Chapter Text
JUNE/SUMMER
Wei Ying had never been more beautiful.
The flush of his cheeks, a plum blossom in bloom. The shine of his hair, moonlight on water. The fullness of red lips, quick to lift in a joyful smile.
The swell of his stomach—round and soft where he kept their child safe and sound.
Of course, he had complained; of course Lan Wangji had eased his burdens.
When Wei Ying's feet swelled, Lan Wangji took both in hand and kneaded until Wei Ying could walk with no pain. When Wei Ying's back ached, Lan Wangji stood behind him and took on some of the weight wearing down his bones. When Wei Ying looked down at his body and found he did not recognise himself, Lan Wangji laid him on their bed and helped him grow familiar.
Wei Ying seemed happy. He seemed content. He seemed eager to meet and hold their child.
Which was why when—six months into the pregnancy—Lan Wangji entered the Jingshi just after Mao-shi and found it empty, he raised the alarm.
Because, while Wei Ying seemed happy, Lan Wangji had noticed the fear lurking in the depths of silver eyes.
"Do not worry, Wangji, Sizhui," Xiongzhang said as they left the bunny meadow behind, "we will find him." He meant well. He had cared for both Wei Ying and Lan Wangji over the past six months; he had stepped back into his role as sect leader, giving Wei Ying and Lan Wangji time to prepare. He had personally investigated the array in the cave, which had been an ancient cultivator's solution to a generation of only men. He had listened to Wei Ying's ramblings. Had offered a shoulder for Lan Wangji to lean on.
But, at that moment, Xiongzhang's words of comfort were not enough to still Lan Wangji's racing heart.
Wei Ying and their child were missing.
He would burn the Cloud Recesses down again, if he had to.
"Hanguang-jun!" When the unwelcome voice reached his ears, Lan Wangji's teeth clenched and ground.
He would burn Lotus Pier down, too.
"Hanguang-jun!" Jiang Wanyin said when he caught up. The man was breathless from his haste. Jin Rulan and Lan Jingyi were close behind. Lan Wangji had forgotten they were due to visit. "What's this about my bro—about Wei Wuxian going missing?"
"No running in the Cloud Recesses."
"No run—Hanguang-jun! Where is he?"
"My apologies , Sect Leader Jiang," Xiongzhang said, more diplomatically than Lan Wangji ever could, "we have search parties looking for Lan-er-furen. I am sure he will be located—unharmed and safe—soon."
"How could he go missing from under your noses? I thought you were protecting him!"
"I imagine we will be able to answer that question when he is found. Now, Wangji, where have you looked?"
"The meadow. The pond. The kitchens. The nursery. The healing rooms."
"Good. Sect Leader Jiang and I will search the road to Caiyi. Jin Rulan, Lan Jingyi, you two try the training grounds and the classrooms. Sizhui, Wangji, you two—"
"We will check the back hills." Lan Wangji interrupted. Before Xiongzhang could respond, Lan Wangji turned and walked away—Lan Sizhui on his heels.
Time was of the essence.
They hurried through the Cloud Recesses. Hesitated at the back hills. It was an overgrown and mysterious place, and Wei Ying had been drawn to it since his first life. It was possible, perhaps, that he had been drawn to it again.
Finding him would rely on luck.
Lan Wangji had not felt such overwhelming and insidious despair since he had watched Wei Ying disappear into the Burial Mounds. That fear had lingered—beneath their happiness—and now it was seeping to the surface. It was searching for his weaknesses, highlighting the parts of him he longed to hide, and doing its best to snuff out the small embers of hope still burning in his heart.
Wei Ying was missing; Lan Wangji could not live without Wei Ying.
If something terrible had happened—if Wei Ying had been stolen from their home, where he was meant to be safe—then the fault would lie squarely on Lan Wangji's shoulders.
And he would never forgive himself.
A gentle hand on his back made Lan Wangji falter. Lan Sizhui was looking at him, concerned.
"We will find him. If he is in trouble, he will find a way out. If he is being held by someone, they will probably return him when they realise how much he can talk. Hanguang-jun, it will be okay."
Lan Wangji took a deep breath. Placed a hand on Lan Sizhui's shoulder.
"Thank you," Lan Wangji said.
He was not being methodical. He was not in control of his emotions.
That would not help Wei Ying.
They reached a fork in the overgrown path. As much as Lan Wangji wanted Lan Sizhui's company—as much as he longed for the quiet and kind comfort the junior's presence brought—he knew it made more sense to split up.
"Will you be alright?"
"Mn. If you find him, send up a flare."
Lan Sizhui nodded. Disappeared into the trees.
And then Lan Wangji was alone—nothing but his fears and the whispers of old trees to guide his thoughts.
There was a reason the Lans did not often visit the back hills. It was wild and unruly. Untamed and unforgiving.
Perhaps that was why Wei Ying loved it so.
Beneath the overgrown trees, between thorny thickets and sheer drops, was hidden beauty.
There, a glen of wildflowers so vibrant and fragrant it was a mystery why their scent did not drift across the Cloud Recesses.
There, a powerful waterfall—rainbows dancing through its mist—stirring up the sparking waters of a pretty river.
There, under a willow tree, right next to that bubbling river, Wei Ying.
Wei Ying, beautiful and whole and breathing.
He was on his side—one arm wrapped around his stomach, the other trailing through the water.
As he approached, Lan Wangji noticed he was fast asleep—his soft snores harmonising with the sound of water dancing across stone.
"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji whispered as he knelt beside his husband. Slowly, carefully, he moved Wei Ying's head so that he was resting on his thighs rather than the roots of the willow tree. Gently, fondly, he wiped Wei Ying's hands on his own sleeve so that those precious fingers were not at risk of pruning.
Wei Ying was tired; Lan Wangji would let him sleep.
The river bank was a pretty, precious place. Lan Wangji could understand why Wei Ying's tired, aching feet had carried him here on a whim.
Back at the Cloud Recesses, Wei Ying was treated as though he were a fragile, delicate thing. Healers scolded him for the smallest slight; disciples refused to let him help with the smallest task.
Wei Ying had searched for a place he could exist unburdened.
It was a wonderful place to rest.
Lan Wangji only wished that he had carried Wei Ying to the water's edge.
Raindrops began to fall.
The soft pitter-patter spread across the river's surface—tiny plinks that blurred and hid a once-clear reflection of the waterfall, the tree, Wei Ying. The water bounced off the willow's leaves—muffling the noise of the outside world.
It was just Lan Wangji and Wei Ying, and the child he kept within.
A wayward drop fell on Wei Ying's nose, which wrinkled in displeasure. Silver eyes blinked open; Lan Wangji's world righted once more.
"Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying's voice was thick with sleep. "Mmn. Where are we?"
"The back hills. Beneath a willow tree by the river."
Wei Ying's eyes opened wide. "Shit, Lan Zhan, sorry. It was only meant to be a short walk to clear my head. But it felt so good to be out and it was so peaceful here. It was just meant to be a short nap."
"Mn." Lan Wangji smiled. Pushed a strand of hair away from Wei Ying's face. "You are safe. That is all that matters. But, Wei Ying, I have noticed something troubles you. The way your gaze turns faraway, the way you pace, the way your mind wanders. Please, if there is something I can help with, let me know."
"I'm fine, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji waited.
"It's just…I'm worried I'll be a bad father."
It was not what Lan Wangji had expected.
"But, Wei Ying is good with children?"
"I love the little ones, and I can't wait to welcome this one into the world. But, Lan Zhan, the ones who raised me had their faults, and my birth parents made a mistake that meant I grew up alone on the streets for years. I love my parents and the Jiangs dearly, but I don't want to hurt our child the same way I was. And they're the only examples I ever had."
"Wei Ying raised A-Yuan."
"And I failed terribly!" Tears began streaming down Wei Ying's face. The pain and fear in his eyes made Lan Wangji's heart ache as he wiped Wei Ying's tears with his sleeve. "His family is dead because of me. His childhood was filled with so much hurt and fear because of me. He would have died because of me. He only survived because of you. He's only the wonderful person he is today because you stepped in and fixed my mistakes. I have no right to see him as a son! Lan Zhan, I want this child so badly, but every time I love someone I only bring them pain."
Lan Wangji helped Wei Ying, shoulders shaking with sobs, sit up. He wrapped his arms around his husband. Held him tight. Let him cry.
He did not know what to say.
A twig snapped; Lan Wangji tensed.
"Xian-ge?" Lan Sizhui hovered between the leaves of the weeping willow, uncertain and unsure.
"Aiya, A-Yuan," Wei Ying said, head still buried in Lan Wangji's neck, "don't trouble yourself with this one's worried ramblings. I'll be fine."
Lan Sizhui's brow furrowed. He shook his head and sat down beside Wei Ying. Stubborn and determined. He placed his chin on Wei Ying's still-shaking shoulder.
Lan Wangji adored him.
"Baba." Lan Sizhui's voice was gentle—the soft pattering of raindrops on spring-green growth. "I might not remember much from before. But, when I reflect on it, all I feel is warmth."
Wei Ying turned slightly. Wrapped his arms around Lan Sizhui and brought him into the embrace. Both Wei Ying and Lan Sizhui were sobbing now.
Lan Wangji held them tight. Rocked them slightly back and forth. Ignored the tears running down his own face.
Because Wei Ying's fears were his own. He had failed A-Yuan, in the beginning. He had known about the bright, kind-hearted child trapped in that place of death and torment. He had done nothing. Then, when that child's world had been destroyed—completely and irrevocably—he had been too beside himself with grief and pain to give him the childhood he deserved.
And then there were his own parents.
His mother, a mystery; his father, a monster.
Shufu, out of his depth and floundering.
Lan Wangji feared he would be a bad father. He feared he would inherit his father's possessiveness, his mother's resignation, his shufu's irritability.
But he also had Wei Ying.
Wei Ying, who had cried himself to sleep by the river where he went to hide his sorrows.
"Is he okay?" Lan Sizhui sniffled. Wiped his eyes with a ruined sleeve. Wei Ying was snoring softly again—the tension that had been resting on his brow finally easing. Lan Wangji knew it would take time—daily reminders and reassurance—to convince Wei Ying that they would not make their parents' mistakes.
They would get there. They would be fine.
"Mn. He is just tired." Lan Wangji adjusted Wei Ying so that he laid more comfortably against his chest. Lan Wangji wrapped his arms around Wei Ying's waist. He couldn't take all the weight away, but he would share what he could. "Jin Rulan has taught you how to use the Jin messenger butterfly."
"He has."
"Could you please send one to Xiongzhang. The search parties are unnecessary."
They were not needed back anytime soon.
Together, they would rest by the water.
"Wei Wuxian!" Lan Wangji tensed as Jiang Wanyin ran towards them, Jin Rulan close behind. "What happened?"
Wei Ying squirmed where he was held in Lan Wangji's arms. He had insisted he was fine to make the walk back from the back hills.
Lan Wangji had been more insistent.
"Ahaha, Jiang Cheng. I'm fine. I just went for a walk to clear my head."
"Tell someone, you idiot." Jiang Wanyin made to punch Wei Ying's arm, but he pulled the blow when he caught sight of Lan Wangji's glare. "Look how much trouble you caused."
"Wei Ying did not cause trouble." Lan Wangji was grateful his husband was still in his arms. He was preventing him from causing an intersect conflict. He understood, on some level, why Wei Ying insisted on keeping Jiang Wanyin in his life. It was a precariously balanced relationship, and Lan Wangji could only promise to be there if something fell.
That did not mean he liked Jiang Wanyin.
But his presence made Wei Ying happy.
As did Jin Rulan's.
Jin Rulan, who was hovering behind his uncle, concern masquerading as contempt clouding his features. At first, Lan Wangji had been defensive of Wei Ying. Had been offended by Jin Rulan's blunt words; had been offended by the careless and cruel way he had seemed to handle Wei Ying's feelings. But Wei Ying had been patient. Had taught Lan Wangji how to look beneath that brash, defensive exterior. Now, Lan Wangji could see how Wei Ying's disappearance had affected Jin Rulan.
Jin Rulan had been beside himself with fear.
"Why do you look like you've been crying?"
That did not mean he liked Jin Rulan's inability to express his feelings.
"Aiya, Jin Ling, won't you let me save some face?" Wei Wuxian laughed. It was a laugh so relaxed and carefree—so truly happy—that Lan Wangji decided to cut Jin Rulan some slack. "Yes I have been crying, but I feel much better now. Come on, let's go have some tea and you can tell me all about Jinlintai. And Jiang Cheng! Once the baby is here we'd like to plan a visit to Lotus Pier!"
As they sat together over tea, Lan Wangji listened more than he spoke. He was content to do so—was content to listen as plans unfolded and formed, as gentle teasing passed between lips, as pleasant laughter warmed the room.
Through it all, Wei Ying's smile continued to grow.
Gone was the strain of the past months. Gone was the worry that had settled in the corners of his smile. Gone was the stress that had pressed down on his shoulders.
Instead, Wei Ying reclined against Lan Wangji's side—one hand resting on the curve of his stomach, the other waving wildly as he made bold declarations about their child and the life they would live. He had the attention of everyone in the room. He basked in it as though it was sunlight.
Lan Wangji could not tear his eyes away.
Wei Ying laughed, bright and unrestrained, as Jiang Wanyin grumbled about his optimism. Wei Ying assured him—loudly, enthusiastically—that the child he carried would master sword training by the age of five. By seven, talismans. By thirteen, night hunts would be conducted with 'elegance and unparalleled efficiency'.
"Of course," Wei Ying said as Lan Wangji refilled his empty teacup, "if they would prefer to live quietly and simply on a farm, we would love them just the same. Right, Lan Zhan?"
"Mn. Their future is theirs."
Across the table, Jin Rulan's eyes strayed time and time again to Wei Ying's stomach. It was clear, despite the feigned indifference he hid behind, that he was curious. That he cared. That he was eager to welcome the child into the world.
Jiang Wanyin, on the other hand , fired off question after question—irritated and brusque. Have you been sleeping enough? Are you eating properly? Are the Lans looking after you the way they should? Although the interrogation was sharp and forceful, Lan Wangji noted the concern beneath the words.
Lan Sizhui was gentler. He always had been. Always attentive and thoughtful. Always steering the conversation into gentler waters before an argument had the chance brew and burst forth—before unmeant words could rain down and cause hurt.
Lan Wangji was proud.
Through it all, Wei Ying preened—shamelessly and endearingly. Everyone in the room was focused on him and the child he carried. Lan Wangji smiled softly as Wei Ying launched into another outrageous tale. There, surrounded by family, Lan Wangji knew their child would be protected.
Lan Wangji was content.
When they finally returned to the Jingshi, Wei Ying was tired.
Each of his steps dragged, the way they did when his feet were aching. Lan Wangji suspected his lower back was also causing him grief, but Wei Ying still took great measures to conceal his discomfort, to carry his burdens alone—pregnancy had not changed that.
But Lan Wangji would not allow it.
"Sit," he said as he led Wei Ying to their bed. When Wei Ying was seated—comfortably, Lan Wangji made sure—Lan Wangji knelt down and removed both boots. Pulled one leg up. Placed that foot on his knee. Carefully, determinedly, Lan Wangji firmly pressed his fingers into tight muscle; carefully, determinedly, Lan Wangji kneaded until the muscle was loose and relaxed.
Once that was done, Lan Wangji picked up Wei Ying's other foot.
"You're too good to me," Wei Ying murmured as he worked—as Wei Ying's eyes grew sleepy the more his body relaxed.
"Wei Ying is precious." Lan Wangji said as he finished and gently placed Wei Ying's foot back on the ground. He stood up then, and began preparing a bath. "I will take care of you both."
"Lan Zhaaan." Wei Ying kicked his feet and covered his face with his hands. "I keep telling you to be careful, that my heart can't take it when you say such things. But still you do it! I promise you, I can't fall any further in love with you. You have caught this one irrevocably! My soul will long for yours eternally! My feelings for you are as deep and unfathomable as the ocean!"
"Good." Lan Wangji pulled Wei Ying's hands away and placed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips. "I fall more in love with you each day. My soul cannot exist without yours. My feelings for you are as unfathomable as the ocean, and as immeasurable as the stars above."
Wei Ying shrieked as Lan Wangji picked him up. He buried his head in Lan Wangji's neck. Tried to hide the heat that flooded his cheeks. But Lan Wangji could feel the small, pleased smile that graced Wei Ying's lips.
Lan Wangji put Wei Ying down so that he was resting on the bathtub's edge. Once his hands were free, Lan Wangji tested the water. Made sure it was the perfect temperature. Only then, did he untie Wei Ying's robes. Only then, did he hold up each of Wei Ying's arms and remove them from his sleeves. Only then, did he pull down Wei Ying pants. Carefully lift each leg.
Only then, did he pick Wei Ying up and place him in the water.
"Mmn." Wei Ying sighed happily as Lan Wangji stripped and hopped in behind him. "Feels good."
Lan Wangji lifted one of Wei Wuxian's arms. He massaged soap in, starting at his shoulder, moving down to his elbow then wrist. When he got to Wei Ying's fingers, he paid close attention to each and every one. Everywhere Lan Wangji's hands went, the knots lurking beneath Wei Ying's skin unwound and eased. Wei Ying melted against him. Rested his head back on Lan Wangji's shoulder and let his eyes drift close. He was not asleep, not quite, but he was blissfully unaware as Lan Wangji cared for him.
When Lan Wangji was done, he repeated his actions on Wei Ying's other arm. Across his chest, over the beautiful swell of his stomach, down each leg. Lan Wangji was slow and methodical. He would make sure that not a single knot remained to cause Wei Ying pain.
Wei Ying's cock twitched halfheartedly when he cleaned there—but Lan Wangji did not linger. There would be time for that tomorrow, when Wei Ying was well rested.
When it was time to wash his back, Lan Wangji carefully turned Wei Ying over so he was sprawled face-first against Lan Wangji's front. There were far too many knots along Wei Ying's back, especially low down. Lan Wangji glared at each and every one.
How dare you cause Wei Ying pain?
Lan Wangji went over Wei Ying's back a second time. He would not forgive himself if something was missed.
"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji placed a kiss against his forehead. "Let me wash your hair."
"M'comfy." Wei Wuxian grumbled, sleepy and warm. Lan Wangji pressed more kisses to his forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his lips. Softly, gently, he encouraged Wei Ying to sit up—to turn around around so that Lan Wangji could wet his hair then massage in Wei Ying's favourite scented soap. "S'good."
Once Wei Ying had been cared for, Lan Wangji quickly washed himself then got up. Carefully, so carefully, he helped Wei Ying up. Held on tight to his arms as he got out of the tub.
Quickly, before cold could seep in, Lan Wangji wrapped Wei Ying in a towel. His hands followed the path they had taken in the bath—arms, chest, stomach, legs, back, hair. Soon, Wei Ying stood before him—dry and warm and sleepy.
He was perfect. Lan Wangji's heart ached with more love than it could ever hope to hold.
"Can we sleep now?" Wei Ying murmured as he leant against Lan Wangji. As he snuggled in close.
"Not yet," Lan Wangji said as he picked Wei Ying up once more. He carried him back to the bed. Placed him so he was sitting on the edge.
"Lan Zhaaaan." Wei Wuxian whined, Lan Wangji ignored him as he collected a comb and some hair oil. "You've cared for your Wei Ying so wonderfully. Surely my hair can wait until tomorrow."
"Mn." Lan Wangji shook his head as he sat behind Wei Ying. Slowly, gently, he ran the comb through Wei Ying's hair. Made sure there was not a single tangle left. "Wei Ying must be tended to completely."
When Wei Ying's hair had been thoroughly combed, Lan Wangji braided it. Once that was done, he pulled back the blankets on their bed and helped Wei Ying lie down.
"Thank you." Wei Ying's voice was barely above a whisper. "That was nice."
"There's no need for thanks between us." Lan Wangji fussed over him a moment longer—made sure he was comfortable—then placed one last, lingering kiss on his lips.
Lan Wangji laid down beside Wei Ying. He wrapped him in his arms. Held him close and safe.
SEPTEMBER/AUTUMN
When the leaves began to change and cold danced on the wind, their child entered the world.
Wei Ying had woken up, made to get up, and let out a surprised little gasp while clutching the swell of his stomach. When Lan Wangji had looked up from the desk—when he had seen the shock and worry in silver eyes—Lan Wangji had known. The healers had come quickly. They had swarmed around Wei Ying and began the long and arduous work needed for childbirth.
Lan Wangji had never felt so hopeless.
All he could do was offer Wei Ying a hand to hold. All he could do was whisper words of assurance that seemed to be more for himself than his husband. All he could do was think of Lan Sizhui, Shufu and Xiongzhang, waiting just beyond the door of the Jingshi, and be glad he was not alone.
He could not do enough.
Only when the tiny cry of a baby filled the room—only when Wei Ying looked up at him with tired, proud eyes—did Lan Wangji allow his tense muscles to relax.
He would reflect on the experience. He would do better next time.
Then the healer put the tiny baby—their tiny baby—on Wei Ying's chest, and Lan Wangji's heart filled with so much love and joy he had not realised he had the capacity to feel. For a brief, disorienting moment, he felt the need to run through the Cloud Recesses—smile on his face—and shout to anyone who would listen about the miracle cradled in his husband's arms.
Instead, he sat down next to Wei Ying. He held him close.
Together, they looked down at their daughter.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian whispered as he trailed a gentle finger down a tiny, perfect nose, "look what we made."
"Mn. She has your eyes," Lan Wangji whispered back. Eyes that had followed Wei Ying from his first life into the second.
"Lan Zhan." Wei Ying beamed. It was a smile so bright, so full of life—and Lan Wangji made a promise, there and then, to do everything he could to keep it there. "Just look at her! Hi there, little one, we're your A-die and Baba. Here, Lan Zhan, hold her."
Before he could register the words, Lan Wangji found his arms wrapped carefully around his daughter. She felt so small, so fragile—he could hardly believe she was real. She blinked up at them both, and Wei Ying pressed the softest kiss to Lan Wangji's cheek.
"I can't stop looking at her," Wei Ying whispered as he laid his head on Lan Wangji's shoulder. "I can't believe she's finally here."
"Mn."
For a long moment, it was just them and their daughter in the quiet of the Jingshi. Lan Wangji was distantly aware of the healers doing their work, but they were doing their best to give the new family space. Eventually, though, the head healer approached.
"You have guests outside," she said quietly, "are you ready to introduce them?"
Lan Wangji nodded. Carefully, so carefully, he handed their daughter back to Wei Ying. He place a brief kiss to his husband's forehead, before standing and crossing to the door.
He smiled at the group waiting anxiously outside.
"We have a daughter," Lan Wangji said. "She is healthy. Wei Ying is well."
Xiongzhang smiled. It was the first real smile Lan Wangji had seen on his brother's face since that night in the Guanyin Temple. Lan Wangji decided it would be best, for them all, if Lan Xichen were a particularly hands-on uncle.
Perhaps his daughter would be able to heal some of the scars inflicted on his brother's heart.
"A grand-niece." Shufu's beard twitched. Lan Wangji caught the sight of tears in his eyes—before a sleeve was used to wipe them away. "Wonderful news, Wangji. It has been far, far too long since we had a girl in the family."
"Mn. She is perfect." Lan Wangji looked to Lan Sizhui then, who was half hidden behind Xiongzhang—peering over his shoulder with an uncharacteristic hesitance that made Lan Wangji's heart ache.
He would have to put a stop to that immediately.
Lan Wangji held out a hand; Lan Sizhui stumbled slightly in his haste to reach him.
When he was close enough, Lan Wangji pressed his lips to Lan Sizhui's forehead ribbon.
"Would you like to meet your sister?" Lan Wangji asked. When Lan Sizhui nodded, Lan Wangji took him by the arm and invited him into the Jingshi. Walking back in, Lan Wangji felt his breath catch. Soft golden sunlight was streaming through the window, bathing Wei Ying and their daughter in an ethereal glow. The softest smile Lan Wangji had ever seen—in this life and the last—graced Wei Ying's face.
Lan Wangji knew they would get through anything, together. As a family.
Wei Ying looked up. Smiled when he saw Lan Sizhui.
"A-Yuan," he said, "come and meet your Meimei."
Lan Sizhui walked over with tentative, quiet steps. Lan Wangji was close behind. When he reached the bed, Lan Sizhui sat down slowly and looked at the tiny bundle in Wei Ying's arms with wonder.
"She is beautiful, Baba."
"She is, she is! And she's going to grow up with the best Da-ge! A-Yuan, I trust you to teach her all the best ways to bend the rules and not get caught!"
By the door, Shufu grumbled and Xiongzhang chuckled into his sleeve.
"Would you like to hold her?" Lan Wangji asked. When Lan Sizhui nodded, Wei Ying carefully handed her over. Helped Lan Sizhui adjust his hands so that he was holding her securely.
Lan Sizhui looked at the baby in his arms—looked at her like she was something precious.
He looked at her as though he would fight the world for her.
Before them, Lan Sizhui's eyes filled with tears. He looked up with panic as they began to fall down his cheeks—his arms were full; he could not wipe them away.
"Aiya, A-Yuan." Wei Wuxian laughed as he reached out and ran his fingers across Lan Sizhui's cheeks. "You're going to make me cry, too!"
"What will you call her?" Lan Sizhui sniffled. Smiled sheepishly through his tears.
Wei Ying and Lan Wangji had spent long nights discussing possible names—but they had kept going back to one.
One that felt right.
With a nod from Wei Ying, Lan Wangji looked around the room. At their family that had gathered to share in their joy. At the family he knew would love their daughter unconditionally.
"Her name is Lan Siyi."