Chapter Text
Calm down, Madam Yu wouldn’t make you a live test.
Wei Wuxian repeated the phrase to himself for the thousandth time today. It had been chanted almost five hundred times, ever since he was shown to the testing room. He made a sharp turn, continuing to wear a path in the beige rug that covered the floor.
She wouldn’t make you a live test, it’s going to be a placebo. She’s skewed numbers before, you’re going to be fine. He repeated, pivoting as he ran out of rug. He glanced around the room, why did they have to make these testing rooms so small? He dragged his hand through his hair again, before taking a deep breath. Everything is going to be fine. The chances of the side effects are miniscule even if I’m not on a placebo.
It didn’t keep him from nearly jumping out of his skin when the door to the test room opened. He shifted behind the couch, wiping the nervous sweat on his palms on the back of it as he pulled a nervous smile to his face.
“Jinzhu! I didn’t know you were running the trials on this one!” He greeted. “How are those insoles working out for Yinzhu?”
He got a cold glance from his adoptive mother’s lead researcher, but it did nothing to push the nervous smile from his face. He watched Jinzhu step to the side, gesturing to whoever was behind her to enter the room. A wave of relief washed over Wei Wuxian as he saw who it was.
Madam Yu wouldn’t risk the partnership.
He’d grown taller since Wei Wuxian had seen him last, although it was just enough to make Wei Wuxian have to tilt his head up ever so slightly to look him in the eyes. His frame had also filled out, making the suit he was wearing look like he’d taken it straight off the runway. Wei Wuxian swore he recognized the haircut, one of the many Madam Yu emailed him every week. His hands nervously ran through his nearly chin length hair, the man’s amber eyes jumping to track the movement.
“This will be your test room, I will come back in an hour to take your reports.” Jinzhu nodded to the man. With a turn, the door to the room was closing. The thud of the door closing sounded like a cannon.
“Hi, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian smiled nervously as he moved around the couch. His hand extended. “I don’t know if you remember me-”
“Wei Ying,” The man replied, his amber eyes dropping to stare at Wei Wuxian’s hand.
“Ah, you do,” Wei Wuxian chuckled nervously as he let his hand drop away. “Looks like your family strong-armed you into doing this too, huh?”
“I volunteered.”
“Ah,” Wei Wuxian nervously chuckled. Brisk and to the point as ever. “I’m sorry, I’m sure that I’m the last person you wanted to be paired up with.”
“Will our prior acquaintance not skew the results?” Wei Wuxian watched the other man’s brow furrow. This off to a fantastic start, Madam Yu was going to have Wei Wuxian's head mounted on the wall.
“Ah, looks like the burning hatred is still going strong.” Wei Wuxian exhaled with a laugh. “I kind of have the feeling we’re a control group.”
“I thought placebos were to be hidden,” The furrow in his brow deepened.
“They are,” Wei Wuxian nodded. “But our families both sent members to participate in the trials to prove our confidence in the product. But, it's also proving our faith in each other with our new ventures.” He cringed as he realized he’d just explained what the man already knew. “The safest bet to ensure future cooperation between our companies is to make sure we’ve got the placebo.”
“You make it sound like you are not confident in your product.” Wei Wuxian watched Lan Wangji’s hands move, clasping together behind his back.
“We are,” Wei Wuxian assured him. “But why take the unnecessary risk if it could foster heard feelings? Besides, you already don’t look thrilled to be here. You don’t really look like you want to start forming a pack bond with me.”
“I apologize if I gave you that impression.”
“I’m used to it,” Wei Wuxian shrugged. He moved, settling in on the couch. “Well, I suppose we better get to it. Today's sessions are intended for getting to know each other, but starting next week we can bring in our work. We don’t have to talk unless you want to, but we do have to let our scents out.”
“I read the briefing.”
“Of course you did,” Wei Wuxian chuckled. “Never unprepared are you Lan Zhan?”
“Lan Wangji,” He offered as he moved to sit on the other side of the couch. Wei Wuxian connected the dots.
“Wei Wuxian,” Wei Wuxian offered his own presentation name in reply. “Do you just want to do a one two three release or?”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji nodded. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath.
“I guess I’ll count down then?” Wei Wuxian questioned. He hid his fidgeting hands under his legs. Another nod. “Alright then, 1,2,3 release?”
As the last word left his mouth, he was met with a wave of sandalwood. His own scent, cinnamon with a hint of bergamot, slowly rose to meet it. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but nervously glance at Lan Wangji, seeing no visible reaction from Lan Wangji. He tried to relax. Having his scent out was supposed to be relaxing. A hand came up to run through his hair again, he could be relaxed. He just had to survive the next hour being quiet, he could do that.
He exhaled, wishing his nerves weren’t all over the board. He shifted, bringing his feet up to rest on the couch so he could rest his chin on his knees. His arms loosely wrapping around them, his fingers falling to fidget with the hem of his pants. It was starting to wear, he'd have to change them before Madam Yu saw.
“The briefing didn’t explain much about the principle of the drug,” Lan Wangji’s voice broke through the silence. Wei Wuxian jumped, his eyes breaking away from the thousand yard stare he had trained on the beige wall. “I know it aims to help facilitate the creation of pack bonds. It does not describe why or how.”
“Oh,” Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. He shifted resting his cheek on his knees so he could look at Lan Wangji. “Well, you know that mating marks fell out of fashion after the Omegaist Movements of the 1970s. I mean, you’d think that a bond where one of the members becomes solely dependent on the other would have fallen out of vogue centuries ago.” He took a breath, reminding himself not to get distracted by ranting.
But the mere thought of it made him angry!
That not even a hundred years ago he would have been expected to just bare his neck for his mate. To let him bite him, bonding them in every way. Well, bonding Wei Wuxian in every way as an omega. He’d be transformed, a ‘perfect match’ for his alpha. Their libedos would match, but an omega would only be able to find gratification with their bonded alpha. Even masturbation could only happen if they had their mate’s scent.
A mate who could go out, find a new mate and do the whole thing over again. The only thing they gained was the ability to track their partners. An alpha could pick out their mates blindfolded in a crowd of a thousand omegas. Every manipulative bastard’s dream.
An omega couldn’t even count on the death of their alpha to bring them freedom. The last studies had shown that seventy-seven percent of omegas died from their bond breaking. A number that had only decreased two percent with the advance of technology. Some primal form of a kill switch to keep alphas from constantly murdering each other for omegas.
“Jiang Solutions have been looking into it for years,” Wei Wuxian reminded himself of the real subject at hand. “Since media started romanticizing mating marks, there’s been a new wave of interest.” He added bitterly. “Most people just want to feel bonded to those they love. Pack bonds aren’t as strong as what you’d get with a mating mark, but they are safer and healthier for everyone involved.”
“The issue is that they take time to develop. It’s why we do scenting sessions so often as kids. Even when a couple has sex, and kids, it can take years for a pack bond to form between couples. To the point where it’s nearly impossible to accomplish if you aren’t married or dating. Take sex out of the equation? It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom.”
And that was putting it lightly. Eighteen years of living with the Jiangs, yet Wei Wuxian had never gotten closer to forming a pack bond with them. He never had that feeling of belonging he craved. Now, the Jiangs didn’t have much of a pack left. Uncle Jiang was dead and Jiang Yanli married off to Jin Zixuan. Now it was just him, Jiang Cheng and Madam Yu rattling around the Jiang Estate. Well, him and Madam Yu with all the business ventures she kept sending Jiang Cheng overseas for. But it was the only pack he’d known. He knew he didn't need a pack bond for it to be his pack, but he selfishly wanted it.
“We know there are physical changes that happen when a pack bond is formed,” Wei Wuxian explained. “Jiang Solutions has even been able to find the markers for it. The drug we took prior to being placed in here is an attempt to help create the marker appear sooner. A cocktail of chemicals to speed up their creation. Of course, you still have to establish who is in the pack bond. The easiest way is good old fashioned scent exposure.”
“Are you working on the drug?” Lan Wangji prodded.
“Me? No,” Wei Wuxian laughed, shaking his head. “I’m just a PA.” He saw a look of confusion cross Lan Wangji’s face. “Personal Assistant?” He explained. “Don’t tell me the Lan’s don’t have personal assistants. I know you're all for working hard, but delegation is important to keep from getting to stressed you know.”
“I thought,” Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed. “You were planning on majoring in science in high school.”
“Ah, well the best laid plans of mice and men and all that.” Wei Wuxian chuckled in response. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his dress pants again. What was he supposed to say? That he didn’t even have a college degree? That he was just mooching off of Madam Yu’s kindness like he had his whole life? “Looks like you still went into business?” He tried to change the subject.
“Mn,” Lan Wangji shook his head. “Head of Editing.”
“Right! Lan Corporations has a publishing company.” Wei Wuxian smiled. “Cloud Recesses Press, right?”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji nodded again.
“I’m surprised you aren’t the man in charge of the whole shebang.” Wei Wuxian teased.
“My family believes in working your way up,” Lan Wangji replied. “But I am happy where I am.”
“Of course, hard work is the foundation for a good life.” Wei Wuxian purposely misquoted what he remembered from the Cloud Recess Academy handbook.
“Hard work, digilance and persistent learning is the foundation on which anything can be built.” Lan Wangji replied. The half exasperated sigh that followed left Wei Wuxian laughing. “You knew that.”
“Did I?” Wei Wuxian shot back with a wagged eyebrow. “I must have written that ten thousand times before I left CRA.”
“Two thousand, three hundred and twelve,” Lan Wangji replied. “You still owe six hundred and eighty eight copies of the Cloud Recess Academy Student Handbook.”
“You remember?” Wei Wuxian laughed. The sound filling the drab room.
“You are one of twelve students that have been expelled,” Lan Wangji replied.
“I guess I’ve left a lasting impression,” Wei Wuxian chuckled. “Could you imagine if we weren’t a placebo group? Your Uncle would blow a gasket if we formed a pack bond.”
“I was curious,” Lan Wangji murmured. “Where did you get your other participants?”
“I don’t know, I’m not privy to that information.” Wei Wuxian shrugged. “I didn’t even know you were the Lan Corp rep until you walked in. Our confidentiality waivers keep us from even telling anyone outside the testing we are paired together. We only know each other’s names because of the nature of the study. Referring to your partner as number 122 or ‘hey you’ isn’t exactly a good environment for a pack bond to form in. Though I suppose you might prefer it. It's- I’m annoying you aren’t I?” He sighed, catching sight of Lan Wangji’s face. He could see the jaw tightening, a furrow growing.
“Wei Wuxian, your phone is in the drop box. Madam Yu has requested you rearrange her Wednesday Lunch Meeting,” A voice announced over the speaker. It cut Lan Wangji off before he could reply.
“Work never stops right?” Wei Wuxian smiled at Lan Wangji as he got up. He slid open the drop box, scooping up his phone. He could already see a stream of messages on his lock screen. “Do you mind?” He questioned as he snagged a pad of paper off the table.
"What about bonding?"
"Placebo, remember?" Wei Wuxian shot back waving his phone. "You think they'd have given me this if we weren't?'
“Go ahead,” Lan Wangji slowly nodded. Wei Wuxian smiled as he settled back in, quickly hurrying to reply to the mountain of texts and emails. Once that was done he pulled up Madam Yu’s schedule, sighing as he saw there were twelve people involved in her Wednesday Lunch Meeting.
“No that’s fine,” He was saying almost an hour later, his hands hurrying to cross out the final restaurant option he had scrawled on his notepad. His hand went to his temple as he rubbed it. “I’m sure there are plenty of five star restaurants in town that don’t serve bread.” And also had vegetarian options beyond salad and had live music. “Please put it on her schedule, I’ll call you back with the name of the restaurant.”
Wei Wuxian sighed as he hung up. He scanned back over the restaurant options, didn’t La Luna have live music? He pulled up the page, only to be met with a notice about the cancellation of their live music. He groaned, he’d have to resort to google and yelp.
“Caiyi Town.” The sound of Lan Wangji’s voice pulled Wei Wuxian’s gaze up.
“Pardon?”
“Caiyi Town, it's a restaurant downtown. Just received its fifth star two months ago, features live music and its menu is Chinese. Therefore offering plentiful vegetarian options and lacking bountiful bread options.” Lan Wangji explained. “My family frequents it when they are in town.”
“Oh,” Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. He quickly typed it in, pulling up the web page. “This looks perfect!” He exhaled. “Thanks, you just saved me hours of sorting through Yelp reviews.”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji nodded.
Wei Wuxian jumped as the door opened, his gaze flying to see Jinzhu in the doorway.
“Your hour is up, Mr. Lan if you would come with me. I can take your report.” Jinzhu nodded to Lan Wangji.
“Nice seeing you again,” Wei Wuxian sprung up with Lan Wangji. “I guess I’ll see you next week.”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji nodded.
“Someone will be in to take your report shortly,” Jinzhu leveled at Wei Wuxian.
“Of course, I’ll just be here. See you next week Lan Zhan!” He nodded, giving Lan Wangji one last wave. His phone sounded, his reflexes quickly answering it and bringing it to his ear. “Hello, this is Yu Ziyuan’s assistant. How can I help you?”
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Would you like to go to dinner? It was a simple phrase, it wasn’t that hard to say! Lan Wangji glared at his own reflection
“Would you like to go to dinner,” Lan Wangji stated. He winced. His own impassive face and tone made it sound more like a threat than a question. He took a deep breath locking onto his own gaze. “Would you like to go to dinner?”
He’d succeeded in softening his tone. But the attempt to force a large smile on his face instead succeeded in making him look like he was having a stroke. He sighed, giving himself a harsher glare as it sounded more like an annoyed huff.
Why did he have to have the annoyingly cold face of an alpha? Why couldn’t he be an omega like the rest of his family. Omegas were friendly and open, and didn’t have issues inviting others to dinner. He squared his shoulders, glaring even harder at his reflection.
“Would you like to go to dinner?” He ended up wincing at the force that went into that attempt, which of course made it look like he was disgusted. Why couldn’t his face show a positive emotion for once?
“Wangji?” Lan Xichen’s voice drifted into the bathroom. “Are you alright? You smell frustrated.”
“I’m fine,” Lan Wangji called back as he moved away from his bathroom mirror. He hadn’t realized he’d gotten so frustrated. He flipped on the bathroom fan before pulling open the bathroom door. His brother’s worried face met him on the other side.
He studied his brother’s face. How could their faces be so similar yet his brother could so easily show emotion?
“Wangji?” Lan Xichen questioned. Lan Wangji’s eyes watched how his brother’s eyebrows shifted, trying to follow the movement. “Ah,” He saw recognition flash across his brother’s face. The emotion was too fast for Lan Wangji’s eyes to follow. “There is nothing wrong with how you emote.”
I see the burning hatred is still going strong. The words flashed through Lan Wangji’s mind, pulling an actual annoyed huff from him. He hadn’t hated him! He’d tried to convey his emotions; they just got jumbled and stonewalled by his face! On top of it Wei Wuxian had been nervous for the rest of the appointment, as if Lan Wangji was going to snap at him at any minute. He couldn’t even crack a smile to reassure him.
How was he going to make a smile to ask him to dinner?! He had the opportunity, he brought up the restaurant! How much harder would it have been to ask him to go? He could have framed it as a chance for Wei Wuxian to test the restaurant before sending Madam Yu there.
“Did something happen?” Lan Xichen questioned softly.
“I ran into Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji replied, knowing better than to try to hide it from his brother. He’d drag it out of him eventually. Just like he’d drug his crush out of him. “He thought I hated him.”
“Oh didi,” Lan Xichen sighed. His hand came up to squeeze Lan Wangji’s shoulder.
“He thinks I still do.”
“Did you try talking to him?”Lan Wangji nodded, feeling a furrow form in his own brow. “It didn’t go well I take it?”
“He thought he was annoying me.”
“Did you tell him he wasn’t?”
“I was unable to,” Lan Wangji felt the furrow in his brow deepen. Wei Wuxian had looked so busy, effortlessly starting and ending conversations. Lan Wangji’s mind had spun listening to it all.
“Well if you're going to run into him again, maybe lead with that.” Lan Xichen smiled, squeezing Lan Wangji’s shoulder again. “Tell him you had difficulty expressing yourself in high school, but you appreciated his attempts to reach out.”
“Thank you ge,” Lan Wangji exhaled. “I’ll try the next time I see him.”
“See you already know when to meet him again,” Lan Xichen smiled. “Half the battle is showing up. Now, should we be expecting you for dinner?”
Lan Wangji took a deep breath.
“No,” He decided. This was going to go well. “I should get going.”
“Ah yes,” Lan Xichen hummed. “Your pack bonding experiment, replacing years of tedious scenting with chemical compounds.”
“Ge,” Lan Wangji sighed. “There are many who could benefit from such a drug. Adoptive children can struggle for years to form a pack bond with their new families, some are even sent back when one doesn’t form. Bonds have also proven to help those in previously abusive relationships recover easily.”
He felt ashamed that it took seeing Wei Wuxian’s passion on the subject to make him fully research the testing. When his Uncle had announced Lan Corps participation in the trials, he’d made it clear there were no major side effects. At least not for an alpha, it would seem once again the omegas were taking the worst of the risks. He felt almost ashamed that he signed up with out a second thought, hopeful of gaining someone else who understood him the way his family did.
“There is something to be said about the old fashioned way,” Lan Xichen replied, reaching up to brush invisible lint off of Lan Wangji’s shoulder.
“Some do not have the option,” Lan Wangji replied.
“Perhaps you should ask Wei Ying,” Lan Xichen arched his eyebrow. “After all, isn't he adopted? Perhaps he can offer insight to this chemical versus traditional bond argument. Not to mention a wonderful conversation opportunity.”
“Ge,” Lan Wangji sighed again. “I am capable.”
“You have come so far since your highschool days,” Lan Xichen smiled softly. His hand came to rest on Lan Wangji's cheek, leaving a touch of orange blossoms behind. “I should remember not to hover so much.”
“I will see you later,” Lan Wangji nodded as he moved towards the door.
“Don’t forget we have shufu's anniversary coming up,” Lan Xichen hummed in remembrance. “I’ve already booked the banquet hall, sent out the invitations. All you have to do-”
“Is show up,” Lan Wangji finished for his brother. “I know. I will not miss it.”
“Perhaps you could invite Wei Ying!” Lan Xichen smiled brightly. Lan Wangji paused, glaring back at his brother. “Asking him to dinner doesn’t seem so hard now does it?” His brother winked.
“I am leaving,” Lan Wangji sighed as he headed for the door.
“Love you didi!” Lan Xichen called after him.
“Love you too Ge,” Lan Wangji murmured in goodbye.
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“Wei Wuxian.”
Wei Wuxian flinched as Madam Yu’s voice cracked like a whip through the silence of his room. He scrambled to get out of his nest and to his feet before the name would sound again. He knew what would happen if he didn’t.
“Madam Yu, what can I do for you?” Wei Wuxian asked with a smile, mentally running through every move he’d made over the past few days. He knew he’d made her tea a bit too hot this morning, but she had to go to R&D and the walk outside should have cooled it down. Or maybe he’d sent the wrong flowers to Madam Jin? He prayed he hadn’t forgotten a major meeting or event. He hid his fidgeting hands as he gave Madam Yu his full attention.
As usual, Madam Yu was glaring around Wei Wuxian’s room. Her light purple pantsuit clashed with the rough exposed plywood of the attic space above the garage. Her eyes lingered on the nest behind him, pushing Wei Wuxian to defensively step a bit more in front of it. He’d worked hard to fix up the space, but it seemed like Madam Yu always had something new to critique each time she came. First it was the exposed insulation, then it was the toilet and sink were an eyesore. She’d been furious when he’d rigged up the electrical work, demanding to know if he was an omega or a spider with cobweb like wires he was cluttering the space with. It wasn't much, but it was more than he could manage on his own.
With his skill set, it was this or the streets. He’d never be able to afford his own place, and he was not keen to relive the memories that plagued him from his early childhood. Madam Yu was kind enough to let him stay here for a few hundred dollars a month. The least he could do was put up with her critiques.
“I thought I told you to keep that scent to a minimum,” Madam Yu’s eyes flashed as she snapped.
“I thought I was,” Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. “I’ll open a window.” He lurched to go to one of the single planned portholes lining the space.
“I hear you were paired up with Lan Wangji for the trial,” Madam Yu noted as he got a window open. He tried not to shiver from the cold air that swept into the room. He hoped Madam Yu didn’t plan on staying long, he couldn’t afford to lose the heat. Not to mention the last time he tried using a space heater it fried all the electrical wiring he had.
“Yes,” Wei Wuxian nodded, subtly wrapping his arms around himself.
“I don’t need to remind you how much rides on us having a positive relationship with the Lans,” Madam Yu glared at him.
“Of course, Ma’am.” The Jiangs had given him a life, a good one. He’d rather chop an arm off than cause problems for them. Still, he had a nasty habit of messing up. Madam Yu was a saint for putting up with him this long. If he messed this up, he wasn't sure if it was the thought or the breeze drifting in that made him shiver.
“Good,” Madam Yu nodded. “Yinzhu, bring Zidian in.” She called. Wei Wuxian flinched as Madam Yu’s head of house appeared. His mouth ran dry as he heard the snuffling sound of Zidian. He must have done something particularly bad if she’d brought Zidian.
“Ma’am?” Wei Wuxian swallowed nervously. His eyes turned skyward. As if avoiding looking at the poodle could keep his body from seizing and shutting down.
“That crows nest you call your hair will have to go,” Madam Yu leveled at him. Wei Wuixan’s eyes flickering over to Yinzhu as she produced an electric razor. “We can’t have the Lan’s thinking we’re untidy.”
“Untidy?” Wei Wuxian blinked. “I take good care of my hair.” His hand rose to run through it.
“You look like a hillbilly!” Madam Yu snapped, her eyes flashing. “I want it gone.”
“But it’ll expose my neck,” Wei Wuxian swallowed nervously.
“Is that a problem?” Madam Yu arched her eyebrow.
“I’m an omega,” Wei Wuxian protested weakly. He had to be around alphas daily! With his neck exposed he’d be a walking target for wandering hands and worse. It was why he was growing his hair out in the first place. Lots of male omegas had long hair, it was normal! He just had another half inch before it would stop looking so weird.
“Like I need a reminder with your stench,” Madam Yu’s noise wrinkled. Wei Wuxian reflexively tramped down his scent further. “Yinzhu.” She nodded.
“No,” Wei Wuxian shook his head. His eyes went wide as he looked to Yinzhu, pleading with her. He only saw Madam Yu’s eyes flash out of the corner of his eye.
“No?” She seethed as she stalked forward. Wei Wuxian barely had time to scurry back before her hand was clamped around his neck. Her fingers tightening as she lifed. Wei Wuxian rolled to the tips of his toes to try to avoid it, “No? After all I’ve done for you? Where do you think you’d be without my protection? You wouldn’t have a neck to worry about if it wasn’t for me.”
“Please,” Wei Wuxian begged, his hands clamped around her arm. They shifted his weight to them so she wasn’t crushing his windpipe, but they didn’t move to free himself. “Anything but that.”
“Zidian, come!”
As the white furry face of Zidian wiggled in between Wei Wuxian and Madam Yu, Wei Wuxian’s body ceased to be his own. His brain unmoored, leaving just a husk behind.
“Yinzhu,” Madam Yu barked.
Like a jolt of electricity, the sound of the electric razor buzzing brought him tumbling back into his own body.
“No,” He pleaded, his scent leaching out in panic. It only hardened Madam Yu’s eyes further as she nodded to Yinzhu. “Please, everyone will see.”
“Zidian!”
A wet tongue licking his hand sent his eyes screwing shut as he whimpered. The smell of piss seeping from him as Zidian licked him again, killing any resistance he had. Any relief Madam Yu’s recall of Zidian brought him was destroyed by the first buzz of the razor. The feeling of cold air hitting the back of his neck made his stomach churn. Every hair on his body stood on edge as more and more of his neck was exposed. The stinging pain of the razor nicking him was only met with Madam Yu’s instructions to continue. In the end she’d dropped him to the ground, leaving him in a pile of his own hair and piss.
“Zidian, don’t eat that, it’s trash.” Madam Yu barked when the dog snuffled in Wei Wuxian’s direction.
Wei Wuxian only curled tighter on himself. His hands clamping over the back of his neck, ignoring the pain from the dark purple bruise forming along his throat. Once his sobs died off, he managed to pull himself back to his nest. Wrapping the blankets around his exposed skin. His whole body shivered, reminding him of the window.
He pulled himself to his feet, shutting the window. He pushed his body through the motions of cleaning, himself and then his floor. Nausea rocked through him at the feeling of the wet rag he used to shower against his bare scalp. Dumping water over it was better, but still made him want to crawl out of his own skin.
If he'd cut his hair months ago, he wouldn't be feeling this way now. He was stupid for thinking he'd even look good with it long. Madam Yu had just been trying to tell him. He should have listened. Besides, a few inches of hair wasn't going to protect him from himself. He couldn't be safe as long as he kept screwing up like this.
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Lan Wangji adjusted his hold on his bag, following Dr. Jinzhu down the halls of Lotus Pier Labs. She came to a halt in front of a door, turning to Lan Wangji with a gaze as clinical as her work.
“If you need anything please use the intercom,” The woman nodded curtly. Her arm opened the door.
Lan Wangji nodded in thanks as he slid past her. As he stepped over the threshold, unable to take a reflexive intake of breath. His speed only slightly stuttered as he took a lungful of sterile air instead of the warm cinnamon and bergamot he was expecting. His eyes scanned the room, quickly falling on Wei Wuxian.
The man was absorbed in whatever work he was doing. One hand was hurriedly scrawling away in a planner, the other playing with the turtleneck he was wearing. He'd unfolded it, a finger running between the fabric and where he'd pulled it up over his mouth.
But Lan Wangji’s attention went straight to the man’s hair. Instead of the chin length bob he had been supporting a week ago, it was all shorn off. Leaving Wei Wuxian with something Lan Wangji would barely call peach fuzz. Lan Wangji didn’t want to judge, but it didn’t look particularly well done. He was pretty sure he could see a number of cuts, just on the verge of being healed.
He watched Wei Wuxian jump as the door closed behind Lan Wangji. His eyes flashed up, meeting Lan Wangji’s gaze. He watched a smile grow on Wei Wuxian’s lips, revealed as his hand tugged down the turtleneck he was playing with.
“Ah, Lan Zhan, I see you came back.”
“I agreed to be part of the trial,” Lan Wangji felt his brow furrow.
“Aiyah, I know!” Wei Wuxian laughed.
The beautiful sound filled the room, like a soaring viola line. It had taken weeks for Lan Wangji to decide on what instrument it was. It lacked the breathy or raspy qualities of the woodwinds, it wasn’t brash enough to be a brass. It did have all of the warm and robust round tones of the string family. Lan Wangji had gone to the violin first, for Wei Wuxian’s attention grabbing tendencies. It hadn’t taken long for him to realize the violin was too sharp, too high. The cello, conversely, was too low. It left him with the viola, the mellow supporting middle child (of sorts) of the string family.
“That was your sign to say you couldn’t stay away,” Wei Wuxian grinned as he continued. “Or that your family forced you to resume.”
“The latter would be a lie,” Lan Wangji replied.
“And there’s no lying in the Cloud Recesses,” Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. Completely overlooking Lan Wangji’s attempt to flirt. “I thought that was the most ridiculous rule I’d ever seen.” He added. “Everyone knows you're not supposed to lie, yet you Lans still felt it necessary to put it in writing.”
“Sometimes it helps to have a written reminder.” Lan Wangji pressed as he set his bag on the coffee table. He sat down on the couch, not quite next to Wei Wuxian but closer than he normally would have sat. He exhaled, letting his scent curl out around them.
“Hence the copy punishments,” Wei Wuxian teased, shifting to rest his chin on his knee. A devious grin grew on his face as his own scent curled out around him. Still, as Wei Wuxian took a breath Lan Wangji saw him stutter. His scent wavering in response.
“It has proven effective,” Lan Wangji replied. “Do you not remember the rules?”
“I remember the ache in my wrist,” Wei Wuxian snorted. “I couldn’t do anything with it,” He added with a pout. “Anything.” He stressed with a wagged eyebrow.
“You discovered the hidden purpose,” Lan Wangji replied. He saw Wei Wuxian’s eyes go wide. “You can work wonders with sexually frustrated teenagers.”
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian’s disbelieving laugh filled the room. “Did you just crack a joke?”
“Mn.”
“Maybe I was a better influence than I thought.” Wei Wuxian grinned.
“Debatable.”
“Come on,” Wei Wuxian prodded. “Make me think I did something good at CRA.”
A loud ding sound from Wei Wuxian’s open laptop. His eyes glazed over with focus as he bent to accommodate the height of the coffee table. Lan Wangji tried not to fidget as the room descended into silence again. The only sound was Wei Wuxian’s typing, the occasional picking up and dropping of his pen as he made notes. Lan Wangji picked up his own pen, eyeing the bag in front of him. He’d been worried Wei Wuxian might notice the manuscript had already been edited if he were to withdraw it, so he decided to take a chance by restarting conversation instead.
“You cut your hair,” Lan Wangji awkwardly came up with. He didn’t expect Wei Wuxian to flinch, a hand going to tuck hair behind his ear that was no longer there. He let out a nervous chuckle when he realized what he was doing.
“You know how hair can get,” Wei Wuxian offered. His chuckle and his smile didn't reach his eyes.
“You went short,” Lan Wangji almost winced the second the words left his mouth.
“Yeah,” Wei Wuxian ducked his head. “Go big or go home right?”
A silence settled over the room as Wei Wuxian returned to his work.
“It brings out your eyes.”
“What?” Wei Wuxian’s head jerked up.
“It brings out your eyes,” Lan Wangji found the courage to repeat. He watched Wei Wuxian snort.
“Not exactly my winning feature,” Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed.
“Your eyes are wonderful,” Lan Wangji protested. He earned another snort from Wei Wuxian.
“Come on, they’re the color of dirty dish water.” Wei Wuxian shot back. Lan Wangji blinked at him.
Of all the things Lan Wangji could compare Wei Wuxian’s eyes to; a flash of a moonbeam, a silver coin reflecting at the bottom of a wishing pond, the dappled gray of a stallion's coat. Dirty dish water was by far one of the last descriptions he would pick. Who had ever given Wei Wuxian that description? Wei Wuxian’s phone sounded before Lan Wangji could recover from his stunned silence.
It left Lan Wangji to brew again. His own brother’s words coming back into his mind. Just tell him, he steeled himself.
“You did.”
His voice broke through the silence, pulling Wei Wuxian flinching back out of his work once more. Wei Wuxian arched an eyebrow at Lan Wangji, to which he took a deep breath.
“Do something positive at CRA.” Lan Wangji forged on. “I had difficulty expressing myself in high school, because of it I figured I was better off forgoing social contact.” He felt his ears flush red at the admittance. “You made me reconsider that stand point.”
Lan Wangji glanced up, seeing Wei Wuxian turn a beautiful shade of red. His chin ducked into his turtleneck as a hand went to fiddle with the hair that was no longer there. Instead awkwardly scratching his scalp.
“I was just an annoying boy trying to push your buttons,” Wei Wuxian muttered. “You don’t have to pretend I had a noble purpose.”
“Whether or not you intended it to have a purpose,” Lan Wangji pressed. “It had a positive effect.”
“Aiyah, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian flushed deeper. “You’re going to give a boy ideas.”
“Maybe I intend to,” Lan Wangji murmured in reply.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian whined burying his hands in his face.
His body fell back into the couch, bringing him closer to Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji took advantage of his covered eyes, shifting a bit closer. He stretched his arm out over the back of the couch, like he’d seen in movies. Wei Wuxian peered out from behind his fingers, a snort of laughter escaping him as he saw the pose Lan Wangji had taken.
“What a monster I created!” Wei Wuxian laughed up at him. “First jokes, then flirting, now the sexy arm stretch?” Lan Wangji’s arm tensed where it was resting on the back of the couch, a touch of embarrassment seeping into his scent. “Oh, and now a subtle muscle flex? You must leave a trail of broken hearts wherever you go.”
“Not many,” Lan Wangji tilted his head. It earned another beautiful laugh.
“Not many,” Wei Wuxian snorted, reaching out to tug on Lan Wangji’s tie. “I’m sure you tell that to everyone you're trying to flirt with.”
“Correct,” Lan Wangji felt a smile playing on his lips. “As you are the first person I’ve flirted with.”
“Oh! That’s terrible!” Wei Wuxian winced with a laugh. “Tell me some more.” He nudged with a grin.
Lan Wangji hummed as he tilted his head, a deep breath of the cinnamon and bergamot scent that was practically exploding from Wei Wuxian now. This wasn’t exactly how he planned his flirting to go, but how could he complain about the results? Wei Wuxian’s smile was radiant, and so close. Lan Wangji wondered if it was how Icarus felt.
“Hm,” He pretended to think to cover his nerves. “I’ve encountered no one like you since highschool?”
“Oo, going the personal route.” Wei Wuxian grinned, leaning in as if he was hanging on Lan Wangji’s words.
“That nothing has been able to rival your smile since? Not even the sun.”
“Terrible!” Wei Wuxian’s laughter bordered on shrieking.
“That I wish others were as persistent as you to get to know me?”
“Hm,” Wei Wuxian hummed, his smile so wide it made Lan Wangji’s own cheeks ache. “You’d get me with that one.”
“Then have dinner with me,” Lan Wangji breathed. His heart stuttered at the realization the words had fallen from his lips, as if it was second nature. He saw Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen, his smile slipping slightly as if Wei Wuxian was just realizing he was serious.
Lan Wangji knew this was how Icarus felt. He only hoped he’d have a softer landing than the sea.
“Oh,” Wei Wuxian breathed. “I,” A soft blush spread across his cheeks. “I don’t know if we can. I mean with the trial.”
Lan Wangji blinked, the trial. The trail that involved them spending time together to monitor the drugs in their systems to see if a pack bond could form. The kind of trial where seeing each other outside of this room would probably interfere with the results. Then again, wouldn't information like that be included in the paperwork?
“Didn’t you say we were a placebo group?”
“I mean, I theorized,” Wei Wuxian’s hand fell to the hem of his pants to fidget with them. “But I mean they can’t actually let us know. I doubt they’d look fondly on us asking if going on a date would interfere with their test results.”
Lan Wangji’s heartbeat picked up as he realized Wei Wuxian wasn’t turning him down.
“A rain check then,” Lan Wangji hummed. “Nine months, dinner, you and me.”
“So demanding,” Wei Wuxian teased. “What if I was going to say no?”
“You would have said it by now,” Lan Wangji risked it. He was rewarded with Wei Wuxian’s cheeks blushing red again. “If not, you have nine months to come up with an acceptable excuse.”
“An acceptable excuse?” Wei Wuxian arched an eyebrow.
“Mn.”
“I have to wash my hair that night,” Wei Wuxian shot back.
“Terrible.” Lan Wangji felt the corner of his mouth quirk up.
“I have to pet sit,” Wei Wuxian’s grin grew again with the new game.
“Bring them along.”
“It’s a fish.”
“We won’t go for sushi.”
Lan Wangji felt as light as air as they bantered back and forth. Wei Wuxian’s excuses got more and more outlandish as they progressed. He had hardly noticed an hour had passed until the door opened. He tried not to glare at Dr. Jinzhou, but he knew asking for more time would skew the test results.
“Terrible excuses,” Lan Wangji offered as they stood.
“I gave you like thirty of them!” Wei Wuxian shot back. “Thirty detailed excuses.”
“While creative, they lack plausibility.” Lan Wangji’s head tilted in response.
“Lack plausibility do they?” Wei Wuxian’s grin was massive, telling Lan Wangji he wasn’t pushing it too far. Perhaps he was pushing it just far enough. “Well, Mr. Head of the Safety patrol. What if I told you I had six hundred copies of the CRA handbook to copy out?”
“Copy writing must be overseen by a member of the Safety Patrol,” Lan Wangji replied. “You can write them over dinner.” He gave him a small smile as he moved to exit the room.
“A menace! That’s what you are!” Wei Wuxian called after him, his laughter following Lan Wangji down the hallway.
Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω
You poor thing, you actually think you have a chance! Like a Lan would be interested in a nobody like you.
But we’re friends-
Friends! All I see is pity, stop this flirting nonsense before you disgrace yourself and the Jiangs. Or do you need another reminder of your station?
No! Please, not again. I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to.
Not to mention your flirting put your work way behind schedule. Do you think time is a luxury Jiang Solutions has? Four meetings had to be postponed, now we are risking losing a partnership. If Jiang Solutions goes under because of you, I don’t need to remind you what will happen.
More bruises, hidden under shirts and sweaters.
Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω
“I’m beginning to see this trial in a new light,” Lan Xichen chuckled. Lan Wangji’s attention pulled away from his bathroom mirror and to his brother. “Anything that can put such a smile on my didi’s face can’t be bad. We should have sent you to work with Jiang Solutions ages ago.”
“Ge-”
“I know it’s a big house, but if you need your privacy just say the word.” Lan Xichen grinned. “Uncle’s been muttering about how he hasn’t been to the opera, they're doing a Wagner season so you and I both know it will keep us out well into the morning.”
“Ge he’s my trial partner.” Lan Wangji interjected when his brother took a breath. He saw his brother blink.
“So?”
“We aren’t allowed to have contact outside the trials,” Lan Wangji explained. “But, we have set a dinner date for once they're over.”
“Which is?”
“Nine months.”
“You’ll certainly have enough time to plan,” Lan Xichen sighed softly. “Wait, partner? Does this mean a pack bond might form between you?”
“That is the goal,” Lan Wangji nodded. “Ge I’m not supposed to tell anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Lan Xichen smiled. “But a pack bond would certainly help some elements of a romance along now wouldn’t it?”
“I hope to use the nine months wisely,” Lan Wangji said, tilting his head in agreement. He glanced back at his mirror, tucking one last piece of hair into place. He heard Lan Xichen chuckle.
“You’ll be pleased to know then that a container of my famous snickerdoodles is waiting for you on the kitchen counter.” Lan Xichen hummed.
“Thank you,” Lan Wangji murmured. There was a sense of relief at the fact that he had nine months before Wei Wuxian would have to seriously meet his family.
“Perhaps I’ll swing by Jiang Solutions myself,” Lan Xichen thought out loud.
Then again, his brother always was an overachiever.
“Ge,” Lan Wangji sighed.
“Just to say hello!”
Lan Wangji leveled a glare at him.
“You are always so adorable when you’re mad,” Lan Xichen chuckled. “Go, or you’ll be late for your bonding session.”
“Ge,” Lan Wangji sighed again as he moved past his brother. He never should have told him. Now he was never going to know a moment’s peace.
“Shall I start picking out baby names?” Lan Xichen called after him.
“Only if you're expecting,” Lan Wangji called back over his shoulder.
“Who’s expecting?” Their uncle’s head poked owlishly out of his library.
“Xichen,” Lan Wangji hummed.
“Really? About time.” Lan Qiren harrumphed while ducking back into his office. Lan Wangji let out a huff of laughter as he continued on his way, making sure to stop for the cookies on the way out.
“No external food.” Dr. Jinzhu’s greeted him as he signed in.
“It’s just cookies,” Lan Wangji felt his brow furrow. “I had a few before coming. There was nothing against them in the paperwork.”
“Food might contaminate the test room for other trials,” Dr. Jinzhu replied emotionlessly. “So no external food.” Lan Wangji’s jaw tightened, but he moved to put them into his bag. He’d just give them to Wei Wuxian for later. “No. Leave them at the desk.”
“I’m just going to give them to him for later.”
“Gift giving might interfere with the trail.” Dr. Jinzhu replied, meeting Lan Wangji’s glare with an equally cold one. “Leave them at the desk.”
Lan Wangji’s teeth ground together as he set the tupperware on the counter.
“Can it be gifted anonymously?” Lan Wangji took the blank stare as a no. “I will return for these.” He made his threat clear in his tone. Lan Xichen’s cookies weren’t to be enjoyed by just anyone.
“If you're done,” Dr. Jinzhu arched an eyebrow. Lan Wangji nodded, lifting his briefcase off of the counter.
He exhaled through his nose, it was a minor setback. He didn’t need the cookies. He’d done just fine without cookies last week. He repeated it to himself as he followed Dr. Jinzhu down the hallway. He felt hope build in his chest. The only way their relationship could go was up.
Not even the smell of sterile air that greeted him as he entered the testing room could convince him otherwise. They’d been placed in a different room, one without a couch. Most of the room was taken up by a large table, where Wei Wuxian sat typing away at a laptop.
His teeth were caught on his lower lip, sucking on it as he concentrated on his work. His hair showed a bit more growth, at least on the top. Lan Wangji’s eyes were drawn to what looked like new nicks on the side. Before he had time to greet Wei Wuxian, his phone rang.
“Yu Ziyuan’s assistant, how may I help you,” Wei Wuxian greeted in a perfect customer service voice. Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian’s entire being straighten at the sound of the voice on the other end of the line. He softly set his briefcase down, Wei Wuxian’s eyes flickering to him at the sound. His head tilted to pin the phone between his ear and his shoulder as his hands moved to type. “Of course Ma’am.” He paused. “Right away.”
Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian hang up.
“Good afternoon,” Lan Wangji nodded as he sat down in the chair to the right of Wei Wuxian. He let his scent out once he was seated, Wei Wuxian’s releasing moment’s later in response.
“Glad yours is going well,” Wei Wuxian sighed in greeting as he dropped his phone on the table. Lan Wangji watched his hands fly across the keyboard.
“Is yours not going well?” Lan Wangji questioned. Wei Wuxian sighed in response.
“That would be putting it lightly.”
Before he could elaborate, Wei Wuxian’s phone was ringing again. His hand flashed out, bringing it back to his ear as he answered again in the same chipper customer service voice. Now, seated at his side Lan Wangji could hear the barking female voice on the other side of the line. Wei Wuxian’s scent wilting with each rapping demand.
“Of course,” Wei Wuxian supplied the moment the voice stopped. That seemed to only incite it further as it came barking back to life. “I’ll get right on it. You won’t even know it happened.”
Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian’s entire body flinch as he heard a slamming noise from the other end of the phone. Lan Wangji pushed more of his scent out, hoping to soothe. Instead he got a nervous smile as Wei Wuxian’s own scent slowly fluttered back to life.
“Sorry, crisis,” Wei Wuxian chuckled.
“One only you can fix,” Lan Wangji nodded.
“Ah no,” Wei Wuxian chuckled nervously. “But I caused it so it’s my mess to clean up.”
“What did y-”
“I’m sorry Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian offered a sheepish smile as his phone rang. “I got to take this.”
Lan Wangji hummed, hoping his disappointment didn’t show on his face. Then he remembered it wouldn’t, thanks to those good old alpha genes. He opened his briefcase, pulling out the pile of editing work. He glanced over at Wei Wuxian, hoping he wouldn’t notice it was already done.
After fifteen minutes Lan Wangji was worried Wei Wuxian would notice him at all.
At forty five, Wei Wuxian surprised Lan Wangji by flying to collect his things.
“Wei Ying?”
“I’ve got to duck out a few minutes early,” Wei Wuxian offered breathlessly. “I’ll make it up next week, it won’t interfere with the testing.” He moved on to assure. “See you next week!”
But he didn’t make it up next week.
Or the week after.
Lan Wangji felt the furrow in his brow get deeper and deeper each week they met. Wei Wuxian never stopped working, or more accurately it was like Madam Yu never stopped calling. There always seemed to be something that needed to be done, and Wei Wuxian had to do it. With each of her calls came the withdrawal of Wei Wuxian’s scent.
“Any questions or concerns?” Dr. Jinzhou asked after about a month of this.
“I am concerned,” Lan Wangji couldn’t help but bring up. “Wei Ying’s scent is often withdrawn due to his focus on work. Information I’ve read implies that for this to work, higher levels are needed.”
“I will bring it up to him,” Dr. Jinzhou nodded after a moment’s consideration. “Anything else?”
“No,” Lan Wangji shook his head. He felt bad enough bringing this up. Like he was some pining alpha desperate for attention.
He couldn’t lie about his excitement when he came into the room the following week and was greeted with the smell of cinnamon and bergamot. It only fell slightly when he found the man tucked away in a corner on the floor, typing away as usual. Lan Wangji found he had a tendency to do that, almost as if he was making a nest out of his work materials.
“Oh,” Wei Wuxian jumped when the door closed behind Lan Wangji. His body didn't turn, only his eyes flickering over. “Lan Zhan, hello!” He greeted.
“Good afternoon Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji greeted. “Are you well?”
“Busy, as usual,” Wei Wuxian smiled back, his gaze dropping down to the laptop.
Maybe it was their combined scents in the air that gave Lan Wangji the courage to ask.
“Do you want to play a game?”
Wei Wuxian’s head jerked up, his silver eyes blinking slowly.
“I have a lot of work to do,” Wei Wuxian offered.
“Take a break.”
“The great Lan Wangji asking me to take a break?” Wei Wuxian laughed. “Maybe I do need to take one.” He teased.
“There’s board games,” Lan Wangji motioned to the few boxes on the book shelf. “Chess, checkers, sorry.” He read off the titles. He glanced back to Wei Wuxian, seeing him hesitating. Teeth coming out to tug at his lower lip.
“You used to play chess back in highschool right?” Wei Wuxian finally shifted away from the wall, closing the laptop. Lan Wangji nodded as hope blossomed in his chest. “Let's do that.”
Lan Wangji turned and pulled the game out. He moved to the couch, nearly dropping the box at the sight of Wei Wuxian’s face. Tucked into the corner, Lan Wangji hadn’t seen it before now. Nearly swelling shut, Wei Wuxian had a large black eye. Concealer had been smeared over it, but nothing could be done to hide the swelling.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji’s hand jerked up, moving to touch the eye. His hand froze as he saw Wei Wuxian flinch at the movement. “What happened?”
“You know me, always in a rush,” Wei Wuxian laughed uneasily. “Wasn’t paying attention and face planted into the pavement. It looks worse than it is. Do you want to be white or black?”
“You pick,” Lan Wangji replied, his hand awkwardly dropping.
“I’ll be black,” Wei Wuxian leaned forward to collect the pieces. “I’ve got the eye for it after all.” He winked.
“I have a cream,” Lan Wangji offered. “To reduce bruising.”
“Oh! That would be great!” Wei Wuxian smiled as he set up the pieces. “Madam Yu isn’t fond of having this,” He gestured to his eye. “In meetings, the sooner it goes away the better.”
“Do you enjoy working for her?” Lan Wangji questioned as they finished setting up the pieces. With a quick glance he moved his first pawn.
“It keeps me busy,” Wei Wuxian shrugged, wrapping his arms around his knees as he brought them to his chest. He glanced over the board, bringing out a knight for his first move. “It’s not like I can do much else.”
“I did not picture you becoming a PA in highschool,” Lan Wangji noted. He heard a dry chuckle from Wei Wuxian. “Nor one so dedicated.” He added moving another pawn.
“I’m thankful Madam Yu gave me a position,” He replied. “This way I can help with the company too.”
“Is Jiang Wanyin involved?”
“Yeah!” Wei Wuxian nodded. “Although he isn’t here very often. Madam Yu has him traveling, working with our satellite headquarters and setting up new ones. The traveling can be rough for him sometimes, but he enjoys the work!”
“Will Jiang Wanyin be taking over once Yu Ziyuan retires?”
“Probably,” Wei Wuxian nodded. “Although she’s still going strong, the company can be stressful. We haven’t exactly had the easiest time since Uncle Jiang died.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Lan Wangji tried to keep the suprise from his voice. He had assumed Jiang Solutions had been thriving. They were one of the biggest in their field, it was one of the reasons why Lan Corporations considered partnering with them. Regardless, whoever made the deal no doubt did their research.
“Which is why supporting her ia all the more important,” Wei Wuxian shrugged it off. “I’ll be an old hand at it by the time Jiang Wanyin takes over. Then I’ll be a PA for him!”
“You plan on remaining a PA?”
“I mean what else can I do?” Wei Wuxian laughed.
“You’re a talented individual,” Lan Wangji felt his brow furrow.
“Talented,” Wei Wuxian snorted. “I never stuck with anything long enough to get good at it. Half baked skills aren't going to get me a job anywhere else, unless I want to switch to something like retail or food service."
“You’ve been a PA for years,” Lan Wangji rebutted. “You could easily transition into other office work.”
“No one would hire me,” Wei Wuxian sighed, propping his chin on his knees. His hand reached out to slide his pawn forward. Lan Wangji quickly leaned in to take it with his bishop, stuttering to a stop when he saw Wei Wuxian flinch out of the corner of his eye. He would have written it off, if his scent hadn’t wavered at the same time.
Lan Wangji felt his brow furrow again. Their conversation shifted to something benign as the pieces moved. Every time Lan Wangji reached out too quickly, or dropped a piece, there was an almost instantaneous reaction from Wei Wuxian. From flinching, to his arms tightening around his own legs. Perhaps most telling of all was the way his scent receded, only to return as if Wei Wuxian had realized it had. All of it made Lan Wangji’s stomach sink lower and lower as his worries started to take form.
Someone had done something to Wei Wuxian.
“Checkmate,” Wei Wuxian offered softly as he set down his bishop. Lan Wangji’s attention turned back to the game, his eyes running over all the possible options.
“Good job,” Lan Wangji hummed. He wouldn’t demean Wei Wuxian’s win by saying he’d been too distracted gauging the omegas reaction to pay attention. He knew Wei Wuxian could beat him even if he wasn’t distracted. He leaned forward, quickly packing away the pieces.
“Thank you,” Wei Wuxian offered softly. “It was fun.”
“We should play again,” Lan Wangji nodded. “Perhaps on our date.”
He caught a flash of pain dancing across Wei Wuxian’s face at the word, but it was quickly covered by a smile and a breathless laugh.
“Yeah,” He offered. “I should get back to work.”
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji stopped him. Reflexively his hand reached out, latching around Wei Wuxian’s wrist. He didn’t expect such a visceral reaction in the man, his scent souring as he ripped his hand from Lan Wangji’s grasp. Every muscle tensing in his body as if he was preparing for a fight. “Did someone do this to you?” His eyes flickered to Wei Wuxian’s eye.
“I told you, I just face planted into the pavement.” Wei Wuxian retreated to his corner, his laptop settling on his lap like a shield.
“Wei Ying-”
“I just face planted, okay!” Wei Wuxian snapped.
Every instinct was telling Lan Wangji that there was more to the story. He wanted to pry the story out of Wei Wuxian, and then go return the black eye to whoever had given it to him, personally. As he watched Wei Wuxian tuck himself tighter into his corner, he pushed those instincts down. Prying would only hurt Wei Wuxian more. No, he'd have to prove to Wei Wuxian he could be trusted. Something that might be easier if they weren't a placebo group, if they actually formed a pack bond. Since they weren't, Lan Wangji would just have to figure out how to do it on his own.
“I apologize,” Lan Wangji offered, sitting down on the couch and trying to look as unthreatening as possible. He caught Wei Wuxian looking at him out of the corner of his eye, his teeth catching on his lower lip.
If he was going to say something, it was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing.
“Yu Ziyuan’s assistant, how can I help you?”
The phone call lasted well until Dr. Jinzhu came to collect Lan Wangji. He turned back to Wei Wuxian, giving him a wave since he was still on the phone. He got a half wave back, the scent of cinnamon and bergamot leaching from the air with each step Lan Wangji took towards the door.
Lan Wangji’s hands moved on autopilot as he filled out the usual questionnaire. His mind mulling over the problem. If Wei Wuxian was mugged he’d be feeling insecure, it would definitely reflect his desire to corner himself. He’d probably be residing in a nest if he could. Lan Wangji was an alpha from outside his pack, which meant their session just put him further on edge. If they were on the actual drug, then Wei Wuxian might have been comforted by him rather than on edge. Maybe if he let it drop he’d helped others with similar situations, or if he could prove he could protect Wei Wuxian. The question was how he could do either of those. He supposed he could mention he’d kept up with martial arts.
Lan Wangji’s thoughts shifted as he saw a figure in a purple pantsuit.
“Madam Yu,” He called out before he could think twice. He watched Madam Yu turn, her narrowed eyes widening as she recognized him.
“Lan Wangji,” Madam Yu smiled. “I hope your participation in our trials is going well.”
“It is,” Lan Wangji nodded. “I am worried for Wei Ying.” He pressed. He saw Madam Yu’s eyebrow raise. “I think he might have been mugged, or attacked. Do you know anything about it?”
“He hasn’t said anything to me about it,” Madam Yu shook her head. Her arms crossed over her chest. “What makes you think he was attacked?”
“He’s on edge,” Lan Wangji explained. “Jumps when I enter his space unexpectedly, his scent is stressed. Then there is the black eye.”
“You certainly notice a lot about him.”
“I,” Lan Wangji stammered as his ears flushed bright red. “I am fond of him, not just because we’re trial partners.”
“I will speak with him,” Madam Yu replied. Her eyes narrowed.
“I do not wish to force him,” Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed at the coldness in Madam Yu’s voice. “I just want to help him.” Protect him, his mind added to the end.
“The only way to help that boy is to push him,” Madam Yu replied tersely, her attention falling to her phone as it went off. Lan Wangji felt his brow furrow further at her tone. “This will be dealt with by next week.”
Before Lan Wangji could protest, Madam Yu was marching off.
The sinking feeling in Lan Wangji’s stomach only grew.
Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω-Α-Ω
Lan Wangji’s grip tightened on his bag. He knew Dr. Jinzhu had never searched it before, but he couldn’t help but worry this would be the day they did. He’d hidden the cream in the bottom of his bag, under his editing papers. They’d only find it with a detailed search. Knowing them they’d see it as a gift and confiscate it. He couldn’t lose it, it was the only way he could think to prove to Wei Wuxian that he could help.
His vice-like grip didn’t loosen until he was in the testing room. He exhaled as the door shut behind him, his scent releasing with the same motion. It pulled Wei Wuxian’s head up from where he was bent over his laptop, his black eye just as bad as it had been the week before.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji exhaled as he crossed to sit next to him on the couch. “I brought the cream.”
“Cream?” Wei Wuxian blinked.
“For your eye,” Lan Wangji nodded as he opened his briefcase, quickly fishing out the cream he’d stashed.
“Oh,” Wei Wuxian exhaled looking at the tub. “They let you bring it in here?”
“In theory,” Lan Wangji circled around the truth. They technically let him bring it in here, they just didn’t know they had.
“You snuck it in?” Wei Wuxian laughed, a smile turning up the corner of his mouth. “Perhaps I am a terrible influence on you.” He reached out to take the tub.
“Let me?” Lan Wangji murmured. He was pretty sure he surprised himself as much as Wei Wuxian, who’s hand stuttered to a stop. “There’s no mirror,” He reeled as he tried to explain his boldness. “Wouldn’t want to get it in your eye.”
“I mean, it’s a little swollen shut.” Wei Wuxian flushed. Disappointment weighed down on Lan Wangji, the thoughts of being stupid close behind. “Okay.”
One single word was enough to send Lan Wangji soaring. He felt the corners of his mouth turn up. He settled further into the couch, angling his body towards Wei Wuxian. As he unscrewed the top, Wei Wuxian set his laptop down on the coffee table, fidgeting with his hands as he turned to face Lan Wangji.
“Closer,” Lan Wangji hummed, shifting closer on the couch himself. Wei Wuxian shifted a bit closer. “Come closer,” Lan Wangji hummed.
“Lan Zhan, I’ll be in your lap if I’m any closer!” Wei Wuxian breathlessly laughed.
“Mn,” Lan Wangji hummed, feeling his ears flush bright red. Break one rule and suddenly he was the boldest man on earth. He patted his lap. “Put your legs here.”
“This seems excessive,” Wei Wuxian huffed, but there was a playful tone to it. He swung his legs up, bringing his butt flush against Lan Wangji’s leg.
“Hold please,” Lan Wangji held the tub out. Wei Wuxian hummed as he took the tub, holding it between them. Lan Wangji gently picked up some of the cream on his fingers, turning his attention to Wei Wuxian’s face.
Which made him realize how close they’d actually become. Lan Wangji’s heart stuttered, he could feel the air from Wei Wuxian’s nose skirting across his hand. His eyes flickered to the man’s lips, the small little mole right under the right corner. He took a deep breath, gently holding Wei Wuxian’s unbruised side of his face as he gently started working the first dollop of cream into his skin.
He felt Wei Wuxian exhale, his eyes fluttering closed as more of his weight pressed against Lan Wangji. His scent flooded around them, sweet notes of cinnamon and bergamot filling Lan Wangji’s senses.
“Let me know if I hurt you,” Lan Wangji murmured as his hand fell to the tub to get some more cream.
“Mn,” Wei Wuxian hummed in response. It sounded dazed, and it was followed by more of Wei Wuxian’s weight pressing into Lan Wangji. He merely hummed in response, shifting to support his weight a bit better.
Lan Wangji was certain Wei Wuxian could hear his heart pounding. He tried to keep himself calm, focusing on not pressing any harder then he had to on the tender bruised skin. Slowly, the majority of the bruise was coated in a soft shine from the cream. Only the areas too close to Wei Wuxian’s eye were left unattended. Lan Wangji carefully twisted the cap back on the tub, only stirring Wei Wuxian when he leaned to put the tub on the coffee table.
“Finished,” Lan Wangji offered softly.
Only to have his breath stutter to a stop as Wei Wuxian’s good eye flickered open. The dark pupil of his eye almost completely eclipsed the silver. The same eye flickered down to Lan Wangji’s lips, his head tilting to follow.
And then they were kissing.
The soft tentative press of their lips only lasted for a second. Wei Wuxian’s hand slid up, cupping the back of Lan Wangji’s neck as he pulled him closer, his own head tilting to give Lan Wangji’s better access. It was all the invitation Lan Wangji needed to dive in. His own hand came up to cup the back of Wei Wuxian’s neck, pulling a low moan from the omega.
Lan Wangji should have noticed it. He should have realized oil he felt on his fingers wasn’t left over from the cream. He should have noticed how sweet Wei Wuxian’s scent had become, far sweeter than a normal scent could be.
Instead he was lost in the feeling. Of having Wei Wuxian in his arms, wanting him. His own instincts roared to life the deeper and needier their kisses became
Mate.
Breed.
Bond.
“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian breathlessly gasped as Lan Wangji’s lips traveled down his jaw. His hands pawed at Lan Wangji’s suit coat. “Off!” He whined.
A demand he was all too willing to comply with.
Wet kisses were pressed to the skin as it was uncovered. The cushions joined the clothes on the ground as Lan Wangji rolled them down to it, the long lines of their bodies finally becoming flush with each other.
“Alpha,” Wei Wuxian moaned as his hips rocked up, they slid against each other in the wet slick mess that was spreading everywhere.
“Omega,” Lan Wangji breathed back as his kisses sloppily found their way back to Wei Wuxian’s neck. “My omega.” He purred against his scent gland.
“Yours,” Wei Wuxian keened as one of his legs hooked around Lan Wangji’s hip. His pelvis tilted and brushed Lan Wangji’s cock against the wet hot heat for the first time. “My alpha.”
Everything gave way, all semblance of thought. Lan Wangji would remember it in flashes, as with the memories of all his ruts. The tight wet heat contracting around him, giving way like it was made for him. The breathy moans that turned into shrieking wails. Hands tearing into his back, pulling him closer. Guiding his head. The metallic taste of blood exploding across his tongue. Memories following like strobing flashes of a camera.
The door flying open.
Shouts, people trying to take his omega away.
Shrieks of pain as more blood spilled across his tongue.
Alpha!
Then the whole world going black.