[ He smiles down at him, the blush beginning to make its way down from his ears and over the back of his neck. Despite all the time they've spent together, he's never been this close to Wei Ying, never touched him for so long. It's intimate and unfamiliar, but it feels right.
The timer goes off, an incessant beeping, but he barely hears it. Let the clock sing and the water boil, Wei Ying's lips are pressed to his palm and Lan Zhan's the one who's heart begins to sing, blood boiling. ]
We choose our family. [ For him, it is a small one consisting of his brother and Wei Ying. ] Perhaps I needed a chaotic influence to temper the righteousness I was raised with.
[ Smiling at the confession, his stomach suddenly drops out at the reminder that he has his own, less romantic confession to offer up to Wei Ying. He slides his hands down from his face, resting against the crook of his neck where his thumbs can brush at the collar of Wei Ying's shirt. ]
[ The admission of needing chaos in his life makes Wei Ying laugh, remembering how insistent Lan Zhan had once been about needing the exact opposite. ] I'm glad you finally agree with me, now.
[ The way Lan Zhan slides his hands down, the somberness of his tone when he mentions another thing to confess has Wei Ying looking at him in confusion before slowly nodding.
They haven't moved away from each other, so he's going to count that as a win. ] What's up?
[ Lan Zhan's heart beats wildly in his chest, this time because of fear rather than unbridled love. He probably should have started with this to give Wei Ying the chance to be insulted, disgusted, or whatever other negative emotions it might inspire. He tries to remind himself that Wei Ying had been the one to jump the gun on romantic confessions, leaving Lan Zhan to scramble to catch up. ]
I bought that photograph. [ A blurted truth to match Wei Ying's only moments ago. ] I wanted to support you, and— [ He swallows thickly, nervous. ] I did not want anyone else to have an intimate picture of you.
[ It takes Wei Ying a few seconds to parse what Lan Zhan means, confusion on his face until understanding dawns. He loosens his grip on his shirt, then tightens it again, looking away while he tries to process that. ]
I'm glad. I'd rather you have it than some old pervert. [ He narrows his eyes, looking up at him. ] But you can't just up and decide to buy my things like that, or try to support me. I'm not a charity case.
[ His stomach drops when Wei Ying's hands clench and unclench, his own arms tightening when he looks away. This is what he'd worried about, why he should have started with the truth, why— ]
You are? [ Well, that's good, at least. But as Wei Ying continues, Lan Zhan feels a shameful blush replacing the pleasant one he'd worn earlier. He has a good point, and even if Lan Zhan's family is wealthy, he doesn't want to demean Wei Ying with what he perceives to be handouts. His narrowed eyes pin Lan Zhan in place, hands loosening their hold in preparation for Wei Ying to pull away and ask him to leave. ]
It was not charity, Wei Ying. Can't a friend buy beautiful art from a talented photographer?
[ Feeling Lan Zhan's hands loosen, he tightens his grip once again. They're already so close, so he can't move any closer, and he's not letting go until they work this out.
He's got the opportunity to have Lan Zhan finally, he's not going to let it go, even if this does annoy him. ] If it had just been a regular photo, not erotica, would you have purchased it? Or was it just because it was a picture my dick?
[ Lan Zhan frowns at the question, unsure what the correct answer would be. In the end, he hopes that honesty is the best policy. ] I would have purchased a regular photo, too. And—
[ When was the last time that he blushed for such a prolonged period of time? Surely, he'll faint soon from the lack of blood in his vital organs since all of it is pooling in his face. ] I hid it in the closet. It felt wrong to look at it without you knowing.
You haven't. [ Though that's mostly on Wei Ying. He's only sold a small handful of photos, and that through private commission or because someone loved one of his photos. ] You can't just... go buy everything. If it's a shitty photo, or a bad exhibit or whatever, and no one's buying, you don't just get to go and decide to buy them.
[ He knows Lan Zhan would be honest with him about his work, and tell him in no uncertain terms if something was terrible. Still, it's concerning. Part of him had feared the painting had been snatched up because he was associated with the Jiang's.
The blush on Lan Zhan's cheeks reminds him — ] Fuck. You had it all this time and I just... offered to show it to you. You're lucky I know you'd never laugh at me over something like that, or else I'd think you were laughing at me the entire time.
You have never had a gallery. [ Wei Ying is also making it clear how he feels about Lan Zhan giving him money, even if purchasing something is far from his definition of a handout.
Sighing softly, his expressions school once again, he rubs his hands against Wei Ying's back in an effort to soothe him. This is far from the picture-perfect beginning to what he hoped would become a relationship, but it feels good to air this laundry rather than hiding it until they're deeper into... whatever may come of their shared romantic interest. ]
It was far from a bad photo, Wei Ying. You are your harshest critic. [ He smiles, soft and only for Wei Ying's eyes as the expression often is. ] I only laugh with you, never at you.
[ He clenches his jaw as he thinks and finally glances down between them. ] I will return it to you if you prefer not to take my money.
[ He's gotten used to some of the wealth disparity between them, doesn't protest if Lan Zhan buys him things or picks up the tab after meals, but the idea of existing purely on the largess of someone else bothers him more than he cares to admit. ] I'll have a gallery one day and you aren't allowed to buy everything. Only one or two. At most. And you know you can ask for my photos any time you want to see them, and I'd gladly give you prints to put up.
[ He isn't going to deny that opportunity to Lan Zhan, if his friend is that determined. ] And I know that one was a good photo. Just. [ He shakes his head. ] If something is terrible, you have to tell me.
[ He breathes out, a slight huff, then shakes his head. ] No. It would be ridiculous and I have plans for that money, so you're stuck with it. [ A grin, and then: ] Just like you're stuck with me still.
[ As much as Lan Zhan wishes he could pay for everything Wei Ying needs and desires, he knows that wouldn't be a solid foundation to a relationship, romantic or otherwise. He admires Wei Ying for wanting to make his own way in the world, too, especially since there are plenty of people who would love to get close to either of the Lan brothers to benefit from their family's money. Wei Ying is different, as always. ]
Yes, Wei Ying. [ He smiles, bowing his head to show his understanding and agreement to all of Wei Ying's suggestions and restrictions. ] Often, the kindest patrons are the harshest critics.
[ His heart soars to hear confirmation of what he hadn't yet dared to ask. Despite stumbling right out of the gate, at least they can continue forward. ] Does that mean I may display it on a wall? [ He smiles, the expression uncommonly sly as he tightens his arms around Wei Ying to pull him more tightly against his chest. ]
[ He's not above taking money if he's starving, but otherwise, he wants to prove himself, and he's definitely not friends with Lan Zhan for something like his money. ]
You better be a harsh critic. I'll scold you otherwise. [ If he's capable of that. Normally it's the other way around.
Wei Ying watches that small smile form, raising an eyebrow at how downright sly Lan Zhan looks, only to have the question startle a laugh out of him. ] Only in your bedroom. I don't actually want anyone else to see it. But you can wake up to see it every morning.
[ He's obviously joking, the thought of Lan Zhan putting up that print making him chuckle. ]
I look forward to my second-ever scolding from Wei Ying. [ It is a rare occasion, after all. Today is the first time ever he feels truly cowed by Wei Ying. He has to admit that it's a bit thrilling and wonders, silently, if that's why Wei Ying is so fond of testing the patience of Lan Zhan and others.
Humming as if considering it, he tilts his head slightly to the side. ] It would be distracting. I may only leave my bed to see the real thing.
[ He means Wei Ying, but innocent as he can be, he doesn't make the connection between his words and the sexual connotation. ]
I bet you are. [ It is thrilling, although his biggest motivation for testing Lan Zhan's patience was, ultimately, to get under his skin and make him notice Wei Ying.
His eyes go comically wide when Lan Zhan says that, although he recovers quickly. They're pressed close together, and Wei Ying slides a leg between Lan Zhan's. ] Do you want to see the real thing?
[ He deliberately pitches his voice low, eyes now dark with desire. ]
[ His brows draw together when Wei Ying looks up at him with the shocked expression, but his eyes widen to match at that slip of a thigh between his own. Tensing from head to toe, his ears burn as his lips part but fail to make any sound for a moment. ]
Wei Ying. [ Voice tight, husky, he clears it after a moment. ] Do not tease me with that when I have wanted you for so long.
[ It had been half a tease, an offer made because he's an incorrigible flirt and talks without thinking. But, watching Lan Zhan's face, listening to his husky voice, it's so much more than that. ]
It's not. I mean it. [ He swallows abruptly. ] I've wanted you too long to joke about that.
[ Wei Ying's words hardly help to calm him, and he exhales slowly before answering. If the end of the breath is a little shaky, so be it. He places his hands on Wei Ying's shoulders, firm but gentle as he presses his thumbs against the ends of his collarbones. ] I should take you on a date first. Shouldn't I? I want to treat you with respect, Wei Ying, and prove myself. You deserve as much.
I think we've been on plenty of dates, haven't we? [ So maybe they weren't romantic dates, but they did things couples usually did, or at least what he thinks they should be doing. Spending time together, going out to dinner, studying, practicing, and relaxing.
He grins at Lan Zhan, fond and amused, an edge of desire lurking in his eyes. ] We can wait if you want. But there's nothing that says we can't kiss.
[ He blinks, needing a moment to let his brain process those words when it's working so hard to ignore the lack of distance between their bodies. Swallowing thickly, he nods at the realization that their friendship has been teetering on the brink of romance for quite a while—physical intimacy was the one thing missing from it.
Sliding his palms up the sides of Wei Ying's neck, he cups his face in his hands and smiles down at him. He sees that desire, molten and dangerous, but focuses on the fondness for the moment as he leans in to press their lips together, simple but firm. Wei Ying will hopefully excuse him for the lack of experience. ]
[ For all that Wei Wuxian is an incorrigible flirt, he's never actually had sex with anyone else. Or even kissed another person. There's always been something in him that wanted love and commitment.
So he doesn't even notice the lack of experience; it's a match for his own. His arms, still around Lan Zhan's waist, tighten around Lan Zhan and he clings, eager and happy. He kisses back, slightly hesitant at first, growing bold as it continues until he has to break the kiss to breathe. ]
[ If Wei Ying is lacking, there's no way for Lan Zhan to sense it or the thought to even cross his mind. Kissing him is perfect despite the hesitation, the lack of knowing how to tilt their heads at first, the way his teeth bump against Wei Ying's. He's happy to let him explore once he's gained confidence, his hands slipping up into the back of his hair to keep him close. Even when he parts, Lan Zhan instinctively chases him for more. It makes him smile sheepishly, eyes opening to look at his friend who has become more in such a quick turn of events. ]
[ Their first kiss is as awkward and hesitant as Wei Ying expected, trying to figure out how their lips slot together, but it's Lan Zhan and Wei Ying would take a thousand and one awkward kisses from this gorgeous man than one perfect kiss from someone else.
And the awkwardness doesn't last long, not as they explore, sending a frisson of pleasure running down his back. He's breathless when they part, breath escaping him on a huff of laughter. ]
I want it to be official. [ He also wants to avoid mistakes born from a lack of communication or anxiety from confusion. They've managed to stumble their way through surprise confessions and negotiate Lan Zhan's involvement with Wei Ying's photography, so being certain that they're dating is a small bit of ribbon to wrap the whole exchange up nicely.
Plus, though he trusts Wei Ying to the point that he doesn't need to say it, but Lan Zhan isn't one to share. With the label in place and their dating official, they're both free of that concern. ]
Wei Ying.
[ His hands move down, trailing lightly over Wei Ying's arms and hands, down to his hips. He so badly wants to touch all of him, despite the fact that they're in the kitchen and they've just admitted their feelings to one another and everything is so new. Resisting the urge to do more than just kiss is becoming increasingly difficult, his hands shaking slightly as he tries not to think about Wei Ying's thigh pressed between his own. ]
It's official, then. Boyfriend. [ He smirks as he says it, leaning in to brush his lips over Lan Zhan's once more before pulling back, moving his hands to Lan Zhan's shoulders. ] I like the sound of that.
[ He gets to say that now, call Lan Zhan his boyfriend. Despite his flippancy about it, he is glad it's been brought up. The thought of sharing — Wei Ying's always been a little greedy with the things he likes. ]
What's shameless between two lovers, hmm? [ He asks it quietly, gaze teasing; he's completely ready to throw himself into Lan Zhan's arms and do more than just kiss. But if Lan Zhan wants to wait, he can be patient. A little. ]
[ Simply hearing Wei Ying say the word, boyfriend, sets something ablaze in him. It doesn't help that he quickly follows it up with such a scandalous word like "lovers," making Lan Zhan lean in to press a firm kiss to his lips before he can say anything else. His grip on Wei Ying's hips tightens, holding him close as he groans into the kiss he's so quickly initiated despite his internal dilemma. ]
Lovers. [ He bites at Wei Ying's lip and then releases it to press their foreheads together, unable to part from him even though he needs to think and speak. ] Do you want that? I respect you, Wei Ying, I can wait to court you properly.
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[ He smiles down at him, the blush beginning to make its way down from his ears and over the back of his neck. Despite all the time they've spent together, he's never been this close to Wei Ying, never touched him for so long. It's intimate and unfamiliar, but it feels right.
The timer goes off, an incessant beeping, but he barely hears it. Let the clock sing and the water boil, Wei Ying's lips are pressed to his palm and Lan Zhan's the one who's heart begins to sing, blood boiling. ]
We choose our family. [ For him, it is a small one consisting of his brother and Wei Ying. ] Perhaps I needed a chaotic influence to temper the righteousness I was raised with.
[ Smiling at the confession, his stomach suddenly drops out at the reminder that he has his own, less romantic confession to offer up to Wei Ying. He slides his hands down from his face, resting against the crook of his neck where his thumbs can brush at the collar of Wei Ying's shirt. ]
Wei Ying, there is something else I must admit.
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[ The way Lan Zhan slides his hands down, the somberness of his tone when he mentions another thing to confess has Wei Ying looking at him in confusion before slowly nodding.
They haven't moved away from each other, so he's going to count that as a win. ] What's up?
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I bought that photograph. [ A blurted truth to match Wei Ying's only moments ago. ] I wanted to support you, and— [ He swallows thickly, nervous. ] I did not want anyone else to have an intimate picture of you.
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I'm glad. I'd rather you have it than some old pervert. [ He narrows his eyes, looking up at him. ] But you can't just up and decide to buy my things like that, or try to support me. I'm not a charity case.
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You are? [ Well, that's good, at least. But as Wei Ying continues, Lan Zhan feels a shameful blush replacing the pleasant one he'd worn earlier. He has a good point, and even if Lan Zhan's family is wealthy, he doesn't want to demean Wei Ying with what he perceives to be handouts. His narrowed eyes pin Lan Zhan in place, hands loosening their hold in preparation for Wei Ying to pull away and ask him to leave. ]
It was not charity, Wei Ying. Can't a friend buy beautiful art from a talented photographer?
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He's got the opportunity to have Lan Zhan finally, he's not going to let it go, even if this does annoy him. ] If it had just been a regular photo, not erotica, would you have purchased it? Or was it just because it was a picture my dick?
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[ When was the last time that he blushed for such a prolonged period of time? Surely, he'll faint soon from the lack of blood in his vital organs since all of it is pooling in his face. ] I hid it in the closet. It felt wrong to look at it without you knowing.
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[ He knows Lan Zhan would be honest with him about his work, and tell him in no uncertain terms if something was terrible. Still, it's concerning. Part of him had feared the painting had been snatched up because he was associated with the Jiang's.
The blush on Lan Zhan's cheeks reminds him — ] Fuck. You had it all this time and I just... offered to show it to you. You're lucky I know you'd never laugh at me over something like that, or else I'd think you were laughing at me the entire time.
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Sighing softly, his expressions school once again, he rubs his hands against Wei Ying's back in an effort to soothe him. This is far from the picture-perfect beginning to what he hoped would become a relationship, but it feels good to air this laundry rather than hiding it until they're deeper into... whatever may come of their shared romantic interest. ]
It was far from a bad photo, Wei Ying. You are your harshest critic. [ He smiles, soft and only for Wei Ying's eyes as the expression often is. ] I only laugh with you, never at you.
[ He clenches his jaw as he thinks and finally glances down between them. ] I will return it to you if you prefer not to take my money.
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[ He isn't going to deny that opportunity to Lan Zhan, if his friend is that determined. ] And I know that one was a good photo. Just. [ He shakes his head. ] If something is terrible, you have to tell me.
[ He breathes out, a slight huff, then shakes his head. ] No. It would be ridiculous and I have plans for that money, so you're stuck with it. [ A grin, and then: ] Just like you're stuck with me still.
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Yes, Wei Ying. [ He smiles, bowing his head to show his understanding and agreement to all of Wei Ying's suggestions and restrictions. ] Often, the kindest patrons are the harshest critics.
[ His heart soars to hear confirmation of what he hadn't yet dared to ask. Despite stumbling right out of the gate, at least they can continue forward. ] Does that mean I may display it on a wall? [ He smiles, the expression uncommonly sly as he tightens his arms around Wei Ying to pull him more tightly against his chest. ]
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You better be a harsh critic. I'll scold you otherwise. [ If he's capable of that. Normally it's the other way around.
Wei Ying watches that small smile form, raising an eyebrow at how downright sly Lan Zhan looks, only to have the question startle a laugh out of him. ] Only in your bedroom. I don't actually want anyone else to see it. But you can wake up to see it every morning.
[ He's obviously joking, the thought of Lan Zhan putting up that print making him chuckle. ]
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Humming as if considering it, he tilts his head slightly to the side. ] It would be distracting. I may only leave my bed to see the real thing.
[ He means Wei Ying, but innocent as he can be, he doesn't make the connection between his words and the sexual connotation. ]
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His eyes go comically wide when Lan Zhan says that, although he recovers quickly. They're pressed close together, and Wei Ying slides a leg between Lan Zhan's. ] Do you want to see the real thing?
[ He deliberately pitches his voice low, eyes now dark with desire. ]
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Wei Ying. [ Voice tight, husky, he clears it after a moment. ] Do not tease me with that when I have wanted you for so long.
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It's not. I mean it. [ He swallows abruptly. ] I've wanted you too long to joke about that.
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He grins at Lan Zhan, fond and amused, an edge of desire lurking in his eyes. ] We can wait if you want. But there's nothing that says we can't kiss.
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Sliding his palms up the sides of Wei Ying's neck, he cups his face in his hands and smiles down at him. He sees that desire, molten and dangerous, but focuses on the fondness for the moment as he leans in to press their lips together, simple but firm. Wei Ying will hopefully excuse him for the lack of experience. ]
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So he doesn't even notice the lack of experience; it's a match for his own. His arms, still around Lan Zhan's waist, tighten around Lan Zhan and he clings, eager and happy. He kisses back, slightly hesitant at first, growing bold as it continues until he has to break the kiss to breathe. ]
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Wei Ying... Will you be my boyfriend?
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And the awkwardness doesn't last long, not as they explore, sending a frisson of pleasure running down his back. He's breathless when they part, breath escaping him on a huff of laughter. ]
Yes, of course, do you even need to ask?
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Plus, though he trusts Wei Ying to the point that he doesn't need to say it, but Lan Zhan isn't one to share. With the label in place and their dating official, they're both free of that concern. ]
Wei Ying.
[ His hands move down, trailing lightly over Wei Ying's arms and hands, down to his hips. He so badly wants to touch all of him, despite the fact that they're in the kitchen and they've just admitted their feelings to one another and everything is so new. Resisting the urge to do more than just kiss is becoming increasingly difficult, his hands shaking slightly as he tries not to think about Wei Ying's thigh pressed between his own. ]
I should go before I do something shameless.
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[ He gets to say that now, call Lan Zhan his boyfriend. Despite his flippancy about it, he is glad it's been brought up. The thought of sharing — Wei Ying's always been a little greedy with the things he likes. ]
What's shameless between two lovers, hmm? [ He asks it quietly, gaze teasing; he's completely ready to throw himself into Lan Zhan's arms and do more than just kiss. But if Lan Zhan wants to wait, he can be patient. A little. ]
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Lovers. [ He bites at Wei Ying's lip and then releases it to press their foreheads together, unable to part from him even though he needs to think and speak. ] Do you want that? I respect you, Wei Ying, I can wait to court you properly.
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