Lan Zhan was sitting in the rocking chair with both girls in his arms, gently rocking them back to sleep. It was a lost cause, he thinks, because they're gradually awakening, blinking up at him. He reckons he has about five minutes before one of them poops, which will somehow have a domino effect on the other one who will quickly match her twin.

They're not identical twins and yet, they share many similarities.

One has a beauty spot just under her bottom lip, while the other has a star formation of them upon her left shoulder. They are quiet babies, only crying when they need something, otherwise they are content to blink slowly at the world around them as it becomes clearer day by day.

Juhua is louder, and the leader of the two.

Lan Zhan supposes it is only right because chrysanthemum flowers were bigger, domineering, than plum blossoms which were no less magnificent, if smaller. It's this reasoning which makes him more careful for Meihua, because he gets the feeling she would always follow her sister.

If that was truly the case, then he would continue to look after her a little bit more, only to ensure she received everything she needed without having to ask for it. He would help her find her voice, whether or not it matched her sister's.

There was a peacefulness here, just sitting with these two souls and watching the moments slip by. He felt calmer now.

Initially, when Wei Ying had left, Lan Zhan could not get rid of the feeling of being unsettled, jittery.

He knew it was unreasonable of himself, but that didn't make it any easier to cope with.

The girls woke up a few times in the night, and as Lan Zhan dealt with their needs, able to change and feed them effortlessly now, he realised that by their very nature, they were soothing to hold.

If he made them feel safer by cradling them to his chest, then they reciprocated by the level breathing, their hearts beating like a constant thrumming, like the wings of a hummingbird fluttering in his palm. They managed to calm him down without even trying.

It is Uncle Qiren who knocks on his door and enters when Lan Zhan nods at him.

He comes to sit on the bed next to him, and because he looks pensive, Lan Zhan knows that he has something he wants to say.

Uncle Qiren looks like he'd rather be anywhere else than here, and that makes Lan Zhan smile.

Uncle Qiren clears his throat and is about to apologise but he sees that the girls are awake, so there's no need to.

"I am proud of you, WangJi."

Lan Zhan is shocked by his words.

Their family doesn't do hugs, but neither are they outwardly vocal beyond what is strictly proper and useful, or necessary. They don't joke around, or talk to make others feel better. If given the choice, they would pick silence over speaking every single time.

So Uncle making this effort is a big thing.

Lan Zhan looks at his daughters, and they seem to be listening just as intently as he is.

"Many changes have occurred in your life, and as a result, in ours as well. However, you have not stepped back from the unexpected challenges but rather, you stood up to them. Wei WuXian is a good man, if vastly different from our family. I think that might be a good thing."

"It is." Lan Zhan insists.

In the past, he would never have said anything to interrupt his Uncle. He would have remained silent in the face of whatever opinion was foisted upon him. Then, this is another change.

Uncle doesn't call him out on it, either.

"While he is what nowadays would be called a 'catch', do not forget that you are, also." And then he ups and leaves, giving Lan Zhan a sense of disbelief.

What just happened?

He's still reeling from that encounter, when XiChen knocks on his open door and comes to sit in exactly the same place their uncle just vacated.

They look at each other, noticing the little details that have been slowly changing about them.

XiChen is wearing an engagement ring, and he seems more relaxed today than the days that have passed. Whether that was because of the stress from organising an impromptu wedding is basically over with now, or because of the events from the last few months, their lives have definitely resembled a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.

"Are you ready, Didi?" XiChen asks him, smiling at the picture in front of him.

Lan Zhan looks calm and collected, embracing those two dear souls with the protectiveness of a loving father, like a lion protecting his cubs.

"Yes, I am, Xiongzhang." His answer is crisp and to the point.

"Good." XiChen doesn't say anything more, content to simply sit with him.

"Uncle just came to see me," Lan Zhan offers.

"Yes, I met him on my way here." XiChen looks amused. "I'm pleased for you that he's accepted A-Xian into our family. Uncle is becoming mellower as the years pass."

"A-Yuan and JingYi are our secret weapons," Lan Zhan replies. He doesn't feel nervous at all, just restless because he wants to be standing at the altar with Wei Ying, right now.

As soon as possible.

Juhua begins to fret, and XiChen helps to warm up their formula. Once both bottles are ready, he closes the microwave when it pings and takes a child himself to feed, after handing Lan Zhan a small bottle.

It's not long before the babies need to be changed again, and then they fall asleep straight away.

"They're such good girls," XiChen remarks, barely whispering. "And I believe that's your cue to get dressed. No time like the present."

"Is Wei Ying awake?" Lan Zhan lets himself ask only one of the many questions coiling around in his head like a pit of snakes.

"Yes, that he is. I sent Mo XuanYu up there to help him get ready, and then it's your turn. He said it's a younger brother's duty to make sure both of you look good today," XiChen chuckles, his smile always ready. "I can't believe you're getting married, Didi." And just like that, his voice becomes thick with happy tears.

"Neither Wei Ying nor I wanted to steal your thunder, Xiongzhang. If we had not found the girls, we were going to wait until after you and MingJue-Ge got married before thinking about our own one. Wei Ying mentioned that was why he wouldn't give me an actual answer." Lan Zhan says, going to his closet and taking out his suit.

"He's such a thoughtful Didi. I am lucky to have both of you in my life," XiChen replies, wiping at his own eyes. "And it's okay, WangJi. I understand, and so does A-Jue. Neither of you should worry about that. If the choice is between these darling little angels and getting married, I'm picking them every single time. And look at how useful my research was! Came in handy at the right time." He pulls Lan Zhan into a warm hug. "Now, let's get ready."

An hour later, after XiChen has taken the babies to Uncle Qiren, there's a timid knock on Lan Zhan's door, and Mo XuanYu pokes his head around it.

He waves his makeup bags in the air, hoping Lan Zhan will understand.

He already knows that Lan Zhan is a vampire, but ever since his secret of hiding as F4keSt0ries was exposed, he's felt a little more nervous around Lan Zhan.

It wasn't just his cold face, stoic and unemotional features, or the Glare(™), or the fact that his hand is big enough to go around Mo XuanYu's neck easily, and probably snap it with hardly any effort, and aside from all that, he was a vampire.

Wei Ying is the friendly one, the one with an easy grin and hugs, and so far, easy to get him ready for today.

This one? Not so much.

And now they're alone in this room, and Mo XuanYu has to ask him to sit down on the chair, to lean back, to close his eyes. Then, he has a breakthrough!

Mo XuanYu mentioned Wei Ying, and that was it.

The conversation went smoother than honey sliding down one's neck, and Mo XuanYu made sure to answer all of his questions about Wei Ying, whilst working faster than he ever had. If there was a lull and the silence became oppressive, because Lan WangJi was a Brooder, all Mo XuanYu had to do was mention that silver-eyed groom-to-be, and everything was sunshine and rainbows again, just like that.

At half past nine, XiChen returns to collect Lan Zhan.

It's time for the wedding.

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

Lan Zhan is waiting outside the door that leads to the extensive greenhouse attached to the back of the manor. Their ancestors realised early on that the older generation needed some serious distraction to stop them from meddling in the lives of the younger ones, and gardening was a healthy pursuit, one that was both rewarding and time consuming.

This greenhouse was constructed about a hundred years ago, and because the Lans never did anything by half, plus access to millions of dollars ensured it would be an eye-opener.

He looks once more at his reflection in the side mirror, hoping Wei Ying will like what he sees.

They have decided to forgo the traditional route, saving that for the Chinese ceremony, later on next year. This Western ceremony is going to be a little different.

Both of their suits are cream, the only difference being their pocket squares. Lan Zhan insisted on Wei Ying wearing something of his own usual preference so his would be a brilliant red, the colour that Lan Zhan loves seeing on him. His own pocket square was a vivid royal blue, because Wei Ying said the same was true for him, then. Cream was chosen out of all the pale colours because Wei Ying thought they could honour the Lan Clan in this ceremony since in the second one, they'd both be wearing red, and could represent his family.

Lan Zhan had agreed for two reasons: whatever Wei Ying wanted was going to happen, come Hell or high water, and he couldn't believe he was going to get to marry Wei Ying, not once but TWO times!

What he didn't like was the sad look in Wei Ying's eyes every time he mentioned his family. So Lan Zhan was prepared to do whatever it took to make his smile as radiant as the sun again.

XiChen comes out from the door in front of Lan Zhan, looking a little nervous for the first time since that morning.

His warm hand rests on Lan Zhan's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"I'm so proud of you, Didi," he says quietly. "Both of you." And then he nods at a point behind Lan Zhan.

The music begins to play, the lullaby that both of their mothers shared with their sons, muffled by the closed doors, because XiChen has left.

Lan Zhan turns around slowly.

Wei Ying is here.

He looks amazing.

Already beautiful, today he is even more gorgeous.

Lan Zhan is briefly aware of Mo XuanYu slipping past them to enter the greenhouse behind him, but his eyes are only for Wei Ying now.

His husband-to-be is dressed in a sharp cream suit, his promised red pocket square catching Lan Zhan's roving eyes. The cut emphasises his narrow waist, the slit allowing a flare to accommodate Wei Ying's magnificent derriere.

But it is Wei Ying's captivating silver eyes that draw them closer.

Whatever Mo XuanYu has done, it is nothing short of a miracle because he's managed to enhance what Wei Ying already possessed, the final polish of a brilliant diamond.

His lovely long hair is raised up into an artfully messy bun, a few tendrils already escaping to frame his beautiful face.

Wei Ying is a work of art, and Lan Zhan believes he has just fallen even deeper in love with him.

He holds out his hand for Wei Ying to take, and a few seconds pass because Wei Ying feels dazed.

Is this really his life now?

He gets to marry this gorgeous hottie? Lan Zhan is really his?

Lan Zhan's cream silk suit fits him like a second skin, moulding to his extensive muscles and emphasising his strength. Wei Ying is feeling hotter by the second, especially when he looks up to that beautiful face.

Mo XuanYu has given him a deeper golden eyeshadow, making Lan Zhan's eyes appear molten, a liquid fire that has already begun to burn Wei Ying in his fierce gaze. It's the sweetest kind of burn, one that promises unlimited pleasure, when they are alone.

Lan Zhan's hair curls naturally around his nape, and Wei Ying is a hundred percent sure it's grown now. It frames his face in that no nonsense way of his, clean lines that make up his whole persona. Lan Zhan has always exuded that 'what you see is what you get' vibe, and yet there's so much more to him than this superficial external beauty.

His Lan Zhan is even more beautiful on the inside, a naturally caring man who has extended his love to encompass four little ones as well. And Wei Ying.

When he takes Lan Zhan's hand, that's when reality crashes into him, his cool skin jolting Wei Ying into action. His hand prevents Lan Zhan from kissing him before they even get inside.

Lan Zhan pouts obstinately.

"No, no, Mister! A-Yu swore he was going to kill me and you if we spoiled his efforts in making us look like this! Now come on, Mister Lan! Make me yours!" Wei Ying giggles as Lan Zhan growls.

Together, they push open the doors, the lullaby playing for the third time on a loop because they spent so much time staring at each other outside.

The greenhouse is a riot of colour.

And it's naturally warm because of the bright sunshine from outside, making the fallen snow twinkle as if a fairy had sprinkled silver glitter all over it that morning. But as they look up and all around them, they are in awe.

XiChen has outdone himself by hanging gorgeous flower garlands all around the roof of the greenhouse, and draping along the walls of glass. Fiery oranges, blazing yellows, vivid pinks and purples weave around red orchids, and the floral scents naturally perfume the air, mouthwatering and intense.

In front of them, the two giggling boys draw their attention.

A-Yuan and JingYi are holding hands and a little basket of pink rose petals that JingYi is being allowed to toss on the cream carpeted walkway that graces their entrance. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are already smiling, one whose smile shadows the sun, reflecting on their poor guests who never could have prepared for his brightness, and the other who simply cannot look away.

Slowly, they make their way past the neatly arranged golden chairs tied with gold ribbon bows, the aisles separated with more colourful garlands.

XiChen has done the impossible: he has brought summertime to Wei Ying's wish of wanting to marry in that season, and so what if he had to import all of these blooms? It was worth it to see their faces, his younger brothers so happy to be here, and to finally be married.

The whole greenhouse is stunning, but they are not prepared to see the gazebo from outside, here and right in front of them. It's a cream structure with four solid pillars holding up a cream dome, winding pink and yellow freesias and roses climbing up to the top. XiChen has created swags made from flower garlands that form scallops around the rim of the dome, and all around them the natural beauty of these gorgeous blooms flourish, making this place resemble a second heaven on earth.

The magistrate is smiling at both of them as they step up into place, under the pretty dome.

A-Yuan and JingYi return with cream silk cushions bearing their rings.

When Lan Zhan turns to face Wei Ying, all his words fly away from his mind. Hours of remembering what he wanted to say, practising in the mirror and making sure he would not forget, all of it washed away by the beauty of this man.

"Shall I go first, then?" Wei Ying's soft voice caresses him and Lan Zhan knows he's saving this wedding and himself, giving him time to recall what he wanted to say.

Gentle laughter ripples through their guests, but all of it is background noise. All Lan Zhan can hear is Wei Ying's heart beating just for him. His large hands are holding both of Wei Ying's hands, and he can feel the calming squeeze, another gift from his generous husband.

"My love, my Lan Zhan. I want to be your shelter, I want to be the place you can rest when the world becomes too much, I want to be yours, just as you are mine." Wei Ying's voice cracks, even as a silver tear rolls down his rosy cheek.

Lan Zhan is already nodding.

"I want to be your warmth, I want to be your happiness, because I love you, so very much."

Lan Zhan watches as he reaches into his pocket to pull out a red silk ribbon. It is narrower than the one that Wei Ying usually wears, and suddenly, he knows exactly what Wei Ying wants to do.

His sun-kissed fingers delicately take Lan Zhan's right wrist and he begins to wind the ribbon around it, making a promise with every turn.

"I promise to love you forever."

"I promise to look after you forever."

"I promise to be yours forever, my Lan Zhan." With that, he ties a double knot tightly, one that Lan Zhan hopes can never be undone.

The ribbon is warm from being close to Wei Ying, like Wei Ying himself. The colour is a bright, vivacious scarlet, full of Wei Ying's vitality, and soft, like a pliant Wei Ying under his hands on countless nights prior to today.

He's going to wear it forever.

Wei Ying bends and kisses the knot, smiling.

Lan Zhan cannot stop himself if he tries, so he goes for it. It's a single step and their lips meet in another kind of promise, a seal to fortify their love forever.

Wei Ying tastes the same as he always has, this hot sliding of their lips together, full of their passionate intent.

It ends too soon, with the magistrate frowning at both of them, though Lan Zhan is pretty sure Wei Ying is past caring at this point. He looks dazed and giddily happy.

Incandescent.

His beautiful silver eyes are shining with the fire of their love, a light that promises forever.

Lan Zhan can only hope that Wei Ying can see the same in his own eyes.

But it seems Wei Ying isn't finished with the surprises yet.

He pulls out another ribbon from his pocket, this one a pure white with a silver emblem in the centre.

With cloud motifs.

Lan Zhan knows what this is.

Every single Lan born into their family is awarded one of these precious ribbons, now more of a sentimental gift than meant to be worn daily these days, but they have pictures of their ancestors wearing these sacred headbands constantly, not just for special occasions. Lan Zhan remembers clearly what he was told at his own coming of age ceremony:

This ribbon is meant to remind the wearer of abstinence from temptation.
This ribbon may not be removed or touched by anyone other than one's parents, siblings or significant other.

Wei Ying is holding his sacred ribbon.

Lan Zhan looks up to find Shifu, the only person responsible for making this happen.

Uncle Qiren nods at him, smiling. He's holding Juhua, while MingJue is sitting next to him cradling Meihua in his arms.

Such a big body, and such a fragile child, the sight would have been comical except for the utter sincere delight and awe on his face as he counted her toes.

"Sweetheart, will you tie your ribbon on me?"

Wei Ying's lovely voice brings him back to the present and what they are doing right now.

This precious man took the time to find something so special for Lan Zhan, to think about how to bring this priceless ribbon into their wedding. Lan Zhan knows this as sure as he is that he has never, ever mentioned this ribbon or the coming of age ceremony to Wei Ying, before.

He cannot speak.

His fingers, long and pale in contrast to the golden ones he takes his ribbon from, they are trembling as he turns Wei Ying's slim wrist in his palm.

"I love you." It's all he can manage as he turns the first rotation of white silk around this beloved skin.

Wei Ying's hand holds his wrist as he makes another turn of the twisting ribbon in his fingers, and the simple touch lights a fire under his skin, giving him a shock. It reboots his mind, and Lan Zhan stares deeply into Wei Ying's eyes, already filling with happy tears.

"I choose you." His words are clear, speaking directly to Wei Ying's heart.

One last turn.

"I am yours, as you are mine." One knot.

Wei Ying shivers, bringing out Lan Zhan's predatory side.

Another knot. He smirks because he knows better than anyone else, if it weren't for their guests...

Third and last knot.

"Forever." Lan Zhan bends to kiss the ribbon where the silver emblem is cool to his lips.

Wei Ying is just about to kiss him, when the magistrate separates both of them with a palm to each of their chests.

"Rings!" He says, through his teeth.

There's more laughter as their guests see how eager they are to kiss one another again.

Lan Zhan thinks the magistrate is lucky this is a public place because he would have lost that hand in a heartbeat...

A-Yuan giggles, stepping up to them with JingYi, who says loudly, "A-Die! Baba! Marry already! Then we can have cake!"

Lan Zhan picks the chewy sweet replica with the yellow diamond, perhaps tacky to others, but to them, it's the purest symbol of their love. He slips it onto Wei Ying's third finger, his lips following his fingers.

The platinum rings follow, a simple band on Lan Zhan's finger. Only they know what is engraved on the inside for each other.

"Now, you may kiss." The magistrate says.

So Lan Zhan pushes him out of the way and takes Wei Ying into his arms.

This kiss is supposed to be a gentle peck, a chaste promise to endure the hard times together, to enjoy the good times that will surely follow. It's supposed to be a seal of their vows, fast, simple and over quickly.

It is not.

In fact, it is blatantly quite the opposite.

Their guests cheer and whoop and shower them with rice and confetti, and only then do they pick up the boys and shower them with sloppy kisses amid laughter and boisterous giggles.

As weddings go, theirs is as special and unique as they are, one big happy family.