The carriage rumbled softly as it rolled away from Yunmeng, the familiar waters of Lotus Pier receding into the horizon. Inside, Wei Wuxian lounged lazily against the plush seat, his arm draped over the frame of the open window, letting the breeze tousle his already messy hair.
Lan Wangji sat opposite him, ever composed, his upright posture a stark contrast to Wei Wuxian's carefree sprawl. Clad in his pristine white robes, Hanguang-jun looked as serene as a painting, though Wei Wuxian could see the slight lift of his brow that meant he was amused.
Wei Wuxian grinned, holding up a lotus seed pod he'd snagged before they left. "Lan Zhan, want some? Freshly picked, straight from Lotus Pier." He waved it enticingly.
"No, thank you," Lan Wangji replied softly, his gaze lingering on Wei Wuxian as if committing every detail to memory.
"Ah, you're missing out," Wei Wuxian said, expertly plucking a seed and popping it into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, his smile faltering into something softer. "You know... I've been on this road so many times, leaving Yunmeng for one reason or another. But this time, it feels different."
Lan Wangji's gaze didn't waver. "Because you are not leaving alone."
Wei Wuxian paused, the seed pod cradled in his hand, then laughed. It was the kind of laugh that rang bright and clear, not mocking but filled with affection. "Lan Zhan, you really know how to say the perfect thing, don't you?"
Lan Wangji tilted his head slightly, his lips curving almost imperceptibly. "I speak only the truth."
The warmth in Wei Wuxian's chest grew, but he masked it with a teasing grin. "Hanguang-jun, you're going to spoil me with all this sweetness. What will your Lan clan disciples think?"
"They will respect my decision," Lan Wangji said firmly, his expression calm but resolute.
Wei Wuxian sobered slightly, looking out at the road stretching before them. He knew the journey to Gusu wasn't just a literal one—it was the start of something new, something uncertain. But with Lan Wangji by his side, he felt steadier than he had in years.
He leaned back, resting his chin on his hand, watching the passing scenery. "Hey, Lan Zhan," he said after a moment, a playful lilt returning to his tone. "What are we going to do about all those rules in Gusu? No laughing loudly, no running, no talking during meals... That's practically a death sentence for me, you know."
"You will adapt," Lan Wangji said simply, though there was a glint of humor in his golden eyes. "And I will help you."
"Adapt?" Wei Wuxian groaned dramatically. "Lan Zhan, are you sure you're ready to see me tortured by your clan's rules every single day?"
Lan Wangji reached out and gently took Wei Wuxian's free hand in his. His grip was firm but warm, grounding. "I will be by your side, Wei Ying. That is all that matters."
Wei Wuxian blinked, then softened, his teasing fading into something more genuine. "Lan Zhan... you really know how to ruin a good joke, don't you?"
"I do not find it amusing," Lan Wangji said, his tone as serious as ever, but Wei Wuxian could see the affection behind his words.
Their conversation drifted into a comfortable silence, the rhythm of the wheels and the occasional chirping of birds filling the air. Wei Wuxian eventually leaned out of the window again, tossing the empty lotus seed pod and watching the countryside roll by.
"You know," he said, his voice quieter now, "this might be the first time in a long time that I feel... excited. Like I'm heading toward something instead of running away from it."
Lan Wangji's gaze softened further as he responded in a voice so low it almost blended with the wind. "As it should be."
Wei Wuxian smiled, turning to face him. "I'm glad it's you I'm heading toward, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji didn't respond with words this time. Instead, he reached forward and placed his hand over Wei Wuxian's, offering a silent promise that needed no further explanation.
As the carriage continued its journey, two souls finally finding the path they were always meant to take, the road ahead seemed brighter than ever. Together, they would face whatever awaited them in Gusu—and beyond.