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The candles softly illuminated all the rooms of the jinshi in a gentle orange hue, and the cozy warmth of the fireplace flooded every space. It was like a small, tranquil paradise just for the two of them, grateful to escape for a few hours from the wintry weather that had settled in a few days earlier in Cloud Recess, battering the roofs and walls with cold gusts and heavy snowfalls, which would cover every inch of the outside in white the next day.
"You make me very conscious, Lan Zhan."
Wrapped in a clean robe and still relaxed from the warm bath he had taken, Wei Wuxian found himself being carried by the strong arms of his husband through their room. He rested his head on his husband’s chest and began to play with a loose strand of the taller man's hair.
"Mm."
Wei Yin let out a giggle at the eloquent response he received. "I like taking care of Wei Yin."
This response couldn’t help but make the younger man blush; despite their celebrated year together, he was still very sensitive to these honest and affectionate words. Maybe over time he would get used to it, but for now, his face still flushed with every loving gesture from Lan Zhan. He didn't believe it was possible to be happier than he was in that moment. Their new life together was filled with things he had long thought he would never have—or perhaps didn’t deserve to have. The warmth that filtered through their robes as they leaned against each other, the soft kisses, and the occasional caresses for no particular reason filled his heart with an astonishing sense of warmth.
They were sitting together on the back porch of the jinshi, Wei Yin resting his body wrapped in a blanket against Lan Zhan’s chest, while the latter had his arms around him. "Ah, Lan Zhan!"
The named one looked up to him attentively, making a sound of acknowledgment.
"You see..." He began to innocently fiddle with the end of the ribbon of Lan that hung over his shoulder. "I forgot to tell you something today; I’ve promised the young ones to take a look at the temple on this mountain tomorrow," he said quickly, almost without breathing. As soon as he finished saying this, his husband frowned.
"Wei Yin is sick."
I know, I know, I know! he almost immediately replied, "but look! I can’t stay here resting all the time; I’m almost better."
Lan Zhan looked at him serenely for a moment and nodded. "I don’t want Wei Yin to be uncomfortable." His frown still not completely disappearing gave Wei Wuxian a hint that he wasn't entirely convinced by his "almost better."
"I worry for you." Although the temple wasn’t very far away, the ground was muddy from the persistent rain, and the still unpredictable weather could cloud visibility quickly in just a few minutes. But the most dangerous part was the wet ground of the mountain; one misstep could leave you in a steep drop several meters down until a bush or tree broke your fall… Wei Ying was still sick.
The silence that followed the statement and the frown on Lan Zhan’s beautiful face clearly expressed what he was thinking. He let out a small sigh and then, in a playful tone, said, fluttering his eyelashes, "What if Lan Zhan comes with us…?"
An amused sigh escaped from the lips of the second jade Lan.
"Uhm?" Wei Ying tilted his head. "Cute." Blush.