The Cloud Recesses were a study in silence, a concept Wei Wuxian found profoundly dull. He’d promised himself his beloved Tianzixiao, a taste of the vibrant world he’d left behind.

He’d been subtle, of course. The gourd of wine was nestled securely within his robes. He’d navigated the moonlit paths of the Cloud Recesses, a ghost in black and red. He’d found the perfect spot, a secluded pavilion overlooking a bamboo grove.

He was just uncorking the gourd, when a voice, as cold and smooth as polished jade, cut through the night air.

"Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian froze, a grin already spreading across his face. He turned slowly, and there you were, Lan Wangji, the Second Young Master of the Gusu Lan Clan, a vision of pristine white and light blue, your forehead ribbon stark and perfect against your brow. You stood as if sculpted from moonlight itself, your expression unreadable, your gaze fixed on the gourd in his hand with the cold judgment of a hawk sizing up a field mouse.

“Lan Zhan~!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed, his voice ringing with false cheer. “What a pleasant surprise! The night air is so lovely, I was just… appreciating it. Yes, appreciating it. With some… herbal tea.” He held up the gourd.

“You are not permitted to bring liquor into Cloud Recesses,” You stated, your tone flat and final. You stepped closer, the very picture of righteous authority. “The rules are clear.”

“Rules, rules, rules,” Wei Wuxian sighed, dramatically shaking his head. “Always with the rules, Lan Zhan. Where’s your sense of adventure? A man’s spirit needs nurturing!”

You remained unmoved, your posture rigid. “You will pour it out.”

Wei Wuxian’s grin widened. An idea, deliciously wicked, bloomed in his mind. This was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“Pour it out?” Wei Ying repeated, feigning shock. “Lan Zhan, you wound me! It would be a crime against the brewers of Gusu. Here, you must try some. Then you’ll understand. It’s an education, really.”

You opened your mouth, no doubt to deliver another lecture on the transgressions of his actions, but Wei Wuxian was faster. He lunged forward, quick as a striking snake. Before you could react or step back, he had an arm looped around your shoulders, pulling you close against the solid warmth of his chest. His other hand brought the gourd to your lips. “Just a sip, Lan Zhan!”

You spluttered, a look of utter outrage and shock flashing across your usually impassive face. He tilted the gourd, and a small amount of the potent Emperor’s Smile passed your lips. He felt you swallow, a single, involuntary gulp.

You stood stiff in his arms, your eyes wide with disbelief. Then, a soft, rosy flush began to creep up your neck, coloring your cheeks. Your eyes, usually so sharp and unwavering, grew wide and unfocused, a dazed confusion settling in their depths. Your posture, once as rigid as a mountain pine, became remarkably loose.

Oh. Oh, this was even better than he’d expected. Wei Wuxian’s internal glee knew no bounds. The mighty Hanguang-Jun, was a complete and utter lightweight. He’d never had a drop of liquor in his life! This was gold.

“Oh dear~” Wei Wuxian murmured, a slow, delighted smile spreading across his face. “I think that was more than a sip.”

You swayed on your feet, blinking rapidly. “Wei… Ying…” you managed, your voice sounding thick and unsteady. “The… the rules…no… liquor…”

“And the rule is also to be in bed by 9, isn’t it, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian crooned, his voice dripping with mischief. He kept a steadying hand on your arm, a thrill of excitement and pure joy running through him. “What time is it?”

“Must… rest,” You mumbled. With a clumsy, deliberate motion, your long, elegant fingers undid the knot of the forehead ribbon. You carefully folded the ribbon and set it aside. Then, with the same fastidious precision, laid down, pulled the thin blanket up to your chin, and closed your eyes. You were perfectly, utterly still.

A choked sound escaped Wei Wuxian’s throat. He slapped a hand over his mouth, his entire body shaking with suppressed laughter. "Lan-Er GeGe~?"

[swipe for more]