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Lan Xichen was an art lover.
On top of being blessed in music, he spent days reading poetry and observing paintings, searching for all the hidden meanings the author tried to convey in such small papers. He burned in his mind every word, every stroke so that he could recite them at memory and he could enjoy them all again like it was the first time.
But Lan Xichen, being born as a powerful cultivator in the Gusu Lan Sect, also loved strength.
He enjoyed night hunts, taking down monsters and ghosts with Shouoyue, seeing his companions do the same around him. He even liked when Nie Mingjue dropped at Cloud Recesses from time to time and they had a friendly sparring match, where the sound of sword against saber was the only noise that could be heard until one of them ended up victorious.
Art and strength rarely went hand in hand and Lan Xichen had sadly settled to enjoy them separately, knowing that there was no way to merge them together.
Then Jiang Wanyin walked in his life and that thought was shattered.
The Yunmeng Jiang Sect heir, other than having a sharp tongue and killer glare, was one of the rarest cultivators born left-handed.
It was already rare for a normal citizen to be left-handed, Lan Xichen in all his journeys was sure he hadn’t met more than three, but a left-handed cultivator was almost unheard of.
It made the entire cultivation world curious, a young heir with an unique characteristic only read in history books would surely bring something new in the world.
And Jiang Wanyin didn’t disappoint.
He moved graciously, directing his left hand to do what others did with their right one, quickly picking up ways to do what was asked on the opposite side as it had been shown. Jiang Wanyin made something as mundane as writing a show of art and everyone’s eyes never failed to long for his movements, following each stroke of his hand like they were possessed.
Lan Xichen knew that even his uncle wasn’t immune, from the twinkle in Lan Qiren’s eye he was sure the man would make Jiang Wanyin copy the rules just to keep that gracious left hand moving.
But what made Lan Xichen completely fall in adoration had been watching Jiang Wanyin fight.
No one was able to tear his eyes away, Jiang Wanyin fought as he spoke, with a fierce determination to take down his adversary, using his agility at his advantage to strike down as quickly as he could, ending up victorious each time. But it was the grace in his movements, so different yet similar to the others, that made it look like he was dancing , a living art piece.
Being left-handed gave Jiang Wanyin a huge advantage against others. When placed against him, the disciples looked like they were fighting for the first time in their life. They couldn’t predict where the sword went nor they could follow it properly and, most of the time, they ended up with their robes on the dirt with Jiang Wanyin’s sword pressed under their chins demanding them to yield.
The only one who had any chance against Jiang Wanyin was of course the Jiang Sect head disciple, Wei Wuxian. As much as Lan Xichen’s uncle despised the boy, Lan Xicen knew that even Lan Qiren enjoyed watching Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin when they sparred.
They looked like they were playing, smiles gracing their faces while their swords met firmly, each movement predicted and redacted until they were exhausted. It was clear they fought hundreds, thousands of times, Wei Wuxian was well acquitted at his shidi’s sword technique, but Jiang Wanyin still managed to get the upper hand most of the times, winning because of his brother’s various distractions. Wei Wuxian took his losses with a laugh, promising to win the next time.
Lan Xichen easily concluded that even if Wei Wuxian had spent most of his life fighting Jiang Wanyin, it was still difficult for him to follow his brother’s movements without being a hundred percent concentrated - which was difficult for Wei Wuxian, especially when Lan Wangji was present. Not that either Xichen or Jiang Wanyin were going to tell Wei Wuxian that.
Lan Xichen felt his adoration deepening even further after every fight.
He wanted to talk with Jiang Wanyin, he yearned to watch closely that mixture of art and strength Lan Xichen had searched for so long, but a part of him wanted to keep a certain distance, afraid he would scare Wanyin with his enthusiasm. And he doubted his heart would take well if Wanyin ever ran away from him.
Thankfully, it was Wangji who gave him a chance to get closer to the Jiang heir.
No matter how many times they had their asses kicked, every disciple always came back to Jiang Wanyin for another chance of sparring with him. Lan Xichen didn’t know if it was for actually learning something or seeing Wanyin’s sword dance up close, but every day someone demanded a sparring match with him. The latter thought never failed to make something unpleasant stirr in Lan Xichen’s belly.
“Today is your turn?”
Lan Xichen’s eyes snapped on the training grounds. He was casually walking around them - secretly hoping to catch Jiang Wanyin’s fighting - when he heard a familiar voice speaking.
Lan Xichen was shocked when he saw his brother standing in front of Wanyin, his face expressionless but he knew Wangji enough to see the hidden eagerness dancing in his eyes.
“Mh.” Wangji nodded, his hand on Bichen as he took a step back to make some distance between him and Jiang Wanyin.
Wanyin hummed and grasped his sword, taking his fighting stance. And oh, wasn’t that the most beautiful thing Lan Xichen had ever seen.
“The first one who gets cut in any way loses. Let’s try avoiding lethal blows, okay?”
Wangji’s mouth almost curled into a smile when he heard Wanyin’s crude joke.
“Mh.”
“Then… let’s begin!”
After the two of them started moving, Lan Xichen doubted he could tear his eyes any time soon.
It was stunning, watching them fight.
Jiang Wanyin moved with his usual harsh grace, fighting like it was his last time and stroke every time he saw an opening in Wangji’s defence. His sword looked like an extension of his arm, it followed his commands easily and never once he faltered in his movements. Wanyin directed it like a musician did with their instrument, creating a symphony of sounds that made Lan Xichen’s heart swell in his chest.
From his side, Wangji wasn’t doing bad either, certainly better than all the other disciples who tried. He was obviously having many difficulties in dodging Jiang Cheng’s Sandu but his brother always was a quick thinker while fighting and managed to avoid enough to keep the spar going, even if it was clear he was at disadvantage. Lan Xichen could see the sweat forming under Wangji’s ribbon, it had been so long since his brother had to concentrate so much in a fight. Lan Xichen was happy he had met a challenge.
But he couldn’t lie to himself. He wished he was in Wangji’s place. Lan Xichen didn’t know why the thought of crossing swords with Jiang Wanyin never crossed his mind - no, that was a lie, it had, but he had never contemplated doing for real. Now that he was watching how much fun Wangji was having, Lan Xichen felt a little jolt of jealousy run in his heart.
Maybe next time he would ask Jian Wanyin to spar against him.
Lan Xichen lazily noticed how the ongoing fight had gathered an audience. He could see Nie Huaisang’s enamored face watching Jiang Wanyin like it was a beautiful painting, Jin Zixuan’s begrudging respect, Lan Qiren’s approving gaze-
“Kick his ass, Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian shouted on the other side, cheering by waving his arms from right to left.
Lan Xichen almost laughed at how his uncle’s eyes immediately sharpened - he would surely make Wei Wuxian copy the rules three times for that - but Jiang Wanyin’s lips twitched into a smile while he blocked a blow from Bichen.
The fight didn’t last long after that.
Lan Xichen saw both Bichen and Sandu lightening in the air while they both stroke in different directions. Immediately, both Wanji and Jiang Wanyin retreated quickly.
After a beat of silence, Jiang Wanyin was the first one to speak.
“It seems we are in a draw.”
“Mh.”
Lan Xichen wasn’t the only one left shocked by that declaration. He could hear Wei Wuxian’s loud “ whaaat ” on the side lines, but his focus was only for the two boys standing in front of him. Squinting his eyes, Lan Xichen could clearly see a cut in Wangji’s white robes while Jiang Wanyin had his right hand raised up, looking at him with an amused glint. There was a small cut on his palm, it wasn’t deep, it could barely count as a paper cut, but by the rules Jiang Wanyin had declared before the fight, it still counted.
“That was fun, I hope we can fight again.” Jiang Wanyin told Wangji with a small smile gracing his lips. And oh, he looked like another person when he smiled like that . Lan Xichen didn’t know if his heart could take more.
“Mh.” Wangji nodded, his shoulders relaxed as he placed Bichen in his sheath.
Jiang Wanyin bowed at him before he turned around and met with Lan Xichen’s stare. The boy blinked and a flash of uncertainty graced his features before he began to walk towards him.
Lan Xichen barely registered Wei Wuxian running towards Wangji, whining “ Lan-er ge you never spar with me, not fair!”, not when Jiang Wanyin stopped in front of him and gave him a stiff bow.
“First young master Lan.”
Lan Xichen’s smile widened and bowed back. “Young master Jiang. I’ve enjoyed your spar with my brother.”
“Really?” Jiang Wanyin straightened his back and beamed at Lan Xichen, his usual scowl forgotten. And oh, those sparkling eyes made him feel things .
“Of course.” Lan Xichen nodded pleased before his eyes settled on the small cut on Wanyin’s right hand. “Oh, that looks like it might sting…”
“It’s just a cut. It will be healed by tomorrow...”
“Still.” Lan Xichen licked the roof of his mouth, not wanting to stop speaking with him just yet . “You must be tired, may I offer you some tea?”
Jiang Wanyin hesitated for a moment and Lan Xichen was afraid he had overstepped when he was met with a stiff nod.
“Alright, just tea is fine, I guess...”
Lan Xichen’s smile widened.
Lan Xichen, admittedly, didn’t fight much when Jiang Wanyin insisted on pouring the tea himself. He watched in adoration Wanyin’s clumsy hands fumbling with the pot, clearly not used in serving. But if anyone else would have laughed at that display, Lan Xichen thought he had found a rare, precious jem.
Since he had always watched from afar, Lan Xichen never thought Jiang Wanyin could be this… adorable .
“I hope our disciples aren’t annoying you… I heard they always ask you to spar in your free time. If they do, I’ll tell them to stop.” Lan Xichen said kindly even if he would prefer to keep watching the other’s beautiful fights.
“Ah, no-” Jiang Wanyin placed the pot down, a light flush colouring his cheeks. “-I don’t mind… I know it’s a new experience, fighting against someone like me.”
“It’s true.” Lan Xichen conceded, his eyes sparkling in amusement. “I would like to try this new experience too, one of these days, if young master Jiang allows it.”
Jiang Wanyin’s face lit up, the flush deepening on his cheeks. “I-I would love that! I-I mean…” He coughed embarrassed by his own eagerness. “I’m honored you think so, first young master Lan.”
“No need to be so formal.” Lan Xichen chuckled, his eyes settling on Jiang Wanyin’s rosy lips and it took all of himself not to stare . “You can call me Lan Xichen, I don’t mind.”
“But-” Jiang Wanyin tightened his grip on his cup, his eyes looking everywhere but Xichen’s face. “I… I wouldn’t want to disrespect-”
“I asked.” Lan Xichen cut him off- which was extremely rude and he would have to copy the rules later. “Really, I don’t mind.”
“Oh.” Jiang Wanyin scratched the back of his neck and took a small sip of warm tea. “Alright… Lan Xichen. ”
Lan Xichen felt a shiver running down his back.
Oh.
Oh.
“You can call me Jiang Wanyin then, if you would like.” Jiang Wanyin said, hiding behind his cup of tea, his ears red.
Lan Xichen took a sip of his own cup, letting the liquid warm his suddenly dry throat. Lan Xichen had made a mistake.
Jiang Wanyin wasn’t only a beautiful and strong piece of art that needed to be worshipped from afar, he was rather breathtaking up close too. Someone to be cherished, spoiled, loved .
Well, wasn’t this a surprise.
“Lan Xichen? H-Have I made you uncomfortable?” Jiang Wanyin leaned his face forward, blinking his worried doe eyes.
Lan Xichen blinked, realizing he had been staring to the side for a little too long and quickly moved to reassure the boy.
“Oh, no, my apologies, Jiang Wanyin. ” Lan Xichen pretended not to feel his heart swelling when Jiang Wanyin beamed at him. “I was merely lost in thoughts.”
“I see.” Jiang Wanyin placed down his cup, his fingers drumming on the table. “I should- I should go now, I guess…”
Lan Xichen couldn’t hide he was a little hurt by that. “Oh? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were busy.”
“Oh no, no , it’s just-” Jiang Wanyin coughed awkwardly, his flush spreading over his neck. “I think your brother will murder mine if I leave them alone for too long… maybe we can continue this another time?”
After hearing the hope in the other’s tone, Lan Xichen has a hard time refraining himself from ravishing Wanyin. “Of course, Jiiang Wanyin, whenever you want.
Wanyin blushed hard, but his eyes betrayed how happy he felt. He stood up quickly, but not before placing down the cup with his left hand.
Before he could go, Lan Xichen called him, unable to stop himself from tasting his name on his tongue once again.
“Jiang Wanyin?”
The boy looked back, tilting his head to a side.
“I really hope we can spar soon too.”
Jiang Wanyin rewarded him with the brightest smile Lan Xichen had ever seen and nodded. Then he was off to search for his troublemaker brother.
Lan Xichen remained seated for a little longer, his clear eyes looking down at the lukewarm tea in his hands.
He could still see Jiang Wanyin’s beautiful fight, his smile, his blush dancing in front of his eyelids and he wondered how it would feel like kissing those lips and hugging that slender body, taking the left hand he was so enamoured with and worshipping it like it was meant to be.
Xichen was sure it would feel like kissing a rare piece of art.
Hearing laughter from outside, Lan Xichen smiled and downed the rest of the tea.
Maybe he should find his uncle. He wanted to ask him what he thought about marriage proposals. Specifically towards the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. And specifically between himself and the Jiang heir.
Lan Xichen wouldn’t want someone else to snatch Jiang Wanyin right under his nose after all.
Not if he could do something about it.