[Wei Wuxian's pain has always been his pain. It took him a while, to realize that, and Wei Wuxian will probably never understand, will probably actively rebel against a thought like that for as long as they remain in each other's company. But it doesn't make it any less true, and his free hand jerks at his side, an aborted attempt at reaching out for him.
It's fortunate, almost, that Wei Wuxian's eyes are closed. If he were to see that, to ask for an explanation, Lan Wangji doubts he'd have the strength of will to tell a silent lie.
He can't bring himself to turn his gaze away, though, even when Wei Wuxian opens his eyes again. He stares, and stares, as if every ounce of love, support, and devotion in his heart could be conveyed through a single look alone. It's dangerous, to be so open, but right now, Lan Wangji thinks it's worth the risk. If Wei Wuxian looks at him, if he's reminded of an unwelcome truth because Lan Wangji can't force his own feelings to weaken... then so be it. If he asks for space and peace, so be it. But now, of all times, he needs to be reminded that there is always, always someone willing to stand at his side, unconditionally.
Wei Wuxian's tone breaks something deep in his heart, and Lan Wangji takes a slow breath, trying to calm his own thoughts. Insulting Jiang Cheng now would do no good, even if he deserves it.]
Do not mention him. [It's the same thing he said on the boat, but-- he can't help himself. He hates the way Wei Wuxian loses some of his exuberance, his light, whenever the topic of his brother arises. He's not even the real issue here anyway. They can do nothing about the past, but right here, and now, is a different matter.]
Wei Ying. [Gently, he squeezes Wei Wuxian's hand, as if to coax him back to the present.] I am here.
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It's fortunate, almost, that Wei Wuxian's eyes are closed. If he were to see that, to ask for an explanation, Lan Wangji doubts he'd have the strength of will to tell a silent lie.
He can't bring himself to turn his gaze away, though, even when Wei Wuxian opens his eyes again. He stares, and stares, as if every ounce of love, support, and devotion in his heart could be conveyed through a single look alone. It's dangerous, to be so open, but right now, Lan Wangji thinks it's worth the risk. If Wei Wuxian looks at him, if he's reminded of an unwelcome truth because Lan Wangji can't force his own feelings to weaken... then so be it. If he asks for space and peace, so be it. But now, of all times, he needs to be reminded that there is always, always someone willing to stand at his side, unconditionally.
Wei Wuxian's tone breaks something deep in his heart, and Lan Wangji takes a slow breath, trying to calm his own thoughts. Insulting Jiang Cheng now would do no good, even if he deserves it.]
Do not mention him. [It's the same thing he said on the boat, but-- he can't help himself. He hates the way Wei Wuxian loses some of his exuberance, his light, whenever the topic of his brother arises. He's not even the real issue here anyway. They can do nothing about the past, but right here, and now, is a different matter.]
Wei Ying. [Gently, he squeezes Wei Wuxian's hand, as if to coax him back to the present.] I am here.
[You don't have to deal with this alone.]