Fandom: The Untamed (TV Vers)
Title: Chatterbox Therapy
Type: Fanfic vignette
Rating: G
Sumary: LanZhan and WeiYing “discuss” how to carry the Yin Iron shard from the secret cave.



CHATTERBOX THERAPY

The piece of Yin Iron fell, landing with an unexpectedly dull thud upon the ice covered table. Neither LanZhan nor WeiYing moved for a moment. Each hoped that the other would pick up the evil thing, and yet both were willing to save the other from having to do so.

With an indrawn breath, WeiYing stepped forward, forgetting for a moment that their wrists were still bound together by LanZhan's headband. His fingers came to a halt, two inches from the shard. “LanZhan!” Physically, much the stronger of the two, LanZhan remained in place, as immobile as a rock. WeiYing's determination was at least the equal of his companions however, and he stretched, his fingers now a scant inch from touching the metal. The exquisitely decorated handle of LanZhan's sword, Bichen, was suddenly in his way.

Frustrated, WeiYing turned upon his companion. “I was only going to pick it up.”

“It must be taken to my brother.”

WeiYing rolled his eyes. “Of course it must. We should go together.”

Still LanZhan did not move and WeiYing picked, frustratedly, at the pale silk ribbon that joined them. Although there was no knot, try as may, he could get no purchase. As fast as he managed to loosen one round, another would tighten. LanZhan simply observed his futile efforts. Inventive as WeiYing was, there were times when action without thought was his first choice. The boy had obviously taken in nothing of LanQiRen's teaching. What a waste of such an agile mind. LanZhan reflected that it was odd that, although they were of an age, WeiYing was still a boy to his eyes.

Only when WeiYing gave up on his struggle did LanZhan deign to explain. “It is infused with evil. There may be discomfort.”

“Oh.” WeiYing subsided. “Then, how will we get it out of here?”

Not usually given over to excessive expression, LanZhan had to fight the temptation to sigh. Had he just described him as quick witted? “Lady Lan's power still clings. There may be sufficient to protect another sect member.”

WeiYing's tone turned chiding, as he wagged his finger. “LanZhan. You're a sly one. You just want all the glory.”

“Rubbish.”

“LanZhan. Are you going to tell me to piss off again, because if you are, you will have to piss off with me.” WeiYing grinned, waving their bound wrists in the air. “We're together until we get out of here.”

LanZhan's only outward response was to narrow his pale jade eyes. For the briefest of moments he considered releasing WeiYing and abandoning him there. Instead, stepping forward, he set down Bichen and reached out to rest just one fingertip upon the metal. WeiYing watched him carefully, ready to drag him away should there be any adverse reaction. When there was no visible change in his companion's demeanour, he relaxed, curiosity getting the better of him again. “What does it feel like?”

LanZhan hefted the heavy metal shard. “Iron.”

Once more, WeiYing rolled his eyes, then reached out to verify LanZhan's statement. He very much doubted that the tainted metal would feel like normal iron, and suspected that LanZhan was keeping something from him. Not that he could tell anything from his expression, but there was a sudden tension in the way LanZhan stood. Before his fingers could confirm his suspicions, LanZhan tucked the shard into the front of his robe and Bichen flew to his hand.

WeiYing tried pouting. “I only wanted to know what it felt like.” He stumbled as LanZhan tugged his wrist and they began walking.

“Iron.”

“LanZhan! You're very annoying sometimes.” He followed sullenly, as LanZhan led them down a narrow passage.

“So are you.”

WeiYing grinned, keeping up a steady stream of complaint a they walked, just to confirm 'Fuddy-Duddy's' opinion. There was something very satisfying about poking at his pomposity, and it was fun to hear that his efforts were having some effect.

For his part, LanZhan hoped he could, very soon, find the usual entrance to the cave system. As he had hoped, Lady Lan's efforts still coated the Yin Iron to an extent, but it burned against his body, and he was struggling not to throw-up as it sent waves of disruption through his Core. WeiYing's continual whining was actually helping him to stay grounded, so he tugged upon the ribbon now and again, just to hear him complain louder. Who knew that incessant chatter could have its uses?

END