Work Text:
If someone had told Lan Wangji that he would meet the love of his life at work of all places he would have actually laughed at them. The fact that he would even fall in love was a ridiculous idea on it's own. He’d seen what love had done to his parents. He’d seen first hand how it nearly destroyed his family. And he wanted none of it. He was perfectly content with the life he had. He had his brother and his uncle, what more could he need? Not to mention the fact that communicating with others was exhausting. No one ever seemed to understand his silence. Everyone thought him cold and unapproachable and frankly he didn't want to waste his time convincing others otherwise. If they wanted to judge him right off the bat then so be it. He was perfectly content being on his own.
But then like all romance heroes he met the one that changed his life completely. The man came into his life bursting with color and life. He couldn’t even look directly at the man called Wei Wuxian because it was like staring into the sun. For Lan Wangji it was love at first sight. Although it took his brain a little time to actually give a name to the butterflies in his stomach and his rapid heart beat whenever he was around his new secretary.
He fought against his feelings for some time. Afraid of what would come if he did acknowledge them. Afraid of Wei Wuxian finding out and being repulsed. Because he could live with one sided love if he could still keep Wei Wuxian around but if he lost him...he wasn’t too sure how he’d survive it. And then everything got more complicated when three months into Wei Wuxian working as his secretary he came in late.
“I’m sorry I’m late” Wei Wuxian had apologized huffing and puffing as if he had run all the way to work. But judging from the way he was struggling to catch his breath Lan Wangji would not be surprised if he had.
“Tardiness is unacceptable Mr. Wei. If you are running late you should call.”
“I know. I’m sorry it's just my son--” Lan Wangjis world comes to a stop. Wei Wuxian has a son. The man that stole his heart has a child? Since when? Was he married? He never mentioned a family before. Except for a brother and a sister Wei Wuxian hardly ever spoke of a family. Not that they talked often but surely the other would have brought it up at some point. “--sick all night and I couldn’t get a hold of anyone to babysit. I’m sorry I promise this won’t happen again” Wei Wuxian finishes looking at Lan Wangji expectantly.
He finds that he cannot even form words at the information just given to him. Wei Wuxian has a son which probably means he has a spouse. Which means whatever hope that had begun to form instantly vanished. Lan Wangji just gives Wei Wuxian a curt nod before heading back to his office. He buries himself in work for the rest of the week and avoids speaking to his secretary unless he really has to. He knows he’s being rude and unreasonable. He knows it's ridiculous for him to feel this upset. But he can’t help it.
If Wei Wuxian notices a change in his demeanor he doesn’t show it. He smiles brightly and talks loudly as usual and part of Wangji wishes that Wei Wuxian would notice him.
It’s two weeks after he learns about Wei Wuxians son that he actually sees the child. It wasn’t planned. They don't formally meet. Lan Wangji just happens to see Wei Wuxian greeting an excited child.
“Daddy!” the child yells and oh...he’s the spitting image of his father. The little boy looks to be five or six. His hair is long and tied into a messy ponytail much like the one he's seen his secretary wear everyday. Lan Wangji can’t help but watch the duo from afar.
“A-Yu we need to use our inside voices” Wei Wuxian scolds fondly patting his sons head.
Someone scoffs and it's then that Lan Wangji notices another man. His heart stutters in his chest. Could that be his spouse?
“How can you expect A-Yu to be quiet when you're always so loud?”
“Hey don’t undermine my parenting”
“Yeah uncle Cheng, daddy can’t help being loud” the little boy says in his father's defence and his little defiant stance makes Lan Wangjis heart warm.
It's later when he's alone in his apartment that he allows his thoughts to wonder. It's not something he indulges in often. Especially with how dangerous his thoughts can be at times. But tonight he allows himself just a moment. A moment to recall the cute little boy with unruly hair and big silver eyes. He’s never thought of having children of his own. Never even imagined what that would be like. He smiles sadly to himself because without knowing Wei Wuxian has made him crave for things he never thought he would.
A full month goes by and Lan Wangji struggles through his feelings everyday. He wishes he could just get over these feelings but he can't. Especially with how friendly and captivating Wei Wuxian is. He’s always talking and flirting and it confuses Lan Wangji endlessly. Doesn’t Wei Wuxian have a partner? How can he be so shameless?
And yet...Lan Wangji will always wish for Wei Wuxian to look only at him, only give him attention, only flirt with him. It's selfish. It goes against who he is as a person but his heart will not listen to logic.
He’s having dinner at his brothers house one night when all his barely contained emotions all surface. All thanks to the information his older brother gives him. He knows he could never keep anything from his older brother but still he had hoped his feelings for his secretary would go undetected. At least that's how his office made him feel.
He’s heard his employees whisper about how Lan Wangji hated Wei Wuxian and how they were all sure Wei Wuxian would get fired soon. He didn’t like them. The rumors. They could not be farther from the truth but if he were to address it he ran the risk of exposing how he truly felt and risked Wei Wuxian becoming uncomfortable. So he said nothing. Much like a coward.
“He’s single.” his brother tells him and Lan Wangjis heart almost stops. His brother isn’t looking at him and Lan Wangji almost believes he's hearing things.
“Your secretary is single Wangji,”his brother says nonchalantly before taking a bite of his food. Lan Wangji stares at his brother for a moment before nodding and letting out a “Mn”his way of acknowledging he heard him.
Even after knowing that the object of his affections is free to be with anyone, Lan Wangji still struggles to make his feelings known to the other. The most he is able to do is allow Wei Wuxian to keep flirting with him and take their lunches together. He tries to analyze the short amount of time they spend together to see if Wei Wuxian might feel the same way he does but it's hard. Wei Wuxian is always so positive and happy. He smiles at everyone and Lan Wangji can’t help but feel that Wei Wuxian just treats everyone the same.
Lan Wangji believes he is only a little special because he is Wei Wuxians boss. And it hurts to know that as much as he does like Wei Wuxian, the other does not hold the same feelings for him.
He is wrong though. Of course he’s wrong. Because what Lan Wangji doesn’t know is how much time Wei Wuxian spends fantasizing about his boss marching up to his desk and kissing him to the point of delirium.
It takes an office Christmas party for both of them to realize how infatuated they are with each other. They both end up under a mistletoe and everyone cheers for them to kiss. Wei Wuxian laughs and tries to tell the crowd to relax but is quieted by a pair of warm lips. It's a quick peck and Lan Wangji can hardly believe he did that. He doesn’t really get a chance to really process his shamelessness when Wei Wuxian launches himself into him and kisses him deeply.
“I really like you” Wei Wuxian whispers against his lips in the closet they choose to use to keep making out.
“Mn.” Lan Wangji replies, tasting those sweet lips again before whispering “Like Wei Wuxian to.”into the other's neck. They kiss some more before Wei Wuxian tells him he really needs to get home. Lan Wangji has so many questions but instead offers to drive Wuxian home.
He drops him off with a kiss and leaves with a promise of a proper date soon.
They don't get to properly go out on a date until a week after. And Lan Wangji would be disappointed if not for the fact that Wei Wuxian makes up any excuse to come into his office and steal a few kisses. The whole office knows they are involved but Wei Wuxian seems to like sneaking around so Lan Wangji indulges him. They still take their lunch breaks together but now Wei Wuxian sits extra close. It's nice and Lan Wangji really couldn't be happier.,
Wei Wuxian does most of the talking on their first date but Lan Wangji doesn’t mind. He's never been good with words and it's a relief to know that Wei Wuxian doesn’t seem to mind. And he knows it's true because when the date is over Wei Wuxian asks for a second. Lan Wangjis heart soars at the way Wei Wuxian smiles shyly at him and of course the answer is yes.
Their second date Lan Wangji does make more of an effort to talk. He wants to get to know Wei Wuxian and wants him to know him a little more too. It may be too early to imagine building a life with Wei Wuxian but he doesn't close himself off to the idea. So they talk about their favorite foods, their hobbies, what they like watching on tv.They talk about the pets they’ve owned and the places they’d like to travel to. When they bring up their families, Wei Wuxian lights up at the chance to talk about his son Xuanyu.
At work, Wei Wuxian brings up his son once in a while and it's always some silly story about the things his son gets up to. There's always a hint of pride in the other's eyes when he speaks about his son and it always makes Lan Wangji swoon.
Lan Wangji wants to ask about the childs mother but doesn’t want to pry. He would never want to pressure Wuxian into speaking of something he may not be ready to speak about.
His questions get answered on the third date. And it's on the third date that Lan Wangji knows that even if Wei Wuxian were to not want to be with him anymore he would always be there for the other. Because Wei Wuxian has been through so much and he deserved to be happy.
Wei Wuxian had been in high school when his son was born. He had been living alone since his second year because his adoptive mother had kicked him out after he had come out as bi. His adoptive brother and sister had begged their parents not to kick him out but Wei Wuxian knew it was for the best if he did. He’d been given the little inheritance his biological parents had left for him and not much else. The apartment he had been able to get, with the little money he had from his parents and his part-time job, had then ended up serving as a safe place for anyone that needed to stay away from their parents or needed time to get their own place.
One night during his junior year his best friend had come to him crying. She had fought with her boyfriend and had broken up. She was distraught and just wanted to get away from it all. They had drunk because they were teenagers and drinking felt like the right way to cope. One thing had led to another and they ended up sleeping together. The next morning they both had talked it out and Wei Wuxian had been relieved to still have his best friend in his life. Then a month later his friend had come over to tell him she was pregnant. Wei Wuxian had been scared but he made sure to let her know that whatever she wanted to do he would be there to help her. She had cried and he promised that whatever choice she made it would all be okay. A week later and she had decided she wanted the baby. Wei Wuxian had never been more nervous in his life because he hadn’t even graduated high school yet and was now going to be dad. It was insane but he was a man of his word and he would be there for his best friend and the baby.
After her parents had found out she had been kicked out. Wei Wuxian was quick to offer her his apartment.
“She had been so scared at first.” Wei Wuxian had whispered lost in his own memories. “I couldn’t blame her. I was scared too. But one of us had to be stronger so I told her we would be okay.” He had let out a chuckle then remembering something: “I even offered to marry her.”
Lan Wangji had felt his heart stutter but continued to listen.
“It made her laugh.” Wei Wuxian had said smiling softly. “We both knew we weren’t in love with each other. I mean we loved each other but...we...weren’t in love.” Wuxian adds before cuddling into Wangjis side. Wangji takes the moment to wrap an arm around the other.
They did end up getting married though. The girl's parents had found out she was expecting a boy and had wanted to take claim of him so that the child could later inherit their business. Of course she had refused and then asked Wuxian to marry her so that should anything happen to her, her child would still be kept away from her family.
“We worked on A-Yus nursery together and went to all the baby classes.” Wuxian says fondly. “She was so excited and her excitement really made me feel excited too”
And then on their last visit to the doctor they found out there was something wrong. They were asked if they wanted to terminate the pregnancy or wait. Wei Wuxian let her choose once more. She chose to wait. Wei Wuxian hadn’t known what to say or do. All he knew was that he wanted both of them to make it through.
He was there for her until her last breath. He’d lost one of his best friends and become a father all in the same day.
At eighteen Wei Wuxian had become a father and a widower.
Lan Wangji had kissed the other breathless at the end of his story. He didn’t think he could possibly love the man before him anymore than he already did. He was happy to be wrong.
“I want you to meet my son,” Wei Wuxian says on their fourth date. They’d gone out for dinner and were now taking a stroll in a nearby park. Lan Wangji knew this conversation was coming. And he honestly looked forward to it. Ever since they had started dating Wei Wuxian had been so much more open when talking about his home life. Lan Wangji loved listening to all of it. He loved how much Wei Wuxian loved his son. How devoted he was to his child.
And without really knowing Xuanyu, Lan Wangji already felt like he cared for him
“I’d love to,” Wangji replied, taking Wuxians hand into his and bringing it to his lips. Wuxian gives him a dazzling smile before kissing him.
“Really?”
“Mn”
“He’s gonna be so excited.” Wei Wuxian had gushed before peppering Lan Wangjis face with kisses. Wangji just basks in all the attention, unable to believe how happy he is in that moment.
They plan on a picnic. Instead of Lan Wangji going to pick up Wei Wuxian from his home like usual Lan Wangji would be meeting the father and son at a nearby park. This was to give Wei Wuxian time to talk to his son and get him ready. They had both confessed that they felt their relationship was getting serious (a relief to Lan Wangji who still couldn’t believe Wei Wuxian felt the same way) and the next logical step was for Lan Wangji to meet Xuanyu. Wei Wuxian had explained to Lan Wangji how he did often talk about him to his son but he’d only really mentioned him in the context of a friend.
Since they both had agreed on the progress of their relationship Wuxian thought it was important to let his son know about the change to. Lan Wangji of course agreed and so the two set a date and time for when Wei Wuxian could introduce Lan Wangji to his son as his boyfriend.
Lan Wangji was delighted by the change of title. He felt like a teenager whenever he remembered the way it felt when Wei Wuxian had first referred to him as such. His chest had puffed out in pride. Because yes, he was, in fact, Wei Wuxians boyfriend. Never in a million years had he thought of being someones boyfriend. As nice as the title is he does dream of one day becoming a fiance and then maybe not much later being a husband. His ears warm at the thought.
He tries not to focus on his silly day dreams when he realizes that if he does get the title of husband would he not then also have the title of father? And that question leads him down a path he definitely had not thought of. He had been so distracted by how well things were going with Wei Wuxian he completely neglected to think of what a future with Wei Wuxian would actually entail.
It does not scare him. But it does ground him. He wants to be with Wei Wuxian. He knows that is as true as his name being Lan Wangji. If being with Wei Wuxian means becoming a parent well it is just something he will have to work on. For Wei Wuxian, he would do anything.
He’s doing a little research for things children like a few days before he's supposed to meet Wei Wuxian and his son when another thought creeps into his mind.
What if Wei Xuanyu does not like him? What if the cute little boy he’d seen so long before does not deem him worthy of his father? What then?
For the first time in a really long time Lan Wangji feels fear creep into his heart. Because if Wei Wuxians son did not like him he would more than likely not be able to be with Wei Wuxian anymore. His heart aches and he unconsciously rubs his chest. Before the fear can consume him he decides to call his brother.
“Wangji, don't be silly, why would Wei Wuxians child not like you?”
“I am cold”
His brother let's out a chuckle “Wangji come on be reasonable. Children are very perceptive. He will see how much you care for his father and will like you because of that”
“What if he doesn’t?” Wangji insists. Why can’t his brother understand he isn’t the most likeable of people. If adults don’t like him why would a child?
“How about you bring him a gift?” his brother suggests
“You think I should buy his approval?” Wangji asks a little annoyed.
“No, but children respond well to gifts. I have it on good authority he really likes reptiles”
Wangji blinks “How do you know that?”
“I have my sources,” his brother says and Lan Wangji can feel the smile on his brothers lips when he says that. More questions arise in his mind but he chooses to focus on the main issue. If his brother wants to tell him of his ‘sources’ he will eventually.
The day of meeting Wei Xuanyu arrives and Lan Wangji can’t help but feel a little nervous. He had spoken to Wei Wuxian the night before and had told the other he was nervous only for his boyfriend to laugh.
“Oh my silly Lan Zhan, A-Yu is gonna love you”
“How does Wei Ying know that?”
“Because I love you so of course my son will also love you” Wei Wuxian had said sweetly and in the moment Lan Wangji had believed him. But now as he made sure he had Wei Xuanyus’ gift and the fruit salad he had promised he wasn’t too sure.
He takes a deep breath to calm himself. Everything will be okay.Even if little Xuanyu doesn’t like him there is always time to change his opinion. He wants to be part of Wei Wuxians AND his sons life. If it takes years then so be it. He’s so close to having everything he didn’t know he wanted. Why should he let some baseless fears keep him from being happy?
“Lan Zhan you made it!” Wei Wuxian calls out as soon as Lan Wangji is within earshot. The smile on Wei Wuxians face makes his knees feel weak and he has to remind himself that tripping in front of Wei Ying and his son is not a good impression.
He notices a small figure look up from where he was sitting and quickly stand up. Lan Wangjis heart hammers in his chest as he makes eye contact with a set of very familiar eyes. This is it. He is meeting the love of his lifes’ son. It's really happening. He has to remind himself to breathe.
“Hello Wei Ying” Lan Wangji greets as soon as he reaches the other.
“A-Yu look our special guest has arrived” Wei Wuxian says pulling over his son whose eyes have not once left Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji feels himself sweating. The little boy doesn't show any signs of malice. His expression is mostly curious and yet Lan Wangji feels like he is being judged.
“Go ahead, introduce yourself” Wei Wuxian encourages and the little boy takes a step forward.
“You're my dad's boyfriend?” little Xuanyu says and Lan Wangji feels his ears instantly warm.
“Mn.” he replies because not replying would be rude while Wuxian gives him a sheepish smile.
The little boy stares at him for a moment before smiling happily “Hi dads boyfriend, I'm Xuanyu.” Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes fondly at his son and gives Lan Wangji a shrug as if to say he also doesn’t know why his son chose to introduce himself this way.
Lan Wangji almost sighs in relief but manages to nod curtly and say “Nice to meet you Xuanyu, I am Lan Wangji”
“Nice to meet you too” the little boy says, still smiling and it's like looking at Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji can’t help but smile at the other.
“Awww aren’t you guys cute” Wei Wuxian coos ruffling his son's hair. Xuanyu let's out an exasperated sigh at his dad messing up his hair. Lan Wangji has to keep himself from cooing.
“Come on Lan Zhan we were just gonna start eating” Wei Wuxian says as he turns to sit on the blanket they brought for their picnic.
Lan Wangji is about to take a seat when Xuanyu looks up at him and asks “Is that for me?”
He feels his ears redden realizing he had completely forgotten to give Xuanyu his gift. He nods quickly and hands the gift over.
“Wow...can I open it?” Xuanyu asks, eyes shining with excitement.
“A-yu what do we say first?” Wuxian says, forcing both Lan Wangji and Xuanyu to look over at him.
Xuanyu gives his dad a sheepish smile “Sorry. I got excited.” he says and then looking up at Lan Wangji, he says “Thank you for the gift Wangji-gege”
Lan Wangjis heart stutters in his chest. Xuanyu is adorable. “You are welcome”
The picnic is a complete success. After Xuanyu rips open his gift (it's a set of dinosaurs he saw had a lot of great reviews online), they start eating. Wuxian had packed some sandwiches for them (they were incredibly spicy and Lan Wangji can’t help but wonder if all this spice is good for Xuanyu) and some carrots and broccoli (Wuxian explains that he has to get Xuanyu to eat more veggies). They have Wangjis fruit salad for dessert and Wangji can’t help but feel smug at the little dance Xuanyu does everytime he eats a piece of fruit.
“You know you didn't have to buy him a gift” Wuxian says leaning against him. Xuanyu had run off to show off his new toys to some friends he had made before Lan Wangji had arrived.
“Wanted to.” Wangji replies, watching as Xuanyu and his little friends chase each other pretending to be dinosaurs.
“You’ll spoil him if you do it every time so don’t” Wuxian scolds but his voice is playful so Wangji knows he is not in trouble.
“Mn”
“Lan Zhan” Wei Ying says, forcing Wangji to look away from Xuanyu. “Thank you for coming today”
Lan Wangji breath catches in his throat. The way Wei Wuxian is looking at him with so much gratitude. With so much love. He wants to tell Wuxian that there is no need for thanks. He wants to tell him that it is him who needs to thank Wuxian. He wants to thank him for the opportunity of being a part of Wei Wuxians life. He wants to thank him for trusting him enough to introduce him to his son. But the words won’t come out so instead he kisses the other on the lips. He hopes the message is able to be read.
Of course the little moment is over when they hear Xuanyu calling out for Wei Wuxian. The friends that Xuanyu had made had left and now he demanded his fathers attention. That is how they end up playing tag. Lan Wangji is elated at being included in the game and does his best to keep up with the father son duo who keep tagging him and running away.
They run around until the sun goes down. They’re sitting on the picnic blanket again. Wangji is explaining the different types of dinosaurs to Xuanyu when he notices the little boy's eyes start to droop. He finds himself struggling to keep his composure. Wei Wuxian and Wei Xuanyu will definitely be the death of him.
Wuxian notices his son is sleepy and pulls him into his lap. “I'm not a baby dad” the little boy mumbles and Wangji can’t help but smile.
“I know. But isn't this more comfortable?” Wuxian asks his son, running his fingers through his hair.
Xuanyu leans back into the touch and nods. He falls asleep not two minutes after making Wuxian chuckle fondly.
“Kids.” he says shaking his head “They always wanna grow up so fast”
Wangji just smiles not knowing how to reply.
The day ends soon after. Wangji helps Wuxian carry the picnic stuff back to his car while he carries a sleeping Xuanyu. “Thanks again for coming Lan Zhan”
Wangji puts the picnic basket and blanket in the trunk before looking over at Wuxian fondly.
“There is no need for thanks between us.” he says, tucking a stray hair behind Wuxians ear. “ I am happy to have met Xuanyu.” he adds shyly.
Wuxian blushes but smiles brightly “You sweet talker”
Wangji pecks his cheek before he goes and when he reaches his car he feels light. He’s happy at the way his day has ended. He even looks forward to the next time he will get to spend time with the father son duo.
He doesn’t have to wait long to see them. Wei Wuxian comes into his office first thing in the morning to announce his sister is hosting a party and Wangji must come so he can meet the rest of his family. Wangji of course says yes and is immediately enveloped in Wei Wuxians warmth.
After having met Xuanyu, Wangji is considerably less nervous about meeting his boyfriends brother and sister. If he survived meeting his boyfriends son then really he can survive anything. And he does survive. Jiang Yanli is a gracious host and easily makes him feel at home. Jiang Wanyin on the other hand is less inviting.
“Don’t worry about A-Cheng, he's always a grouch” Wuxian whispered to him.
“Yeah like Oscar” Xuanyu adds, giggling. Wangji guesses he’s referring to some character from a popular tv show.
“A-Yu you're poor uncles heart would break if he heard you say that” Wuxian says laughing.
“It's okay he loves me anyway” Xuanyu says confidently and then runs off calling out said uncle.
The night is close to an end when Wangji ends up cornered by Wuxians grouchy sibling.
“Wangji” Jiang Cheng greets disdainfully
“Wanyin” Wangji replies politely.
“I hope you know that if you hurt either of them, I will be coming after you. I know where you live” the man threatens before promptly walking away.
Wangji wishes he could have said he never dreamt of hurting his brother or his nephew, but he would accept any punishment if he did. But Wanyin walks away too fast and Wangjis brain is also trying to process the fact that the other knows where he lives...was he being stalked?
He finds out the answer to that question later when Wuxian is at dinner with him and his brother, Lan Xichen. Xuanyu is of course also invited but the little boy says he’d rather spend the evening with his uncle and aunt instead of stuffy adults.
Wei Wuxian had laughed “For give him Lan Zhan, he got his bluntness from me”
Wangji had only pulled Wuxian close to say “Nothing to forgive. He is just honest. I’m sure he would have more fun with your siblings anyway”
Wuxian had blushed before kissing his cheek “You are far too nice”
When they arrive at his brother's house they are both shocked to see Jiang Wanyin casually sitting on the couch reading.
“A-cheng what are you doing here?”
Wangji gave his brother a curious look as well and his brother simply smiled politely.
“I thought it was a good chance to also introduce you to my boyfriend,” Xichen explained.
Wei Wuxian loses it.
It was definitely an evening to remember and Wangji wouldn’t have had it any other way. Especially when he got to give Wanyin a shovel talk of his own. Seeing the others eyes widen in surprise had been one of the highlights of the night.
Their next few dates involve Xuanyu. They go to arcades, movies and parks. They go to ice cream parlors and pizza places. Wangji feels as if he is given another chance at being a child every time.
Growing up with his strict uncle he hadn’t really been given the chance to indulge in all the things other kids got to do. It makes him fall a little more for Wuxian who indulges in all his son's childish whims. It's not necessarily spoiling. Wuxian is great at keeping things within reason. He’s an amazing father even if Wuxian has expressed doubts to him on occasions.
“I just feel like sometimes it's not enough” Wuxian had confessed to him one night after he had tucked Xuanyu in bed.
“Xuanyu is happy. He is healthy” Wangji says, hugging Wuxian close.
“Yeah but…”
“No buts. You are an amazing father Wei Ying” Wangji says, kissing the other breathless.
Their relationship progresses with every date. Some weekends Wei Wuxian will pack overnight bags for him and Xuanyu to spend the night. Other times Lan Wangji will stay with them in their home. Soon neither has to pack a bag. There is clothes in both their homes for them to use.
Looking around his apartment Lan Wangji can’t help but smile at the mess. His whole life he has always kept all his things nice and organized. He used to hate mess but now he loves it. He loves seeing some of Xuanyus toys lying on the floor. Loves the random books scattered on the coffee table that Xuanyu had begged Wangji to read for him. Ever the curious child Xuanyu had taken to asking Lan Wangji all sorts of things. Wangji hadn't minded at first. He still didn’t mind. It was just that like his father Xuanyu was brilliant and soon his questions had become a little too complicated. Afraid to disappoint the child, Lan Wangji had purchased encyclopedias to better answer Xuanyus questions. Now instead of Wangji looking up the answer and explaining it, they would read together.
Wuxian had teased them and called them nerds. But Xuanyu had come to their defenses by saying there was nothing wrong with wanting to learn. It warmed Wangjis heart immensely.
His life had changed so much in such a short amount of time and still Wangji wanted more. He wanted a more permanent setting. And it appeared he wasn’t the only one feeling this way.
“Are you going to marry my dad?” Xuanyu asked one night when they were alone. Wuxian had left to pick up their take out for the night. Wangji had turned slightly widened eyes to Xuanyu who was setting up a town that would be destroyed by dinosaurs.
“I would like to.” Wangji says honestly and feels his heart stutter when Xuanyu meets his eyes.
Xuanyu is six years old but the look he is giving Wangji is that of an older man. It's serious and challenging. This child truly is Wei Wuxians son. The world would never be ready for the force of nature Wei Xuanyu was sure to be.
“When?” Xuanyu asks seriously. His little face is endearing and Wangji would pinch his cheeks but he knows better. Knows that Xuanyu is just looking out for his dad. He would never undermine his actions like that.
“Soon” Wangji promises.
“Don’t make dad wait too long” Xuanyu says before looking back at his toys “Daddy really likes you.”
Wangjis heart warms. The way those two love each other so fiercely. It's breathtaking. He only hopes he's given the chance to show both of them how much he loves them to.
“I really like your dad too” Wangji replied and then hesitates in his next question. He knows Xuanyu is young but he is also very important to Wei Wuxian. So he has to know. He has to ask “Is Xuanyu okay sharing his dad?”
Xuanyu looks up surprised for a second before smiling widely “Of course. If Daddy is happy then Xuanyu is happy.”
They don't really get to speak more on the subject because Wei Wuxian burst through the door excitedly with the food.
Wangji proposes in front of all the people Wuxian holds dear two nights after his talk with Xuanyu. Xuanyu is delighted to be part of the surprise and Wuxian is left speechless for the first time since Wangji first met him. When they’re all alone in Wangjis room, Wei Wuxian is unable to keep his hands to himself and Wangji is no better. The night is filled with slow kisses and promises of forever.
They move in together soon after. It's a mess trying to fit all of Wuxian and Xuanyus belongings into Wangjis apartment but they manage. Xuanyu loves his room since Wangji allowed him to decorate it however he wanted. Wuxian had scolded him for spoiling his son but Wangji shrugged. He just wanted Xuanyu to be comfortable in his new home.
It takes time for everyone to get the hang of living with each other for more than the weekend. There are nights where Xuanyu gets a little homesick and wants nothing to do with Wangji or his dad. Wangji doesn’t take it personally. He understands that a lot has changed for Xuanyu. He gives him all the space he needs. Wuxian stresses about it but Wangji tells him not to worry. They just have to be patient. Wuxian calls him a saint.
“Lan Zhan what do you think of me going back to school?” Wuxian says one night they are cuddling in bed. It doesn’t catch Wangji off guard. They had spoken about Wuxian pursuing his career goals in the beginning. Wangji had told him he’d help him with anything he needed but Wuxian had been hesitant.
“If that is what Wei Ying wants.”
“I do but…” Wuxian hesitates and Wangji holds the other close.
“Will help Wei Ying with anything he needs” he says earnestly. He wants Wei Ying to have this chance. He wants him to be successful.
“Oh Lan Zhan but A-Yu-”
“Xuanyu is going to school too. I can pick him up whenever you need. Or we can get a babysitter”
“No..no I’m his dad. Are you sure this is okay? What if I just do online classes?”
“Wei Ying we are getting married soon. That means Xuanyu and you are very important to me. Let me help you. Let me be someone you can lean on.” Wangji says seriously. Wangji knows Wuxian doesn’t want to push any parenting responsibility to Wangji. He feels guilty but Wangji doesn’t mind. He loves both of them so much he would do anything they asked of him.
Wuxian has tears in his eyes when he says “You really are the best Lan Zhan”
And so Wuxian enrolls into school. He decides on quitting his job as Lan Wangjis secretary, Lan Wangji would have been devastated had they not been living together, so that he can still go to school but be available for Xuanyu. Wuxian of course teases Wangji about not falling in love with his new secretary and Wangji calls him ridiculous.
Of course his response is not heard by an eavesdropping Xuanyu who runs to him crying one day begging him not to leave them. Wangjis heart all but burst as he holds onto a sobbing Xuanyu. “I would never leave you guys” Wangji tries to soothe.
“Never?” Xuanyu asks voice wobbly
“Never” Wangji promises.
Soon after Wangji gets a surprise that his poor heart is almost unable to take. He’s getting groceries with Xuanyu when the other turns to him with a big bag of candy and hopeful silver eyes.
“Can we get these baba?” the little boy asks sweetly and Wangji swears his heart almost stops beating. Xuanyu called him baba. He called HIM baba. It feels like a dream. He’d always been hopeful that Xuanyu would see him as a parent but he was also content being a friend or confidant to the boy. Wangji just wanted to be more than just Xuanyus dads boyfriend. He would be anything the little boy needed so long as the other wished for it. To be called baba so casually in the middle of a grocery store….it just felt so good.
Xuanyu is about to put the bag of candy back, noticing the others' silence but is stopped by Wangji.
“Yes...A-yu, we can get them”
The smile they both wear is one Wei Wuxian could only wish to have seen for himself.
Wangji is watching his husband and son dance when his brother comes over to give him his congratulations.
“Brother.” Wangji greets
“Wangji.” Xichen replies, smiling softly at him.
“Thank you for coming”
“Wouldn’t have missed this for the world Wangji”
Wangji gives his brother a smile unable to form words. He’s the happiest he’s ever been. All his life he had thought he was content with just working. He had lived believing all he would ever need was his brother and his uncle. He had been scared of love and had shut himself out of the idea of ever seeking it. And now...he's happy love seeked him out.
“Tell me Wangji is this everything you imagined for yourself?” his brother asks, also looking out into the crowd of dancers.
“It is more,” Wangji says, looking to Wuxian and Xuanyu who are calling him over to dance. He excuses himself from his brother and joins his little family happier than he had ever hoped to be.