On the fourth day, Wen Qing declared Lan Zhan fully fit and able to travel. Due to her extensive research, she had formulated a scar reducing ointment that made Lan Zhan's arm look like new.

Lan Zhan was a very happy man these days.

Not only had Wei Ying taken a week off from work, but he spent every minute of his time with Lan Zhan.

He was discharged from the infirmary on the second day and told to rest, which had Wei Ying saluting with three fingers to his temple, vowing to make sure that Lan Zhan did exactly that.

"It'll be easier if you stay in my room, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying tells him, escorting him inside and then pushing him into Wei Ying's bed and not allowing a single argument.

Little did he know that Lan Zhan was in the land of joy and bliss, finally being allowed to stay with Wei Ying, in his bed, in his room, in his life.

And the kisses!

Once they discovered how wonderful that little, seemingly inconsequential act could feel, they were kissing more than talking. There were good morning kisses, kisses to celebrate the hour, (which turned into half hour celebrations, and then quarterly, taking care not to merge each kiss because then it didn't count), kisses to commemorate every meal and every drink, little pecks every time Wei Ying bent to adjust Lan Zhan's pillow, and a long one whenever they left the room for an extended period.

"What are you doing?" Lan Zhan asks him later that afternoon.

"I'm working on a talisman to prevent chapped lips," Wei Ying says with a wink. He's sitting cross-legged on his bed, and Lan Zhan has just woken from a nap.

"Aren't there chapsticks for that? Vaseline?"

"Well, yeah, but this would eradicate the need," he beams back, and then of course, how is Lan Zhan supposed to resist kissing him then? It's an utterly ridiculous thought.

There's a knock on the door and XiChen enters, followed by Wen Qing with the next dose of medicine.

"Ah, XiChe-Ge!" Wei Ying jumps off the bed and makes space for the doctor. "Actually, may I have a word outside, if you don't mind?" He doesn't give XiChen a chance to reply before he's being manoeuvred outside the room.

XiChen gives his brother an apologetic smile on his way out, and then Wen Qing is giving him a check up.

"Thank you for taking care of me," Lan Zhan says sincerely, in respectful awe of her.

"No need for thanks," she says, not really looking at him. "You're one of us now." She carries on with her observations, not noticing how much Lan Zhan is affected by her words.

Or maybe she has noticed, and she's giving him space to process and recover, but her hands are that much gentler.

Wei Ying and his brother return to the room, and when Lan Zhan lifts a questioning brow towards them, Wei Ying gives him a wide smile. "I was just updating XiChen-Ge on your condition."

XiChen's face remains joyful as he sits on the edge of the bed.

"Uncle wanted to come," he winks at his baby brother.

"Mn."

Wei Ying bites his bottom lip to keep himself from giggling. How they can have a whole conversation with so few words is beyond him, but it's easy to see how relieved Lan Zhan is about the absence of their uncle.

They trade off news about Cloud Recesses, about the new students and their progress, and general tidbits about their school.

"It is nice to see you looking so happy, Didi," XiChen says, just before he leaves.

Wei Ying doesn't let Lan Zhan miss his brother too much, so his departure is followed by more kisses now that they have privacy.

***********

The sun is shining brightly when they leave Yiling. Lan Zhan is surprised that Wei Ying could get up this early, before any of his friends were up and about. If he had paused to think about it, he may have wondered at that, but now they're both up in the air and he's following Wei Ying on Bichen, feeling as free as a bird.

They land in the city centre of Caiyi Town.

Wei Ying grabs his hand and they're running towards a building.

It's the magistrates Court.

Lan Zhan only pauses outside a door that has a plaque on it.

'Civil Services'.

"Wei Ying."

It is both a verbal gasp and a question.

"Lan Zhan...I wanted to surprise you. What do you say to getting married, right now?"

There's a tremor in his voice and when Wei Ying looks up at him, there's a flicker of uncertainty in his beautiful eyes.

It's as if they've come full circle. Thirteen years ago, they were on the cusp of this same adventure, and then mistakes were made. But this is their second chance. So many thoughts go through his head, and Lan Zhan finds that he's relieved. He pulls Wei Ying into a fierce hug, holding him close.

Wei Ying can feel his body trembling, and he begins to stroke Lan Zhan's hair gently.

"This is the best way to do this," Lan Zhan says, when he's calmed down.

If they had to wait until a set date, he is sure that the panic alone would have gotten to him, a strange kind of PTSD to do with what never was allowed to take place before.

"Then, my love, let's do this." Wei Ying kisses his cheek, and it's all the strength he needs.

"Wei Ying, I love you."

"You fuddy-duddy, come on!" Wei Ying says to mask his tears. "As I love you!"

And then they're standing in front of a huge book, and the man who is officiating their marriage.

"Vows," he says politely, smiling at them.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Wei Ying reaches into his skintight jeans to pull out a pale blue velvet box.

Lan Zhan knows what is inside.

"How did you-" and then he loses his words because he can't see, for the tears falling from his eyes.

"XiChen-Ge brought them the day before yesterday, when he came to visit. I hope you don't mind." Wei Ying opens the box.

Nestled in a pale blue silk puddle are two rings, one a plain platinum ring, and the other a red ruby flanked by two sapphires. They are his mother's wedding and engagement rings. And miraculously, they fit.

For Lan Zhan, it feels as if he has his mother's blessing for their union, and that by having these rings here, by actually using them, his mother is right here with them at their wedding, on their wedding day.

"Everything Wei Ying does is good," Lan Zhan replies, smiling when Wei Ying tucks his hot face in Lan Zhan's neck.

How is it possible that Lan Zhan can love him even more? He kisses the top of his head, and they reluctantly pull apart when the third person clears their throat uncomfortably.

"Vows," the magistrate repeats, looking at his watch.

"Lan Zhan, I was too nervous to prepare anything, but I'm just going to say how I feel," Wei Ying takes both of his hands into his own, grasping his warm fingers desperately.

"Mn."

"Lan Zhan, you are the best among people, you're so kind, and such a wonderful person. I love you so much, and I can't believe you're mine. You're so capable, and I want to be with you forever." He's already blinking furiously but the tears win.

Lan Zhan squeezes their joined hands, smiling at him.

"Wei Ying, keeper of my heart. I promise to stand by you always, and ensure your happiness. I wish to shelter you from the rain, I want to protect you always, and I desire only your contentment. I look forward to our forever." He first brings the left hand up to his lips so Lan Zhan can kiss his wedding ring, before bringing his right hand up to kiss the smooth, sun-kissed skin on the back.

"Now, you may kiss. Congratulations!"

They don't listen to whatever else he's saying, too caught up in their own little world. As if pulled by magic, their lips meet in the sweetest kiss, and it seems to go on forever.

Lan Zhan thinks Wei Ying's lips are a delicacy he will starve without, so soft and tasty. He runs his tongue over Wei Ying's bottom lip and swallows the ensuing moan.

Fireworks are going crazy behind Wei Ying's eyelids, a bursting of tantalising colours that light up his life. If he could kiss Lan Zhan all day, that would be his dream job. Little electric pulsations are running up and down his spine, and he feels as if he's flying like a bumblebee, without a linear direction. All the love he has for this beautiful man pours out of his heart and into the one inspiring it.

Both are dazed when they part.

"Congratulations, Husband," Wei Ying says softly, a pink blush transforming his gorgeous cheeks. His wonderful silver eyes are shining with love and excitement.

"Mn. Husband," he murmurs, falling in love with that word.

This is more than he ever dreamed was possible, to be able to share their lives together, forever.

***************

Wei Ying couldn't bear to be parted from Lan Zhan after that, so they both rode on Bichen. Wei Ying wants to visit Cloud Recesses, and when he had told Lan Zhan that he wanted to go back to Gusu with him to see uncle, Lan Zhan felt so proud of him.

Uncle Qiren was stern but fair, and while he may have opinions about Wei Ying, this first step will be in the right direction for them, on this first day of their married life together.

They can only fly to the base of the mountains, and then Lan Zhan swoops in to pick Wei Ying up, refusing to let him climb all one thousand and eight steps with his own feet.

Even if Lan Zhan is doing it to show off (impossible!), Wei Ying appreciates the kindness and love for what they are.

Besides, to witness how strong his husband is gives him multiple belly flips.

Lan Zhan doesn't even take any breaks on the stone landings provided, and Wei Ying thinks this is because he's in a rush to get home. But they can see that something is already different when they finish walking up the last step.

Soft, silky swathes of red chiffon flutters upon the ivory pillars that stand as the gates of Cloud Recesses. The guards stand to attention and let them pass, smiling at both of them.

"Lan Zhan! You can put me down now!" Wei Ying hisses out of embarrassment, and to his chagrin, Lan Zhan refuses.

"We are not at the Jingshi yet," he insists, with that familiar stubborn crease between his brows.

Wei Ying gives up and looks around instead.

All of Cloud Recesses is decorated tastefully with red bows and lanterns, all in a celebration of a most wonderful event. Cloud Recesses is, and always has been, the most beautiful place, its natural waterfalls and narrow stone paths leading to the many higher, elevated levels, making it seem like something out of a fantasy book.

But today, this added flash of scarlet is like putting flowers in the hair of a fair maiden, accentuating her beauty.

XiChen meets them outside the Jingshi.

"Didi! A-Ying, welcome to Cloud Recesses once again. We're just putting finishing touches in there, so how about you both go and visit with the bunnies? They have missed you, WangJi," he smiles fondly. "I shall come and collect you, when we're ready."

"Mn."

Mountain birds call and sing to one another, and the soft breeze rustles the leaves on the trees above them. Sunlight filters through the gaps and shines on Wei Ying's face, and he smiles, doubling the glow.

Lan Zhan is mesmerised by the sight, unable to look away from his starlight eyes even if he wanted to, and it's good fortune that his feet know the way to the back hills of Cloud Recesses. Each second is memorised so it becomes immortal in his memory.

"I can't believe we're married," Wei Ying says, kicking his legs with glee.

"It seems Cloud Recesses is aware of that, as well."

Wei Ying blushes hard, hiding his face.

"Ah, Husband of mine...I felt guilty for our eloping away, and thought perhaps your family could be appeased a little by getting to host the actual event," he whispers.

"It was very thoughtful of Wei Ying. I presume that was why you went to "update" my brother?" Lan Zhan kisses his forehead. He's aware of how lucky he is.

"Haha...actually, when I asked for something jewellery-wise that was meaningful to you, because I wanted to surprise you, it was his idea for us to get the civil ceremony out of the way. You're not upset, are you?" Wei Ying leans back to look into his eyes.

There is so much love, so much understanding reflecting back at him, that Wei Ying has to bring their lips together.

Wei Ying isn't even aware of Lan Zhan sitting down because he's enjoying himself too much; Lan Zhan's lips are tantalisingly soft and welcoming, and with a tilt of his head, it feels so much better. The kiss becomes deeper as Lan Zhan wraps his arms around Wei Ying's body, holding him closer.

There's a tugging on his ankles and it's strong enough to gain Wei Ying's attention, so he pulls away to look over Lan Zhan's shoulder where he's crossed his feet.

It's a bunny.

A white, fluffy round ball of cuteness that is chewing on his trouser hem.

"Lan Zhan..." Wei Ying coos, absolutely blown away by how delightful this is, and then he gapes because this bunny isn't alone.

"Here, give him this instead," Lan Zhan hands him a stalk of cilantro with a smile.

"Where did you get the veggies from?" Wei Ying asks, carefully shifting off his lap to sit next to him.

All the bunnies crowd around them as Lan Zhan shares his treats with them and Wei Ying.

"There is always a basket of fresh vegetables and leaves kept here for the bunnies, and whoever comes to feed them," he replies with a shy smile.

Wei Ying watches him too, thinking how cute Lan Zhan is with two bunnies in his lap and how he holds one of them up so they can rub noses together. He whips out his phone and takes secret pictures.

"These are the brothers and sisters and children of the two bunnies you originally gifted me," Lan Zhan adds softly, wanting Wei Ying to know this and yet being afraid to meet his eyes.

Wei Ying scrunched up his face in delight, exclaiming loudly and scaring off some of their friends.

"Woohoo! I knew it was a great idea!" He scoots over and lies down so that his head rests on one of Lan Zhan's thighs, leaving room for the bunnies. Lan Zhan can multitask apparently, because his fingers immediately begin carding through his hair.

Bunnies, drawn to his warmth and inactivity, begin coming closer until they cover his sleeping body, lulled to slumber by watching the fluffy clouds pass by up above, a contrast to the blue skies.

This...this is heaven, Lan Zhan decides.

He is sitting in a green field with the bunnies for company, and his husband. He couldn't be happier....

************

A few hours later, XiChen arrives to summon them.

Somehow, Lan Zhan ends up falling asleep too, wrapping his body around Wei Ying, and both are covered and surrounded by warm, soft bunnies.

Of course he's going to take pictures; they're way too cute not to. It's a shame he has to wake them at all but if he doesn't, they'll be late. A few seconds later, both men on the ground are sitting up and rubbing their eyes.

"Come, it's nearly time. WangJi, you are going to the Jingshi, and promise that you won't look behind the screen?" XiChen, waiting for him to nod, is all business and gives them both a hand up. "A-Ying, you're coming with me to the Hanshi."

And they're off, after quickly waving goodbye to their fluffy little friends.

When they reach the Hanshi, Wei Ying throws his arms around Lan Zhan's waist, unwilling to let him go. Lan Zhan completely understands, since he feels the same way.

Minutes pass and then XiChen has to speak.

"Didi, A-Ying...the sooner you get ready, the sooner you can be together again...it's not that hard," he mutters the last bit between his teeth, and then smiles brightly at them. "Let's get a move on, shall we?" He uses a firm tone.

In the end, he has to physically separate them.

It's worth it even if he gets the stink eye from two pairs of eyes. Wei Ying only follows him inside the building when Lan Zhan is out of his sight. But once inside, he realises the magnitude of what XiChen has organised for them both.

On the bed is a large box with a bow on it.

Several decorations are placed with makeup next to the vanity table, along with curling tongs and a red silk veil.

"Go on, open it," XiChen urges, now genuinely smiling at the excitement on Wei Ying's face.

When his trembling fingers actually lift the lid off the box, Wei Ying gasps in amazement.

"XiChen-Ge...when I said...when I said what about coming to Cloud Recesses, you know I just meant getting your and Uncle Qiren's blessing, right? But you've gone all out!" He sniffs, and that's all the warning XiChen gets before two wiry strong arms wrap around his shoulders to hug him tightly.

"Ah...and why wouldn't I? This is my baby brother's wedding, and I would want him to be happy. He never says what that is though, what would make him happy, and I've spent the better part of my life trying to figure it out." XiChen hugs him back quickly, knowing that if he left it up to Wei Ying, it might take much longer, and they're already on a tight schedule.

So he extricates himself as soon as possible and turns Wei Ying towards his present by taking hold of his shoulders.

Wei Ying lifts out the red silk, so soft despite its weight, and realises that it's the expensive kind. Gold thread embroidery depicts a lotus flower carried by a dragon on the back and clouds travelling up both voluminous sleeves. There's a pair of red silk pants and two more layers of silk, a bright red inner robe, followed by a slightly darker wine coloured sheer silk one. Wei Ying's eyes glitter with a special idea just for his husband, regarding that particular robe...

"I also wanted to thank you, A-Ying," XiChen sounds serious, all of a sudden.

"Er...what for?" Wei Ying nervously rubs the back of his head, on full alert.

"For giving my Didi another chance. He was heartbroken before, and then...after he was cursed, well, things were difficult for him. No doubt for you, as well." XiChen bows.

Wei Ying snaps out of his daze and quickly helps him up, out of it.

"No need to say thanks, XiChen-Ge. I'd be lying if I said that marrying Lan Zhan hasn't been a dream of mine, in like, forever. I'm so happy right now." Wei Ying says honestly.

XiChen smiles, patting him on his back as they both try to control their emotions. It's hard because this day has taken thirteen long years to arrive.

"I thought perhaps you would like to have family help you dress," XiChen says after they've recovered a bit, going to open the door.

Four people rush in, and Wei Ying is enveloped in a warm hug from his sister, Jiang YanLi, an awkward but no less sincere one from Jiang Cheng, a hard-and-full-of-love one from Wen Qing, and a shy, sweet hug from Wen Ning.

"If you're gonna cry, do it now and not later, after A-Jie's done your makeup," Jiang Cheng scowls.

That starts an argument involving five people about what comes first, and how they're going to do this, all with differing opinions. Wei Ying looks up from the verbal fight to see XiChen waving at him just before he leaves.

"We've just come to offer moral support," Wen Qing says, pushing her brother onto the vacant chair and going to sit down on the bed herself.

It's as though a switch has been flicked, because then Jiang Cheng is pushing Wei Ying behind an elaborate silk screen to change his clothes, while their sister begins laying out her tools and colour palette.

Ten minutes later, a scowling Jiang Cheng leads a flustered Wei Ying out from behind the screen to sudden pin drop silence.

"A-Xian, you look beautiful," his ShiJie breathes out in awe, walking around him to inspect his clothes.

There's a chorus of agreement from the others, and then Jiang YanLi brings Wei Ying to sit at the vanity table.

She rubs her hands in glee, saying, "Let's get this show on the road!"

*************

XiChen stops outside the Jingshi and takes a deep breath.

Today is a big day for these two young men who have suffered all these years, and so of course, he was going to be supportive when Wei Ying mentioned jewellery, because why should they wait?

Haven't they been waiting too long already? That's why he'd suggested marriage so easily.

As an older brother, he could see how happy both his Didi and Wei Ying were, so he is prepared to do anything to speed up their wedding. It is a happy day indeed.

He steps up to the door when he's ready, expecting Lan Zhan to have begun preparations already, but when he goes around the silk screen, Lan Zhan is still, staring at the open box containing his wedding robes. His first finger gently traces the outline of the golden dragon with reverence, and he's not even blinking.

XiChen walks slowly up to him, not wishing to startle him.

Lan Zhan remains still, but his lips turn up ever so slightly.

"Thank you, Ge. For doing all this, and at such short notice."

"Are you alright, Didi?" XiChen is concerned because Lan Zhan is too quiet, he can tell.

"Mn." Lan Zhan finally looks up, and that's when XiChen notices that he's crying.

Immediately, he pulls his baby brother into his arms.

"Tell me, Didi."

It's hard for Lan Zhan to put into words how he's feeling. Even at the civil service, he had difficulty believing it was true, that he was finally getting this, being married to Wei Ying, and yet it didn't feel as real, as complete as this wedding ceremony will be. All of his life, weddings have been associated with red robes, a celebration for the whole family and their relatives, friends and acquaintances.

And since he had botched up that first endeavour with Wei Ying, he really and truly thought he wouldn't ever get to have this. It feels like a wonderful dream. XiChen makes him believe that it's really happening.

These wedding robes are real.

He's really here, and Wei Ying is not too far away, and they're really getting married soon!

XiChen strokes his hair gently.

"Didi, no matter what happens, you will always be my younger brother. I don't tell you enough, but I love you so much. I would do anything to ensure your happiness. That's why we're going to pull ourselves together and get ready...okay?"

Lan Zhan smiles, letting his brother wipe his face clean of moisture.

Everything is going to be alright.

"Mn. Let's get ready."

***************

XiChen escorts Lan Zhan to the Ancestral Hall.

They're early and everything is happening on schedule, and he's just received a message from Jiang Cheng that the other wedding party is on their way.

When they get to the doors of the Hall, they will wait and the music group will begin playing the music that Lan Zhan has composed himself, a deeply soul-stirring number guaranteed to make whoever listened to it cry.

They don't have long to wait, and then there's a ripple in the air of an electric current.

Lan Zhan knows, even before he turns around, that Wei Ying is here.

The music begins to play and then, as the first haunting notes play, the calling of one soulmate to another, Wei Ying enters the Ancestral Hall.

Neither he nor Lan Zhan have worn their veils. Neither want to hide from each other, as eager as they both are to walk these final steps.

Wei Ying looks every inch as beautiful as the first day Lan Zhan saw him.

Each disciple that enters Cloud Recesses has to wear the white uniform of the GusuLan Sect when they arrive, even for the guest lectures. That summer's day, thirteen years ago, Lan Zhan fell in love with the boy who stood out from everybody else with a vibrant red ribbon in his hair, and the brightest, most inquisitive smile on his face.

Today, he waits for that same boy to walk towards him, now a young man. His brightness has only grown, an inner glow that lights him up from the inside and fuels his beauty even more.

From the first step into this ancient building, Wei Ying looks for Lan Zhan standing by the tablets of their parents. XiChen has spared no expense today, and yet Wei Ying only has eyes for his husband.

Lan Zhan looks like a celestial being, as regal as a king, and miles more beautiful. His golden eyes are intense as they meet eager silver ones, desperate to reach him faster. But he is held back and made to walk slowly as befits a groom, by his brother and sister, whose hands are holding his tightly.

Dressed in red and complete with a red headband fastened around his temple, Lan Zhan holds his hand out towards Wei Ying when he's close enough. His face is unbearably tender, a softness in those amber eyes reserved only for Wei Ying. The abundance of his love is on display, clear for anyone to see.

Then they're standing together, hand in hand and facing the engraved tablets of their parents. On either side, Uncle Qiren stands with XiChen. They smile encouragingly as the first bows are reverently performed.

First bow to the Heavens.

Second bow to their parents.

Third bow to each other.

"Husband," Lan Zhan whispers, full of awe.

"Husband," Wei Ying agrees, feeling giddy and delighted.

A photographer and XiChen eagerly flutter around them taking pictures nonstop, as they pour tea for their families, and once that is over, XiChen extracts a tiny golden scissor from his pocket.

"This is to cut a lock of your hair each. They will be joined, tied together to signify an immortal union and then set in amber. They are part of your dowry to each other, and will be ready to wear as a pendant tomorrow." XiChen hands the scissors to Lan Zhan first, who cuts an inch of Wei Ying's hair reverently, and then gives him the scissors to do the same. XiChen places the locks of silky hair carefully in a decorated tray, covering it securely.

"I didn't know that was a thing," Wei Ying whispers to Lan Zhan.

"Mn." Neither did Lan Zhan. But he's grateful nonetheless to his brother for suggesting such an action, because anything that bound him with Wei Ying was agreeable and desired.

They're still holding hands as they leave the Ancestral Hall to move the wedding party and guests to the Great Hall where the banquet will take place.

Everyone takes their seats and it's only when the food begins to arrive, that Wei Ying understands how much of a role his sister has played in his wedding. Sure there are the blandest foods available, carefully decorated to make them look better than they tasted, of which Wei Ying was a hundred percent sure, however, the dishes from Yunmeng in their colourful vibrant reds and oranges shared the tables equally.

So that's where his sister has been, these last few days. She's been cooking up a storm for their wedding, and it must have been because XiChen asked her to.

Wei Ying looks up in a flash to see that XiChen has noticed him staring at the food, and has put two and two together, and so when he raises a brow, XiChen understands immediately, nodding his reply.

Toasts with tea are made and food served quickly, as Jiang Yanli smiles at her brothers. Wei Ying beams at her as he digs in, another sun to match the one outside, shining just as brightly.

Lan Zhan forgets to eat, just watching Wei Ying be happy, little soft sighs leaving his lips as the knowledge of his marriage to this beautiful man settles around his shoulders like a well-worn blanket, comforting and warm. He finally allows himself to rest easy, to believe that he is allowed this.

Wei Ying lifts up a bland dumpling to his lips, offering the food to his husband. He smiles so sweetly when Lan Zhan opens his mouth to accept it. And not to be outdone, he does the same except the morsels between his chopsticks are distinctly redder in colour.

The background noises filter away, the more Lan Zhan drowns in the silver sea of those startling eyes, mesmerised and enchanted by the love he sees reflected back at him. Wei Ying is stunning to look at, even more so in his wedding robes. Neither looks away, suspended in timeless joy, just happy to be together.

And then, someone brings out their wedding cake.

It's a white masterpiece with red carnations and blue gentians cascading down on one side, and two grooms dressed in red robes atop the first tier. The sugar flowers look so real, Wei Ying is unable to resist and sneaks two of them when he thinks no one is looking, holding the red one against Lan Zhan's lips, waiting for them to part. He smiles so brightly at Lan Zhan when he does, and quickly pops the blue flower into his own mouth, before holding out the cake knife to his beloved.

Lan Zhan covers his smaller hand with his paler, larger one, smiling because he feels Wei Ying's shiver, and then together they cut the cake.

Flower cannons are released, exploding petals and wedding confetti all around them as they jam the cake into each other's mouths, and cheers and whistles provide a happy encore to suit the celebrations.

Then tables and chairs are moved to the walls of the hall and space created in the middle as a band begins to set up residence on the left hand side.

It's time to dance.

XiChen taps his teacup for silence, and then once again, Lan Zhan's beautiful soul song rings out in the ensuing quiet.

Each note hangs in the air, waiting for the next one as Lan Zhan holds out his hand, palm up towards Wei Ying.

Faces bright with eager anticipation, joy shining from their eyes, they take to the floor. Elegant and divine, Lan Zhan sweeps them from one side to the other, as graceful as a swan with his mate, gliding across the dance floor with beatific ease.

Their feet are moving to an invisible choreography, an enchanting dance to seal their union, and all watch them entranced by their handsome beauty.

Their red silk robes flutter around their bodies, even as the two are so caught up in each other, they do not notice anyone else. Lights from above catch upon the golden threads of the embroidery, and the subtle diamonds scattered upon their sleeves, giving them an ethereal glow.

This is love.

*****************

Hours pass by.

"I think we can make a break for it," Wei Ying decides, when it looks like anyone who would have stopped them from leaving is otherwise occupied.

Lan Zhan skims the crowds dancing in the centre of the Great Hall and agrees, because not one person has noticed their absence. He takes Wei Ying by the hand, and just like that, they're suddenly outside and running towards the Jingshi.

Exhilaration makes Wei Ying throw back his head and laugh, even as Lan Zhan looks on fondly, matching him step for step.

They burst in through the doors of Lan Zhan's home, and Wei Ying is quick to throw silencing talismans against the four walls and the roof. Motion activated tea lights light up the room, and Wei Ying gasps.

He used to come here before, mostly to annoy Lan Zhan into speaking to him, but he's never, ever seen it like this!

Scarlet silk swags adorn the ceiling, hanging from the rafters like crimson clouds, and from the wooden beams, garlands of marigold and red pansies twist to the floor, their fragrance mingling with the original sandalwood scent. Rose petals trace a path towards the huge bed made up with red satin sheets and sequin pillows casting luminous shadows on the walls. On the bed itself, there's a heart made from red carnations.

"Wow..." Wei Ying murmurs softly, even as his hand is lifted up.

Lan Zhan takes it to his own forehead and covers Wei Ying's fingers, encouraging him to pull off his forehead ribbon, fastening it around and around Wei Ying's smooth forearm and slim wrist, never losing eye contact.

"No restraint," he mutters with determination, his golden eyes suddenly intense and blazing with a new fire.

That's all the warning Wei Ying gets before his back is slammed against the doors they've just closed, and searing, hot lips press down on his. Wei Ying gasps in shock, and that's all Lan Zhan needs, his tongue a fiery brand, licking into his mouth with barely held back hunger.

Wei Ying matches his need, moaning in anguish because he cannot get any closer, his hands fisting in Lan Zhan's hair, unconsciously pulling and making his husband growl with desire. The tables are turned and Wei Ying pulls him towards their bed, both stumbling past the dangerously swaying flower garlands as they swing past, too eager and impatient to hold back.

Lan Zhan's hot mouth nips and bites, kissing his way down Wei Ying's smooth neck, the soft skin fertile for his love marks like fresh blossoms, blooming as he sucks on the delicate skin. Wei Ying's cries for more only serve to spur on his urgency, and they crash onto the mattress in a heap.

Ornaments are tossed, robes abandoned in a hurricane of action until they are bare, finally skin to skin.

"Husband!" Wei Ying moans, his eyes lighting up in silver glory. "Take me now!"

And so, Lan Zhan pounces.

THE END