He chuckled low and resonant, the vibration rumbling pleasantly through his chest into hers. Then he rolled seamlessly toward the nightstand without fully releasing her, his body heat remaining a constant anchor. He retrieved a chilled bottle of electrolyte-infused mineral water, unscrewing it one-handed and pressing the frosted rim tenderly to her lips while cradling the back of her head steady with his other palm.

She gulped greedily at first, then sipped slower as the cool, faintly citrus-tanged liquid soothed her parched mouth and throat, flushing away the cottony film and metallic aftertaste. A stray droplet escaped to trail down her chin, which he intercepted with his thumb and wiped away gently.

"Painkillers and anti-inflammatory next," he said with efficient calm, retrieving gel capsules and ibuprofen from the nightstand drawer. He handed them over with another sip of water. "Swallow slowly, no rush."

From the same well-stocked drawer, he retrieved a small vial of arnica oil blend, warming it expertly between his large palms before preparing to apply it. "On your back, legs relaxed," he instructed gently. "Full care routine. Breathe deep for me."

She complied with a grateful sigh, rolling onto her back as he positioned pillows under her knees for support. He began at her shoulders with firm, circular kneading that melted the iron knots in her muscles from hours of tension, his thumbs digging precisely into the tight spots with rolling pressure that coaxed soft sighs of relief from her lips.

He worked methodically down her arms, massaging to ease forgotten strain, then moved to her neck with gentle care, avoiding the fresh marks but working around them to promote blood flow and reduce swelling. His breath was warm against her ear as he murmured, "Relax into it."

Lower still, his palms glided over her with therapeutic intent, the oil soothing bruised and tender skin. He moved to her abdomen with slow, counterclockwise circles that eased cramping muscles, fingers pressing just above her pelvis to release tension.

When he reached her thighs, he was extraordinarily careful. "Too much?" he asked before parting them gently, working the outer muscles first before addressing the inner thighs where handprint bruises had formed. His touch remained clinical and healing-focused, checking gently for any signs of continued bleeding or concerning swelling.

"No bleeding, swelling is normal and will fade," he diagnosed softly, continuing with her calves and feet, applying reflexology pressure that drew involuntary responses.

Finally, he used a soft-bristled brush over the oiled skin in long strokes to boost circulation, the gentle sensation chasing away any remaining tension.

Bliss cascaded through her in warm waves. The hangover fog was lifting, the screaming soreness muting to a soft, manageable hum, her body humming with gratitude. "Feels divine, like floating," she murmured, a few scales flickering thankfully across her chest. "You spoil me."

"You deserve care after last night," he replied, his eyes dark with lingering warmth as he kissed her temple before capping the vial. "Stay comfortable. I’ll make breakfast, soft scrambled eggs, fresh berries, ginger tea for your head and stomach?"

"Perfect," she sighed contentedly, sinking deeper into the pillows as he rose and moved to the kitchenette. She watched him move naked and confident, every muscle flexing fluidly under the marks she’d left. The kitchen soon came alive with the sizzle of butter, the chop of fruit, and the steeping of tea leaves.

Cared for like treasure, she thought drowsily. He was her home.

Lu Yuze returned from the kitchenette carrying a tray laden with breakfast, the aromas of fresh food filling the bedroom and making Shuyin’s stomach announce its hunger with an audible sound that made her press a hand to her abdomen in embarrassment. He’d prepared everything exactly as promised, soft scrambled eggs that wouldn’t require much chewing, fresh berries glistening with morning dew, and a steaming pot of ginger tea that smelled sharp and cleansing.

"Sit up slowly," he instructed, settling the tray on the nightstand before helping her ease into a semi-reclined position against the headboard, pillows arranged to support her back without putting pressure on any sore areas. The movement sent fresh twinges through her core, but the pain was more manageable now after the massage and medication.

He sat on the edge of the bed beside her, picking up a fork and spearing a small portion of eggs. "Open," he said gently, bringing the fork to her lips.

Shuyin’s eyes widened slightly. "You’re going to feed me?"

"You can barely move without wincing," Lu Yuze pointed out, his expression carrying both amusement and concern. "Let me take care of you. Besides, after twelve years of celibacy, I may have been... overly enthusiastic last night. This is the least I can do."

She accepted the bite, the eggs perfectly seasoned and buttery-soft on her tongue. As she chewed, she studied his face, the man who’d been her husband in name for months but who’d become something far more significant over the past night. The marks she’d left on his chest and shoulders were vivid in the morning light, evidence of their mutual claiming.

"We should talk," Shuyin said after swallowing, accepting another bite he offered. "About what happened. About what this means."

Lu Yuze paused, fork midway to her mouth, his dark eyes meeting hers with unusual vulnerability. "What do you want it to mean?"

"I want it to mean we’re truly married now," she said quietly, her voice carrying none of the alcohol-fueled boldness from the night before, just raw honesty. "Not just legally. Not just for convenience or protection. We’ve been sharing a bed for weeks, but keeping a careful distance. No more holding back. Actually married. Partners. Choosing each other completely."

He set the fork down and cupped her face with both hands, thumbs brushing her cheekbones with infinite gentleness. "I chose you the moment I agreed to this arrangement," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "But last night... last night made it real in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. You’re mine, Shuyin. And I’m yours. Completely."