He shouldn't be in Yiling at all. Yet he keeps finding reasons, excuses to 'pass through'. Xichen gives him suggestions as well, though he doesn't always quite understand why.
'There are rumors of' or 'Wangji, would you check on' tend to start such conversations. And he winds up...lingering. Never expecting to see Wei Ying, yet always hoping. He doesn't let himself approach the path leading up that mountain. It's not part of his assignments.
But each time he's approached Yiling, or on his way away, his gaze is always drawn that way. And he pauses.
The weight of that gaze is felt. No matter how busy he might be or how stressed, his attention, momentarily, is always drawn in that direction. After sensing Lan Wangji's presence for...actually he lost count...he leaves matters in Wen Qing's capable hands and jogs down the path leading to town. A bright smile blooms the moment he sets eyes on the other man.
Finally!
"Lan Zhan! What are you doing this close to the Burial Mounds?"
His heart screams the answer, knows the answer, but he denies it what it wants. That has become a habit.
His heart leaps when he hears that voice. He pauses, as if reluctant. Then slowly lets himself turn, working to keep his expression neutral as always. But maybe his eyes betray him, just a little. Relax slightly, warm just a touch, when he finally sees the other man.
"Wei Ying."
...Right. A question was asked. His gaze drops just a little.
"Ah you know I'm the trouble!" he tries to brush off his ever-increasing worries with a smile and a laugh. The truth is that his little Wen family won't be safe forever and he knows it. Eventually he will have to find a way to fight.
But that isn't Lan Zhan's issue and it really is nice to see him.
"Let's go into town together, hm?" he hurries down the path to be at the other man's side, his flute bobbing against his hip with each step.
"Mm." Wangji nods, waiting for Wuxian to reach him before turning and continuing on for the town. He doesn't hurry though, not even if the other tries to hurry them along.
So few bother to make the effort. Is it any wonder Wangji has so few actual friends? He can count them on two fingers.
For all his apparent dislike of chatter, he revels in hearing Wuxian's voice. He doesn't seem to pay attention to the whirlwind that is Wei Ying, yet always seems to know where he is.
The effort is worthwhile! Wei Ying can't help but be drawn to Lan Zhan, forever in his orbit and until now, he has never questioned why. But with everything going so...well. Not wrong exactly, but not right either, he understands that he has to put space between them.
"I wish I could visit."
Isn't that ironic? Cloud Recesses used to feel like a beautiful cage and now...
[Lan Wangji arrives home shortly after, the sound of the door sliding open and then closed being the only thing to announce his presence. A quick glance inside has him peering in a specific reaction, as the sloshing of water tells him exactly where Wei Wuxian is. He will greet him, in a moment, but first...
His boots wettened by the winter frost are the first to come off, and placed neatly in their rightful spot by the door.
The top layer of robes come next, brushed down and perfectly folded before being set down beside a closet.
The second layer next, brushed down and perfectly folded before being set down beside a closet.
[The door opening and closing is detected, but Wei Ying pretends to be deaf. He is making the bath perfect, adding the scents he knows Lan Wangji prefers. Only when the tub is ready, steaming quietly, does he seek out the other man, his eyes bright with mischief. When he finds his Lan Zhan undressing, well, how can he not help?]
Why are you doing this by yourself? [He purrs and crosses the space between them, grabbing onto that third set of clothes - and, more specifically, Lan Zhan's trousers.] You must be freezing~ Come.
[And, yes, he does mean that last word in all the ways.]
[His posture visibly relaxes once Wei Ying enters the room, offering him a small, soft smile as the other approaches.]
I heard the movement of water. Had assumed you were already bathing..
[Rather than be an interference he moves his own arms out of the way, content to let Wei Ying inherit full control over the glaringly obvious problem here between them, that being the fact that he is in far too many clothes for a dip in the bath.
He gives a simple 'Mm.' in response to his state of coldness, for it really is freezing outside, but then a hint of amusement curls the corners of his mouth upwards as he wraps an arm around Wei Ying's back, careful not to actually touch him until he presses an unforgivably cold hand right into the middle of his back.]
I wouldn't get in without you! [Wei Ying tuts and sets to work, stripping his gorgeous Lan Zhan. He isn't as neat with his folding, but at least everything is where it should be. For the most part anyway. He can't be blamed for being distracted by the pale skin and chiseled body underneath said fabric.]
I knew you had to be uncomfortable. Ai, you beast! [The outburst follows that cold hand on his back and he gives a little hop, pouting all the while.] Hanguang-Jun, you are dangerous.
[All the same, he gathers that cold hand to his chest, tugging Lan Wangji to the steaming tub. He puffs hot breaths over the chilled skin, peering into the other man's eyes.]
How auspicious. Wei Ying's generosity knows no bounds.
[He gives a subtle smile— yes, a smile— as he twists the hand in his, bringing it closer to plant a soft kiss on the knuckles of Wei Ying's hand, then on the palm, one more on the wrist as his eyes wander of the man before him. Catching his eyes in a knowing glance before they trail downwards, over kissable lips and then further still, appreciating how the soft candlelight of the room leaves his love's skin positively glowing until he settles upon trousers, and that simply cannot do.]
You are over-dressed.
[By the time the words leave him, his hands have already moved, fingers slipping under the top of those pesky trousers just above the hips and wiggling them loose before pushing them down, letting them glide off in one smooth motion.]
Better.
[Oh how he drinks the image up, a distinct darkening in his gaze as he seems to size Wei Ying up from head to toe in excruciatingly slow detail, swallowing thickly then turning towards the tub before they end up not getting into it at all. One leg steps in, and then the other, Lan Wangji gracefully sinking down into the water with a relieved sigh, his expression softening as the scents in the air begin to hit and he realizes that Wei Ying has gone out of his way to cater to him.
I know, I'm amazing! [He isn't being serious. The amazing one stands before him and once he has Lan Zhan stripped, he inhales shakily, color high on his cheeks. Words can't do the other man justice. Not at all! Lan Wangji is like a god who decided to walk amongst mortals, choosing to treat them as equals even as he shines brighter than the moon and stars!
Okay, so he might be a bit smitten, but anyone with eyes can understand why. Wei Ying guides his soulmate to the tub and is then reminded that he is simply wearing too much! Oops! He lets his Lan Zhan strip him and he steps out of his trousers with a broad grin.]
Thank you~ [The way he is observed - almost devoured - by those fierce eyes makes his blood rush to a very particular place. He swallows a groan and smiles when Lan Wangji approves of the bath.]
You work hard. I want this to be nice for you, Lan Zhan. [The invitation is too wonderful to deny and he quickly takes Lan Wangji's hand and climbs in too. He settles himself, brazenly, on Lan Wangji's lap, facing the other man with a happy smirk.]
[Lan Wangji relaxes in the steaming water, adjusting his legs slightly so that Wei Ying can easy sit himself in his lap.]
Wei Ying is here, therefore it is already nice.
[He is a man easily pleased, even after this time together the novelty has not worn off and his soulmate's presence is all he needs to be content. And if said soulmate just so happens to be warm, naked, and wrapping arms and legs around him? Well that is just a lucky bonus.
Fingers brush over hips as his hands begin to wander and touch, one eventually settling low on his bath-mate's back and the other tracing up his spine as he leans forward into the crook of his neck, breathing in the scent that is uniquely Wei Ying.]
Missed you.
[As if they hadn't seen each other mere hours before.]
[He perches on his Lan Zhan's thighs, shamelessly choosing to...straddle...the other man too. As if sitting on his lap naked isn't brazen enough! But he is Wei Ying. He likes pushing barriers wherever he goes.]
I'd say you were flirting with me if you were anyone else. But Lan Zhan only tells the truth~
[All the same, he embraces his beloved soulmate, gently toying with the dark fall of Lan Wangji's silky hair. He practically purrs under the wandering hands, his body tingling and tensing in wonderful ways. He nips at Lan Wangji's ear and tugs the lobe between his teeth. Then he groans and sucks on his love's neck, sliding his hands down Lan Wangji's strong, warm back.]
[On one hand Wei Ying deserves to hear it, brightening up the room with his presence as he so often does. On the other he loathes to think of it, prodding at that ember of jealousy within that never quite disappears completely. Not for worries over unfaithfulness, but surely everybody knows by now that Wei Ying is his? To shamelessly flirt after being aware of such a thing—
His teeth latch on to a point above the collarbone in front of him, sucking and then soothing as it leaves a reddening mark which will nicely replace the one already fading away.]
Sect meetings earlier would have bored Wei Ying. [kiss.] Could not have given you the attention deserved.. [kiss.] Better to show it here.
[And he intends to, hands sinking lower down Wei Ying's back to settle not-so subtly on his rear, pulling him even closer to show how he sits half-hard beneath the water.]
Who would? [Most either know he and Lan Wangji are attached by something unbreakable or they are frightened of him. Few would have the guts to even unknowingly flirt with the Yiling Patriarch - which works out just fine for him. His interest - romantically anyway - is fixated squarely on the man he is current astride. No one else stands a chance and that's probably why he finds Lan Wangji's jealousy so amusing.]
Ah no biting, no biting! [He fusses until the bite turns to suction and he accepts the mark with a low hum of enjoyment.]
I could've made them less boring. [By flirting with his Lan Zhan until they were both fit to burst!] What kind of attention do you crave? Mmm tell me...
[He groans and rubs himself against his perfect soulmate, bringing their arousals together. White hot lightning shoots up his spine and he grins, dropping kisses along Lan Zhan's shoulder and up his neck.]
[He lets out an amused huff, thinking about how the meetings would have been far more interesting had Wei Ying been there. No doubt it would devolve to flirting of some kind as it so often does between them, but perhaps Wei Ying could have offered his own solutions to the topics under discussion. Something which worked, but was profoundly un-Lan-like, sending the other members into a frenzy.]
Uncle would not have approved. [But enough about him! Naked in the bath is not the time to devote to one's shifu.]
[His lips part, letting loose a content sigh as their bodies glide against each other, the warmth of the water making it that more pleasant as his hips instinctively rise up to prolong the sensation.]
Wish to horde all of your attention, from now until when sleep takes you. If desired, shall offer to wash your back.
[He had already promised earlier to do it under the compromise that it came with lots of kisses, but he promised several other things too, such as physical exertion to lull his love into sleep.
A hand is brought to Wei Ying's front, exploring the sensation of warm, soft skin under its touch as it trails lower, across chest and stomach before sinking into the water to cup Wei Ying's arousal, offering it a slow, teasing stroke.]
....Or would your prefer to forgo bathing? And instead shall have you, here in the tub.
[He excels in un-Lan-like solutions! Lan Wangji's poor Shifu might pass out again over his sheer audacity, but they both know that Wei Ying doesn't say such outlandish things to only get a dramatic response. The way he thinks differs from everyone else and it always has. He used to think it funny how discordant he could be from his peers, but then it grew tiresome and he almost wished he could be more like them. Now, however, he has unwavering support in the form of his Lan Zhan. His joy has returned.]
As long as Lan Zhan approves, I don't care. [He loves the subtle rise of Lan Wangji's body, how the water sticks to the other man's skin and rolls over his muscles. Oh yes, he needs plenty of exertion!]
No. No washing. [Wei Ying decides breathlessly.] I only wanted to encourage you into a tub with me.
[Their faces are mere inches apart and he takes a chance to kiss his Lan Zhan thoroughly. The cupping has him bucking his hips and he moans again, his arousal throbbing.]
[ A hint of amusement shows as he lets out a fond sigh. He figured that Wei Ying was more focused on fooling around in the water rather than scrubbing clean, but it is not as though they are returned from a night hunt, caked in mud. Just by being in here they are clean, are they not?]
...Let us attempt not to break this one.
[The bathtub, he means, but they both know how it goes, once they get into the midst of things.
He deepens the kiss, swallowing up any sounds that rise from Wei Ying's throat as fingers languidly glide over his cock, enough to tease in a way he knows feels good before moving to grab him by the hips instead, bringing their bodies flush together and causing Wei Ying to straddle him even further as Lan Wangji rests their foreheads rest against one another. ]
Wei Ying. I love you.
[The sincerity is clear as day as he plants soft kisses upon the neck before him, and it is all rather sweet and loving until wandering hands reach around to knead the cheeks of his rear instead, the romantic airs quickly shifting into something more explicit and needy as a finger begins to circle around the entrance found between them.]
I've been thinking about playing with you all day~
[Mud won't stop his ardor! There have been night hunts that include a flurry of passion in the dark~ But this is better; there is nothing between them but their skin and his Lan Zhan is warm between his thighs.]
I will try my hardest!
[He laughs until he is kissed, moaning into Lan Wangji's mouth. His beloved knows how to touch him, how to wind him up until he feels like he might combust! Soft, pleasurable sounds escape between their hungry kisses and he rubs himself against his Lan Zhan's palm and fingers. A sharp shudder makes him tremble when he is gathered flush, chest to chest, hips to hips.]
We wouldn't have had Sizhui if you didn't~
[It's mostly a tease and yet... Who really knows? Maybe they were given little Yuan for a reason. The sweet kisses see him panting and rocking himself against Lan Wangji, his nails grazing over the other man's strong back. Oh but he is careful not to touch those poor scars with any pressure.]
Yes. I'm yours! You know that... Mmm Lan Zhan, go ahead...
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'There are rumors of' or 'Wangji, would you check on' tend to start such conversations. And he winds up...lingering. Never expecting to see Wei Ying, yet always hoping. He doesn't let himself approach the path leading up that mountain. It's not part of his assignments.
But each time he's approached Yiling, or on his way away, his gaze is always drawn that way. And he pauses.
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Finally!
"Lan Zhan! What are you doing this close to the Burial Mounds?"
His heart screams the answer, knows the answer, but he denies it what it wants. That has become a habit.
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"Wei Ying."
...Right. A question was asked. His gaze drops just a little.
"Heard rumors of trouble nearby."
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But that isn't Lan Zhan's issue and it really is nice to see him.
"Let's go into town together, hm?" he hurries down the path to be at the other man's side, his flute bobbing against his hip with each step.
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"Mm." Wangji nods, waiting for Wuxian to reach him before turning and continuing on for the town. He doesn't hurry though, not even if the other tries to hurry them along.
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"So how are things at Cloud Recesses? Is your brother alright?"
A lot of people might consider his actions selfish and, obviously, rash, but Wei Ying has never stopped caring about his friends.
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For all his apparent dislike of chatter, he revels in hearing Wuxian's voice. He doesn't seem to pay attention to the whirlwind that is Wei Ying, yet always seems to know where he is.
"Peaceful. Xiongzhang is well."
A beat. Two.
"You appear well."
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"I wish I could visit."
Isn't that ironic? Cloud Recesses used to feel like a beautiful cage and now...
He sighs and finds another grin.
"I'm taking care of myself, don't worry."
Midnight Text - Lan Wangji
I will ready a bath for us!
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[who said he can bring logic into this?]
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[and then:]
...willing to try.
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[A pity, you cannot see the slipping of his poker face.]
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I walk the bamboo trail to the Jingshi.
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[He fills a tub soon enough, smiling at the steaming water. Then he strips out of his robes, wearing only his trousers and bare feet. Oh my~]
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His boots wettened by the winter frost are the first to come off, and placed neatly in their rightful spot by the door.
The top layer of robes come next, brushed down and perfectly folded before being set down beside a closet.
The second layer next, brushed down and perfectly folded before being set down beside a closet.
The third layer next, brushed down an—]
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Why are you doing this by yourself? [He purrs and crosses the space between them, grabbing onto that third set of clothes - and, more specifically, Lan Zhan's trousers.] You must be freezing~ Come.
[And, yes, he does mean that last word in all the ways.]
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I heard the movement of water. Had assumed you were already bathing..
[Rather than be an interference he moves his own arms out of the way, content to let Wei Ying inherit full control over the glaringly obvious problem here between them, that being the fact that he is in far too many clothes for a dip in the bath.
He gives a simple 'Mm.' in response to his state of coldness, for it really is freezing outside, but then a hint of amusement curls the corners of his mouth upwards as he wraps an arm around Wei Ying's back, careful not to actually touch him until he presses an unforgivably cold hand right into the middle of his back.]
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I knew you had to be uncomfortable. Ai, you beast! [The outburst follows that cold hand on his back and he gives a little hop, pouting all the while.] Hanguang-Jun, you are dangerous.
[All the same, he gathers that cold hand to his chest, tugging Lan Wangji to the steaming tub. He puffs hot breaths over the chilled skin, peering into the other man's eyes.]
I'm generous enough to forgive you, however.
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[He gives a subtle smile— yes, a smile— as he twists the hand in his, bringing it closer to plant a soft kiss on the knuckles of Wei Ying's hand, then on the palm, one more on the wrist as his eyes wander of the man before him. Catching his eyes in a knowing glance before they trail downwards, over kissable lips and then further still, appreciating how the soft candlelight of the room leaves his love's skin positively glowing until he settles upon trousers, and that simply cannot do.]
You are over-dressed.
[By the time the words leave him, his hands have already moved, fingers slipping under the top of those pesky trousers just above the hips and wiggling them loose before pushing them down, letting them glide off in one smooth motion.]
Better.
[Oh how he drinks the image up, a distinct darkening in his gaze as he seems to size Wei Ying up from head to toe in excruciatingly slow detail, swallowing thickly then turning towards the tub before they end up not getting into it at all. One leg steps in, and then the other, Lan Wangji gracefully sinking down into the water with a relieved sigh, his expression softening as the scents in the air begin to hit and he realizes that Wei Ying has gone out of his way to cater to him.
He holds out a hand in invitation:]
Come, enjoy the warmth.
[Of both water, and wandering hands.]
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Okay, so he might be a bit smitten, but anyone with eyes can understand why. Wei Ying guides his soulmate to the tub and is then reminded that he is simply wearing too much! Oops! He lets his Lan Zhan strip him and he steps out of his trousers with a broad grin.]
Thank you~ [The way he is observed - almost devoured - by those fierce eyes makes his blood rush to a very particular place. He swallows a groan and smiles when Lan Wangji approves of the bath.]
You work hard. I want this to be nice for you, Lan Zhan. [The invitation is too wonderful to deny and he quickly takes Lan Wangji's hand and climbs in too. He settles himself, brazenly, on Lan Wangji's lap, facing the other man with a happy smirk.]
I like this seat.
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Wei Ying is here, therefore it is already nice.
[He is a man easily pleased, even after this time together the novelty has not worn off and his soulmate's presence is all he needs to be content. And if said soulmate just so happens to be warm, naked, and wrapping arms and legs around him? Well that is just a lucky bonus.
Fingers brush over hips as his hands begin to wander and touch, one eventually settling low on his bath-mate's back and the other tracing up his spine as he leans forward into the crook of his neck, breathing in the scent that is uniquely Wei Ying.]
Missed you.
[As if they hadn't seen each other mere hours before.]
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I'd say you were flirting with me if you were anyone else. But Lan Zhan only tells the truth~
[All the same, he embraces his beloved soulmate, gently toying with the dark fall of Lan Wangji's silky hair. He practically purrs under the wandering hands, his body tingling and tensing in wonderful ways. He nips at Lan Wangji's ear and tugs the lobe between his teeth. Then he groans and sucks on his love's neck, sliding his hands down Lan Wangji's strong, warm back.]
I always miss my Lan Zhan when he isn't with me.
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[On one hand Wei Ying deserves to hear it, brightening up the room with his presence as he so often does. On the other he loathes to think of it, prodding at that ember of jealousy within that never quite disappears completely. Not for worries over unfaithfulness, but surely everybody knows by now that Wei Ying is his? To shamelessly flirt after being aware of such a thing—
His teeth latch on to a point above the collarbone in front of him, sucking and then soothing as it leaves a reddening mark which will nicely replace the one already fading away.]
Sect meetings earlier would have bored Wei Ying. [kiss.] Could not have given you the attention deserved.. [kiss.] Better to show it here.
[And he intends to, hands sinking lower down Wei Ying's back to settle not-so subtly on his rear, pulling him even closer to show how he sits half-hard beneath the water.]
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Ah no biting, no biting! [He fusses until the bite turns to suction and he accepts the mark with a low hum of enjoyment.]
I could've made them less boring. [By flirting with his Lan Zhan until they were both fit to burst!] What kind of attention do you crave? Mmm tell me...
[He groans and rubs himself against his perfect soulmate, bringing their arousals together. White hot lightning shoots up his spine and he grins, dropping kisses along Lan Zhan's shoulder and up his neck.]
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Uncle would not have approved. [But enough about him! Naked in the bath is not the time to devote to one's shifu.]
[His lips part, letting loose a content sigh as their bodies glide against each other, the warmth of the water making it that more pleasant as his hips instinctively rise up to prolong the sensation.]
Wish to horde all of your attention, from now until when sleep takes you. If desired, shall offer to wash your back.
[He had already promised earlier to do it under the compromise that it came with lots of kisses, but he promised several other things too, such as physical exertion to lull his love into sleep.
A hand is brought to Wei Ying's front, exploring the sensation of warm, soft skin under its touch as it trails lower, across chest and stomach before sinking into the water to cup Wei Ying's arousal, offering it a slow, teasing stroke.]
....Or would your prefer to forgo bathing? And instead shall have you, here in the tub.
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As long as Lan Zhan approves, I don't care. [He loves the subtle rise of Lan Wangji's body, how the water sticks to the other man's skin and rolls over his muscles. Oh yes, he needs plenty of exertion!]
No. No washing. [Wei Ying decides breathlessly.] I only wanted to encourage you into a tub with me.
[Their faces are mere inches apart and he takes a chance to kiss his Lan Zhan thoroughly. The cupping has him bucking his hips and he moans again, his arousal throbbing.]
Have me. I love you, Lan Zhan.
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[ A hint of amusement shows as he lets out a fond sigh. He figured that Wei Ying was more focused on fooling around in the water rather than scrubbing clean, but it is not as though they are returned from a night hunt, caked in mud. Just by being in here they are clean, are they not?]
...Let us attempt not to break this one.
[The bathtub, he means, but they both know how it goes, once they get into the midst of things.
He deepens the kiss, swallowing up any sounds that rise from Wei Ying's throat as fingers languidly glide over his cock, enough to tease in a way he knows feels good before moving to grab him by the hips instead, bringing their bodies flush together and causing Wei Ying to straddle him even further as Lan Wangji rests their foreheads rest against one another. ]
Wei Ying. I love you.
[The sincerity is clear as day as he plants soft kisses upon the neck before him, and it is all rather sweet and loving until wandering hands reach around to knead the cheeks of his rear instead, the romantic airs quickly shifting into something more explicit and needy as a finger begins to circle around the entrance found between them.]
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[Mud won't stop his ardor! There have been night hunts that include a flurry of passion in the dark~ But this is better; there is nothing between them but their skin and his Lan Zhan is warm between his thighs.]
I will try my hardest!
[He laughs until he is kissed, moaning into Lan Wangji's mouth. His beloved knows how to touch him, how to wind him up until he feels like he might combust! Soft, pleasurable sounds escape between their hungry kisses and he rubs himself against his Lan Zhan's palm and fingers. A sharp shudder makes him tremble when he is gathered flush, chest to chest, hips to hips.]
We wouldn't have had Sizhui if you didn't~
[It's mostly a tease and yet... Who really knows? Maybe they were given little Yuan for a reason. The sweet kisses see him panting and rocking himself against Lan Wangji, his nails grazing over the other man's strong back. Oh but he is careful not to touch those poor scars with any pressure.]
Yes. I'm yours! You know that... Mmm Lan Zhan, go ahead...