Wei Wuxian pouted and sighed. Outside was bright and sunny, warm even this high up in the mountains, making him feel like he was a part of a landscape, a piece of art every time he strolled out. He wished he could be outside with Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang and the others—Gusu summers might not be Yunmeng summers, where swimming and sweltering was the thing. But summer in Gusu was just as beautiful.

Instead, he was stuck in the Library Pavilion with his husband to be.

“Lan Zhan,” he whined for what felt like the umpteenth time. “I’ve done the rules every day already.” A small lie—he spent at least half the days drawing Lan Zhan, as if observing his beauty would erase his coldness. At least his betrothed was not difficult to look at. “Can’t you be a good husband and let me off easy? Let me out early today? Look how nice it is!”

Lan Zhan turned a page in his book. He didn’t respond.

“Lan Zhaaan.” Wei Wuxian slinked across the floor and put his elbows on the desk Lan Zhan was sitting at. “Don’t ignore me! Would a good husband ignore his wife so coldly?”

Lan Zhan did look up at him this time. His gaze was piercing.

“A good husband would ensure that his wife understands the rules of his sect,” he said.

Art by hvanitas

“I understand the rules,” Wei Wuxian said, holding up three fingers. “I promise! You’ll never meet someone who understands the rules better than me, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Zhan said, “Copy them again.”

“You’re no fun.” Wei Wuxian sprawled his arms across the desk, even though Lan Zhan’s eyes strayed to him again, glaring at his elbows. Wei Wuxian felt a bit of vindication at this—if his elbows pissed Lan Zhan off enough, maybe he’ll let Wei Wuxian out to keep distance between them. Between Lan Zhan and his elbows.

But Lan Zhan didn’t say anything and merely returned to his book.

“I’m serious, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said. “No fun! If you let me out, you can come with me, you know. I know you don’t eat meat but you can still hunt pheasants with me! It’s so fun, the chase, the victory. And we could go down to Caiyi Town too together. Wouldn’t that be fun? Especially since it’s so nice out, you can show me all the best food stalls in Caiyi if you know them. Or all the secret places in the woods! We’re betrothed, I should know this stuff, shouldn’t I?”

He was mostly talking out of his ass; but Lan Zhan’s expression changed behind his book, imperceptibly. Thoughtful and maybe a bit tempted—but then he was scowling at Wei Wuxian’s elbows again. Tempted to let go and shove him off, most likely.

“No,” Lan Zhan said. “Return to your seat. Copy the rules.”

“But—” Wei Wuxian started.

Then his lips were sealed shut.

Of course Lan Zhan was gonna play dirty like this. Wei Wuxian protested and tried to fight and argue through his closed mouth, but Lan Zhan pointedly raised his book, ignoring Wei Wuxian. The nerve of treating his betrothed like this, Wei Wuxian grumbled. He tried to say as much, but all he managed out was some “mfmfmmmmfhs.”

Grudgingly, he returned to his desk. Outside, the magnolia leaves fluttered by, bright and winking in the summer air.

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you and me and this feeling

by aroceu

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