Chapter Text
Why did he stop visiting his Wei Ying in the first place?
Lan Wangji was the emperor, after all, he couldn’t just ignore the concubines. Infidelity had to happen at some point.. Right?… but why did he stop? Why after spending a night with his insecure omega? Why did he never visit for a month straight after spending a whole night reassuring Wei Wuxian that he was perfect in every way shape and form?.. What the fuck was wrong with him?
He didn’t even realize how long it had been since he saw that face. Only realizing how it had been almost a month now when he had stopped in front of the private chambers.
What reason? Why was it that he missed his scent? And that… voice?
”…Goddamnit! I swear I asked those palace ladies to alter this robe! I can’t go to that banquet nude…”
Lan Wangji paused his movements, curiosity flickering across his eyes. Even if the walls were in his way the muffled irritated voice inside was easy to understand. Robe alternations? It couldn’t be that the whispers words he heard of the empress letting his weight go was true… Was it? However, as soon as he opened the chamber’s doors was he met with quite the sight.
It was a mess. There were expensive, royal, elegant, ornate, even luxurious fabrics of robes tossed carelessly every on the floor. Though, the emperor’s golden eyes didn’t seem to focus on the disastrous clutter on the floor. Quickly finding and locking onto the figure standing in front of a full-body mirror.
Wei Wuxian’s head had whipped in Lan Wangji’s direction right when the sound of the door opening reached his ears. He stood frozen in front of that mirror as he watched the Alpha. He had been in the middle of changing, preparing for the banquet being held in just a few hours. His glorious red robes hung off his arms, covering majority of his back, but almost nothing of his front. Recognition lingered in the omega’s eyes as they darted to the details of features of Lan Wangji’s face and body.
”…Lan er-gege..? You-…” The words seemed to die on Wei Ying’s tongue as he shifted back to look at himself in the mirror. His grey eyes flashing with a look of self criticism and disgust as he looked at his own body.
The Lan behind him had heard… rumors of the empress gaining noticeable weight. His stomach looked swollen, holding a fairly visible bump. Along with his ass and upper thighs looking plumper, giving the usually skinny omega.. beautiful curves. Though, Lan Wangji didn’t take long to realize the signs… The room was filled with a scent of hormones and sweetness after all..
Lan Wangji’s eyes took their time roaming over Wei Wuxian’s body, taking in the new sight of the pregnant empress. His eyes seemed to linger on the omega’s plump tights and the slight swelling of his stomach. He knew what the reason for Wei Wuxian’s gain was. He could easily guess the other was carrying his cubs.
”…Apologies for the atrocious mess… I’ve been scrambling to find a pair of nice robes that’d.. fit…”
“There’s no need for apologies,” Lan Wangji’s mouth moved faster than his thoughts. His gaze remained fixed on the figure, taking note of the silent judging in the omega’s eyes. He walked closer to Wei Wuxian, his footsteps quiet and measured; careful to not step on any of the robes.
”You’ve… gained weight,” he observed, his voice cool and detached.
”….I will pluck each and every one of the healthy hairs on your head, one by one, if you say something like that again,” Wei Wuxian’s voice sounded irritated.. Not good.
However, the corners of Lan Wangji’s lips twitched slighty, the only indication of his amusement at the obvious threat. He continued to close the distance between them, his eyes roaming over the Wei’s body.
”I wasn’t saying it as a bad thing… you look…” he paused for a moment a moment, his eyes lingering on Wei Wuxian’s thighs. “…Healthy.”
Wei Wuxian paused, his eyes flashed with a look of surprise. “…Healthy..?’”
Lan Wangji’s mouth moved reached out a hand and rested it gently on Wei Wuxian’s stomach, which was now slightly protruding with the evidence of the omega’s pregnancy.
”Yes,” he said, his voice a bit softer now, “You look… healthy. Pregnancy seems to suit you well.”
Wei Wuxian went quiet at that, letting Lan Wangji’s hand come in contact with his stomach. He could feel the slight swelling of Wei Wuxian’s skin. It was a constant reminder of the fact Wei Wuxian was carrying his child. He continued to gently rub the other’s stomach, his touch almost tender.
”When… exactly did you find out?” He asked, his tone still aloof but there was a hint of something else in it…
”…A few days after you stopped visiting.”
There it was, Lan Wangji’s hand stilled briefly at the answer. He knew exactly when he had stopped coming to see Wei Wuxian. It was the time when he had been spending more time with his other concubines.
“And you didn’t… think it necessary to mention it to me?” He asked, his voice cool and emotionless once again.
Wei Wuxian wasn’t having it though, his expression changing to have a hint of aggravation, “…Your guards said you were too busy for someone like me…” there was a noticeable change in the tension of the omega’s muscles. Clearly not liking the thought of the guards’ words.
Lan Wangji’s eyes darkened a bit at the omega’s words. The guards had said that, had they? He had instructed them to turn away any requests from the empress, not wanting to be disturbed by the omega.
He resumed the motion of rubbing the other’s stomach, his touch growing more possessive.
”And they were right. I was very busy,” he stated nonchalantly.
“Lan Zhan..?”
“…Hm?”
”…I heard words. Words about you sleeping with the concubines you swore to never even look at… What were you really doing during this previous month?..”
It was true, he had been spending more time with his other concubines, mostly to satisfy his carnal desires. He even made it clear to his guards and those in the Imperial Harem that he was not to be disturbed when he was with those damned concubines.
Lan Wangji was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, his tone still nonchalant, “ And what of it? I am the emperor, I can do as I please.”
”…What of it?! You swore it during our vows Lan Zha-!”
”Things change,” Lan Wangji said curtly, interrupting the omega. He indeed made a promise then, to only lay with Wei Ying and not look at other women. It was a vow he had broke many times now.
”My needs have grown, and I have no obligation to deny myself when there are others who satisfy me more than you do,” the emperor’s words were dismissive, even as he kept his hand resting on the swollen baby bump of his omega’s.
”…Then why are you even fucking here?!” Wei Wuxian snapped, his tone full of frustration.
Lan Wangji’s expression darkened at Wei Wuxian’s sharp tone. He knew he was in the wrong, he had broke his promise and hurt the one he swore to protect.
”I came to check on you, you are my empress after all,” he said, his had gently squeezing the empress’ stomach.
“You should’ve checked sooner,” Wei Wuxian said. Abruptly pulling away from Lan Wangji and walking to his private bathrooms. Slamming the door shut behind him. Why’d he say that so… thickly..? Was there something Lan Wangji had missed?
Lan Wangji watched as the omega stormed off to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him. He could sense the hostility and hurt in Wei Wuxian’s tone, and he knew he deserved it.
The emperor stood there for a moment, his head lowered, before his eyes widened slightly as he suddenly realized something he had missed.
”Wei Ying, wait-“ he called out, moving towards the bathroom door.
“…Go Away Emperor Lan. There’s nothing to entertain you here.” Wei Wuxian’s voice was once again muffled by the door between the two.
Lan Wangji’s hands clenched into fists at the omega’s cold tone. He hated how the omega was addressing him, using his title instead of the familiar, intimate name he usually used.
“Wei Ying, open the door, we need to talk,” Lan Wangji’s voice was firm as he knocked lightly on the door.
”We’ve talked plenty for the many years of our marriage have we not?” Sarcasm marked Wei Wuxian’s voice. Yet it only seemed to irritated Lan Wangji.
”This is different,” he said through gritted teeth, still knocking, almost banging, on the door, “Open the door. I’ll not leave until we talk, like civilized adults.”
“…Civilized, sure.”
”Wei Ying, open the damn door or I swear I will break it down.”
”It’s unlocked.”
It is? Lan Wangji reached for the handle and found tat it was indeed unloocked. He pushed the door open and entered the bathroom, eyes immediately hunting for Wei Wuxian. He closed the door behind him and locked it, not wanting any unwanted visitors barging in and interrupting their talk.
”…Run me a bath first. It’s troublesome for me to do it myself…” Wei Wuxian commanded. Though it was more a request than a demand. The empress stood in front of the sink, facing away from Lan Wangji, lightly drumming his fingers against the counter.
Lan Wangji, despite his frustration, moved to comply. Only after the bath was running at a nice lukewarm temperature did he approach the other. His footsteps echoing in the spacious bathroom. Slowing to stop when he stood behind the omega; Close enough that he could reach out and touch him, but he restrained himself.
Wei Wuxian stood there, in his half-dressed state, watching Lan Wangji through the sink mirror. The emperor’s eyes roamed appreciatively over the exposed skin, taking in the sight of the Wei’s figure.
”Turn around,” he said, his voice commanding, though strikingly softer than before.
At first Wei Ying stood there, defiantly not turning around like Lan Zhan demanded. “Why should I?” the omega asked, already knowing that Lan Wangji would use his mark on Wei Wuxian to his advantage.
However, Lan Wangji’s patience was being tested to its limits. The omega’s defiant attitude was both arousing and infuriating at the same time. He stepped even closer, pressing his broad chest against Wei Wuxian’s bare back. One of his hands finding a spot on the other’s hip.
”Because,” he said, his breath warm against the side of the omega’s neck, “I wasn’t asking. I was commanding.”
Wei Wuxian could feel his resolve weakening at that, his instincts reacting to the dominant presence of Lan Wangji. “…This is unfair you’re using our breeds against me,” he muttered, finally turning around to face the Lan.
A slight smirk tugged at the corners of Lan Wangji’s lips as the other turned. He knew he had won that round despite his defeat from earlier. Wei Wuxian was submitting, although he was a bit relunctant.
”It’s not unfair, it’s simply the natural way of things,” he said, his voice holding a hint of satisfaction.
“Are you trying to make up for your words or actions earlier?” Wei Wuxian’s question was sudden. Though he stared at Lan Wangji with pure disappointment as he continued, “ Maybe both? Either way, being all… Arrogrant like this won’t do much.”
Lan Wangji paused, his eyes darkening slightly at the word ‘arrogrant’ it was a feeling he had been trained not to feel since he was a child. Was he really forgetting to act how he was taught to?
”Arrogrant? I’m just… being who I am, and I’m being honest with you.”
”Lan Wangji,” Wei Wuxian’s voice was sharp, “Stop it. It does not matter the amount of dominance you use to make me submissive. I will stay frustrated with you. You’ve betrayed our vows, and my trust multiple times, not even over the years, but just in a month. All the while I’ve been mistreated, heartbroken, treated with cruelty and disgust, stressed, maybe just a mess in general. I will never, ever, forgive you for such… imbecile and hurtful actions, Nor will I even think about it until you prove that I can trust you again, whether you’re my husband or not…” the empress paused, taking a breath before finishing what he wanted to say, “and this? This is just making me believe even less in you.”
Lan Wangji’s demeanor shifted as Wei Wuxian’s words struck a different cord. He knew the other was right. He had betrayed the pregnant omega’s trust, broken his vows, and had been unfaithful. He had caused the Wei pain and suffering while he, his husband, indulged himself in pleasure.
Guilt strung in his chest, but he hid it well. Keeping his expression calm and stoic.
”Then what will it take for you to trust me again?” he asked, his tone less commanding now and more serious.
”Figure it out yourself.”
Lan Wangji fell silent, only for a moment before he spoke up again, ”You expect me to figure it out, but won’t give me any direction, any hint of what you want from me. How must I try to earn your trust if you won’t even let me try?”
Though, Wei Wuxian didn’t seem to care that the Lan wanted a hint, “We’ve the closest of close for 6 damn years. You can find it out by yourself.”
The emperor went quiet once again at the reminder of their time together. 6 years, filled with countless hours spent side by side, countless days and nights.
He knew Wei Wuxian better than anyone else. He should know what he wanted, what the other was expecting… but he kept finding himself stuck and at a loss.
”…You’re being difficult-“
The empress cut off the Lan before he even got 4 words out. Quickly speaking to quiet the other’s next words, “If you believe this is difficult then you must not know me at all.”
Those words hit Lan Wangji like a knife to the gut. He knew the other was right, he had been caught up in his pride, in his own needs and desires, that he neglected the one person who had been by his side for years.
The realization was a bitter pill to swallow. He was supposed to know he omega better than anyone. And yet, he couldn’t even figure out how to fix the mess he made between them.
A frustrated sigh left Lan Wangji as he closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against Wei Wuxian’s shoulder.
“…I’m a fool,” he muttered, “I’m a goddamn fool. I should have never strayed, I should have never hurt you. You’ve been nothing but loyal, and yet I repaid you with my own selfishness.”
He lifted his head to find Wei Wuxian’s gray eyes, the guilt and regret finally being exposed in his own golden ones. His grip on the other’s hip loosened, becoming gentle as it slid to the omega’s back. Embracing him carefully, yet desperately, in his arms.
”I don’t know how to make this right,” he continued, his tone bordering on desperation. “I’ve messed up, and I don’t deserve your trust or forgiveness. But I don’t want to lose you. I… I can’t lose you.”
Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian closer, burying his face in his partner’s neck, breathing in the familiar scent of the other’s skin. He had missed holding the Wei like this, missed this closeness, this intimacy, to feel the omega’s warmth against his body.
”…Please,” he murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion, “Please… give me a chance to fix this. I can be better, I swear I can be better. Just… Just don’t leave me.”
Slowly, Wei Wuxian’s arms wrapped around Lan Wangji’s neck, falling into the place where they belonged. His fingers clutching onto the emperor’s formal robes.
”…Last chance. Don’t waste it…’
A wave of relief instantly crashed onto the Lan as the empress finallly submitted to his hold.
He held Wei Wuxian closer, burying his face against his shoulder as he took a deep, shaky breath. Feeling both relieved and nervouse at the same time. His last chance…
”I won’t mess up again,” he whispered against the soft skin. “I swear on everything, I won’t hurt you again.”
Wei Wuxian’s body slowly turned into putty as Lan Wangji held and basically, yet accidentally, massaged his stressed muscles. Letting out a hum in relaxation as he buried his own face into Hanguang-jun’s shoulder. Melting into the other’s touch that he longed for, for so long. Maybe… Maybe just maybe, Lan Wangji was willing to change to see him more, to return to spending hours with him talking about nonsense like before…
Maybe… Maybe everything is fixed now…