I-I really REALLY like the Golden Lotus Feet!AU? >_< / WWX is still a genius so despite not being able to follow JC on night hunts he still makes a name for himself with his inventions. Because WWX is so restricted and dependent, JC doesn’t feel jealous, just exasperatedly protective. After their first encounter suddenly LWJ is around A LOT. He watches WWX’s exuberant flitting on his tiny feet and wishes he could take JC’s place as the one to break WWX’s inevitable fall. (1/3)
fall. LXC notices his brother’s new fixation and soon suggests a marriage alliance with Yunmengjiang. WWX seems out of place in Gusu at first but most (especially the younger disciples) find that they like Hanguang-Jun’s cheerful and clever husband. They’re happy to help him around and entertain him when he’s bored, although ofc LWJ likes to do that himself as much as possible.
LWJ also insists that he’d be the only to clean and rebandage WWX’s feet after they marry. WWX still finds them grotesque but LWJ thinks those tiny feet as strangely beautiful even when bare. He also feels only pleasure and satisfaction at taking care of his defenseless husband. TLDR LWJ is a disability devotee (yeah I had to look up that term).
I'm also unexpectedly fond of this AU, it got all soft when it could have been all angst. But yes I imagine WWX's injuries really help their relationship. WWX refusing to say how he got injured, but the healer spills it. The Jiang siblings eavesdropping and that's what changes JC's mind. There's a lot of pity from JC, now he's a lot more willing to give up his puppies after finding out how WWX's feet got damaged. While he can't imagine his sweet pups ever doing something so awful, he gives them away. This makes WWX feel a little guilty but also more determined to make JC his friend out of want - not pity - he does eventually succeed.
I'd like to imagine that JC is the one to beg his father to let him take WWX along on night hunts, he has faith in his skills despite the lack of swordsmanship. Of course they're easy hunts on flat land where, on horse back & carrying a bow and arrow, WWX looks no different than any other Jiang disciple. The smiles the brothers share when they take down a prey together are blinding. And yet to WWX it's also a reminder how much of a hindrance he'd be on a true night hunt; his horse is cumbersome compared to spiritual swords, even if he hangs back and coordinates the attacks it's not the same, some things just rely on instinct. So he stays home and develops other techniques & tools. Maybe even experiments with demonic cultivation that early on because he has nothing else to do.
So after their first meeting LWJ is in Yunmeng more often, strolling the village just to catch a glimpse of WWX. WWX comes out often to town just to flitter about; getting food here, play jokes with the local children, haggle over prices as he shops. Though he usually comes with his siblings, he's not afraid of going alone since it's on land. He just has to take more breaks, this is how they meet again. WWX means to lean against a building but gets bumped and nearly falls, LWJ catches him again.
WWX smiles, a little surprised, "Lan er-gongzi, you saved me again. Let me buy you a meal as thanks." Its an offer he doesn't expect to be accepted but to his surprise, LWJ nods, offering his arm to WWX. WWX takes it, leading him to his favorite restaurant and immediately ordering his favorites. "What brings you to Lotus Pier? A night hunts? I thought Uncle Jiang dealt with the ones in the area."
WWX just rambles for a while, completely over taking the conversation but LWJ is happy. Even if in the end he has to pay for their meals. He asks to meet again and it's the start of something new, every time they meet offers new tools for LWJ to try (ones he's not allowed to test out), LWJ gives him precise feedback and other gifts. Wow, WWX's heart goes *doki doki* and in denial about his feelings. Who would like someone like him? Outspoken and crippled, relying on others, a servant's son. But it's nice that LWJ can see past all that.
The constant visits and letters cause LXC to offer for WWX's hand in his brother's stead, cue WWX's realization - "Lan Zhan.. Lan Zhan loves me?" The wedding is a small affair, despite JFM trying to make it into something bigger bc he always wants to indulge WWX. WWX wear wedding clothes his Shijie embroidered for him & the lotus embroidered shoes LWJ picked out for him. The consummation wasn't the most emotionally charged part of the wedding night but instead when WWX shared how his feet became like this and shows LWJ how to take care of them. That level of trust.
In his new home WWX is out of place but not for long. LWJ has him helping in classes and the juniors love him bc he explains things so easily & without the formalities. He helps them with their sword training, often using his cane to knock them into the right position or demonstrate a move. Oh what if it's the juniors who were like, "Senior Wei needs transportation for when Hanguang-Jun isn't around." and they buy him Lil Apple. WWX loves Lil Apple. LWJ pouts a bit, though WWX reminds LWJ exactly who supports him & pampers him the most with herbal foot baths, massages, and new little shoes for WWX to show off. WWX still doesn't like his feet but he loves the care LWJ puts in everything, even his weird looking feet. And before you ask, yes his feet have featured in their sexcapades.
