As the first rays of dawn filtered through the intricate wooden lattice windows of the bedchamber, Wei Wuxian stirred. The soft, warm light played across his face, and for a brief, disoriented moment, he forgot where he was. Then his gaze landed on Lan Wangji, lying beside him, and a slow grin spread across his face.
Lan Wangji looked perfectly serene even in sleep. His hair, which was usually tied meticulously, lay loose against the pillow. His brows were relaxed, his lips slightly parted, and the faint flush from the previous night's indulgence still colored his pale cheeks.
Wei Wuxian leaned on his elbow, watching him quietly, his heart unexpectedly tender. He couldn't resist the urge to tease, though.
"Lan Zhan," he whispered mischievously, his finger hovering over Lan Wangji's nose. "Good morning to the best husband in the world—and also the rare drunken master of Gusu."
At the sound of Wei Wuxian's voice, Lan Wangji's eyes fluttered open. The golden orbs, slightly hazy from sleep, focused on Wei Wuxian with surprising clarity.
"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji greeted softly, his voice rough from sleep, but as steady as ever.
Wei Wuxian burst into laughter. "That's all? No reaction to last night? You don't remember throwing a confession marathon at me?"
Lan Wangji's brows furrowed ever so slightly, his composure breaking into the faintest look of confusion. "I did not."
"Oh, but you did!" Wei Wuxian leaned in close, his voice full of mock gravity. "You told me how much you loved me, how I'm your light, and even—get this—you declared, 'Wei Ying, you are mine.' Very dramatic, very un-Lan-like."
Lan Wangji blinked, and to Wei Wuxian's delight, a slight pink crept up his neck and reached his ears.
"You exaggerate," Lan Wangji muttered, clearly trying to regain his dignity.
Wei Wuxian leaned closer, his grin widening. "Oh no, no, no. I would never lie about something so romantic, Lan Zhan. Truly, last night was a performance worthy of a song in future Gusu folklore."
Lan Wangji, fully awake now, sighed deeply but didn't deny it further. Instead, he sat up, his hair cascading over his shoulder as he adjusted his robes. Despite the awkwardness, there was a warmth in his gaze when he looked at Wei Wuxian.
"You enjoyed it," Lan Wangji stated simply.
Wei Wuxian laughed and rested his chin on Lan Wangji's shoulder. "Of course, I did! It's not every day that the great Hanguang-jun decides to let loose. I feel truly honored." He tilted his head playfully. "Should we drink again tonight? Maybe you'll sing for me this time."
Lan Wangji glanced at him, unimpressed, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You wish."
Breakfast in the Pavilion
When the newlyweds arrived at the breakfast table, a quiet hush fell over the gathered disciples. Normally, Lan Wangji's imposing presence would have silenced any unnecessary chatter, but today it was the sight of Wei Wuxian that drew attention.
Wei Wuxian, ever the shameless one, leaned into the attention, a smug grin on his face. "Ah, good morning, juniors! Did everyone sleep well? I know I did."
Lan Xichen, seated at the head of the table, hid a small smile behind his cup of tea. "Good morning, Wei Wuxian. Good morning, Wangji. I trust the first night of your marriage went… smoothly?"
Wei Wuxian opened his mouth, clearly ready with a cheeky retort, but before he could say anything, Lan Wangji calmly placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look that silenced him instantly.
"Yes," Lan Wangji said, his tone composed as always. "Thank you, Brother."
Wei Wuxian mock-pouted but obediently held his tongue. The juniors, who had been quietly watching, exchanged glances, torn between awe at Lan Wangji's control and amusement at Wei Wuxian's antics.
Halfway through the meal, Lan Qiren entered, his expression dour as usual. He glanced at the table, his gaze briefly resting on Wei Wuxian. For a moment, it looked like he might say something, but to everyone's surprise, he simply shook his head and sat down without comment.
Wei Wuxian whispered to Lan Wangji, "Is this Lan Qiren's version of approval? Or is he just too tired to argue after last night?"
Lan Wangji's lip twitched imperceptibly, a tiny acknowledgment of Wei Wuxian's remark.
The Rest of the Day
After breakfast, the newlyweds strolled through the Cloud Recesses. The path was lined with blossoming plum trees, their sweet scent carried on the breeze. Wei Wuxian was animated as always, pointing out various landmarks while teasing Lan Wangji about their meanings.
"You know," Wei Wuxian said, gesturing dramatically to the stone bridge they were crossing, "this place is too peaceful. Don't you think we should add a little chaos here and there? Maybe a—"
Lan Wangji cut him off with a firm but gentle, "No."
Wei Wuxian laughed, bumping his shoulder playfully into Lan Wangji's. "Alright, alright. But don't think I'm going to let you off easy, Lan Zhan. I plan to make your life exciting."
"You already do," Lan Wangji replied without hesitation.
Wei Wuxian froze mid-step, his eyes wide as he processed the unexpected response. Then he burst into laughter, grabbing Lan Wangji's arm.
"Lan Zhan! You can't just say things like that without warning me. How am I supposed to compete with your romance?"
Lan Wangji didn't respond, but the faintest smile graced his lips as they continued their walk.
As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the rest of the Cloud Recesses buzzed on with life, but for the two of them, time seemed to slow. Side by side, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji took their first real steps into married life—together.