The Cloud Recesses were quieter now, the hum of celebration fading into the serene nighttime stillness. The moon hung low, casting its silver light over the mountain peaks as the final guests departed. Wei Wuxian leaned back, his red robes slightly undone, grinning to himself as he glanced toward Lan Wangji, who sat across from him, uncharacteristically still nursing a cup of Emperor's Smile.
Wei Wuxian snickered softly. "Lan Zhan, you've had at least three cups tonight. Are you *sure* you're feeling okay? Maybe we should stop before you start quoting rules back to me about excessive drinking."
Lan Wangji didn't answer immediately, his usually piercing golden eyes slightly dazed but still fixed on Wei Wuxian. The faintest blush colored his otherwise flawless face, a telltale sign that Hanguang-jun—the ever-serious, perpetually composed Lan Wangji—was tipsy.
"I am… fine," Lan Wangji said, his voice quieter than usual but no less earnest.
Wei Wuxian clapped his hands in amusement. "Ah, so this is what married life has to offer! Lan Zhan, I never thought I'd see you like this. Are you sure you're not going to pass out before—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Lan Wangji set his cup down with surprising precision and leaned closer. The sudden proximity caught Wei Wuxian off guard, and for a moment, he was too stunned to speak.
"You are… mine," Lan Wangji murmured, his voice low, almost possessive. His gaze burned with uncharacteristic intensity, the alcohol loosening the restraint that usually bound his emotions.
Wei Wuxian blinked, his teasing smirk faltering as his cheeks flushed. "Lan Zhan, are you drunk, or are you confessing all over again?"
Lan Wangji tilted his head slightly, his brow furrowing as though deep in thought, despite his unfocused gaze. "You… must understand," he said after a pause, his words slow and deliberate. "I… waited for you. A lifetime."
Wei Wuxian's heart skipped a beat. The rare glimpse of vulnerability in Lan Wangji's voice tugged at something deep within him.
"And now?" Wei Wuxian asked softly, leaning closer.
Lan Wangji reached out, his hand brushing against Wei Wuxian's cheek, calloused fingertips lingering as if to assure himself that this moment wasn't a dream. "Now you are here," he whispered. "With me. Forever."
The sincerity in his voice made Wei Wuxian's playful demeanor dissolve entirely. He covered Lan Wangji's hand with his own, his grin softening into something more tender. "Yes, Lan Zhan. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."
For a long moment, the room was silent save for the faint rustle of the night breeze through the open window. Lan Wangji's hand slid down to clasp Wei Wuxian's, and though his grasp was strong, his fingers trembled ever so slightly.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian began, trying to lighten the mood. "I think you should stop drinking now. You're getting *too* sentimental. What if you wake up tomorrow and forget all the sweet things you've been saying to me?"
Lan Wangji's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unexpectedly firm despite the flush on his cheeks. "I never forget anything about you, Wei Ying."
Wei Wuxian laughed, but it was soft and fond, his heart full to bursting. "Alright, alright. That's enough sweetness for tonight, or I'll start crying," he teased. "Come on, Lan Zhan, let's get you to bed before you pass out on the floor. Carrying you would ruin my wedding robes."
Lan Wangji rose slowly but steadily, his movements graceful despite the drink. "Wei Ying," he said again, his voice a little steadier.
"What is it now?" Wei Wuxian asked, pretending to pout as he guided Lan Wangji toward their bedchamber.
Lan Wangji stopped just inside the doorway, turning to face Wei Wuxian. "You are my light," he said simply, his voice as unwavering as the vow etched into his very soul.
Wei Wuxian stared at him, momentarily stunned. Then he burst into laughter, pulling Lan Wangji into the room. "Alright, drunkard, you win. Let's sleep before I get too used to this version of you. But… just so you know—" Wei Wuxian smiled as he guided Lan Wangji to sit on the bed, leaning in to press his forehead against his husband's. "I feel the same way about you."
Lan Wangji didn't respond this time. When Wei Wuxian looked up, he realized that Lan Wangji had fallen asleep, leaning against his shoulder, his expression peaceful and utterly content.
Wei Wuxian chuckled softly and adjusted Lan Wangji into a more comfortable position, tucking him into the bed with care.
"Good night, Lan Zhan," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from Lan Wangji's face. "Sweet dreams."
For the first time in years, Wei Wuxian felt that everything he had endured—every hardship, every moment of despair—had been worth it. Here, with Lan Wangji by his side, was the happiness he never dared to believe he deserved.