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Wei Wuxian was having a great day. He was really getting along with the bride despite today —the day before her wedding—being the first time they'd met. They really should have met last week at the couple's rehearsal dinner, but Wei Wuxian had caught a horrible stomach bug, and Wen Ning had been sent in his stead. So he was first meeting the bride and groom now, taking candid shots of their last-minute preparations as requested. 

Lou Qingyan—or “Mian Mian” as she insisted everyone call her—was great: friendly, warm, and wonderfully easy to work with. She was also kind to all of the staff, which was always a plus since it wasn’t always a given. Wei Wuxian had been in the wedding business for a few years with his siblings, and they had all seen some things.

It had started, as most things with them did, with Jiang Yanli. An already amazing home cook, she had fought her way through culinary school despite her parents wishes and successfully started a catering business. A few years later, Wei Wuxian had joined in on the event gigs as a photographer. Not to be left out, Jiang Cheng had started doing event planning to complete their little family business. Wei Wuxian loved working with his siblings, and—though he’d never admit it aloud—he was a closeted romantic who loved seeing people’s love stories that lead them to their wedding day. 

”Oh, can you get a shot of the flowers?” Mian Mian called over, gesturing to an elaborate arrangement of flowers near the entrance. 

“Yes, of course!” Wei Wuxian replied cheerfully, adjusting his camera settings as he moved toward the display. He was busy taking photos, crouched low to the ground for a more dramatic angle, so he missed when another guest arrived. It was still early in the day, but from what Yanli had told him, the couple seemed eager to be involved in all the preparations—though thankfully not in the nightmare way some clients were.

”Wangji!” Mian Mian exclaimed voice bright with excitement as she rushed to the door. 

The door had shut behind the newcomer, so Wei Wuxian straightened from his position, curious about who had arrived. He turned just in time to see Mian Mian approach someone at the entrance—a man, possibly the most beautiful man Wei Wuxian had ever seen. Not handsome in the typical model way, but with a calm, ethereal beauty that made him look like a sculpture come to life. Wei Wuxian felt a little floored, his camera momentarily forgotten in his hands.

He blinked, then shook his head, forcing himself to focus on continuing to take pictures of the surroundings. Still, his eyes kept straying back to the newcomer. 

Mian Mian reached up, adjusting the man’s collar and whispering something that Wei Wuxian couldn’t make out. Ah, that must be the groom, he thought, still a little struck by him, drawn by an inexplicable gravitational pull that led him a little closer to where the couple was standing. Mian Mian turned toward him, pulling her “groom”—Wangji, she’d called him—toward Wei Wuxian.

Fuck, why am I nervous? Wei Wuxian thought. He needed to snap out of it. He had no reason to be affected, and anyway, the guy was quite literally getting married tomorrow.

Suddenly, the man was right in front of him with a semi-stoic face. Mian Mian had an arm linked with his, and Wei Wuxian just barely managed to catch the introduction she was giving with a small, knowing smirk.

”Lan Wangji, this is Wei Wuxian. He's our photographer.”

Lan Wangji raised an elegant eyebrow, then addressed Wei Wuxian directly. “Pleasure to meet you,” he said in a voice so soft yet sure that it sent tingles down Wei Wuxian’s spine. “Though I thought we met the photographer last week. I — feel like I would have remembered you.”

Wei Wuxian froze. Was the groom flirting with him? Was that a line? Surely not. He was probably just being nice, and Wei Wuxian was letting his imagination run wild.

“Sorry about that,” he said sheepishly, rubbing his neck with his hand. “I got ill last minute and had to send in an intern, but I promise I trust him with the photos. He’s learning from the best, after all.” He pointed at himself with a playful wink, hoping to dissipate any lingering awkwardness.

Mian Mian grinned. “Oh, I’m sure. Well, we’re so glad to have you here.”

Wei Wuxian smiled at both of them, keenly aware of how Lan Wangji’s golden eyes hadn’t left him since they’d been introduced. He was starting to hope that whatever feeling in his chest he got when he realized Lan Wangji had been steadily staring at him would turn out to be heartburn or maybe a tumor or something. Anything but what he feared it might actually be.

He was saved from any more confusing interactions by Jiang Cheng, who barged in complaining about the florist. Seeing Mian Mian and Lan Wangji, he nodded at them and said, “Everything is fine. I just need to borrow him for a second.” They excused themselves as Jiang Cheng dragged Wei Wuxian away, a determined look on his face.

“I need you to flirt with the florist,” Jiang Cheng hissed once they were out of earshot. “I need you to soften her up to convince her to move some of the flower placements.”

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes at his brother. “I don’t flirt with people to get what I want. I’m simply nice to them—you should really try it sometime.”

“Shut up,” his brother shoved his shoulder, letting go of the arm he was using to drag him out of the reception space.

Wei Wuxian laughed, the sound bright and genuine. Unbeknownst to him, a pair of amber eyes followed his movement across the room with undisguised interest.

It was a busy few hours: calmly talking to the florist on Jiang Cheng’s behalf, popping into the kitchen to see if Yanli needed anything while doing the prep for tomorrow’s feast (and admittedly, to steal a few snacks that she half-heartedly reprimanded him for), all while still snapping scenic photos and candids of the family as they went around helping to set up.

Wei Wuxian was adjusting a setting on his camera, getting ready to snap a pic of the flowers that were causing Jiang Cheng such a headache. He really entered his own world when on the job, so he didn’t notice the person who had silently approached until a deep voice spoke right beside him.

“Your composition is… thoughtful.”

Wei Wuxian blinked and turned to see Lan Wangji standing there, hands clasped politely behind his back, eyes trailing on Wei Wuxian’s camera screen. He was even more striking up close—impossibly long eyelashes, perfectly sculpted features, and lips that looked softer than they had any right to be.

“Thank you,” Wei Wuxian said, straightening up a bit. “I’m very proud of my work.”

“You should be,” Lan Wangji said, entirely too sincere for someone who hadn’t seen the full scope of his portfolio.

“You’re not just being nice, are you?” Wei Wuxian asked, a teasing lilt to his voice. He was desperately trying to hide how affected he was by Lan Wangji’s presence; it was very inappropriate. He suddenly had the ridiculous thought that he was grateful he hadn’t met Lan Wangji last week—it would have been torture to have more time to develop these inconvenient feelings.

Lan Wangji shook his head, the movement slight but deliberate. “I would not say it if I didn't mean it.”

“Oh,” Wei Wuxian said, momentarily lost for words. Then, what possessed him to say the rest, he didn’t know: “Clearly, since it’s evident you have good taste.” He gestured around to the well-decorated space, but he didn’t quite mean in picking out decorations. Mian Mian was truly a lucky woman, and he couldn’t even be bitter about it—she seemed great as well.

He was about to congratulate Lan Wangji on his upcoming marriage when they were bumped into by the only other relatively young guy in the wedding party so far. The man came over and wrapped an arm around Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

“I just saw the most beautiful woman—” the newcomer began excitedly before Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow at him, clearly unimpressed. Wei Wuxian gave a tiny little snort at the interaction.

The man seemed annoyed by Lan Wangji’s reaction. “Don't know why I came to you with this” he said off handedly. 

He removed his hand from Lan Wangji’s shoulder, texted something on his phone, then excused himself, claiming he had to pick up one of Mian Mian’s cousins from the airport. All in all, it was a whirlwind interruption, and in the end, Wei Wuxian hadn’t even gotten an introduction.

He looked to Lan Wangji, amused and inquisitive.

Lan Wangji’s lips quirked upward in what might have been a smile on anyone else. “Jin Zixuan,” he explained. “He’s the best man and the biggest diva of us all when it comes to the wedding.”

Ah, Wei Wuxian thought, the name sounded familiar. He had probably clashed with Jiang Cheng at some point during the planning process.

“He seems to take his role very seriously,” Wei Wuxian observed with a smile.

“Mn. Though it is a shared posi—” Lan Wangji started, but was cut off when Wei Wuxian spotted his brother across the room.

“Hold that thought,” he said, pointing his camera lens at Jiang Cheng, who was walking around probably triple-checking everything. “A-Cheng!” he yelled out, snapping a very unflattering picture of his brother mid-scowl. He cackled as Jiang Cheng angrily huffed, then turned and stalked in the opposite direction.

When Wei Wuxian looked back at Lan Wangji, the man was staring at him with an expression he couldn’t quite read—curiosity mixed with something else.

“You are… involved with all aspects of the events,” Lan Wangji observed after a slight pause.

“Yeah,” Wei Wuxian said brightly, realizing they were now talking about themselves. “Well, that’s the perk of working at the family business. Things seem to flow easier when we’re on the same page for the most part.” He grinned impishly, thinking of the few but heated clashes he’d had with his brother. “My brother and I tend to be a bit childish occasionally.”

Lan Wangji nodded, something in his posture seeming to ease at that.

Wei Wuxian took his chance. Even if it was tragically too late, he still had this urge to get to know Lan Wangji better.

“And you?” he asked. “What do you do for a living?” He internally winced; he sounded like he was networking at a conference.

“I work in music therapy,” Lan Wangji replied. “For children primarily, those in long-term care.”

Wei Wuxian was stunned. But he shouldn’t be surprised, of course. Of course he would meet an amazing guy who was sweet, respectful, liked teaching children, and was incredibly hot—his ideal type—and he’d be straight (probably) and literally getting married tomorrow. It was just his luck. He might need a drink if he weren’t technically on the clock.

“Seriously?” Wei Wuxian asked, unable to mask his admiration.

Lan Wangji blinked, clearly confused by the question. “Yes. Is that an issue?”

Wei Wuxian chuckled softly. “No, of course not. I just—you’re perfect,” he sighed, not registering that he’d said that aloud while he fiddled with his camera settings, cheeks surely flaming.

“My apologies, then,” Lan Wangji said, his tone so deadpan that Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but snort.

“And you’re funny as well,” Wei Wuxian shook his head, then sobered up, aware that he was here bantering with the groom-to-be when he really shouldn’t be. “So,” he said abruptly, changing the subject. “Do you play an instrument?”

“Guqin,” Lan Wangji said. “Mostly.”

Of course he does, Wei Wuxian thought to himself. “You couldn’t play piano or violin like the rest of us?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes glimmered with interest. “Do you play?”

Wei Wuxian smiled. “Violin, a little. Just enough to get through three years of orchestra before they begged me to stop showing off.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes warmed at that, the amber in them catching the light. 

“That does not surprise me.”

Wei Wuxian could not handle compliments, not ones from hot, nice men like this. He was getting flustered, which meant it was time to flee.

“I should, uh, check on the kitchen,” he said, even though he had just been in there not ten minutes ago. Lan Wangji didn’t have to know that. “My sister is probably worried I haven’t taste-tested her sesame buns yet. It’s a very important job, highly specialized.” He couldn’t help being playful with this man, even as his heart threatened to beat right out of his chest.

“Mn, I see,” Lan Wangji said, very sincere but with a crinkle in his eye indicating he found this amusing as well.

Fuck, Wei Wuxian thought. I’m so screwed. He knew what he was like, and he could count on one hand the number of people who didn’t find him annoying—one of those did not include his brother. Not that he particularly cared what others thought of him, but it was nice to immediately connect with someone who didn’t seem to think he was “too much.” It was rare, and it made this situation all the more painful.

“See you around,” he said, flashing a smile that he hoped didn’t look as strained as it felt before practically running back to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Jiang Yanli raised an eyebrow as Wei Wuxian barged in for the second time in only thirty minutes, making an immediate beeline for the snacking trays that were in the midst of being prepared.

“A-Xian, you’ll spoil your dinner,” Jiang Yanli warned him half-heartedly. She’d never deny anyone food; Wei Wuxian knew this well.

“I’m just a little peckish,” he replied, nibbling on a candied walnut. He sighed loudly, realizing he couldn’t hide in the kitchen with his sister forever. He would have to go back out there and take more photos, somehow preparing himself for doing the wedding shoot tomorrow without letting his emotions show.

He continued nibbling on his snack and wondered aloud, “What’s the divorce rate these days?”

Jiang Yanli was startled. She stared at her brother questioningly without saying a word.

Wei Wuxian shook himself, realizing he’d said that out loud, then shook his head. No, he wouldn’t wish that on Mian Mian and Lan Wangji. What was wrong with him?

“It’s nothing, I just—” He trailed off, really not knowing how to explain to his sister that he felt some inexplicable connection to the groom they were here to work for. The last thing he wanted was to make her worry.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?” she asked, and he was always grateful that when she asked such things, she really meant it.

“Nothing, jie, just feeling a bit lonely, or nostalgic. You know I love weddings,” he rambled. “But really, it’s got nothing to do with this particular wedding or anything.” His explanation did nothing to convince Jiang Yanli that he was fine, so he went for what seemed to be his go-to strategy: get the hell out of there. He popped another candied walnut into his mouth as he sprinted out, leaving Jiang Yanli truly dumbfounded.

Wei Wuxian was back in the thick of things, trying to focus solely on taking candids and aesthetic shots. He cleared his mind of hot grooms and their impending weddings to equally beautiful brides. He sighed.

He was crouched by a display of handwritten place cards, adjusting a few for the composition of his shot. His camera was strapped loosely around his neck as he stepped back to take the photo when a sharp voice interrupted him from across the room.

“Excuse me, who gave you permission to move things on the table settings around?”

Wei Wuxian looked up to see a man hurriedly crossing the room with a scowl on his face.

“Sorry?” Wei Wuxian was baffled; he had only moved the place holder an inch for aesthetic purposes.

“That place setting,” the man said, pointing accusingly. “You moved it, and I highly doubt that’s in your job description.” He eyed Wei Wuxian’s camera with disdain.

Ah, a guest then, Wei Wuxian thought. He’d have to tread lightly, not wanting to start any fights with the wedding party.

“I was straightening it out. That’s all. I’ll move it back,” he said, really thinking the whole situation was ridiculous.

The man seemed even more annoyed. “This is a high-end event. Why they hired amateurs is beyond me.”

Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow, patience wearing thin. Now this man was just being rude. He opened his mouth, no longer caring about the consequences.

But before he could say anything, a calm, deep voice cut in.

“It was a helpful adjustment.”

Lan Wangji appeared, backing Wei Wuxian up both verbally and physically, standing close enough that Wei Wuxian could feel the warmth radiating from him. Wei Wuxian fought the shivers this proximity was giving him.

Lan Wangji’s voice was cool as he told the man, “Jin Chan, you aren’t even supposed to be here. Go find something helpful to do or leave. I’ll be telling Mian Mian you were causing problems with the staff otherwise.”

The man—Jin Chan—stiffened. Head held high, he gave one last glare at Wei Wuxian and walked off, muttering something under his breath that Wei Wuxian didn’t quite catch.

Lan Wangji scowled at his retreating back, and Wei Wuxian let out an amused sigh.

“Wow, my hero,” he said, only half-joking.

Lan Wangji looked at him, his gaze softening. “He was being rude. You are just doing your job.”

“I mean, I was about to escalate it, but thank you for jumping in. Your intimidating presence is very effective.” Wei Wuxian winked, trying to lighten the mood even as his heart raced at Lan Wangji’s protective gesture.

Lan Wangji’s lips twitched into a ghost of a smile. “It has its uses.”

Wei Wuxian grinned at him, brushing his fingers through his hair to push it back from his face. His mind was racing. Here was Lan Wangji, defending the wedding staff from his own guest. Not many people would do that; tensions usually seemed to run high in this industry, which was understandable for such an important day. Wei Wuxian was able to let many things slide, but that guy had been really unreasonable for no reason.

“I appreciate you helping me out,” he said, his voice coming out softer and far more sincere than he had intended. He turned to look at Lan Wangji, maybe to disguise his feelings, but found that Lan Wangji was already looking at him with an intense yet tender expression.

They stood there, their gazes locked for far longer than necessary. Wei Wuxian didn’t know what it meant. All he knew was that it spelled trouble and heartache for him. So he broke contact first, taking a step back and, on sudden impulse, snapping a photo of Lan Wangji. It felt wrong to indulge himself this way, but he knew this was one photo he’d keep just for himself.

Lan Wangji looked at him questioningly. Wei Wuxian hoped his voice sounded normal even though he felt anything but composed.

“I should get back to work. There’s still so much to do before tomorrow.” He took another step back, putting some necessary distance between them.

“Yes, of course,” Lan Wangji said, inclining his head slightly. Still, he never looked away from Wei Wuxian, as if memorizing his features.

Before he could lose his nerve, Wei Wuxian said, “Good luck tomorrow.”

Lan Wangji looked puzzled for a second, then simply said, “Thank you,” though he seemed confused by the well-wishes.

Wei Wuxian left, heart nearly beating out of his chest as he made his way out of the room.

The next day came faster than Wei Wuxian had wanted it to. He was a bit out of it after not sleeping well the night before, plagued by thoughts of amber eyes and missed opportunities. But here he was, taking solo pics of the bride all done up in her wedding finery.

The bride and groom were preparing in separate rooms as tradition dictated. Mian Mian seemed ecstatic, laughing with her family, looking radiant in her white gown adorned with delicate blue accents. Wei 

Wuxian sincerely congratulated her, meaning every word despite the heaviness in his heart.

“Thank you,” she smiled at him warmly, then seemed to remember something. “Oh, please be sure to take photos of my fiancé as well. He’s across the hall. He might be a bit shy in front of the camera, but I’m sure you’ll soften him up.” Mian Mian squeezed his arm encouragingly, and 

Wei Wuxian smiled back, sure it wasn’t reaching his eyes. He felt guilty for harboring improper feelings about this nice woman’s soon-to-be husband.

He walked out of the room and slowly headed across the hall, walking as if he were heading to his own execution. Every step felt heavier than the last.

He knocked on the door, plastering an uncertain smile on his face.

The door immediately opened, and Jin Zixuan stared at him from the other side.

“Oh, the photographer!” he exclaimed, seeming genuinely pleased to see Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian smiled, glad for any amount of time before he had to face Lan Wangji. “That’s me! Everyone ready?” He forced a grin, hoping it looked more natural than it felt.

“Finishing touches,” Jin Zixuan said, inviting him in with a gesture. “I’ll go grab the groom.”

Wei Wuxian stepped in, seeing the slight mess of the men’s dressing room and decided maybe the groom’s pictures could be photoshopped afterward—just slightly. He managed greetings to the few other guys in the room, none of them Lan Wangji, though he had seen these guys throughout yesterday’s preparations.

Jin Zixuan crossed the room, tapping a man by the window on the shoulder.

The man turned, and Wei Wuxian was puzzled. The man wasn’t Lan Wangji.

It was someone he had never seen before—a man slightly shorter than himself with light brown hair and a gentle smile. He looked nothing like Lan Wangji at all.

Jin Zixuan handled the introductions. “Zhou Yu, this is the photographer—” he paused, realizing they hadn’t properly exchanged names.

“Wei Wuxian,” he supplied, shaking Zhou Yu’s hand. “Congratulations! You must be so excited.” Wei Wuxian was overwhelmed, wondering how this critical information had slipped past him.

Zhou Yu smiled at him. “Thank you. We should take some solo photos, then some with everyone here.”

Wei Wuxian took some pictures, then arranged everyone for group shots. Someone paused and asked if anyone was missing.

Jin Zixuan spoke up. “Lan Wangji’s running a bit late—Mian Mian sent him on a last-minute errand.” He picked at his fingernails idly. “Why she couldn’t have sent me, I don’t know.”

Zhou Yu laughed good-naturedly. “Don’t be so childish, Zixuan-di. You are both her best men; you did a lot of running around yesterday.” He patted Jin Zixuan on the back affectionately.

Wei Wuxian’s grip on his camera tightened. Best man? Oh. He had realized Lan Wangji wasn’t the groom, but it was hitting him all at once: 

Lan Wangji was single. Maybe. Well, at the very least, he wasn’t getting married right this second, and Wei Wuxian didn’t have to feel guilty about having feelings for a taken man.

“Two best men?” he asked when he regained his composure, his heart starting to race with newfound hope.

“Yes, we’ve all been close since school,” Jin Zixuan explained, eyeing Wei Wuxian with sudden interest.

“That’s great. I should get going; I’ve got a few more people to photograph,” Wei Wuxian said, waving his camera around as an excuse. He made for the door but was stopped by Jin Zixuan’s hand on his elbow.

Wei Wuxian looked down at the hand, then raised his eyebrow at the other man.

Jin Zixuan nervously cleared his throat and released him. “While you’re still here, I was hoping you could give me some information.”

Wei Wuxian was confused but shrugged. “Sure, how can I help?”

“What do you know about the chef?” Jin Zixuan asked, a faint blush creeping up his neck.

Wei Wuxian immediately went into protective younger-brother mode. 

“The chef?” he repeated warily.

“Yes, the chef,” Jin Zixuan repeated impatiently, shifting from one foot to the other.

Wei Wuxian thought back to what he knew. Jin Zixuan hadn’t been rude to any of the workers yesterday, not that he had seen much; the man had been busy running around. He recalled Jin Zixuan barging into his conversation with Lan Wangji to talk about “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen”—he realized now he must have meant Jiang Yanli. Well, at least the man had good taste. His initial thought had been fuck off, but maybe Jin Zixuan wasn’t so bad, especially if he was friends with Mian Mian and Lan Wangji. He’d still tell Jiang Cheng about this so they could keep an eye on him.

The silence was starting to get awkward, so Wei Wuxian smiled at Jin Zixuan.“I’ll mention you to my sister and let her take the lead.”

Jin Zixuan was taken aback. “Your sister?”

“Yes, my sister. Here, give me your number, and I’ll give it to her.” He took out his phone as Jin Zixuan quickly recited his phone number, looking both nervous and hopeful.

“Behave yourself. See you around,” Wei Wuxian said, leaving the man with a smirk and a wave.

He would mention this to his sister and let her handle it. He and Jiang Cheng didn’t meddle too much in her love life anymore, not after the one and only time she had told them off for it. Wei Wuxian shivered at the memory of his usually gentle sister’s rare anger.

But he had to focus now. He was still on the job and now had a new side quest: find Lan Wangji and ask him out.

Wei Wuxian had seen Lan Wangji throughout the ceremony, standing tall and elegant next to Jin Zixuan as they fulfilled their best men duties. But that was no place to talk to him. If his camera roll had one or two (or ten) extra photos of the best men—specifically Lan Wangji—well, who could blame him? He was being very thorough with his work.

Besides, he was almost certain Lan Wangji was also sneaking glances at him during the ceremony, and that made him feel positively giddy with anticipation.

The reception was now underway, with the food about to be served. Wei Wuxian was still hard at work, taking a few more candids and then some formal shots of the happy couple as they greeted their guests.

Mian Mian approached him, looking radiant in her joy. “Please take a little break; the food is about to be served. I’m sure you could use something to eat.” She gestured toward the dining area where guests were finding their seats.

Wei Wuxian greatly appreciated the gesture but was going to politely decline—Jiang Yanli had set aside food for him that he was looking forward to getting later—when Lan Wangji materialized seemingly out of nowhere beside them.

“There’s room at my table,” he offered, his voice quiet but clear.

Lan Wangji was simply standing there, but the mere sight of him sent warmth spreading through Wei Wuxian’s chest.

“I—uh—” Wei Wuxian glanced at Mian Mian, who was beaming and giving what seemed to be an encouraging nod in their direction.

“Go ahead, enjoy yourself a little before you get back to work. We’re all going to be eating anyway; nothing worth capturing at the moment.” She smiled, then headed back to the main table where her new husband was waiting.

Despite the giddiness in his chest at discovering Lan Wangji wasn’t the groom, Wei Wuxian felt incredibly shy now. There was real hope and possibility here, which meant there was also the real possibility of rejection. That kind of scared him. He hoped he wasn’t alone in these feelings.

He turned to Lan Wangji. “You sure I wouldn’t be intruding?”

Lan Wangji shook his head slightly. “You would be welcome. I’d love to have your company.”

Wei Wuxian’s heart did something embarrassingly fluttery in his chest. He followed Lan Wangji to his seat, hyperaware of every inch between them.

Lan Wangji held out the chair for him, and Wei Wuxian resisted the urge to giggle like a schoolboy as he sat. A fresh plate was set before him—suspiciously, it had all his favorites from this wedding’s menu. Jie-jie must have conspired with Lan Wangji somehow.

“You planned this?” he asked, unable to keep the pleased surprise from his voice.

Lan Wangji avoided his gaze, but his ears were faintly pink. “I met your sister earlier. She said she had this set aside for you. I hope you don’t mind.”

Wei Wuxian grinned, touched by the thoughtfulness. “I don’t mind at all.” He eagerly dug into his plate, suddenly realizing how hungry he was.

Lan Wangji finally looked at him then. He seemed to be gathering courage for something, but Wei Wuxian’s heart couldn’t wait. He wanted to clear up the one-sided misunderstanding first.

Wei Wuxian set down his fork, turning his whole body toward Lan Wangji. “You want to know something funny?”

Lan Wangji gave him his full attention and nodded slightly.

Wei Wuxian leaned in, voice full of mirth and self-deprecation. “I thought you were the groom up until this morning.”

Lan Wangji’s head snapped up, a stunned look on his face. It was as if Wei Wuxian had suddenly started speaking in tongues. “What?” he asked, clearly taken aback.

Wei Wuxian gave him a lopsided smile and a helpless little shrug. “I know, crazy, right? Yesterday, I saw you and just thought, ‘There’s no way the most handsome man here isn’t the groom.’” He chuckled softly. “You and Mian Mian also seemed close, so I’ve been sulking a bit at the thought that you were unavailable.”

Lan Wangji huffed a small breath, looking equal parts amused and concerned. “So you weren’t feeling… anything… between us?” There was a vulnerability in his question that made Wei Wuxian’s heart ache.

There was a pause as Wei Wuxian gathered his thoughts. “No, I was,” he admitted, voice dropping to just above a whisper. “That’s why I was devastated. I thought you were about to get married, and I had lost my chance before I ever even really got it. It seemed so unfair!”

“You haven’t,” Lan Wangji said, his voice firm.

“Hm? Haven’t what?” Wei Wuxian blinked, confused.

“Haven’t lost your chance,” Lan Wangji clarified, his amber eyes intense as they bore into Wei Wuxian’s. “Not at all.”

Wei Wuxian’s grin spread slowly across his face, like the sun breaking through clouds. “Really?”

Lan Wangji just raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “Seeing as how I’m not currently engaged.”

“Currently?” Wei Wuxian asked, heart hammering in his chest.

“I could be persuaded otherwise,” Lan Wangji said, and the slight curve of his lips suggested he was quite pleased with Wei Wuxian’s reaction.

Wei Wuxian burst into giddy laughter, the sound bright and infectious. “Lan Wangji! That was very smooth. Here I thought you were all proper and serious.”

“I can be many things,” Lan Wangji replied, and there was definitely a promise hidden in those words.

Wei Wuxian felt his heart skip. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I should get back to work, but…” He hesitated, then took the leap. “Look for me before you leave? I’d hate for this to be our only real conversation.”

“I will,” Lan Wangji said simply, but the weight behind it felt heavy. 

Wei Wuxian reluctantly left the table and flung himself back into the fray of wedding photography—candid shots of guests laughing, the bouquet toss that had ended with Mian Mian’s college roommate shrieking in delight. He made sure to keep sending Lan Wangji lingering looks throughout the night, finding that the other man’s eyes were already on him half the time, tracking his movement around the room with an intensity that made Wei Wuxian’s skin tingle.

Maybe two hours had passed when Wei Wuxian found himself positioned near the dance floor. He was adjusting his camera settings when he felt a familiar presence at his side. Wei Wuxian turned to see Lan Wangji there, having somehow approached without Wei Wuxian noticing despite his hyperawareness of the man all evening. He was surprised—he’d expected Lan Wangji to find him closer to the end of the night, when things had died down and they could exchange words privately.

Before Wei Wuxian could express his thoughts aloud, Lan Wangji had extended a hand to him, palm up in clear invitation.

“Dance with me,” Lan Wangji said. 

Wei Wuxian blinked, suddenly flustered. “I—but I’m working.” He gestured helplessly at his camera, at the couples around them, at the very obvious fact that he was the hired photographer.

Lan Wangji didn’t back down. Instead, he discreetly redirected Wei Wuxian’s gaze toward the head table with a subtle nod.

Wei Wuxian followed his gaze and nearly laughed out loud. Mian Mian was watching from her seat, cheeks pink with happiness and champagne, her chin propped on her hand like she was watching the most entertaining show. When she caught Wei Wuxian’s eye, she gave them both an enthusiastic thumbs up and an encouraging wave.

Wei Wuxian turned back to Lan Wangji with a growing smile. “You conspired with the bride?”

“She insisted,” Lan Wangji said, he looked almost shy. “She said she’s never seen me act like this over someone. That I quote, ‘need to stop being an idiot and ask the pretty photographer to dance while i have the chance.’”

Wei Wuxian bit his lip to stop from grinning too widely, warmth spreading through his chest at the admission. “Well, I have to follow the bride’s wishes on her wedding day. It’s basically wedding law.”

He carefully placed his camera in his padded bag and set it on a nearby empty table, hyper aware of Lan Wangji watching his every movement. When he turned back, Lan Wangji was extending his hand once again, patient and sure.

Wei Wuxian took it without hesitation.

The band had just started a slower song—something soft and romantic that seemed to wrap around them like silk. Lan Wangji’s hand settled lightly at Wei Wuxian’s waist, respectful but sure, while their other hands intertwined. Their steps were careful at first, tentative, but then they settled into each other like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You’re a good dancer,” Wei Wuxian murmured, peering up at Lan Wangji through his lashes. His cheeks warmed at their closeness—they were pressed together now, chest to chest, and while Lan Wangji looked perfectly composed on the surface, Wei Wuxian could feel his heart beating rapidly against his own.

“You’re a good partner,” Lan Wangji replied, voice low and intimate.

Wei Wuxian hid his smile against Lan Wangji’s shoulder. They danced quietly like that for a while, the world spinning by them in a blur of warm light and laughter while Wei Wuxian felt utterly at ease in this man’s arms.

Other couples swayed around them, but Wei Wuxian barely noticed. There was something magical about this moment—the way Lan Wangji’s thumb brushed against his waist, the way their bodies moved together in perfect synchronization, the way the music seemed to exist just for them.

As the song began to wind down, Lan Wangji leaned in closer, his lips nearly brushing Wei Wuxian’s ear. The intimacy of it sent shivers down Wei Wuxian’s spine.

“Can I have your number?” Lan Wangji whispered, and his voice was rougher now, affected.

This man, Wei Wuxian thought dazedly. Did he even have to ask?

“You can have anything you want,” Wei Wuxian whispered back, meaning every word.

Lan Wangji’s smile deepened—slow and real and devastating—and they continued swaying even as the song ended and another began. Around them, some couples left the dance floor while others joined, but Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji remained in their own little bubble, just for a while longer.