Telepath AU;

Wei Wuxian can read other people's minds through skin contact. So when his and Lan Wangji’s knuckles brush briefly while walking side by side, Wei Wuxian wobbles and drops to his knees because WHY IS LAN ZHAN SCREAMING IN HIS HEAD.

This ability is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s great to know what others are thinking. The mind is fascinating, it can conjure up the most complex thoughts consciously and unconsciously. On the other hand, it is technically an invasion of someone’s privacy.

So when the back of their hands met, it’s one of those cursed moments. And although none of his secrets were revealed to him, Wei Wuxian now has a headache from that very loud scream that’s still echoing inside his own mind. Glancing up at Lan Wangji, he's the picture of calm.

“Wei Ying, are you alright?” Lan Wangji asks, a hint of worry in his voice. Very unlike the cry Wei Wuxian heard just moments ago.

“Haha I’m fine Lan Zhan. Still have a hangover from last night.” He covers, grinning at Lan Wangji’s unamused stare.

“You should not be drinking before a night hunt.” Lan Wangji says through gritted teeth. Wei Wuxian stands quickly and laughs it off. With a huff, Lan Wangji walks ahead and Wei Wuxian watches him go.

“He looks fine but could it be, Lan Zhan’s afraid of tonight’s mission?”

Ambling through the silent forest, the other disciples keep an eye out for anything unusual. Wei Wuxian keeps an eye on Lan Wangji. He never thought the Second Jade was capable of making such unearthly sounds. Whatever creature crawls in these woods must really be frightening.

Wei Wuxian is a very curious person. And coupled with the ability to delve into people’s minds, it is a bad combination. The Jiangs taught him that his ability should only be used when absolutely necessary.

So this should count as one of those moments right?

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan! Wanna hold hands?”

Every disciple assigned on this night hunt suddenly stopped and turned their heads towards Wei Wuxian in disbelief and fear. Wei Wuxian ignores their stares, especially Jiang Cheng who’s glaring heatedly at him.

“No.”

That answer comes as no surprise to anyone. They release a breath they didn’t know they’ve been holding, then looked at Wei Wuxian with pitying gazes. Jiang Cheng had to be pulled away by Nie Huisang lest he bury his own brother for his shamelessness.

“Aren’t you scared, Lan Zhan? I will protect you.” Unfazed by the blatant rejection, he extends a hand to Lan Wangji. And even when he made grabby hand gestures, Lan Wangji merely gave him an unimpressed blink and once again walked away.

The night hunt went without a hitch. Lan Wangji being the one who dealt the final blow and slayed the beast with ease. Wei Wuxian watches in awe, despite Lan Wangji's fear, he still managed to overcome it. Wei Wuxian observes him, his face infuriatingly impassive.

Back in their shared room at the inn, Wei Wuxian endures Jiang Cheng’s scolding. He already knew that when they returned that his brother had a lot to say.

“Are you insane?! Why did you say that to him? Are you asking for his hand in marriage??”

“Maybe I was.”

Wei Wuxian dodges a book thrown at him. He hides behind the screen next to his bed when Jiang Cheng misses and so his brother throws several more things at him.

“Why would you even want to read his mind? Wanna find out why he hates your guts?” Jiang Cheng says, scowling.

“He’s an interesting guy you know?” Wei Wuxian says as he finally flops down on the bed. Jiang Cheng ran out of things to throw.

“Wei Wuxian. Remember his privacy.” Jiang Cheng lies down next to him. Wei Wuxian turns to look at his brother, wide eyed and pouty.

Wei Wuxian takes Jiang Cheng’s hand in his. ‘You’re sorry. I know.’ He says in his head. Since they were kids, they would talk like this. Especially when they didn’t want their parents to know what they were doing. They would seek the other’s hand, or bump their knees or ankles.

The day Jiang Fengmian brought Wei Wuxian home, he held the frightened, malnourished child in his arms. Thinking of how to ease him into his new home and introduce him to his new siblings. He didn’t know that Wei Wuxian could hear his thoughts clearly.

And to his utter surprise, Wei Wuxian replies to each one of his concerns and questions inside his own mind, a tiny voice echoing inside his head. Jiang Fengmian stared at Wei Wuxian incredulously, had wondered then if he could hear his thoughts.

To confirm his suspicions he had asked,

“Can you hear my thoughts?” To which Wei Wuxian gave a meek nod of his head before burying his face in Jiang Fengmian’s shoulder, voice no longer invading his mind. He worries for the wrath that awaits him in the form of Yu Ziyuan.

The first 4 months of Wei Wuxian’s stay in Lotus Pier, this was how he communicated. Intertwining his fingers with Jiang Cheng’s, speaking comforting words in his mind, or placing a palm on his sister’s clenched fist whenever she cried, apologising repeatedly for worrying her.

Reminiscing those days brought a small smile to Wei Wuxian’s face. Next to him, Jiang Cheng has his eyes closed, his calloused hand still clutched tightly in his.

“Spicy noodles?” Wei Wuxian urges, side eyeing his silent brother.

“Yeah okay.” Jiang Cheng replies.

They cross the street to the cosy restaurant just a few steps away from their inn.

“Wei Wuxian, I’m warning you. You better behave.” Jiang Cheng says firmly as they take their seats at an empty table.

“I will, dear brother.” Wei Wuxian replies sarcastically.

As the waiter sets down two equally red and steamy bowls, they eat in comfortable silence. Wei Wuxian finds himself recounting the night hunt from earlier in the day. He wonders why the very thought of the Second Young Master Lan brings a smile to his face.

Back in the inn, Lan Wangji writes a report on the success of their first mission. He’s already on the 5th page yet he can’t get his mind off the soft skin of Yunmeng Jiang’s head disciple. Belatedly, he realises his sleeve is stained, writing is askew and he misspelt a word.

TBC ~~