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Lan Wangji had kept silent through the negotiations between the newly raised Sect Leader Jiang Yanli and his brother. If he'd spoken a word he was sure the now suspicious Wei Wuxian would have urged his jiejie to not allow this union between Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng. He couldn't have that. Not when the man he'd fallen in love with during their studies was now being betrothed to him. Then when the time came for him to bow to their ancestors he did what he should as his heart grew heavier with love. The pain that Jiang Cheng had to endure in such a short amount of time had changed him.
Jiang Cheng was slower to anger, more protective of himself and his thoughts, and the most admirable part to him was not wallowing in the loss of his core. Lan Wangji had caught his lessons with Wei Wuxian and the other Jiang disciples during their engagement period. When he wasn't doing his training he was working on agreements for his sister and helping where he could with the shidis. Lan Wangji couldn't have been more proud of his husband. He wondered though if Jiang Cheng could see it in his eyes because there was this look in those sapphire eyes that made his heart skip a beat.
"You may leave us." Lan Wangji told the disciples that had escorted them to the jingshi. The doors slid shut quietly leaving both of them standing there silently. His gaze focused on Jiang Cheng while the other was no doubt taking in the room.
Lan Wangji had made sure that it wasn’t just his space anymore. There was a mixture of the white, pale blue, and deep plum that Jiang Cheng loved to wear . Like even now amongst all the stunning red on the man he could tell in the man’s braided hair there was a deep plum ribbon woven in. Amongst those items was more of Jiang Cheng’s personal items. It’d been so tempting to snoop in the journals that's been left but he didn’t. They were safely tucked in a chest just for Jiang Cheng. Which reminded him that he wanted to give the man a gift as the man approached their vanity.
A sunkissed hand caught his attention as the red silk sleeve slid down exposing more beautiful skin of Jiang Cheng’s arm as he’d reached up to pull out one of decorative hair pins out of his hair. His previous thoughts were fleeting as he watched the man delicately remove the rest of the pins, allowing his braided locks to pour down his shoulders.
Lan Wangji didn’t stop himself from approaching, taking one of the locks in hand to press a kiss. The smell of lotuses and pritcher wafted from the man’s hair. A smell he knew now that he’d never have to live without. He stepped closer just taking in the scent. Jiang Cheng’s back met Lan Wangji’s chest and he tilted his head to give the older man better access to neck as his hair was moved over one shoulder. Lan Wangji’s warm breath tickled his skin, sending a shiver down Jiang Cheng’s spine.
“Hanguang-jun…” Jiang Cheng breathed out.
“No.” Lan Wangji’s voice was low but firm, moving his hand around Jiang Cheng’s waist. “Say my name.”
Jiang Cheng swallowed as he felt the brush of Lan Wangji’s lips against the shell of his exposed ear. “Lan Wan…” He paused feeling the tight grip of the hand that had moved to his hip. “Lan Zhan.”
“Again.” Lan Wangji requested. Jiang Cheng released his hold on the edge of the vanity so that he could turn around in the man’s hold. Tonight wasn’t just about Lan Wangji’s desire. It was also about Jiang Cheng’s. At first he’d thought they’d have a good platonic love because during their studies or during Sunshot, he’d never thought Lan Wangji had any interest in anyone and he’d never thought of the man like that. But their courting had changed his opinion on that matter. He had his own desire, however like every time they had a moment like this his thoughts would steer to how the other could still find him attractive once he’d seen them ?
“Lan Zhan…” Jiang Cheng started to explain his worry when he found himself being kissed. Strong hands moving to grip his hips as he pulled in closer. Jiang Cheng gasped and Lan Wangji took this as an opportunity to deepen the kiss, tasting the lingering chocolate and Emperor’s Smile that Jiang Cheng had enjoyed at their reception.
“Wait…” Jiang Cheng breathed out. His mind was turning blissfully blank at their kissing and if he let the man persist then he would be pliable to the other man’s intentions for their wedding night. The hand that had made its way up Lan Wangji’s chest was now at his throat. His fingers sprawled to cup the older man’s jaw, pushing the man back far enough for him to catch his breath. “...Lan Zhan, I…the scars-”
“Are not weak or shameful.” Lan Zhan stopped him from saying anything that would downplay what his husband had endured in order to survive. Jiang Cheng had been in pain and wanted to save his parents and what was left of his sect. The scars were lines that fed his attraction to Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji had every intent on worshiping said lines all night. “They are the result of your bravery and loyalty.”
Jiang Cheng’s response was silence. He hadn’t expected the man to say that or the look in the taller man’s eyes. There was an unspoken declaration there that he was going to be showing Jiang Cheng what he saw when he looked at the scars. Jiang Cheng bit his lower lip and gave the slightest nod.
Lan Wangji’s heart soared in delight at the approval. He let go of Jiang Cheng’s waist to untie the sash holding the red and gold silk keeping him from Jiang Cheng’s body. The sash dropped to the floor as Lan Wangji tugged open the lapels to reveal the younger man’s chest. In some places the scarred flesh was puffed while in other places it was deeply rigid.
The gasp turned moan he got from Jiang Cheng would be forever imprinted in his brain as he explored the mangled skin with kisses, gentle nips,and teasing licks. Strong hands made their way into Lan Wangji’s hair urging him on. He couldn’t stop the grin on his face and decided that from now on that he’d always make sure to worship these scars to remind the younger man of who loved and desired him.