage.” Wei Wuxian stated and somehow managed to sneak out from underneath the other before he could react and grab him.

The omega had then quickly ran away, leaving Lan Wangji on his hands and knees on the grass. He was so stunned that he didn't move for a long time.

Chapter 6: Library

The next day, Lan Wangji appeared in the Hanshi, looking and sounding like a kicked puppy compared to his usual self.

“Xiongzhang.” Lan Wangji spoke.

“What is it?” Lan Xichen asked, concerned.

“Has the matchmaker visited yet?”

“Yes. The most auspicious date according to the matchmaker would be a year from now.” Lan Xichen answered, seeming to understand what his brother wanted to know.

Lan Wangji looked at his brother with horror. “Xiongzhang, I can't… wait that long.”

“Wangji, you know you cannot go against the tradition.”

Lan Xichen looked at his brother's panicked expression and wondered what could be the reason for him to be in such a hurry.

“Is Wei-gongzi pregnant?” He asked after considering the possible reasons.

“No, Xiongzhang, we haven't…”

“That's good. There doesn't seem to be a reason to hurry then, is there?” Lan Xichen asked, leaving room for his brother to speak.

Lan Wangji couldn't come to tell his brother that he simply felt like he couldn't keep his hands off the omega and wait until the wedding night, especially if that was what his omega wanted.

“Good news is, I spoke to the elders and all of them have agreed to the marriage.” Lan Xichen reassured, seeing how important this marriage was to his brother.

Lan Wangji seemed to relax a little bit at that. Helplessly, he only asked, “Xiongzhang, when will the elders pick the auspicious date?”

“The meeting will be a week from now.”

~

The following days went by like usual for Wei Wuxian, apart from the alpha trailing after him at least at some point every day. They avoided physical contact beyond kissing, scenting and holding hands. Although Lan Wangji somehow seemed happier, he was back to acting more like his usual stiff and expressionless self.

Wei Wuxian attended all his lessons, excelled in sword training and got better at embroidery since everyone was still acting distant with him. The news about his and the second jade’s engagement had definitely spread all around the mountain by now. Today too, he proudly wore the alpha's sandalwood scent and a few bites on his neck from their earlier scenting session, leaving no room for doubt.

The day was cloudy and the air was cool but heavy from the increased humidity. Light rain drizzled down onto the lotus pond and the large leaves took turns to pour down the water that had gathered on them.

Wei Wuxian wanted to see the white lotuses as often as possible before they all wilted away. So today too, he was at the pond despite the weather. He was wearing the red ribbon in his hair, alternating between the two he owned based on his mood that day. His own scent blended in with the blooming flowers.

Lan Wangji stood elegantly by his side, holding a white oil paper umbrella over Wei Wuxian's head while the omega squatted underneath it on the wet grass. He was playing with light colored snails and talking to them cutely. There were about five of them and he seemed to have given all of them names by now.

Most birds didn't nest this high up in the mountains, but today a single white egret was visiting the Cloud Recesses and taking shelter from the rain underneath a tree next to the pond. It was eyeing the snails as if it wanted to eat them as soon as the cultivators would leave the vicinity of the pond.

“Lan Zhan, you know what?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Mn?”

“Today the teacher made us run so many laps around the training grounds…” Wei Wuxian started telling the alpha everything that he had done earlier today, like he did every day. “...And then I hit the water droplets with my sword qi and made them all fall above the teacher at the same time.” Wei Wuxian laughed as he finished explaining how his day had gone.

The teacher had naturally been frustrated that the mischievous omega was engaged to the person in charge of punishment. He hadn’t dared to complain to Hanguang-jun to punish the junior, knowing that it would only backfire.

Lan Wangji crouched down to wipe the omega's hands off the snail mucus with a handkerchief when it seemed that he had finally left them alone. He wiped the smaller hand carefully, then repeated the action on the other hand. He gently tugged at Wei Wuxian's hand as he stood back up, pulling the omega up with him. The rain had started pouring down heavier a few minutes ago.

“We should go inside.” Lan Wangji said, still holding the only umbrella they had over the omega's head.

Wei Wuxian turned towards him after a long time of only looking ahead and saw the alpha's hair and nose dripping with water.

“Huh? When did you get so wet? Why didn't you say anything earlier?” Wei Wuxian asked.

Lan Wangji only smiled softly.

“How about we go to the library?” Wei Wuxian suggested.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed.

~

The rain fell softly onto the roof of the library pavilion as the couple took shelter from the rain. All the windows were tightly shut to protect the books from the moisture in the air. A servant was just finishing up dusting the shelves and bowed when he saw Hanguang-jun enter. He closed the doors tightly behind him as he left.

“Do we have any books about pregnancy?” Wei Wuxian wondered.

“Over here.” Lan Wangji led him to the correct section.

Lan Wangji stood by Wei Wuxian as he rummaged through all the different books. The omega found a book about the different stages of pregnancy, including birth. He opened a random page and was slightly horrified and decided to ignore it. He placed the book back onto its shelf and moved onto a scroll which happened to be about breastfeeding.

“Hmm, this is interesting.” He though out loud and sat down on the carpet in front of a low table.

Lan Wangji sat down next to him and Wei Wuxian moved the scroll on the table, so that it was evenly in between both of them. They were both fascinated and got lost in reading for almost an hour, shoulders brushing against each other. Wei Wuxian rolled up the scroll after they had silently read the whole thing and placed it back onto the shelf.

~

It was the next evening and the golden sunlight was shining upon the Lan clan's library pavilion. Wei Wuxian had climbed the magnolia tree, currently hiding among its large, green leaves. He was just about to enter into the library through the open window, but the alpha with a higher cultivation level noticed him easily and turned around.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji greeted, surprised. He was holding a book in one hand with the other one behind his back.

“My betrothed." Wei Wuxian beamed and jumped down from the window.

“What are you doing here?” Lan Wangji asked, not that he wasn't happy to see the other. It just happened to be that he had never seen the omega, or anyone else, climb into the library through the window before.

“I heard you were here from Zewu-jun.” Wei Wuxian explained and walked closer to the alpha.

“What are you reading about?” He asked, then continued, “baby care?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji confirmed.

Wei Wuxian stood on tiptoes and read over the alpha’s shoulder for a while. When he got bored, he wrapped his arms around the alpha's waist and nuzzled between his shoulder blades.

Lan Wangji tensed at the affection at first, then set the book down and turned around. He wrapped his arms around the omega, holding him gently against his chest.

“I missed you.” Wei Wuxian said.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji moved one hand to stroke the cute omega's head.

“Kiss me.” Wei Wuxian pleaded, since he was only tall enough to kiss the alpha's chin, even while tip-toeing, if the other was standing straight-backed.

Lan Wangji leaned down and indulged his omega.

In only a few moments, they had ended up with Wei Wuxian pressed securely against the wall by the alpha's tight grasp on his wrists. His legs felt weak, but he was barely even touching the ground anyway, so it didn't really matter.

Lan Wangji kept roughly showing his tongue inside the omega's soft mouth, making out with all his frustration from the past week. When the alpha was satisfied and separated from the other, Wei Wuxian fell limply into his lap, arms and legs too weak to hold himself up properly. Lan Wangji held the precious person with care and let himself just smile for a few minutes, enjoying the moment while Wei Wuxian catched his breath.

Then he sat down on the carpet, bringing the omega in his arms with him. When their hips met he could feel the wetness that had seeped into the omega's pants. He placed one hand onto Wei Wuxian's shoulder and the other onto his lower back, bringing him forward again and continuing the intense kiss.

Wei Wuxian hadn't spoken a word for a while, only whimpering and moaning softly against the alpha's lips while weakly trembling from arousal in his lap. The large hand on his shoulder was gripping onto him tightly, making him feel small and secure. He couldn't help the slick dripping down from his pussy and seeping onto the front of the alpha's robes, where he was clearly growing hard underneath him. Sometimes he thought about pushing the other away, but another kiss or suck or bite would pull all his thoughts out of his mind again.

Wei Wuxian's high-pitched whimpers and Lan Wangji’s low grunts echoed in the library. Soon, another sound joined. It was the clan leader's footsteps.

“Wangji.”

The room fell silent apart from the two people’s heavy breathing.

“Xiongzhang…” Lan Wangji greeted nervously.

The clan leader took in the couple's appearance. Wei Wuxian's eyes were unfocused, his face flushed and he was being unusually quiet. His younger brother's eyes were sharp, but slightly panicked and he was gripping onto the omega in his lap tightly.

Lan Xichen obviously knew from the sounds and their scents what was going on even before he saw them, but seeing his brother suddenly like this felt weird. He hadn't portrayed typical alpha traits for a long time. Then, around the time Wei Wuxian had presented, Lan Xichen had noticed some small changes in his brother, but it was nothing to what he was seeing now.

He would have to burn a special incense in the library later to get rid of the smell of arousal, so that it wouldn't affect the other disciples.

“Wangji, you should know to control yourself until the wedding day.”

“But, Xiongzhang…” Lan Wangji sounded like he was holding back a growl.

He looked quite cute, actually, looking up at his older brother with silently pleading eyes while willing his inner alpha to not growl at his brother, even though the other was also an alpha who was in the presence of his omega in this kind of state.

“Wei-gongzi would also be punished if he were to be caught pregnant before the wedding.” Lan Xichen reminded him.

Although he himself could turn a blind eye to such an event, he couldn't speak for all of the elders. The Lan clan didn't allow for pregnant people to be punished in any physical way. They were also very against making a pregnant person copy rules or do anything else that could be thought of as too stressful for the pregnancy.

Instead, they would confine the pregnant person to prevent the shameful news from spreading and take care of them very well in a suffocating way. They would not allow them to see their partner until the wedding day, which would have to be advanced and could cause it to fall on an unlucky date, and no pregnant omega would want to be without their partner for an extended period like that.

Lan Wangji helplessly listened to his brother and stopped gripping onto the omega so tightly, giving them both more space to calm down.

“The meeting with the elders will be held tomorrow. We will pick the auspicious date then.” Lan Xichen spoke, looking like he was strongly considering something.

Wei Wuxian smiled excitedly at Lan Wangji who looked worried and frustrated.

“Wangji, I expect you to join as well, but you must behave yourself.”

“Yes, Xiongzhang.”

Lan Xichen knew better than to make any move towards another alpha's omega. Instead, he supervised the two as Lan Wangji walked Wei Wuxian until the ward that kept alphas away from the omega's living quarters. They parted ways there and the clan leader warned both of them to not come out of their own rooms until tomorrow.

Notes:

I wonder what Lan Xichen is thinking about... at least they will know how long they have to wait in the next chapter.

Chapter 7: Carp pond

The Lan elders had gathered in the main hall with Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji and the matchmaker to finally discuss and set the wedding date.

The couple's birthdays matched together well and thankfully there were multiple auspicious dates to choose from. Apart from the most auspicious one about a year from now, there were also some before and after it, giving them multiple options to choose from. The elders and the matchmaker preferred the most auspicious date, wanting for the married couple and the Lan clan to have the best possible fortune for the future. Besides, to them it wasn't that far away from the present day.

Lan Xichen felt that it was time for him to step in at this point. There was an auspicious date about a month and two weeks from now. It was the earliest possible date and the clan leader somehow managed to convince the elders that the earlier date would also bring great fortune to the Lan clan.

All of the elders had been happy to have such a beautiful omega marry into the main Lan family as soon as they had heard of the engagement. Wei Wuxian was exceptionally talented compared to his peers and the elders didn't want to lose him by marrying him off to a different clan. Lan Qiren had been the only one hesitant in letting his precious cabbage get married, but he also wanted to keep the beautiful and talented young omega in the Lan clan, and besides, they were both old enough to start thinking about building their own family.

Therefore none of the elders had objected to the marriage, and it had also been somewhat easy for Lan Xichen to convince them on the sooner date rather than the later one. The clan leader had also reminded them that it would take time to produce heirs and that the couple were eager to start trying sooner rather than later. Lan Xichen mentally sighed with relief once the earlier wedding date had been set.

Lan Wangji had stayed quiet throughout the meeting but he was happy to have been involved in the conversation that concerned his and his omega’s future. He was also greatly relieved to hear about the earlier wedding date without delay. At the end of the meeting he received blessings and congratulations from the elders who were already starting to discuss the betrothal gifts and wedding ceremony preparations.

~

After Wei Wuxian's lessons had ended, he met up with Lan Wangji immediately in a garden near the main hall. The garden had meticulously pruned pine trees and carefully arranged rock formations all year round. This time of the year there were also perennials blooming with fluffy white flowers, adding to the elegant scenery. Wei Wuxian smiled and walked up to the alpha when he saw the familiar figure waiting for him on the white stone path.

“How did it go?” Wei Wuxian asked excitedly.

“The wedding will be in a month and two weeks.”

“You look happy.” Wei Wuxian answered and poked the alpha's expressionless cheek.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji confirmed.

“I'm happy too. Can't wait to see you in red.” Wei Wuxian teased and placed both of his hands onto the alpha’s shoulders.

Lan Wangji’s breath stuttered slightly from the image in his head. His bride would also be wearing red in less than two months.

“What were you thinking about?” Wei Wuxian wondered out loud after seeing the alpha's expression change.

“My bride.” Lan Wangji answered honestly and placed his hands on the omega's waist.

Lan Wangji leaned down and kissed Wei Wuxian gently. The omega leaned into the kiss happily, like always. Encouraged, Lan Wangji moved his hands lower and tried to deepen the kiss, but the omega pressed a palm against his chest then, taking a step back and keeping him at a distance.

“No, we can't.”

Lan Wangji didn't listen. He grabbed the wrist of the hand that was placed on his chest, moved it out of the way and stepped back into the omega's personal space. His lips had just barely brushed against the other's when he heard footsteps from behind him.

“Wangji! Wei-gongzi! Congratulations on the marriage!” An elder repeated himself from earlier.

Lan Wangji had no choice but to separate from the soft lips, turn around and greet the elder respectfully.

“I see you two get along well. You will make a powerful and beautiful couple that will make the Lan clan proud for generations.” He praised.

“Thank you, Elder Lan.” Wei Wuxian bowed.

Lan Xichen stood next to the elder and looked at the couple knowingly. He noticed that his younger brother was looking uncomfortable, even though the elder didn't have a clue. He exchanged a look with his brother before leading the elder away and continuing their conversation.

When the two were left alone again, Lan Wangji turned towards the omega and cornered him against one of the rock formations.

“Be careful.” Wei Wuxian warned him.

“Zewu-jun will be angry if you damage the first garden the guests of the Cloud Recesses will see.”

Lan Wangji’s focus faltered slightly and Wei Wuxian took it as a chance to escape from the tight spot between Lan Wangji and the decorative rock. It was as if they were playing tag in the garden for a few more minutes until the alpha finally managed to catch the omega by the back of his robes.

After having his prey in his hands, it was as if the alpha's instincts were heightened. He pulled his arm back, making the omega stumble a few steps until his back hit the alpha's chest. The alpha then bit down on the side of the smooth neck in front of him, making the omega cry out in pain. He roughly sucked new bruises onto the omega's neck until he was satisfied. He let go of the omega only when he started to smell his arousal. They had to stop playing now or else he really wouldn't be able to control himself.

~

About a month had passed since the wedding date had been set and the betrothal gifts had been fully prepared. They were waiting in the main hall to be taken to the Jingshi. Since Wei Wuxian didn't have a family, there would be no dowry and Lan Wangji’s family had prepared the whole gift. Even so, Wei Wuxian felt like the amount of items was quite excessive.

Where would he even store all of that? Did Lan Wangji have a big enough room for them?

Wei Wuxian looked through the items. Most of it was just expensive stuff he didn't have a need for, like silver jewelry or a bigger tea set of blue and white porcelain. But there were a few interesting and useful things among the items too like calligraphy ink, a large basket full of silk thread and other embroidery items, new bedding for the two of them and lots of items for a baby.

After checking out the betrothal gifts, Wei Wuxian walked until he reached the carp pond of the Cloud Recesses, passing through a moon gate to enter the secluded garden. While the lotus pond was more natural, with muddy water and surrounded by grass. The carp pond was enclosed by black-roofed white garden walls and surrounded by decorative rocks and a wooden pavilion. The pond’s water was clear, with a few white-flowered waterlilies floating on the surface.

The day was quite warm today, even up in the mountains. Wei Wuxian kneeled in front of the cool pond. He was wearing a light blue ribbon with silver details on it in his hair. It was the third one he had gotten as a gift from Lan Wangji.

Most of the carp in the pond were white with a few golden ones among them. When they swam together in a formation they looked either like a halved boiled egg or a blooming white flower, depending on how you looked at it. They swam hungrily towards the small omega, but he didn't have any fish food with him today.

Wei Wuxian affectionately petted one of the cute fish's heads, causing another one to think his fingers were food and then causing the omega to pull his hand back from the water.

Lan Wangji had appeared next to him at some point without him noticing. The alpha crouched down and grabbed his wrist with a sigh. He took out a handkerchief from his robes and then proceeded to wipe the hand which had been in the carp's mouth.

They hadn't seen each other as much lately, having to stay apart to keep propriety, although Lan Wangji still made sure to find him somehow every day. He had recently changed to teach a different class, teaching the Lan clan's rules to the young male alphas instead.

The sunlight fell onto the alpha’s handsome face and made his light-colored eyes look even more striking. Wei Wuxian couldn't help but initiate a kiss. His lips brushed against Lan Wangji’s cheek softly and then pulled away.

“Catch me.” Wei Wuxian said while smiling and got up.

Lan Wangji’s gaze followed him as he walked away. He got up himself as well and followed after the other. It wasn't difficult to catch the omega who was waiting for him in the shade of the wooden pavilion.

Lan Wangji approached him. He reached a hand out, placed it onto the omega's lower back and pulled him towards himself. He lifted the other one to hold the back of the omega's head, tilted his head and leaned in. The kiss started out already passionate and Wei Wuxian's body relaxed in the firm hold.

Lan Wangji’s hand travelled lower and then slowly back up. He started walking forward, until he had pressed the smaller body against a wooden pillar. He separated from the kiss and saw Wei Wuxian blinking slowly, flushed and breathless. The omega made a move to get away but Lan Wangji grabbed his wrists and pinned them against the pillar.

Wei Wuxian looked up at him with wide eyes. Lan Wangji frowned, loosening his hold slightly. The omega took it as a chance to slip away. Confused, Lan Wangji continued following after him.

Wei Wuxian had only taken a few steps. Lan Wangji entered the wooden pavilion where the omega had gone. He approached the other again and lifted the smaller body onto the wooden railing.

Lan Wangji grabbed onto the omega's thigh and pressed his thumb into the soft flesh of his inner thigh, kneading it underneath his thumb. Wei Wuxian let out a moan and leaned his head slightly to the side. Lan Wangji placed a hand onto the side of his neck to support him and leaned down to kiss his neck on the opposite side. He eventually moved his mouth up to the omega's lips, kissing him for a while and letting his hands wander until they settled on holding the small waist.

Lan Wangji let go of the omega and watched what he would do. Wei Wuxian blinked, considering his options, and then ran away. Lan Wangji walked after him and pushed the omega down onto a patch of grass once he reached him, making sure he fell as softly as possible.

Wei Wuxian laid underneath him, smiling and started playing with the alpha's forehead ribbon. He leaned up and kissed Lan Wangji once, making him chase after him, biting and pushing his tongue past the soft lips, which parted easily.

Lan Wangji moved a hand down to the omega's thigh and pressed it up and against the ground. If he squirmed in this position, he would rub against the alpha's crotch, so the omega relaxed and stayed still.

Wei Wuxian was starting to feel weak from all the kissing. He let out quiet whimpers and pushed against the strong chest weakly with trembling arms. Lan Wangji took both wrists into his hands and pressed them against the ground.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji growled.

“There's only two weeks until the wedding. Some couples have to wait for years.” Wei Wuxian said breathlessly and pulled his hands free from the alpha's grasp.

Lan Wangji looked angry. His eyes were red and he looked like he couldn't take any more teasing, but he didn't make another move.

“Good boy.” Wei Wuxian said and stroked underneath the alpha's chin, but that just seemed to make the other angrier.

“Don't you want everything to be proper then?” The omega asked.

“I already told you I do not care about that.”

“But you are the example to the other disciples. What if everyone followed your lead and got unmarried omegas pregnant all around the mountain?” Wei Wuxian said with innocent eyes while rubbing his lower stomach gently.

Lan Wangji glared at him and got up, heading towards the cold springs again. Once he was far away, Wei Wuxian smiled and chuckled to himself.

Notes:

I promise the wedding will be in the next chapter.

Chapter 8: The wedding

Notes:

I added two new tags.

The day of the wedding had arrived. It was early morning and the birds were chirping happily outside the beautifully carved wooden windows. Wei Wuxian was still sleepy while he was being tugged around by two omega maids who were in charge of his outfit. There was also an omega elder in the room with them, who was in charge of doing his hair and adding a golden accessory with red jewels in it.

Wei Wuxian also tied a special red forehead ribbon onto himself that was to be worn only once in his life. Lan Wangji was supposed to remove it later in the bridal chamber and he was to do the same to his husband, symbolizing the start of a new married chapter in their lives. The red forehead ribbon had a single golden bell hanging from the middle. His husband's one also had a simple golden ornament hanging on it, but one that didn't make a sound.

The Lan clan's wedding robes for the bride included more golden bells sewn on them. The cute sounds they made whenever he moved symbolized youthfulness. His inner robes were simple and solid red and the silk was extremely soft. On top of them he wore two layers of half-translucent red silk with golden details. The outfit was finished with a red veil, also made from half-translucent silk and with golden details at the edges.

After he had been perfectly decorated, Wei Wuxian waited for the auspicious time to start so that the ceremony could begin. He felt nervous, but excited.

Sometime later, the servants started fussing at him to get up. They led him to the door and the omega elder continued from there, walking him until the beginning of a red carpet that had been laid on the ground, leading up to the main hall which had been decorated for the occasion.

Wei Wuxian started walking towards Lan Wangji who was waiting for him at the midpoint of the carpet. The alpha looked amazing in his own red outfit. The quiet music being played somehow made him feel even more nervous. It made everything feel more real.

Wei Wuxian looked around through the veil. He could vaguely see bouquets of pink lotuses, peonies and lilies around the hall. He saw jujubes, peanuts and lotus seeds on the tea table. So many things for wishing for him to birth a son soon or for having a large family.

When he reached the alpha, the other took his smaller hand in his and led him the rest of the way. There were also flower petals being thrown at the couple from somewhere in the crowd. It was the most colorful day the omega had ever seen in the Cloud Recesses.

They arrived at the other end of the carpet and the matchmaker read the wedding vows under the red drapery. They bowed to the heaven and the earth, then bowed to the father and the mother. Lastly, they turned towards each other and completed the third bow.

Since neither of them had any living parents, the only people they could serve tea to were the elders who were Lan Wangji's close relatives, like Lan Qiren. They both offered a cup of wedding tea to the elders in front of them. Wedding wine was optional in the Lan clan and the couple had chosen to partake in wedding tea during the ceremony instead, much to Wei Wuxian's disappointment, but Lan Wangji had insisted on being sober during their first time together. They interlinked their arms and drank their respective cups.

The wedding ceremony concluded. They were now officially husband and wife.

Lan Wangji reached out to place his hands on Wei Wuxian's upper back and underneath his knees. He picked up his bride and carried him away, leaving the wedding guests stunned at the couple's sudden disappearance. Wei Wuxian didn't resist at all, in fact, he was smiling brightly at his husband. The cute sound of the bells followed him as he was carried away.

~

This was Wei Wuxian's first time in the Jingshi, his new home from now on. The room was temporarily decorated in red, including red curtains hanging on the bed. He saw some of his things around the room, the rest were already carefully arranged into the cabinets by Lan Wangji. Everything he owned had been brought here early this morning, including the betrothal gifts. There was also a beautiful blooming orchid on the table, symbolizing love and fertility.

Lan Wangji frowned slightly, displeased at the lack of time he had had this morning to prepare the Jingshi perfectly for his wife. The most auspicious time of the day had been quite early and he had also had to get himself ready.

He carried his bride straight to the vibrantly decorated bed and lowered him down carefully. He lifted the veil off and gave Wei Wuxian a minute to take in his surroundings and get used to the new environment.

The air in the room was serene and cool. The Jingshi smelled of freshly burned sandalwood incense and Lan Wangji’s own scent. Even the excessive amount of not yet arranged items looked as if they were put down with great care. The temporary red color all around the room gave it a warm and welcoming feel.

Once he was done, Wei Wuxian lifted his gaze up at the gorgeous man in red wedding robes, who was patiently waiting for him.

“Husband, kiss me.”

Lan Wangji did, leaning down and climbing onto the bed next to his wife. He untied the red forehead ribbon and then removed the golden hairpiece holding the omega's hair up, letting the long dark strands fall down onto the mattress.

It wasn't the first time he had seen Wei Wuxian like this, but it felt more intimate this time. Maybe it was because the forehead ribbon was missing, or maybe it was the knowing that this would be their new life together from now on.

Wei Wuxian reached out as well and easily tugged off the alpha's own red forehead ribbon. Taking off Lan Wangji’s hairpiece proved to be more difficult though, and he had to almost climb onto his lap to remove it. He kept holding onto the forehead ribbon, smiling proudly, so Lan Wangji placed only the other items aside.

Lan Wangji started undressing him. He unwrapped the omega like a present, layer by layer, until he was completely naked. He folded the robes neatly and placed them aside the bed as well. As much as they had fooled around already, this was the first time he could actually see and touch the other's naked skin like this.

Wei Wuxian blushed shyly while smiling, but he was more excited than nervous. He liked having his husband's gaze on him, it was intense, but warm. Lan Wangji’s fingers brushed over his skin softly, as if testing if he was still real.

Lan Wangji kept his hand on the omega's waist and leaned forward to kiss him again. The kiss started out slow, but soon turned more heated and Wei Wuxian ended up laying on his back on the sheets. Lan Wangji separated from the soft lips and took in the sight underneath him properly.

Wei Wuxian's small and pretty lips were already slightly reddened. Lan Wangji’s eyes travelled lower. He wanted to mark the smooth, soft skin with bites and bruises. The omega's nipples were small and pink, he wanted to suck them swollen and red. The flesh on his chest was soft but flat, he wanted to see it filled with milk.

His stomach was also very flat. Lan Wangji wanted to fill it out with a baby. He traced the skin from his stomach to his hip. Wei Wuxian shuddered at the feel of the alpha's finger against the bare skin of his hips for the first time.

Lan wangji parted his legs by the knees and pressed them against the mattress. The tight pink pussy glistened in the sunlight that poured in through the paper window. He wanted to stretch him out on his cock and fill him with his seed.

Wei Wuxian pushed himself up onto his elbows and reached a hand out to the alpha's collar. He tugged at the robe and managed to reveal the pale collarbone a little bit. Lan Wangji let go of his thighs, allowing Wei Wuxian to sit up properly and start removing his robes. He patiently watched the omega as he figured out the layers until he got the upper garments off.

It was late summer already and Wei Wuxian’s skin was tanned, while Lan Wangji’s own seemingly sunproof skin was still white as jade. Especially without clothes on, the difference in their build made Lan Wangji look almost twice the size of the omega. Although the lean muscles underneath his skin were strong, Wei Wuxian's body was mostly soft on the surface. Lan Wangji’s own lean muscles were well defined in contrast, especially on his arms with which he pushed the omega back down.

The only problem was that the alpha was still wearing his pants. Wei Wuxian impatiently nudged at the clothed crotch with his foot. Lan Wangji took the hint and removed the last of his robes, revealing the large, half-hard member. Wei Wuxian was silent for a while, just staring at it.

Lan Wangji parted his thighs again and leaned down to kiss him. The smaller body started squirming so much that the alpha separated from the warm mouth.

“Lan Zhan. Your poor wife is a virgin. How can I take all of that in one go?” Wei Wuxian complained.

Lan Wangji paused and looked at him seriously.

“Isn't that what you wanted?”

Wei Wuxian blinked twice.

“But… it's so big.” He tried to reason.

“You didn't let me help you get used to it before.” Lan Wangji almost sounded smug.

He didn't wait for the omega to come up with an answer and instead traced the wet pussy for a few seconds and then started pushing the first finger in.

“Ah!” Wei Wuxian let out a surprised sound.

Lan Wangji added a second finger soon after and started opening the tight, wet walls.

“So rough… husband… let me get used to one first… ahh.” Wei Wuxian moaned as the long fingers explored inside him.

He tried to focus on his breathing and the alpha’s calming woody scent to help him stay relaxed. Although the feeling was overwhelming, he didn't want it to stop.

“You are doing great.” Lan Wangji praised and already started pushing the third finger in.

While his right hand was occupied with moving the three fingers back and forth carefully, his left hand was holding the omega's ankle tightly to keep him from closing his legs. When the alpha started to struggle with staying patient, he turned his head and bit down all over the omega's calf and ankle.

Lan Wangji couldn't wait anymore. He removed his fingers and lifted the omega's hips up, lining up his hard red cock with the wetness between Wei Wuxian's shaking legs. He started pushing the tip in. The stretch burned and Wei Wuxian felt dizzy with pleasure.

“Too big.” Wei Wuxian whined.

“You can take it.” Lan Wangji encouraged.

Wei Wuxian trembled and let out high-pitched cries as Lan Wangji held his hips securely and pressed in slowly. He kind of missed the alpha's teeth after he had removed them from his ankle, the places where he had bit kept tingling and weirdly comforting the omega. Wei Wuxian felt overwhelmingly good despite the pain of the stretch. His body was so sensitive from denying himself for the past month and being penetrated for the first time that he came as soon as Lan Wangji was fully seated in.

Lan Wangji waited for the walls to stop tightening around him and started moving right after, not doing much better himself.

“Isn't it nice?” Wei Wuxian asked, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

His body had become more pliant and relaxed after the initial stretch and orgasm. He looked down at where they were tightly joined, fascinated. The alpha was so big he could see him moving through his stomach.

“I saved myself for marriage. Now you can have me everyday to yourself.” Wei Wuxian continued breathlessly.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed in a deep voice.

He held the omega's hips up by the narrow waist as he continued thrusting without pause.

“Ow.” Wei Wuxian yelped after a particularly deep thrust.

The alpha only gripped his waist tighter and Wei Wuxian felt a rush of adrenaline that made everything feel even better. He kept squirming and crying pitifully but didn't make any move to try to push the alpha off.

Lan Wangji leaned down, biting and sucking wherever he could reach. He looked at the forming bruises proudly.

“Mine.” Lan Wangji growled against the skin of the omega's neck.

“I'm not going anywhere.” Wei Wuxian laughed.

The alpha kept holding onto him tightly while his thrusts started to become more uneven. Wei Wuxian could tell the other was close and lifted a hand to trace a finger along Lan Wangji’s ear in encouragement. He soon felt the warm come flooding into him and the large member softening inside of him.

Lan Wangji pulled out with a strand of slick still connecting him to the stretched and swollen pussy. He was holding the omega's hips up enough that his come didn't spill out and paused to admire his work.

“Too empty.” Wei Wuxian whined and squirmed below him.

Lan Wangji had already returned to full hardness after only a few seconds. A little bit of the cum spilled out as he started pressing into the warm and wet pussy again. It was still very tight when he filled him for the second time.

“Ah, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian moaned, his legs trembling.

“You are so good for me.” Lan Wangji praised.

The alpha held his hips flush against himself with one hand and pinned his wrists firmly against the bed with the other. With his wrists tightly grasped like this and the alpha between his legs, Wei Wuxian couldn't go anywhere.

Lan Wangji towered over him, his long hair and warm breath brushed against his skin as the alpha kissed along his shoulder to his chest and then stayed there, sucking and biting the sensitive nipples, making Wei Wuxian try to squirm again.

The discarded red forehead ribbon happened to catch Lan Wangji’s eye. He thought about tying the other up, but decided against it for now. There was no rush, they had all the time in the world from now on.

Wei Wuxian's eyes followed the alpha’s gaze, but he only watched without trying to pull his hands free. “What? Are you thinking of tying me up?”

“Later…”

“Do you like when I'm helpless underneath you like this?” Wei Wuxian teased, smiling with tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.

“Mn.”

Lan Wangji pushed his tongue past his lips and kissed him roughly. Wei Wuxian was struggling to keep up, but the alpha was more than happy to do all the work anyway.

The alpha's tongue pushed against his own and kept exploring his mouth while his hard cock was moving inside him fast and rough. Lan Wangji separated from his lips with a bite and moved to kiss along his jaw until he stopped right below his ear, breathing right onto the sensitive skin there.

“Ah, gentle, slow down.” Wei Wuxian couldn't help whining.

“No.” Lan Wangji whispered right into his ear and kept going without slowing down.

Wei Wuxian was completely at the alpha's mercy and soon they climaxed together, breathing loudly into each other's shoulders. After the second round, Lan Wangji wordlessly pressed in again.

When they were both nearing their third orgasms, Lan Wangji’s knot was starting to form and his thrusts slowed down. He was breathing audibly as he held his teeth against the nape of the omega's neck and continued to thrust shallowly.

Wei Wuxian was breathing heavily in anticipation as well. He tilted his head to the side to give the alpha more space.

“Lan Zhan, husband... knot me.” Wei Wuxian pleaded.

Lan Wangji’s breath stuttered. The knot was too big for him to remove himself from the omega's tight pussy now. Instead, he pressed forward as deep as he could go.

“Lan Zhan, I'm yours, bite me.” Wei Wuxian cried while holding onto his husband's strong shoulders.

Lan Wangji finally bit down and mated with his omega. Wei Wuxian came at the same time as he felt his alpha release inside him. The pleasure and pain were so overwhelming that Wei Wuxian eventually passed out after taking a few more breaths.

When Wei Wuxian slowly blinked his eyes open, he woke up laying on top of Lan Wangji, being tightly held against the alpha's chest. Their bodies stuck together with all the sweat and cum and the knot was still in the process of deflating inside him. His skin was full of bruises and bites, looking as if he'd just been mauled by a beast, but he had never felt so loved and wanted before.