Tags and trigger warnings: Emetophilia, vomiting, whump, sickfic, fainting, hurt/comfort, cloud recesses study arc, worried Lan Zhan, Worried Jiang Cheng, non-sexual intimacy, caretaking, literal sleeping together

Summary: In which Wei Wuxian awakens one night to find himself sick.

Posted to Ao3: March 30th 2022

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It is a late yet quiet night at the Cloud Recesses when Wei Wuxian awakens, a soft miserable, and pained groan leaving his lips as he shifts slightly in bed trying to remove some of the blankets from his body.

It is hot, far too hot to him at the moment as if he was being roasted over an open flame. This left him feeling as if his body were being smothered by the blankets covering him as well as his under robes he had been sleeping in.

His mind is hazy, blanketed with a thick fog that makes his thoughts feel sluggish forming slower than a snail's pace. The usual gentle ambient noises of the Cloud Recesses come to his ears muffled as if he's underwater.

One thing does manage to pierce through the fog in his mind with startling clarity, however, and that is pain. A horrible vicious throb that wraps around his skull, leaving him feeling as if someone were trying to run his eyes through with a dagger.

Wei Wuxian winces, grimacing when his stomach makes a harsh gurgling noise that brings with it a wave of horribly sickening nausea that nearly steals his breath away leaving him slightly lightheaded.

He shakily brings a hand to his stomach and even that seems like a monumental task, his normal quick and light way of moving becoming sluggish and clunky due to whatever illness was plaguing him at the moment. This leaves his limbs feeling abnormally heavy, as if each limb had been chained to a boulder.

He can't help but cringe when he feels his stomach churning violently beneath his fingertips, the organ writhing like a nest of angry vipers. It's a bit bloated as well at least from what he can register, his fingers sinking slightly into the soft skin there.

Initially, when he had woken up in this state his first thought had been that perhaps he was hungover, having overdone it on the few jars of alcohol he'd managed to sneak into the Cloud Recesses to share with his brother Jiang Cheng and his friend Nie Huiasang.

Both boys were his partners in crime in a sense, although Jiang Cheng more begrudgingly so. Alcohol was only one of the numerous things forbidden in the Cloud Recesses clearly written among the other 2999 rules carved into the mountain face known as the Wall of discipline. Still, that had never stopped Wei Wuxian before, often finding that the Cloud Recesses were often too dull not to mention strict, it was all in good fun to him and that went a long way to keeping himself entertained.

And yet the second he had registered all of his other symptoms he knew it wasn't a hangover, his alcohol tolerance was very high after all not to mention it had felt very different from any hangover he'd experienced in the past. No, he'd recognize this feeling anywhere, he was sick.

Truthfully he isn't too shocked, as a young child he was often more susceptible to sickness than most children. Still, he is surprised that it took him so long to fall ill, then again perhaps it was a bit of misfortune latching on to him for always causing mischief not as if he wouldn't do it again, and again if he could. Honestly, he'd probably picked up some kind of bug from the Cold Spring Caves which wouldn't be surprising to him either.

Cringing when his stomach seems to flip inside of him, emitting a soft gurgling noise beneath his hand, he presses his lips together muffling the small nauseated hiccup that bubbles out of him.

Swallowing thickly he shakes his head slightly as he opens his eyes a bit, a scowl on his face. Perhaps he should go to the healer's hall? Something was clearly very wrong with him and for once it wasn't something of his own making.

But instead, he decides not to, not only because he didn't feel like being poked and prodded at, but also because he's exhausted and doesn't even know if he can walk without assistance at the moment.

He closes his eyes again as he gently rubs his stomach, closing his mouth to muffle another sickly sounding hiccup that tries to escape.

Rubbing his stomach is seemingly helping to ever so slightly ease the nausea there, making it not as overwhelming as it had been. Eventually, despite the illness leaving him feeling as if he'd been run over by two ox-drawn carts, he manages to fall back into a rather fitful sleep.

~~~

When he wakes up again Wei Ying isn't truly sure what time it is but he does know that someone is shaking him and his body absolutely despises it. The shaking is gentle yet firm, someone is gripping his shoulder, but no matter how gentle it is it has him feeling as if his brain is rolling around his skull and his stomach feels as though it's a jar of water being violently shaken.

His stomach lurches slightly, clenching beneath the hand he still has resting on it, his meal from last night along with the alcohol he'd consumed sloshing violently in his gut and he swallows thickly almost frantically, faintly tasting sour and bitter bile at the back of his throat. Closing his mouth to muffle another hiccup, he opens his eyes slightly.

The first thing he sees is a very familiar face, and a rather familiar annoyed-looking scowl on said face as Jiang Cheng stares at him.

"Jiang Cheng," Wei Wuxian muttered, blinking slowly. Seeing movement behind his shoulder he notices Nie Huiasang curiously peering over Jiang Cheng's shoulder, and he can't help but think Nie Huiasang looks a bit concerned.

Jiang Cheng crosses his arms with a soft huff. "You're lucky I decided to wake you. Hurry or we'll be late for class."

Wei Wuxian merely blinks for a moment before slowly and shakily sitting up, a shuddering breath leaving his lips as he sits there for a moment or two. "Class..." he murmured, the haze blanketing his mind making it a bit difficult to process Jiang Cheng's words.

"Yes, that is what I said," Jiang Cheng sighed, shaking his head. "Honestly..."

Wei Wuxian doesn't catch what else Jiang Cheng said although he has no doubt that he's probably being chastised again for his behavior, as usual. Truthfully he's too exhausted, simply sitting up had taken what little energy he did have at the moment, while any remaining energy he may have had was being put into swallowing back the bile trying to surge up his throat.

Nie Huiasang watches the pair with concerned eyes, noting that Wei Wuxian didn't look too good at the moment. Nearly all color had been drained from his skin, and his under robes seemed soaked with sweat, and although he can't see his face due to the other's long black hair being untied and in the way, Nie Huiasang wouldn't have been surprised if his eyes were glazed over or unfocused.

"Jiang Wanyin...perhaps it would be best to let him rest," Nie Huiasang suggested hesitantly, when Wei Wuxian slumped forward slightly, clearly falling asleep sitting up.

Jiang Wanyin gave another huff as he looked back at Nie Huiasang, who instantly hid his face behind his folding fan when met with the other's usual scowl and piercing eyes. "He's hungover and he truly only has himself to blame," he told Nie Huiasang, sounding as if he'd just told him that the sky was blue.

Turning back to Wei Wuxian he gives his shoulder a quick shake, freezing when Wei Wuxian gives a soft, yet almost sloppy, wet sounding hiccup, his body tensing under Jiang Cheng's touch.

Wei Ying had already thought he'd been feeling awful, but the rather rough shake Jiang Cheng gives him seems to make his stomach swirl like a tornado, a wave of dizzying nausea slamming into him viciously. He feels lightheaded and his senses are so scrambled at the moment that he doesn't bother stopping the hiccup that leaves his mouth.

Wei Wuxian's stomach lurches and he can feel the stinging burn of bile surging up his throat. He has just enough awareness to lean over the edge of the bed towards the floor.

Jiang Cheng jumps back shocked at the display as Nie Huiasang quickly rushes forward, placing the small wooden trash can he'd grabbed from the corner of the room in front of Wei Ying just as a loud gurgling retch leaves the other's lips. A surge of thick, pale, lumpy slightly watery vomit sprays from his lips splattering heavily into the trash can.

And for a moment Jiang Cheng can only watch his eyes wide in shock, it is only when Wei Wuxian whimpers, a soft yet desperate sound of misery that he moves. A deep frown appears on his face as he gathers Wei Wuxian's long black hair back and out of the line of fire as Wei Wuxian retches again, the noise becoming garbled halfway through, as if he's choking on some type of fluid, sending more of that thick lumpy pale slurry splattering heavily into the trash can.

The sight of the undigested remnants of his own dinner clearly visible in the lumpy mixture only has Wei Wuxian retching violently again.

Truthfully this isn't the first time Jiang Cheng has had to do this, holding his brother's hair back for him as the other was violently ill. Normally though that was because Wei Wuxian had overestimated his alcohol tolerance when the two of them were a bit younger, Wei Wuxian would often do the same for Jiang Cheng as well.

As Jiang Cheng's hand goes to Wei Wuxian's back however he does register something he hadn't noticed before in his initial attempts to rouse him. Heat. He can feel heat practically radiating off of Wei Wuxian's skin.

Nie Huiasang gives a sigh of relief. "Just quick enough, thank the heavens I had the foresight to grab the trash can," he muttered to himself more so than the other two.

He flinched though, cringing slightly when a loud gurgling almost echoing burp leaves Wei Ying's mouth with another thick surge of pale vomit spraying into the trash can. Wei Ying almost looks as if he's in pain as he chokes up the rancid mixture, and considering the consistency of it reminds Nie Huiasang of freshly wet mud he has no doubt that he is especially if the tears in Wei Ying's eyes are anything to go off of.

Eventually, Wei Wuxian leans back slightly sniffling as wet coughs still leave his mouth. He seems a bit dazed, merely blinking away the tears in his eyes as threads of bile and drool lazily drips from his lips into the sickening mess in the trash can.

Wei Wuxian's head is absolutely killing him, leaving his brain feeling almost numb as he sits there trying to break through not only the feverish haze clouding his mind but also the dizzying nausea still assaulting him.

Throwing up had not in fact made things better, as now not only did he have a sore stomach and raw throat to add to his list of ailments, but also an absolutely vile taste coated his mouth, the sharp bitter taste of bile mixing with the rancidly sour taste of his dinner. This 'taste', if Wei Wuxian could even truly describe it as such considered it seemed more like a torture or punishment method, has him leaning forward again to gag weakly over the wooden trash can although he brings nothing up.

Jiang Cheng slowly releases his brother's hair, allowing the black strands to spill over his shoulders once more. Jiang Cheng seems almost hesitant as he steps back simply staring at Wei Wuxian as the other coughs softly and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.

He's noticing things he hadn't before when he intentionally believed that Wei Wuxian was hungover. The slight red flush on Wei Wuxian's pale face. The dazed almost muted look to his normally sharp yet mischievous eyes made a strangely uncomfortable feeling well up in Jiang Cheng's chest. Wei Wuxian was always energetic and full of joy so seeing him in such a dazed and exhausted almost docile state, seemed wrong somehow.

"That was so awful," Wei Wuxian whined, seemingly more aware after his vomiting episode.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Jiang Cheng sighed softly, his expression relaxing from its usual scowl as he pushed down something akin to guilt. "Stay in bed for today. Don't bother coming to class," he told Wei Wuxian.

Wei Ying scowled slightly sniffling then he smiled. "I'm fine, I'm fine Jiang Cheng."

"Wei- xiong , I believe Jiang Wanyin is right in this regard. You seem to need a bit more rest," Nie Huiasang said, a slight smile on his face.

Wei Wuxian scowls slightly, he feels absolutely horrendous at the moment and wants to just go back to sleep truthfully but at the same time laying in bed all day would be boring. And if there was one thing he disliked it was being bored.

He's quiet for a moment or two before giving an almost dramatic-sounding sigh. "I suppose I can just stay here for a bit."

Jiang Cheng gives an almost inaudible snort, although if Wei Wuxian was agreeing to do what he said without putting up much of a fight then he was feeling well and truly awful. This admittedly has Jiang Cheng worried but he doesn't voice his concerns, instead turning and leaving the room.

Wei Ying simply watches him leave a small knowing smile on his face. He knows that Jiang Cheng is worried about him in his own way. After a brief talk with Nie Huiasang, with Nie Huiasang asking if he needs anything, Wei Ying is left alone in the room.

He slumps forward slightly, his exhaustion hitting him all at once. His body trembles as his head pounds and his stomach churns, the faint rancid scent of vomit lingering in the room only adds to the nausea still settled in the pit of his stomach.

Wei Wuxian still feels incredibly hot, the type of unbearable heat that strikes on the most humid of days leaving you feeling as though it is draining all of your strength.

Sighing softly he slowly lays back down, resting on his right side so that he's facing the edge of the bed just in case his stomach decides to turn itself inside out again. Wei Wuxian cringes slightly, a grimace on his face as he places his hand on his stomach, when a dull ache squeezes it.

It feels absolutely horrible and sickening as if someone were tying his stomach into a knot, he can feel it clenching and bubbling beneath his fingertips. It's still bloated as well and tender, his fingers sinking slightly into the normally lean skin there.

He's careful as slowly rubs at his stomach, hoping that since it had settled his stomach a bit last night, that it would do the same now. Closing his eyes Wei Ying takes slow, careful breaths in through his mouth although he groans bringing his other hand up to cover his mouth when a wave of intense nausea rolls over him, a wet sickly sounding hiccup leaving his mouth.

Swallowing thickly and trying to ignore the stale taste of vomit still coating his mouth, Wei Ying opens his eyes slightly, only to close them again with a miserable groan when the world seems to be tilting and swaying before his eyes as if he were on a boat.

An intense, dizzying wave of nausea rolls over Wei Ying leaving him breathless and lightheaded. He feels something warm trickling from the corner of his mouth and knows that he's no doubt drooling considering that he can barely swallow any of it back at all in his currently dazed state.

He eventually swallows frantically almost convulsively, his breath shuddering as he tries to get his bearings even slightly, He's shivering slightly, his teeth beginning to chatter as they always did when he found himself feeling too nauseous.

His stomach makes a harsh gurgling noise, practically snarling at him as its contents boil like a cauldron shifting and rippling beneath his fingertips. It is a very unnerving and uncomfortable feeling, Wei Ying doesn't know if it's the fever or what but it almost seems like he can actually feel the contents of his stomach brushing against its walls.

He shifts slightly curling further in on himself as another wet, sickly sound hiccup jolts his body, muffled by both his hand and the fact that he has his mouth closed.

He attempts to rub his stomach once more, desperate for any kind of relief at this point. But sadly it only seems to be further agitating his stomach and by extension his nausea, his frayed nerves punishing him for the extra stimuli.

Wei Ying's body jolts with a loud rumbling burp, audible even though his mouth is closed and he scrambles to quickly sit up as it brings a surge of his stomach contents with it, flooding his mouth as his cheeks bulge out. The quick motion of him sitting up has his stomach sloshing violently causing it to heave and forcing more of its contents into his mouth.

It is disgusting and vile, reminding Wei Ying of some kind of morbid soup.

Wei Ying manages to lean over the edge of the bed, his hand shakily leaving his mouth to move his hair back and out of the way just as his stomach heaves again forcing his mouth open as an enormous surge of semi watery, smoothie-like vomit pours from his lips. In his haste to not ruin the blankets or bed, he doesn't aim properly resulting in some of the slurry splattering the floor and the edge of the trash can before he leans forward a bit further towards the trash can.

He gets no chance to breathe as he gags harshly, the noise sounding as if it's raking its way across his throat becoming garbled halfway through as another surge of semi-watery vomit sprays from his lips.

As the stream eventually tapers off, Wei Ying coughs as he blinks the tears away from his eyes. He glances at the slight mess on the floor panting as drool drips from his lips, then glances at the trash can in front of him which was already halfway full.

A sigh leaves his mouth as he releases his hair, putting his head in his hands for a moment. Wei Wuxian can already tell that this is going to be a long, long day.

~~~

Wei Wuxian was not present in class that morning, this isn't very surprising to Lan Wangji at least considering Wei Wuxian had shown a track record of such behavior.

Still, Lan Wangji finds himself clenching his fist in his lap ever so slightly. The smallest and briefest of scowls forming on his face in light of Wei Wuxian's repeated disrespect and disregard for the rules of the Cloud Recesses, as well as his elders.

Wei Wuxian was always causing mischief, being late to class, or just outright not showing up to them in favor of amusing himself by way of pranks or playing games. Lan Wangji had tried again and again to keep a cool head in regard to the matter, patience was a virtue one must diligently practice after all, and yet around Wei Wuxian, he had trouble doing so in a way he never had before.

The boy managed to goad Lan Wangji nearly every time into giving him the entertaining reaction he desperately sought. It was frustrating and irritating and yet Lan Wangji often found Wei Wuxian's playful enthusiasm interesting in a way, almost infectious.

Lan Wangji shouldn't care as much as he does that Wei Wuxian is not present in class especially considering he knows how Wei Wuxian is truthfully and yet he does. He cares a lot more than he would like to admit and it baffles him to no end.

Interestingly enough Lan Wangji does take note that Jiang Wanyin and Nie Huiasang, Wei Wuxian's usual two partners in crime, arrive a moment or two late to class. So he has a feeling that Wei Wuxian wouldn't be too far behind.

As the class continues to progress no one truly pays attention to the fact that Wei Wuxian is absent, most of the students focused on their classwork and notes without disruption due to his antics.

Besides the instructor, Lan Qiren, giving Wei Wuxian's seat a brief glance at the start of class however he says nothing. As the time wears on however Lan Wangji can see his face grow, more and more irritated deep scowl slowly carving its way into his face.

Lan Wangji finds himself occasionally glancing towards the door to the classroom waiting for the moment Wei Wuxian stumbles through the doorway, his robes ruffled and wrinkled, and his usual half-hearted excuses leaving his lips. And yet as it draws closer to the halfway mark for the class that never happens.

Lan Qiren calls for a break in the class at the usual time, to give the students a chance to absorb the knowledge they'd just learned as well as talk quietly amongst themselves if they so wished.

With that scowl ever-present on his face, Lan Qiren turns slightly and silently beckons Jiang Wanyin over to him. As the boy quickly rushes to obey, Lan Wangji rises to his feet as well and approaches, although he keeps a respectable distance until Lan Qiren acknowledges him with a small nod.

Lan Qiren turned his attention back to Jiang Wanyin, a rather deep frown on his face as the young man gave him a respectful bow. Crossing his arms Lan Qiren spoke, "Jiang Cheng, where is Wei Ying?"

Jiang Wanyin's face twitched ever so slightly in the faintest hint of a grimace and while Lan Wangji isn't sure he thinks that he looks almost uncomfortable for some reason. "I apologize Lan Qiren, Wei Wuxian wasn't feeling well this morning so he decided to rest in our room."

As Jiang Wanyin speaks Lan Wangji notices movement out of the corner of his eye, Lan Wangji glances over briefly in that direction noting that Nie Huiasang looked almost, surprised by Jiang Wanyin's answer, although Nie Huiasang quickly hides his face behind his upright textbook on the table when he realizes Lan Wangji is glance over at him.

Jiang Wanyin's words however made no sense to neither Lan Wangji nor Lan Qiren especially considering Wei Wuxian track record of mischievous behavior, while Jiang Wanyin wouldn't lie to either of them especially when put on the spot, Wei Wuxian would, and so that didn't rule out the possibility of Wei Wuxian lying to Jiang Wanyin knowing he'd tell Lan Qiren the excuse if asked.

Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji's eyes meet, and Lan Qiren gave him a slight nod to which Lan Wangji returns, understanding the other's intent. If Wei Wuxian was out causing trouble without either two of his partners in crime present , most notably Jiang Wanyin who often acted as Wei Wuxian's common sense, it was best to find him and stop him immediately. After all, leaving Wei Wuxian unsupervised was equivalent to allowing a small child to play with matches and fireworks.

The last time neither Jiang Wanyin nor Nie Huiasang were with Wei Wuxian when he decided to cause trouble, the young man had attempted to sneak alcohol into the Cloud Recesses past the 9 pm curfew and wound up getting into a small fight of sorts with Lan Wangji, who had tried to prevent him from entering as per the rules inscribed upon the Wall of Discipline.

~~~

Lan Wangji searches high and low for Wei Wuxian checking all the areas that the young man often went to, convincing himself that the only reason he had these areas memorized was so that he could find Wei Wuxian whenever he was about to cause mischief.

It had been quite a few or so minutes of searching for Lan Wangji but he couldn't find Wei Wuxian anywhere which was rather frustrating admittedly but Lan Wangji calms himself as he stops walking for a moment simply thinking.

Perhaps Wei Wuxian had left the Cloud Recesses altogether and went to Caiyi town? It wouldn't be the first time he'd snuck away from the Cloud Recesses after all, it was how Wei Ying frequently got the wine he brought into the Cloud Recesses along with quite a few other prohibited items. Lan Wangji is pondering if he should check the road leading to Caiyi town when something dawns on him.

There is one place that he had failed to check because he had been thoroughly convinced that Wei Wuxian had lied to Jiang Wanyin, it was the most obvious place as well. The room in the dormitory that Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian shared because the dormitory was where visiting disciples stayed.

Truthfully this realization made Lan Wangji feel rather foolish but he simply pushes that to the back of his mind as he begins walking in the direction of the dormitory, his steps slightly hurried yet still careful and quiet.

After the incident with the wine, the week before, Lan Wangji had no issues identifying the room that belonged to the Yunmeng brothers. At this time of day, this section of the Cloud Recesses is rather quiet, peacefully so considering that all of the guest disciples were in class.

Lan Wangji reaches out gently yet firmly knocking on the door to the room, making only as much noise as he needs to, and then he waits, listening intently. Since the area is quiet he can just make out the sound of shuffling and soft coughing from inside the room.

Scowling slightly, Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes. It would seem that Wei Wuxian was definitely inside and for some reason, he wasn't coming to the door. Lan Wangji could practically see Wei Wuxian hurriedly scrambling to cover up evidence of whatever prank he was planning to pull.

Lan Wangji knocked on the door again although this time a bit more forcefully, his guard up now so that he'd be ready for whatever prank Wei Wuxian had in store.

As Wei Wuxian slowly opens the door however Lan Wangji freezes, his eyes widening in surprise because Wei Wuxian looks well and truly awful at the moment.

His skin was white as a sheet, almost ashen save for the splotches of feverish blush on his cheeks and nose. His long black hair was down, tousled, and mused as if he'd just woken up and crawled out of bed. He was swaying slightly in place, his breathing soft yet labored as he leaned slightly against the door frame. He was also only wearing his under-robes, the white fabric sticking to his pale skin from the sweat coating it and Lan Wangji briefly glanced away slightly embarrassed.

Wei Ying blinks slowly for a moment, sniffling before his glassy gray eyes go up widening when he realizes Lan Wangji is standing in front of him. "Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian asked and Lan Wangji scowled slightly.

Wei Wuxian's voice is weak, airy almost, and hoarse the sound of it has Lan Wangji's chest tightening with guilt. He'd been utterly and completely convinced that Wei Wuxian was up to something as usual or even simply skipping class so he'd come ready to either lecture him or haul him off for disciplinary measures accordingly but now, well, Lan Wangji would need to be blind to miss that Wei Wuxian was quite obviously sick.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji begins but stops, a small frown on his face. It was written very clearly among the clan rules that lying was forbidden and Lan Wangji would be disgracing Gusu Lan, the clan founder if he did so. However, what he could do was stretch the truth if only slightly.

Lan Wangji takes a deep breath choosing his words carefully before he continues speaking. "Jiang Wanyin said that you were feeling ill and were resting in your room. Shufu requested that I check on you."

Wei Wuxian simply blinks for a moment as he processes Lan Wangji's words, hating how sluggish his mind was at the moment. Eventually, his shoulders relax a little, the faintest of smiles appearing on his face, and Lan Wangji can't help but think it looks a little sad, disappointed almost.

"Ahhh, so that's it," Wei Wuxian chuckled softly as he forced away his disappointment. He doesn't even know why he feels disappointed considering his own behavior and yet for some reason he is. "The old man wanted to make sure I wasn't causing trouble right? Tell him I'm practically half-dead, I couldn't do anything if I wanted to right now."

Lan Wangji grimaces ever so slightly and he admonishes himself, he should have known that even while sick Wei Ying was still rather sharp. Taking a deep breath, Lan Wangji speaks, choosing his words as carefully as before. "You appear to be rather ill, it would be inappropriate for me to leave you alone."

Wei Ying sniffles before giving another soft chuckle as he leans further on the door frame. It's hot, so, so hot and he feels incredibly dizzy, he can barely keep his legs from shaking. "Is Lan Zhan going to be my adorable nurse," Wei Ying joked, smiling a bit when his words have Lan Wangji quickly glancing away, the faintest hint of blush on his cheeks.

"I'm fine though honestly, Jiang Cheng was overacting like always," Wei Ying reassured him, waving away Lan Wangji's concern. As he speaks he pushes away from the door frame intending to close the door and go back inside to lay down once more.

Lan Wangji's yes widened when what little color left in Wei Wuxian's face seemed to drain away, his eyes fluttering as he swayed dangerously.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji exclaimed, nearly lunging forward and catching him by his arms when he began to fall. Lan Wangji's eyes widen, alarmed when he feels the sheer heat rolling off of Wei Wuxian's skin.

Wei Wuxian groans softly as he brings a hand to his face. "Sorry...just a bit dizzy," he said softly, seeming a bit dazed.

Lan Wangji scowled as he simply stared at him for a moment or two. It isn't often that Lan Wangji finds himself gripped with worry, but there was just something that seemed so wrong and uncomfortable about seeing someone like Wei Ying who was always so energetic, mischievous, and excitable be so quiet and docile. As if that fire always burning brightly in his eyes had been muted. "Please allow me to accompany you to the healers' hall."

Wei Ying looks up at him for a moment before shaking his head although he stops when it makes him feel like his brain is rattling around in his skull, and his stomach churn violently. Swallowing thickly, Wei Ying waits a moment to speak. "If you wanted a hug, Lan Zhan, you could've just asked," he said, his usual smile appearing on his face although it looked tired and strained to Lan Zhan. "Seriously though, I'll be fine."

Wei Wuxian moves, slowly drawing away from Lan Wang Ji he goes to return to his room but stops stunned when Lan Wangji walks past him. It's rude, yes, considering Wei Wuxian hadn't invited him in and Lan Wanji made a note to himself write lines to excuse it once Wei Wuxian had been tended to.

"Ah! Lan Zhan, really I'm fine-" Wei Ying begins quickly but stops closing his eyes and clutches at his head with one hand as a rush of dizzying nausea rushes over him, leaving him feeling lightheaded.

Lan Wangji quickly reached out, grabbing him by the upper arm to steady him when he swayed slightly. With his other hand, Lan Wangji reached out, gently nudging Wei Wuxian's fingers out of the way as he laid a hand on his forehead.

He can't help but give a sharp yet quiet inhale at the heat there, it's what he expected considering he'd felt it through Wei Ying's clothes just moments before but that didn't make it any less surprising. Wei Wuxian's skin is a bit dry as well which could be attributed to the sweat soaking his clothes. Wei Ying moans softly, his eyes closing as he leans into Lan Wangji's touch practically slumping against him. Lan Wangji finds himself glancing away feeling strangely flustered by Wei Wuxian's actions although for what reason he has no clue.

"I never knew your hands were this cool," Wei Wuxian muttered, practically nuzzling Lan Wangji's hand desperately seeking relief from the heat of the fever raging through his body that it brought.

Clearing his throat slightly Lan Wang Ji eventually speaks, for some reason his heart feels as though it's fluttering in his chest. "You have a high fever," he told Wei Ying. The other boy was practically leaning against his chest, and despite the circumstances, Lan Wangji couldn't help the small rush of excitement that the contact sent through him.

It almost made him afraid to move away, as if it were somehow a spell that would be broken if he did so.

Wei Wuxian nodded slightly at Lan Wangji's words. "I know," he murmured, his face pale. He opens his eyes slightly; only to immediately close them, swallowing thickly as he attempts to and fails to force back the soft hiccup bubbles out of him.

"Ugh...I think I need to sit down for a bit," Wei Ying told him, his voice softer than usual.

Lan Wangji nodded. "Yes, that would be wise."

Lan Wangji is careful as he slowly begins guiding Wei Ying to his bed. Wei Ying is strangely quiet as Lan Wangji helps him sit down, his eyes are closed as he does his best to take slow careful breaths to quell some of the nausea he was experiencing.

With Wei Ying now sitting down and the danger of him collapsing to the ground out of the way, Lan Wangji takes the chance to briefly look around the room. There was an empty cup of water sitting on the small nightstand near the head of the bed, and the blankets from Jiang Wanyin's bed had been taken and placed with Wei Ying's own on his bed.

Nearly the bedside was also a sour-smelling small wooden trash can.

Lan Wangji looks back at Wei Ying when the other gives another soft hiccup, and Wei Ying briefly brings the back of his hand to his mouth.

"Is your stomach causing you issues," Lan Wangji asked with a slight frown noting the slight almost green tinge Wei Ying's complexion now held. That combined with the way Lan Wangji can see his throat bobbing as he swallows almost convulsively has Lan Wangji a bit wary.

Wei Wuxian opened his eyes to look up at Lan Wangji, a soft yet shaky chuckle leaving his mouth. "Asking me such personal questions huh Lan Zhan?" Sighing softly Wei Ying shifts as he stretches, his stiff and aching joints popping here and there. "I'll be fine Lan Zhan, so you should leave. I wouldn't want you getting sick too."

Lan Wangji said nothing in response, merely staring at Wei Wuxian as he considered his next course of action. His first step should be to examine Wei Wuxian to make sure he truly didn't need to be taken to the healers' hall, even if Lan Wangji had to carry him there.

Moving a bit closer Lan Wang Ji crouches down slightly before Wei Ying, Lan Wangji reaches out gently taking Wei Ying's chin in his hands, and begins to gently run his fingers over the side of Wei Wuxian's neck.

The other boy jumped slightly at the contact, his eyes flying open and going wide. Lan Zhan's hands are a bit cold and feel amazing on his feverish skin. "Lan Zhan," Wei Ying murmured, confused.

"Be still," Lan Wangji told him when Wei Wuxian began squirming slightly. Lan Wangji frowned, "If you will not go to the healers then I must examine you to assure that what is causing your illness is not life-threatening. I am not proficient in medicine, but I am knowledgeable enough."

"Oh." Is all Wei Ying said in response, his voice soft as he relaxed. Lan Wangji practically feels his heart flutter in his chest when Wei Ying practically melts into his touch.

For the briefest of seconds, Lan Wangji finds himself staring at Wei Ying, his eyes roving over him, taking in his peaceful almost serene expression, the way his black hair framed his face, the fact that Wei Ying had rather long yet beautiful eyelashes, delicate in a way.

With his face flushing red, Lan Wangji glances away, admonishing himself for his indecent thoughts. He forces those feelings away, making another note to write more lines as a disciplinary action for his behavior.

Lan Wangji continues to examine Wei Wuxian, doing his damndest to ignore the way Wei Ying would give a soft almost inaudible whimper whenever Lan Wangji moved his hands desperately chasing the cold relief that they provide.

Lan Wangji finishes examining Wei Ying's neck, his hand moving to tilt Wei Ying's head back slightly as he checks each of his eyes, and Wei Ying follows his movements, those glassy stormy gray irises leaving Lan Wangji feeling as though Wei Ying is seeing right through him.

Lan Wangji continued his examination, feeling Wei Wuxian's eyes on him the entire time. He checks Wei Wuxian's temperature again, placing his hand on his forehead, he checks for injuries just in case something could be causing an infection, he checks Wei Wuxian's throat for any sign of inflammation, and finally, Lan Wangji tests his spiritual energy.

Besides the fever, dizziness, and nausea that Wei Ying seemed to be experiencing, Lan Wangji can find nothing else that warrants cause for immediate alarm.

However, as Lan Wangji grips Wei Ying's wrist to test his spiritual energy he can't help but immediately notice that Wei Ying's spiritual energy was fluctuating a bit, a little off.

Frowning deeply Lan Wangji looks at Wei Wuxian who was slumped on the bed, leaning against the wall looking as if he were fighting to stay awake. And now that he's this close Lan Wangji notices the faint dark circles beneath his eyes.

"How many days?"

Wei Ying opens his eyes slightly, blinking for a moment or two his movements sluggish and lethargic. "Huh," he mumbled, his words slurring ever so slightly. Wei Ying is exhausted in every sense of the word, the dizziness, nausea, and fever melding together to leave him in a dazed, lethargic state, a far cry from his usual self.

"How long have you been sick," Lan Wangji reiterates, making sure to speak slowly and clearly.

Wei Ying frowns for a moment and it is another moment or two before he answers, giving a small shrug before wincing slightly and bringing a hand to his stomach when pain streaks across it. The upset and tender organ practically thrashing beneath his fingers. "...I felt kinda off for the last few days. Then I woke up last night feeling horrible, managed to get back to sleep but...since this morning I haven't really been able to keep anything down," he mumbled.

Wei Ying gives a very soft chuckle before bringing the back of his hand to his mouth as a sickly sounding hiccup leaves his lips before he can stop it. "Probably something I picked up in the Cold Caves, or maybe karma is catching up to me," he said, his tone slightly joking in an effort to lighten the mood a bit.

Lan Wangji had done nothing but frown and scowl since he'd arrived and some part of Wei Ying couldn't help but wonder if it was because Lan Wangji was worried about him.

Lan Wangji's scowl deepens, "The Cold Caves."

Again Wei Ying shrugged slightly. "Maybe. For some reason as a kid, I always got sick pretty easily in Lotus pier, most of the time Jiang Cheng would stay with me. Figured I'd have outgrown it by now though."

Lan Wangji frowns at Wei Ying's words, noting that they sound strangely melancholy almost. Lan Wangji takes a deep breath, drawing back for a moment as he steals himself for the harder part of his examination.

"I ask that you please bear with me for a moment, I will be as gentle as possible but this may be slightly unpleasant," he told Wei Ying to which the other gave a soft hum confirming that he heard him.

And yet despite that Wei Ying still flinches, jumping back slightly with a soft hiss when Lan Wangji reaches out and gently applied pressure at the bottom of Wei Ying's stomach.

Instantly Lan Wangji freezes looking at Wei Ying to observe his condition.

Muffling a hiccup into his hand Wei Ying gives a soft shaky chuckle. "Careful, if that's what you consider delicate I fear for your future wife. Still, I might get used to you having your hands on me, it feels nice."

Wei Ying's tone is once again teasing despite the weakness Lan Wangji can hear in his voice, he is aware that Wei Ying is simply trying to lighten the mood and ease his worries but the comment has Lan Wangji's ears burning, specifically the part about Wei Ying getting used to having his hands on him, and he briefly glances away before carefully continuing his examination.

He continues to press down along the bottom of Wei Ying's stomach, his fingers careful and applying only the slightest pressure. Lan Wangji notes that Wei Ying's robes are slightly sticky with dried sweat. He could also feel that Wei Ying's stomach seemed bloated, Lan Wangji's fingers sinking slightly into the normally leaned skin.

He can't help but internally cringe when he feels the muscles spasm beneath his hand as Wei Ying's stomach writhed like a nest of angry vipers beneath his fingers. Lan Wangji has no doubt that it is as painful as it feels.

Wei Ying groaned softly, his eyes closing as he took slow careful breaths in through his nose, swallowing thickly when his stomach seemed to flip inside of him. He shifted slightly as if trying to get comfortable but didn't react in pain when Lan Wangji's hands moved, gently applying pressure to and palpating his sides to make sure the organ wasn't damaged.

Lan Wangji tries his best to simply focus on his task, doing his best to ignore his racing heart and the blush trying to coat his face. This whole thing feels strangely... intimate to Lan Wangji for some reason, although he doesn't know why.

He experienced Wei Ying's teasing and mischievous actions nearly every day especially considering Lan Wangji was usually the person Wei Ying directed such actions towards. They never failed to get under his skin, to make him react, and yet at the moment when things were quieter between the two was the time where Lan Wangji felt the most flustered, nervous, and exposed in a sense.

He felt as though he were seeing a side of Wei Ying that very, very few knew, and it is a struggle for him to force down that want and longing to see more of this side of him.

Lan Wanji's hand moved upward a bit, running gently along the surface of Wei Ying's stomach as he placed his palm in the center-right beside where his belly button would be. Lan Wangji can feel it churning and writhing beneath his finger, a low gurgling noise coming from it and he glances up at Wei Ying who hadn't reacted to his action instead leaning against the wall once more.

His eyes are closed although Lan Wang Ji can tell by his rough labored breathing that he isn't sleeping. At this angle, Lan Wangji can also see his throat working slightly as he swallowed thickly.

Keeping his eyes on Wei Wuxian's face and watching for changes in his expression, Lan Wangji applies a bit more pressure to Wei Ying's stomach. Pressing down a bit at its center.

Instantly Wei Ying's eyes snap open wide, the color bleeding from his face as it turns white as a sheet. Lan Wangji feels Wei Ying's stomach shudder, clenching sharply beneath his hand as Wei Ying quickly covers his mouth with his hand a choked wet hiccup leaving his mouth as he squeezes his eyes shut, the frantic shuddering breaths he takes in through his nose and the soft gurgling of his stomach filling the once quiet room.

As Lan Wangji quickly grabs the trash can beside the bed, prepared just in case. Eventually though after a moment or two, Wei Ying swallowed hard and audibly before shakily lowering his hand from his mouth and opening his eyes slightly.

Wiping his lips with the back of his hand, groans softly his face ashen with a slight green tinge. He shakes his head too exhausted to be embarrassed when his stomach makes a rather loud gurgling noise.

"Ugh...sorry," Wei Ying murmured, shaking his head ever so slightly, there's a scowl on his face as he slowly blinks his eyes meeting Lan Wangji's.

Lan Wangji shakes his head and forces himself to draw back, to stand, even in his dazed and lethargic state Wei Ying could've sworn he saw hesitation in Lan Wangji's eyes.

"Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian said sniffling slightly as the other began to tidy up the room a bit. "You don't have to do that."

Lan Wangji pauses briefly to look at Wei Ying. "Be still and conserve your strength, you are sick and dehydrated," he told him and Wei Ying can't help but think Lan Wangji's words sound almost akin to an order rather than a statement.

Wei Ying eventually closes his eyes once more simply listening to the sounds of Lan Wangji moving around the room, it's strangely soothing for some reason, and Wei Ying finds himself beginning to drift off to sleep when suddenly a wave of intense nausea slammed into him viciously.

Lan Wangji pauses in the middle of tidying up the room quickly looking over at Wei Ying just in time to see him practically jolt awake. Wei Ying sits up straight, his eyes growing incredibly wide as what little color he has left in his face drained away.

Seeing his throat bobbing with barely suppressed gags, Lan Wangji rushes forward, gathering Wei Wuxian's hair back as his other hand goes to Wei Ying's shoulder, guiding him to lean over the side of the bed, over the trash can.

A loud gurgling burp tears from Wei Wuxian's lips, a near torrent of drool dripping from his lips and into the trash can in threads as he pants. It is at this moment that Lan Wang Ji realizes that the trash can is nearly completely full, from Wei Ying's earlier vomiting episodes.

Wei Ying gives a small choked hiccup then whimpers, right before his body lurches forward with a violent, harsh retch that sounds as if it's clawing its way up his stomach, raking across his throat.

Lan Wangji's hand leaves Wei Wuxian's shoulder and hesitates for a moment, then realizing that in this instance he would prefer to provide Wei Ying some form of comfort and then write lines to excuse his behavior rather than sit here doing nothing as the other boy suffered seemingly nearly on the verge of tear, Lan Wangji slipped his free hand beneath Wei Ying's robes.

Lan Wangji places his hand on Wei Ying's stomach, noting briefly that the skin was rather soft to the touch. His fingers are careful as he begins doing his best to gently massage out any cramps from the abused organ. He works his way carefully from top to bottom, his fingers applying the slightest of pressure.

He can feel the tension lurking just beneath the skin, feel it ripple slightly beneath his fingers as it gurgled and growled sickeningly, feeling all too much like a pot of water threatening to boil over.

"L-Lan Zha-" Wei Ying begins only for his words to get choked off by another harsh retch, he struggles slightly in Lan Wangji's grip. His stomach is incredibly tender at the moment so Lan Wangji's once comforting touch is only exacerbating his nausea.

Frowning and remembering how Wei Ying had reacted when he put pressure on the center of his stomach, Lan Wangji's hand moved upwards and he can't help but notice how much smaller Wei Ying is than him at the moment. It was something he knew but had never really taken the chance to fully notice it.

Lan Wangji presses down slightly yet sharply and when he does he feels Wei Ying tense up in his grasp, his body going unnaturally still for a second or two before he lurches forward, his stomach heaving violently beneath Lan Wangji's hand.

A garbled gurgling retch tears from his lips bringing with it a small surge of watery, clearish slightly murky vomit and Lan Wangji can't help but cringe slightly as it overflows the trash can, some of it spilling onto the hardwood floor. As Wei Ying's retching slowly tapers off and he's left coughing and gasping for air, he leans back against Lan Wangji slightly with a groan.

Wei Ying shakes his head a soft curse leaving his lips not even bothering to wipe his mouth as he leans back against Lan Wangji, and Lan Wangji freezes as Wei Ying tucks his forehead against his neck, shivering slightly in his grasp. Then he's slowly yet carefully wrapping his arms around Wei Ying telling himself that it's only because he doesn't want the other boy to fall.

"Okay...maybe, you were right Lan Zhan. About going to the healers' hall," he mumbled, his voice raspy. "Something's wrong."

Lan Wangji nodded and he began shifting Wei Ying slightly, adjusting him so that he could pick him up in his arms. Wei Ying struggles weakly for a moment but eventually stops his head lolling against Lan Wangji's chest with a soft groan.

He can be embarrassed and tease Lan Wang Ji later when he has the energy, right now he just feels really, really dizzy and as Lan Wangji stands up with him in his arms, Wei Ying feels a rush of heat prickle at his skin followed by a chill that he may have appreciated if he hadn't felt so awful.

As Wei Ying's body goes limp in Lan Wangji's arms he pauses for a moment, pulling away slightly to look down at him with a worried scowl noting that despite his level of consciousness Wei Ying's expression is rather tense. His face slightly twisted in a pained grimace, shuddering harsh breaths leaving his mouth, the red feverish blush on his face standing out starkly on his pale skin.

"You will be fine," Lan Wangji said softly, although he doesn't know if he's saying it to Wei Ying or to reassure himself. Lan Wangji continues walking his steps a bit more hurried than before.

~~~~~~

The healer's hall is rather quiet at this time of day, although when Lan Wangji comes in carrying Wei Wuxian in his arms it does make quite a few of the people staffing the hall at the moment look up in surprise.

After all, while Lan Wangji's steps are as quiet and careful as ever, they're hurried as if he's just holding himself back from running. It's incredibly rare to ever see someone like Lan Wangji even remotely frantic, with him always seemingly keeping a cool head and neutral expression as if he were a blank slate, in even the most dire of circumstances. Even stranger is Wei Wuxian's current appearance at the moment, his hair untied wearing only his under robes definitely has more than a few of the healers curious although they do not voice such curiosities.

Lan Wangji regards the staff with a polite nod as he pauses for a moment when Wei Ying shifts slightly in his arms giving a low groan but doesn't wake up, his expression still tense as the fever raged almost violently throughout his body.

Lan Wangji glances down at Wei Ying briefly before looking back towards the member of the healer's hall that had approached him.

He'd brought Wei Ying here because it seemed like the most logical thing at the time, after all as he'd said before he wasn't truly proficient in medicine. But now that he was here he felt as if he didn't know what to do, his thoughts a mess, scrambled almost, and yet he had no clue why.

The only logical explanation Lan Wangji can immediately come up with truthfully is that while Wei Ying's presence was annoying and he often hated it, that didn't mean that he wanted the other boy to suffer needlessly.

As one of the healers holds out his arms motioning for Lan Wangji to give Wei Ying to him, Lan Wangji doesn't know why but he finds himself almost reluctant, in a way to leave Wei Ying with them while he was in this state.

It's truly preposterous really, and strangely confusing after all Lan Wangji knew full well that the healers and medical staff here clearly knew what they were doing. And yet as he allows them to take Wei Ying from his grasp he finds his hand twitching slightly afterwards, a strange sensation akin to longing almost welling up in his chest.

Taking a deep breath, Lan Wangji closes his eyes momentarily to calm himself. He truly had no reason to be behaving as he was, to be feeling this way did he?

It didn't make any logical sense, Wei Ying was a menace to put it lightly. Disrespectful, loud, annoying, happily doing whatever he pleased whenever the mood struck him often acting as if he was intent on tearing down the very foundation of careful rules that the Cloud Recesses and by extension the Gusu Lan Clan abided by, with Wei Ying often proclaiming that he was just keeping things from being boring.

And yet why was it the first image that appeared in Lan Wangji's mind lately whenever he thought about Wei Ying was that warm wide nearly infectious grin he always had. That soft laughter or snickering that Wei Ying always had right before he did something Lan Zhan hated.

Opening his eyes, Lan Wangji shakes his head slightly to clear it. He can overhear the healers speaking amongst themselves in hushed voices, and while normally he'd disregard that type of conversation, he finds himself listening intently catching things such as, dehydration, bed rest.

With each word he feels that guilt that had been looming in the back of his mind rush to the forefront, remembering how much he'd believed that Wei Wuxian was up to something, that he was lying somehow and even worse the disappointment on the other boy's face when he found out the true reason Lan Wangji had come to see him.

It was one and only time Lan Wangji had seen such an expression on Wei Ying's face, he'd seen disappointment on it before but it was often over-dramatized more like an upset petulant child than the true disappointment Lan Wangji had seen today. Wei Wuxian was a person who took everything in stride, brushing off or laughing off everything from insults to punishments. It wasn't as if he wouldn't often fight back in a sense, truthfully he was the one who typically provoked such actions in the first place but he never seemed to truly let any of that bother him.

Perhaps that's why it had felt that much worse when Lan Wangji saw Wei Ying's warm smile be replaced by that expression if only for a brief moment.

Maybe that's why when he hears the healers suggesting on keeping Wei Ying here for observation that he finds himself speaking up. "He may stay in the jingshi, I will tend to him."

Instantly the room once bustling with activity falls completely and utterly silent, the healers glancing at one another slightly in shock as if unable to believe what they had just heard.

Truthfully it wasn't unwarranted either considering that the jingshi was Lan Wangji's bedroom and study, a place that besides Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen, no one else had ever stepped foot inside as he wasn't a person who invited others into the room, and here Lan Wangji was offering it to Wei Wuxian of all people. To say it was a shock was an understatement and if one of the rules on the Walls of Discipline didn't clearly disallow gossip, or more precisely talking behind one's back the healers may have begun to whisper amongst themselves, their tones full of sheer surprise, shock, and confusion by Lan Wangji's words.

Instead, one of the healers simply looked at Lan Wangji, the expression of disbelief immediately fading from his face. "Yes, of course, Hanguang-Jun."

With that matter settled Lan Wangji gives the healers a polite nod, and a quiet word of thanks.

~~~

The furniture inside the jingshi was sparse and simplistic with nothing deemed unnecessary or frivolous amongst the said items. On the accordion partition, there was a painting of drifting clouds, floating and morphing with its fine brushwork. A guqin table lay horizontally in front of it. On top of the three-legged incense stand in the corner, a hollowed-out incense burner made of white jade emitted soft, lingering smoke, filling the whole room with the chilling scent of sandalwood.

Once Wei Wuxian is placed down on the bed there, the healers leave, but not before providing Lan Wangji with a few items and instructions he may have needed to help care for Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji places the small wooden trash can at the bedside so that it would be within Wei Ying's reach in case he woke up and found himself sick.

With Wei Wuxian temporarily taken care of, for the time being, Lan Wangji rises to his feet, finding his gaze lingering on Wei Ying's face momentarily before he leaves the room.

He knows that Lan Qiren is no doubt waiting for him to bring news on just what exactly Wei Wuxian was up to at the moment considering much like Lan Wangji he hadn't believed that the young man was sick in the slightest.

Class has ended for the day, however, Lan Wangji's steps are still quiet as he makes his way inside where Lan Qiren is waiting. He pauses briefly, giving Lan Qiren a polite bow to which the other nods acknowledging him to come forward.

"You have returned Wangji, I take it that Wei Ying has been punished appropriately," Lan Qiren said, his words are said more like a statement than a question. That is because Lan Wangji was someone who always knew what should be done, a person true to the teachings of the Gusu Lan clan in every sense of the word, and someone that future disciples could use as an example of how to conduct themselves.

On the flip side, Wei Wuxian seemed to be corruption in its purest form, among the many disciplines that Lan Qiren had met across his many years there had yet to be one such as Wei Wuxian. At times Lan Qiren even found himself at a loss at how to deal with the young man, his lectures and chastising having no effect on him where other students would cower when Lan Qiren simply turned his firm gaze in their direction.

It truly seemed as if Wei Wuxian thrived off of the negative attention, his behavior growing more outrageous the more punishment he received. He was a constant headache and yet Lan Qiren was stubborn in refusing to stop teaching him because if he did it would be not only a stain upon his teaching career but upon the Gusu Lan clan as well.

However, if he was able to discipline Wei Wuxian and get him to break his corrupt habits, to mold him into a model student and disciple similar to Lan Wangji or even remotely close it would be a success on par with fabled legends.

Lan Wangji is quiet for a few moments and Lan Qiren notices the young man's face twitch ever so slightly in the faintest hint of what appears to be a grimace. The sight of it has a strong feeling of dread looming over Lan Qiren but his expression remains neutral as he waits for Lan Wangji to speak.

"Shufu, Wei Wuxian is incredibly ill," Lan Wangji informs him quietly.

Lan Qiren freezes at his words, his eyes narrowing slightly as he says nothing for a few moments. Although he does not show it Lan Wangji's words have him shocked, they don't sound right to his ears.

Lan Qiren is beyond aware that the heavens themselves would erupt in flames before Lan Wangji even thought about lying to him in any fashion. And knowing Wei Wuxian, feigning illness was not above something he'd do.

"Where is he?"

Lan Wangji is quiet for another moment or two before speaking and although his expression does not change Lan Qiren notices a faint sense of hesitation in his eyes. "I requested that the healers place him in the jingshi so that I may tend to him if needed."

The second the words leave Lan Wangji's mouth Lan Qiren is moving, striding towards the door of the classroom with Lan Wangji following silently behind him, already aware of his intentions.

Lan Qiren had no clue what lie or over-exaggeration that Wei Wuxian may have told Lan Wangji, especially to the extent to get the other to bring him to the jingshi of all places, but he is intent on putting a stop to it immediately before Wei Wuxian could attempt to corrupt Lan Wangji with his antics.

The walk to the jingshi is quiet and yet Lan Wangji can feel the sheer disapproval emanating from Lan Qiren in waves, however, Lan Wangji does not find himself feeling ashamed for his actions, he broke no rules and had simply stated the truth. It was not as if he could simply leave Wei Wuxian alone in such a horrible condition to needlessly suffer either, not when he could do something to ease his pain.

He had already made a note to discipline himself for his earlier transgressions as well when the moment allowed for it. Still, he could've left Wei Wuxian in the care of the healers who were more knowledgeable on such matters than him, there truly was no reason for Lan Wangji to offer to care for him, and yet he finds himself feeling as if that was the only answer for some strange reason.

Truthfully though this entire day so far had been rather confusing to Lan Wangji leaving him with a lot more questions than answers anytime he found himself questioning his own odd behavior. But it seemed as if no matter how much he searched his mind an answer eluded him and truthfully it was very frustrating in a sense.

Lan Wangji stops walking when Lan Qiren does, standing at a respectful distance away from the man as Lan Qiren reaches out to open the door to the jingshi.

"Wei Wuxian-" Lan Qiren begins his tone firm, almost accusatory, however, he stops instantly. Froze on the spot as the words die on his lips.

Lan Qiren doesn't truly know what he expected when he opened the door, perhaps Wei Wuxian drinking alcohol and laughing to himself or some other form of mischief, what he does not expect is to see Wei Ying violently retching into a trash can.

Wei Ying gives a soft groan, still slumped over the trash can as he lifts his head slightly seemingly registering his name being called. His eyes are glassy and unfocused as he merely stares at Lan Wangji and Lan Qiren standing in the doorway, he blinks slowly not truly seeing them, clearly dazed and unaware judging by the look in his eyes.

He doesn't even attempt to wipe the small threads of drool and bile dripping from his lips away, although he seems to have had just enough awareness to have clumsily gathered his hair back away from his face.

Lan Wangji glances over at Lan Qiren from the corner of his eye, doing his damndest to ignore and suppress the urge welling up inside of him to immediately go to Wei Ying's side. It is a normal feeling after all to want to comfort someone when they were clearly suffering, so it should be no different considering it's Wei Wuxian, at least this is what Lan Wangji convinces himself of to explain this strange yet unfamiliar urge.

Lan Wangji does notice Lan Qiren's eyes widen ever so slightly in what can only be described as shock before the man's familiar composer returns once more.

Lan Qiren clears his throat softly, his eyes closing for a moment. "I see," he said as he stroked his goatee seemingly deep in thought. Admittedly, he does feel rather ashamed about his assumptions and by extension his behavior now that he had the brief moment to reflect.

It wasn't as if his assumptions had been baseless or built upon nothing either considering Wei Wuxian's track record of behavior but at the same time making assumptions about others was clearly forbidden as inscribed upon the Wall of Discipline. While holding reasonable doubt about Wei Wuxian being sick was perfectly fine, immediately jumping to the assumption that he was lying so that he could go cause trouble, was not.

Even less so when Lan Wangji had returned with the news of his own findings. Lan Qiren was a man who practiced what he preached in regards to the teachings of Gusu Lan, and...well, it would seem that when Wei Wuxian was feeling well once more, he would owe the young man a genuine apology. Before that time came however Lan Qiren would take time to reflect upon his own transgressions.

Opening his eyes he turns to Lan Wangji. "I shall leave him in your care then," he told him.

And Lan Wangji notes that his tone is lacking any of the firmness it previously had, although he can not tell what Lan Qiren may be thinking at the moment.

Lan Wangji simply nods acknowledging that he heard Lan Qiren. It is only when the other has walked away, disappearing down the hall that he finally allows himself to turn his attention back to Wei Ying.

For a moment it is quiet as Lan Wangji simply watches the other boy for a moment, suddenly finding himself unsure of what to do now that they were alone although he is not sure why.

As Wei Ying groaned softly in between his raspy coughing and sniffling Lan Wangji moves, he steps into the room almost hesitantly feeling far, far too aware of Wei Ying's presence just as he had been earlier when he'd initially checked on him, even more so when he quietly closes the door behind him.

Despite the fact that Wei Ying clearly seems to be unaware and in a state of near delirium, Lan Wangji still finds himself feeling almost exposed in a sense as Wei Ying's bleary eyes watch him as he approaches.

Hesitantly Lan Wangji carefully crouches down his eyes roving over Wei Ying for a moment, as he tries to determine which should do first. The medical staff in the healers' hall had given him a list of sorts as well as instructions on what to do and what Wei Ying may need, but at the same time, he finds himself rather lost.

It wasn't as if accidents and injuries didn't happen during hunts, but typically once the person was in the healers' hall taking care of them was out of Lan Wangji's hands and even then dealing with injuries was entirely different from how one would go about treating illnesses.

This is truly a first for Lan Wangji as he's never had to take care of someone in this state before and with his own two hands no less. He looks back at Wei Ying, drawn out of his own thoughts when the other groans softly slumping forward slightly, still clutching the trash can.

He reaches out although he pauses, freezing when Wei Ying suddenly speaks, his words slurring together, his voice weak and strained. "Lan...Zhan?"

Noting the saliva and bile still coating his lips, Lan Wangji cups Wei Ying's cheek with one hand tilting his face upward slightly as he grabs the small, neatly folded washcloth off of the nearby nightstand. It was among one of the few items that the healers had given him before leaving Wei Ying in his care, with another one being a small washbasin to place water in.

As Lan Wangji begins carefully cleaning Wei Ying's face, the other struggles ever so slightly with a soft groan as if trying to pull away.

Frowning Lan Wangji speaks, his voice low, gentle almost, the tone unfamiliar even to his own ears. "Be still," he murmured. "I am helping you."

Lan Wangji doesn't know if Wei Ying can even understand him at the moment but he does stop struggling, leaning into Lan Wanji's touch his eyes open halfway as he stares blankly at nothing in particular. The sight has a strange feeling welling up inside Lan Wangji's chest, seeing Wei Ying in such a docile state such as this felt very, very wrong.

As if Lan Wangji were witnessing something forbidden that he had no business seeing. And it is only at the moment that Lan Wangji freezes all at once realizing what he'd been doing, and for a second or two he finds himself glancing between the rag he was holding and his hand at Wei Ying's face.

He had moved beforehand without thinking, almost instinctively but now that he found his concentration broken he was once again almost hyper-aware of his actions, of Wei Ying's presence.

This sense of hyperawareness isn't helped when Wei Ying opens his eyes a bit more, seemingly confused as to why Lan Wangji had stopped. He shifts slightly, nuzzling the hand Lan Wangji still has on his cheek, mumbling something that Lan Wangji can't make out not that it matters much considering his actions already have Lan Wangji glancing away, his heart fluttering in his chest as his face flushes slightly.

He can practically hear Wei Ying taunting him in his mind for his flustered state and Lan Wangji sighs softly as he closes his eyes. He takes a few deep breaths, shaking his head slightly as if to clear it. He was simply cleaning Wei Ying's face, there is absolutely no reason for him to have any thoughts about this seemingly indecent or otherwise.
It was simply a task like any other.

When Wei Ying speaks, Lan Wangji opens his eyes, admittedly feeling more calm and collected than before. "Lan Zhan...its hot," Wei Ying mumbles, his words heavily slurring together.

Lan Wangji frowned. "That is due to your fever," he told him, and although his words are brief and direct he doesn't bother hiding neither the sympathy nor pity that leaks into his voice.

Wei Ying merely groans in response, his eyes sliding closed as he slumps forward, although Lan Wangji can tell by his harsh labored breathing that he isn't completely asleep. Lan Wangji finishes cleaning Wei Ying's face, setting the rag aside momentarily.

He grabs Wei Ying beneath one of his arms, noting that his fever seemed a bit stronger than before, which meant he should probably attempt to lower it even slightly if possible, he holds Wei Ying up as he removes the trashcan from his grasp, setting it off to the side briefly.

He grabs Wei Ying by the shoulders, gently guiding him to lay down on his side, just in case he got sick in his sleep before Lan Wangji returned. Wei Ying whimpers softly, his face twisting with a slight grimace as he shivers and Lan Wangji finds himself gently brushing Wei Ying's hair away from his face telling himself that it's only in case Wei Ying was sick in his sleep so that the long black strands wouldn't be caught in the mess.

He pulls the blankets over the Wei Ying before slowly getting to his feet.

Grabbing the rag and small washbasin the healers had given him, Lan Wangji leaves the room to head to the Cold Spring. While it may have perhaps been the source of Wei Wuxian's current predicament, there was no doubting its healing properties and besides the medicine that the healers had given him to use, it would be the most effective way to help lower Wei Ying's fever.

~~~

Lan Wangji has filled the basin with water from the Cold Spring and is making his way through the hallways of the Cloud Recesses when a familiar figure clad in purple robes barrels around the nearby corner just stopping before they could run into him.

Jiang Wanyin pauses in surprise, his eyes wide as he simply stares at Lan Wanji looking as if he were a startled deer.

"L-Lan Wangji..." Jiang Wanyin eventually spluttered out after a moment or two. Knowing that he was pretty much caught red-handed breaking the curfew of the Cloud Recesses as imposed by one of the rules upon the Wall of Discipline, and by the very last person, he wished to run into besides Lan Qiren. Truthfully he did do his best to abide by the rules of the Cloud Processes although like any boy his age he did engage in mischief from time to time, often finding himself getting caught up in his brother's infectious enthusiasm when he did.

Wei Wuxian was the very reason he was out here, in fact, the boy had clearly been very sick, so when he returned to their room after cutting his studying session in the library pavilion short and found Wei Wuxian missing he had felt a strange yet familiar feeling of dread wash over him.

Wei Wuxian had been prone to getting sick easily when he was younger, and at times if his fever got really bad he had a tendency to wander off in his delirium if he could even manage to stand up. It was the number one reason Jiang Wanyin had often stayed with him during those times. Often convincing himself that it was simply so that Wei Wuxian didn't wander into a pond or something and wind up drowning, and while that was definitely one of the reasons there was no doubt that it was to ease his own worries as well.

It was why he had broken curfew without a second thought as he began searching the Cloud Recesses for his brother.

Lan Wangji is silent as he stares at Jiang Wanyin, his eyes roving over the other boy noting that he seemed to be out of breath, the uncharacteristically frantic look to his eyes even as he glances away from Lan Wangji seemingly ashamed, silently awaiting whatever punishment Lan Wangji was going to give him.

It is a moment before Lan Wangji speaks and his words have Jiang Wanyin looking at him with wide eyes, unable to hide his shock.

"He is in the jingshi," Lan Wangji said, his voice quiet and as seemingly impassive as ever.

Lan Wangji does not say anything more as he continues walking, although he does pause briefly down the hallway as Jiang Wanyin's eyes follow him. It takes a moment for Jiang Wanyin to shake away some of his shock and even a moment longer to realize what Lan Wangji's intentions are.

It is only when he hears Jiang Wanyin walking behind him that Lan Wangji continues walking, not saying a word. The walk to the jingshi is uncomfortably quiet for Jiang Wanyin, he knows from the previous interactions he'd witnessed that Lan Wangji was a person of very few words often only speaking as much as strictly necessary, with his expression nearly always unreadable to everyone save for Lan Xichen and sometimes Wei Wuxian. But at moment the silence feels almost unbearably uncomfortable to Jiang Wanyin leaving him uneasy in a sense as many, many questions circled his mind that he had neither the nerve nor lack of shame to ask.

It was no secret that Lan Wangji was rather standoffish, his eyes piercing nearly frigid in a sense giving the young man a rather imposing aura despite being the same age as Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin. Wei Wuxian's behavior, and how he seemed intent on continuously pushing Lan Wangji to the breaking point at times just to gain a reaction from him was no secret as well, with quite a few of the visiting disciples that Wei Wuxian was friends with taking bets on when specifically Lan Wangji was likely to finally snap and attempt to skewer the other boy in rage with Bichen.

Which Jiang Wanyin had guessed correctly both times using a rough time frame despite choosing not to take any part in the betting game. The point being that, Jiang Wanyin can not find it in himself to ask why Wei Wuxian was in the jingshi, which were Lan Wangji's quarters, to begin with. Had he wandered there somehow in his delirium? Had Lan Wangji found him collapsed somewhere nearby?

They all seemed like plausible answers though Jiang Wanyin didn't dare voice his curiosities.

He is drawn out of his thoughts suddenly when Lan Wangji stops before the door of the jingshi before opening it with one fluid movement. For a brief moment, Jiang Wanyin's eyes quickly dart around the room as if trying to take everything in before they widen as when he notices Wei Wuxian.

As Jiang Wanyin rushes past Lan Wangji into the room, Lan Wangji says nothing, it's rude yes but considering the circumstances, Lan Wangji knows that he can not fault Jiang Wanyin for his panicked state.

Jiang Wanyin is quiet as he crouches down beside the bed where Wei Wuxian is, a clearly worried scowl crawling across his face and worry squeezing at his chest as his eyes rove over his brother. If possible Wei Wuxian seems as if he's in worse condition than he was when Jiang Wanyin left him alone that morning.

His breathing labored and raspy, bordering almost on a panting wheezing noise, his skin was as pale as a sheet save for the feverish blush on his cheeks, his expression is slightly tense, and even despite being covered in blankets, he's shivering weakly. Jiang Wanyin reaches out gently brushing Wei Ying's hair out of his face and places a hand on his forehead, cringing when he feels the heat there.

Jiang Wanyin jumps slightly quickly looking over his shoulder as if remembering that Lan Wangji was there suddenly as the other boy quietly entered the room. Jiang Wanyin quickly gets to his feet all but scrambling as he gives Lan Wangji a bow. "Thank you for looking after him. I apologize if he caused you any trouble. I'll bring him to the healer's hall to be examined."

Lan Wangji shakes his head, his expression as unreadable as ever as he places something down on the guqin table, and it is only then that Jiang Wanyin realizes that Lan Wangji had been holding a small washbasin with water and a washcloth inside. Now that Jiang Wanyin thought about it, the direction Lan Wangji had been coming from was the same as the Cold Spring.

"He has been to the healers' hall earlier. I offered to care for him," he told Jiang Wanyin and the other boy's eyes widened as he blinked almost incredulously for a moment.

Considering Wei Wuxian was his brother Jiang Wanyin had seen and heard quite a few strange things, so he's often more prepared than most when hearing someone state something outlandish. And yet Lan Wangji's statement still feels as if it slaps him in the face.

The fact that it was said as a statement is perhaps what had Jiang Wanyin's mind drawing a blank the most, especially considering that Lan Wangji's expression is as neutral as usual. Lan Wangji had said it as if he were simply telling Jiang Wanyin that the sky was blue, the blunt seriousness leaving Jiang Wanyin unsure of how to respond.

Lan Wangji does not rush him either, all too aware of how strange it must seem for him to literally volunteer to be in Wei Wuxian's presence. Truthfully he should've allowed Jiang Wanyin to take Wei Ying back to the healers' hall to be cared for, it's as if the heavens are extending an escape rope to him, giving him one last chance to escape being stuck in Wei Wuxian's presence of his own volition.

And it is an escape rope that Lan Wangji fully and willfully chooses to ignore.

"I see..." Jiang Wanyin said quietly after a moment, sounding as if he were still processing Lan Wangji's words.

They definitely answered some of his questions, most notably where Wei Wuxian had gone while Jiang Wanyin had been away from the room and why he was in the jingshi, to begin with, but they also gave way to dozens more.

Most notably and simply, Why? While Lan Wangji definitely seemed cold at times there was no doubting that he was a good person of high moral character so Jiang Wanyin could understand why he'd brought Wei Wuxian to the healer's hall, that much made sense to him what didn't was Lan Wangji offering not only the jingshi but himself to tend to Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Wanyin was fully aware of just how much of a menace his brother could be, and just how much Wei Wuxian seemed dead set on terrorizing Lan Wangji the most with his antics. Whenever Wei Wuxian spoke to Lan Wangji, often in that familiar teasing tone he always used, the latter always seemed as if he were seconds away from either simply walking away altogether or using a silencing spell on him, Jiang Wanyin could think of no logical reason Lan Wangji would have that would lead him to volunteer to take care of Wei Wuxian.

It is another long moment before Jiang Wanyin speaks, briefly glancing back at Wei Wei as he speaks. "I...suppose I will leave him in your care," he said almost hesitantly.

As Jiang Wanyin leaves the room he finds himself glancing back at Wei Wuxian once more, before shaking his head as if to clear it. His brother would be fine, he had no reason to worry. After all, much like the pest he often acted like he was incredibly resilient.

And yet as Jiang Wanyin eventually returns to his and Wei Wuxian's room in the dormitory he can't help but feel as if it's eerily quiet, almost oppressively so.

~~~

Save for the sound of Wei Wuxian's labored breathing and the occasional weak whimper or the gentle rustling of parchment as Lan Wangji dutifully copied down the rules from the Wall of discipline in numerical order, having long memorized them all, a feat which many visiting disciples often called inhuman.

He pauses, looking over at Wei Ying when the other shifts in bed, weakly pushing the blankets he'd been covered in off of himself. The cold washcloth that Lan Wangji had folded and placed on his forehead falling to the floor as he whimpered a bit louder than before, his expression becoming tense as he began shivering.

Setting the calligraphy brush he'd been with aside for a moment, Lan Wangji goes to Wei Ying's bedside covering him with the blanket once more. For a few moments, Lan Wangji finds himself simply staring at Wei Ying's face, his eyes roving over the incredibly familiar features there.

That warm grin typically present on Wei Ying's face suddenly springing to the forefront of Lan Wangji's mind as he simply stared at him.

Lan Wangji reaches out towards Wei Ying's face hesitantly with one hand although he pauses flinching back ever so slightly when Wei Ying's eyes suddenly open halfway, those hazy gray eyes briefly glancing around the room completely unaware, unfocused and yet Lan Wangji still finds himself feeling incredibly ashamed.

What had he been about to do exactly? He preferred not touching other people if he could help it, and the same applied to himself so why had he been about to...no, why had he been longing to...

Lan Wangji jumps slightly, a bit startled when Wei Ying suddenly reaches out grasping Lan Wangji's hand in his own, his grip is weak which isn't surprising considering his current state. If Lan Wangji truly wanted to, a simple tug would free Wei Ying's grip on him, and yet he does no such thing, finding that it's as if his mind has suddenly gone blank.

He freezes going incredibly still, his eyes widening slightly as Wei Ying guides his hand to his face to cup his cheek.

"Cold," Wei Ying mumbled, his voice hoarse and his words slurring together. He practically nuzzles Lan Wangji's hand and strangely enough, after a few moments, Lan Wangji finds himself relaxing ever so slightly, the tension in his body lessening.

He simply stares at Wei Ying for a few moments, observing the way the other practically melted into his touch, the small content smile that spread across his lips. A strange warmth seems to unfurl in Lan Wangji's chest the longer he stares at Wei Ying.

While the feeling is not an uncomfortable feeling by any means, it's incredibly soothing if anything and yet it's still an alien sensation to Lan Wangji.
But admittedly it is a sensation that he wouldn't mind experiencing more truthfully.

However, Lan Wangji is suddenly drawn out of his thoughts when he realizes what time it is. About ten minutes to nine pm.

The Gusu Lan clan slept at exactly nine pm and rose at exactly five am. And even so Lan Wangji finds himself hesitant to draw back, even more so when Wei Ying whimpers at the loss of contact, but he does.

He gives Wei Ying another dose of the medicine that the healers had given him along with managing to coax him into drinking a bit of water. Afterwards, Lan Wangji replaces the cold washcloth on Wei Ying's forehead, before going to tidy up the room with the five remaining minutes.

Once everything is tidy and back where it once was Lan Wangji walks towards the inner bed chamber when his own bed lay, giving Wei Ying a brief glance before he waved his hand to extinguish the lights in the room and disappeared inside, closing the door softly behind him.

~~~

A soft noise pulls Lan Wangji from the edges of sleep, he is unaware of what time it is at the moment, only that it is still nighttime.

Blinking for a moment or two, Lan Wangji becomes aware of something incredibly and uncomfortably warm wrapped around him in an almost constricting fashion. Clinging tightly to the left side of his body.

Frowning Lan Wangji turns his head, his eyes widening as he sits up in an instant when he realizes what the thing latching onto him is.

At some point during the night, Wei Ying had gotten up from his bed in the other room, entered the inner bed-chamber, and climbed into bed with him, cuddling up to his side as he latched onto him.

If Lan Wangji wasn't so stunned, flustered, and rather horrified he may have been impressed at how Wei Ying could've entered the room, let alone climbed into bed with him all without Lan Wangji noticing or sensing his presence. Especially considering that Lan Wangji was a rather light sleeper in most circumstances.

But all he can feel at the moment is flustered, embarrassed, his eyes wide and his heart pounding in his chest as he simply sits there for a moment, his face flushing red.

"Wei Ying," he exclaimed softly, he instantly reaches out intent on prying Wei Ying's arms from around him but pauses when a soft whimpering and sniffling meets his ears.

Scowling Lan Wangji draws back a bit or as much that Wei Ying's arms will allow to peer into the other boy's face and gets his second shock of the night when he sees that Wei Ying's eyes are open slightly, glassy with tears.

Truthfully if he wasn't seeing it himself he probably wouldn't have believed it, but Wei Ying was legitimately crying for some reason. And Lan Wangji can do nothing but simply stare with wide startled eyes.

While seeing genuine disappointment on Wei Ying's face had been shocking enough, seeing his eyes filled with tears, to see him crying, had Lan Wangji at a loss at what to do or how to approach the situation like never before.

"Lan Zhan...the dogs..." Wei Ying whimpered softly in between his sniffling, his voice still weak and airy.

At his words, Lan Wangji frowned, still confused. "Dogs?"

There were little to no animals in the Cloud Recesses outside of the occasional rabbit or small bird, so the idea of there being dogs here was impossible. And if Wei Ying didn't seem so legitimately terrified and upset, Lan Wangji may have believed that the boy felt just well enough to be playing one of his usual pranks.

Wei Ying nods quickly, still sniffling and whimpering softly. "The dogs...in the other room...I-I don't like them," he whispered.

Drawing back slightly, Lan Wangji peers into Wei Ying's face once more, more specifically his eyes, noting that they were completely and utterly unfocused. He reaches out placing a hand on Wei Ying's forehead cringing slightly as he noted how high his fever was. It felt as if it had risen ever so slightly and considering how delirious and lethargic he'd been earlier, it was no doubt to blame for the hallucinations he seemed to currently be experiencing.

Still, Wei Ying having a phobia of dogs of all things hadn't been something Lan Wangji had expected honestly, but now that he thought about it he did distinctly remember a moment back in Caiyi town while they were looking into the disturbance in Biling Lake. At the time Wei Ying and Jiang Wanyin had been seemingly slacking off, enjoying themselves rather than taking the investigation seriously.

Wei Wuxian had been standing beside Jiang Wanyin at the moment Lan Wangji had glanced away, he'd briefly and faintly heard a dog barking from somewhere in the distance but in that moment or two between Lan Wangji glancing away and glancing back over towards Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian, it was as if Wei Wuxian had vanished into thin air.

At the time Jiang Wanyin hadn't seemed the least bit phased by Wei Wuxian's sudden disappearance, merely giving a glance over at the spot he'd previously been along with a soft sigh and a shake of his head, so Lan Wangji believed that Wei Wuxian had gone off to cause trouble or slack off as usual, but now in hindsight, Jiang Wanyin hadn't seemed phased because as Wei Ying's brother he would know about the other boy's phobia.

Wei Ying gives a small sigh of what seems like content as he leans into Lan Wangji's touch.

"Is that why you came in here," Lan Wangji eventually asked softly as he looked at Wei Ying only to quickly glance away, finally managing to find his words.

His initial shock had faded slightly now that he knew exactly why Wei Ying had come into the room, and yet he was still feeling flustered his heart racing in his chest, not only because of the fact that Wei Ying was clinging to him his arms wrapped around Lan Wangji waist and his face resting in the crook of his neck but because of his own rather thoughts which were slightly indecent admittedly.

Lan Wangji sighed softly and shook his head as if to clear it, but with no results, his face still incredibly flushed. It would seem that he underestimated just how dangerous Wei Ying could be even in this type of state, if this continued Lan Wangji may reach the point where he had to copy the Wall of Discipline more than a hundred times over.

Wei Ying nods slowly. "Lan Zhan is here...it's safe..." he whispered his words slurring slightly.

As Wei Ying speaks Lan Wangji finds himself freezing for a moment, simply processing his words. Then Lan Wangji sighs softly before hesitantly reaching out and slowly begins carding his fingers through Wei Ying's hair.

His movements are a bit awkward and stilted, after all, Lan Wangji has never had to comfort someone especially not in this type of situation, but he thinks that this is right especially considering that Wei Ying's sniffling and whimpering was dying down.

And as it stops completely Lan Wangji pauses when he notices him struggling to stay awake. "Rest. I am here. The dogs will not come," he reassured him softly.

Wei Ying merely gives a soft hum as his eyes slip closed and drifts off to sleep.

For a few moments, Lan Wangji simply sits there, his fingers still running through Wei Ying's hair almost absentmindedly. He's at a bit of a loss at what to do truthfully, while he could simply return Wei Ying to where he was initially sleeping there was no guarantee that if he awoke in the middle of the night again that he wouldn't just wander back in here while in his delirious state.

Eventually, Lan Wangji simply decides to lay back down and to try to get back to sleep, making sure to cover Wei Ying with the blankets as well when he felt him trembling slightly.

~~~

On the second day, Wei Ying spends much of it sleeping although his fever stays consistent, neither rising nor falling in temperature which is a sign that the medicine and the water from the Cold Spring were doing their job, during the few moments Wei Ying does spend awake but still not truly aware Lan Wangji takes the chance to give him more medicine and water while also attempting to get what work he can get done in his room completed.

It is difficult, however, especially when Wei Ying suddenly lays across Lan Wangji's lap at one point during his delirium, reminding Lan Wangji of the cats he saw in Caiyi town from time to time.

Perhaps he is getting used to Wei Ying's strange behavior in this state, or at least the other boy touching him to an extent, because he only jumps slightly this time, and more because of the suddenness of it than anything. As Lan Wangji continues writing he reaches down with his other hand, running his fingers through Wei Ying's hair almost absentmindedly.

His movements are less stilted than before but still just as awkward, and yet Wei Ying eventually relaxes, his eyes sliding closed as his breathing evens out. While his breathing is still labored it doesn't sound anywhere as awful as it did previously.

And while the nausea still seems to be there, he's able to keep things down at least which is also good. Although Wei Ying wasn't completely out of the woods yet due to the fact that he still had a rather high fever, his condition is improving.

On the third day is when Wei Ying's fever fully breaks and at first, Lan Wangji isn't even aware of it, simply in the process of copying down the final list of rules he needed to do to complete his punishment.

He does notice Wei Ying sit up in bed from the corner of his eye, but he doesn't think it unusual considering he was now familiar with Wei Ying's tendency to wander around in his episodes of delirium that came with his fever.

He does notice Wei Ying slowly crawling on his hands and knees over to where he's sitting, which again he doesn't find odd.

Lan Wangji reaches out with his free hand, almost out of habit at this point to begin running his hand through Wei Ying's hair but freezes, his eyes going as wide as saucers when an all too familiar giggle meets his ears.

Instantly he looks at Wei Ying, the awareness and sharp clarity he sees in those gray eyes has Lan Wangji's face instantly turning bright red with sheer embarrassment, feeling completely and utterly mortified beyond belief, his hand still outstretched merely an inch or two away from touching Wei Ying's hair. All he can do is simply stare as if he were a startled deer as Wei Ying gave another soft giggle, that familiar warm grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, Lan Zhan? How many days have I been out?"