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Jiang Cheng deserves the meal sitting in front of him. After he finishes the bacon cheeseburger, fries, and glass of red wine, he might even order dessert. The piece of chocolate cake that passed by him a few minutes ago looked heavenly and would make for a nice ending to this hellish day. He’s been working as a photographer for over 20 years, so he isn’t sure why he still gets surprised when a photo shoot goes sideways. The models getting food poisoning from the catering service was unexpected and now he’s going to be stuck here for a few more days until the models are well again.
He’s taking a big bite of his burger when the subtle scent of sandalwood and jasmine teases his nose. Glancing over he almost chokes as the most gorgeous man he has ever seen takes a seat next to him at the bar. The man is dressed in a white suit with a light blue shirt, the top three buttons are undone, giving Jiang Cheng a peek of smooth tan skin. Shockingly white blonde hair is pulled back in a stylish ponytail, showing off an undercut. A few wisps of bangs tease the man’s forehead. His lips are full, cheekbones are sharp, and body is tight and lean. Jiang Cheng wouldn’t mind having him for dessert.
“I’ll have a club soda and salmon with asparagus.”
The man’s low voice sends a shiver down Jiang Cheng’s spine.
“Long day?” Jiang Cheng asks, taking a bite of his fries.
“Mmm,” the man replies.
Not deterred by the one syllable answer Jiang Cheng says, “Me too. I was only supposed to be here for one day on business but I’ve been thwarted by food poisoning.”
“Should you be eating that?” the man asks, looking concerned.
“Oh! I don’t have food poisoning. The models that I was photographing today did. I’m a photographer,” Jiang Cheng explains.
“I’m here on business too,” says the man before thanking the bartender for his plate of food. He picks up his fork to begin eating. “I’m a traveling lecturer.”
“What is your area of expertise?”
“The history of Chinese music.”
“Sounds interesting,” Jiang Cheng says, really meaning it. While he never excelled in music like his sister and brother, he did enjoy learning about it.
“It is, but the students today were not very attentive. I was forced to cut my lecture short. I don’t like having my time wasted,” the man murmurs in disdain.
“I understand completely," Jiang Cheng sympathizes. "I'm Jiang Wanyin," he adds, holding out his hand.
"Lan Wangji," he replies, taking Jiang Cheng's hand in his.
Jiang Cheng bites back a moan at the feel of Lan Wangji's soft hand. Even his fingers are long and elegant. He hasn’t been attracted to someone this fast in a long time.
“It’s nice meeting you, Wangji.”
“Mmm.”
“Can I get anything else for you?” the bartender asks.
“I’ll take a slice of that chocolate cake,” Jiang Cheng says.
“Excellent choice. Anything for you sir?” he asks Lan Wangji.
“Just another club soda, thank you.”
Lan Wangji had initially wanted to sulk in his hotel room and order room service after the unsatisfactory day he had, but he promised his brother, Xichen, to not spend all his time holed up in his room. Lan Wangji decided to fulfill that promise by eating at the bar. As he sat down he could feel a pair of eyes checking him out and when he looked over he was unsurprised to find heated interest in the strangers gaze. What did come as a surprise is that he didn’t feel the usual disgust he would normally feel when someone showed blatant interest.
Jiang Wanyin is beautiful. His long lashes accentuate his deep brown eyes. His smile shows off straight white teeth. He is dressed in a dark purple button up dress shirt, tight fitting black jeans, and well worn black boots rested on the rung of the bar stool. Two silver hoops glitter in each ear and black leather bracelets adorn his wrists. His short black hair looks soft to the touch and is sticking up in places like Jiang Wanyin ran his fingers through it one to many times today. Lan Wangji sits taller than Jiang Wanyin but he can guess that he’s only a few inches shorter than him.
Lan Wangji isn’t much of a talker but he finds himself wanting to converse with Jiang Wanyin. He finds him easy to talk to, but sometimes it is easier talking to a stranger.
When the plate of cake and club soda are delivered Lan Wangji watches as Jiang Wanyin takes a big bite. The moan that comes out from between Jiang Wanyin’s lips is sinful and hits Lan Wangji right in the gut. A low simmer of lust ignites, causing Lan Wangji to take a deep breath.
“This is so good. Would you like a bite?” Jiang Cheng asks, holding the fork with a piece of cake on it out towards Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji looks from the morsel of chocolate to Jiang Wanyin’s eyes, holding his gaze as he takes the bite into his mouth. Jiang Cheng swallows hard at watching Lan Wangji lick his lips.
“It is good.”
When Lan Wangji’s eyes don’t leave his, Jiang Cheng makes a decision.
“Would you like company tonight?”
At Lan Wangji’s head nod they flag down the bartender so they can sign the receipts that will charge their meals to their rooms. When that is done Jiang Cheng takes Lan Wangji’s hand to lead him to the elevators.
“What floor are you on?” Jiang Cheng asks.
“Four.”
“I’m on two, mine’s closer.”
Jiang Cheng waits for the hotel door to close before crowding Lan Wangji against it. “You are so fucking gorgeous,” he whispers, taking Lan Wangji’s mouth in a passionate kiss.
Their kisses turn more sloppy and frenzied as they work together to get naked. They are down to their boxers when Lan Wangji pushes Jiang Cheng further into the room and back against the bed. Jiang Cheng doesn’t let Lan Wangji push him down.
“Wait one moment.” He walks into the bathroom and comes back out holding a box of condoms and a small bottle of lube. He’s thanking Jin Zixuan in his head for sneaking them into his toiletry bag. Not that he would ever thank him to his face. All thoughts of Jin Zixuan flee his brain when he finds Lan Wangji sitting naked on the bed. He’s a work of art. Broad shoulders, chiseled chest, trim waist, strong thighs, and the biggest cock that Jiang Cheng has ever seen up close and personal with. He finds himself on his knees in front of Lan Wangji, not really knowing how he got there other than his feet moving on autopilot. Jiang Cheng places the items in his hands on the bed next to Lan Wangji before rubbing his cheek against Lan Wangji’s cock. When his eyes look up he moans to see the lust in Lan Wangji’s eyes. Jiang Cheng feels powerful knowing this man wants him just as much as he wants him.
As Lan Wangji gazes down on Jiang Wanyin he’s caught off guard by the feeling of rightness. He has only ever felt that with one other person. Lan Wangji doesn’t want to think about him right now. Not while he has this beautiful man kneeling before him. His thoughts scatter as Jiang Wanyin takes him in his mouth. Jiang Wanyin takes his time, savoring every thick inch until Lan Wangji can’t take it anymore and hauls him up to kiss him. From there they take each other apart. Jiang Wanyin comes as Lan Wangji fucks him into the mattress, Lan Wangji coming moments after with Jiang Wanyin squeezing the hell out of his cock.
“Fuck…” Jiang Cheng purrs, like a satisfied kitten. Sex with Lan Wangji is hands down the best he has ever had. Jiang Cheng is one with the mattress, his bones having turned to jelly. He moans again as Lan Wangji slips out and he moves to dispose of the condom. Jiang Cheng turns his head to watch Lan Wangji’s gorgeous ass walk into the bathroom. He returns with a warm washcloth in his hand to wipe Jiang Cheng down.
“Will you stay?” Jiang Cheng asks.
“Mmm.” Lan Wangji slips under the covers cuddling next to Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng isn’t usually clingy after sex but he wants to prolong this night for as long as he can. They share a few gentle kisses before succumbing to sleep.
In the light of day Jiang Cheng wakes to a quiet voice.
“I’ll be home in the afternoon.”
Jiang Cheng opens his eyes to see Lan Wangji standing next to the bed, dressed in his clothes from the night before, and his cell phone to his ear.
“I’ve missed you too, sweetheart. We’ll have dinner together tonight. I love you.”
Jiang Cheng closes his eyes when he sees that Lan Wangji is done with his call. He continues to pretend he is sleeping until he feels a hand caress his cheek. Opening his eyes he finds Lan Wangji hovering over him.
“I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. Thank you for yesterday, Wanyin.”
“Thank you, Wangji,” Jiang Cheng says, leaning up to give him one last kiss. He waits until he hears the door click shut to run his hands over his face and screams, “Fucking hell!”
Lan Wangji’s wedding band feels like it has left a brand on Jiang Cheng’s cheek. He’s just had a one night stand with a married man.
********************
Lan Wangji pulls at the knot in his tie for the third time that night. He hates events like the charity dinner he was forced to attend in his uncle and brother’s stead. His uncle is a benefactor of the University that Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji work at. Normally Lan Qiren or Xichen would come to these functions but both are out of town on other business, leaving a petulant Wangji to play nice. At times like these he really misses his husband, who flourished at being the center of attention.
Lan Wangji has twenty more minutes to be able to honestly tell his uncle that he stayed for an hour. Standing at the bar he’s nursing a cranberry juice with a ‘don’t approach me’ look on his face when he spots another face in the crowd with the same look. He hasn’t seen that face in three months. Jiang Wanyin looks gorgeous in a three piece dark purple suit. His short black hair is swept back off his forehead and the diamonds in his ears sparkle. When their eyes meet Jiang Wanyins widen in recognition. Neither hesitate as they meet in the middle of the room.
“Jiang Wanyin…”
“Lan Wangji…it’s nice to see you again.”
“Mmm, you too.”
“I don’t enjoy these things but I guest teach on occasion and my work is on display at the moment.” Jiang Cheng nods his head towards the three pieces of photography that the University brought over from the gallery to auction off.
“I don’t either. My uncle usually comes but he’s away on business. This university is my home base. I’m surprised we have never run into each other,” Lan Wangji says with a small pout before taking a sip of his juice. He might have to bribe Meng Yao with coffee to keep him updated on when Jiang Wanyin guest teaches. As the Vice Chancellor, Meng Yao takes care of all the schedules.
“I’m not. Photography and the history of Chinese music don’t exactly run in the same circles,” Jiang Cheng says with a smile.
“True.”
“Want to get out of here? I have a room…” Jiang Cheng offers, flashing his room card. The event is being held in the ballroom at a hotel and since Jiang Cheng will be doing a photo shoot in the hotel tomorrow he was given a room.
Looking at his watch Lan Wangji sees he’s been there for the obligatory hour and can leave without feeling guilty. Nodding his head he lets Jiang Cheng lead the way.
This is a bad idea. Jiang Cheng can clearly see the wedding band on Lan Wangji’s hand, but he can't make himself care. Their night together has haunted Jiang Cheng’s dreams. He wants another taste. By the time they both have orgasmed he isn’t disappointed. It’s even better than the first time. After the second round Jiang Cheng can barely form words. His body is loose, satisfied, and his brain is offline. He is sprawled out on his stomach and Lan Wangji is pressed to his side. Lan Wangji’s fingers sweep up and down his back in a soothing motion. They stay like that for a while until a cell phone rings. It isn’t Jiang Cheng’s ringtone so he doesn’t move. He feels Lan Wangji move away from him to retrieve his phone.
“Papa! It’s past 9pm. Why aren’t you home yet?” comes a soft, yet concerned voice. Lan Wangji must have accidently hit the speaker button when he answered the phone. Realizing it he turns it off before answering.
“I’m sorry, Sizhui. I should have checked in earlier to let you know I’d be late. I’ll be home in two hours,” Lan Wangji promises.
Jiang Cheng can’t hear Sizhui’s response.
After hanging up Lan Wangji sets his phone on the nightstand. He wants to linger, but Sizhui gets nervous when he isn’t home on time. Ever since…no…Lan Wangji isn’t going to think about that now.
“Is your son okay?” Jiang Cheng asks.
“Mmm, he’s fine. I have to go,” Lan Wangji says, giving Jiang Cheng a kiss. “I hope…to run into you again.”
Lan Wangji debates asking Jiang Wanyin for his number but he doesn’t think he’s quite ready for that.
This is Jiang Cheng’s chance to ask if he’s married, a perfect opening, but he doesn’t take it. Lan Wangji doesn’t speak up either. Maybe it’s better to not know.
“Me too. Be safe driving home,” Jiang Cheng says.
****************
They do keep running into each other. Every two to three months Jiang Cheng finds Lan Wangji or Lan Wangji finds Jiang Cheng. They always end up in bed together. At the one year mark they once again find themselves at the hotel they first met at and something has shifted.
This time they eat dinner at a table for two, tucked away in a private corner. It feels intimate, like they are celebrating an anniversary.
“Happy one year,” Jiang Cheng says, holding up his glass of wine to toast with Lan Wangji’s cranberry juice.
Lan Wangji smiled as he clinked their glasses together. “Happy one year.”
“I should have asked this earlier…when I first noticed it,” Jiang Cheng starts, pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts, “You used to wear a ring. Were you married when we met?”
Lan Wangji glances down at his bare ring finger. He took it off two months ago, after the sixth run-in with Jiang Wanyin, but they haven’t seen each other since then. He should have realized that the ring and Jiang Wanyin knowing about Sizhui might make Jiang Wanyin wonder.
“I’m a widower. My husband passed away three years ago. His light burned brighter than the sun and it ended up consuming him. Our son was eleven at the time and Xuanyu was late coming home. The police came to inform me that they found his car down a steep embankment. They ruled it an accident but I’ve always wondered if it was deliberate,” Lan Wangji says, a few tears escaping down his cheeks.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what it feels like to lose a partner but my sister died in a car crash over ten years ago. Our brother was driving and he never could forgive himself. He disappeared a year later. I can only hope that he is doing well somewhere,” Jiang Cheng says, wiping the tears away from Lan Wangji’s cheek with the pad of his thumb.
“I wore the ring because I wasn’t ready to move on. Plus it helped to deter unwanted interest. You’re the first person that I’ve felt a connection with. After the last time we ran into each other I was kicking myself for not getting your phone number. Neither of us use social media so I’m really glad to see you today,” Lan Wangji admits. He had resigned himself to beg to Meng Yao for Wanyin’s contact information when he got home from this trip, but fate intervened.
“We should exchange numbers now. I want to get to know you better and take you out on planned dates,” Jiang Cheng says, handing his phone over for Lan Wangji to put his number in. “Lan Zhan?”
“Mmm, please call me by my birth name. It is reserved for close family and…a boyfriend.”
Jiang Cheng’s new boyfriend is so fucking adorable. Lan Zhan’s ears have turned red and he has a light flush to his cheeks.
“Then you have to call me Jiang Cheng.”
“Jiang Cheng,” Lan Zhan says, testing it out in his mouth. “I like you, Jiang Cheng.”
“I like you too, Lan Zhan.”
*******************
Come to find out Lan Zhan only lives thirty minutes from Jiang Cheng. They text or call everyday. With their travel schedules they are able to meet up three to four times a month. After three months of dating they once again run into each other unexpectedly.
“Jiujiu! Yuan’s dad said he can spend the night this weekend only if he meets my dad,” Jin Ling says, pulling Jiang Cheng across the classroom to where a boy is sitting. They are at an open house at the school to meet the teachers.
“Jin Ling, I’m not your dad,” Jiang Cheng grumbles.
“Close enough! You’ve been with my dad since I was a baby.”
That’s the statement that Lan Zhan walks into. He looks at Jiang Cheng with surprise and hurt in his eyes. Jiang Cheng never mentioned having a lover.
“You have a son?” Lan Zhan asked, one eyebrow raised in question.
“Jin Ling is my nephew. After his mother, my sister passed, I moved in with my brother-in-law to help raise Jin Ling.” Jiang Cheng steps close to Lan Zhan, closer than would be deemed respectable and whispers in his ear. “His father and I have never been lovers.”
“Good,” Lan Zhan, whispers back.
“Jiujiu, do you know Yuan’s dad?”
“Yes, we met on a work trip. You must me Lan Sizhui?” Jiang Cheng asked.
“Yes, sir. You can call me Sizhui or Yuan.” Sizhui says, with a shy smile.
“You’ve never mentioned Sizhui before,” Jiang Cheng says to Jin Ling.
“We weren’t in the same class until last year,” Jin Ling says. “We have a project to work on so that’s why we want to have a sleepover.”
Jiang Cheng refrains from rolling his eyes. He can clearly see that Jin Ling likes Lan Sizhui and that Lan Sizhui for some reason likes his bratty nephew back. Jiang Cheng remembers being fourteen. It was not a fun time with his hormones running amok.
“Jin Zixuan will be home this weekend. You can meet him when you bring Sizhui over.”
At Lan Zhan’s ‘Mmm’ both boys high five.
*******************
“Let me see if I have this straight. You met Lan Wangji over a year ago and had a hot one night stand that kept happening every few months until you both confessed to your feelings. He’s now your boyfriend, but his son doesn’t know?” Jin Zixuan says, with a frown.
“Correct. We’re waiting to tell Sizhui. He’s been through alot with losing his other father.”
“You don’t think your relationship is going to last?”
“What? No! We are both very committed but I don’t think it’s wrong to wait,” Jiang Cheng says. “You waited over six months to introduce Jin Ling to Mianmian.”
“Mianmian and I weren’t expecting to fall in love. She also had her daughter to think about. We are both glad that you ended up staying after we got married. And not just because you help us take care of our kids.” Zixuan and Mianmian welcomed twins a year after getting married. Riley and Remy are four now.
“If this Wangji is the one, I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy,” Jin Zixuan says.
“Thank you. Be nice when Lan Zhan comes over. No giving him a shovel talk,” Jiang Cheng warns.
Zixuan nods but mutters under his breath, “I just won’t do it in front of his son…”
When Lan Zhan arrives with Sizhui he ends up staying for dinner. It’s a loud affair with five children and four adults. After having dessert Mianmian takes the twins and Mimi to get cleaned up and the boys help Jin Zixuan clear the table leaving Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan by themselves.
“Are you okay?” Jiang Cheng asks. “They can be overwhelming.”
“I’m fine. You’re going to think having dinner with my uncle and brother is boring in comparison.”
“Silence isn’t boring,” Jiang Cheng says, giving Lan Zhan a quick kiss. They are getting settled on the couch with steaming cups of tea when they hear shouts from Jin Ling’s room. Looking at each other in concern they get up to find out what is going on.
“Why do you have pictures of my Baba?” Sizhui cries, softly. He’s clutching a photo book to his chest with tears streaming down his face.
“Sizhui, what’s the matter?” Lan Zhan asked, turning Sizhui to face him.
Sizhui opens the book to show Lan Zhan a page of pictures. “Jin Ling says this is his uncle Ying, but this is Baba. Why are there pictures of Baba in Jin Ling’s photo book?”
Jiang Cheng takes the book from Sizhui to look at the pictures in question. In the first picture his brother Wei Wuxian is smiling widely with one arm slung over Jiang Cheng’s shoulder and the other around Jiang Yanli’s. The picture was taken at their high school graduation. The second picture is a family photo at Yanli and Zixuan’s wedding. The third picture is of Wuxian holding a baby Jin Ling. It was the only picture they have of Wuxian with Jin Ling. The car accident happened a few months later and Wuxian couldn’t be in the same room with Jin Ling without breaking down.
“This is my adopted brother Wei Wuxian,” Jiang Cheng says, pointing to his picture.
“NO! That’s my Baba, Mo Xuanyu. Look!” Sizhui shouts, pulling his phone from his pocket he turns the screen so they can see a picture of Mo Xuanyu with Lan Zhan and Sizhui.
Jiang Cheng lets out a pained gasp. It really is Wei Wuxian staring up at him.
“He got that scar in the car accident,” Jiang Cheng whispers. “When did you meet Mo Xuanyu? How old was he?”
“Twelve years ago. He worked in a coffee shop that I frequented. He was twenty-seven when we met,” Lan Zhan says.
“Wei Wuxian disappeared thirteen years ago. He was twenty-six. It fits the timeline.”
“I think we should move this to the living room,” Jin Zixuan suggests, standing in the doorway of Jin Ling’s room.
“Could Yuan’s Baba really have been Uncle Ying?” Jin Ling asks, as they walk out of the room.
“It looks like it might be a possibility,” Jin Zixuan says.
“I’m sorry for arguing with you, Yuan,” Jin Ling says, taking Sizhui’s arm. The other boy is silently crying and when they sit down together on the love sofa he leans his head on Jin Ling’s shoulder.
“When I met Xuanyu he said he was new to the area…looking for a fresh start after having a bad accident. I assumed it was a car accident but he never elaborated and I respected his privacy. It was only after we began dating that I learned more. When he’d drink too much he’d talk more freely,” Lan Zhan says, quietly.
“He never mentioned changing his name or having a family worrying about him?” Jiang Cheng asks, voice pitched high in disbelief.
“His parents died when he was little and he was raised in a foster home. He said his foster mother never liked him and when he was of age he moved out.”
That much is true. Madame Yu never did like Wei Wuxian and he did move out when he turned eighteen with Jiang Cheng into their own apartment.
“His driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card have his name as Mo Xuanyu. When I went through his papers I never found anything indicating that he once was Wei Wuxian,” Lan Zhan says.
“Baba left me a box with a key in it and a letter to open when I’m eighteen,” Sizhui says.
Lan Zhan looks at his son sharply. “You didn’t think to tell me that?”
“I’m sorry, Papa. I liked having something from Baba that was just mine. I’m sorry,” Sizhui cries, burying his face in Jin Ling’s chest.
“Sweetheart, I’m not upset with you,” Lan Zhan reassures, reaching out his hand to rest on Sizhui’s head. “I’m feeling a little confused right now.”
“I think we are all feeling confused. Maybe Wangji and Sizhui should go home for the night,” Jin Zixuan suggests.
“But dad, Yuan is supposed to stay the night!” Jin Ling whines.
“He will, but not tonight,” Jin Zixuan promises. “He should be with his dad right now. I’ll help you get Sizhui’s bag.”
“Wait for me,” Mianmian says, wanting to give Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan a moment alone.
“Come home with me,” Lan Zhan whispers, gripping the hem of Jiang Cheng’s shirt. “I feel like if you don’t…you’re going to disappear.”
Jiang Cheng doesn’t know how he feels learning that Lan Zhan’s husband was most likely Wei Wuxian. Or that Wei Wuxian isn’t alive and well somewhere but actually dead. He can’t wrap his head around any of that. What he does know for sure is that he loves Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian isn’t going to take that away from him.
“Look at me, please,” Jiang Cheng coaxes, taking Lan Zhan’s face in his hands. Lan Zhan blinks slowly at him, a pout on his lips. “It’s too late to get rid of me. We’re going to figure this all out together, I promise.”
“Don’t want to be rid of you,” Lan Zhan mumbles, burying his face in Jiang Cheng’s neck.
Later that night as Jiang Cheng holds Lan Zhan in his arms, Lan Zhan tells Jiang Cheng all about Mo Xuanyu. Jiang Cheng in turn tells Lan Zhan about Wei Wuxian. They don’t sleep.
In the early morning light Jiang Cheng holds Lan Zhan a little tighter, kissing his forehead.
“Aren’t you angry?” Jiang Cheng grumbles, his voice gravelly from talking all night and no rest.
“About what?”
“Wei Wuxian…I mean Mo Xuanyu lying to you?”
“A little, but mostly…sad. Sad…that he couldn’t find his peace while he was alive. Sad…that Sizhui will grow up missing his Baba. I don’t want to dwell in that sadness. I’ll always cherish the amazing memories we had together. I’m more than ready to make new amazing memories with you,” Lan Zhan murmurs, rubbing his nose against Jiang Chengs before kissing his lips.
“I love you, Lan Zhan.”
“Mm, love you too, Jiang Cheng.”
*****************
The key and letter that is in Sizhui’s possession leads them to a safety deposit box at the local bank. In the box is a journal, pictures, Wei Wuxian’s original documents, and letters addressed to Sizhui, Jin Zixuan, and Jin Ling. One is addressed to Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan together.
Dear Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng,
I’m sorry…for everything. Don’t mourn me for too long because we all know I don’t deserve it. I’m not sure how…but for some reason I know that you will find each other and that gives me comfort. Love each other like I was never fully able to.
I’m rooting for you!
Love,
Mo Xuanyu/Wei Wuxian
Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan do what Mo Xuanyu/Wei Wuxian asks of them…they love each other fully.