"Bound by Destiny"

Chapter 9: Night of Uncertainty and Unexpected Comfort

The night of the wedding finally arrived, shrouded in an air of solemnity and festivity. The main hall was aglow with lanterns, their warm light casting a soft, golden hue over the gathered guests. Red silk banners fluttered gently in the night breeze, and the sweet scent of incense and fresh flowers filled the air. As the Phoenix Dance came to an end, a wave of applause swept through the hall. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji came to a stop, standing side by side, slightly breathless from their performance.

Lan Xichen stepped forward, a serene smile on his face. "The heavens bless this union," he announced, his voice clear and steady. "May the bond between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian be strong, and may they find happiness and harmony together."

Wei Wuxian tried to smile as the guests murmured their congratulations, but he couldn't ignore the knot of nervousness in his stomach. He had made it through the ceremony, but now came the part he had been dreading the most - the wedding night.

**The Long Walk to the Quiet Room**

After the guests had departed, and the festivities began to die down, Wei Wuxian found himself standing alone in the hallway, his nerves bubbling up again. The servants had just informed him that his and Lan Wangji's quarters had been prepared - the traditional red wedding chamber in the far wing of the Cloud Recesses. His heart pounded at the thought.

Lan Wangji appeared beside him, his expression calm but his posture slightly stiff. "Wei Ying," he said quietly, "we should go."

Wei Wuxian nodded, trying to keep his voice light despite the tension in his chest. "Right, right! Off to the... uh... the chamber." His cheeks burned at the mere mention of it, and he cleared his throat, determined to hide his embarrassment.

They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing down the quiet corridors. The servants had decorated the halls with red lanterns and flower petals, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by all the tradition and formality.

He glanced at Lan Wangji, who was walking beside him with his usual composure, his face as unreadable as ever. Wei Wuxian wished he could see what Lan Wangji was thinking. Was he as nervous as Wei Wuxian was? Or was he just as calm and stoic as always?

Finally, they reached the door to the wedding chamber. Wei Wuxian hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and pushed it open.

The Wedding Chamber

The room was beautifully decorated, bathed in a soft, warm glow from dozens of red candles placed around the room. The bed, large and elegant, was draped with red silk and embroidered with golden phoenixes. Fresh flowers adorned every corner, their scent sweet and calming. A small table was set with ceremonial wine and cups, and a few delicate sweets had been placed beside them.

Wei Wuxian stepped inside, feeling the weight of the room's significance settle around his shoulders. He had never been in such an ornate space before, and he felt oddly out of place amidst all the finery.

Lan Wangji followed, closing the door behind them with a soft click. The room suddenly felt smaller, the air thicker, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but feel a bit trapped.

They stood there for a moment, neither of them speaking, just listening to the faint crackle of the candles. Wei Wuxian fidgeted, trying to think of something to say to break the tension.

"Lan Zhan..." he began awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "This is... uh... quite the room, huh?"

Lan Wangji's eyes softened slightly, and he gave a small nod. "It is," he replied quietly. "It is meant to be... special."

Wei Wuxian nodded, biting his lip. "Yeah... special." He looked around, his eyes landing on the bed. "So, uh, where do we... I mean, how do we...?"

Lan Wangji seemed to understand his discomfort. He took a step closer, his tone calm but gentle. "There is no need to rush, Wei Ying. We can... take this slowly."

Wei Wuxian felt a wave of relief at Lan Wangji's words. "Thank you, Lan Zhan," he murmured, grateful for the understanding. "I... I don't really know how this is supposed to work."

Lan Wangji's lips twitched ever so slightly. "Nor do I," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Wei Wuxian blinked, surprised by Lan Wangji's honesty. He had always assumed that Lan Wangji was so composed, so perfect, that he would know exactly what to do. It was oddly comforting to know that they were both uncertain.

"Maybe we can just... talk for a bit?" Wei Wuxian suggested, eager to ease the tension. "Get to know each other better? It might help."

Lan Wangji nodded. "Yes," he agreed softly. "That sounds... good."

**A Quiet Conversation**

They sat down on the edge of the bed, a small but respectful distance between them. Wei Wuxian picked up one of the wine cups, twirling it between his fingers.

"So, Lan Zhan," he began, "what do you usually do when you're not... you know, doing all this sect heir stuff?"

Lan Wangji tilted his head slightly, considering the question. "I enjoy playing the guqin," he replied after a moment. "And reading. I find comfort in music and literature."

Wei Wuxian grinned, leaning in a bit. "Oh? I've heard you play the guqin before! You're really good! You should teach me sometime."

Lan Wangji's eyes softened. "I would like that," he replied.

Wei Wuxian felt a little more at ease. "What kind of books do you like?" he asked, curious to learn more about his new... well, husband.

"History," Lan Wangji replied simply. "And philosophy. I find them... enlightening."

Wei Wuxian chuckled. "Of course you do," he teased lightly. "You would like something so serious."

Lan Wangji's lips twitched again, almost forming a smile. "And you, Wei Ying?" he asked. "What do you enjoy?"

Wei Wuxian grinned wider. "Oh, lots of things! Playing in the water, running around, pranking my shijie and shidi... You know, fun stuff!" He paused, then added more softly, "I also like exploring and learning new things... like those forbidden books in your library."

Lan Wangji's eyes widened slightly at that, but there was no reprimand in his tone. "You are... very curious," he said, almost amused.

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Guilty as charged!" he admitted cheerfully. "But don't worry, Lan Zhan, I'll make sure not to cause too much trouble around here."

Lan Wangji's gaze softened again. "I do not mind," he said quietly. "As long as you are... happy."

Wei Wuxian's smile faltered slightly, touched by the sincerity in Lan Wangji's voice. "Lan Zhan..." he began softly, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

**Sleeping Arrangements**

After some more conversation, the air between them grew lighter, and the tension seemed to ease. But as the night grew late, they were faced with another dilemma