"Bound by Destiny"

Chapter 9: The First Night and Unspoken Truths

The journey to Lotus Pier had been swift and tense. Upon arriving, they discovered the attack was a mere skirmish - a misunderstanding, quickly resolved. Relief washed over Wei Wuxian, but his nerves remained frayed. Returning to the Cloud Recesses, he felt drained, his mind buzzing with everything that had happened.

The Cloud Recesses were quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos they'd left behind. The evening air was cool, and the lanterns flickered in the gentle breeze, casting dancing shadows along the pathways. The exhaustion of the day weighed heavily on Wei Wuxian's shoulders. Despite his fatigue, his mind couldn't stop racing. After the ceremony, he was now officially Lan Wangji's husband - a reality that felt both surreal and daunting.

**The Walk to Their Room**

Lan Wangji walked beside him, his expression calm but his posture slightly stiff. Wei Wuxian stole a glance at him, feeling a mix of curiosity and nervousness. He had never thought much about what would come after the wedding, but now, with the reality of their first night together looming, he felt a flicker of apprehension.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji spoke softly, his voice breaking through Wei Wuxian's thoughts. "Are you tired?"

Wei Wuxian blinked, surprised by the gentle question. "A little," he admitted. "It's been... a lot, hasn't it?"

Lan Wangji nodded, his expression softening. "Indeed. You should rest."

Wei Wuxian felt a warmth in his chest at the concern in Lan Wangji's tone. "Thanks, Lan Zhan," he said with a small smile. "I think I will."

As they reached their room, Wei Wuxian hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do next. The door stood before them, a simple wooden frame that suddenly felt like a barrier between his old life and the new. Lan Wangji paused as well, sensing his hesitation.

"Shall we?" Lan Wangji asked gently.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, let's."

Lan Wangji pushed the door open, and they stepped inside. The room was spacious but simply furnished, with a low table, a few chairs, and a single large bed in the center. The bed was covered in fine silk, its red and gold fabrics shimmering in the soft light of the candles.

Wei Wuxian's eyes widened slightly as he looked around. He had expected something more austere, more in line with the Lan clan's usual simplicity. But this... this felt different. Warmer, almost.

**Navigating the Unspoken Tension**

There was a brief moment of awkward silence as they both stood by the entrance, unsure of how to proceed. Wei Wuxian fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve, glancing at Lan Wangji. "So, uh... this is it, huh?" he said with a nervous chuckle.

Lan Wangji nodded, his expression composed but his eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty. "Yes, Wei Ying. This is our room now," he replied, his voice steady.

Wei Wuxian couldn't help but smile at how serious Lan Wangji sounded, as if announcing a profound truth. "It's... nice," he said, looking around again. "Better than I expected."

Lan Wangji's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "I'm glad you approve," he murmured.

Wei Wuxian bit his lip, his heart pounding slightly faster. He wasn't sure how to approach the topic that weighed on both of their minds. "So, um... about the sleeping arrangements..." he began, trying to keep his tone light.

Lan Wangji remained calm, though a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. "You may take the bed, Wei Ying. I can rest elsewhere," he offered.

Wei Wuxian blinked, surprised by the suggestion. "Lan Zhan, it's your room too," he protested. "We're married now, remember? I don't mind sharing."