For the future? In this uncertain place, it was hard to plan for what that might be, but if anyone was the sort to lean toward hope, it seemed Lan Xichen.

He takes the paper-wrapped gift, glancing up at his brother-in-law before opening it.

"Are you sure? I-"

A jade token? No, not just any, this was Lan Xichen's jade token, if he wasn't mistaken. It wasn't as if these sort of gifts were easy to come by here, and the token was conspicuously absent from the sect leader's belt.

He can feel his throat tighten with emotion. It's acceptance and trust, packaged in a neat little box. A physical reminder that he's wanted.

More than anything, it's the offer of a place to call home.

There's a pressure in his chest, like his heart is being squeezed, and a heat behind his eyes that means tears are on the way, but he doesn't hesitate to throw his arms around his new brother, holding tight.