Chapter Text
EXTRA 1 -
Happy New Year
Wei Wuxian grunted as a heavyweight landed on top of him.
“Mama! Wake up!” a tug of his hair had him huffing loudly.
“Lan Lang I swear if you tug my hair one more time I’m go-“
Another sharp tug had Wei Wuxian shooting up in the bed, a thin cotton robe and the blanket the only thing keeping him decent. Silver-grey and gold eyes widened in surprise as the owner of said eyes was grabbed tightly.
“Lan Lang! for all that is holy in heaven must you yank on my hair every morning!” Wei Wuxian didn’t mean to raise his voice, but Lan Lang was too mischievous even for him, the king to mischief. Wei Wuxian didn’t want to admit that Madam Yu had been right. One day he would end up with a child just like him.
“I love you desperately A-Lang but I also love having hair, and if you continue to pull on it, it will either fall out or I will cut it all off.” Wei Wuxian scolded lightly.
Lan Lang’s eyes trembled, “No! I don’t want mama to be bald!” a sniffle escaping, “I don’t want mama to cut his hair either!”
“Your mother won’t cut his hair.” Came the slightly groggy voice of Lan Wangji from beside Wei Wuxian, still laid in the bed under the blankets. Lan Wangji opened golden eyes that seemed to glow just slightly in the darkness. “A-Lang, why are you awake before five?” questioned the dragon.
“Very good question.” Wei Wuxian agreed to loosen his grip on his little prince, still very young, only about one hundred years old and the size of a five-year-old human.
“Didi said it is new years and we need to be up to greet the sun.”
Both parents blinked at each other before glancing to the side of the bed. There they spotted their daughter Lan Ming, she gazed back quietly, her golden eye glowing much like her fathers. Her long black hair had been braided before bed hung over her shoulder. She was literally a mirror image of Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian had to admit, she looked as pristine now as she did when she had been put to bed hours earlier. They hadn’t even noticed her presence until she spoke.
“A-Niang….” Lan Lang looked stricken.
Wei Wuxian inhaled softly and exhaled slowly, “A-Lang, my precious little A-Lang, we will greet the sun when it is time to wake up, but it is nowhere near Mao Shi.” He stroked the young prince’s hair soothingly, “ your father and I have barely been asleep two hours.” And Wei Wuxian had been very exhausted, he remembered going to bed earlier than usual. Lan Wangji had been just as exhausted, awake long past nine. They had not even had the energy to tend to their nightly rituals, only content long enough to bathe and dress in their robes for bed.
Heaven had been in an uproar working hard to prepare for the new year.
It was like this every year. Someone always had a request, and someone always had complaints. Arguments about which animal should be worshipped and which miracles should be granted to those who prayed to them.
It was absolutely exhausting.
Wei Wuxian had joked to his beloved husband a week before that they should just make a new animal to worship and have it be a fox.
Lan Wangji had seriously considered it until Wei Wuxian told him not to.
In the end, they chose the tiger.
Wen Ning had been absolutely floored to learn of the animal being worshipped. The letter from Wei Wuxian had made the now confident tiger flush with embarrassment and return the letter with shaky writing as if he had actually managed to stutter in a letter and had graciously thanked him for the honor, then had tried to suggest they have his sister stand in as the honored guest instead.
He had then received a letter shortly after that from Wen Qing to ignore her brothers' previous letter and that they would both be attending the New Year festival in heaven together.
Bringing his attention back to his two little kits he smiled, “Go back to bed.” He said lightly.
“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed still not having moved much other than to reach out and gently pat Lan Ming’s head.
“Can we sleep with you?” asked Lan Lang letting his eyes go a little wider.
Wei Wuxian yawned and looked to Lan Wangji, their bed was big enough, but they had been trying to encourage their children’s independence as of late. Wei Wuxian was guilty enough for having spoiled them for a long while.
At least in Lan Yuan and Lan Jingyi’s cases, they had been much older and able to transition much easier to sleeping away from Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. They also didn’t let the spoiling go to their heads.
“You may but for tonight only.” Lan Wangji said, the statement welcoming yet firm in its meaning.
“Yes A-Die.” The twins chimed in unison before Lan Ming crawled up into the bed. With Lan Wangji’s assistance, she was lifted over her father’s body to settle in between the elder dragon and fox. Lan Lang was shifted as well to lay beside his sister and they both got cozy under the covers. Lan Wangji shifted too so that he lay on his side.
The alpha was quite pleased of course to spot Wei Wuxian now facing him, soft silver-grey eyes illuminated by the moonbeams peeking in through the windows.
Wei Wuxian smiled softly as he reached across both children to grasp his husband’s hand and entwine their fingers. It allowed the fox the ability to hold both his children and husband.
Lan Wangji smiled back just slightly, and he began to hum.
Wei Wuxian’s eyebrows raised and he smirked, “ ‘No Envies’ huh?” he chuckled before he joined in humming along with the dragon.
He couldn’t recall who had fallen asleep first when he was woken again at five.
Whether it had been him or the children.
“I mean to honor the tiger! Of all the animals he could have chosen to worship this year! It could have been the pig!” Wen Ning paced back and forth worriedly trying hard to squash down his nerves.
“Pig was last year.”
“The Dog?”
“The year before the pig.”
“The Dragon?”
“The year before the dog.”
“You’re not helping A-Sang.” Wen Ning huffed turning to face the merman who sat lazily on the low rocks in the cove attached to the unclean realm’s palace. He watched as the beta flipped his tail lazily in the water, the green and gold scales sparkling like emeralds and golden coins. The translucent fin resembled the color of jade and fanned out quite wide yet maintained a delicateness. “I mean they didn’t have to choose me to honor what about a different tiger?”
“I didn’t realize I was supposed to help,” Nie Huaisang turned his body slightly to look at the alpha with an assuring smile, “ listen, its a great honor to be picked as the represented animal for the new year.” He cupped some water and spilled it over his scaled lap enjoying how the sun caused his scales to glitter and shine with the water. “All you have to do is show up, smile, be praised, eat good food, and drink wine! No speeches required.” The merman tilted his head back lightly, “ and you’ll have Qinig-jie, me and brother Wei to support you.”
“I asked sister to take my place and she bat me over the head with her heaviest scroll.” He looked at his feet embarrassedly twiddling his thumbs some. “She told me to stop being a scared kitten and to buck up.”
“Well you are the interim emperor of Yiling and the Ghost realm Emperor too, you do so well with that, what’s one day of praise?” Nie Huaisang smiled at the alpha who flushed and looked away, “I praise you a lot.”
“Your praise is different.” Wen Ning sat down at the edge of the rocky ledge closer to the beta.
“How so?”
Wen Ning groaned, “You praise me in private and not in front of crowds, I’m no good with crowds!”
Nie Huaisang chuckled reaching out to grip Wen Ning’s chin, “I praise you because you deserve it.” He leaned forward as he turned the tiger's face towards him, “You put up with me all the time and my whining.” He grinned.
“You do whine a lot.”
Nie Huaisang gasped acting incredulous as if he had truly been insulted by the statement from Wen Ning pulling away just slightly, “I only whine when brother nags me! I run Qinghe just fine!”
“You always go swimming for pearls and other hidden treasure instead of working…” Wen Ning pointed out.
Nie Huaisang chuckled, “You look so pretty in pearls though.”
Wen Ning flushed, “Not as pretty as yo-“
The alpha tiger was promptly cut off by a fierce kiss from the merman, his breath sucked away in an instance. When the kiss broke he was flushed and dazed as he watched the beta scoot back into the water a brighter smile on his face than before.
“You know you shouldn’t praise me when I am like this, I like being called pretty!” Nie Huaisang chuckled as he licked his lips watching how the tiger went as red as his robes from his neck to the top of his head at the gesture.
Wen Ning, “Where are you going?”
Nie Huaisang, “To get you a gift for the party tonight.”
“…..A gift?”
“Mhm! For my favorite tiger!”
“You know tigers eat fish right?”
Nie Huaisang gasped, “A-Ning in bed only!”
Wen Ning flustered again and waved his hands wildly, “I would never be so improper to someone I’ve yet to mate or marry!” he cried trying to defend his virtue and honor. It didn’t matter though because Nie Huaisang had already disappeared with a flourish into the water leaving behind nothing but soft echoing laughter.
Wen Ning sighed and laid his head in his hands a groan escaping him, “Can I just go back into the bell please!”
No one answered him.
“A-Cheng stop fussing.”
A growl met Lan XiChen yet again as he watched his mate fuss over their daughter for the hundredth time and his robes for the millionth time.
“No one will notice.” He tried to assure to soothe his mate.
“are you certain? It’s not obvious? Can you promise no one will figure it out!?” Jiang Cheng turned to his husband a frown marring his handsome features. They had just arrived at the main ancestral hall for the banquet for New years, anyone and everyone would be there who they knew and who held high positions in heaven. Lan XiChen had offered to stay home in Yummeng with his mate and daughter to celebrate with their people, to give Jiang Cheng a breather from the trouble he was currently experiencing. However; the stubborn phoenix had insisted on attending heaven’s new year party.
His pregnant mate.
The alpha phoenix had only found out a few days prior and it had been an absolute fluke. They had simply assumed he had gained a little weight due to being cooped up at a desk most days since becoming Emperor of Yummeng allowing his parents a much-needed retirement. He had tried working it off but the bump on his stomach had only continued to grow. It wasn’t until Jiang Cheng threw up his entire dinner a few nights ago that they had discovered the pregnancy. His mate had not shown any signs of pregnancy and was now five months along, the bump was not very large, but it did have a notable definition if Jiang Cheng wore more fitted clothes.
Tonight he wore more flowing robes that didn’t cling to his body, he had also decided to wait until after the new year was rung in to announce the pregnancy.
Lan XiChen smiled; his mate was so kind not wanting to steal the spotlight from Wen Ning.
It seemed though keeping the secret had Jiang Cheng’s anxiety levels maxed out.
“I am certain, now relax, let us go inside, let A-Yun go play with her cousins.” He placed his hand placatingly on the phoenix’s back guiding him towards the doors.
“I can’t relax! I mean, how did we not notice this?” Jiang Cheng stated as they headed up the steps their daughter holding his hand tightly as she glanced around at the sea of faces filtering in and out of the hall. Some were familiar and some were not. “I mean I would think you’d notice a change in my attitude, how much more irritable I’ve been.”
Lan XiChen simply smiled; he didn’t dare tell Jiang Cheng that he was always irritable. It was actually one of his most adorable features and Lan XiChen loved him all the more for his random outbursts over silly things. “You are always pleasant to be around.” He stated.
“We’ve fought.” Jiang Cheng huffed slightly, their marriage wasn’t always perfect, and he preferred not to pretend it was.
“Yes we have, but making up makes it all worth it, anger is a fleeting emotion A-Cheng, but love is deep and endless.” He had learned that from his little brother of all people who had suffered through centuries and fought through all odds to be loyal and loving to his destined one. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were such a perfect match. Even when they fought they always found their way back to one another. “I love you deeply and endlessly, and even if we get angry at one another, my love for you outweighs it all.”
Jiang Cheng blinked before trying to hide his slightly flushed cheeks, “stop being so sappy and romantic.”
Lan XiChen chuckled and leaned slightly over, “What was that A-Cheng?”
The phoenix huffed smoking slightly from the collar, “Iloveyoutoo.”
The beta dragon chuckled pulling his mate just that much closer.
“A-Yun loved A-Die and A-Niang too.” Jiang Yun stated glancing up at her parents, big purplish-black eyes wide and curious.
Jiang Cheng couldn’t help it, the warmth that spread through his heart at that little glance was all he needed to finally relax. “We love you as well.” He smiled patting her head gently, “look there are A-Lang and A-Ming.” He pointed to the head table in the ancestral hall where the twins sat with their elder brothers, uncle, grandfathers, and their parents.
“Can I go play with them?” Jiang Yun questioned, a hopeful look on her face.
“We need to go sit with them first and once the speeches are over you can play.” Lan XiChen instructed as they made their way to the head table well. Lan XiChen was still a royal of heaven and by extension is spouse and children were too, they could sit with Yummeng, but Lan XiChen preferred to be with family. Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian were seated near the head table anyways so they wouldn’t be far.
As they got closer they noted the decorated seating near the head table that housed a flustered Wen Ning, he wore red and gold and had a seat that represented the fierce tiger of the zodiac. The cutlery and dishware on his table were all a bright gold and the table itself was a bright lacquered wood. The poor alpha was dressed in heavy-looking red robes lined with golden patterns and a few characters for luck, his hair had been gathered up high into a golden headpiece and he looked as though he were trying his very hardest to balance the damn thing there. He kept looking to his sister who was seated at his side dressed similarly but in less extravagance.
Jiang Cheng supposed it might be because she threatened whoever helped her dress with cruel and unusual punishments if they dared to weigh her down in something similar to her brother.
He wasn’t about to ask.
He glanced around once more before they reached the head table and saw Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao huddled at their table, the omega looked like he had seen better days and Nie Mingjue’s entire focus was on his mate, paying little attention to the greetings of other guests.
Meng Yao was courteous though and offered soft thanks and greetings in return.
Jiang Cheng had heard there was an unfortunate tragedy for the couple not too long ago, but he had not inquired as to what, to busy handling his own business to pry into others.
“They look unwell.” Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but blurt.
Lan XiChen blinked before sighing softly in a pitying way, “I received a letter about two months ago, I didn’t tell you since you were so busy but A-Yao…he had a miscarriage.” It was an awful tragedy; the merman and the peacock had been so excited to welcome their second child into the world. Preparing everything for the new arrival. Even Nie RuSong had been overjoyed and excited. They were unsure of the cause but halfway through the pregnancy, Meng Yao had become ill, despite much treatment and questions no one could explain it.
In the end, Nie Mingjue had requested Wen Qing’s assistance. Meng Yao had come down with a rather uncommon but not unheard-of illness exclusive to omegas. His body had been fighting to supply both himself and the baby with nutrients and in the end, it had chosen Meng Yao’s health over the babies. It had died before the third trimester.
Everyone had sent their condolences, it was never easy to lose a child, especially one that had yet to be born. Wen Qing had helped Meng Yao through the entire process of delivering the baby since it was the only way they could get it out. It had been almost entirely formed, but still so very small. Another boy, who had easily fit in the palm of his fathers’ hand. He had held their child with Meng Yao for an entire day and night before they had reluctantly given their child to Wen Qing who had taken it to prepare for burial rites. He had then spent the next two months comforting and caring for his mate, assuring him that it was not his fault that he was a good mother who had done all he could. Fate had others plans for them though and while they didn’t have to accept it, they did have to acknowledge it as so.
He had insisted as well that he and Meng Yao skip the new year celebrations, that they stay home and recuperate more.
Meng Yao had smiled though and argued that if he stayed cooped up any longer he might just become sadder than he was. He knew even if he was depressed even if he hurt still, they had responsibilities and one child still alive and well. They would love their lost child as they would their living one. Moving on would take time, but he knew they had many opportunities to try again.
“I sent our regards on both our behalves.” Lan XiChen murmured, “We’ll talk to them after.” He definitely wanted to give his sworn brother a tight hug.
“A-Cheng.”
Wei Wuxian’s voice cut through the dark news Jiang Cheng had just been given and he turned to glance at the fox in question. Wei Wuxian looked rather regal today, dressed to impress in black and red robes as per usual. His hair was been pulled into a half-up high ponytail though and his head was adorned with a silver headpiece that resembled a small crown, he had leaned against Lan Wangji who looked similar except his clothes were white with red trimming and a red underrobe. The dragon was conversing quietly with his uncle and Grandfather paying his mate no mind.
Sometimes it was easy for Jiang Cheng to forget his sworn brother had ascended into being a heavenly god.
“Come on, come here I haven’t seen you in a while!” the fox cheered waving them to take their seats. The children had all been crammed near the end of the table while the adults sat in the middle. Lan XiChen and Jiang Cheng were to Wei Wuxian’s right while Lan Qiren, Qingheng-jun, and Lan An were to Lan Wangji’s left. The table was just the right size, not too cramped.
Lan Yuan glanced up at his uncle and smiled, “Greetings Uncle-XiChen.”
Lan XiChen chuckled, “Greetings A-Yuan. My how you’ve grown! In a hundred years you’ve already gotten this tall?” the boy was perhaps maybe just an inch or two taller than when he had last been seen. The young fox still had a lot of growing to do, but by the time he was a thousand Lan XiChen had no doubt he’d be fiercely catching up with his fathers in height.
“Really, I did grow! A-Yu says we are growing faster than weeds and that soon we’ll be bigger than him!” the crown prince smiled, “Father and Mama said A-Yi ad I can start our cultivation training next year.” Lan Yuan grinned wide.
Lan XiChen chuckled, “Is that so! Well, it’s a good thing next year is almost here.”
Lan Yuan paused in the revelation….next year was literally only a few hours away. His eyes widened in surprise and excitement, “Mama.” He leaned around his uncle slightly to grab Wei Wuxian’s attention which was focused on his father.
However; it didn’t matter how focused Wei Wuxian could be on something or someone, if one of his babies called for him he switched his attention just like that.
“Yes, Yuan’er.” He smiled warmly at his kit.
“Mama next year is almost here! I can start training next year!” he repeated quickly unable to hide his excitement.
Wei Wuxian chuckled, “Figured it out did you?” he grinned a foxy grin, “Yup next year is almost here so you can start soon, but not right away, let A-Die and I recover for at least a day.”
Lan Qiren sighed at the innuendo his once top student made whether intentionally or not, it was inappropriate in front of children let alone most of the nine heavens.
“Your father and I have been working so hard all month to plan this event, we just want a day to relax.” Wei Wuxian finished off earning a chuckle from Lan An who had been listening in and noted his youngest son's exasperated expression.
Lan Wangji nodded having been listening too, “Rest will be nice.” Especially after the unceremonious wake up this morning from Lan Lang.
He loved all his children, but he also had learned the joys of indulging in a little extra sleep now and then from Wei Wuxian. He still could sleep at nine and rise at five, but on the rare occasion, he would indulge in remaining in bed much longer to cuddle his beloved mate.
“A-Ning looks uncomfortable.” Wei Wuxian cut in changing the subject.
Lan Wangji glanced over to said Tiger who looked like he was shaking in his seat. Whether from nerves or the insanely heavy headpiece, he would never know. “Has everyone arrived?”
Wei Wuxian took a quick gander around the room before smiling, “Looks like it.” He stated and stood.
Speeches for Lan Wangji were always difficult, so Wei Wuxian had taken on the job of making announcements for his husband to ease some of the tension. The moment he stood the entire ancestral hall grew silent every focusing their attention on the head table.
Wei Wuxian quickly cleared his throat before smiling, “Honored guests, we welcome you to join us here in the heavenly palace to celebrate the ringing in of the new year.” He lowered himself into a slight salute and received salutes in return from the seated guests.
“This year we honor the tiger and pray for prosperity.” He stated with warmth, “Wen Ning current Emperor of Yummeng and the King of the Ghost realm is welcomed as our honored representative along with his sister Wen Qing.” Both Wen Ning and Wen Qing bowed their heads in thanks before straightening back up. “I would like to start off the evening first with a few announcements regarding the gifts Hanguang-jun and I have decided to bestow.” Everyone seemed to shuffle further forward curious to know what would be given as gifts from the heavenly rulers.
Wei Wuxian, “the human realm has suffered for a long while with droughts, lack of births, and the loss of bountiful harvest. They work hard and pray sincerely to the heavens for help from us.” He smiled, “So we have decided to bestow upon the mortal realm seven years of prosperity, bountiful food, and the increase of happy and healthy children.” Everyone clapped as expected.
“Next.” Silver-grey eyes landed on Meng Yao, “A-Yao please come forward.” He called.
Meng Yao blinked wide-eyed. He looked like a deer caught in a net, he knew he had to go up when summoned and stood. It took every ounce of strength he had to pull away from Nie Mingjue’s loving embrace, he trembled as he did and moved to the middle of the room and knelt down, “Meng Yao greets his majesty.” He greeted, he looked as though he was exhausted and tired to the bone.
“No need to kneel A-Yao.” Wei Wuxian called softly.
“Yes, your majesty.” He stood up but still tried to keep his head lowered.
Wei Wuxian smiled knowing it was hard for the omega to be the center of attention for anything. “You have worked hard these last one hundred years.” He stated his back straighter, “You’ve proved your valuable worth and strength.” Wei Wuxian’s expression grew very kind and soft, “and you were plagued this year by an unfortunate death and disease.”
Meng Yao couldn’t help the sniff that escaped him.
“That is why Hanguang-jun and I have decided to grant you the gift of fertility and health.” Wei Wuxian stated boldly, “When you are ready and feeling better the gift will naturally take effect,” Wei Wuxian chuckled, “ we look forward to your visit with the little ones once you recover.”
Tears escaped the peacock who bowed low, “Thank-you! Your gift will be treasured always!”
A roar of applause rang through the hall in praise to the Emperor’s kind generosity. Lan Wangji had even been the one to suggest the gift after hearing the tragic news. It had been hard for Nie Mingjue as well, both deserved the gift.
Lan XiChen’s own eyes watered a smile covering his features as he saw the absolute look of awe on Nie Mingjue’s face. He wouldn’t show it publicly, but Lan XiChen could tell his sworn brother was truly over the moon right now.
After the congratulations and cheers had died down once more Wei Wuxian smiled again, “now…As you all remember, just a little over one hundred and three years ago, Heaven, the nine wildernesses, and the ghost tribe were locked in an awful war.” He stated, “We all suffered, we lost, we gained, we hurt.” His eyes drifted to Lan Wangji, “We loved.” He looked back at all their guests exhaling deeply. “We learned that deception and standing idly by was not the answer, many of us grew from our journeys, we learned through others.” His eyes fell to Wen Ning adoration and love for one of his clan members.
Wei Wuxian, “We learned that blood does not necessarily facilitate a bond.” His silver-grey eyes, “but the trust and faith we put in each other is stronger than any magic or gift we could receive.” He reached down to pick up his cup of fruit brewed wine, one that would not get half of heaven drunk. Many of the guests raised their own cups of either wine or tea following his lead. “I chose Wen Ning the tiger to honor tonight, not because he represents the animal of our zodiac, but because even though the odds were against him, and he was afraid…he charged forward into battle and fearlessly stood against Wen Rouhan.” A quite murmured drifted through the hall.
“At the risk of his own life and spirit Wen Ning sacrificed himself to save my master Lan Qiren,” Wei Wuxian felt tears rise clouding his vision slightly, “His spirit endured tens of thousands of years at the mercy of his uncle’s restless spirit, and when finally he was able to return to us, yet again he ran into battle to save me from myself.” Lan Wangji had also worked hard to save him; Wen Ning’s voice had just been that last tipping point to bring him from the darkness. Wei Wuxian would forever be grateful.
“For all his sacrifice, for all his good deeds, and my gratitude towards him for caring for my kingdom in my absence. I would like to give my blessings to Wen Ning…” a quite murmured filled the room confused as to what blessing Wei Wuxian would bestow upon the tiger.
Wen Ning was staring at Wei Wuxian his own eyes red with tears that threatened to fall, his hands trembled as he held his cup up.
Then from behind where Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao sat stood Nie Huaisang who waved at the tiger happily and walked forward.
“Your majesty I would like to make a request.” He said bowing to his disciple brother, his partner in crime, someone whom he had walked beside for thousands of years as equals.
Wei Wuxian grinned, “Speak.”
Nie Huaisang did not rise from his salute, “I would like to request his majesty’s blessing in my desire to marry Wen Ning.”
Dead silence rocked the room before a cup clattered to the floor.
Wen Ning’s eyes were wide as he looked at the beautiful merman who grinned slightly his way.
“You have my and Hanguang-jun’s blessing.” Wei Wuxian grinned back.
An explosion of sound echoed through the hall this time, so deafening it would make the previous Lan elders tremble in fear as the rules to not make noise was effectively ruined.
Wen Ning didn’t waste time jumping over his table despite his restrictive clothes to grab Nie Huaisang tightly and kiss him despite all the prying eyes. He didn’t care because Nie Huaisang had done what he had been too afraid to do….claim him as his own.
Wei Wuxian tipped back his head and drank from his cup everyone following suit before they offered uproars of congratulation.
He sat back down beside Lan Wangji who took his hand under the table secretly.
“Wei Ying did well.” He smiled just slightly.
“…..” Wei Wuxian leaned into his husbands’ side, “I only give to those who deserve…I learned that from my beloved husband.” He stated a lazy smile on his face,
“He must be wise.” Lan Wangji supplied with a blank face.
Wei Wuxian blinked before bursting into giggles at his husbands’ subtle joke.
This was definitely a new year to remember.
It was well after midnight before Wei Wuxian finished tucking in his two littlest kits.
Lan Lang and Lan Ming were both exhausted after playing with not only their cousins but with their uncles as well. The two had stayed awake just long enough to see the entire fireworks that had been prepared.
Wei Wuxian chuckled, they had barely managed to keep their eyes open long enough for him to bathe and dress them for the night.
He stood from beside the bed where the two slept side by side sound asleep. “Happy new year my kits.” He whispered before leaving the room to go to his own where his beloved husband awaited him.
“A-Zhan.” He cooed softly seeing Lan Wangji settled at the vanity. His husband had changed into his own night robes and was in the midst of removing the small dragon crown from his hair.
“Mn.” Lan Wangji acknowledged lightly but did not turn around or stop at his current task.
That was until he felt soft slender hands upon his.
“Let me.” Wei Wuxian said softly beginning to remove the intricate crown. He had changed while preparing the twins for bed, so he was more than happy to assist his beloved. Once he had successfully removed that headpiece his ran his fingers through the dragon’s hair making sure to massage at his scalp as he did. He took joy in seeing how Lan Wangji instantly relaxed and leaned into the touch, eyes closed as he was pampered. After a bit Wei Wuxian slipped his hands from Lan Wangji’s hair to instead wrap them around the alpha’s shoulders. He leaned down until his head rested on his husbands’ shoulder with a smile, “It was difficult, but this year was well worth it.”
“Mn, very satisfied.” Lan Wangji agreed turning his head just slightly to press a kiss to the fox’s forehead, “Wei Ying inspires people, you did well.” He praised.
“Oh, Lan Zhan.” He nuzzled him before he bit at his husband’s ear lobe earning a jump of surprise.
Golden met silver-grey and Wei Wuxian smirked, “Lets ring in the new year with some extra fun.” He shifted so he could straddle Lan Wangji’s lap. “What do you say husband of mine?”
Lan Wangji’s ears were bright red and he held a hand over his abused earlobe. Molten amber wavered and Lan Wangji couldn’t find it in himself to deny Wei Wuxian despite the current hour. So, he picked up the omega fox who squealed in delight, wrapping his arms and legs tightly around Lan Wangji’s tall form.
When he back hit the bed he giggled gazing up at his alpha with a smile, “Oh Lan Zhan I like it when you are forceful!”
Lan Wangji huffed, “Wei Ying.”
“I know! I know but I do like your strength.” Wei Wuxian grinned.
Lan Wangji chuckled, “Wei Ying is strong too.”
Wei Wuxian was strong too, because despite how much he had suffered, how much heartache he had endured….he had found his way out.
“Lan Zhan…” Wei Wuxian smiled, “Just shut up and kiss me.”
“Happy new year A-Ying.”
“Happy new year A-Zhan.”
Lan Wangji then very generously indulged his fox with as many kisses as he could.
Happy new year indeed.