It's a warm day in Qingtaicunin when they appear in the morning, the following week. Wei Ying smiles wistfully at the golden leaves on some of the trees.
"Mn?" Lan Zhan asks him as they walk towards the restaurant they visited the last time they came here.
"Oh...it's nothing. I just remembered that when I was little, my Mama told me the best way to remember my birthday was when the leaves turned red. That's my favourite colour, or it was. There's not much longer to go now." He nudges Lan Zhan with his hip since their arms are linked together. "How d'you feel about not getting older, Lan Er-Gege?"
"I do not care so long as I can spend the time by your side," Lan Zhan tells him sincerely, smiling when Wei Ying wails and hides his face in his shoulder. "What is your favourite colour now?" He inquires as if it is the most ordinary thing in the world to embrace his beloved in the middle of a still quiet street in a marketplace.
"Gold," comes the muffled reply immediately, and then Wei Ying looks up at his face, staring into his eyes meaningfully.
Lan Zhan would have kissed him right there, if not for the not-so-polite clearing of an unfamiliar throat.
It's the restaurant owner, from last week.
Wei Ying reaches into Lan Zhan's robes and pulls out their purse. "Er, sorry for rushing out without paying...um, it was-"
"An emergency," Lan Zhan interrupts smoothly, letting him pay whatever he wants to the man.
It's definitely more than what the meal should cost, and by the end of the transaction, the restaurant owner is smiling and inviting them back later when he's actually open.
"We'll definitely pay this time," Wei Ying promises him as they walk away.
"Birthdays should be celebrated," Lan Zhan says quietly. "And all of our special moments. All anniversaries. All landmark times."
"Oh, no," Wei Ying whispers, horrified. "You're gonna be one of those spouses who remembers every single one of those, aren't you?" He puts a shaking hand over his eyes and continues, "Lan Zhan, I have to be upfront with you. I have a shitty memory. I probably won't remember much, I'm just warning you right now. In fact, it's too much pressure, and the stress about it is giving me hives, I-"
Lan Zhan simply wraps his arms around him tightly, stopping right there without a care. He's smiling. Wei Ying is so cute.
"Wei Ying. Do not worry. I will remember for both of us. I will remind you, and I will consider myself forewarned. I will not blame you, nor feel bad if you forget any of them." He kisses the side of Wei Ying's temple. "It is an honour to be able to spend any amount of time with you, that you allow it is even more than I expected or could hope for in my first life. I dedicate this one to making sure you are happy forever. That is my promise to you."
"Lan Zhan...ZhanZhan...I love you. I promise I'm doing the same for you. This life...all I want is to be with you. To wake up next to you for the rest of our days...that's what I'm looking forward to." He surges forward with wet cheeks to kiss Lan Zhan thoroughly.
At the first press of their lips together, Lan Zhan is lost to the wholesome pleasure erupting in his heart. He could do this forever, just like this. Wei Ying is so special, and his match is equal in every possible way. Wei Ying is perfect.
Euphoria, limitless and blissful surrounds them as they give each other this gift of togetherness. It's a magical feeling, to be safe and powerful at the same time, walking towards their future, as unknown as it is, but with each other and hand in hand.
***********
The Madam at the fabric shop is happy to see them, too.
"Would you like to try them on?" She asks, gesturing towards a pile of robes. "Not the wedding ones, obviously. We are just putting the finishing touches on them, and they should be ready as soon as you approve these clothes."
