Chapter Text
Lan Xichen smiled towards his brother. His omega was happily munching on lotus seeds as they sat outside under a tree. The aroma of cooking meat was a foreign sent to the Cloud Recesses. Usually, the cooking would be done outside, but certain rules could be challenged, especially with the right paperwork to appease his uncle even though he was Sect leader. He still remembered how that paperwork was even filed.
After the cultivation world had settled for the upheaval, Lan Zhan and Wuxian had gone to travel with each other. It was less than two years before they came back to the Cloud Recesses and had a hurried, proper marriage with a very private few. Much to Lan Zhan's displeasure, his wife insisted on having his brother attend. Xichen still remembered how stunned his uncle and brother were. It was one of the few times he ever saw his brother surprised.
Jiang Cheng came like a sudden storm. His Sect Leader robes were replaced with a rich purple and black set that held silver chains and clarity bells chiming with each step. His head was held high, his hair down in loose curls and braids. He brought with him rows of servants holding boxes and trays of treasures. Wuxian was shocked in silence and fidgeting with his clothes when he was yelled at in the open by his brother for marrying without a proper dowry or even a wedding dress suited for someone from the Jiang sect.
He dressed Wuxian in a wedding dress so fine and beautiful with golden lotus and clouds embroidered upon it. He did respect the want for the affair to be quiet, but Xichen could tell he wanted to do more. It was soon after that they found out Wuxian was expecting. When Jiang Cheng found out, he arrived this time like a gale. With him were books, scrolls, and even a proposal written up. He proceeded to talk to Xichen for hours on how Wuxian must be exempt from the dietary restrictions of the Cloud Recesses. Xichen listened. He understood how careful an omega had to be during pregnancy. Lan omegas, while beautiful and desirable, all had troubles carrying to term.
Xichen placed a hand over his own belly while his gaze laid upon the visible bump on his brother-in-law. A sadness overtook him. He was older than them... single... and the only male omega in the Gusu clan for 3 generations. Worse yet, he never had a heat.
It would seem having a family of his own was not in his fate. He was destined to support his brother, and he was okay with that.