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Wei Wuxian knew, now, that he had been wrong any time he'd thought so before – this was the happiest moment of his life, for the feeling running through him now was so strong as to be unmistakable. Unassailable.
Neither he or Lan Zhan had moved from where they'd rolled onto the grass, still smiling and touching and kissing as they shared this new-found happiness. Soft, heartfelt words were whispered between them and the brief, happy kisses they shared soon became deeper, longer – kisses of an entirely different kind as they clutched at each other fiercely.
“Save it for the bed chamber!” Jiang Cheng's voice echoed across the clearing and they both froze, breaking the kiss to stare at each other.
Oh. They still had an audience.
But luckily for the newlyweds, the bed chamber was their very next stop. That was one tradition they'd been very happy to keep indeed.
“Race you there,” Wei Wuxian teased though only went so far as to stand up, partly because he didn't want to leave Lan Zhan's side, but also because they were still joined together by the headband – which would not be removed until they entered the bed chamber to consummate their marriage.
Something they were both extremely eager to do, if the way Lan Zhan hurried was any indication.
Wei Wuxian could only imagine he was a sight to behold – because Lan Zhan certainly was. With the fine material of his wedding robes wrinkled and leaves sticking out from his unusually messy hair, he looked anything but Hanguang Jun, a Twin Jade of Lan – and the very image of a stupidly happy man in love.
It was, to Wei Wuxian, the best he had ever looked and he vowed to keep that image of Lan Zhan held in his mind forever.
When the cheering and clapping started up, it startled both of them into moving, joining their bound hands as they hurried back along the path of leaves. As they approached their wedding guests, he couldn't help but think they were being rowdier than expected – especially in Cloud Recesses – but then he suspected his brother and nephew had something to do with that.
Standing in the middle of it all, Lan Qiren himself didn't look...delighted, exactly, but he didn't seem miserable either.
It'd do.
As they passed on their way by, there were more words of congratulations, a slap on his back that had to come from Jiang Cheng, and more than a few teasing comments about what they were just about to get up to.
The distance from there to the jingshi had never seemed so vast before as he couldn't help but think about it too, as the knowledge of what they were about to do burned within him, stoking his already healthy desire.
Lan Zhan clearly felt the same as he tightened his hold on Wei Wuxian's hand, tugging him along firmly as he urged them on faster. When the jingshi finally came into sight his heart quickened and then they were there, up the steps and inside.
Wei Wuxian had barely managed to slide the doors closed and was still facing away from him when Lan Zhan was upon him, pushing him roughly against the doors, their bodies pressing together so he could feel the proof of Lan Zhan's passion against him.
A flash of desire flew through him, his own growing hardness now at full attention as Lan Zhan's free hand reached around to press against it boldly.
Gasping, he threw his head back, tipping it to one side as Lan Zhan began paying particular attention to his neck. “Lan Zhan...”
“Mn?” was all the verbal response he received, as his husband pressed against his hardness once more.
“Our robes,” he forced out around a moan, nonetheless disappointed when Lan Zhan abandoned his task and stepped away.
Right then, Wei Wuxian honestly didn't care if they ended up de-spoiling their wedding robes, but he'd prefer to be naked. To do that they'd have to take the robes off completely, and to take them off completely they'd have to remove the headband. Turning around, he grinned at his husband – husband, who smiled back – and then they were on each other once more.
They kissed, this time, even as they worked at removing their clothing. Their wedding robes were more complicated still than their usual robes so took even more work to remove, but they worked in unison, shuffling towards the bed as they fumbled to remove the headband, untie knots, unfasten buckles and divest each other of their endless layers of clothing, letting the expensive material trail across the floor and not caring one iota.
Finally naked, they fell to the bed together where – much like their first time – there was no elegance or drive to slow pace. Their desire did seem sharper this time, however, more intense, with Wei Wuxian on top as they moved against each other, clutching at each other fiercely as they relentless stared into each other's eyes. He knew they would both leave bruises, marks on each other as the proof of their union, and it was the thought of that that finally drove him over the edge, a moan dragging out of him as his whole body shook with pleasure.
Lan Zhan's own pleasure joined his just moments later, a soft groan breaking from him as the proof of his release mixed with Wei Wuxian's.
Knowing they'd have to move soon to clean themselves, he nonetheless collapsed on top of Lan Zhan and lay there, a happy smile on his face.
“Husband,” he said into Lan Zhan's chest, when his breathing had calmed enough for speech, “we are extremely good at that.”
Lan Zhan's arms wrapped around him, squeezing affectionately. “There can be none better,” he agreed warmly. And though neither of them had any other experience to compare it to – and never would, as far as Wei Wuxian was concerned – he took it for the truth it so obviously was.
After a few minutes more he regretfully peeled himself away from his husband, knowing they should at least clean off the mess from their mutual release. It was only then, as he finally paid attention to his surroundings, that he noticed the tables that had not been there before.
Several small tables had been moved into the jingshi, holding different useful items – food and refreshments, a bowl, a jug of water, a washcloth and – he flushed. Oils and other substances that would make particular sexual acts much easier to indulge in.
When had this happened? Had someone run in after them the moment they'd left the jingshi? Or was it during the ceremony itself? Or when they'd spent several beautiful minutes rolling around on the grass?
Either way, the items were there, and Wei Wuxian had plans to make use of them.
Cleaning himself, then Lan Zhan – who was still spread out naked on their bed, like something from one of Nie Huaisang's picture books only vastly more beautiful – Wei Wuxian then rummaged beneath their fallen robes.
Returning to their bed, straddling Lan Zhan's naked body, he looked down at him as he held up the headband in one hand and a bottle of oil in the other. “Husband,” he announced brightly, “I have a plan.”
Lan Zhan smirked up at him, clearly sharing his belief that Wei Wuxian always conceived of the very best ideas.
*
It was hardly their first time doing this – not at this point – though it was not their usual method of lovemaking. Mostly, Wei Wuxian suspected, because more often than not their passion got the better of them and there usually wasn't enough time for anything more involved.
Today, however – their wedding day – they were making the time. And making it in an extremely pleasurable way.
Lan Zhan made the most beautiful, broken noises as Wei Wuxian carefully thrust into him – which only made Wei Wuxian thrust harder. That he could to this, bring Lan Zhan to a place where he could not deny a single moment of his physical pleasure...
And that Lan Zhan wanted him to, trusted him to...
There was no better aphrodisiac in the world.
They'd started with Lan Zhan on his hands and knees as they'd discovered it to be a little easier, that way. Soon, though, the desire to look at each other's faces on this of all days had become too much and they'd stopped, re-arranging themselves.
Once sure that Lan Zhan was as comfortable as possible – and re-checking that he was as ready for him as possible – Wei Wuxian had slowly pushed back inside, Lan Zhan's legs over his shoulders, and loved his husband as thoroughly as he knew how.
It did last considerably longer than their previous lovemaking – generally they were getting better at that, too – but despite all Wei Wuxian's talents, Lan Zhan was too beautiful and his heart was too full and he could feel his end nearing.
Firmly taking hold of Lan Zhan's hardness with the hand that was once again joined to his husband's by the headband, he touched and caressed him in just the way he knew Lan Zhan liked, trying to bring their moments of completion as close as possible.
He thought he was going to manage it, but then the wave within him crested and there was no more thinking, just Wei Wuxian falling, falling, falling – knowing that Lan Zhan would always be there to catch him.
*
The new few days were a series of happy goodbyes.
Mianmian and her family left the very next day, her husband apologising even as he thanked them for the kindness of their invite.
“There is no need to apologise, Sir,” Lan Zhan told him. “You have a family to support and must work to do so.”
“We understand completely,” Wei Wuxian agreed, bowing to the couple, “and can't thank you enough for coming.”
“It was a beautiful wedding and it has been good to see you both,” Mianmian bowed with a smile – and then the smile turned just a little wicked. “Who would have thought, after the way we first spoke, it would be you longing for your own Yaundao?”
Delighted at her cleverness, Wei Wuxian laughed.
Lan Zhan – who had long been told of their first conversation – simply replied, “He need not long for anything anymore, for I am always here.”
*
Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling went the day after, both needing to re-take the responsibilities they'd put on hold during the length of their stay.
“Remember what I said, Jin Ling,” Wei Wuxian told him as they hugged goodbye. “You will find the friends you can trust. And Zewu Jun is family now,” he added as they pulled away from each other. “He's been Clan Leader for many years and – as you have,” he made a face, “he has learned much recently about how to see the truth of people. I'm sure that if you council with each other, you will soon find nothing insurmountable.”
“So what you're saying,” Jiang Cheng intervened with a disapproving eye, “is that he should ignore my own learned advice and listen to his wise new uncle instead.”
Jin Ling snorted. “You're the one who spoke those words, Uncle, not Uncle Wei.”
Pleased at his nephew defending him, Wei Wuxian puffed out his chest.
Rolling his eyes, Jiang Cheng sighed and gestured vaguely in his brother's direction. “Well, I suppose I should wish you happiness and a good life.”
“Only if it doesn't pain you to do so,” Wei Wuxian said with amusement, stepping forward to clasp him on the shoulder. “And this is not goodbye forever, little brother – we will see each other again.”
Shaking his head, Jiang Cheng then – somewhat surprisingly – turned to face Lan Zhan. “I know I don't need to threaten you to treat him well, because your devotion to my brother is frankly alarming.” Clearly, Jiang Cheng was just jealous. “That, and you'd probably cut my arm off.”
Lan Zhan nodded his agreement. “I probably would at that.”
Wei Wuxian probably should've been more worried about this agreement than he was.
“Well,” Jiang Cheng continued, “we'll be going, then.” After another moment passed where he didn't go anywhere, he said quietly, “Don't expect this every time.”
Wei Wuxian frowned. “Don't expect what-?”
But he was already being hugged.
It wasn't long and Wei Wuxian was so shocked he barely got to hug Jiang Cheng back at all – but it was a hug, nonetheless. And even though when it was over, his brother wouldn't look at him, instead turning and barking at Jin Ling that it was time to leave...
Wei Wuxian smiled.
*
Wen Ning was the last of their visitors to go and Wei Wuxian was finding his departure particularly bittersweet.
“Are you really sure you need to go, Wen Ning?” Wei Wuxian asked, not for the first time, despite knowing first hand just how well his friend could look after himself. Now that A-Yuan was staying at Cloud Recesses, he didn't like the idea of Wen Ning facing the world alone.
But, perhaps, that was exactly what he needed to do.
“I'm quite sure, Master Wei,” Wen Ning assured him. “I must find my place in the world. And, meaning no insult,” he nodded at Lan Zhan, “I know that it is not here.”
Lan Zhan nodded back kindly. “You will always be welcome back in Cloud Recesses, for as long as you wish to stay.”
“Thank you, Hanguang Jun,” he bowed, then tried to bow to Wei Wuxian.
“Ah ah ah!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed, holding out a hand and stepping towards him. “What did I say about this? Will you force me to fall to my knees again, Wen Ning? They're very sore you know, Lan Zhan is relentless-”
“Wei Ying.”
Grinning, he slapped Wen Ning on the arm. It had stopped Wen Ning from bowing, in any case. As far as Wei Wuxian was concerned, after all they had shared together, there would never be a reason for Wen Ning to have to bow to him ever again.
Apparently accepting this, Wen Ning nodded with a slight smile, then finally turned to face A-Yuan. “A-Yuan-”
Much as Jiang Cheng had done to Wei Wuxian before, A-Yuan cut off Wen Ning's words with a hug. Wen Ning looked honestly a little lost, at first, until a gentle hand came up to carefully rub at A-Yuan's back.
“Please take care of yourself,” A-Yuan told him emotionally.
“I promise, A-Yuan,” Wen Ning swore, his fingers pulling minutely on the material of A-Yuan's robes.
“And – here,” A-Yuan went on, stepping back to hand Wen Ning something. It was a child's toy, Wei Wuxian observed, a butterfly – just like the one Lan Zhan had bought him all those years ago, though this one was clearly newer and in better condition. “Take this.”
Wen Ning was clearly confused. “But...I...A-Yuan,” he finally got out, “I bought this for you.” He held out his hand, trying to give it back.
“Please take it,” A-Yuan insisted, reaching out to wrap the fingers of Wen Ning's hand around it himself, holding his own hand there for a few moments. “And next time you come to visit,” he added with a watery smile, “you can give it back.”
Staring at him for a while as if still unsure, Wen Ning eventually gave in, nodding slowly. “Very well,” he agreed. “If this is what you want.”
“It is,” A-Yuan told him, wearing a bright smile.
*
Then, finally, it was their turn.
It seemed all of Cloud Recesses had turned out to bid them farewell – even the Grand Master himself had made the effort, and it was he who spoke first.
“I cannot say I will ever approve of you,” he said to Wei Wuxian, which was about what he expected, “but your wedding was understated and without excess, which is the way it should be.” It amused Wei Wuxian no end that the only good thing Lan Qiren could think to say about him was technically nothing about him at all.
“And,” Lan Qiren continued, much to his surprise, “you make my nephew happy.” Both Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen looked to their uncle in surprise. “Though I do not understand it and likely never will – it remains an undeniable truth.” Wei Wuxian could only stare at him through his shock. “Though no emotion should ever be openly shared to excess,” he continued, “I must admit that seeing his many smiles these past few days has given me much to consider.”
When he said no more, Wei Wuxian realised that was probably all he was going to get – which had been no small amount indeed. “Thank you, Grand Master,” he said truthfully, and bowed in respect. “I will watch over him always.”
Nodding, Lan Qiren moved on to Lan Zhan. “Wangji.”
Lan Zhan stared back at him. “Uncle.”
“Live well,” Lan Qiren said shortly. “If you must fight, do so with honour. And continue to make wise choices.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Lan Zhan bowed fiercely, obviously moved to great emotion by what – to Wei Wuxian, at least – had not been a particularly heartfelt goodbye.
As Lan Qiren stepped back, Lan Xichen then stepped forward. “Brother,” he addressed Lan Zhan, the two of them grasping arms. “The journey you're about to embark on will be defining in ways we cannot yet imagine. And though you have already found each other,” he nodded at Wei Wuxian, “I'm sure there is much more yet to learn. It pleases me immeasurably that you will do so together.”
“Brother,” Lan Zhan said tightly, “I would not have survived these years without you.”
Nodding at this, Lan Xichen closed his eyes for a moment before releasing Lan Zhan's arm. “Wangji,” he went on, “watch over Young Master Wei. And Young Master Wei,” Lan Xichen turned, slightly, to look at him directly – before pausing and considering. After a few moments he continued with, “No, no longer Young Master Wei. Now, my brother,” he said firmly, making Wei Wuxian's breath catch in his throat. “Watch over Wangji for me.”
“Always,” he swore around the emotion in his throat.
This last goodbye would perhaps be the hardest yet, as instead of simply stepping forward, A-Yuan stepped straight into his father's arms. “Father,” he whispered, clutching at Lan Zhan tightly.
“My son,” Lan Zhan replied, voice full of emotion. “This is not forever. We will return.”
“I know, Father,” A-Yuan sniffed as he stepped back, having been fully briefed on their plan – or as much as there was of one, anyway. “It's just that you're leaving. You're both leaving,” he complained, and then he was hugging Wei Wuxian.
“Ah, we will see each other again,” Wei Wuxian smiled through his tears. “We will see so much of each other you will grow sick of me!” In his head he heard Jiang Cheng's voice saying, As happens to everyone, eventually, when it comes to you.
“Master...” A-Yuan began, then re-considered – and if Lan Xichen calling him Brother had shocked him, it had nothing on this. “Father Wei,” he said and even through his stunned reaction, he was well aware of the pleased expression that crossed Lan Zhan's face. “Take care of Father.”
“Of course,” he insisted automatically and he felt like he should be saying something else, but they were already moving towards the path that would lead them out of Cloud Recesses and – well, they'd both been telling the truth. They would return, and be able to share anything new they thought to speak of.
Turning back to face them all – including Lan Jingyi, Lil' Apple standing faithfully at this side (the traitor) – Wei Wuxian smiled and waved. “We will all see each other again,” he called, and as he turned to reach for Lan Zhan's hand, he found that it was already reaching for his.
They took a moment, as they left, to stop and say goodbye to the bunnies, Lan Zhan seeming to need to take longer than he did.
“They've been there for all the important moments in my life,” he admitted quietly, so Wei Wuxian kissed him, pressed a comforting hand on his shoulder, and told him to take all the time he needed.
Eventually, though, they were on the move again and before long they were down the steps, out of Cloud Recesses and stepping into their new life.
They knew not what awaited them. Exploration. Adventure. Danger, probably. But Wei Wuxian was unafraid. With Lan Zhan by his side, all he felt was excitement. The world was very wide and vast, and he wanted to see all of it and meet all its people – helping as many as he could along the way.
“Husband,” he said, just because he could, their hands joining once more, Lan Zhan's headband again in it's rightful place around his wrist.
“Husband,” Lan Zhan replied, lifting their hands up to kiss the back of Wei Wuxian's hand.
Smiling at Lan Zhan's sentimentality, Wei Wuxian sighed happily and closed his eyes to enjoy the day's sun.
And as they took the narrow, grass-lined path towards their future, they knew that they were all the better for it by doing so together.