Lan Wangji is watching he kids at the day care yet again, one of the caretakers has gotten very ill. Since it's his family school he fills in a lot of places so that he school runs smoothly. Normally kids don't like him so+ https://twitter.com/2dHaremHussy/status/1324966399840669696

He just grades papers and watches over the kids.

Except little A Yuan is very interested is Lan Wangji, music and whatever Lan Wangji does and Lan Wangji is just as mesmerized by A Yuan.

"Mr.Lan" A Yuan calls as he lifts his hands up.

Lwj picks up the boy and sits him in his lap.

"This is music." A Yuan says brightly.

Lwj nods and continues to look over the scores.

"Mr. Lan" A Yuan stares "Can you play music?"

Lwj nods again

"Can you show me how?" A Yuan ask's

Lwj stares back at the little boy, he can't believe what his heart is doing in his chest. "You want me to show you how to play music?" He asks to clarify.

"Yes, I want to play." A Yuan says with a huge smile.

Lwj nods "next time I'll bring an instrument."

Lwj heads home after the day is done and thinks what should he teach, should probably talk to A yuans parents as well. Lwj and his brother fix dinner together.

"Wangji I hate to ask this, but do you think you could take over the daycare in the afternoon?"

Lwj stops chopping the vegetables he's working on. He turns to his brother.

"The three year old class?" lwj asks

"Yes" Lan Xichen nods "The teacher has had a family emergency, they have to return home."

"That is fine I will teach them music." Lwj says going back to chopping

"Wangji, they are three!" Lxc says chuckling

"Mn, to whoever is interested." lwj says

the next day Lwj packs his very small violin and some other kid instruments for the afternoon.

Lwj doesn't get excited often but today he's excited to go to the daycare today and show A yuan his violin.

When he steps into the room and relieves the other teacher A yuan Yells.

"Mr. Lan, You're here!"

Lwj gives A Yuan a small smile. His heart feels like it could burst, no one really gets excited to see him not like that. Only one other person smiles at him like that and he actively avoids them. Wei Wuxian is loud and the complete opposite of Lwj.

When Wwx started last year, He went out of his way to speak to Lwj and include him in things he would even touch Lwj lightly. Lwj spends most of his time avoiding the man because first, he's insanely beautiful and second he makes Lwj want things+

He has never wanted before, Like a friends and a relationship and that scares him.

When lwj puts down his huge bag of kids instruments and his violin case A yuan Launches himself at him.

'You remembered Mr. Lan you're the best!"

Is this why people have kids Lwj wonders. His heart feels so full. A Yuan looks at him like he's a million bucks. He lets the other kids dig around and almost regrets bringing the instruments because the noise is ATROCIOUS. Until A Yuan ask's

"What's that?"

Lwj picks up the case and pulls them to the side hit sits on the floor and A Yuan sits next to him as he opens it.

"This is a violin, would you like to learn this?" Lwj asks

"Oh yes!" Ay nods enthusiastically

Lwj spends the rest of the evening answer questions about instruments everyone's questions and Ay is patient he waits and learns in-between.

Lwj teaches him how to hold the violin and shows him the scale. He's shocked when Ay does it without mistake.

All of the kids are sad but no one's more sad than Ay when it's time to put things away and get ready for pick up.

Lwj tells Ay. "Practice is good but rest is just as important." He smiles at the child. " You did really well today I'm so proud."

A Yuan beams at him. Oh this is DEFINITELY why people have kids Lwj thinks. He's so proud and happy who wouldn't want to feel like that all the time.

Lwj explains to several of his fellow teachers he will be here in the afternoon from now on.

All the kids wave good bye and leave with their parents till it's just Ay left but he's patient he waits. Lwj frowns not sure who his parent is but they shouldn't leave their kid waiting. Just as he's about to sit down and join Ay the door is pushed in.

"I am so sorry! One of my students needed some last minute help." Wwx comes in looking flustered.

Lwj heart sinks. NO! anyone but him his brain is in a panic.

"PAPA" Ay screams "Guess what papa today Mr. Lan showed me to play vio-lin" he smiles

"I said it right, right Mr. Lan?" Ay smiles even harder clearly proud of himself.

Lwj nods

Wwx narrows his eyes while looking at Ay "Violin?" He then turns to look at Lwj who nods again.

"Yes Papa he said I am excellent! Can I show him Mr. Lan"

Lwj gets the case and hands it to Ay. He thought he might have to convince Ay's parents but Wwx is a music teacher and he won't need to cause he will see what Lwj sees.

Ay plays through the scale twice only messing up once. Wwx stands next to Lwj watching.

"Wow" Wwx says "Wow A Yuan!"

Lwj smiles softly.

"Wow you just smiled!!!!!" Wwx says

Lwj didn't realize he was looking. Lwj straightens his face and nods.

"Papa I was great wasn't I great! Mr. Lan says I am great." Ay is clearly excited.

" Well if Mr. Lan says your great, you have to be great! Mr. Lan is one of the top Violinist in the world." Wwx says squatting down so he's Ay's level.

"Wow is he the BEST Papa?" Ay asks.

"Papa thinks he is." Wwx nods

Lwj turns his face to hide his blush. He's positive his face and ears are flaming he can feel them.

"I knew he was the best!" Ay says throwing his hands up!

"Careful A Yuan instruments are delicate we must be gentle!" Wwx says grabbing the violin.

Wwx hands over the violin so Lwj can put it away.

"Mr. Lan let me play all afternoon." Ay says "he's the best!"

Wwx pouts "I thought Papa was the best?!?"

Ay laughs "you are the best Papa, Mr. Lan is the best teacher silly."

"oh ok" wwx smiles "can you go put on your coat and shoes papa will be right there."

A Yuan nods and hugs lwj legs "See you tomorrow Mr. Lan."

Lwj pats the top of a yuan's head. "Mn"

When ay gets to the coat rack wwx faces lwj.

"Why?" Wwx asks

Lwj doesn't know how to answer that but with the truth.

"He asked."

"He asked you to learn to play Violin?" Wwx asks

Lwj can't tell what Wwx's look means. His hands are clenched behind his back.

"He asked me to teach him music so I brought a lot of instrument's." Lwj says pointing his hand towels the others already packed up in the bag.

"Those are interments you can buy at any store. A small child's Violin you can not and is also very expensive."

Lwj nods. What else can you he do it's the truth.

Wwx is staring at him. "Lunch tomorrow me and you we need to talk."

Wwx then turns sharply and checks over Ay before they both say good bye again and are out the door.

Lwj is nervous. What if Wwx is upset. He couldn't really tell. He's not good with people. Even worse with Wwx. Lwj rubs his face and packs up to head home.

He's making dinner with his brother again when he says.

"I didn't know Wei Wuxian had a son, I didn't know he was married." Lwj says

"He adopted him last month, he's not married." Lxc says "his son is in the three year old room huh?"

"Mn" lwj nods

"I let A Yuan play the violin, I am not sure if Wei Wuxian is upset about it."
Lwj says

"Wangji who would be upset about a world renowned Violinist teaching their child?" Lxc asks stopping to look at his brother. "Wei Wuxian is a smart man."

Lwj nods and they finish cooking dinner.

When he is laying in bed that night for the first time in a long time he can't seem to sleep. Wwx face is keeping him awake. His brother's words were comforting, but something isn't right.

The next lwj is sitting at his desk During lunch time looking at the clock, he doesn't know if he should just sit here or go to the faculty room that's where he normally goes.

The door opens and in comes Wwx with a large lunchbox.

"Found you, were you avoiding me?" Wwx asks pulling up a chair to Lwj's desk.

"No, I didn't know where to go you didn't say."

"Oh ok, well I made you lunch I hope you like it." Wwx says pulling out tupperware

"I have noodles beef tofu and a salad and some water." Wwx pulls out plates and chopsticks. "Help yourself."

They fix themselves plates and begin eating.

"So, I can't afford to pay your rate teaching A Yuan violin. God knows what it is." Wwx says

"I know your worth a lot but I'm helping more than just me and him right now so I'm tight."

Lwj stares at him and finishes the food in his mouth.

"I don't want anything." Lwj says

"You want to teach him for free?" Wwx asks

"Mn." Lwj says nodding

"What is the catch?" Wwx says squinting his eyes and pointing his chopsticks. "It's not like we're great friends you hate me you literally run away everytime I walk in your direction."

"No catch....I don't hate you."

Wwx continues to stare at Lwj.

"I am not good with people." Lwj says as an explanation.

" You do fine it with A Yuan, he doesn't shut up about you." Wwx says. "I'm actually kind of hurt he doesn't want me to teach him music. Now that I see which+

Lan it is, I understand."

Lwj files that away to ask his brother about it later.

"So for payment, I'll fix you lunch at least three times a week." Wwx says "I can't not pay you. I don't want to take advantage of you."

"A Yuan asked I wanted to no need for payment." Lwj says

" A Yuan stole your heart didn't he." Wwx says" it's ok he does it to everyone, he's a sweet boy despite everything he's been through. I don't want a hand out.+

I can only imagine what your other students pay."

Lwj takes a deep breath. He hasn't talked this much in a long time.

"A Yuan is my only student, I don't require payment."

"Are you saying that to avoid me?" Wwx asks

Lwj looks at Wwx. No one wants to spend time with him, why is he pressing so much he thinks.

"I don't want to force you to spend time with me." Lwj says

"Oh" Wwx says leaning back. "Well that's good because I want to spend time with you."

Lwj is baffled and just as he's about to ask why. The bell rings.

"Ok well let me clean this up." Wwx quickly packs up. "See you later Lan Wangji."

Lwj sits at his desk baffled until students for his last class pour in.

When Lwj enters the daycare, instead of just Ay, all the kids call his name loudly!

His brother is smiling at him softly.

"Wangji, everyone was very excited waiting for their music lesson." Lxc looked at his brother with a mischievous smile.

"Mn" lwj nods putting down the bag of instrument's.

Ay comes to his side.

"Mr. Lan, do I get to play Violin again today?" Ay asks

Lxc eyes are wide as Lwj passes the small case to Ay. Hes wondering if his eyes are mistaken but they can't be.

That's lwj's first violin. Lxc was going to go back to his office and look through applications for a new teacher but decides against it. He absolutely needs to see what follows.

"We can learn our scales today." Lwj says to the children

Lwj notices his brother isn't leaving but he gets all the kids to sit down on the carpet. He pulls his own violin out. He plays a note "do"

Ay mimics immediately.

He walks to each kid who has a scale they can play helping. The first time through the+

Scale no one is left on the carpet but A Yuan.

The other kids are off playing having a great time. So lwj looks at his brother who nods and pulls A Yuan to the side. Lxc watches over the kids and lwj and A Yuan go into there own lesson.

Lxc can't believe his eyes. He watches as his brother helps Ay with placement, pulling the bow across the violin. He's smiling and Lxc can feel the tears threatening to spill. He quickly starts to play with the children to keep his mind off of it.

When the day is over parents are picking up their kids lxc watches as his brother shows Ay how to put away the Violin on his own. Ay watches carefully.

"A Yuan time to go." Wwx comes in quickly already dressed to leave.

"bye" they both call and get are out the door.

Lwj packs up his things.

"I thought you didn't want to teach anyone?" Lxc asks

"He asked" lwj says

"He asked or his father asked?" Lxc is staring at his brother he can see that his ears are turning red.

"A Yuan asked me. I spoke to Wei Wuxian about it today. He is ok with it." Lwj says "ready to go or will I see you at home?"

"I have some applications to look over, I'll see you for dinner." Lxc says

"Mn" lwj nods and heads out the door.

When Lwj gets home, he goes over his students work and does his normal lesson plans.

Then he pulls out a folder and begins to piece together a lesson plan for Ay. He prints out some music sheets to teach him how to read music.

He's putting together some packets when his brother comes home.

"What's that?" Lxc asks setting his suit case down.

"Just some music learning sheets for A Yuan." Lwj says

"You do know his father is a music teacher?" Lxc says with his eyebrow raised

Lwj stands and blinks "he asked me to teach him. I guess I could let him bring these home."

Lxc hums. "So did you fix dinner?"

"Oh no I got caught up with work, I normally do my grading at school but I have been busy in the afternoons."

Lxc nods and they both head to the kitchen.

The next day, lwj is sitting at his desk for lunch again. He packed him a small lunch but he's unsure if he should go to the teachers lounge or if Wwx was meeting him here.
He's picked up his lunch box at least three times before Wwx is through the door.

"Hey Mr. Lan" Wwx smiles and lwjs heart flutters.

"Wei Wuxian." He says nodding he had already pulled an extra chair to his desk. Lwj opens his lunch box and Wwx looks over.

"No meat and you didn't eat beef yesterday? Vegetarian?" Wwx asks

"Mn" lwj nods

Wwx tells lwj all about his day and then asks " So what do you do for fun Lan Wangji?"

Lwj puts down his chopsticks and wipes his mouth.

"I play."

"You play?" Wwx looks at him squinting

"Yes my violin." Lwj says his nerves are screaming.

Right about now is when people start to make fun of him.

"Anything else?" Wwx asks

"No...before teaching I didn't have much free time." Lwj says

"Ah, you aren't world renowned for nothing." Wwx says winking. "Is there anything you've wanted to try?"

"Mn" Lwj thinks. Is there anything he wants to try. He's always wanted to have rabbits but couldn't with his crazy schedule. Other than that he can't think of anything.

"Me and Ay can try somethings with you. We can make a list if you want." Wwx offers

Lwj nods. He would like that.

"Mr. Lan if I'm talking too much just tell me okay?" Wwx says

"Lan Zhan, call me Lan Zhan." Lwj says

"Oh" Wwx is shocked "well call me Wei Ying then Lan Zhan."

They finish there lunch with Wwx carrying the conversation.

When Wwx picks up A Yuan later that day he asks lwj

"What do you think about the zoo Lan Zhan?"

"I LOVE THE ZOO!" A Yuan screams. "Is Mr. Lan going to come with us to the zoo?"

Both of them look up to Lan Zhan with their dazzling smiles and nods.

"Mn"

"Ok, well we should probably exchange numbers." Wwx says with a smirk

"Mn" Lan Zhan's ears are red. He only has his brother, uncle and the schools numbers in his phone. He gets his phone out of his bag and brings is back handing it over.

Wwx places his name and number in his phone and texts himself before handing it back. When Lan Zhan looks at the contact he can't help but blush.

Wei Ying

"Text me whenever Lan Zhan see you at lunch tomorrow! Don't forget I'm bringing food."

Later that night as he's laying in bed just about to fall asleep his phone dings. It's much too loud in his very quiet room.

He picks up the phone. It's a text from Wei ying.

*I just got A Yuan to bed, what are you doing?*

Lwj

Going to bed.

Wy
Going to bed !?!? Lan Zhan it's 9....

Lz
Yes I get up at 5

Wy
5am Lan Zhan?

Lz
Yes.

Wy
I'll let you sleep then see you tomorrow

Lwj blushes at the winky face.

Lz
Goodnight Wei Ying

Wy
Goodnight handsome Lan Zhan

Lwj does not go to sleep. He lays in bed staring at the ceiling. Handsome. He called him handsome. Should he tell him he thinks he's handsome back.... He needs to ask his brother tomorrow. The last thing he thinks about before he finally falls asleep.

Is Wwx's smile, the way his eyes sparkle and his hands on his.

The next morning in the gym Lwj asks his brother.

" When someone calls you handsome, is it proper to return the complement, or is something else more socially acceptable?"

Lxc places the dumb bells down and turns to look at his brother.

"Someone called you handsome?"

Lwj continues with his work out and just nods. His brother continues to stare at him which turns his ears pink.

"well" Lxc smiles " It depends if you think they are also handsome."

"I do"

Both of the brothers get down on the floor to begin stretching.

"Well then it's socially acceptable to return the compliment and sometimes you can add another compliment."

Lwj nods they continue their work out with no more conversation.

When lunch time comes around his phone dings again. When he looks he knows it could only be Www.

Wy
Headed to you Lan Zhan

This is it the chance to return the compliment.

Lz
I look forward to it handsome and kind Wei Ying.

Lwj nods to himself that should do it he returned the compliment and added his own.

All of a sudden there's a loud sound in the hallway followed by Wwx voice.

"Shit"

Lwj heads to the door and looks into the hall way. Wwx's bag is on the floor and tupperwares are scattered on the floor. Lwj starts to help him pick them up. He can't help but notice that Wwx phone is open to his text and his checks are a slight pink.

"Ah, sorry Lan Zhan I'm suck a damn klutz." Wwx scrambles to help him pick up their lunch.

When they sit at the desk the slight pink still dusts Wwx's cheeks. He keeps his eyes down and starts to place their lunch out with plates and chopsticks.

Lan Zhan is worried he's done something wrong Wwx won't look at him, he's used to other people not paying attention to him but Wwx always looks at him.

"Now Lan Zhan this isn't real meat. My sister told me what to buy and how to prepare it. I hope it's ok."

Wwx then lifts up his chopsticks with some of the not meat and vegetables and holds it to Lwj's mouth.

"Tell me how it is?" Wwx asks looking at him for the first time.

Lwj holds his gaze and opens his mouth. Wwx smiles and Lan Zhan feels more at ease.

He smiles back as he chews and Wwx's eyes go wide and his cheeks are pink again.

"Lan Zhan, you have to warn me before you smile. You are gonna stop my heart." Wwx says looking down.

Lan Zhan swallows the food. "it is good Wei Ying."

"I don't want your heart to stop I won't smile." Lwj says

"Wait, I like your smile!" Wwx says "I just need a bit of warning, your smile is beautiful." Wwx shoves food in his mouth and looks down.

"Wei Yings smile is more beautiful." Lwj says

Wwx

Lan Zhan is up patting his back and rubbing it in smooth circles. Concern on his face.

"Wei ying are you alright?"

He passes Wwx his water bottle.

"Yes, yes just food went down the wrong pipe." Wwx says

They both finish their meal in silence.

Smiling at each other softly as they pack up the rest of the food.

"Well Lan Zhan, I'll see you later." Wwx bows a little and scrambles out the door.

Lan Zhan returns the bow and definitely thinks he's going to have to talk to his brother about this later

Between his last class and heading to the day care he texts his brother.

Lwj
I returned a compliment and they choked on their water. Did I do something wrong?

Lxc
What was the compliment?

Lwj
They complimented my smile, I said theirs was more beautiful.

Lxc
I believe they were just suprised Wangji stop thinking you are always doing something wrong.

Lwj looks at his phone. His brother is right. Wei Ying doesn't seem put off by him yet and he wants to hang out with him more. He's doing ok.

After the day is done and parents are picking up their kids. Wei ying and A Yuan are waiting for him as he leaves the room.

"Mr. Lan!" A Yuan screams

It startles lwj and he almost drops everything.

"Sorry oh my God sorry." Wei ying reaches out to help.

"Sorry Mr. Lan I didn't mean to scare you." A Yuan says

"Its ok" lwj says fixing things in his hands.

"We wanted to know if you want to go to the zoo with us tomorrow?" A Yuan says excitedly.

Lwj looks between both of them. They are smiling at him so wide.

He realizes he will never be able to tell them no.

He nods "What time should I meet you?" Lwj asks

A Yuan looks at his father.

"We can meet there at 10am?" Wwx says smiling.

Lwj nods and gets startled again by A yuan's screech of joy.

Lxc choose this part to walk up too.

"What's so exciting A Yuan?"

"Mr. Lan is going to come with me and papa to the zoo tomorrow." A Yuan screams

Lxc raises an eyebrow. "Oh really? That sounds wonderful."

A Yuan giggles.

"Ok Lan Zhan, principle Lan, were gonna go. Gotta make dinner!" Wei Wuxian says

Lxc eyebrows almost disappear into his hair line. Bother brothers wave good bye.

Lwj tries to scurry off quickly. Escaping your older sibling NEVER works.

"Wangji" Lxc says

Lan Zhan stops "yes"

"Lan Zhan" Lxc waits for his brother to turn around. When he does he continues. "Is that who's been complimenting you?"

Lwj nods.

"I'm going to join a friend from dinner maybe you should join yours for dinner." Lxc says before leaving

Lan Zhan eats dinner alone, he doesn't want to force himself on Wwx and his son. He will see them tomorrow anyway.

Right before bed his phone dings.

Wy
Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Lwj
Would you like me to pick you up?

Lwj desperately tries to+

Not focus on the hearts.

Wy
Oh we don't have a car seat we normally take the bus.

Lwj
I can get one and pick you up.

Lwj is nervous. He doesnt even know how to pick a car seat but he's desperate to spend more time with them. It also just makes more sense.

Wy
Lan zhan you are going to go buy a car seat just to pick us up?

Lwj
Yes we are going to spend more time together right? It just makes sense for A Yuan safe.

Lwj watches the typing bubble pop up and disappear several times. He starts to get nervous.

What if he's said the wrong thing. Then the text appears.

Wy
Lan Zhan you have to be careful you might not be able to get rid of us if you are too nice.

Lwj is confused, why would he ever want to get rid of them, he's never enjoyed being around people more.

Lwj
Well then I must find ways to be even more nice why would I ever want to get rid of you?

Wy
LAN ZHAN

lwj
Wei Ying?

Wy
You are gonna kill me.

Lwj
I would never. Will I be picking you up?

Wy
Ok, shall we set the time for an hour before?

Lwj
9am see you then. Good night Wei Ying.

Wy
Goodnight

Lwj stares, that heart again. What does it mean. He can't ask his brother, he's started to get way to amused with the questions. He settles down at least he has something to do in the morning.

It's 8 am when the baby store with the best reviews near him opens. He's looked at several seats and guessed between a few he would like for A Yuan. Who cares about the price tag, this is A Yuan. He wants comfort and safety.

Armed with his list he enters the store.

He walks the aisles and feels the car seats on the display. He scratches one of his list immediately. Too scratchy. He moves over his list trying to decide when the lady at the register comes over to help.

"First time Dad huh?" she says then she starts going over the different perks of the car seats.

Lwj can feel his ears heat. His heart does something funny. He's never thought about having kids, but the thought of being A yuan's dad+

Does something to his heart, his soul.

He realizes the sales lady has stopped speaking and he apologies.

She chuckles and goes over it again.

He picks the best install, apparently that can be tricky and machine washable.

Lwj takes the seat from the sales lady who looked like she was struggling and brings it to the register. As he walks to the register he has to resist the urge to buy the huge stuffed bunny next to the register.

The sales lady must know, because she ask's. Are you sure this will be all sir? She says looking at the bunny again.

Lwj nods, as much as it hurts his heart.

Lwj is too busy installing the car seat. He ignores his phone ringing on the front seat.

His brother face flashes on the screen so he picks up the phone with his eyes on the information booklet.

"Hello brother."

"Wangji, did you use your card at a baby store?"

"Yes..."

"Oh" Lxc says with a little humor.

"Well please make sure you call the bank, they wanted to turn your card off."

"Mn"

"Have a great day on your date Wangji" Lxc says and hangs up.

Date....a date.

Lwj tries to ignore it. His brother is definitely just teasing. He installed the carseat and+

Text's Wwx for his address. He calls the bank and informs them he has used his card at the baby store and he will be using his card differently then normal today as well. As he drives to pick them up.

He pulls up at 8:59 outside of Wei Wuxian's apartment.

He doesn't know what to do, should he call or text, he checks how he looks and then snaps the visor shut. Why is he checking how he looks again....lucky he's saved from himself because Wwx and Ay come out from their building so he steps out of the car.

"Mr. Lan" Ay yells and waves his hands

Lwj just nods.

"Lan Zhan, thank you for picking us up!" www smiles.

Lwj opens the back door and ushers Ay into the seat. He can't stare at Wwx too long he manages to strap him in no issues.

"Comfy?" Lwj asks

Ay gives him two thumbs up. He closes the car door and almost runs right into Wwx. He still has that dangerous smile painted on.

"Lan Zhan" Wwx says while staring at him.

"Wei Ying"

"How much did you pay for that seat?" Wwx asks taking a step closer.

Lan Zhan adverts his eyes. He's not sure what to say...should he tell Wei Ying but he doesn't want him to feel like he should pay him back.

"Lan Zhan, I know that seat is expensive. My sister has the same one for my nephew. Why?"

"A Yuan should be safe." That's all Lwj can think to say and he opens the passenger door. Wwx squints at him and slides into the passenger seat with ease.

Lwj hopes that's the end of the conversation. (It's not but boy does he hope.)

Wwx is unusual quiet on the way to the zoo staring and doing something on his phone. Ay seems content to fill the silence. Lwj normally never looks away from the road even at red lights. He finds himself looking in the mirror at Ay and to the side at Wwx.

"Mr. Lan do you have a favorite animal?" Ay asks from the back set.

Lwj nods "rabbits"

"Papa, PAPA. Me and Mr. Lan have the same favorite animal!!" Ay yells in the back seat.

Wwx puts down his phone.

He turns and squints and lwj "mn"

Lwj can't read Wwx's mood he is a little nervous, he isn't good with interactions it's why he doesn't have friends. When Lwj finally parks at the zoo anxiety is eating him alive. Lwj goes to buy tickets but Wwx stops him.

"One ticket please, we have passes."

Before Lwj can pay with his card, Wwx taps his phone and pays for it. Wwx doesn't even look at Lwj he just grabs Ay's hand.

"Alright where should we start my little bunny?"

"Papa let's do the spin" Ay claps excitedly.

Lwj hurries behind them still baffled.

"spin is a good choice." Wwx nods

Lwj's heart starts to hurt a bit. He's used to being ignored but not by them. Wei Ying must be mad at him. He's considering leaving the two alone. When Ay tugs his hand.

"Mr. Lan you are going to do the spin ok?"

Lwj shakes his head "The spin?"
He looks at Wwx for help. Wwx still has that odd look he can't quite place.

"Stand here Lan Zhan" Wwx points to where he is. Lwj follows instructions. "Point forward arm all the way out."

Lwj does as he's told.

"Ok pic a number Lan Zhan" wwx says

Lwj is so confused but complies. "15?" He says

"Good choice" Ay says while nodding looking way older than 3.

"Alright Lan Zhan you have to spin till we get to 15." Wwx says his eyes have gotten their normal sparkle again

Lwj starts to spin. He's not quite sure what he was expecting but they start yelling the numbers loudly.

"Faster Mr. Lan." Ay yells laughing.

Lwj goes faster laughing at himself. He can tell Ay struggles a bit after 10 Wwx helps and Ay repeats each number.

When Ay finally yells "15 STOP"

Lwj is a bit dizzy but does his best to stop.

"Elephant's!" Ay yells.

Lwj is pointing down a path. Ay runs to him and grabs his hand. Normally Lwj doesn't like touching. He honestly doesn't even remember the last time+

He laughed. Ay's hand is so small how can it warm his whole body? He lets the little boy pull him down the path.

They go around looking at the different animals. Lunch comes around quick. Wwx and Ay sit at a table and Wwx opens the backpack he's carrying.

"Alright bunny time for lunch!" Wwx says

He pulls out sandwiches. Placing one in front of Ay and lwj. Looking down he sees Lz is written on the sandwich bag.

"Papa can't we have pizza instead?" Ay asks

"Bunny we can't waste food. I made such nice sandwiches for all of us. Even Lan Zhan is gonna have a sandwich."

Ay looks at Lwj, who pulls his sandwich out and takes a bite. He was three seconds from going to get Ay pizza and he could feel Wwx staring at him

Ay finally sighs in defeat and starts on his own sandwich. After lunch Ay runs off to play at the small park by their seats which leaves the two men alone. They watch Ay play in silence. Until Lwj gets the courage.

"Wei Ying, are you upset with me?"

Wwx looks at Lwj. He doesn't talk just looking and lwj blushes with his ears read he wants to turn away but he isn't sure what's social acceptable so he just looks down for a brief second while keeping his face straight.

Finally Wwx speaks.

"it's hard to read you." Wwx says I'm not sure if you like me or you just like A Yuan. You never talked to me before he came along.... Now your buying him 300+ car seats, God knows how much that violin cost, giving him free lessons. When we have lunch+

Together it's fun though. Your eyes smile and seem to light up. You text me the sweetest things. So I don't know what to think of you sometimes."

Before Lwj can respond A Yuan barrels over. "Papa is it time to feed the bunnies?"

Wwx looks at his watch.

"it is actually." Wwx says shocked.

A Yuan grabs Lwj's hand and his papas hand and pulls them to the rabbit pen. The zoo keeper knows A Yuan by name and gives him his own basket of food with a smile. Lwj watches in awe at all the bunnies flood A Yuan.

"The zoo keeper uses him as an example a lot since A Yuan is so good at it. To show everyone else what to do." Wwx says as the Zoo keeper is telling everyone to watch A Yuan and how gentle he is.

Lwj and Wwx get there own smaller baskets and head into the pen with about three other people when the zoo keeper is done.

Wwx hands his basket over to A Yuan who continues to feed and talk and pet all the rabbits.

"Socially, I'm very ackward..." Lwj says

Wwx looks at him.

Lwj takes a deep breath and continues.

"My mom passed when I was five, I stopped talking after that. I didn't talk again until I was maybe 16 or 17. Then I only talked to my brother. So talking to other people is hard."

Lwj can feel a mass in his throat, and he can feel the tears fill his eyes. He doesn't think he can continue.

Wwx being the people person he is can sense it. "Lay on your back."

Lwj complies so he doesn't have to look at him. The bunnies cover him.

They are all over his body and sniffing his face and his hair. And he just enjoys being covered by rabbits until they have to go.

Leaving the rabbit area A Yuan goes right back to being loud and excited.

"That was the best wasn't it Mr. Lan?"

Lwj isn't sure if his voice will betray him again so he nods.

"Can we have ice cream?" A Yuan ask's walking past the ice cream cart.

Before Wwx says no Lwj steers them both to the cart.

Once the nice lady scoops everyone their ice cream and lwj pays

The lady says. You have a beautiful family. He doesn't correct her. Just like the sales lady at the baby shop, it spreads warmth through him. He turns to see if Wwx heard, but he sees no sign that he has and just nods.

They spend the rest of the day at the zoo and while Lwj buckles A Yuan into his seat A Yuan ask's. "Will you come over for dinner?"

Wwx is buckled in his seat up front. "Rabbit. Maybe Lan Zhan has plans."

"No plans," Lwj shakes his head dinner sounds nice."

Lwj remember what A Yuan wanted for lunch. "How about pizza? My treat?"

Wwx groans from the front seat. "Lan Zhan you are going to spoil us rotten."

A Yuan claps and cheers. Throwing a huge smile at Lwj. Wwx sounded reluctant but he is already calling+

To place an order. He then gives to directions to Lwj how to get to their favorite shop.

When they get back to Wwx's apartment building. Wwx carries the pizza and Lwj helps A Yuan out of his seat. He pulls both violin cases from the floor of the car.

A Yuan whispers even though his papa is already out of the car.

"Are we gonna play for papa after dinner?"

Lwj nods. Him and A Yuan hold hands all the way to the apartment. Wwx is a bit ahead of them.

"It's so nice to see a cute family."

Wwx looks around and only see's A Yuan and Lwj holding hands.

The lady on their stoop laughs. "Your family looks very happy."

Wwx smiles, and holds the door open to let everyone in.

They eat dinner with huge smiles and laughs. Talking about the best parts of their day. When A Yuan turns to him.

"Mr. Lan when was your favorite part."

Lwj thinks. "All of it! I don't know the last time I had fun."

The answer is so honest, and so gut wrenching. Wwx almost sobs at the table.

"I really thought you were gonna say the bunny blanket." A Yuan giggles.

"That was nice too!" Lwj says.

Wwx stands and starts to clear the table. "Ok you two go wash your hands."

While he puts the pizza away he does cry just a little bit. Remembering what he was told today, the other day when Lwj said he doesn't know what to do for fun. Wwx manages to put himself back together before A Yuan calls him into the living room.

When he gets there they are both standing with their violin's ready.

"Sit Papa" A Yuan says.

When Wwx settles on the couch they begin to play.

They go through the scales four times and Ay makes no mistakes. Wwx's and Ay's smile can rival the sun itself.

"A Yuan you are a musical genius." Wwx says.

Lwj nods because it's true.

"I want to learn to play a song." A Yuan says.

"Well I brought some worksheets for you to learn how to read music would you like them?" Lwj asks

So the two of them sit at the coffee table going over worksheets untill it's bed time. Wwx sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee. He manages to snap a few pictures for later, he tells himself.

Before bed Ay begs for papa to join in playing. So Wwx does.

They all play the scale together four times. Ay little brain clearly thinking of anything to keep him up longer.

"Papa play a song with Mr. Lan and I'll go to bed."

Wwx wants to tell him listen here you little night time gremlin, but lwj speaks up.

Brush your teeth and get in your pajamas I will play you a lullaby. So Ay rushes off to get his song.

"You know you can't give into EVERYTHING." Wwx smirks.

"Why not, he's a good kid." Lwj asks sincerely.

"You got me there." Wwx says tapping his nose.

"where did you get the little kid music sheets, your kids are too old for those?" Wwx asks

Lwj doesn't know why he's blushing. "I printed them off the internet. I thought it would be a good idea to send him home with them."

Wwx just squints at him.

"ready!" Ay calls from down the hall.

When Lwj walks into Ay's room he knows he's going back to get that rabbit! His home is here. There is even a spot for it. Amongst all the other rabbit related things. He's going to get it tomorrow.

"Mr. Lan"

That pulls him out of his thoughts. Lwj smiles and starts to play. He plays what his mom played him when he had a hard time sleeping. He closes his eyes and pours his soul into the strings. He doesn't play this very often. It's not the only lullaby he knows.

It's just the one he wants to play. When the song comes to an end and he opens his eyes the first thing he sees is Wwx staring at him. He quickly adverts his eyes, Ay passed out on the bed. So he did his part. Now comes the hard part. Going home.

Suddenly, Wwx has his hand and is pulling him softly from the room. Back down the hall to the living room. He takes Lwj's violin and his bow and he puts them away in the case and pushes him down onto the couch. Then heads to the kitchen.

Lwj, sits confused and anxious he hears the noise from the kitchen. Sounds like the coffee machine, he doesn't drink coffee. Apparently Wwx knows that because he's made lwj tea and himself coffee he joins lwj on the couch they just sit sipping their drinks.

"So" Wwx starts "you only talk to your brother, and the kids you teach?"

Lwj nods "my uncle"

Wwx nods. "So that's why you used to run from me?"

Lwj nods. "I'm not good with social interaction."

"Lan Zhan, it seems like you do fine with me."

Wwx brushes Lwj's hand. " You sure your not being hard on yourself?"

Lwj HATES people touching him, even Lxc does it minimally, his uncle only touched him when he showed him bow placement. He wants Wei Ying to touch him more.

"I have tried, before." Lwj says "normally people wind up making fun of me..."

Lwj closes his eyes.
"Are you a robot?"
"Are you a Ghost?"
"Do you do anything else?"

Wwx takes his hand. "My parents died when I was really young."

"instead of being quiet sometimes I just talk too much, maybe we will balance each other."

Lwj nods. He doesn't want to cry in front of Wwx so he forces the feeling way way down.

"You have to stop buying Ay expensive shit though." Wwx says staring

"I don't keep buying him expensive things" lwj says

"You bought dinner, a 300+ dollar carseat, and that small violin should I even look up what that cost?"

"Dinner was less than 30 dollars, the carseat was a need to ride together the violin wasn't bought."

"Telling me, wwx stands up. That you are letting a three year old. Play a family Heirloom?!?!"

Lwj adverts his eyes. Technical it's not a family, heirloom. It's his first violin the one his mom got him so they could play together.

"No"

Wwx squints at him.

"What does the squinting mean? I don't know that expression." Lwj asks

Wwx calms down. "It depends on what's going on currently it means I'm not sure I believe you."

"I do not lie." Lwj says "It's against the rules."

Wwx throws his head back and laughs.

It's a full one from his belly. His eyes always seem to sparkle when he's happy.

"Rule's are ment to be broken" Wwx says while taping his nose.

Lwj tucks that away for later.

They get to know more about each other. He hears stories about Wwx's life.

His family the sibling dynamic. Lwj is baffled by the brother because his brother is so loving, but lwj listens as Wwx chatters on. He learns that Ay is adopted. His parents gone just like there's. Lwj shares that his father passed not long after+

His mother. His uncle raising both him and Xichen. The conversation comfterble never ackward. Wwx never asks him to speak more. Listens when he does. If he has trouble with a feeling and asks, Wwx isn't condescending he explains.

When they say goodbye at the door well after Lwj's bedtime. There is an ackward pause at the door. Lwj is sure Wwx looked at his lips, but what for.

"Ok Lan Zhan get home safely!" Wwx says sharply. "Text me when you get home."

Lwj nods.

Lwj sets his keys down. Picking up the note.

*With Mingjue, hope you had fun!*

Who is Lwj supposed to ask now?
He will just write an email. His brother will see it whenever and get back to him and he won't forget any questions.

Lwj showers and sits at his desk opening his laptop. He made himself a nice cup of tea he's ready.

He starts typing

Dear Brother

I hope you are well. I got your note. I am only writing because I have some questions I want to ask. I don't want to forget in the morning. You don't need to answer right away just when your free.

1.What is the name for the feeling when someone smiles at you and they make you feel warm?

2. Will I ever be able to tell A Yuan no, to anything. He asks and I just want to give... What's that. I know he isn't my son, I just feel so proud of him.

3. Do people touch each other normally. Is it just our family that doesn't do casual touch?

4. Wei Ying looked at my lips, when he said goodbye does that mean anything. Does it mean anything that it made my heart beat faster?

Goodnight
Lan wangji

When Lxc's phone dings he's laying in bed next to his lover. They both look at the phone on the nightstand like it's possessed. The only person who messages him after 9 is laying in bed next to him. He picks up the phone.

"Oh it's Wangji"

"He sent you an email?!?!" Nmg can't help but laugh.

"Stop he went out today! He's making a lot of progress." Lxc says as he opens the email.

Lxc is known for his calm face. His calming smile, but currently his eyes are comically wide.

It's odd for Lxc to do anything but smile, so laying in bed looking shocked from his equally level brother. Nmg has to read this email.

"Shit." Lxc says "Shit."

"Xichen love please you're scaring me." Nmg says

Cursing and big eyes what the fuck is in that email. Nmg takes the phone and reads it.

"Shit" Nmg says

"He's gone and fallen in love, it's his first friend."

"I wouldn't say love Xichen, that's a bit much." Nmg says

"He lets him touch him." Lxc says

"It doesn't say that." Nmg says he knows what's coming next tears. Happy tears but still tears he can feel when Lxc cries in his bones.

"He got himself a family, I blinked and he fell and love and got himself a family." Lxc says the tears falling.

Nmg wraps him in his arms.

When Lxc calms down enough, he texts his brother. Brunch our spot bring Wei Wuxian.