Archive of Our Own

"AND ACTION!"

As the ominous background music started, Wei Wuxian felt his heartbeat speed up. 'Okay, this time we'll get it!'

Their argument started out muffled before he pushed through the door and into the hallway, letting their raised and tense voices be heard in full volume. Wei Wuxian adjusted the large duffel bag on his shoulder as he marched on, frustration bleeding into his voice. "I'm sorry, but I've got to with them! This cannot wait."

"What do you mean you need to go?!" Lan Wangji insisted, hot on his heels.

His face and eyes were red, still gleaming from unshed tears. Chasing after the red and black blur made Lan Wangji's words twist with distress in ways even he himself had never imagined coming out of himself. "You've been gone without a word for days! You come home looking like that, tell me nothing and now you're leaving again?!"

Lan Wangji's curled curtain bangs flailed around at their sharp movements, as they rounded the corner and came into the living room. Rain and thunder rumbled outside the windows, as lighting momentarily lit up the room.

"It's complicated! And the less you know, the better." Wei Wuxian, in torn clothes and face bruised to point he looked like a plum, exclaimed as he ran for the door. But he stopped short as the other man rounded the dark couches to stand in the way.

Wei Wuxian's brows drew close together, face growing more uneasy and guilty as he tried circle around to avoid pushing past him. Lan Wangji simply matched his steps, hands spread out. Wei Wuxian huffed angrily, one hand reaching to run through his hair as he backed up a few steps. "Look. Let me go and-"

But even as he came up with every excuse under the sun, Lan Wangji just stood there. Silent and studying every minute detail that stood out of place in his face. When he crossed his arms over his chest, you could just barely see his hands trembling before they were hidden by the light sweater sleeves. But this did draw Wei Wuxian's attention enough to make him fall silent and hesitate.

Quieter, lowering his eyes to the floor now, Wei Ying pleaded. "Please. Just. Let me go, Yibo."

"No. Not until you actually talk to me." Lan Wangji murmured, voice steady even as his eyes shook with fear. "Please. What is going on?"

The black and red clothes dripped puddles onto the floor as Wei Wuxian stood in place. He lifted his gaze then, just enough that Lan Wangji could see his eyes glow blood red when lightning flashed again. Slowly, his quivering lips parted-

"Sorry, uh. Line?" Wei Wuxian sheepishly called, trying not to move from his spot. If it was simple enough, they could simply react their lines and then continue the scene. He was desperate to avoid a cut. Because while he could not hear or see the disappointed sighs behind the cameras, he KNEW they were there.

But he did hear Jiang Cheng cursing. Rather loudly.

Wei Wuxian flinched at that, a grimace taking over his face. If his stumble hadn't awarded them a cut, then that definitely had.

And sure enough:

"CUT! Okay people, fifteen minute break! Then we'll take it from the top!" The whole crew sagged with relief, more than a little worn after such a long day. Mister Castor stood up from his chair, tossing an apple up and down as he waved to direct the staff. "Make up, please do a quick refresh while we reset the set. Also John, I want that window shot! Move your legs! Oh yeah and can somebody go get the script for Wei Wuxian?"

"Sorry everyone! Guess the last few days have taken their toll on all of us." The lead in question called out, getting a few chuckles and sympathetic encouragements. 'At least our director is chill...'

Next to him, Lan Wangji relaxed his posture and face. It always left Wei Wuxian feeling in awe to see how he could get in and out of character so fast. And he wasn't the only one.

"Terrific job there, mister Lan!"

"Good job Lan Wangji! Please keep up the good work!"

"Please come over here so we can do some touch ups! Not that you need them, mister Lan."

Wei Wuxian shook his head with an amused smile as the crew around them started shouting all kinds of encouragements at them. Well, mostly at Lan Wangji.

Not that he could blame them. When he'd been told that the one and only Lan Wangji would be cast as his co-star, Wei Wuxian had been ecstatic to be working with his hero. Even if he had a hard time picturing it until he saw the real deal. Not that he doubted the veteran actor's abilities! He'd worked on everything from dramas to superhero movies to romcoms - Lan Wangji was a household name back in China and had more than proved that he had the range to do anything.

But his natural charisma, quiet confidence and intense focus seemed like they were just too big to fit into the timid character he was supposed to play. Like they'd get in the way of shaping himself into Wang Yibo- a shy, socially withdrawn IT-guy who (after a little pushing) was revealed to have a surprisingly hard backbone. But Lan Wangji was a pro for a reason. The character was like a second skin to him.

And he was always, however unintentionally, making Wei Wuxian look (just a little) bad in comparison. Or at least it felt like it.

"I really am sorry! I swear it's not this bad usually." Wei Wuxian sighed softly and handed the duffel bag to a passing staff member. "If they rewrite this scene for the twentieth time just when we've got it, I'm just going to ask if we can ad-lid it. It's hard enough to memorize lines on a good day, let alone when everything is being changed all the time."

"There has been an unusual amount of rewrites this late in the project." Lan Wangji admitted, voice much more monotone and calm than just moments before.

"I knew it! Even you think so!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, rushing to catch up to the tall actor as they started making their way off the set. "I swear, somebody has it out for us this season."

Sharp golden eyes shifted to Wei Wuxian, glinting with ever so faint amusement. "But line memorizing was not your strong suit during the filming of our first season either. So I'm sure everyone was expecting this."

"Lan Zhan! Don't tease me, you know my memory is atrocious!" Wei Wuxian groaned as he and Lan Wangji were herded to their chairs to let the makeup artist do their magic. Thankfully, the other lead had enough grace not to join in on the crew's laughter.

"Then Wei Ying shouldn't make it so easy." His co-star hummed, already surrounded by a small but efficient team of makeup artist. But even with other people in the way, those golden eyes found his with ease.

"But Wei Ying shouldn't feel bad. We all have our shortcomings and strength's. Wei Ying's ability to do his own stunts and ad-lid have greatly improved the show's quality. So he should be proud too."

That made Wei Wuxian smile.

Lan Wangji had been the first to greet him as Wei Ying instead of his stage name, when they'd gathered for the table reading. It was an unexpected but a nice surprise. No one outside of his parents really called him that anymore. And he always made a point to tell others about all the hard work Wei Wuxian but into his own role.

Lan Wangji was a great man by simply being polite and righteous. It was impossible to stay mad or jealous around him.

"Guess I'll just have to keep working hard then." Wei Wuxian hummed, as he let himself be sat down for the much shorter hairdressers to reach his head.

As they began fixing his shoulder length hair back into it's half-up do and to look more "moist", he leaned around them to see the other man better. The hairdresser muttered, but let him be as they worked. (They'd had been fixing his hair between any and all takes, to the point that Wei Wuxian was starting to suspect that they just liked how soft his hair was.) They all knew by now that whenever Lan Wangji was around, it was a waste of time to try and keep Wei Wuxian's attention away from him.

Lan Wangji hummed, eyes closing as someone applied more red to enhance the "cried his eyes out" look.

The make up artisans were jokingly crying out how it wasn't fair that the only makeup Lan Wangji ever seemed to need from them were the ones that make him look more tired and worn. How were they supposed to compare or have fun when this man was so perfect already? Wei Wuxian nodded in sympathy, feeling for their blight. But then again, this was Lan Wangji. The man who'd made a small budgeted wuxia movie blow up across the globe because he (and his face) just fit the role of a mythical hero, Hanguang-jun, that well.

It was surreal to Wei Wuxian that they were even in the same show, to be honest.

"But you sure are amazing, mister international star. Thirty three takes and not a single mistake." Wei Wuxian teased, grinning at the other man. "You sure I'm supposed to be the supernatural one here? From where I am standing, you're definitely the one out of this world."

The staff members in their earshot either giggled and groaned at the pick up line. The whole staff was now more or less used to his playful flirting with his co-star. Well, all but Lan Wangji. Even now, the man was tilting his head in confusion.

"Wei Ying is also an internationally recognized actor and has done amazing work at our set." Lan Wangji's brows were ever so slightly furrowed as he spoke. He shook his head, reaching into the bag of vanilla sugar cookies he had sitting by his chair before continuing. "I do not understand how any of that has anything to do with what roles we take. You play Xiao Zhan better than anyone else ever could."

Wei Wuxian blinked, face growing warm from the unexpected compliment. He'd gotten used to having his advances shot down or ignored, but Lan Zhan-

'Aiyoh, he's just too nice! Someone will take the wrong idea one of these days!' Wei Wuxian internally whined, as he forced a bright laugh. "True! We wouldn't have been cast if Mister Castor or the casting staff had thought someone else could do the job better."

At that Lan Wangji nodded, letting out a small but approving hum as he munched on his cookie. "Hmn."

"Wei Wuxian! Stop moving around, I'm trying to work on your hair here!" Even as he was being scolded, Wei Wuxian's silly but delighted smile stayed on. He was still feeding giddy from the compliment he'd gotten even as he was being passed the script for a quick reread, a reminder of why they had gotten this sudden break to begin with.

'Whatever! I'll do a hundred takes if I have to. That way I'll get to work with Lan Zhan for longer.'

It took them a few more takes to get the scene right and then get the additional angles, close ups and so on. But once they did, Wei Wuxian's relief was quickly washed away by disappointment as Lan Wangji bid them his goodbyes for the day. Wei Wuxian and the other vampires were still scheduled to shoot for a few hours- but Lan Wangji's next scene was for the early morning, so their usual "after work hangout" would have to be postponed so they both would be rested for tomorrow.

Originally, it was supposed to be just Lan Wangji. But Wei Wuxian had pleaded to be added to the morning roster too- going as far to visit the writers for an idea he'd had. He just really wanted to spend as much time together as possible before their three day break. It was rare enough to be in the same set with Lan Wangji, so he wasn't about to waste this time.

It had been like this since the beginning. With Wei Wuxian filming late into the night and Lan Wangji starting just before sun had rose- like they really were a vampire and a human. And for some reason, they were rarely even at the same location! For supposed love interests, they spend shockingly little time filming together. (Maybe the fans weren't the only ones wanting more…)

"Bye bye honey! See you tomorrow!" Wei Wuxian called out loudly, waving obnoxiously at the handsome actor. Even as others around him broke out in groans or giggles, the antics were worth it to see the tips of Lan Wangji's ears turn bright pink just before he hurried away to hide a smile.

Only once the other was fully out of sight, did Wei Wuxian settle down. His mind played over their conversations again and again, wondering and analyzing each word like they might give him a clue as to what the other man thought of him. Lan Wangji and he were definitely not strangers anymore- but Wei Wuxian couldn't tell if they were close either. He liked to THINK they were.

'But did Lan Zhan feel like that? Is he mad I call him that? He hasn't said anything, so maybe it's okay? He DID use my name first so… And does he really think I work hard? Or was it just so the staff doesn't think we're in poor terms?'  Went the thoughts running wild in his mind. And there was truly nothing he could do to stop them.

Then a familiar, dry and thoroughly unimpressed voice broke through his inner monologue. "You know, that's really not the face fitting of a man who is supposedly the hottest topic in social media right now."

"Oh yeah? And what kind of face am I making then?" Wei Wuxian drawled back, eyes still trained on the warehouse door. 'He looked a little nervous today.. Wonder why.'

"A tortured widow's, whose husband has left for the war." Jiang Cheng retorted with a swift elbow to Wei Wuxian's ribs.

Wei Wuxian doubled over with a curse while Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and crossed his arms to glower over him. "With all these lovesick looks you keep sending at him, I'm surprised you haven't proposed already."

"You're just jealous that even your character is a bitter, single man, with no prospects." Wei Wuxian gasped back, a wide smile breaking over his face as he danced away from his childhood friend's next attack. "But no need to keep drinking vinegar! I'm one of the leads you know! I could help set you up-"

"SHUT UP! Like I need help from the fucking leader of Lan Wangji's fan club!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, face red as he grasped a towel to whip at him with. "COME BACK HERE YOU-!"

"Hey! Leave the face alone! I'm the one making us money here-!" Wei Wuxian roared with laughter as he ran for his life, dodging between the amused staff members and slightly alarmed extras. The director didn't even bother to glance at their shenanigans, too used to them. Because just as Wei Wuxian's very obvious celebrity crush was an open secret among the crew, Jiang Cheng's and Wei Wuxian's weird friendship and their playful-animosity-act were already known far and wide at the set.

But while most of their banter was for fun and games, Wei Wuxian had long since realized that there was a crumb of truth in Jiang Cheng's teasing words. Feelings and crushes among coworkers were part of the job for actors. And back at China, sometimes they were even encouraged for promotional material. But those rarely lasted outside work.

And while Wei Wuxian was BURNING to let his feelings be known, he knew that "unnecessary and unprofessional feelings" could very well harm their performance. Especially if his feelings weren't returned. And so far, he had no idea how that would go down with Lan Wangji.

So, for now, Wei Wuxian would keep this to himself. That way, he'd get to keep holding onto those moments before the end of a scene, where the lines of reality and acting began to blur. Moments where instead of their characters, it were Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji who stood there. Staring into each other's eyes with open adoration, love and trust.

It took Wei Wuxian's breath away every time. And he would rather burn than let it go.

~O~

Lan Wangji sighed as he finally managed to escape the production chaos into his trailer. The second he felt the door lock, the anxiety he'd been keeping at pay for the whole day broke free. His hands were shaking by the time he made it to the couch and let his head drop between his legs. The noise outside was muffled by the walls, knees and hands- but he knew what waited outside.

They were going to film THAT SCENE tomorrow. And going by how his manager was still not back from visiting the writer's room, they were probably going to have to keep going.

'Why did I decide that doing this would be a good idea?' Lan Wangji lamented, pressing his face into his hands.

"Scarlet Clouds" was a modern vampire drama, with elements of mystery and romance in it. It focused on Xiao Zhan, a scientist who loses his humanity to find a cure for his brother's mysterious sickness. In the process he ends up dwelling into the world of vampires and in the middle of their politics, which endangers the people he loves. Lan Wangji fell in love with the concept and writing the second he got his hands on it. The fact that since Wei Changze had been one of the writers, it'd been rumored that Wei Wuxian would be playing the lead had also helped his choice to accept the offer.

There was just one problem with this: Lan Wangji could not smell, feel or see anything that resembled large amounts of blood without fainting.

Originally, Lan Wangji wasn't supposed to stay. Wang Yibo was supposed to be Xiao Zhan's love interest for a ten or so episodes in the first season, until they have a falling out and the character was ultimately killed off by the villains. This was meant to further Xiao Zhan's alienation from his old life as a human and push him further into siding with the Wens that were helping him. But then the audience had ended up loving Wang Yibo.

So much that the network had all but begged Lan Wangji to at least consider their offer of a permanent role as the show's secondary lead. Seeing all the positive reactions the show was getting and loving the material itself, it hadn't been a hard decision to agree. But he really should have considered the implications of staying.

"Lan Wangji, it's me. Can I come in?" A familiar clipped but soft voice came through the trailer door, snapping Lan Wangji's mask of indifference back on. His hands still shook, but at least his breathing was back to even. He lifted his head, rolling his shoulders to appear at least a little relaxed.

"Go ahead, you have the key." He called and Meng Yao opened the door as told.

He didn't wait for further instructions, locking the door after him and letting his bag drop. He was stretching out his back, walking deeper into the massive trailer. "Ugh, I'm beat. How was the filming today? Sorry that I couldn't be there in person."

"No worries, it went good. We had to reshoot a lot, so you didn't miss much." Lan Wangji mutered, tiredly waving towards the fridge as a way to let his manager to know he was welcomed to take whatever he liked. Meng Yao moved to do just that, probably also knowing that Lan Wangji was in no shape to be hosting. "How did it go at your end? Are we going to be filming the scene as written?"

While revisions to the script were not strange or even uncommon- usually those did not happen an hour before they were meant to shoot the scene. Even Wei Wuxian had began to suspect that something was going on. And while he felt bad for making everyone work overtime, he didn't know what else to do.

His FIRST contract had clearly stated that he was not to be included in any blood scenes. Back when he was meant to be only a guest star, Meng Yao had reasoned that it might harm Lan Wangji's chances at being cast in PG rated projects that he was auditioning for. And even then, they'd tried sneaking in a few scenes during the filming of the first season. Thankfully the director had seen them as unnecessary.

But this time Lan Wangji had nothing to hide behind. His contract had been changed to allow for small, light gore scenes but even those Meng Yao had been able negotiate down to the bare minimum. And while he knew they'd have to cross this bridge eventually, he was DESPARATE to not have to do it now. 'At least not in front of Wei Ying.'

"I'm sorry. I couldn't change their minds or find some way around it this time. They really want that bite scene to have blood in it." Meng Yao sighed after he'd gulped down half a water bottle, dragging his free hand down his face.

"… You know, this would be a lot easier if I was allowed to tell them WHY there can't be any fake blood in scenes with you. I've worked with these people before, so I know they'd be understanding."

Lan Wangji could see how that might help, but at the same time. He'd never had to tell anyone. Back then, names had been removed from any and all records of the incident to protect his and his brother's privacy. His doctors and therapist had been informed well before meeting him, thanks to his uncle. Meng Yao knew because he'd been dating Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue since high school. The only agencies that knew bits and pieces were the ones he worked with when he was still under eighteen and had to have his guardian's permission for every project he took on. And even then, he'd noticed how they acted a little differently around him.

After that, Lan Wangji had refused to tell anyone. Call him prideful or vain, but he just couldn't deal with the pitying eyes or the uncertainty that hung around when people knew.

But hiding the trauma, the cause of it and the side effects had unintentionally made his little… Condition grow. The pressure of it had made him even more aware of ways he could bleed and he now dreaded them. Anxiety build up in instant, if given a chance. He and his therapist had been working on it, but they were not at the point where Lan Wangji could claim to have this under complete control.

The thought of telling someone just made him nauseous. Sick to the point he felt like he'd break into cold sweat and loose the feeling in his legs. He just couldn't do it. Not even by the proxy of having Meng Yao tell them.

Ever so gently shaking his head, gaze falling onto the trailer floor from the weight of his guilt, Lan Wangji took a shaky breath. "I'm sorry."

"Haaah, I figured. It's fine, but I had to ask." Meng Yao grumbled, before a sad smile came over his face. "I knew what I was getting into, when I brought the script to you. But I really am sorry."

"It's just a few scenes." Lan Wangji nodded, before slowly entwining his fingers between his knees. There was no way around it this time. "I just. Have to prepare well and. Try my best."

He knew it was stupid. Even with all the exposure therapy and breathing techniques he'd tried over the years, he still ended up fainting every time he gave up blood or saw someone's nose bleed. The others would figure it out, no question. He was being stupid and-

"You know, while I'm not sure what you're going through in your head, I don't think it's smart doing it alone. You could talk to your therapist. Or your uncle. Heck, call Lan Xichen. He'd probably have something smarter to say to you about this, anyway." Meng Yao mused as he leaned against the fridge, a thoughtful frown on his face. A familiar face to Lan Wangji, at this point. He wasn't sure how he'd ended up with three older brothers, but at times like this, he really was grateful.

"No. I shouldn't bother him or uncle over this. Brother has work and uncle's health isn't what it used to be." Lan Wangji breathed, eyebrows dipping ever so slightly in exasperated fondness. "I can't worry them over something like this."

Lan Qiren, while still an active university professor, had taken to slowing down his pace in the recent years. Lan brothers knew that while their uncle would never admit it, he was getting tired. Despite taking his described medications as he should the stress of teaching was doing no favors for Lan Qiren's blood pressures. He'd been worried sick about Lan Wangji's career for years, until he'd noticed that Lan Wangji was steadily getting work from it. He couldn't bear the thought of breaking that peace now that his uncle only grumbled about the "less honorable" projects he took.

And unlike Lan Wangji, who had dropped out of traditional school to pursue his dreams to be an actor at fourteen (to the HORROR and shame of their uncle)- Lan Xichen had been a filial child and studied hard to become a lawyer. A divorce and family court lawyer specifically. And he was GOOD at it. Clients trusted and sought him out. His brother was happy and busy.

Lan Wangji wasn't going to take him away from that.

(Once, in the middle of the night as the two of them had sneaked to the back of the garden to watch the stars, he'd asked Xichen "why be a lawyer?" And, with a smile so wide it had to hurt, Xichen had admitted that it was to help other families avoid the same kind of tragedies that had befell them. There had been nothing Lan Wangji could say to that expect that he knew Lan Xichen would be the best lawyer there was.)

Lan Wangji hated to bother his brother. The whole reason Meng Yao had basically appointed himself as Lan Wangji's manager was because apparently this was the only way his older brother got any "timely updates" on him. (Whatever that meant.)

Which was probably why the man was rolling his eyes at him right now.

"Yes, but no case would ever be more important to him than you." Meng Yao hummed, tilting his head. A small smirk appeared on his lips, mind wandering a little. "You do know he has run out of the court house in the middle of case when he got a call from school that Jingyi had the sniffles, right?"

Wangji huffed a laugh, thought it came out a little more bitter than he'd meant it to. "Well, doing that for his eight year old son is a very different matter from his adult brother, who has knowingly put his career in jeopardy."

"Hey. Nothing's in jeopardy." Meng Yao clicked his tongue, before drinking the rest of the water bottle. "I've gotta get going now, but trust me. We'll figure something out. Now get some rest. And call your therapist!"

With that, the elegant force of nature that was his manager, Meng Yao started to head out.

"Meng Yao?" Lan Wangji called out, a small if a little sad smile forming on his face at the other stopped at the door. "Thank you."

"Hey, we're family. No need for that." Meng Yao claimed, his usual fox like smile on and then he was gone.

Lan Wangji sighed, before going to dig his phone out. The least he could do, if he was being this stubborn, was give his therapist a heads up that he might need a call time in the near future.

~O~ 

The next morning came sooner than he'd have preferred. Honestly, he wasn't sure how it sneaked up on him when he barely slept.

Still, he got ready. Methodically, if a little stiffly. He focused on doing breathing exercises and drinking his tea, instead of eating. No point, with how much his stomach was rolling around. Last thing he did before leaving was meditate and ask his ancestors for a little luck.

'Uncle would approve.' He thought, half amused. 'But then again, knowing why I'm doing this, probably not.'

He didn't remember how he'd ended up at the set. It was still dark outside, but the warehouse was full of people. It was noisy, but not nearly as busy as it had been when he left last evening. People were milling around, eyes still half closed and coffee mugs at hand. Mister Castor was already alert and walking around the set, probably discussing camera positions and frame transitions.

Everything was as it should be. All of it felt and looked normal- so much so, that with the next deep breath, Lan Wangji could feel his shoulders naturally lower. 'It'll be fine. It's not like it's real blood.'

So, when he heard Wei Ying excitedly call his name, Lan Wangji didn't think twice about turning around. He shouldn have.

'Blood-'

Despite all he said to himself, the second Lan Wangji laid eyes on the fake blood covering the front of Wei Wuxian's shirt and chin, there was nothing he could do. All noise disappeared as his eyes zeroed in on the dark red that was bleeding into the white t-shirt that Wei Wuxian was wearing, staining it beyond recognition. He didn't blink, but it felt like he had when he was pulled back in time.

"Lan Zhan! Look at what happened to me at makeup-"

The suffocating smell of smoke, rust and gas. Tires screeching, screaming, something breaking. The unbelievable pain that followed.

His parents, first slumped in their seats and then being dragged out of the car. All of them absolutely covered in blood, red so dark it looked like wine. Their warm, sticky, awful blood being all over him too.

The ruble, the flames were distant things. All he saw was the blood.

"Lan Zhan?"

Time cutting in and out, until the piercing smell of disinfectant came to his nose. Lan Zhan sitting quietly, clutching his bunny plush and unable to say a word to the adults around him. No thoughts running through his head. He just stared at the floor.

There was blood on his bunny too. He refused to give it up for any of the adults to clean.

Uncle's face when he'd appeared from the darkness and ran to embrace him. How only then it had settled in. Lan Zhan crying, screaming and begging for his mom until he passed out from lack of oxygen.

'I'm going to throw up.' Was the single coherent thought coming through as his mind was over taken by memories.

Lan Wangji couldn't hear his name being called out, but he did see the familar pair of silver eyes coming into his view just before everything went black.

~O~

Wei Wuxian had been working as an actor for a long time and was pretty well known himself, as Lan Wangji had pointed out. Especially in horror, thriller and mystery circles- Yilling Laozu, Jiang Cheng's mini film he'd acted in at the beginning of his career, was one of his most well known works to this day. A cult classic, some would say.

Point was, Wei Wuxian was used to weird makeup, prosthetics and props. So he was game when the director had taken him aside at the end of the day to tell him about their new teeth prosthetics. He'd always liked studying special effects and so on, so to him things like this were beyond cool. The design itself was simple but very effective. The teeth could store and release the fake blood upon contact, so they didn't need to stop the scene to manually add it in. Of course, he also insisted on trying them out first.

"They're really new right? So we have no idea how they'll fit me or if they even work with my mouth shape." Wei Wuxian shrugged, excited at the prospect of studying the mechanism. "I'll come in early, so we can do a few test runs!"

"Thank you, that sounds good. I'll notify the make up department to be ready for you." Mister Castor hummed, nodding his graying head.

The next morning (if you could even call it that) was torture but once Wei Wuxian got in the chair, he woke right up. As he had guessed, it took them a few tries to even attach the teeth to him. Thankfully, they hadn't even started on the rest of his make up before testing if the teeth worked.

The first time he tried to gently press at the teeth with his finger, the blood sprayed out like a sprinkler going off.

"I feel like that wasn't quite it." Wei Wuxian dryly remarked, as the make up artists around him both laughed and cursed at the mess. He stared at his (formerly) white t-shirt with resignation. "Sure glad I opted out of wearing anything nice for today."

"I think we need to go a size up. There shouldn't be that much pressure in there." The lead make up artist murmured, before snapping her fingers at her team. "Okay people, lets get these out and try a different pair. No point in cleaning if this happens again."

Thankfully, the second pair both fit better and worked at intended. This confirmed, they pushed Wei Wuxian outside so they could clean in peace. Which left him with nothing to do but wander around the set to scare unsuspecting crew members. He'd quietly sneak up on people, before jumping out like a zombie.

Jiang Cheng's shrill scream was both the best and worst one. Best because he genuinely looked like he had seen a ghost and worst because Wei Wuxian was laughing too hard to even try escape the headlock he got trapped in.

"ARE YOU FUCKING TRYING TO KILL ME?!"

"If I was, I'd be offering you dairy and garlic bread-!"

"YOU-!"

Their wrestling got them a few looks from the tired staff members, but mostly people let them be. Some even patted Jiang Cheng on the back as thanks for avenging all of them. As their usual pack and forth went on, Jiang Cheng loosened his hold to the point his arm was simply laying on Wei Wuxian's shoulder. But not before both of them had gotten covered in splatters of fake blood, smelling faintly like overly syrupy apples.

When he spotted Lan Wangji making his way into the warehouse, he beamed. "Lan Zhan!"

"Oh my god, you sound like a fucking love sick teen." Jiang Cheng muttered, but also tilted his head to greet the other actor.

"Shut up." Wei Wuxian hissed, pushing him off with a sharp elbow before heading where Lan Wangji had stopped. "Lan Zhan! Look at what happened to me at makeup-"

And he was certainly looking. Actually, Lan Wangji hadn't moved so much as to wink since he'd turned. He was frozen in place, not even shifting his balance as Wei Wuxian got up to him. Only then did he realize how vacant the golden eyes were. And that Lan Wangji's hands were shaking.

"Lan Zhan?" He immediately asked, voice dropping as he reached out. People were glancing their way when the usual banter and flirting didn't start right away.

The golden eyes rolled back and Lan Wangji collapsed.

"LAN ZHAN!"

Thankfully Wei Wuxian was close enough to catch him by the forearm. Unable to suddenly stop the weight of a full grown man from falling, Wei Wuxian yanked Lan Wangji's head to rest on his shoulder and simply tried to slow down their decent.

This resulted with both of them on their knees on a cold warehouse floor. Lan Wangji slumped, completely limp, on top of Wei Wuxian, who had both arms around his torse and back of the head. He was gasping for breath, terrified to let go.

People were panicking. Someone ran to get the medics. The director and Lan Wangji's manager were rushing over, shouting at each other. Jiang Cheng, pale as a ghost, was the first to make it to them and start taking vitals.

In the middle of it all, Wei Wuxian kept a steady hold on Lan Wangji's the head. His own heart hammering in his chest.

'What the fuck happened just now?'

~O~

Almost full two days later, Lan Wangji was sitting in a lawn chair on his plant covered apartment balcony. A white bunny sleeping soundly on his lap, his only source of warmth in the brisk night air. Stuck in place, he kept silently staring down at the low lit streets and wondered how he wasn't fired.

'All things considered, it went about as well as one would expected.' He thought distantly, fingers curling in Bichen's fur as the memories looped back around.

While he had fainted at the sight of Wei Wuxian, he hadn't hit his head or anybody else when going down. (Thanks to Wei Wuxian.) Then regained consciousness about a minute and half later surrounded by worried medics and co-workers. The mortification alone had made him almost wish he'd hit head and fallen into a coma. By then, Wei Wuxian had been herded away and was nowhere in sight, so he did NOT faint a second time. The medics had taken him to their tent for a full check up and monitoring, before agreeing that his vitals had returned to normal and that they wouldn't need to go to the hospital. Lan Wangji just mostly nodded along, focused on staring at the floor as Meng Yao and the director took control of the crowd.

("Alright! The show is over! Give them room- I SAID BACK THE FUCK OFF! MOVE IT OR I'll BREAK YOUR DAMN LEGS!")

He was pretty sure he'd heard Jiang Cheng telling people to back away from the first aid tent? But that couldn't be right. 

After that, his manager had somehow pressured the director to let Lan Wangji go for the day. He didn't honestly focus on what they were saying, until he hear Meng Yao call for him. After giving him a ride home, Meng Yao had left in a hurry to go and figure out how they should fix this.

Lan Wangji hadn't dared to open his phone. He probably would have stewed in his self pity for the rest of the day, if Meng Yao hadn't come back to bully him into taking care of himself. And to nag at him for ignoring Lan Xichen's calls, as that had apparently send his brother into quite the spiral.

(That made him feel bad enough to send a "I'm okay" text with thumbs up emoji and a selfie of him and Bichen laying on the couch. In return, he'd gotten a relieved text, a heart emoji and a picture of Mingjue reading to Lan Jingyi in bed, both clearly about to nod off. That made him feel better than he'd anticipated.)

Today… Today he'd just focused on taking care of his bunny. The little creature had noticed him acting off and had been extra demanding as a result. It did make it easier to feed both of them, to have someone literally stomp at his feet. It was always easier to do things, when somebody else asked him to. (He was beginning to suspect that he would need to call his therapist sooner rather than later.)

So. All in all, it was bad. Worse than he'd imagined and he would probably never be able to look at Wei Wuxian's face again without apologizing.

"Why couldn't I decide to become a teacher or something?" He muttered, closing his eyes as he let his head thump against the back of his chair.

"Pretty sure you'd have been amazing at that too, but then we wouldn't have our iconic Hanguang-jun."

Had he not had Bichen on his lap, Lan Wangji would have probably jumped or screamed from fright. As it was, he froze at the calm but distinctively joking voice. Then, slowly as he could, Lan Wangji turned his head to the doorway of the balcony.

"Hey." Wei Wuxian grinned, leaning against the said doorway with his right elbow. His hair was now up in a ponytail, showing off his numerous earrings. It'd been a long time, since he'd seen the man outside of his character clothes- not that these were far off. Wei Wuxian did share the love for black and red color schemes with Xiao Zhan, as he was wearing a large black hoodie, with loose red shorts and sandals.

"Sorry if I interrupted your existential monologue. Just wanted to check if I could interest you in some ice cream?" Wei Wuxian inquired, lifting the white plastic bag in his left hand and shaking it.

"Wei Ying?" Wangji blinked, genuinely baffled. But Lan Qiren had hardwired it into him to never refuse a guest. So even if he wasn't sure the Wei Wuxian in front of him was completely real, Lan Wangji motioned to the other lawn chair next to him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'll get to that, but first- vanilla or strawberry? Both are very classy choices." Wei Wuxian said, plopping down on the chair as he started rummaging through the bag. Lan Wangji numbly answered vanilla and Wei Wuxian nodded sagely, like this was very important and made all the sense. "I can respect that. Could never be me, I like to experiment around too much. It just seems like such a waste to not try out everything. But I wasn't sure what you liked the best so I just took the safest options."

Somehow, that stuck out to him in that moment. So as he took his ice cream, Lan Wangji found himself tilting his head. "Then how'd you know what were the safest options? If there are so many to choose from?"

Wei Wuxian paused the process of taking off the wrapper from his own ice cream to blink. A sly, smug grin spread across his face as he waved his treat at Lan Wangji like a magic want. "Easy! You don't like things that are too sweet- you almost never touch the deserts the catering puts out. The only exception being those tiny vanilla sugar cookies you bring to the set yourself."

Lan Wangji nodded to this like it made sense and took a bite of the ice cream, to hide how flustered he was. 'He noticed that?'

"You almost always have savory snacks for breaks, so you don't eat sweets often. But, whenever we film for a really long time or when we know we'll be doing an emotional scenes, you have either tea, vanilla cookies or strawberry milk on stand by. So those are a comfort food of sorts." Wei Wuxian listed, excitedly holding up fingers whenever he made a point

Here Lan Wangji got a little choked up.

Whenever they were at the same location, Wei Wuxian had taken a habit to hang around Wangji's trailer during their free time. It wasn't much time at all, considering how Meng Yao had made sure that Lan Wangji would be nowhere near when Wei Wuxian was filming scenes with blood in them. But whenever those rare times had come around, Wei Wuxian had been on his side like glue. They never even did anything that interesting, both of them too tired for anything after a long day. But Wei Wuxian stuck around, sitting and chattering like they were two kids having a sleepover. Asking how he was, what he'd been doing outside of filming, were there any new hobbies he'd tried out…

Was that when they'd gotten this comfortable with each other? At what point did that happen for him not to even think about Wei Wuxian being there when he'd have his one guilty pleasure treat?

The rascal of a man in question showed no shame or remorse as he came to his conclusion, finishing off with a shrug. "Therefore- you have a very mild and specific sweet tooth. Plus like. Those two are the only sweet things I've seen you willingly eat, so you must like them. Made sense to go with them."

"Hm. Sounds like Wei Ying knows me quite well." Lan Wangji allowed, ears all but burning. His eyes fell back onto the bunny in his lap. But he got the faint impression that he'd said something right when he spotted Wei Ying's eyes sparkling at him.

He let the silence hang for a little bit, before giving the other a knowing (and so very tired) look. "But Wei Ying didn't have to come all this way to just test that theory."

Wei Wuxian immediately made a noise of played up indignation. (The sound was high enough sound to get Bichen's ear to twitch- but the bunny did not bother to get up.) "You don't know that! Maybe I got an extremely large ice cream delivery from a fan! It would've been an emergency to get all of it eaten!"

"Did you?" Lan Wangji challenged, even as a small smile played on his lips.

Wei Wuxian blew him a raspberry, before shaking his head with a sigh. "Aiyo, no. No, you got me there. But it has been hectic for sure."

Bichen chose that as his moment to tiredly scratch at his ear- before shuffling around enough to press his head against Lan Wangji's stomach. The two of them shamelessly watched this process while eating their treats in silence, using Bichen's wonderful timing as an excuse to procrastinate on having the actual conversation.

But once the bunny had settled back down again, it was inevitably.

Wei Wuxian, clearly the braver one out of them, cleared his throat and leaned forward. "The rest of the cast has been flooding chatroom asking after you. But since the director wouldn't say anything more than that you were fine and starting your break early…. I don't know, I got worried. I was just planning to ask your manager if visiting was fine, I didn't expect it to work."

Ah, that would explain how Wei Wuxian had gotten inside then. "Meng Yao gave you his spare key, I take it?"

"Yeah. He's a little strange, did you know? Just gave me this really long, tired look while muttering something along the lines of 'maybe he'll listen to you'? Dunno, he wasn't making a whole lot of sense to me." Wei Wuxian shrugged, waving his already half eaten ice cream around towards Bichen's general direction. "Anyway, he said I'd find you at the balcony with your bunny- who is, by the way, adorable. I cannot believe you've never shown me a picture of him before."

"Thank you, his name is Bichen." Lan Wangji said back, more out of habit than from any actual brain input. 'Wei Ying has been worried about me?'

"I… I didn't realize everyone was so worried. I'm sorry for troubling Wei Ying enough to come all this way."

"It was no problem. Honestly, I'm just happy you didn't get hurt. Gave me quite the scare there." Wei Wuxian hummed, a genuine smile playing on his lips as he moved his eyes down to the streets to give Lan Wangji a little break.

The silence was comfortable between them. There was no rush, no pressure to hold up any pretenses. With the cold wind making the potted plants around them rustle, the quiet chuffs of a very satisfied bunny and the distant traffic- it felt nice. Like there had been no reason for this little meeting other than to spend time together. Like they'd just finished a long day of filming and Wei Wuxian had just wanted to see him. That thought alone made him realize that during their whole time of knowing each other (personally), Lan Wangji had never been the one to INNITIATE a conversation. Or a hang out. Other than that very first time they met, when he'd accidentally called the other star by his actual name instead of his stage one. But Wei Ying had been SO HAPPY that he'd just continued to use it, like he'd always planned that.

And that just. That wasn't enough. It didn't feel fair. Not when he'd been wanting to see Wei Ying more than anything for the past two days to apologize.

He knew Wei Ying wouldn't need any explanations or excuses. Wouldn't want Lan Wangji to apologize twice, that would just make it akward. He was a man of great patience, when he knew the matter was sensitive. And Wei Ying didn't beat around pushed, he would've already asked for answers if he wanted them. And if Lan Wangji didn't want to give any, he'd accept that too.

He had come all this way just to make sure Lan Wangji was fine. It didn't feel right to not tell Wei Ying anything. But it also didn't feel right to tell him only a part of the truth. 'Well... If there is anyone I could tell this to and not regret it... It'd probably be Wei Ying.'

"I… My parents were not very happy in their marriage." Lan Wangji started, even if he knew it was much too heavy of a place to start with. But he also felt that with how heavy his head was from all the memories drumming around in the back of his mind, this was the only way to do this.

Wei Ying sat up, head turned to pay attention. He said nothing, but reached out a hand to softly touch Lan Wangji's elbow.

He smiled at that, but he continued. "Once my older brother started school, he'd often go visit our uncle everyday after. He said it was so he'd have someone to help with his homework, but truthfully it was just to hide from our parents' constant fights for a little bit."

He remembered very little of those days. He'd been too little to understand, but he could still hear their uncle whispering to Lan Xichen to call him if it ever got too bad. His uncle had been powerless and unsure how to intervene, but he'd still made sure his nephews knew they could turn to him if all else failed. And after all those years Lan Wangji knew if he'd just ask, Lan Qiren would be there as fast as he could. (Which was also exactly why he didn't want to ask. The man had done so much already. And he did not want to test how much more his uncle could take.)

"I was four and my brother was at uncle's place. My parents had spontaneously decided we would go eat outside, as a family. So we drove to get him. Of course, my parents started to argue." Lan Wangji murmured, the day coming back to him as faded pictures. His fingers found Wei Ying's without thinking, and clung to them.

"The argument got heated. My father was not paying attention to the road. Next thing I know, we're upside down and my mother is screaming."

The silence in the balcony was suffocating. Bichen had woken up, probably sensing how anxious he was, and was now laying his head on Wangji's other hand. It helped a little, as did Wei Ying's tightly wrapped fingers around his.

"I saw them after. Everything. I was the only survivor. I have no memories of who saved me or how the help got called." He finally continued, with shaking breaths and voice thick with tears. "Wouldn't talk for a really long time after that. The first time my uncle heard me say anything after the incident was while we were watching a children's movie- I kept repeating the lines from Bambi, when he's calling for his mom."

He took a few breaths through his mouth, to calm his heartbeat down. He felt oddly grateful for the vanilla he still tasted on his tongue as it did wonders to fight off the memories that were trying to overtake him.

Wei Ying didn't say anything for a moment. Instead, he just drew slow circles on the back of Lan Wangji's hand as he connected the dots. "Wow… So that's why you fainted."

It was weird, but that made the nerves inside him loosen up. It was like a stone had been rolled off his shoulders. So relieved, in fact, that words did not come. "Hm."

"… Why wouldn't you say anything?"

"Partially because of my pride. And then because I was terrified." Lan Wangji whispered, before chuckling at Bichen's annoyed stomps. The bunny only stopped once he started to pet the spoiled little thing in long, calming strokes. "People get this look in their eyes, when they know."

Wei Ying studied him quietly, taking in this new information along with the exhaustion that had settled over Lan Wangji.

The silent, steady confidence he'd come to associate with Lan Wangji was nowhere in sight. In it's place was something so much more frail. Someone much younger and scared, finally revealing something they'd been holding back for a really long time. And Wei Wuxian realized he would do anything to keep that trust.

"Okay. Okay, yeah. I think I get that." Wei Ying breathed, slowly leaning back into the lawn chair and stare at the ceiling. Hand still tangled with Lan Wangji's. "Wow. So what made you want to do this show then? You've had to have known it was a pretty bad idea."

Lan Wangji huffed, corners of his eyes wrinkling up as he smiled. "Well, there were a lot of reasons. The script was amazing, the genre new to me. But most of all I agreed to do it because I knew Wei Ying'd be in it."

"… Wait, because of me?" Wei Ying gaped, before sitting back up. His face was red as a tomato and he was trying his best not to crush Lan Wangji's hand with how hard he wanted to hold it. Just as a wake up because there was no way THE Lan Wangji just said that. But then the other man just nodded.

"Wait wait wait wait- you mean the great Hangung-jun already knew about little old me?? Seriously?"

"Hmm. I saw your student film at a film festival, when I was younger." Lan Wangji admitted, moving his eyes away as the other stared at him in flustered awe. "I remember thinking you looked so beautiful in that film, even as a resentful ghost. I was amazed by how you could inhabit that role. You owned the screen. Nothing seemed to face you."

'THE Lan Wangji has seen "Yilling Laozu"? And liked it?' Wei Ying blinked, still trying to process this. 'Wait did he just say I looked beautiful?'

Unaware of the crisis he'd activated in his co-actor, Lan Wangji smiled down at Bichen before letting the bunny down to roam. The bunny took off to go inside immediately, likely heading for his litter box. He wasn't worried about letting the little hopper go unsupervised- Bichen was one of the most obedient bunnies he'd ever owned. Besides, he still had the treat bag. He knew the little gremlin would be running back for that.

"I started acting young. I despised being myself, how helpless I was. How I couldn't hold up to everyone's expectations. I was always bad at hiding what I was thinking, so I felt like I needed a mask." Lan Wangji explained, eyes now returning back to Wei Ying. He couldn't keep his face from glowing with amusement and affection when he saw he'd rendered the "relentless playboy" he'd come to love speechless.

"You made me feel like there was nothing bad about being who I was. Even if I was mad or scared. I've wanted to work with you ever since then."

"… Well, you certainly know how to make a man feel appreciated." Wei Ying coughed, before shoving the half melted remains of his ice cream into his mouth.

"Hm. Only Wei Ying." Lan Wangji hummed, amused.

"Okay, stop teasing me." Wei Ying huffed, face color slowly returning to what it used to be.

Lan Wangji smiled, but didn't continue in favor of savoring the sight in front of him. Wei Ying was beautiful always, but the dim glow of streetlights made him seem softer. Even flustered, there was an upward tilt to his lips that told how pleased he actually was. There was nothing quite as enchanting as seeing the bright and energetic force of nature that was Wei Ying slow down and relax. It was like he was watching his own, private sunset. Then he noticed a little bit of ice cream had gotten stuck on top of the other man's nose.

Feeling mischievous and braver than usual, instead of saying anything he simply reached out a hand to gently vibe it away.

The pretty blush he'd been admiring returned, just as he'd hoped. "… Thanks."

"Hm."

Wei Ying covered his face with the back of his hand, pretending to wipe his face with his hoodie sleeve as his eyes veered off to the side. He tried to scramble his brain back on track, back to the topic they had been talking about. Because this was serious! Lan Wangji had told him absolutely devastating truths here and he was what? Too distracted by being called pretty to focus?... Yeah.

This was both the worst and best news he'd had in his life and it was a lot to put in order of importance. ('LAN WANGJI?! LAN ZHAN?? DO YOU LIKE ME?! WOULD IT BE RUDE TO ASK?')

"Good boy." Lan Wangji's quiet muttering made Wei Ying's attention snap back to him. Only breath out shakily, when he saw Lan Wangji talking to his bunny. "Okay Bichen, lay down."

He chuckled, watching Bichen do any and all tricks he was told to get one more little treat. Wei Ying applauded whenever the bunny would give a paw, roll or even sit up. "He's really well trained!"

"Hm. Bichen likes his treats and goes a little crazy for them." Lan Wangji hummed, gently scratching between the bunny's ears. Bichen seemed very satisfied with this treatment. "But he's always been very well behaved."

"I see, I see. They say pets start to act like their owners you know." Wei Ying smirked, eyeing the actor next to him as the man coughed politely. "I bet any animal you owned would be abnormally polite. Even a dog."

'Something about his tone at the end was off.' Lan Wangji thought, tilting his head as he sat up to pay more attention to his companion. "… Does Wei Ying like dogs?"

"HAH! No, the opposite really. I've got a terrible fear them. A trauma, really." Wei Ying hummed, eyes locked on the bunny as it started to clean itself. 'That could work. Closer to the topic we were talking about, anyway.'

"Since you've bared your heart, I'll return the favor. You know how my mom is Changse Sanren, the bassist for Baoshan Sanren?"

Lan Wangji blinked in surprise but nodded. The first thing people always asked Wei Ying in any and all interviews were stories about her and his dad, Wei Changze. Her band was something of a legend, rising to the top charts around the world and then disbanding after ten years. Their main vocalist (Baoshan Sanren) and bassist (Changse Sanren) disappeared from the media completely, while most of the band continued to play music. But they apparently still kept in contact, even after the retirement.

(From what he had seen during their visits to the "Scarlet Clouds" sets during the first season's filming, the rest of the old band members still treated Wei Ying like a nephew.)

"Well, back when I was a kid and mom was on tours, she'd take us along. Dad and I would explore the big cities while she played her gigs, then join us for a big late dinner. But one time while we were in New York, a dog got loose. It was gunning for me, but dad stepped in. Tore into him with its teeth and got me pretty good too." Wei Ying explained, grimacing at the memory. "Gah, that beast was crazy! Dad had to pretty much fight it off until the police and animal control got there."

"Wei Ying.." Lan Wangji's eye were wide open, absolutely beyond horrified and devastated by this. How was he to react? What to say?

Thankfully, Wei Ying just shook his head, likely reading his thoughts. So he just sat there, listening.

"Mom's tour got cancelled because she wouldn't leave us. Dad's injuries were worse, but both of our bites got infected and we had to stay in the hospital for weeks. I cried the whole time, wouldn't let him out of my sight for a long time." Wei Ying smiled then, but it was a sad imitation of his usual one.

"Mom says that didn't have anything to do with her retirement, but I know it did. I got petrified by the slightest sight of dogs. Dad's leg and immune system never quite recovered. She got more than enough from the royalties to keep us comfortable and she knew we needed her at home. I've always felt guilty I couldn't help out more."

"I doubt she ever regretted spending more time with you two." This time it was Lan Wangji's hand that found Wei Ying's giving it a reassuring squeeze. There was a kind, understanding look to his eyes that made Wei Ying relax enough to return the squeeze.

"Yeah, so she says. And well, she did become happier after." He let out a sincere, if a little shaky, laugh. "She hated being separated from us. She calls me all the time when I'm filming overseas."

"… But then how has Wei Ying done so many projects with dogs?" Lan Wangji murmured, a mix of concern and curiosity. It made Wei Ying smile, if a little knowingly.

"Honestly, it's one of the few things I actually have a stunt doable for. It's either that or CGI. Those are my terms and I always let the directors know before they hire me." Wei Ying chuckled. "It's a hassle, but most know I work enough to make it worth it. And I'm not brave enough to face that trauma head on when I know I don't have to."

"Wei Ying is plenty brave for both of us." Lan Wangji murmured, leaning close until their foreheads touched. "And I think I ought to learn a thing or two from you."

"Maybe. I'd be more than happy to show what I know~" Wei Ying grinned, hooded eyes twinkling as their gazes met.

So close that they could feel each other's breaths, all inhibitions were easy to forget. In this moment of quiet intimacy, filled with warmth and trust, they couldn't help but let themselves be caught in each other's orbits. Both of their hands were tenderly reaching out to ghost over shoulders, cheeks and tangling into the other's hairs. Looking to find purchase but expecting resistance where there was none. It was so easy that it felt like they were melting together.

They'd been in similar positions hundreds of times on camera. But this was different. There were no masks to hide behind here. This was real. And neither of them were pulling away.

'Oh' they thought simultaneously.

Then their lips collided.

There was no words for how right it felt. The tension that had been building between them for the past year exploded as their tongues danced around each other. They leaned into it with desperation. A hunger so unquenchable, it almost burned.

Bichen tilted his tiny head at them, before hopping back inside.

They were panting by the time they came up for air, saliva stretching out between their lips. Hooded eyes staring into each other's, smiles slowly forming on their faces. Wei Ying licked at his lips, astounded by how they now tasted like vanilla.

"You know, Lan Zhan. I think you just gave me an idea."

~O~

It took surprisingly little to get both Meng Yao and mister Castor to agree to their plan. Even if they did grumble and complain about how they could've been doing this from the start, if SOMEONE had been honest. But after Wei Wuxian had a private chat with both of them, suddenly they forgot all about complaining and focused on getting everything ready.

Once they were back at the studio, going through camera placements, rehearsing lines, choreography and how the scene would progress… They all felt like this would work out. While everyone was still nervous, no one avoided or skirted around Lan Wangji. Everything was as it was before.

Lan Wangji found it hard to trust that this would last. Even if he knew for this to work, he needed to.

He kept fiddling with the collar of his dark blue lace shirt and adjusting the fake glasses, even thought he knew they were fine. 'I know it's going to be fine. Or hope. I really hope this is going to go well.'

Sufficed to say, Lan Wangji was nervous. This was not a surprise and he'd been prepared for it. But he still kept counting his breaths. Meng Yao kept sending him these sharp, calculating looks before nodding to himself and moving on. It was strange, but comforting at the same time.

"Hey. How're we doing?" Wei Ying asked, sliding to stand next to him. "I got the director to agree to let us ad-lid this. But remember, if this isn't working out switch with your double actor, okay?"

Wei Ying was dressed up and ready to go, but the usual energetic, flirty and boyish energy was nowhere to be seen. The focused calmness and unusually stern tone could've been off putting, if Lan Wangji hadn't found them very attractive at the moment.

He nodded to the question, unable to find his words as he tilted his head to better appreciate the tight, bright red silk button up Wei Wuxian was wearing. The chains around his neck and waist, black slacks and dress shoes- all of it was very alluring. Dangerous and so different from what Wei Wuxian would usually wear. But somehow he seemed comfortable.

That confidence was contagious.

"Okay good. In that case, whatever I do, go with it." Wei Wuxian remarked, before breaking into a wide grin and leaning closer to whisper in his ear. "Don't worry. I promised your brother-in-law I'd be gentle with you."

Lan Wangji blinked several times, ears burning as Wei Ying leaned away to wink at him before leaving. And that was pretty much where he stood the whole time until they were told to take their places, brain short circuited to the point his nerves forgot to kick back in.

He took in a deep breath, before lifting his chin to look upon the set.

It was a dim, ransacked office. The long row of windows on the right of him were covered by drapes and on the left full and wrecked bookcases alike. There was a dark wooden desk that stood between him and where Wei Ying was sitting on an office chair, with deep and long claw marks upon it. Papers, broken glass and books were all around the floor in a clear manic path that "Xiao Zhan" had left in his wake. There was a dark brown leather sofa behind him, that been pushed askew and a broken ceiling light laid in middle of the room.

"Okay, cameras ready? Lets go!"

"Episode 4 of season 2 of Scarlet Clouds! Scene 23, take 1."

"Set!"

"And ACTION!"

While he became Wang Yibo in that moment, Lan Wangji would've been lying if it wasn't his heart skipping a beat when his eyes met Wei Ying's.

"Yibo…" Wei Ying murmured, red eye contacts popping out in the dark. Then he groaned and dropped his head between his knees.

"Xiao Zhan-!" He gasped, rushing forward till he was leaning on the ruined desk. "Are you alright?"

"Just peachy." Wei Ying snapped, hands clutching at his hair. His nose flared as Lan Wangji rounded around the desk and he jumped to back away from him. "Yibo, what are you doing here? I told you it'd be dangerous!"

"Why, because you're here?" He asked dryly, taking a step forward.

"Yes!" Wei Ying cried, desperation bleeding into his tone. "I haven't drank for a week now! I'm barely holding onto my sanity here. I- Yibo, you need to go. Please. I don't want to hurt you."

Lan Wangji felt his heart beat jump at the tone. It made him ache, to hear that tone. 'Acting, he's acting, we're both acting. Everything is fine.'

He pushed onward, reaching his hands out until he was embracing Wei Ying. "Well, I'm not scared."

Wei Ying started to sob at that, pressing his forehead into his shoulder.

It was strange. He'd gotten sucked into scenes before. It was his job as an actor to become one with the characters. But there was something magical about the way Wei Ying just made the whole world disappear. Like they weren't at a set, full of people and being filmed at every side.

With Wei Ying, it felt like it was just the two of them.

"Xiao Zhan…" He murmured, standing there for a bit. Thinking, before one of his hands found Wei Ying's cheek. Gently, ever so carefully, his fingers directed that teary face to look at his. He waited until their eyes met before whispering, warm and honest; "You could drink from me."

"What?" Wei Ying gasped, trying to push away from him. But Lan Wangji's arms held him close firmly. He only let go of his cheek to start petting his back, as Wei Ying shook his head in panic. "You don't know what you're even offering! You can't be serious- I… What if I take too much? Or if I loose control and want it all? What then?"

"You won't. But I'd stop you, if I felt unsafe." Lan Wangji tried to reason between his lover's panicked ramblings.

"But how?! I'm way stronger than you! I could accidentally kill you!"

"Yes, and yet through all our arguments, I'm still standing."

"I was fed during those times! But Wen Qing hasn't come with her usual delivery I- I don't have blood! I need it!"

When It became obvious that Wei Ying was not listening, he gently grasped his lover's head to keep it still and pressed their foreheads together. "Love, I trust you. It's why I'm offering. So please. Trust yourself."

The panicked breaths were the only thing that could be heard, as Wei Ying closed his eyes for a moment. Then, in the smallest, most defeated voice that was so full of relief it almost brought you to tears, he said; "… Okay."

Lan Wangji smiled, letting his lover go at last. "Okay."

Their gazes stayed locked even as Lan Wangji was lead by hand and then ever so gently pushed onto the sofa. Wei Ying's heavy lidded eyes trailed over his form as he slid into his lap to straddle Lan Wangji. His own hands rose to trail up those tights until they settled on Wei Ying's hips and on the small of his back. Wei Ying smiled at this, lightly trailing over Lan Wangji's lips with his finger. Like he was something precious.

He leaned forward and kissed Lan Wangji's forehead, before looking him straight in the eyes with a troubled expression. "I don't want you to regret this."

"I won't." Lan Wangji murmured, just barely louder than a whisper. "Go slow, okay?"

"Alright." Wei Ying hummed, caressing Lan Wangji's face with the same hand as before. "Stop me, if it gets too much. Pain, fear- anything."

"Hm."

Wei Ying nodded then, eyes then moving down on his neck. His hands settled on his shoulder's. Those eyelashes fluttered, nose twitching like he was smelling something absolutely divine. His eyes closed half the way, as Wei Ying slowly leaned in to take a slow, deep inhale of Lan Wangji's scent.

It was hard to stay in character with Wei Ying's face drawing so close- but at least the blush was real. Lan Wangji couldn't keep his eyes away from him. From those-

A warm, calloused hand slid over his sight and settled down to cover his eyes. Lan Wangji shivered as a husky, purring voice fluttered in his ear. "Shh. Please don't look at me now. I'll get shy."

Lan Wangji managed to withheld a gasp by some miracle. 'Well. Wei Ying told me to go along with whatever he did.'

Freeing one of his own hands to come and guide Wei Ying's wrist to his lips, Lan Wangji tilted his head just enough to press a slow kiss there. Not enough to move the hand from his eyes- but enough to get a shiver running through his co-star.

"Alright. I won't look. Even if it feels like you are teasing me." Lan Wangji murmured, softening his tone to fit Wang Yibo's better.

That earned a whine out of Wei Wuxian. He could feel him rolling his hips against his, pressing their bodies in closer.

"Go on. Take what you want." He murmured, nudging Wei Ying to go on and he relaxed against the sofa.

But he could feel himself stiffen again (in more ways than one) as Wei Ying's dose and lips ghosted over his skin, trailing down from his ear to the shoulder. Even as they both knew it was just acting, having Wei Ying's lips kiss him there was…

Exhilarating.

There was a faint sense of pressure as Wei Ying's lips parted and the fangs touched on him. He didn't even really need to fake the jerk, as feel of the prosthetics was quite strange. They didn't puncture through the skin, of course. But there was a sense of a thick liquid slowly starting to pool and then trickle down. The smell was sweet and was that..?

'Vanilla.' Lan Wangji realized in adoring awe as he melted into Wei Ying's hold. He moaned a little, as Wei Ying pressed closer again, rolling those god damn hips-

"Cut! Perfect, I think we got it right there!" The director called, breaking the trance that the two of them had fallen into. "Alright, so stay where you are and keep it going for a bit. I want to get some close ups, so Wangji, could you a pant a little? Just like that, thank you!"

It was more than a little mortifying to keep doing the scene basically blind while hearing the crew moving about to mister Castor's directions. At least Wei Ying was just as tense and uncomfortable. They stayed professional for the rest of filming, thought there were definitely some stolen caresses here and there.

Once it was time for them to film speaking portion after that, Lan Wangji was handed a robe to cover his body before he even OPENED his eyes. He was lead behind the set, where he couldn't see, but would hear Wei Ying's parts as a look-alike actor stood in his place and did the motions for him. Meanwhile he spoke his lines into a microphone.

All Wei Ying's ideas. Each one allowing the director the most mobility, without sacrificing Lan Wangji's comfort.

As they moved on to shoot a different scene, Lan Wangji caught Wei Wuxian's eyes before they were both pulled away to change their clothes.

There was a very real hungry, needy glint in his eyes that promised him a reenactment of today's performance once they'd get home tonight.

(He'd have so much to tell Lan Xichen.)