Lan Wangji gently wiped away the single tear that rolled down Wei Wuxian's cheek, his expression calm but undeniably tender. Wei Wuxian held the jade pendant tightly in his hands, his earlier turmoil replaced with a profound warmth.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said softly, his voice trembling with a mix of affection and guilt, "I really am an idiot sometimes, aren't I?"
Lan Wangji gazed at him, his lips twitching slightly as if to smile. "Mn."
Wei Wuxian gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Lan Zhan! That's no way to comfort your husband!"
"Truth," Lan Wangji said simply, but the soft gleam in his golden eyes told Wei Wuxian that he wasn't upset.
With a chuckle, Wei Wuxian leaned in to press their foreheads together, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "But you love this idiot anyway, don't you?"
Lan Wangji didn't hesitate. "More than anything."
Wei Wuxian let out a content sigh, sinking into the warmth of Lan Wangji's presence. "Good. Because I don't think I could go a day without you, Lan Zhan. No misunderstandings, no jealous fits... just you and me."
Lan Wangji nodded, his hands coming up to cradle Wei Wuxian's face. "Forever," he said, his voice firm and resolute.
The kiss that followed was deep and unhurried, filled with the unspoken promises they shared. Wei Wuxian melted into it, his earlier insecurities dissolving like snow under the warmth of spring sunlight.
When they finally pulled apart, Wei Wuxian was grinning again, his usual mischief returning. "You know, Lan Zhan, since you worked so hard to get me this lovely gift, I think I should return the favor. How about tomorrow I craft something equally sentimental for you?"
Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "What will you craft?"
Wei Wuxian tapped a finger against his lips as if in thought. "Maybe a painting of me? I'm very handsome, you know. You could hang it here and look at my face whenever you miss me!"
Lan Wangji gave him an unimpressed look. "No need."
Wei Wuxian blinked. "Huh? Why not?"
Lan Wangji reached out, gently brushing his fingers through Wei Wuxian's hair. "I have you here," he said quietly. "That is enough."
Wei Wuxian's cheeks flushed, his teasing momentarily forgotten. He let out a breathy laugh, burying his face against Lan Wangji's shoulder. "Lan Zhan, you're going to kill me with all this sweetness. Who knew you were such a romantic?"
Lan Wangji didn't respond with words, but the way he wrapped his arms securely around Wei Wuxian spoke volumes.
---
The Next Morning
The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, warming the room as the couple awoke in each other's arms. Wei Wuxian opened his eyes, instantly greeted by Lan Wangji's peaceful face inches from his own.
"Good morning, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian whispered, a grin forming on his lips.
Lan Wangji's eyes opened slowly, his gaze settling on Wei Wuxian with quiet fondness. "Good morning."
Wei Wuxian stretched, snuggling closer before whispering dramatically, "You know, I was thinking. Maybe I should apologize to Lan Zhong, too. I might've been just a *tiny* bit rude."
"Mn," Lan Wangji agreed.
"But," Wei Wuxian continued, a playful glint in his eyes, "if he ever tries to touch your arm again, I might have to chase him out with a talisman!"
Lan Wangji's lips pressed together as if suppressing a laugh, and Wei Wuxian erupted in laughter, clearly proud of himself.
They lay there in a tangle of warmth and laughter, no lingering doubts between them. For the first time in days, Wei Wuxian felt completely at ease.
"Lan Zhan," he murmured, tilting his head up to plant a soft kiss on Lan Wangji's cheek. "Thank you."
"For what?" Lan Wangji asked, his voice calm and curious.
"For putting up with me," Wei Wuxian said, his grin turning softer, almost shy. "For loving me."
Lan Wangji shook his head slightly, his expression serene. "There is no need to thank me. It is my choice."
Wei Wuxian stared at him, his chest tight with emotion. After a long pause, he nodded, a brilliant smile lighting up his face. "And you're my choice, too, Lan Zhan. Forever."
Lan Wangji leaned down, brushing a tender kiss against Wei Wuxian's lips. "Forever."
They stayed like that, entwined in their own quiet world, the sun casting a golden glow over them. And as the day began, the Cloud Recesses seemed brighter than ever, echoing with the laughter and love of two souls destined to be together.