#HUAISANG'S ENTRANCE i love him

[angelheony]

'Make it stop, please make them stop!'

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶ Synopsis ✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

You used to think that you were good at hiding your emotions beneath the surface. Well simply because the hints you've been throwing at this someone you like have been getting ignored. On purpose or just his obliviousness? You have never told a soul about your affections, which hurt a couple of your crackhead friends, but in their defense, it was quite obvious to the naked eye what you both have been stressing over.

You were also quite sensitive to the other's feelings for you (said by them) and it hurts your friends' eyes to see the both of you pinning on each other but were clouded by self-doubt and overthinking.

So cue Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang scheming to get you to confess to each other.

Pairing: Jiang Cheng x gn! Reader

Content- Fluff, crack, idiots in love, straight up chaotic writing srry srry this author is tired

wc: Approximately 3k+ words

Warnings: Bad grammar, might be ooc, spelling mistakes

More Author's notes at the bottom

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Your head hurts when thinking about how the hell you got stuck here, in a small room, in a haunted house (or what Huaisang claims it to be). With the person you admit to being in love with.

Jiang Wanyin.

You sit with your back leaning on the wall, not making eye contact with the equally flustered man in front of you. Covering his face with his hand, trying to conceal the effect that the situation has on him. Not so slick really, but who are you to say that? when you are as stunned to be here as he is.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶ ✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

It's now lunchtime in the Cloud Recesses, fluttering white robes pool at the entrance of the dining halls. Only just having finished their tasks and some lectures.

The light pitter-patter from the soles of their shoes can be heard and a few whispers thrown in secrecy. Disciples, afraid to be punished by the elders in the vicinity.

You keep your eyes open for a set of black and purple robes sitting, so you can grace them with your presence.

And there they are, seated on the near edge of the room. Odd why would they pick that place specifically? Unless we're in for knack of trouble again. You sigh out whilst striding towards them.

Wei Wuxian's eyes show a glimmer of mischievousness as he says albeit a little loudly,

"Well if it isn't our favorite person in the world, Aish so tardy what's got you so late? Jiang Cheng here was quite worried-"

A snicker can be heard from the person beside him, Huaisang. Which earns them both a smack in the head by the purple clad man.

You smile whilst sitting beside him, seeing it's the only space left. As both of the trouble makers are facing you.

"And you both didn't ouch, well at least someone did.."

You tease back only lightly, nudging the shoulder of your seatmate. Earning a flustered glare from him.

"Stop with your games." Jiang Cheng says firmly, Handing you a bowl of soup and utensils.

You give a sheepish smile in defeat to not piss him off further, "Okay, okay I'll stop. Thanks for leaving some for me, you're the best A-cheng"

You grab the soup in his hands, fingers touching for a brief second. Though it was enough to render you breathless, you hide it with a cocky demeanor.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶On the other side of the table✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

"Do they think they're so slick with it....? I swear they're oblivious..." Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes at the pair in front of them as he whispers to his partner in crime.

"How do they not notice at all, it's stressing me out"

Huaisang nods fervently, fanning himself dramatically faster.

"Ugh, when can we make this stop...It hurts my soul just looking at them" Wei Wuxian groans, looking exasperated enough as it is. After all, he just finished copying a lot of the Lan clan's rules as a punishment.

"Well then let's hurry up with the plan," Huaisang, says menacingly, Betraying his always jittery demeanor. As they both snicker at the plan he concocted just a few nights ago.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

"What are you both scheming again?" You say with raised eyebrows and a small smile. Curious about what adventures await from the both of them.

"Guys, you know I think you're the coolest and strongest people here-"

A scoff can be heard beside you, making you crack a grin.

"Just spill it out, what is it?" Jiang Cheng says with impatience.

"Ugh... Can you please, please come with me? I want to explore that abandoned house just on the outskirts of town!"

Huaisang whispers-shouts, with his hands clasped together pleadingly.

You nod, willing to go on an adventure as well. As place bores you to death, all of you sharing the look of agreement.

"I'm in, when will we do this little escapade of ours?"

"In a few days time, Qiren says that we have a test coming up and you know I can't fail, my brother will kill me now for real..."

Huaisang panics, before excusing himself in the library pavilion to study. Just now remembering it.

Wei Wuxian slumps on his chair, defeat evident in his face.

Guessing he'll have to endure a couple of days of this pure torture. "No A-sang come back, Why not now..."

"Go annoy your favorite Lan brother if you are so adamant about causing some trouble right now," Jiang Cheng says sarcastically,

"Ah, nice idea A-cheng.." His eyes light up 'Better than staying with you cowards!'

He saunters off with a grin, excited for some amusement.

"tch, that guy..." He says in disbelief, he wasn't even being serious about that.

"Wei Wuxian being Wei Wuxian, just let him be it makes him happy," You say in a soft tone. Wishing to have that carefree personality in life, your eyes following him.

"He enjoys being punished so much?", he sighs crossing his arms on his chest with a solemn expression "Hopefully he won't bite on something more than he can chew in the future with his antics"

You could only smile, gaze falling on him. He's such a worrywart for the people he cares about. Just odd at showing it.

You both sit there for a while enjoying the peace, after going through your separate tasks much to your dismay.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

Now you are here in front of a shabby and abandoned looking house with your peers,

"That was close, Hangguang-Jun almost caught us"

Huaisang said clutching his fan with relief.

"Thank god we have Wei Wuxian here with us, Lan Wanji recoils at the sight of you."

Jiang Cheng grins out, patting Wei Wuxian on the back. Much to the black and red clad man's dismay.

"Hey, I would say that we have become good friends already!"

"Mhm, ask the ghosts in here if they want to be friends with you too. So we can have a safe passage"

You join in on the teasing, moving to the door. Wanting to get on with the exploring already, Huaisang follows suit with a smile.

"Why am I friends with you guys again?" He pouts dramatically, a rhetorical question that you don't bother to answer.

You all look into the house, debating on who should go first,

"Aish just go in and stop your sulking"

You ruffle his hair, at the same time pushing him in first.

"Cowards" He mutters under his breath yet walks in anyway,

The light from the sun outside dims as you all move in deeper. A chill permeated in the air.

Huaisang is far behind the group, clutching onto your robes

"It's so dark someone make a palm tor-"

The sound of something heavy falling cuts you off, Readying your sword in hand.

"What the hell was that mhmp-"

The sound of Jiang Cheng getting muffled out by something worries you, making you call out to him loudly.

"Wei Wuxian? Where is he?" You ask him but there's no response, not knowing where they're both gone you were about to light a palm torch-

Getting cut off again by Huaisang's shrill screech behind you,

"Ah, there's a ghost help me, help me!"

He jumps onto your back, almost outbalancing you,

"Huaisang- I'm trying, get off! How can I fight with you on top of me!-"

He moves around sporadically making you stumble around, dropping your sword,

"Gah A-sang I can't see- ugh get off. You're choking me-"

You struggle under his struggling, for someone who doesn't train as much, Huaisang can get pretty strong when scared.

You get dragged by another person by your wrist, and though it doesn't feel like a monster you still can't help but try to struggle in their hold. Your friends, Like they're both two different people, not listening to your pleas and shouts.

You hear some screams and banging from a door.

It sounds like Jiang Cheng- thank god he's all right,

A door creaks open as you get pushed quite harshly into wherever your sight is is a blur.

You brace yourself for a harsh fall, eyes clenched shut,

Only to be met with a firm wall-? You didn't get hurt as it broke your fall

Arm snake their way to your side to stabilize you.

You stiffen, maybe it's one of your abductors. Almost giving them a harsh slap but thankfully you stop yourself in time to see a familiar face.

"A-cheng..."

You sigh in relief, almost falling back onto his chest with your gladness...

His chest-? You freeze in your place in disbelief,

Meeting his flushed gaze, he mutters 'Are you okay?'

You quickly fall back, face flushing with color as well,

"Sorry- sorry I didn't mean to do that you see people pushed me in here-"

You stutter out, pointing to the already closed door. This looks so bad.

"Where are the others?" You ask flatly, finally catching your breath and calming down.

"They're the ones that pushed us here." He says darkly, pissed at their intentions.

"But why?..."

"Hey, are you all okay there?" A voice resounds from the other side of the door, It's all sickeningly happy and sing-songy, Must be Wei Wuxian.

"Wei Wuxian! Cease your jokes, Let us out!" Jiang Cheng exclaims, standing up to continue his banging on the door before you rudely interrupted.

"No, You both have been insufferable!"

"Isn't that supposed to be your job? Why are we the insufferable ones now," You nip back in confusion,

"Huaisang- let us out, stop following that idiot's schemes..."

Moving to the door as well, You say softly. Hoping to get his mercy.

"Hmm, sorry then all my planning would go to waste..."

He says leisurely, "Don't worry, this will all be for the very good of all of us. So you'll still owe me another escort after this!"

You could envision him saying that with a smile, you really won't trust him after this that's for sure.

"I will break both of your legs off when I find a way out of here" He stops his banging, looking for more plausible exits in this small room.

"Hmm there's nothing you could do to get out A-cheng, all you both have to do is confess your hidden feelings to each other so we all can be done with this bother!"

Wei Wuxian explains like it's so easy to do and after this, we can go back like nothing happened,

"Hidden feelings, stupid. what are you talking about?"

Jiang Cheng chokes out, which kind of hurts. expecting something different, but it is, Jiang Cheng.

"Oh come on guys, stop ignoring it. You both are always so close and so sweet to each other..."

"Those love sick gazes too eurgh..." What a hypocrite, When he unknowingly does that to the younger Lan brother too.

Your gazes meet, both clouded with worry and embarrassment.

" This is some sick joke, just let us out.."

"No, you sort out your stuff, we're gonna explore the rest of the place now-"

"Wuxian seriously?... That seems like a bad idea, what if there are fierce ghosts around here? Were incomplete!"

"Well they're locked in there, you wanna stay outside where no one can protect you? Just come with me and have some trust" Wei Wuxian says cockily. The sound of walking echoes only but faintly now.

"Okay, Okay wait! Don't leave me please!"

"Plus give them some time, they'll be busy eating each other's faces or doing something even more interesting in there like some papap-"

"Wei Ying!" You both say in unison almost harmonizing, which earns a laugh from the shameless idiots outside.

Jiang Cheng spurs insult to insult in embarrassment

And you just freeze there, muttering some curses to them outside.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

You sit with your back leaning on the wall, not making eye contact with the equally flustered man in front of you.

Hopes shattered after seeing that there were no plausible exits in this small room, and the stupid door seemed to be blocked and locked on the outside.

You can't burn this house down with a palm torch or do full-powered attacks. Simply because the space in here is ridiculous, it might hurt the other one due to proximity.

Seriously, every movement you do has your shoulders touching it may have been nice when outside, but this predicament has your thoughts tangled now.

"Sorry I don't know what they're playing at, listen they'll get tired of this charade soon and let us out"

"Is it true? do you like me too?" You ask with a glint of hope, retracing back to your conversation with your friends outside.

"I-I don't know what they're saying, I would never?..."

He says almost confused himself, trying to deny it but also not. Unable to make up his mind.

Pride or heart? which will he choose, as he is still going back and forth, one thing is sure to you.

"Ah is that so..? Cause I like you" Having lowered your pride and fear, you say it.

Your gaze falls on his widened eyes. It's like hearing a pin drop, silence envelopes the barely lit room. You could only inhale sharply, this is the ruination of the bond that took years to build.

The strings tugging on your heart, are too hard to bear. Almost pulling it apart slowly but surely. You could only close your eyes in hopelessness

Slow paced walking can only be heard, going towards you.

"I'm sorry A-cheng, I'll stay away from you after this if it bothers you-"

You got cut off by a sudden bone-breaking hug, "Don't say sorry, I like you too." He mutters out softly, vulnerability laced in his words. Like finally letting go of this facade that you raise to never be looked down upon. This burden of a secret getting carried for years finally being able to let go.

"No- not don't say that. Don't say that because you pity me, it's weird"

You try to pull him off you, disbelief clouding your mind.

"it was such a long time ago. I was a coward, I didn't think you would love someone like me...I'm a joke, I'm harsh, I don't know how to express anything-" He blurts out a wave of self-doubt, which you aren't having.

"No don't say any of those, the right question is who wouldn't fall in love with you..."

You lean his head closer into your embrace, finally choosing to embrace the facts. No use in denying it anymore.

"I know you care, somewhere deep in your heart. I understand, forever will."

"You must be crazy," He mutters out shakily, intertwining his fingers in yours.

"I must be. So stop denying my feelings. Or I'll go even crazier" You hold his hands, tightly not wanting to let go at this moment.

You stay in each other's hold for the time being, embracing the tranquility and letting this sink in. Embedding this moment deep within your chests.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

A few minutes have passed, and you still aren't out. You don't mind though, enjoying some peace.

"Seriously, I can't believe this is the place where we confess to each other" You cover your face trying to stifle your oncoming laughter, finding it too amusing. "Imagined it would be in some romantic place, amidst blooming lotuses, or in the rain all that poetic stuff"

"It would have been thanks to those idiots outside, where even are they? It's getting hot in here" He hisses out, complaining about the heat yet makes no move on detaching himself from you to cool off.

"Oh, it is?" You say with a mischievous tone, implying something as a joke. "Don't mind if I take a few covers off us, so we can cool off- and you know."

A sharp sting from your ear cuts you off, letting out a groan in response.

"You- I didn't mean that, What is wrong with all of you!-"

Jiang Cheng pulls on your ear with an embarrassed expression, not so slickly covering his face with his free hand.

"Oh you didn't mean that whoopsie!- ah okay okay sorry stop"

Clasping your hands on his, you try to pry his grip from your ear. god if Huaisang has some strength released by fear then this guy has some when embarrassed,

He let out a 'hmph' before letting go and sulking away from a distance.

"Ah don't be mad I was joking please?" You try to look as pitiful as ever, crawling into his embrace. Trying to hug him before a scream interrupted your wooing.

"Ah! Help There really are some ghosts here!" A shrill and loud scream can be heard echoing outside the halls

You roll your eyes, not caring if that's real or just an act again

Only leaning into your 'lover's' chest now.

"So this makes us official now right?" You poke Jiang Cheng's cheek. Checking if he's still mad, wanting an answer now.

"If you want to be? yeah." He mumbles out too quickly, breaking his mad facade for a while. Still trying to keep that calm and not affected act.

"You're adorable you know that right?" You point out his not-so-slick act right now,

Pinching his cheeks and admiring the flush in his expression.

"No I'm not your being ridiculous-!" He tries to pry away from your grip, feeling all too bashful as of now.

"Oh yeah fine, coolest most amazing, strongest-" You turn in a different direction, though still teasing.

"If you don't shut up! I'll make you" Jiang Cheng says albeit unsure of his threat, still has conviction in his eyes.

"Hmm, how so? I'm curious" tilting your head to the side, curious.

"I'll kiss you..." A meek whisper, barely able to be caught by your ear

"You'll what?" You exhale shakily, really amused now at his not so intimidating remark

Unsure to even call that a threat, who's he threatening you or himself?

" You all can burn in he- " He gives up, only squirming to get out of your vicinity

" You know you're really in no place to threaten, but I'll just give it to you" You exhale a laugh,

before leaning in quickly, not bothering to warn him. What you said was plenty enough as your lips intertwined in a clumsy kiss.

Running can be heard from outside the halls, with some matching breathless screams. It's Huaisang,

"Guys guys please help there's a ghost! Please don't be mad at me anymore, I'll do anything just help me-"

Loud thuds and scrapes on the floor, like furniture dragging can be heard. You could only smile in your shared kiss not minding the chaos outside one bit.

Jiang Cheng was shocked at your sudden initiation at first, frozen. Yet after some time, he kisses back clumsily, eyes closing in embarrassment,

As the door finally swings open, Huaisang stumbles in quickly. tripping un-ironically before closing the door, leaning his back on it as he takes some time to catch his breath.

His relief turns into disbelief as he rethinks his decision to come in here, seeing your quite intimate moment. Or if it would be better if he stayed outside.

Covering his eyes, he could only plead for it all to be over soon.

"Sorry for interrupting guys... but I'm here.. hi, hello... Can you please help us.." He says mortified by what he barged into.

"Huaisang help! make them come out here hurry!-" Another loud voice can be heard outside. Seems like he's in a bit of a pickle, eh whatever.

"As you can see we're in a bit of trouble-"

"So what?" "get lost," You both say in unison, stopping your entanglement just to be petty.

Huaisang could only whine with his hands clasped, as he flinches at the loud noises of destruction coming from outside. Pitying his friend amidst the trouble he's fighting alone.

"Find somewhere else to hide and maybe I'll reconsider, after a while," You say not wanting to let go soon of this fondness circulating in this tiny room.

"But where?-" He cries out, though accepting his doom with a cry as you continue where you left off.

Bolting out of the door in a panic,

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

Bells echo around the cloud recesses, signaling the time of rest and the end of the day.

Not for both of the black-clad individuals, One with the gold accents dragging a tied-up one.

To be fair getting caught and being a distraction is better than getting mauled by a ghost to death.

Patrolling Lan clan disciples halt them in their tracks near the entrance, a knack of punishment awaits them for breaking a few rules of staying away past curfew.

A light revenge really, concocted by yours truly. A bargain in exchange for saving them against that fierce ghost.

After all, they’re the reason for your blooming bond right now, and your safe passage entering the recesses as the attention of the patrollers is now in the eyes of our geniuses. Rightly so with their brilliant plan.

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶

Did I get too carried away when making this? Yes. 3k words, you know it's bad when your notes app gets maxed out.

I was really tired when finishing this, might not be in character, but let's just imagine since this is just my self indulgent fic (all of them are)

Will probs delete the whole thing or just a few scenes after I get some well needed sleep, and fix some mistakes

byebye I will be passing out and hope you enjoyed your reading somehow.

[thirteenis-myluckynumber]

Wedding vows

Man, choosing a gif is harder than I thought *cries*

Pairing: Nie Huaisang x f!reader

Word Count: 4856 words

Warnings/tags: fluff, just love all around, Chinese wedding ensues, suggestive content, smut, this one is nsfw minors dni

Notes: (C/N)-your clan's name, (Y/N)-your name

A/N: This is the 2nd part of Proposal. You can read this is as a stand-alone, but some context might be lost. I can't believe its done, have a feast, dears!

Special thanks to this post, for providing information about Chinese weddings. I did take some liberties, but at least I did it knowingly.

It's been almost a month now that you were living in the Unclean Realm. Your brother agreed, begrudgingly at first, to let you go before the wedding because he saw how painful it was for you to stay away from your soon-to-be husband. In the end, he saw it was the right decision to let you get used to your new home beforehand.

Just one week before the wedding basically everything was turned upside down in the Unclean Realm. Both you and Nie Huaisang took part in the planning as there were no close relative of his who could take on the task. He, of course, had an exceptionally good eye for decoration, and while he was busy with clan leader's stuff, you coordinated the disciples and servants when needed.

You quickly got used to the almost colourless picture of the Unclean Realm and appreciated the calmly elegant black-grey-silver colours of your new home. The vivid red and gold decorations of the upcoming wedding, hinted with a little bit of silver, almost felt weirdly out of place now. As you entered the main hall to check on the servants' progress before retiring for the night, you stopped in awe at the entrance. Almost everything was in place now, only some adjustments were needed here and there. A huge smile spread across your face, as you couldn't help but imagine yourself entering the hall on Huaisang's arm, dressed in beautiful red and every guest's attention on you.

Speaking of Huaisang, you wondered what he was doing, as you haven't seen him all day. You decided to check on him before returning to your chambers. As you passed down the hallways, the servants were busy lighting some lanterns for the night. The sky already started to darken, and they politely greeted you as you passed them by. The guards also haven't paid attention to you, you were allowed to move freely, and they quickly got used to your presence after you moved in.

When you approached Huaisang's door, you knocked lightly to let him know of your presence but didn't actually wait for him to open the door himself. With guards present, his door was unlocked so you figured he hasn't retired for the night yet. You entered and instantly noticed his sitting form by the desk. He seemed to be completely engrossed in something, which you assumed was official documents. A light, calming incense could be smelled in the air of the warmly lit room. As you stepped closer, you noticed the not-so-neatly scattered papers on the table and some even around it on the ground. You also noticed a brush and ink, probably for writing letters. His usual fan also sat discarded on the edge of the table. Yes, he was definitely working all day, you concluded.

You stepped next to the table on his left side and shot a quick glance at the paper in front of him. It was clearly clan business. He only became aware of your presence in that moment, and he looked up at you with a tired but happy smile playing on the edge of his lips.

"Miss (C/N), it's so good to see you! Only you can make this miserable day better!"

"Oh, Huaisang, I'm sorry you had to work all day! I stopped by the main hall, and everything is almost completely ready now. You should check it out tomorrow. What's all this anyway?" You asked gesturing at the scattered papers all around his desk.

"You wouldn't believe it! Almost all of this are letters offering support, inquiring about accommodation, or asking for details about the banquet. There are also official papers about finances and clan politics. And I have to sort these out before the wedding! Why does everybody want a piece of me?"

"Hmm, I think," you pretended to think hard while you sat down next to him on the ground, "you are quite a catch."

He let out a disbelieving sound, but you continued, counting on your fingers.

"You are wealthy, the leader of one of the four big clans, a clever and intelligent man, you are a very talented artist, you have great taste in clothing, you do what you need to but don't meddle in other's business, you are funny and kind. Oh, and have I mentioned exceptionally handsome?"

"Ahh, stop, stop, stop, stop!" He protested, nose scrunched up and hands held out in front of his chest.

You let out a short laugh because of his adorably childish attitude and turned your body so you were sitting face to face now. You reached out and grabbed his hands. So warm and soft, they fit perfectly into yours.

"I'm serious," you said looking into his eyes.

And he believed you. His face straightened out, his eyes searching yours, lips parted only a tiny bit in awe, but you couldn't help but notice. He also noticed where you were looking, his eyes wandering down to your lips in turn. When your eyes met again, you could see the question in his eyes and you leaned closer to him, a barely noticeable movement. But that's all he needed. The next moment he leaned in, and his lips were on yours, hands moving around your waist to pull you closer. You gasped, one hand touching his chest for purchase, the other reaching up to cradle his cheek. His kisses were slow and sensual.

"I don't think you should praise me this much. I might become overly confident," he whispered into your lips between kisses.

"Well, surely we don't need another peacock."

You let go of each other's lips and burst out laughing, your foreheads touching the whole time.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

The day of the wedding arrived quickly. As you were getting ready with help of your maids, you listened to the commotion outside as guests continued to arrive. Everyone had to settle in their temporary rooms and led to the main hall where the wedding will take place. Once everyone was here the ceremony started while food and drinks were being prepared by the servants for the following banquet.

You were quite nervous because basically the whole cultivation world will witness your union. At least the other three big clans, the Lanling Jin, the Gusu Lan and the Yunmeng Jiang were obviously invited, and some of the smaller clans too thanks to your side. Jiang Wanyin was Huaisang's old friend, while Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao were Nie Mingjue's sworn brothers so you were sure they will be attending. Lan Wangji apparently made up some excuse, so he didn't need to come and if you were honest, you liked it this way. His achievements certainly deserved respect, but he was famously uninterested in, even disgusted by celebrations which involved lively music and drinking.

Putting on the wedding dress was the quickest part of the whole procedure as braiding your hair in the Nie style and preparing your make-up took a few hours. Finally, your head was covered with a red veil to complete the look. Soon you were being led out to meet your husband the entrance of the main hall. Nervousness rose in your chest, but it subsided somewhat when you arrived. You were signaled to stop, and you felt warm hands gently wrapping around yours.

"Huaisang?" Your words came out as barely a whisper because somehow you felt like the wedding atmosphere shouldn't be bothered by talking.

"I'm here," he answered in kind and squeezed your hand a little as reassurance before wrapping a soft red silk ribbon around your wrist. It was to ensure you won't trip as you could barely see anything through your veil, and it also symbolised your union.

You only noticed the soft music and light chatter in the background when you started to walk up the few stairs leading to the main hall. But the hushed voices completely stopped when you stepped into the hall. Thankfully you knew how the room was prepared, so you remembered that you only had to take a few steps before you reached the pillows placed on the ground for you to perform your bows. Huaisang also made sure to make measured movements and helped you the best he could in signalling when you needed to stop walking and kneel down.

Being led by Huaisang while you almost couldn't see anything felt strangely romantic to you, like he was the only person in the whole world you could trust and to whom you could give complete control over yourself. This vulnerability felt frightening at first as you could feel every guest's eyes on your back, like realizing a dangerous predator is stalking you in the forest. But soon your senses focused completely on Huaisang. You could almost feel his warmth radiating through the cloth that bound your hands together.

You bowed in sync, first to pay respect to Heaven and Earth, second to Huaisang's parents, and finally to each other. You stood up and felt your legs shaking from relief and happiness. You were married! You still couldn't believe it. Soon you heard the commotion as your guests stood up and drank a cup of liquor to your marriage. One by one they approached you to congratulate you and wish you health and happiness. Huaisang held your hand in his and you could feel his palm was sweaty from nerves, but you didn't mind. You thanked the guests for their well-wishes and also said farewell. You recognized some of the voices and you were glad that your husband will be taken care of by people like Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin during the banquet.

The few hours you spent alone, sitting in silence on your now shared bed in Nie Huaisang's room felt like a relief after the ceremony. So far everything went well, you completed the wedding without any mishaps, and you hoped that everything goes smoothly at the banquet too. Time flew by surprisingly quickly while you meditated. Your focus was disturbed by muffled voices coming through the closed door. When it slid open, you could hear the finishing sentences of the two people's conversation outside.

"Don't be nervous. Everything will be fine," you recognized the soft and calm voice of Jin Guangyao.

"Thank you, San-ge," replied Huaisang, and closed the door behind him as he stepped into the room.

He didn't move for a few seconds and the anticipation in you grew stronger and stronger. You were patient the whole day, but now you just wanted to finally see him, see him in his wedding robes. He walked closer, ever so slow, hesitation palpable. In the dim light of the candles, you could see his silhouette when he stepped in front of you. You felt it when he finally grabbed your veil at the sides and with a quick motion, he lifted it up, letting it float down to the floor.

You were not one of those old traditional couples in the sense that you already knew each other before the wedding. Yet now, when both of you finally looked at each other, it felt like seeing a heavenly being for the first time. Wide eyes, lips parted you marvelled at each other's beauty. He has seen you in your dress during the ceremony, but your face adorned with tasteful make-up and your hair decorated with jewelry, braided specially to signify you were now the wife of a Nie took his breath away. You, on the other hand, had to take in his full visage. His red robes, with gold and black woven in, were of a thinner material than his usual attire, so it perfectly accentuated his snatched waist and wide shoulders. The guan in his hair were gold and it had a bolder style than his usual silver ones, just like the braids. When your gaze stopped at his face your breath hitched in your throat because of the open love and desire you saw in his eyes.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he finally spoke, his voice low.

"I...," you had to clear your throat after not speaking for such a long time, "we should drink the alcohol," you managed to say, standing up and walking to the table nervously.

You poured the fine liquor into two small cups and handed one to Huaisang. He took it gently and waited for you with his arm held out. You joined him, holding your own cup, and you intertwined your arms as you drank the alcohol with one gulp. When you finished you looked at each other, arms still linked and smiled, feeling the tension of the day leaving your body. You almost knocked your heads together as you wanted to put the cups down back on the table at the same time.

"We should sit down," he suggested, but the suggestion sounded like a tentative question.

You nodded your head. He must be tired after entertaining your guests, you thought. Luckily, he was not drunk so his friends must have kept a close eye on him. He could also direct some of his qi to get rid of the alcohol, but that also exhausted him after a while. You knew what was expected of you on your wedding night, but you didn't want to pressure him if he felt too tired after such a long day.

So, you sat on the edge of your bed in silence for a few moments before you felt his hand reaching out for yours. You flicked your gaze over where your hand rested on the bed between your bodies. His hand was not much bigger than yours but still big enough to cradle yours, and you always marveled at how soft and warm they felt. You noticed how his other hand were playing with the jade pendant hanging from his belt and you moved your free hand to gently lay on his thigh. You intended to soothe his nerves, but the moment your hand connected with his leg, you felt his muscles twitch. You looked up into his eyes and what you saw made your breath quicken. His dark brown eyes looked almost completely black now as his pupils widened. For a split second his gaze moved down to your mouth, and you did the same in return. You noticed how his lips relaxed, opening only the slightest amount and you found yourself wanting to kiss him so bad. When your gazes met again, he leaned towards you slowly, still holding your gaze, gauging your reaction.

And your lips connected.

It felt like fireworks exploded between you. You felt how his hand pushed yours into the mattress as he leaned in closer, his body weight shifting to his arm between you. His other arm sneaked around your waist to pull you closer, as he always did when you were kissing, only this time the kiss was different. It was much more forceful, brave, and charged with desire.

When you let go of each other's lips for a moment, both of you were breathing hard.

"I love you so much. You are the best thing in my life," he breathed into your lips, and you swore you saw his eyes shining.

"I love you too, I love you-," you said in return, the last syllable muffled as he captured your lips again.

Sitting with your feet on the ground while your body turned towards him started to feel uncomfortable, so you moved to sit on his lap, not letting go of his lips or hand for a second. When you settled your weight on his thighs, he moved his hands to your cheeks at first, then moved them down to your neck, tracing your collar bones with his fingers. You grabbed onto his robes and let go of his lips with a sigh. His hands moved away immediately, thinking his touch were unwelcome.

"Don't stop. It... felt good," you said nervously and smiled shyly at him.

This time he moved his hands to your waist, where the sash held your garments together.

"May I?" He asked seriously, his voice trembling a little.

You gulped and nodded your head rapidly. His touch was featherlight, you almost couldn't feel it when he reached for the opening of your sash and carefully removed it. The material of your robe loosened, and he moved to remove your outer garment entirely. You realized you were sitting on the skirt, so you needed to stand back up if you wanted to remove the whole thing.

"I need to get up to get this out of the way," you said to him when he freed your arms and only your undershirt remained on the upper half of your body.

You quickly realized that part of his nervousness came from the fact that he didn't want to scare you away, so you warned him of your intentions beforehand. He nodded and reluctantly let go of you as you stood up from his lap.

The room was warm, but you still felt a slight chill as your outer robe descended to the floor. The coldness faded when you looked into Huaisang's fiery gaze and the air suddenly felt impossibly hot as he stepped closer to you. His hands moved to your shoulders, gently caressing them and slowly moving towards your chest. Your breath quickened, his light touches searing hot through your thin undergarment. A shiver ran through your whole body as his hands gently cradled your soft breasts and he sucked in a sharp breath when your nipples hardened under his thumbs.

"Please, Huaisang, I want to feel your touch on my skin!" You felt a little embarrassed about how whiny your voice sounded, but you wanted to show him how much you wanted his touch.

He leaned in to kiss at your jawline and neck while his hands deftly removed your undergarments. As your clothes pooled around your ankles, he took a step back to admire your naked body. You suddenly felt self-conscious, and your hands instinctively moved to cover yourself up. Huaisang noticed it and took your hands into his to stop you.

"Don't be shy. I still can't believe I've managed to get myself such a beautiful and intelligent wife" he said, looking into your eyes the whole time.

You wanted to say something witty and clever, but the moment felt too sincere for it, so instead you answered:

"Don't forget that I wanted to be yours."

He stepped closer to you again, his mouth finding yours. He kissed you like a drowning man, never wanting to let go of you. His hands roamed over every part of your body he could reach and you wanted to finally touch his skin too. Your hands tugged on the lapels of his dress, signalling you wanted it off. He broke the kiss when he felt a more insistent tug.

"Take it off!" You managed to breath out and he chuckled at your insistence.

"You want more of me, huh?" He asked with that cocky self-assurance he only used with his closest friends back at Cloud Recesses.

You crossed your arms across your chest with a defiant look and you must have looked funny standing like that while being stark naked. But it worked, and Huaisang looked at you as if he were saying "Fine, fine," and reached for his belt. The strength gradually left your arms as you watched him undress, and by the time he only had his white underrobe on, your arms were hanging by your side.

When he moved to remove it too, you couldn't just stand there anymore and stepped in front of him, grabbing onto his hands. Your sudden movement startled him a little as his focus were completely on his clothes. You reached for the cloth that bound his underrobe together and undid it slowly, looking into his eyes the whole time. He moved his hands out of the way and followed the path of yours with his eyes as you reached up to his shoulders, pushing the light fabric down.

And he stood there only in a pair of white trousers, chest bare, skin like pristine jade, accentuated by his dark hair cascading down his back. You couldn't help but marvel at his beauty. As a healer you saw many men and women in various stages of undress, mostly injured soldiers. At those times your interest was not particularly focused on their looks, but you remembered how strong and muscular they were. Now, as you were looking at your husband's bare upper body, you realised that you never really found them attractive. Compared to them Huaisang had a soft body, but his chest was nicely toned and you could see the lean muscles of his arms.

You reached up and traced his collar bones with your fingers then moved downwards and stopped on his chest. You could feel how strong and fast his heart was beating under your right palm. His skin was so soft, smooth and warm, you couldn't help but tenderly caress the shape of his pecs, noticing how his small nipples stood at attention from your touch, much like yours before. You slowly slid your hands down to his stomach, following the made-up path of the cute little moles that were scattered everywhere on his skin. You felt the muscles tensing under the skin of his stomach as you went even lower, stopping where a soft patch of dark hair disappeared under the band of his underpants. As you ran your fingers over his happy trail, loving how the soft hairs tickled your fingertips, you heard Huaisang biting back a whiny moan. Your eyes moved back to his face and oh, what you saw took your breath away. He bit down on his lower lip, eyebrows furrowed, as he watched with half-lidded eyes where your hands were going.

You moved your hands out of your line of sight and your gaze lowered past the waist of his pants. He was already hard enough to form a nicely visible tent in his pants. You realised there was no turning back if you took the next step and it scared you a little, but also made you incredibly excited. You wanted it and you wanted him, but it still surprised you how boldly you reached down and caressed him lightly through his pants. This time his moan was deeper, more guttural, and he almost literally fell on you as he rested his forehead on your shoulder. Your knowledge was mostly medical about how the male body worked, so the late-night conversations with your already married friends came in handy. You felt proud about how much your touch affected Huaisang. Your next caress was a little firmer and you felt him twitch under your palm. Gathering his every strength, Huaisang stepped back and pulled you towards the bed.

"(Y/N), please, it's been too long, and I fear I won't last long if you keep this up. I want all of you tonight. Can I show you how much?"

"Okay," your voice was barely a whisper, and you let yourself being laid down on the bed.

Huaisang quickly got rid of his remaining garments and carefully removed the intricate guan, now only a black silk ribbon keeping his hair together. As he climbed on top of you, you instinctively opened your legs to make room for him as he rested his weight on his elbows next to your shoulders. This way he was the only thing you could see, but there was nothing else you wished to see at this moment. A large amount of his long hair fell over his shoulders and caressed your cheeks. He was so beautiful as a soft smile played on his lips and you reached up to kiss him. It quickly turned heated and Huaisang soon left your lips in order to kiss all over your face and neck. Then he moved lower and grabbed one of your breasts with his hand while he occupied his mouth with sucking on the other nipple. Your sighs of pleasure encouraged him to move his hand lower while his mouth kept playing with your nipples.

At first your hips shied away from his touch but when his deft fingers found the most pleasurable spot between your legs you couldn't bite back a moan. His mouth left your breasts as he moved to carefully watch your reaction while his other hand kept your legs in place.

"You are doing amazing, you are so wet already," he praised and slowly pushed his index finger inside you.

"Huaisang...," you moaned his name as you watched his finger disappear inside you.

This was something you already tried yourself on lonely nights but the fact that it was his finger made the experience completely different and so much better. He moved his finger slowly in and out of you and when you felt like you couldn't take it anymore, he removed his hand. You whined at the sudden loss of contact, but he moved back on top of you and kissed the complaints off of your lips.

"Are you ready?" He asked, and you were never this sure about anything in your life.

"Yes, I want you, please."

He reached down and guided his cock to your entrance, rubbing it over your wetness, using your combined arousal as a lubricant. Even this little delay and the feeling of his hot member so close to where you wanted it made you squirm. He was looking into your eyes the whole time and you saw how he had to fight he urge to close them when he started to finally push inside you. He was slow and careful, and when he was fully seated inside both of you stopped to catch your breaths. The stretch was unfamiliar but not unpleasant. You moaned when you felt his cock twitching and your insides tightened around him in response. Now it was his turn to let out a shaky breath as he let his forehead rest against yours. He simply couldn't hold his composure anymore, so he slowly started to pull out and push back again. At first you felt a tiny prick of pain, but it soon faded and was replaced by pure pleasure. And he was quick to react to your signs, so when you reached up and grabbed onto his hair to find support, he knew he found that special spot. Soon you were a moaning mess, being so close to your release and he was no different, his skin shining from sweat and strands of his hair sticking to his cheeks and neck.

"a-Sang!" You repeated over and over, and finally hearing you calling him that, it was enough to push him through the edge.

He sealed your lips in a desperate kiss, one of his hands reaching down to rub your clit, his other arm shaking from the effort of keeping his body from fully collapsing on top of you. The feeling of his desperate thrusts, his hand on your most sensitive spot and his shaky moans calling your name finally triggered your orgasm. You felt your inner walls clenching impossibly tight around him and you desperately clawed at his back, not really caring at that moment if you were leaving marks on his skin.

He collapsed on top you, the last of his strength leaving his body as both of you tried to catch your breath. Your vision slowly cleared, and the ringing disappeared from your eyes as you subconsciously caressed his head and shoulders. He burrowed his head into the crook of your neck, and you swore you could hear him practically purring like a cat.

The air in the room slowly started to dry off the sweat from your bodies and it soon made you both shiver. Huaisang rolled off of you with a series of unintelligible whines and went to fetch a cloth to clean yourselves up. He wetted it with the prepared warm water and carefully cleaned your most sensitive spots. He couldn't help but leave some lazy kisses around your hips and thighs in the process and the feeling of his gentle touches were almost enough to lull you into sleep.

He quickly cleaned himself up too and climbed back into the bed next to you, pulling the luxurious covers over your naked bodies. You moved to lay your head on his chest, positioning your ear over his heart, its steady beating made you feel completely safe. He sneaked his arms around you, pulling you even closer. You looked up at him and you smiled at how his hair was a complete mess now, yet he looked so handsome in the faint glow of the candlelight, his eyes shining with so much love you thought your chest will explode because of it.

"Thank you, tonight was incredible," you said as you drew small patterns on his chest with your fingers.

You swore you could see his ears redden even in the faint light, and you planted a soft kiss on his pecs before you fully relaxed in his arms.

"I love you a-(Y/N), get some sleep now," you heard him say before you fell into a blissful sleep.

THE END

ps. I have a half written morning-after snippet, let me know if you are interested and I'll finish it.

[i-will-cry-you-a-river]

It was startling to realize how naive he had been. He always thought Nie Huaisang was the sweetest of them all, precious and so far from the cruel word's machinations. He always had been so innocent and wide-eyed and pure. Sure, Da-ge always laughed at him when he gushed about their sweet didi, telling Lan Xichen that their little A-Sang was anything but pure, but he always thought Nie Mingjue only meant his sweet brother's tendency to be entranced by spring books.

Not...

Not this.

He had seen a glimpse of the side of Nie Huaisang he felt a bit more uneasy about, but it didn't make him anxious at that time. Seeing his beloved and adored big brother to die such a way in front of him, of course that broke something in him! But he never feared of it. It was Nie Huaisang, the same A-Sang he loved since the first time he saw him.

Yet... That moment he felt dread.

If his lover could do all of these things behind his back... If he could fake brotherly affection towards the murderer of his brother then use Lan Xichen to kill him, then...

What punishment could be waiting for him?

A mere glance at the cruel glint in Nie Huaisang's eyes and the vicious smile on the corner of his mouth after the death of Jin Guangyao made Lan Xichen shiver in trepidation.

His lover... His sweet, precious lover, the mastermind behind the fall of Jin Guangyao. How many people's blood was on his hands? How many lives did he ruin in his quest for revenge? How could he stand to be in Sang-ge's presence, planning his humiliation and murder?

Those were all questions he should have been asking. But the only thing he wanted to find the answer for was: did he even love Lan Xichen?

All the things he did, all the lies he told and deeds he hid-

Lan Xichen was just as sick as Nie Huaisang was, because he didn't mind them at all. Not when being with A-Sang made him the happiest person alive. He loved his sworn brother. He did so many things to help out him... But if his death meant Nie Huaisang could live in peace, it was okay.

"What... What are you planning to do with me?" He asked unsteadily as the others left, Lan Wangji leaving as the last, throwing an uneasy glare at his brother for staying with the one who orchestrated the whole thing. "Do you hate me?"

"Of course not," his lover smiled, and Lan Xichen's heartbeat quickened. That wasn't a smile, not a real one, nor a convincing fake one either. His mouth was smiling, but his eyes...

"You hate me." It broke something in the Lan Sec Leader's chest.

"Why would I hate you?" His beloved A-Sang asked again with the same cold smile, with a dangerous undertone in his voice. Those pretty, innocent eyes he adored so much were full of cold fury.

"A-Sang..." He started, his arm stretched towards his lover, trying to reach him, but it felt like there was a canyon between them. He wanted to bridge it. He needed to bridge it.

But it was Huaisang who moved; an unexpected pain ran through him as his hair was roughly pulled at, baring his throat. His breath hitched as the familiar, lovely lips touched his sensitive skin on his throat, and he had to bit back his scream of pain when his lover bit down on his neck. It was hard and angry and a show of ownership, and Lan Xichen readily gave in.

He didn't want to struggle. He didn't need to struggle. If Nie Huaisang wanted his death, he would be dead. No, his lover only wanted to punish him, to show the world that he belonged to him. And he did.

He might have hid so many things from Lan Xichen, but this man in front of him, this dangerous, cruel man was still Nie Huaisang; the same Nie Huaisang he gave his heart and soul years ago. The one who laughed with him, cried with him, made love with him. It was his A-Sang.

And Lan Xichen was his.

Slowly, his arms locked around the younger man's waist, holding him close. The smaller body froze as Lan Xichen melted against his. "I love you. I love every sides of you," he confessed.

"Er-ge," A-Sang whispered against his throat, still sounding so young and innocent.

Lan Xichen smiled, turning his head towards his lover, whose eyes were no longer cold, but lost and confused. "You can murder anybody, plan the fall of the whole cultivation world, punish me for my crimes, it won't matter to me. I love you. I'm yours."

The possessive glint flashing through those pretty golden eyes made him shiver with want. Nie Huaisang was dangerous - but it was okay. He was Nie Huaisang's and he never wanted to be anything else.

"Yes," came the breathless agreement. "Yes, you are."

[allthelittlecreepycrawlies]

Nie-Centric Ideas, Part Two

The only variant of bonfire fallout I haven't covered is what if Nie Huaisang just... left? 

Permanently? 

After all, the servants and disciples went along with the order to burn his possessions, so clearly (to him), he's not just worn out his brother's care for him, but everyone else's too.

So in the middle of the night, he releases all his birds except for the ones that just absolutely refuse to leave him, takes some dried food from the kitchens and a set of servants' robes from the stores (since the only clothes of his remaining are the ones he was wearing) and just walks out one of the hidden entrances with no one the wiser.

He leaves the jianghu entirely.

He winds up as a scribe for an archivist somewhere near one of the two imperial cities. It's not a great job, but it keeps him and his few remaining birds fed with a place to stay.

While delivering some documents for his boss, he notices some falcon hunters who seem to be having trouble figuring out what's wrong with one of their birds.

He spots the problem instantly and tells them so, and they laugh at him, so he sighs and goes on his way, but then one of the hunters shows up at his job three days later and it turns out his advice stopped an infection from spreading to the entire eyrie.

Which is very good news for the hunters, because it turns out the birds all belong to the emperor.

And now they want him to come work for them helping care for the emperor's prized falcons.

It's not really an offer he can refuse, even though he really doesn't want to be anywhere closer to politics. He'd been pushing it just being where he already was!

But again, saying no is out of the question. so he ends up in a room in the far corners of the palace and spends his days between the emperor's birds and his own.

He still misses home sometimes. 

But, whatever, it's not like anyone misses him, so he puts it out of his mind as much as possible and keeps his head down... especially on the rare occasion that his boss is hosting visiting cultivators.

There's some kind of fancy banquet being hosted, and his presence is demanded in order to show off the prize birds.

He has a bad feeling about this.

And that feeling only intensifies when he answers the summons and finds himself staring at some very familiar faces.

(Meanwhile back home, Mingjue is struggling to pretend that he doesn't miss and isn't worried about his little brother, but everyone can see he's starting to crack.)

----------

(based on a previous idea)

Huaisang willingly trades all his memories to some magical something-or-other in order to bring his da-ge back to life hale and whole.

Maybe it was before he knew the truth, or because he didn't have time to leave a message, but Nie Mingjue doesn't know that he was murdered, and thus only has his original suspicions and annoyance.

Nie Mingjue looking at his little brother, who is now a complete blank slate. 

He'll have to re-learn even the most basic things like talking or bathing or feeding himself.

He could learn anything, and indeed the possibility of taking the opportunity to make him a proper heir has been brought up by other members of the sect.

He could press upon his brother the importance of training. 

Make him more studious.

(Make him avoid people Nie Mingjue didn't like him associating with.)

But... the whole thing sits sour in his stomach.

Huaisang, for all his annoying faults, had loved him enough to rip out everything that made him Huaisang in order to give back his life and health.

How would it be fair to repay that by turning him into someone wholly unrecognizable?

He decides that the best thing to do would be to take a wait and see approach. 

Perhaps as Huaisang is relearning the basics of how to function, he will show some sign of which direction should be taken, or if the correct answer is in fact somewhere in the middle. 

----------

Huaisang getting stuck in a reverse universe where everyone is the opposite of what he knows (awkwardly funny to see Jin Guangshan as a loving monogamous family man, not nearly as funny to see his brother as a megalomaniacal schemer).

It's also not funny at all to find that in this universe, neither he nor Meng Yao were ever even born at all. Meng Yao for obvious reasons, and him because his mother was discarded by the much crueler reverse-Papa Nie when she started taking ill during her pregnancy.

This place sucks and he's terrified of this strange cold Da-ge who looks at him like a game piece, and all he wants is to go home, but he has no idea how.

(Since everyone's personalities are reversed, that also means a lot more flirtatious yandere assholes among the heirs. They find out Nie Huaisang exists and want to eat this cute little birdie alive.)

----------

There's a sneaky unspoken arrangement that whenever a conference is supposed to take place in Yunmeng, it's always in the dead-hottest part of the summer so that everyone gets to enjoy the eye candy of the Nie sect walking around in almost-skivvies to deal with the heat they aren't used to.

----------

Huaisang should start making friends with bats too. More clever little spies, and Mingjue might end up being more fond of these because of the creepy aesthetic. (Imagine Mingjue opening his arms and bats go flying out of his sleeves. Scares the shit out of some annoying people.)

[twistedappletree]

TYPE: One-shot

JURISDICTION: It’s fluffy with a dash of light angst, your honor.

PAIRING: Jin Ling/Lan Sizhui (+ implied SangCheng)

SIDE CHARACTERS: Lan Jingyi, Ouyang Zizhen, Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, Fairy

ELEMENTS: Hurt/comfort, drunken shenanigans, Lanling setting, canon universe, crush/light romance, gift-giving, tiny homage to wangxian at the end, Jin Ling being a worried little cutie who just wants to see Lan Sizhui smile~

{ Title inspired by ‘Love You (When You’re a Mess)’ by Jadudah }

•

Jin Ling wanted to go to him more than anything but the Lan brothers were too potent of a deterrent, even for his fiery, confrontational nature.

All he could do was watch Lan Sizhui listlessly trail behind his seniors like a ghost among the living. Seeing him this way was jarring compared to his usual bright, warm and present self—the Lan Sizhui with a smile made of light, the Lan Sizhui with every color of the world in his eyes.

•

In which Lan Sizhui is sad, Jin Ling drunkenly climbs a wall to make him feel better and both are left with a sweet reminder of each other’s affection.

{ AO3 }

🍁

The vibrant red maples of Jinlintai set fire to a spacious courtyard lined with modest archery targets, their vermillion bullseyes glowing in the morning light.

A single arrow pierced the quiet air, pinning a fluttering maple leaf at one of the target’s centers. Jin Ling lowered his bow as a blur of grey and white fur excitedly circled around his feet. He stared down at his spiritual dog, Fairy, and rolled his eyes at her enthusiasm.

“Really?” he asked, raising a disapproving brow. “Your standards are way too low. Just wait until I land a triple.”

Before he could ready his bow again, the peace of his morning training was interrupted by the soft voice of a timid servant.

“Young Master Jin,” the servant politely addressed, her head bowed and eyes downcast. “The boats have arrived.”

Jin Ling straightened and quickly secured his bow over his chest. He didn’t bother to recollect his arrows and zipped out of the courtyard like lightning, Fairy happily bounding after him and clearly under the impression that they were playing chase.

The Jin clan was hosting a sect meeting at Jinlintai today. It was the first time in weeks that Jin Ling would be seeing his friends again, and though he often found these meetings to be excruciatingly boring, the presence of his fellow disciples was enough to make them endurable.

He winded through halls and rushed past more servants before finally arriving in the main hall. His uncle, Sect Leader Jiang Cheng, was already seated and conversing with Nie Huaisang of the Nie clan.

They didn’t seem to notice him as he stealthily slipped closer to the entrance and found exactly what he was looking for.

Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen had already discovered each other among the crowd and were laughing playfully at each other’s jokes. Not wanting to appear eager, Jin Ling calmly approached them with a feigned apathetic look. “Already messing around, huh?”

Ouyang Zizhen turned towards him with a wide grin and Lan Jingyi flashed an impish smile. “Young Mistress Jin!” he exclaimed, purposefully loud enough for everyone to hear.

“A-Ling!” Ouyang Zizhen countered, his tone far less teasing.

“Too busy to meet us at the docks or what?” Lan Jingyi chided, sounding mildly offended.

Jin Ling crossed his arms over his chest and nodded towards his bow. “I was training. Unlike some people, I’m always getting a head start.”

Lan Jingyi sneered. “Oh yeah? How about my foot gets a head start up your a—“

Ouyang Zizhen slapped a hand over the Lan disciple’s mouth before he could finish his threat and nervously gestured towards the entrance. Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi turned to see two tall, slender figures entering the main hall side by side.

The Twin Jades of Lan moved gracefully like living statues, their heads held high—one maintaining a gentle smile and the other preserving a tranquil emotionless stare, cold as ice.

Following behind them was Lan Sizhui and Jin Ling’s stomach fluttered so involuntarily that he almost punched himself in the gut. The sensation didn’t last long, however, because the more he observed the handsome Lan boy, the more he could tell that something about him was horribly off.

Lan Sizhui was visibly trembling in what seemed like pain, as though it took every ounce of his strength and focus to maintain his posture. He hadn’t noticed anyone or anything around him because his eyes refused to leave the floor.

Jin Ling’s heart dropped. “What’s wrong with Sizhui?” he asked, turning to Lan Jingyi for answers.

Lan Jingyi frowned, staring solemnly at his best friend across the room. “He’s under some sort of constant surveillance after getting punished for breaking the rules.”

Jin Ling was at a complete loss for words. Punished? Breaking rules? Lan Sizhui? “…What?”

“My reaction exactly,” said Lan Jingyi. “One day, everything was fine. The next, I found Sizhui in the courtyard kneeling in front of the Old Man while getting lashed with the whip. All I know is that he climbed over the wall at night but that’s it. He’s been banned from talking to anyone.”

All the blood seemed to drain from Jin Ling’s body at the thought of Lan Sizhui getting whipped. “Is he okay?”

“Why are you even concerned?” Lan Jingyi questioned. “If it were me who got lashed, you’d be holding a banquet right now.”

Jin Ling smirked approvingly and pointed his chin. “Finally, we agree on something.”

Lan Jingyi blew his bangs out of his face and crossed his arms. “Anyway, the cold springs in the Cloud Recesses can speed up the healing process of injuries,” he revealed, “but Sizhui never went.”

Jin Ling glanced at Lan Sizhui again, smirk fading as the dejected Lan boy stood behind Hanguang-Jun and Zewu-Jun who acted as both his cage and shield from the bustling surroundings. Jin Ling knew how much the Twin Jades of Lan cared for their core disciple and he wondered if his ‘punishment’ to stay under their supervision was actually a means to comfort him.

Lan Sizhui never looked so small before, with his gentle eyes downcast and his right hand bashfully holding his left forearm. Traces of pain from his injuries came in occasional shivers and squints and the way he squeezed his arm to ground himself.

Jin Ling wanted to go to him more than anything but the Lan brothers were too potent of a deterrent, even for his fiery, confrontational nature.

All he could do was watch Lan Sizhui listlessly trail behind his seniors like a ghost among the living. Seeing him this way was jarring compared to his usual bright, warm and present self—the Lan Sizhui with a smile made of light, the Lan Sizhui with every color of the world in his eyes.

“You might have a chance to talk to him later, A-Ling.”

Jin Ling looked back at Ouyang Zizhen and frowned but appreciated his optimism.

A playful arm slung around his shoulders as Lan Jingyi started tugging him to their seats. “Come on, Young Mistress. Believe it or not, Sizhui’s in good hands and tougher than he looks. Less moping, more sneaking liquor in the meeting!”

Jin Ling rolled his eyes, shrugging off Lan Jingyi’s arm. “Whatever, lightweight.”

“Psh! I’m just not a boring drunk like you.”

“W-wait, are we really gonna drink alcohol?” Ouyang Zizhen asked innocently, genuine worry in his voice.

Lan Jingyi shot him a mischievous grin as they took their seats and waited for the meeting to start. “You’ll live.”

•

The meeting droned on for hours, the only saving grace from boredom being the food, drink and playful jests of the disciples.

Only sect heirs and core disciples were allowed to attend these meetings, and as Jin Ling watched Lan Jingyi slam his fourth cup of ‘<i>water</i>’ with half-lidded eyes and a shameless grin wide as a crescent moon, he genuinely wondered how the seniors of the GusuLan sect decided he belonged among their cream of the crop.

Ouyang Zizhen held his liquor surprisingly well, showing no signs of drunkenness beyond a pleasant buzz. He remained fairly quiet with a content expression and had zero issues expressing himself coherently.

Jin Ling was definitely drunk but his tolerance was far higher than Lan Jingyi’s. He hadn’t listened to a word in the meeting, instead focusing on Lan Sizhui who sat behind the Twin Jades with his head bowed and his hands limply folded in his lap. Though he was obviously awake, his eyes had been closed since the meeting started.

Anger flashed across Jin Ling’s face. He wanted to pluck a plum from the bowl at his table and chuck it at Lan Sizhui’s head, scream at him to snap out of it but his genuine worry for the other stopped him from doing anything rash and ridiculous.

He thought if he stared at the Lan boy long enough, he might feel it and look back. He tried repeating his name in his mind as if they could telepathically communicate. He fidgeted, made weird movements, occasionally cleared his throat a little too loud—nothing worked.

Jin Ling slumped back and sighed, bangs falling like a curtain over his defeated eyes. Are you banned from looking at people too? Jin Ling thought. What happened, Sizhui? Just tell me…

As quickly as Jin Ling lost himself in thought, the meeting finally came to an end and everyone began heading to their rooms for the night. His head shot up and scanned the shuffling hall but Hanguang-Jun, Zewu-Jun and Lan Sizhui had already disappeared.

Even Fairy trotted off sometime during the meeting, cleverly saving herself from the monotony.

Jin Ling spotted his uncle hurrying away somewhere with Nie Huaisang, which he found odd, but he didn’t complain. One less pair of watchful eyes was a blessing in his current state. He could feel gravity fail him as he struggled to his feet, not realizing just how much he’d drank while staring at Lan Sizhui.

Lan Jingyi draped one arm around Jin Ling’s shoulders and the other around Ouyang Zizhen’s. “C’mon, Mistress Jin, the night’s still young. Let’s hang out in Zizhen’s room.”

Not in the mood to fight him, Jin Ling wordlessly allowed himself to be dragged out of the hall with Lan Jingyi happily sandwiched between him and Ouyang Zizhen.

•

“They’ve got him locked in a room now?!”

Jin Ling angrily paced back and forth in front of a soused Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen.

Ouyang Zizhen was on cloud nine, fiddling with an orchid he’d snatched from the sect meeting and Lan Jingyi was impishly egging Jin Ling on by agreeing with his frustrations.

“It’s tyranny,” Lan Jingyi claimed. “They won’t even let us talk to him! I can’t imagine Sizhui of all people doing something so bad that he’s even banned from what… talking?!”

Jin Ling glowered. He still believed there was more to it, that the esteemed Twin Jades of Lan were secluding him for a different reason—possibly even at Lan Sizhui’s own request. He just wanted to know why.

“I’m gonna go talk to him,” he said, courage burning like a wildfire in his amber eyes.

Ouyang Zizhen looked up from his orchid and Lan Jingyi buzzed with inebriated excitement. “Oh, this is gonna be good,” he chimed, leaning forward with growing interest. “What’s the plan, then? Breaking in? Kidnapping?”

Jin Ling glared down at him, unamused by his childish imagination. “I said I’m gonna talk to him, not commit a crime. And why would I have to break into a room in my own sect?”

Ouyang Zizhen shook his head and frowned. “If you go to his room, you might get caught by Hanguang-Jun or Zewu-Jun. I swear they can see through walls.”

Lan Jingyi snorted. “No kidding.”

“Then do you have any better ideas or are you just gonna tell me what not to do?” Jin Ling bit back, the impatience in his voice cutting the air like a knife.

Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen shared a knowing glance before staring back up at him with ominous smiles. Jin Ling could tell whatever scheme they’d conjured was likely the worst plan on earth but he was desperate.

The Lan clan would be heading back to Gusu first thing in the morning and Lan Sizhui hadn’t even acknowledged his existence. Something was terribly wrong and Jin Ling needed to know what it was before he went mad from overthinking.

“I’ve got an idea alright,” Lan Jingyi slurred. He staggered to his feet and confidently placed his hands on his hips. “Follow me.”

•

The three woozy disciples stood in one of Jinlintai’s many courtyards and stared up at a window glowing with lantern light. Though it wasn’t the highest room in the sect, it was elevated enough that one would certainly break bones if they fell from such a distance.

“You can’t be serious,” Jin Ling murmured through gritted teeth as he flatly stared up the wall, exasperation plastered across his face.

“We can always go back to your dumb idea of knocking on his door,” Lan Jingyi retorted. “Now that I think about it, seeing you get humiliated by Hanguang-Jun and ratted out to your uncle might actually be more entertaining than this.”

Ouyang Zizhen tried not to laugh while Jin Ling shot daggers at the annoyingly smug Lan disciple. He turned up his nose and straightened his posture before approaching the wall. He’d always been fairly decent at climbing and the wall seemed to have enough grooves to serve as hand and footholds.

Climbing while drunk was a new experience but if there was anything Jin Ling wasn’t afraid of, it was a challenge. “I’m going up,” he called behind him. “Keep watch.”

Ouyang Zizhen’s eyes sparkled with awe. Even Lan Jingyi seemed impressed by Jin Ling’s fearless initiative.

Jin Ling quickly made decent progress but the higher he got, the more he slowed down. The change in pace didn’t go unnoticed by his small audience.

“This is so romantic,” Ouyang Zizhen swooned as he watched Jin Ling awkwardly climb the wall below Lan Sizhui’s window.

Lan Jingyi snorted. “You have a weird sense of romance.”

Ouyang Zizhen lifted his brows and smiled. “Haven’t you ever heard of tales like this? The brave prince climbing the tower to rescue his beloved from their life of imprisonment!” He clasped his hands together as he spoke, eyes glistening like a lovelorn mistress.

“If Jin Ling is Lan Sizhui’s rescuer, he might want to hold his breath,” Lan Jingyi suggested, nudging Ouyang Zizhen’s arm with his elbow and pointing his chin up at the struggling Jin disciple. “His prince is about to fall on his ass.”

Ouyang Zizhen looked up at Jin Ling and frowned when he saw his feet repeatedly slipping against the wall’s surface. “A-Ling, be careful!”

His voice was way too loud and earned him a disapproving shove from Lan Jingyi. “Shhhh! Don’t you know Hanguang-Jun can hear a pin drop? You’re gonna get us all lashed too!”

“S-sorry,” Ouyang Zizhen pouted, shoulders dropping like a scolded child.

Lan Jingyi rolled his eyes and sighed. “Forget it. Just try to keep it down.”

Ouyang Zizhen nodded and didn’t repeat his mistake.

Jin Ling could hear the two disciples below him whispering but couldn’t make out what they were saying. He ignored them and continued his feat, the image of Lan Sizhui’s pained and deflated spirit at the sect meeting consuming his thoughts and encouraging his endurance.

He tried to picture Lan Sizhui breaking the Lan sect’s rules—perfectly poised, hopelessly respectful, model disciple Lan Sizhui.

You climbed that wall for something important, didn’t you? Jin Ling thought. The alcohol filled his head with light but the warmth in his chest wasn’t from drinking. I’m climbing this wall for something important, too.

Feeling unusually sentimental, Jin Ling smiled triumphantly as his hand finally reached the windowsill. Right when he was about to pull himself up and climb inside, every nerve in his body buzzed. His skin paled brighter than the moon as a familiar voice filled his ears.

“It meant a lot to you,” said Lan Wangji.

A brief pause, then another familiar voice.

“Yes,” Lan Sizhui replied softly. Jin Ling could swear his voice cracked.

“Sometimes things that mean a lot to us,” Lan Wangji began, “must be let go.”

He was obviously speaking from experience.

Lan Sizhui sniffed and a dull ache filled Jin Ling’s chest. Ache because Sizhui was upset. Ache because it sounded like he loved someone. Ache because Jin Ling’s limbs were on fire as he clung to the windowsill with his hands while his feet were braced against the wall. If he didn’t get into Lan Sizhui’s room quick, his muscles would give out and he’d fall.

He forced his eyes shut and focused as he listened to more of the conversation.

“It is almost nine,” Lan Wangji said. “Rest.”

“Yes, Hanguang-Jun. Thank you.”

Jin Ling’s eyes shot open at the sound of Sizhui’s bedroom door opening and closing. Not missing any chances, he barely lifted himself up before his arms started failing him. “Lan… Sizhui…” he called, voice strained.

Almost immediately, Lan Sizhui’s shocked and worried face popped out above him. For a split second, he didn’t care about his burning limbs because Lan Sizhui was finally looking at him. Sizhui, Jin Ling thought.

“Young Master Jin?!” Lan Sizhui exclaimed as quietly as his bewildered voice would allow. “What on earth—!”

Jin Ling frowned. “I’m gonna fall.”

Lan Sizhui’s panicked eyes went wide as saucers. He grabbed Jin Ling under his arms and yanked him over the windowsill with an almost inhuman strength before releasing the other disciple and stumbling back in pain.

The injuries on his back were obviously acting up from the exertion, which sent Jin Ling into a guilty frenzy. He scrambled over to where Lan Sizhui was sitting on the floor. “I-I’m sorry…! I’m sorry, this was stupid and I shouldn’t have come and—“

“Are you drunk?” Lan Sizhui asked, brows knitting at the smell of alcohol on Jin Ling’s breath.

“A little? So what? I can hold my liquor,” Jin Ling defended, his voice laced with offense. “I climbed all the way up here, Sizhui, I—“ He paused before lowering his voice. “I heard Hanguang-Jun.”

Lan Sizhui’s face drained of all color. “You… what did you hear?”

Jin Ling pondered for a moment, his thoughts fuzzy from intoxication. “Something about letting go?” He furrowed his brows and looked at the floor, trying not to think about the possibility of Lan Sizhui going through heartbreak. They were friends, after all. He would’ve told him if he liked someone… right?

“Sizhui,” Jin Ling said, looking the other boy directly in the eyes. “Are you okay?”

Warm light from the lanterns illuminating Lan Sizhui’s guest room cast the two boys in a soft, intimate glow. Gentle shadows danced between them as Lan Sizhui withdrew his hands into his lap and gave a weak smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ll be fine, Young Master Jin.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Jin Ling retorted. He leaned forward, scrunched his brows and blew air into his cheeks while searching Lan Sizhui’s expression for a different answer.

Lan Sizhui stared back at him with curiosity. He looked like a disgruntled pufferfish and it took everything in the Lan boy’s power not to laugh. Jin Ling, however, didn’t miss the slight upward curve of Lan Sizhui’s lips. His face softened at the sight.

“Young Master Jin, I know you want to ask about my punishment. You don’t need to pretend it’s about me.”

Jin Ling felt the ghost of a knife pierce through his chest and shrank back. The alcohol heightening his emotions really wasn’t helping. “Who says I’m pretending?”

He’d be lying if he said Lan Sizhui’s assumption didn’t hurt but he realized that whatever happened to him must have seriously tanked his confidence. Jin Ling couldn’t let his emotions ruin what he almost drunkenly fell off a wall for.

“Tell me if you’re okay or I won’t breathe.” Jin Ling put on another pufferfish face and actually held his breath, pinching his nose closed so he couldn’t cheat.

The second his face turned a hint of red, Lan Sizhui lunged forward and tore Jin Ling’s hand away from his nose. “Okay! I’ll tell you, but… you’ll laugh at me.”

Now it was getting interesting. Laugh? Why would he laugh? Was it really that funny? Then why did Lan Sizhui look like he was drowning in the pits of despair all evening? Jin Ling inhaled with relief. “I’ll try not to laugh, but if it’s actually funny…”

Lan Sizhui smiled nervously. “It’s just… a little embarrassing, is all.”

“Try me,” Jin Ling challenged.

Lan Sizhui fiddled with the tassel on his belt and nodded. “When I was a child and Senior Wei took care of my family and I in the Burial Mounds, I had a toy—a little tiger toy made by my grandmother.”

Warmth spread in Jin Ling’s chest while picturing a baby Lan Sizhui playing with his toys.

“It was left behind when our home was no longer safe but…” He paused and gave Jin Ling a sympathetic look before continuing. “My uncle, Wen Ning—he found it and gave it back to me.”

A small twitch tugged down the corners of Jin Ling’s mouth at the mention of The Ghost General but he stayed quiet and allowed Lan Sizhui to go on without interruption.

“I’ve kept it with me ever since, taken it everywhere… until a few nights ago when I accidentally dropped it over the wall of the Cloud Recesses during a perimeter check. I panicked and barely thought of the consequences before leaping after it.”

“After breaking one rule, I figured it didn’t matter much. I could probably find it and slip back in before curfew but I’d never been so wrong. I looked everywhere for it. Ripped through bushes, dug in the dirt, scoured the stream—it’s as if it never existed to begin with.”

Lan Sizhui winced in pain as he adjusted his position. His robes were loose enough at the neck that Jin Ling could see bandages. His hand almost reached to touch them but he quickly shook himself out of the sudden compulsion.

“Since it was too late for me to re-enter the Cloud Recesses, I searched and searched until I passed out from exhaustion. Oddly enough, I woke up in my own bed. I thought I might’ve dreamt everything but the toy was still gone and my clothes were stained with grass and dirt.”

“I barely had time to wake up and process anything before I was called to the courtyard and, well…” He gently touched the bandages beneath his clothes. “The rest tells itself.”

Jin Ling frowned at the bandages. “So… when Hanguang-Jun mentioned letting go…”

Lan Sizhui smiled and nodded, cheek’s slightly flushed with embarrassment. “He meant the tiger toy, yes.”

Clarity hit Jin Ling like a wave and he suddenly felt ridiculous for thinking Lan Sizhui and Hanguang-Jun had been talking about romance. He also felt relieved but he couldn’t pinpoint why—or, he just refused to admit the reason.

“They really lashed you for that?! That can’t be the worst thing a disciple’s ever done in the Cloud Recesses.” His thoughts immediately fixated on Wei Wuxian, having heard tales of his unbridled chaos during his studies in Gusu.

“It was only three lashes,” Lan Sizhui assured, acting as though just one lash was perfectly tolerable. The painful punishment of the GusuLan sect was widely known, even by those who’d never endured it. “One lash for venturing out at night, one lash for missing curfew and one lash for rising after five in the morning.”

Jin Ling was ready to rip his own hair out. “Rising after five?! You were exhausted!”

Noticing that Jin Ling seemed far more upset about his punishment than he was, Lan Sizhui passively waved his hands and smiled. “Young Master Jin, it really is no trouble. The embarrassment is far worse than the pain. Some things must be let go, after all.”

An unconvinced pout shadowed Jin Ling’s face but he was grateful Lan Sizhui trusted him enough to open up. Even more, he was smiling again—and this time, it reached his eyes. Jin Ling lost himself in the vision of Lan Sizhui’s soft skin in the lantern’s glow, his raven hair haloed in embers.

“Sizhui,” Jin Ling called quietly. “Jingyi told me the cold springs in Gusu have healing properties but you refused to use them?”

Lan Sizhui nodded and stared down at his hands. “I… felt like I deserved the punishment, so I chose to endure the results. It’s such a silly thing to break so many rules over, after all.”

He tried to laugh it off as a joke but Jin Ling wasn’t having it. “It’s not silly!”

“That’s nice of you to say, but—“

Jin Ling propelled forward and executed another pufferfish face, now fully aware that he could use it as a manipulation tactic to amuse Lan Sizhui.

And again, it worked flawlessly. Lan Sizhui’s face couldn’t help but brighten at the adorable sight of the young Jin disciple’s air-filled cheeks and Jin Ling’s eyes lit up as he basked in the satisfaction of being the Lan boy’s reason to smile. They sat together in comfortable silence for a minute before Lan Sizhui gave him an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry to say this,” he started, “but you should probably leave soon, Young Master Jin. I don’t want you to get in trouble for being here and I’m sure you’re tired.”

Broken out of his trance, Jin Ling suddenly remembered everything he’d done tonight. Got drunk at a sect meeting right under his senior’s noses. Climbed the walls of his own sect to break into Lan Sizhui’s guest room. Almost fell off in the process. Finally talked to Lan Sizhui. He yawned just thinking about it and Lan Sizhui flashed a fond and gentle grin, his suspicion confirmed.

Jin Ling awkwardly scrambled to his feet, the heaviness in his head making the room sway around him. Lan Sizhui took his time standing up to avoid any stress on his injuries. His mouth fell open when he saw Jin Ling walking back towards the window. “Young Master Jin?”

The other disciple turned to look at him with tired eyes. “Huh?”

“What are you doing?”

Jin Ling crossed his arms over his chest and huffed, sending his blunt bangs fluttering outward. “You told me to leave, so I’m leaving. What else would I be doing?”

A worried frown washed away Lan Sizhui’s sunny expression like rain. “You can’t climb back down, you’ll get hurt.” He invitingly held out his hand and curled his slender fingers towards himself. “Come. You can use the door, it’s fine.”

Like a dizzied moth to a flame, Jin Ling gravitated towards the pretty Lan boy in front of him. Lan Sizhui laughed in harmony with the flickering lanterns, melodic and sweet. “You’re much calmer when you’re drunk, Young Master Jin. Normally, you would’ve called me names or pushed me away by now.”

I can’t do that, I won’t do that, Jin Ling thought. He knit his brows and jerked his head to the side, refusing to show Lan Sizhui the unstoppable blush invading his cheeks. “Maybe you just haven’t annoyed me enough yet.”

Lan Sizhui chuckled as they walked to his bedroom door. “Ah, there he is. I was worried for a minute.”

Jin Ling’s cheeks burned even brighter. Lan Sizhui opened the door and peered into the hall. Once he was certain it was empty, he turned back to Jin Ling and frowned when the young disciple stumbled against the doorframe.

“Young Master Jin, I really should walk you back to your room—“

Jin Ling straightened immediately. “NO!”

Lan Sizhui paled at the volume of his voice and Jin Ling slapped his hands over his mouth. They stood in silence for a minute as they listened for any sign of stirring from the surrounding rooms. Luckily, no one seemed to have heard them.

Jin Ling didn’t mean his sudden shout as rejection. He just didn’t want Lan Sizhui to get into more trouble, especially on his behalf.

“Sorry,” Jin Ling whispered, his voice muffled by his hands.

Lan Sizhui sighed. Without warning, he reached up and gingerly plucked Jin Ling’s hands from his mouth causing the other boy to freeze. Jin Ling could hear his own heart pounding in his chest, his head, his stomach. It echoed throughout his body as Lan Sizhui’s gentle hands on his made his flushed face tingle.

“Psssst!”

Lan Sizhui whipped his head around and Jin Ling stood on the tips of his toes to peek over the taller boy’s shoulder. Hiding in a dark corner of the hall was Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen.

“Are you guys done yet?” Lan Jingyi whispered across the hall, somehow managing to make such a quiet voice sound irritated.

“D-done with what?!” Jin Ling stuttered, painfully misunderstanding his question as an accusation.

“Talking, what else?” Lan Jingyi hissed.

Ouyang Zizhen awkwardly waved at Lan Sizhui, giving him a friendly and comforting smile. Lan Sizhui smiled back while Jin Ling glared at the two juniors stuffed in the shadows.

“What are you even doing up here?” Jin Ling snapped.

“We thought you might’ve gotten caught by Hanguang-Jun or Zewu-Jun, so we came to check on you,” Ouyang Zizhen explained.

“Jingyi, Zizhen,” Lan Sizhui spoke. “Can you two make sure Young Master Jin gets to his room safely?”

Mortification shadowed Jin Ling’s face as he shrank back against the doorframe.

Before Ouyang Zizhen could politely reply, Lan Jingyi snorted wildly into his palm. “The Young Mistress needs an escort?”

“Jingyi,” Lan Sizhui repeated, his eyes narrowed and his voice unnervingly stern.

Jin Ling blinked up at him, not used to seeing Lan Sizhui’s assertive and protective side. The authority in his tone caused Lan Jingyi’s amusement to fade.

“Alright, alright,” Lan Jingyi mumbled. “We’ll take him back.”

“Thank you,” Lan Sizhui replied with genuine gratitude, his smile returning as though the unusual dominance that possessed him before had been exorcised from his body.

Jin Ling started walking towards the other two disciplines when Lan Sizhui stopped him. “Wait—before you go…” He pulled out a small perfume sachet from his sleeves and handed it to him. The sachet was white and embroidered with sky-blue clouds, just like the Lan sect’s forehead ribbon.

Jin Ling looked visibly confused. He took the sachet and studied it as though it were a curious artifact.

“It’ll help with any side effects of the liquor. Just keep it near you when you sleep or else it won’t work.”

Jin Ling’s lips parted to speak but his arm was unceremoniously grabbed by Lan Jingyi. “Young Mistress Jin, it’s almost nine and I’m not getting in trouble for you. Let’s go already.”

He ripped his arm out of Lan Jingyi’s grasp as he was forcefully pulled away from Lan Sizhui. He gave the other Lan boy one last glance before he, Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen clumsily stumbled down the hall, bantering as they went.

Lan Sizhui watched them leave and smiled. “Thank you, A-Ling.”

•

Despite Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen pestering him with questions about his time with Lan Sizhui, Jin Ling remained defiantly quiet on the trek back to his room.

Eventually, the two gave up and chatted amongst themselves while Jin Ling was lost in thought.

He mulled over every detail of Lan Sizhui’s story. He frowned at the reminder of the other boy’s lashings. He blushed at the realization that he wanted nothing more than to stay in Lan Sizhui’s room for the night. He marveled at the fact that thoughts like this would otherwise leave him irrationally flustered but the alcohol in his system sedated his temper.

Right now, his strongest feeling was perseverance as an idea sprung to life in his slowly sobering mind.

Once he was deposited safely into his room and said his goodbyes to Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen, he lit several lanterns and candles and hurried over to a trunk in the corner by his bed.

Fairy perked up from her own bed and wagged her tail after a night of patiently waiting for her master. She stuck her tongue out and observed him curiously as he rummaged through the trunk.

Jin Ling pulled out a generous stack of paper along with several ink pots and brushes and spread them out onto the floor. He worked tirelessly in the soft lantern light and flickering flames until every wick met its end and the room dimmed enough to surrender to the moonlight.

Satisfied with his work, Jin Ling sighed with exhaustion and clamored into his bed. He thought of Lan Sizhui and clutched the small perfume sachet against his chest.

Orange blossom and cedar wood permeated his dreams as he drifted off to sleep.

•

The docks of Jinlintai were bathed in the hazy glow of the rising sun where several guests of the Jin clan readied their boats to depart.

The Lan clan followed suit, Lan Sizhui still confined to the role of being Hanguang-Jun and Zewu-Jun’s shadow. Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen offered minimal help, too busy chatting with other sect disciples they’d somehow managed to befriend overnight.

Lan Sizhui placed his travel bag of belongings on their boat and turned to survey the gradually dispersing crowd as everyone said their goodbyes and boarded to set sail.

Jin Ling was nowhere to be seen.

Lan Sizhui’s eyes fell with his frown but he tried not to overthink. The young Jin disciple surely slept in after the bizarre and hectic night he’d endured before. Lan Sizhui took comfort in the fact that he was able to see and speak with him at least once before his journey back to the Cloud Recesses and did his best to push any insecurities to the back of his mind.

After seeing off Ouyang Zizhen, Lan Jingyi carelessly flopped into the boat after the contrasting grace of the Twin Jades’ perfectly postured strides. Lan Sizhui took one last look at Jinlintai before stepping onboard himself.

Right when he was about to push the boat away from the docks, he heard a familiar voice call his name. His head whipped up to see Jin Ling tearing down the steps of the docks in a wild hurricane of yellow robes and wind-swept hair.

He skidded to a stop in front of the Lan sect’s boat and panted, making his best effort to speak between heavy breaths. “Si… zhui… wait—“

Lan Jingyi stared at them with suspicion while Zewu-Jun’s brows raised in interest. Hanguang-Jun stood at Zewu-Jun’s side and simply observed the scene with his usual stoic demeanor.

Jin Ling finally caught his breath enough to look up at Lan Sizhui, who was even taller standing on the boat. The sunrise made his gentle eyes sparkle like amethyst geodes and his fair, glowing skin resembled warm starlight.

Feeling out of breath again at the angelic vision before him, Jin Ling inhaled and brought his hands up, shoving something towards Lan Sizhui.

Lan Sizhui’s eyes reluctantly left Jin Ling’s as they followed his movements and settled on the young Jin disciple’s outstretched hands.

The moment he saw what was cradled in his palms, his lips parted in pleasant surprise and his eyes glistened with emotion.

A carefully folded paper tiger stood proudly in Jin Ling’s hands. Its unevenly painted stripes and lopsided beady eyes made it obvious Jin Ling wasn’t much of a painter but the paper-folding was near perfect. Its shape was exactly like the tiger toy he’d lost. Even the design of its stripes were similar and Lan Sizhui wondered if Jin Ling had somehow seen the toy himself.

“I know it’s not the same, but…” Jin Ling didn’t know what else to say, his cheeks burning red as he furrowed his brow and looked off to the side.

Lan Sizhui carefully took the paper tiger into his own hands, handling it as though it were a baby bird. It was clear he didn’t know what to say either, both astonished and touched by the gift, but he tried to speak anyway. “Young Master Jin, I—“

Jin Ling shook his head. “Y-you don’t have to say anything. I know it’s awkward, just…” He mumbled something under his breath after a brief pause.

Lan Sizhui frowned, looking confused. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear—“

“Stay safe,” Jin Ling blurted, looking up at Lan Sizhui with a serious face that made his words seem more like a command.

Lan Sizhui raised his brows, the heat creeping into his cheeks turning them a pretty shade of rose. He gently hugged the paper tiger to his chest and nodded, his shining smile illuminating the world around him. “I’ll see you soon, A-Ling.”

Lan Sizhui immediately spun around and took a seat next to Lan Jingyi, blushing coyly from his own boldness and leaving Jin Ling stunned at the edge of the docks. On autopilot from shock, Jin Ling pushed the boat and reluctantly watched Lan Sizhui drift away from him.

Lan Jingyi peeked at the paper tiger in Lan Sizhui’s hands and scrunched his nose. “The hell is that supposed to b—“

He abruptly fell silent as the grave and turned to see Hanguang-Jun’s cold stare boring into him like a glacial spear. Lan Jingyi shrank back in his seat and dropped the subject.

Lan Sizhui was too engrossed with Jin Ling’s gift to notice the exchange beside him. He pet the paper tiger’s sides, its tail, its head, admiring how every fold and paint stroke was made for him.

At the edge of the docks, Jin Ling watched the Lan clan’s boat wade towards the horizon. Lan Sizhui’s perfume sachet hung at his waist and a gentle breeze whispered through the strands of his long, dark hair filling the air around him with orange blossom and cedar wood—the scent of his favorite person.

His features softened with a wave of bliss when he noticed Lan Sizhui looking back at him. He closed his amber eyes and smiled.

“See you soon, A-Yuan.”

{ 🖤 }

[featherlight-whispers]

dspd sangcheng wip III

ACT 1

Chapter 1

Dawn had crawled its way up the sky by the time Huaisang got home. His watch marked 9.35 AM. It was late, and exhaustion clung to his bones like a stubborn ache. Ignoring the creak the door made when it opened, he wondered if Jiang Cheng had gotten home already.

Mingjue’s booming voice greeted him as he toed off his shoes in the entrance. He padded to the kitchen and gave a tired nod to Lan Xichen, whose tea still steamed. Huaisang sat on his chair, reaching for the toast on his brother’s plate. He was too focused on whatever he was arguing over the phone to care.

Xichen leaned close and whispered, “Meng Yao called. He’s moving back for some time.”

Huaisang bit too hard on the toast. The blinding pain in his tongue stopped him from answering. He screwed his eyes shut, distantly aware of his brother leaving the room.

“Are you okay?” At Huaisang’s nod, Xichen kept talking. “Mingjue is talking with Jin Zixuan about the move. Meng Yao doesn’t care about what they do, so Mingjue insists on doing it himself. Jin Zixuan has already hired the moving company that took care of his new offices in the city.”

Ah, classic Mingjue, thought Huaisang. A stubborn brute with too much pride for his own good.

“I don’t know how to deal with this information,” said Huaisang, storing the news and everything they implied in their respective mental boxes. The pain still lingered in his mouth and distorted his pronunciation. “I’m going to sleep, Er-ge. Tell Da-ge that I love him very much and he should calm down.”

“No need to have Xichen deliver the message.” Mingjue’s voice was raspy. He left his phone on the counter and sat back in his place, between Huaisang and Xichen, frowning at the toast Huaisang had bitten. The pale light gave his tan skin a death-like glow, his dark circles stark against the grey cast.

Despite their differences, Huaisang mused, one could always count on the liminality of early morning to remind them of the blood they shared.

“So,” said Huaisang as he stood up. The pull of his duvet and pre-sleep skincare routine got stronger as he talked. “I hope that phone call went well, Da-ge. I was just about to go to bed. Love you.”

By the time he had reached the kitchen door, covered in sigils, Mingjue’s voice reached him. “You’re not getting away from this conversation and you know it.”

Oh, how he hated serious conversations with his brother. He didn’t have enough energy to fake a cheerful voice. “Sure thing! Can’t wait.”

[ssuminshan-official]

Huaisang secretly kills one of the eunuchs and dresses up in his clothes. Then he dressed the corpse in his nie clothes and rest him on the bed ~ to appear as if he's sleeping.

*escapes*

Thereafter, he blended in with Jing Manor's imperial staff, who were busy getting things in order.

Also some of the attendants were handling and polishing a golden comb.

Huaisang: guys, what is that comb thing? I'm new.

Attendant: dude. It's a hulijing custom.

Huaisang: uhhhhh.....sorry...I'm out of touch.

Attendant: that's the ceremonial tail comb. Zewu Jun will comb the emperor's tail for the first time as an engaged couple.

Huaisang: ohhh. How cute!

Attendant: it's always performed by the hulijing groom.

Huaisang: then why don't Huangdi do it to Xichen?

Attendant: because he's Huangdi.

Huaisang: right.

Thereafter, He decided to stay hidden in the eunuch barracks until the engagement, to plot his plans.

Then when everyone was asleep, Huaisang made a duplicate of the comb, but it was made out of blades. Then he swapped it with the other.

Huaisang: poor Xichen will be blamed for something he didn't do and go into seclusion, 'Huangdi' will be hurt and weak, as hulijing energy is trapped in their tail, and I will have the spotlight.

Maybe I can blackmail Song'er a little bit and somehow control team dimple.

~~~

Last night, with A-Yao and team dimple~~

Su she: *giving A-Yao a massage*

Mo xuanyu: *painting A-Yao's toe nails*

Xue yang: *feeding him chocolate dipped fruits.

Yao: *sighs in relaxation* guys, would I look hot for Lan lips.

Xue yang: of course you would, Foxy.

Su she: he can't handle your hotness.

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege, can you be engaged to us instead of Lan lips.

Yao: *laughs* guys, I'm already married to you.

Su she: *blush* right.

Mo xuanyu: awww.

Xue yang: I'm so lucky.

Yao: for the wedding, I want to make an entrance. Ì have ordered a peony caravan.

Mo xuanyu: awwww.

Yao: it will bloom, and I'll he seated in the middle.

Xue yang: that's so Yao of you to do.

Su she: you're everyone's favorite diva.

Xue yang: why don't you burst in through the roof!

Yao: I could but then there will he a hole in my roof.

Su she: I think that peony caravan is very elegant. It suits you a lot.

Mo xuanyu: now what's your engagement entrance?

Yao: I'll just be carried in a palaquin but Huan and I will make an entrance.

Su she: you know your team D will accompany you in your palaquin procession.

Yao: awww.

Xue yang: just think of how many fox spirits will ke there lol. Jiggy did you seduce your citizens too?

Mo xuanyu: well Yao gege is very gorgeous.

Su she: yea for real. And he's everyone's favorite hulijing emperor.

Yao: mhm. Or maybe all three.

Su she: you're too hot for Lan lips by the way.

Yao: ahahaha.

Mo xuanyu: you know, Yao gege. We pamper and spoil you more than lipsy.

Xue yang: yea, we're literally feeding you chocolate dipped fruits.

Yao: aww team D, I know that.

And I love you very much!

Su she: *kisses him*

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege, you're our everything.

Su she: is that scheming Huaisang still in house arrest.

Yao: yup.

Have you seen how he begged Jiang to marry him.

Xue yang: lol!

Mo xuanyu: poor guy doesn't know it was a fox spirit.

Su she: dang. Huangdi you're a genius.

Xue yang: and you're mischievous too.

Yao: well I got to be entertained.

Yao: but guys, he do have a crush on Jiang cheng. And I kind of ship them.

Su she: I do too.

Xue yang: I ship Huaisang with his fan. He can stick it up whenever he wants.

Yao: *laughing* Chengmei!

Mo xuanyu: agreed!

Yao gege, your toes are dried.

*goes to brush his tail*

Yao: they're lovely.

Thereafter, A-Yao's staff entered with flowers and some pearls.

Xiying: greetings Huangdi.

Yao: *sits up.* oh hi guys.

Xiying: we got some cute gifts for our gorgeous Huangdi.

Yao: thank you so much! They are beautiful. You're so thoughtful.

Xiying: you're welcome, Huangdi. And congrats in advance.

Yao: *smile*

Su she: did you carry a gift for Xichen?

Mxy and xy: *trying to hold back their laughter*

Xiying: no, as we're Huangdi's staff.

Mo xuanyu: good.

Yao: team dimple is just trying to tease Huan.

Xiying: ah, I see.

~~ the Engagement ceremony~~

Hand in hand, dressed in red and gold, Xichen and Yao made their grand entrance. Their extravagance were admired by thousands of hulijing guests, A-Yao's Rusong. And yes~ team dimple. ok ok, team D only admired A-Yao.

The officiator of the rituals had the couple complete them perfectly, without any interruptions.

For A-Yao and Xichen however, was the best day of their life! Xichen will soon be an OFFICIAL harem member.

Xichen: my cutest hulijing.

Yao: *blushing* Zewu Jun.

Xichen: I'm forever yours.

Yao: you were always mine.

Xichen: I'll do anything for you. Just ask, ok.

Yao: mn.

Xichen: I love you.

Yao: I love you too.

Team Dimple: we have our eyes on you, Lan lips. You better treat him right.

Xichen: I will, team dimple.

Xiyao: *smiling brightly while standing in everyone's midst.*

Everyone: Congratulations Huangdi.

Yao: thank you my beloved hulijings.

Congratulations Zewu Jun!

Xichen: thank you.

You all look so sweet together!

Rusong: A-Die, Shizun, congrats!

Yao: thank you, Song'er

Xue yang: Jiggy, you look very hot as always.

Su she: *holds hand and bows slightly* congrats, my Huangdi.

Yao: awww, you guys!

Mo xuanyu: if Lan lips does anything bad, we'll trash him.

Congrats Yao gege.

Yao: *smile*

Xichen: I'll take good care of him.

Huaisang: *in disguise* (let's see).

Xiying: Huangdi, time for the ceremonial combing.

Yao: yes, how marvelous.

Xichen: ah, I'm nervous.

Yao: why? You do it all the time. Come on.

Xichen: but not in front of people. What if I blush.

Yao: *holds hand* everything is going to be OK. Your A-Yao is here. And you're cute when you blush.

Xichen: mn.

Xichen: *makes him sit first, then he sat beside him*

Yao: *makes his fox tail appear*

*blushing*

Xichen: your dimples are so cute, A-Yao. 

Yao: *glances at him*

Xichen: I always fall for them.

Yao: soon you'll get to kiss them.

Xichen: mn.

*combs*

But when he did, the comb's bladed teeth grazed A-Yao's tail.

Yao: *screaming in pain* Agh! A-niang!

Xichen: A-Yao?!!! I'm so so so sorry.

Yao: it's ok, A-Huan. It isn't your fault.

Everybody present: *mortified* HUANGDI! ARE YOU OK?!!!! *running towards him*

Team dimple: *pushes Xichen aside* Jiggy! Omg!

Mo xuanyu: *holding on to A-Yao* Yao gege! Yao gege! You're bleeding!

Yao: g..get me some help!

Su she: *looking at the bleeding tail* someone get him the physicians! Fast!! Don't just stand there!

Attendants: right away!

Yao: *groans in pain*

Fuying: our poor Huangdi. Don't worry, the physicians will be here shortly.

Xichen: someone carry A-Yao to his room and attend to him. I'll carry him.

Xue yang: *unsheaths sword* Lan Xichen!!!

Xichen: I don't know how it happened. But...let me help him once.

Xue yang: no!

Mo xuanyu: stay away from Yao gege!

Su she: I never liked you Lans! How dare you cut my Huangdi!

Xichen: it wasn't my fault! I'll never hurt A-Yao.

Su she: don't make me mince you!

Xichen: do you really think that you can fight me!

Su she: I will! And if I die, I'll come back as a fierce corpse and deal with you!

Yao: stop fighting. And A-Huan hasn't done anything. *glances* that's not even the real comb!! It's made of blades!

Xiying: someone is trying to assassinate Huangdi.

Su she: who did this! I'll kill them!

Xue yang: let me at them!

Mo xuanyu: how dare they!

Yao: *faints*

Xichen: A-Yao!

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege!

Rusong: A-Die!

Xue yang: fox spirits hold their energy in their tails! Is this what you wanted Xichen!

Su she: *sadly and frantically puts A-Yao on his back* Huangdi hang on. Huangdi stay alive.*teleports to A-Yao's room*

Xichen: I was framed.....I was framed...

Xue yang: you almost sent Minshan crazy, Lan lips. What do you have to say about yourself.

Xichen: who framed me?

Mo xuanyu: Lan lips, snap out of it!

Even though you don't deserve justice.

Xichen: well that's very cold, xuanyu.

Mo xuanyu: sorry, I'm holding a grudge.

Xue yang: I want to hold your ten fingers and place them in a jar.

Xichen: don't you know what infringement mean!

Rusong: *confronts them*

Xichen: Song'er, I'm sorry ok. I don't know how that happened. I, I think I was framed.

Rusong: hmm.

Xue yang: don't listen to him, little Dianxia!

Mo xuanyu: Song'er, I don't know what has gotten into this lipsy guy.

Rusong: actually, I do feel as if he was framed.

Mo xuanyu: yea Dianxia, our same thought.

Xue yang: I agree.

Rusong to some officials: I would like to have a Jingjing lockdown, to find out who injured Huangdi, and framed Zewu Jun.

Officals: yes Dianxia.

DIANXIA HAS ANNOUNCED A LOCKDOWN!!!!

Huaisang: (Oh gosh. This kid.

I'm dead meat)

Mo xuanyu: aww you're so brilliant!

Xue yang: mini Jiggy.

Xichen: adorable idea, Song'er.

Mxy and xy: *staring at Xichen* were you allowed to speak?

Mo xuanyu: Let's check up on Yao gege.

Xue yang: yea.

Lan xichen, you can come if you want. *rolls eyes*

Mo xuanyu: only because of Yao gege.

Xichen: yea I'll meet him.

Rusong: *smiling gracefully* let's go, Shizun.

I won't let team dimple do anything to you.

Xichen: mn.

.

Su she: *hugging A-Yao's hand, while the physicians healed the bruise and gave him a special medicine that boosts qi*

Fox spirits however have the ability to heal, so it was easy for them to heal their Huangdi eith just the flick of their wrist.

Su she: *removing some strands of hair from A-Yao's face* he's sleeping so peacefully.

I hope his qi energy isn't damaged.

*wipes his forehead, then hugged his hand again*

Yao: *waking up*

Physicians: Huangdi!

Su she: Huangdi! *supporting him*

Yao: Minshan. *pats head* why are you crying. I'm fine.

Su she: *sniffles* you're alright?!

Yao: yea i am! Because of the pill the physician gave me.

Physician: I'm happy to hear that you're OK, Huangdi.

Yao: thanks a lot.

Aww Shanshan, you look so cute.

*wipes tears* don't cry anymore.

Su she: I was traumatized.

Yao: oh my.

Xue yang and mo xuanyu: JIGGY! Omg you're ok! 

Yao: of course I am.

Xue yang: what about the simp?

Yao: oh, Minshan?

Xue yang: yea. He almost tried to kill everyone for you.

Yao: *glares at Minshan*

Su she: but I didn't. Huangdi. *innocent eyes*

Yao: *caresses face* you're just a baby.

Xue yang: I can relate.

Mo xuanyu: yea we would have avenged your assassination.

Yao: oh team D. I know you would, lol

Su she: if something happened to you, I would have killed everyone who hurt you, build a temple with your statue and become a monk.

Yao: awwww. Classic Minshan.

Mo xuanyu: that's how much we love you!

Xue yang: what a simp.

Rusong: A-Die. Are you alright? How are you?

Yao: I'm doing OK, darling. Don't worry.

Rusong: I put Jingjing under lockdown so that we can know who the assasin is.

Yao: smart boy.

You didn't only get my dimples.

Yao: surely the assasin will show up at the wedding. So I'll capture him there.

After the wedding, I will deal with him.

Su she: but isn't the culprit Xichen?! I'll have him imprisoned.

Yao: no no no. Slow down. I know that he was framed. And I still want to marry him.

Rusong: and you two are already engaged!

Xichen: A-Yao.

Yao: *smiles* Xichen!

Su she: *unsheaths sword*

Xue yang: ugh.

Mo xuanyu: here's some water, Yao gege.

Yao: Thanks.

Xichen, come near me.

Xichen: *kisses his A-Yao* A-Yao ! My love! You're ok!! I was framed darling.

Yao: I know, I know. *kisses*

Su she: *death stare*

Xichen: Love you!

Yao: love you too.

Xichen: why do I feel a chill?

Mo xuanyu: Lan lips, I thought that you were accustomed to the cold.

Xichen: no, like an ominous chill.

Xue yang: maybe it's Minshan.

He's trying his best not to stab you with Nanping.

Su she: yea, I'm saying a mantra.

Which is, Huangdi will be upset if I stab Xichen.

Xichen: oh my goodness.

Mo xuanyu: you made him unhinged.

Su she: guys I'm totally calm.

Yao: then why is your sword out, and pointing at Xichen?

Su she: *sheaths* my bad. Sometimes I lose control of my sword.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

He knew that his baba Nie would want to be pampered and loved on so Nie Sizhui had been preparing under the guise of taking the disciples out for a night hunt. If anything that required Sect Leader's attention they were to come to him on the road.

Period. Do not bother Huaisang he had made his request clear. Anyone who pestered Huaisang would be dismissed and not given an audience at all until next season. When Sizhui said no, he meant it. As Sect Leader Yao was often discovering much to his chagrin.

The training exercise had been more to craft the area that he and many of the more able bodied of the sect had put together. It was a hatchery for his precious birds. The entrances were secure from predators that would steal eggs, there were spaces where birds could fly into the building and out. There was a small warm pond, there were numerous small contained areas for birds to craft nests, and there were the warming stones, and small areas to help with hatching.

This was the biggest gift for Nie Huaisang.

The Sect itself was gearing up for the celebration , ribbons in various shades of green. All of Huaisang's favorite foods had been prepared. There was wine and music and Sizhui had invited the artistic community to share his baba's special day. Beautiful people, wonderful food, and wine. Sizhui's gifts were already wrapped and prepared for his baba. Various things that would be luxurious but the main gift was the hatchery.

Later he would give his baba a chance to slip off from the party to have time to himself. All the people would be tiring he was sure. Another reason for the Hatchery gift.

"Happy Birthday, Baba." he called as he slipped into the room with a tray of covered food. Breakfast delights and a wide box under his other arm. It contained the first of his gifts. The set of robes within the box were in Nie colors the green rich, he had commissioned Mulan's baby sister to craft the intricate beauty of these robes, the feathers spanned both sleeves, and the hem of the robe. The under robes were delicate and crafted of light protective material, that would not stain. "The first of quiet a few." he said fondly. "I personally fixed you this breakfast."

@battleguqin || ezra answering birthday asks late

Of course he knew Sizhui was up to something and that it had to do with his birthday, but he didn't want to know, so he pretended to not notice a thing. If there's something he loves, it's to be spoiled and cared for, even when that person is his adoptive son. Many frown upon this, but Huaisang doesn't care, not does Sizhui, at least that's what he says and he has never made any indications that those words would be untrue. He knows about the banquet, of course he does, but not about any details, since Sizhui handled the planning of that one as well. He even told Huaisang not to get involved and he had happily agreed. Thanks to this, he has been more Nie Huaisang than Nie-zongzhu, which is great. It almost feels like back in the days, except da-ge is not around to yell at him. If he had known back then that one day he'd miss the yelling, he would've savoured it, but he hadn't. Quickly, Huaisang shoves those thoughts away, not wanting to dwell on the past when his birthday is just around the corner.

On the day of his birthday, Huaisang gets to sleep in and he's awoken by his beloved adoptive son. A young man he has come to love just as dearly as his da-ge. He worries sometimes that he has put too much pressure on the boy, that he hasn't been a good enough father-figure, but each time he has even hinted about such thoughts, Nie Sizhui has quickly shot down, giving him a look that almost reminds of Mingjue. If Sizhui thinks he'd been enough, Huaisang trusts that. For a moment, all he does is smile and looking at his boy who is now a grown man, his chest almost bursting with love for his adoptive son.

"Thank you, A-Yuan, this looks delicious," he replies and since it's made by Sizhui himself, it will also taste delicious, the boy can cook, that's for sure. Before he starts to eat, he takes the box, making sure to place it at a safe distance from the food. "Is it not me who should spoil you?" he questions, a slightly mischievous smile on his lips, both of them fully aware that he loves being spoiled and that he also spoils Sizhui as often as he can, which means as often as Sizhui allows it.

Opening the box, Huaisang gasps. For a moment, he is speechless, taking in the absolutely amazing creation. The craftsmanship of the robes are excellent, the details meticulous. It's the most beautiful creation he has ever seen. "This is.... thank you..." he eventually says, voice barely more than a whisper. Once he has collected himself a bit further, he looks at Sizhui and smiles lovingly. "I will truly look like a bird now. This will be perfect for the banquet." Huaisang sets the robes aside, before he starts to eat. "Have you eaten? If not, please share with me, if yes, at least have some tea with your old baba." He's not old yet, but as they both know, he likes saying that he is. Strictly speaking, he isn't his baba either, a word reserved to a father by blood, but none of them care and anyone who has ever commented about it quickly changed their mind.

[hulijingemperor2]

Peacock empire 📍

Zixuan: *entering with soup*

Yanli: well it's about time! Did you make the soup?

Zixuan: no darling. The chefs did.

Yanli: ahhh. I see.

Zixuan: *nervous* you see what?

Yanli: you're a cocky emperor aren't you! First you impregnated me and now you can't even make soup for me?!

Zixuan: but I can't cook. *cries*

Yanli: then learn.

Zixuan: A-li. Please, have some soup.

Yanli: you have to feed me.

Zixuan: alright alright, darling. I'll feed you.

I'll take care of you too.

Yanli: if you don't, I'll be coming after those peacock feathers of yours.

I will pluck them one by one.

Zixuan: *scared* yes yes, my empress. But you don't need to.

Yanli: Zishie, where were you all day. I was lonely.

Zixuan: I had imperial work.

Yanli: really?

Zixuan: *joking* no, I went with the concubines.

Yanli: I dare you to have another concubine. I just dare you!

Zixuan: I was only joking, A-li. *feeds her* how does it taste, empress?

Yanli: *pouts like A-ling* it tastes good.

Zixuan: can you give me a smile?

Yanli: I would, but you're getting on my nerves.

Zixuan: fine darling. I'm sorry. How should I make it up to you?

Yanli: you're rich! Figure it out.

And it would be nice if you gave me a kiss and tell me you love me.

Zixuan: sure. *kisses* I love you, A-li.

How about I buy you a private island.

Yanli: *scoffs* I would like that very much. And I love you too.

Zixuan: *kisses again*

Yanli: *smiling*

Zixuan: and I'll get a mansion built there for you.

Yanli: that will be nice. *blush*

Zixuan: *rests his hand on her tunmy* how are you two going?

Yanli: I was nauseous. But not anymore.

Zixuan: is it because of the soup?

Yanli: maybe. Then I get nauseated when you stress me out.

Zixuan: how do I stress you out, A-li.

Yanli: you have some gull to ask that question.

Zixuan: but I apologized. And decided on buying you a mansion and a private beach!

Yanli: and what about the baby?

Zixuan: everything he or she asks for.

Yanli: good!

Now give them a name.

Zixuan: *smile* he's in the same generation as A-ling. So what about Ruming for a boy and Ruhua for a girl.

Yanli: awww that's beautiful.

I really want a girl.

Zixuan: me too. But I'm happy with any one.

Yanli: *smile*

Zixuan: A-li. You always make me happy

~~~

The private soiree ✨️ starts in the banquet hall.

Huaisang: Huangdi, I...I'm done cleaning the pantry. What else you want me to do.

Zixuan: you can be a waiter. But don't poison the food. *opens fan* I have an image to preserve.

And today is too auspicious for your schemes.

Huaisang: relax, cranky peacock. I won't poison the finger food.

Zixuan: what did you just call me?

Yanli: Xuanxuan. Don't be angry. As you said, it's an auspicious day.

Zixuan: ok....*sighs* anything for you.

Huaisang: *staring, lost* (what if I strangle Zixuan)

Zixuan: are you a part time piece of furniture?

Huaisang: get to work. I got it. *walks off*

Zixuan: how does Yaoyao put up with him.

Yanli: I find he's kinda cute. Heehee.

Zixuan: you call that cute?!

Yanli: also, I heard that A-cheng has a crush on him.

Zixuan: lol. Yaoyao told me the same thing. But what about Jiang cheng?

Yanli: he always suppresses his feelings. Also he says that he doesn't want to end up like A-Xian.

Zixuan: *laughing* oh my.

Announcer: entering, the Hulijing Huangdi and Wangzi along with Jinjing Official Mo!!

Yao and Rusong: *elegantly making their entrance*

Just to add a cute little detail, both A-Song and A-Yao had hand fans in their hands~ as usual.

Rusong is following the footsteps of his glamorous A-Die.

Zixuan's attendants: greetings Yao Huangdi, Rusong Wangzi..

Yao: nice to meet you. *smile*

Zixuan: Yaoyao. A-Yu!

*hugs both of them*

Yao: yess! We made it!

Mo xuanyu: Xuan gege, your place is so so beautiful as always!

Zixuan: thank you deary!!!

Rusong: uncle Zish,your empire is also beautiful. And your citizens are friendly.

Zixuan: aw *cups face* thank you Song'er. I'm happy that the future hulijing Huangdi has that to say about my empire.

Yao: cute right?

Zixuan: very!

Rusong: not to mention some young ladies trying to catch a glimpse of me.

Zixuan: *laughing* oh my!

Yanli: well little Dianxia is quite dashing.

Yao: agreed. I think it's the dimples.

Mo xuanyu: definitely.

Rusong: aunt Li, congrats!

Yanli: thank you! Song'er! My sweetheart.

Yao: congrats, sis-in-law.

Yanli: thanks A-Yao.

A-Yao, how are you. Have you been resting well?

Yao: yes. And my imperial work is going smoothly. Thanks for your concern.

Yanli: good. Zixuan said that you're a workaholic.

Yao: guilty, hehe.

Yanli: where's chief cultivator Su?

Yao: he was coming, but then he decided to keep xue yang company.

Yanli: ohh.

Mo xuanyu: you know team D sticks together. And if we leave xue yang unsupervised, he might burn something down or turn a village of people into fierce corpses. Or strangle Xichen.

I don't know..

Zixuan: oh dear.

Rusong: basically he's babysitting uncle muffin.

Yao: lol, Zish you're accustomed to team D being random.

Zixuan: yea. I feel like they're a perfect amount of random.

Yao: good you agree.

Yanli: and how are you, A-Yu.

Mo xuanyu: *hugs slighly* jiejie. I'm living the life. But I miss your soup.

Yanli: aww. I'll make it for you some time, and send it to Jingjing. Also I'll make a little extra for Ayao, Song'er and team Dimple.

Mo xuanyu: you shouldn't go through that trouble, as you're pregnant. I just said I missed your soup.

Yanli: ok ok baby Yuyu.

Zixuan: *smile* you three. Please have a seat. One of our waiters will come to make sure that it has food on your table.

Right Huaishang?

Huaisang: *rolls eyes* yes Huangdi.

Rusong: you?!! You're uncle Zish's waiter?!

Huaisang: yea Rusong.

Zixuan: *glares*

Huaisang: Rusong Wangzi.

I'm his attendant.

Rusong: good that you found something to keep you occupied. You keep causing trouble.

Huaisang; *sarcasm* thank you, Dianxia.

Zixuan: Zixun is still missing. I think I'll fire him at this point.

Yao: I know his whereabouts, Zish. But I'll tell you everything later.

Zixuan: what? Did he trouble you, A-Yao!!! Don't hesitate to tell me.

Yao: Zishie relax. It's fine. I'll tell you later.

Can you come over tomorrow?

Zixuan: sure, A-Yao. And tell me then.

Yanli: you two are so sweet! Keep preserving your bond.

Zixuan: of course.

Yao: yea sure.

Jinling: guys I'm back. I was taking care of business.

Oh hey Rusong.

Rusong: Ling gege hii!

Jinling: *hugs A-Yao and mo xuanyu* my two Xiao shushus!!

Yao: hi darling. *kisses him on his forehead*

Yanli: Ling'er, where were you? *smilie*

Jinling: first, I want to protest! A princess shouldn't be treated like this!

Mo xuanyu: ????

Yao: * giggle*

Zixuan: he's talking about fairy.

Jinling: yea, I had to tie her in the garden, because she would scare Wei Da jiu. The guy dealt with fierce corpses! How is he afraid of a cute little dog.

And fairy isn't a normal dog, right Xiao shushu.

Yao: right, haha.

Jinling: she's a spiritual dog! And a part of the family. She deserves better.

Yao: but A-Ling. It's good that you put other people's feelings into consideration. Good job.

Zixuan: yea good job, A-ling.

A-li, did I do a good job?

Yanli: mhm.

Jinling: I didn't want Wei da jiu to trample on the tables. They are expensive.

The wood that are used to make those tables are imported from Dongying!

Zixuan: well that's a fact. Would I ever own cheap things.

Jinling; anyways *grabs Rusong arm* I want Rusong to have snacks with me.

Ttyl Xiao shushu and A-Die.

Ruosng: lol I would love to!

~~~

Announcer: entering, Clan leader Jiang, the Yiling laozu and the honorable Hanguang Jun!

Wuxian: stop it! I'm not the Yiling laozu anymore! I retired to live with my husband. When would peacock change that.

Jiang cheng: behave!!

Wuxian: you can't tell me what to do!

Jiang cheng: but I can and will whip you.

Huaisang: *looking at Jiang cheng* (aaa. What kinda Cinderella story is this? I'm being slaved, day and night by a crazy emperor, and now my purple grape prince has arrived to sweep me off my feet. Awwww)

Jintang: uh, Huaisang.

Gosh he's daydreaming again.

Lan zhan: Wei ying is on his best behavior.

No need to whip him.

Jiang cheng: every time you open your mouth, I get more disgusted by you and your side piece.

Jinling: Jiujiu!!!!

Jiang cheng: hey kid.

Oh hi Rusong Dianxia. That means that lianfang Zun, I mean Huangdi. Is here.

Yao: guessed right!

Jiang cheng and wuxian: *racing towards Yanli* Jiejie!! Shijie!!

Wuxian: what did that horny peacock do to you.

Jiang cheng: we'll break his legs.

Yanli: *laughing* two, relax!

Jiang cheng: congrats!!

Here are some fresh fruits.

Yanli: thank you, A-cheng.

Wuxian: and here are some lotus seeds.

Yanli: awww thanks. You two are the best.

Jiang cheng: I'm so happy to be an uncle again!

Wuxian: yea same. But I'm a cooler uncle.

Jiang cheng: never.

Jiejie's child will be close to me like A-Ling.

Wuxian: no! He or she will be close to me! And lan zhan will teach teach them the Qin.

Jiang cheng: would I ever let my niece or nephew come around you two shameless people.

Yanli: A-cheng. A-xian. Stop fighting. *touches their faces* they will be close to both of you.

Zixuan: yea, don't start a fight. I have antique furniture.

Wuxian: were we even speaking to you?

Jiang cheng: how dare you.

Zixuan: ugh. *rolls eyes* you can't talk to me like that.

Wuxian: oh yes I can! My sister is the empress.

Jiang cheng: that's right!

Lan zhan: congratulations, Miss Jiang.

Yanli: thank you Hanguang Jun. *goes to bow in respect*

Lan zhan: don't. It's not good for the baby.

Yanli: aww.

~~~

Later on~~

Jiang cheng: *talking to Yanli*

You should take care of yourself ok, jiejie.

Yanli: sure. And I'll make a visit to lotus pier soon.

Jiang cheng: tell me when. I'll send a caravan.

Yanli: that's so thoughtful.

Wuxian: that's must, Shijie. And take care.

Yanli: sure.

Wuxian: lianfang zun!

I mean, Yao Huangdi.

Yao: *smile* Wei gongzi.

Wuxian: so you tied down a Lan, good job! I don't see him in the cloud recesses.

Yao: aha yes, he's a part of my harem now.

Wuxian: good. Here's a technique to reset your Lan.

*whisper* when you don't get your way, say that he doesn't care about you. He'll come like a helpless bunny when you do.

Yao: awwww good idea!! I'll try it. But he's already a little bunny, because I run things.

Yes A-Yao, of course A-Yao. As you wish A-Yao. Whatever you want A-Yao. Heehee.

Wuxian: good!! I can relate with Lan zhan.

These Lans are head over heels for us.

Yao: yup. And we don't even try.

Wuxian: *looking at mxy* ohh hey handsome.

Lan zhan: *jealous*

Mo xuanyu: you're the yiling laozu??!! C..can...I get your autograph..

Wuxian: I don't have a brush on me. Sorry. And I'm the retired yiling laozu.

Mo xuanyu: where are your demonic cultivation books?

Wuxian: stolen.

Mo xuanyu: you're very careless!

Anyways, can you believe that people say I look like you?

Wuxian: yea, that's why I said that you're handsome.

Mo xuanyu: *rolls eyes* self centered.

.

Jinling: A-niang, A-song and I are going for a walk in the city. We'll be back.

Yanli: aw. I know that all eyes will be on you two cuties. Go ahead.

Zixuan: both are very handsome and fabulous indeed.

To be continued .......

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

It is very much known that the Headshaker Nie-zongzhu cannot handle pain well and that being hurt makes him act irrationally, which is why he's poking at his injury and panicking. The man reacts as expected, but something feels off too. Is he seeing through his act? If he is, Huaisang will still continue to play this pathetic version of himself, for the fun of it. Though, hearing what he says, he can't help but feeling a slight worry. What if it's true? What if he's really poisoned? Huaisang has been poisoning himself periodically and systematically to build up a resistance, but that doesn't mean he can resist non-human poisons. On the other hand, he doesn't feel anything and by now he should've felt something. Besides the stinging from the wounds, he feels nothing out of the ordinary.

"What? P-poison?" Huaisang's breath hitches pitifully, tears welling up in his eyes. Everyone thought Jin Guangyao had been a good actor, but he was nothing compared to Huaisang. "I don't want to die! I have no heir yet! I'm too young and beautiful to die!" It all comes out in a panicked jumble, all while he's wringing his hands. Huaisang is about to act some more when the man whistles and then suddenly the most magnificent being appears. Huaisang takes a sharp breathe, eyes wide with wonder. "Home.. close.. yes..." he mumbles, gaze never leaving the bird-creature. As it lands, he gasps again, almost looking like a man entranced by a beautiful maiden. "That is... the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.... magnificent.... I-I..." He swallows, eyes still moist from the faked tears just a moment ago. Unable to stopping himself, he takes a step towards the bird. "I need my brush.... my ink... I need to.... I need to... paint you, you godly creature." There can be no doubt after this display that Huaisang truly loves birds, and also that he is definitely acting.

@demcngeneral

He had not missed the subtle teasing he thought it was cute. He did not know the young man well enough to respond in a flirty manner himself. He was not complicated he was more at home in the field of battle than that of courtly intrigues but he could manage both. He was not ignoring the young man but his concern for the man's safety seemed to be more than Huaisang own. He had not summoned Guruda because his mount wasn't needed he could make quick steps to get back down to earth. He was perfectly safe there with him and he did pay attention to the young man's comfort.

"It is good that you didn't." he said to him "It can hypnotize, its part of its ruthless ways of slaying prey for fun." it was clear why Er'Ting was hunting the beast. It could as easily slay humans for fun. No other reason than to kill and revel in death. "Which is why I will check you over once we are firmly on the ground. Poison can melt if it decides to excreet it. I think it was just interested in stealing you because you are shiny." he gave a dip of his head. This was a forested area he had a love for the surface and the plants under the sun. It had been forbidden to them for so long. "Understandable." he said.

Er'Ting knew it wasn't bad just as he knew as he held him to descend that the poison had not gotten into his body. For one he was not rigid like wood, nor was his face contorted into an expression of great pain. He remained beautiful. So when he went looking for his fan the demon lord wasn't sure what he was missing but a quick scan said the fan was the likely what was missing.

He moved over to sweep it up from the ground at the sudden sound of panic he turned and glanced to Huaisang. A few strides brought him to the man's side as he caught his hands poking his own wounds. "You will make it worse." he glanced down at him and his lips curved up to the sides. Was he playing with him. His dramatics were fantastic, and his panic very believeable, but there were tells. So he made a solemn face and widened jade green eyes just a little bit. If he wanted to play games.

"We have to get you back to be treated immediately, we wouldn't want your body to warp and turn ugly." he stated firmly. Lifting his chin." Come we will take my ride." He brought his fingers to his lips and whistled slightly awaiting Garuda's prompt arrival, which circled them quickly and landed. "We must go now, do you live near here or must I find the nearest home ?" he prompted keeping the edge of importance in his tone. His great demon bird was impressive with its many colored plumes and it powerful body.

@cuckoo-among-beasts

[cqlfic]

riding shotgun

link to AO3 AUTHOR: b_ofdale (@xihe-jun) T, 5949 words, 1/1

RELATIONSHIPS: Lan Wangji / Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng / Nie Huaisang BLURB: wwx invites his brother, crush, and his brother’s crush on a roadtrip

SUMMARY:

Who the fuck invites both their brother and their crush on a road trip? Wei Wuxian, apparently.

--

or, Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian, Nie Huaisang and Lan Wangji get stuck together in a car for eight hours. It goes just about as well as one might expect.

alternate universe - road trip, alternate universe - modern setting, comedy, fluff and humor, attempt at humor, first kiss, author of soft and emotional fics tries their hand at....crack?, swearing, the people asked to let jiang cheng say fuck, the author happily obliged, one braincell trio chaos, lwj is there because isn’t he wherever the chaos is?, jiang cheng is #tired, asexual character, this is a collab so: with links to art!, russian translation available

[link to all bookmarks]

[robininthelabyrinth]

The Quiet Room - Chapter 7

There was no noise in the grand entrance hall of the Unclean Realm. No one was speaking or making any movement, with little enough sound to make it possible to hear a pin drop, and yet Lan Xichen felt as though he were suddenly drowning in a flood of noise.

The noise was from his own thoughts, loud and ringing and clashing like a cacophony of bells all crashing together inside his head.

“What?” he said, voice blank, and next to him Jin Guangyao froze. The reaction wasn’t anything that strange, really, he always reacted like that when Nie Mingjue was around; it was something he’d explained in past instances as being an involuntary reaction born of the trauma of his youth, a fear of powerful angry men that he could not deny despite himself, and Lan Xichen had always understood even though he knew Nie Mingjue was not that sort of person. He had never challenged that reaction, but rather had always sought to comfort him, make it easier for him.

It wasn’t as if reacting that way was an admission of guilt, no matter what his brother or Nie Huaisang might be thinking; it was only that they were firmly turned against Jin Guangyao now, judging him, biased against him for things he could not control and therefore leaping to the worst possible conclusions against him.

Normally, this would be when Lan Xichen, who prided himself on being a protector, on being able to smooth things out, would step forward to explain things and set things right, but – he couldn’t.

He couldn’t do anything.

He couldn’t think.

They were never lovers?

“I…” he started to say, then trailed of. “What do you…what?”

Nie Mingjue said nothing.

He didn’t have to: Lan Xichen’s thoughts were doing more than enough talking.

You knew, his thoughts sang or maybe screamed. You knew Nie Mingjue would never betray you, you knew he’d never do what you have done to him, you knew, you knew, you knew!

No, Lan Xichen argued back, suddenly frantic as if he’d been caught in some trap, assaulted from an angle he hadn’t expected – that he had refused to admit to himself was there, lying in wait for him. No, stop saying it like that. I didn’t do anything wrong, I didn’t! I would never do anything like that. I would never betray my beloved – I would never willingly or intentionally hurt Nie Mingjue! I love him. No, I believed it was true that they were together, that we were all together, I really did believe it, I really did, genuinely and truly. It’s not my fault…  

Nie Mingjue looked tired, Lan Xichen thought. He looked tired and sad, and a little angry the way he always did. He was wrapped in bandages in a few places, he leaned against the door frame as if he needed its support…

But he didn’t look sick.

Somehow, Lan Xichen had talked himself into thinking that Nie Mingjue would look a certain way when they arrived here at the Unclean Realm, that he would feel a certain way. He thought that he would somehow be able to perceive the qi deviation that was tearing his beloved away from him one step at a time, that invisible enemy that he hated so much; he thought there would be some sinking feeling of wrongness there surrounding Nie Mingjue, the way there had been around Wei Wuxian towards the end of the war, the resentful energy corroding his spirit and tainting his soul even as they watched. Jin Guangyao had agreed with him when they’d talked it over, many times before: he’d spoken of having long seen the dark shadow that hung over their sworn brother, the lingering touch of his doomed fate.

Lan Xichen had been so relieved to hear that someone else could see it, too.

They’d discussed it so much that he’d formed a clear and vivid image in his head, Nie Mingjue and the qi deviation that was killing him, visible to the naked eye, as easy to see as any memory.

But for all the bandages, for all the needles, for all the weakness, Nie Mingjue didn’t look like that. His skin was still flush with health, his back was still straight, his golden core shining strong – his eyes still clear.

Clear…and coherent.

He knows, Lan Xichen suddenly thought to himself. He knows, he knows, and with horror he suddenly realized that he, too, really had known.

He’d known all along that Nie Mingjue wouldn’t approve of what he was doing with Jin Guangyao, neither the flirtation nor the rest of it – he’d known the whole time that Nie Mingjue was the same as he had always been, straightforward and righteous, true and steadfast, and that he had been the one to stray off the single road they had promised to walk together, falling into love and into bed with another.

He had known exactly what he was doing.

If he hadn’t known, why would he be afraid of Nie Mingjue knowing now?

Lan Xichen shook his head, trying to stop the sound of his own thoughts, trying to stop reality through sheer force of denial. I’m not like that, he tried to remind himself, I wouldn’t do that, that’s not the sort of person I am. I would never hurt the person I love. It’s only that A-Yao said they were lovers and I believed him…but A-Yao wouldn’t lie to me. He loves me, too, and loves Nie Mingjue as well – he’s said so! It must have been a misunderstanding. Yes, that’s it! I must have thought they were more than what he said they were. I always get things wrong, I’m always thinking too much – it was just a mistake!

A mistake.

Yes, that made sense, that was reasonable, Lan Xichen thought, and he was abruptly reassured, comforted, relieved. That made sense.

It wasn’t that he was a bad person, the sort of person who would betray his lover of many years in such a vile way – he wasn’t like that. He was righteous and good and kind, the person who protected others, the sort of person who could make those who loved him proud of him and happy with him and never, ever angry with him.

Nie Mingjue will understand, he thought, his eyes filling with tears from sheer relief. He knows that I never feel like I’m good enough, that I’m always under pressure to be perfect, that I’m just not strong the way he is, always bearing up with it all. I needed support, that’s all, and that’s reasonable of me, understandable. Maybe I misunderstood Jin Guangyao, maybe it went too far, further than we meant – really, it was inevitable that some sort of mistake would be made. Mistakes are inevitable, and therefore forgivable. Who doesn’t make mistakes? No one is to blame, not really: not me, not A-Yao, not Mingjue. I will explain, and he will understand, understand and comfort me, reassure me that it’s not that bad, that it’s not my fault, that he’s not really angry at me – that we can work through it together.

Yes, Nie Mingjue will understand. He always understands…

“Da-ge,” Lan Xichen said, looking at him. “Da-ge, please – let me explain.”

“Yes, da-ge, please listen,” Jin Guangyao said, echoing him, and glancing over at him, Lan Xichen could see that he looked absolutely miserable, down to the little furrow in his brow that revealed his true expressions, the secrets only Lan Xichen could read. Undoubtedly he was about to throw himself forward to take the blame for what had happened, and Lan Xichen couldn’t let him do it. It might be only a mistake, but Nie Mingjue was always so suspicious towards Jin Guangyao; he would always willfully misunderstand him, always see the worst behind everything he did. As long as it was Lan Xichen’s mistake, Nie Mingjue would understand, soften, stop being so rigid – it wouldn’t be the same if the mistake were due to Jin Guangyao. Nie Mingjue would take it badly and only get angry, and Jin Guangyao hadn’t even been the one to promise fidelity the way Lan Xichen had.

No, Lan Xichen couldn’t let Jin Guangyao take the blame for his mistake.

“Let me explain,” he said urgently, hoping that Nie Mingjue’s affection for him would let him yield this one time, too. He just needed a chance to explain, and they would be able to resolve it – Nie Mingjue had never refused him before, not when he knew it was important to Lan Xichen. “Da-ge, it was a mistake…”

“Did brother know about the rest, too?” Lan Wangji interrupted, not letting Lan Xichen speak, and his voice was freezing cold. Truly cold, freezing cold like the snow outside their mother’s house when she’d died. There wasn’t anything of the warmth Lan Xichen had always been able to read off of Lan Wangji’s expression, the ones that made him feel confident in defending his brother to others no matter what – Lan Xichen had always prided himself on being able to understand his brother from the small hints and nuances of his behavior, the wrinkle of his nose or the furrowing of his brows, the way his ears went charmingly red; it was the same thing that made him so confident that he understood Jin Guangyao. No one knew his brother like he did….

He’d thought he’d known his brother, anyway.

Before Wei Wuxian. Before the Nightless City.

Before the punishment.

It still pained him to think about it, the discipline whip coming down on his little brother’s back time and time again, once for every wrong he’d committed with his eyes open and no regret. There had been so much blood. He still remember the pained gasps and shrill breaths…he hated the very thought of Lan Wangji suffering that pain, hated it as much as he loved his brother.

It was because he loved his brother that he’d pulled away from him after, just a little, just for a little while. It was only because he was unable to look at him without thinking of that punishment that Lan Wangji had brought down on his own head – it was because he had suffered so much as the witness to the punishment, the punishment Lan Wangji had forced him through his extreme acts to have no choice but to authorize. He suffered so much; it was only reasonable that he take a step back, protect himself, care for himself. He needed to tend to his own well-being before he could tend to anyone else’s, wasn’t that what Jin Guangyao was always saying, and rightly, too?

Anyway, it was all just temporary. Once Lan Wangji was better, all healed up with the scars hidden under his clothing as if they had never been inflicted, everything would be better. Lan Wangji would no longer be suffering, and Lan Xichen would be able to look at him without thinking of blood. The entire situation was a tragedy, everything with Wei Wuxian had been a tragedy and he regretted now so much that he had encouraged them before, but in the end, time would heal all wounds; the tragedy would pass and things would all return to normal between them, the way they had been before the war, before Wei Wuxian, before everything.

Lan Xichen had been reassured by that inevitability.

Now, for the first time, it occurred to him that maybe their reconciliation wasn’t inevitable.

Not when Lan Wangji was standing there in Nie sect robes – neutral in tone, but very clearly Nie sect in style and cut – standing there with his forehead ribbon missing and wrapped around Nie Mingjue’s wrist instead, given to another for safekeeping in a way that, despite Jin Guangyao’s obviously accidental implication, he did not think was in any way sexual or romantic. Not when his voice was colder than Lan Xichen had ever heard it.

Not when he was asking –

“Brother, tell me. Did you know?” Lan Wangji demanded, as stern and stiff and unyielding as their uncle had ever been, putting righteousness above everything. “Were you trying to kill Mingjue-xiong, too?”

“No!” Lan Xichen exclaimed, relieved to finally have a clear answer to something – to have something to think of that wasn’t Nie Mingjue’s eyes, looking at him sadly, judging him and finding him wanting, something that wasn’t Lan Wangji’s fierce coldness, blaming him for being disappointing, for not living up to expectations. He hated that feeling, that feeling of not being enough; he wanted to leave this room immediately and return to the quietness of the Cloud Recesses with Jin Guangyao at his side – his A-Yao never made him feel like this, would never make him feel like this. “No, Wangji, you have it all wrong, that’s not what happened at all. This is all just a mistake – a terrible mistake –”

“Another mistake,” Nie Huaisang said, contemptuous, and Lan Xichen had almost forgotten he was there. “What mistake can there be? The Lan sect’s quiet room can only be used by outsiders with the permission of the sect leader – you authorized it. You took da-ge there. And then you locked him inside, and you left him there.”

“I didn’t mean to! It was – ” Lan Xichen hesitated, not wanting to bring up the drugged tea. They would misunderstand – they would blame Jin Guangyao. Their distrust would hurt the sensitive Jin Guangyao even more than it hurt Lan Xichen, who knew it was only a misunderstanding that could be resolved, and Lan Xichen couldn’t have that. Jin Guangyao couldn’t suffer for Lan Xichen’s mistakes. Lan Xichen might be weak, might have gone astray, might hate confrontation, but he was a protector, too – he’d always been a protector, it was part of who he was, a fundamental part of his image of himself, his self-perception as the one who was righteous and kind and gentle, the one who offered comfort and took care of others. He could stand in front of Jin Guangyao if he had to, the way he’d once stood in front of Lan Wangji, taking upon himself the blame. “It was a mistake. I only meant for da-ge to be in there for half a shichen at most – I was going to supervise. There was a misunderstanding…”

“And what about the Song of Clarity?” Lan Wangji asked. “Was that a misunderstanding, too?”

Lan Xichen stared at him, not understanding.

The Song of Clarity was the first idea he’d come up with to help repair Nie Mingjue’s corroding meridians, to calm his rioting qi. It had seemed to help for a while, and Jin Guangyao had reported that it continued to help even once he’d taken it over, but Nie Mingjue had of late started to reject it, refusing to let Jin Guangyao play for him no matter how Lan Xichen pleaded with him.

“The Song of Clarity is a healing song,” Jin Guangyao said, trying to stand up for him. He was always supporting Lan Xichen, whether in fighting his sect for funding to help rebuild the Cloud Recesses or in helping Lan Xichen process his emotions, soothing his anxiety, giving him comfort in the times he needed it most. “What is there to misunderstand?”

“Healing is healing,” Lan Wangji said. “But medicine can also be poison – and the Song of Clarity is spiritual poison.”

It’s…what?

“I have already tested it,” his brother announced. “The Song of Clarity played for Mingjue-xiong is not the same as the orthodox version taught to us by our uncle.”

What?

“That’s impossible,” Lan Xichen said, frozen in shock. “What are you talking about, Wangji?”

“Perhaps you misunderstood,” Jin Guangyao murmured, voice gentle as always. “Or – not you, Wangji. But…well. Everyone knows that da-ge has no ear for music. Perhaps, when he was listening to you play it, he simply…made a mistake?”

“I could grow to hate that word,” Nie Huaisang growled, and strangely enough Lan Xichen felt as though he agreed with him.

“It couldn’t have happened that way,” he said to Jin Guangyao, who looked surprised at his interjection. “I mean, it wouldn’t have been da-ge who identified the difference. That’s impossible.”

After all, Lan Xichen knew, as relatively few others did, that Nie Mingjue was genuinely tone-deaf – really, truly, fully tone-deaf, at least when it came to music. People often didn’t really believe it on account of him being able to converse without difficulty, understanding the difference in the tones used in speech, and the way he matched so well in a fight alongside Lan Xichen when he was using Liebing.

But Lan Xichen had known since childhood that the section of the mind that enabled speech was different from the section that allowed for the comprehension of music – that amusia wasn’t necessarily related to aphasia, that Nie Mingjue’s impairment in understanding music had no impact on his ability to understand speech. He knew, too, how long it had taken Nie Mingjue to master the art of matching his strength to Lan Xichen’s: they’d trained together for months and months before they’d managed it, and it was only once they were adults that it began to seem effortless, deceiving those that did not know into thinking that it was easy.

Jin Guangyao pursed his lips. He looked genuinely troubled, his eyes narrowing in thought. “I see,” he said, and he sounded a little hurt – Lan Xichen had the sudden inexplicable feeling that Jin Guangyao was almost feeling attacked, pressured, as if he’d gone into a situation without being armed with full information, and also that it was somehow Lan Xichen’s fault, that he had let him down somehow. “But how then was the conclusion reached that the Song of Clarity was spiritual poison? Er-ge himself tested the effects of it and found them beneficial…I can’t imagine what must have gone wrong. It really must be some mistake on the part of the person who imagined that it wasn’t being played correctly. Huaisang, was that you..?”

Nie Huaisang had a fine ear for music, Lan Xichen knew, but he wouldn’t have been able to figure out something as complex as the Song of Clarity, and that was assuming he even bothered to listen to it, which he hadn’t done even once when it was Lan Xichen who’d come to the Unclean Realm to play it. Besides, forget simply understanding it, for someone with Nie Huaisang’s level of cultivation to figure out that there was something the matter with it…again, it simply seemed impossible.

By the time Nie Huaisang scowled in offense, Lan Xichen was already shaking his head in denial, not sure what had happened but equally sure that that couldn’t have been it. But it was Lan Wangji who spoke first: “I was the one who determined it.”

Jin Guangyao’s eyes drifted over to Lan Xichen and he seemed surprised all over again to find him shaking his head. Possibly he misunderstood the reason for it, or thought Lan Xichen was criticizing him somehow, because he pressed his lips together even more tightly. “Perhaps, then, it was my inferior playing that failed to meet Wangji’s stringent standards – or else to match his expectations of me.”

Lan Xichen startled as if he’d been struck.

That couldn’t be right. Was Jin Guangyao suggesting that Lan Wangji was blaming him without cause?

That Lan Wangji was, what?

Lying?

That was the most impossible of all.

Lan Wangji was like their uncle: demanding and inflexible, stern and solemn, passionate about the rules and obedience thereof – he had to have been, to be made chief of the discipline hall at such a young age. The rules said Do not tell lies, and therefore Lan Qiren would never lie, had never lied no matter the gravity of the moment or the consequences that would ensue; the same, thereby, was true of Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji would not lie to him.

That was Lan Xichen’s bedrock, the foundation of his worldview, the fulcrum upon which everything else stood: somewhat distanced or not, a new confidant or not, he trusted Lan Wangji more than anyone else in the world. They had only truly had each other through the death of their mother and the implacable distance of their father’s seclusion; however much their uncle had tried to be there for them, he had been constrained by the burdens of being sect leader in their father’s place.

Lan Xichen was the only one who instinctively understood Lan Wangji, and Lan Wangji…

Lan Wangji would not lie. Not to him.

“What are you saying?” he found himself exclaiming before he even really understood what he was saying. “A-Yao – you know that’s not true, that Lan Wangji isn’t – that he wouldn’t – you know. You know, you must know, and yet –”

And yet you’re saying it anyway.

For the first time, a seed of doubt stole its way into Lan Xichen’s heart. Maybe if he wasn’t so off-balance, so shocked and panicked by the revelation that Nie Mingjue knew about his relationship with Jin Guangyao – knew, and did not approve, the way he’d been fooling himself for so long that he would – or maybe if he didn’t still imagine that he could taste the remnants of that drugged tea on his tongue, greasy and herbaceous, if he wasn’t still stinging from the horror of the realization that his plan to help Nie Mingjue had gone so horribly wrong…maybe if his head wasn’t so loud, so full of thoughts, deafening him even in the relative silence of the Unclean Realm’s hall…

“A-Yao,” Lan Xichen whispered, tempted into suspicion. “A-Yao, tell me – you didn’t –”

He didn’t even know exactly what he was saying – what exactly he was accusing Jin Guangyao of. Another mistake, surely. Jin Guangyao wouldn’t, couldn’t, have used the Song of Clarity the way Lan Wangji was describing, as a poison rather than a remedy; it was meant as a tonic, as a cure, as help, and anyway Jin Guangyao would never have done something like that to Nie Mingjue. He loved Nie Mingjue, just the way Lan Xichen did…

Didn’t he?

“Er-ge, listen to me,” Jin Guangyao said, voice suddenly urgent. “Er-ge, it’s not what you think – it’s not!”

He stepped towards Lan Xichen, and Lan Xichen…Lan Xichen stepped back away from him.

He didn’t know what to think.

A mistake, he kept thinking; it had to have been a mistake. Perhaps he had taught Jin Guangyao wrongly? But Jin Guangyao had a perfect memory, he knew, and was able to replicate his music so well that sometimes he had to check his own hands to confirm that he was not the one playing it – still, he supposed it was possible, if barely. Yet musical cultivation wasn’t so easily distorted; it wasn’t like a few notes played wrongly would turn the entire thing on its head, the way a few extra strokes might do for a talisman or like overdosing might do with some too-potent medicine. Most of the time, playing it wrong would just nullify the effects, rendering it little more than sound in the air; otherwise, how would they dare try their spell-songs in the midst of the clash and clamor of battle? For a spell meant for healing to have become spiritual poison instead…normally, Lan Xichen would have said that such a thing was impossible to achieve without the player doing it intentionally.

But it had to be a mistake. Because if it wasn’t…

What else wasn’t a mistake?

And yet Jin Guangyao was clutching at Lan Xichen’s hands all of a sudden, his eyes wide and wet with tears.

“Er-ge, I really had no choice!” he exclaimed, and Lan Xichen stared at him. “You don’t understand how it is back in Lanling, the sort of pressure they put me under…there wasn’t any other way. It wasn’t my fault…”

“And so you’re not blame for your own decisions?” Nie Mingjue said, voice loud and strident as always – as it had always been, really, and how could Lan Xichen have deceived himself into thinking of Nie Mingjue was weak and sickly, incapable of thinking his own thoughts? “Is that it, Meng Yao? How many times will you commit atrocities and then shift aside the guilt and blame? How many times will it be not your choice, not your fault…just like it was when you murdered that Jin sect officer, stabbing him in the back with a Wen blade to cover up your crime? When you played upon my affection for you to win the chance to paralyze me and leave me helpless, without either spiritual energy or the ability to move, in the middle of a battlefield? When you betrayed my confidence and sent me into a doomed battle, when you tortured me in the Nightless City, when you killed my Nie sect cultivators for no reason?”

Each accusation hit Lan Xichen with the force of an arrow.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t heard it before, Nie Mingjue’s anger at Jin Guangyao, his grievances – but somehow it had never really connected before. He’d thought Nie Mingjue was exaggerating, that he was just angry about the dissolution of the relationship, that he was trying to hide things, distort things, justify himself…Lan Xichen had downplayed Nie Mingjue’s concerns for his own purposes, just to account for his own selfish desires. He hadn’t wanted to hear that the grudge he bore was real, so he hadn’t listened; he’d chosen to believe Jin Guangyao’s version of events, rather than Nie Mingjue’s.

He’d thought he was being fair by being a little partial to Jin Guangyao. He had thought he was balancing the scales which were weighed against him by his birth and status.

And all the while –

“What did you do?” he asked Jin Guangyao blankly, disbelieving. “What have you done?”

“Er-ge, listen to me, please!” Jin Guangyao begged. “My father demanded that I mix in the other song – he threatened me – forced me –”

“So you did modify the song,” Lan Wangji said, and Jin Guangyao turned to stare at him in surprise, as did Lan Xichen. Lan Wangji shrugged, unfazed. “We didn’t have time to test it out, but I was certain of our conclusion.”

“You –” Jin Guangyao seemed genuinely shocked. “You bluffed me?”

“You were lying?” Lan Xichen asked. He felt almost numb, as if this was the surprise that pushed it all too far for him to understand. “You…Wangji, do not tell lies!”

“Do not break faith,” Lan Wangji said, and Lan Xichen flinched. “Do not make assumptions about others. Do not impart knowledge to the wrong people. Make sure to act with virtue. Do not associate with evil…Brother, I have already removed my forehead ribbon, while you still wear yours. Do you feel worthy of it?”

Lan Xichen opened his mouth to say something, but – what could he say?

Jin Guangyao really had altered the Song of Clarity into something else, something poisonous; he’d admitted it himself, however inadvertently. Whether it was his father’s instruction or not, he had still done it, and done it without revealing what he’d done; he’d still been the one to commit the act.

Just like Lan Xichen had been the one to lock Nie Mingjue into the quiet room.

That had been done at Jin Guangyao’s suggestion, too, hadn’t it? Lan Xichen had had the idea to have Nie Mingjue use the room, but Jin Guangyao had encouraged him to go further with it – he’d reminded him, time and time again, that Nie Mingjue had given up on himself and that something had to be done, that it was necessary to use stronger medicine. And Lan Xichen had agreed, thinking he was right, because…because Nie Mingjue had started to refuse to listen to Jin Guangyao’s playing.

His poisoning.

“You used me,” Lan Xichen said to Jin Guangyao. He felt empty, vacant, hollowed out by shock. “You used me to try to kill da-ge.”

He’d done it more than once, too. He’d incited him into locking Nie Mingjue into the quiet room, knowing that he was on the verge of a qi deviation already; he’d twisted the Song of Clarity into a poison and used Lan Xichen’s support to gain Nie Mingjue’s trust, to get access to an opportunity to pour it into Nie Mingjue’s ear, time and time again.

And he’d even…he’d lied about his relationship with Nie Mingjue. That hadn’t been a mistake, either, and now that Lan Xichen was actually thinking about it, he didn’t know how he’d managed to tell himself that it was. Jin Guangyao had been the one to tell him about his ‘relationship’ with Nie Mingjue, providing all the details that would make it sound right – details undoubtedly lifted from having spied on Nie Mingjue with Lan Xichen, because Jin Guangyao was a spy, a spy with a perfect memory – and Lan Xichen had accepted it, hadn’t questioned it, hadn’t verified it. He’d swallowed the lies down despite knowing better because it was what he wanted to hear.

Because he wanted Jin Guangyao, his precious A-Yao. Because he wanted to have him and keep Nie Mingjue, too, and rather than face up to his own contradictory desires, he’d just…ignored the discrepancy.

All the discrepancies.

“Did he?” Nie Mingjue asked, and Lan Xichen twisted his head to stare at his beloved. At his lover, his childhood sweetheart, the man he thought of as the other half of his soul, who stood there, asking him…

“Are you asking if I conspired to kill you?” he choked out.

Nie Mingjue didn’t flinch. Perhaps he’d gotten out all his pain at this earlier, when he’d figured out what happened…when he’d learned of Lan Xichen’s betrayal.

Because that’s what it was. Betrayal.

Not a mistake. Not an accident. Not something that could be waved away and overlooked.

He’d betrayed him.

Him: Lan Xichen. Not Jin Guangyao, though he had as well – but him.

“Yes, Xichen,” Nie Mingjue said. “That’s what I’m asking. Did you resent me so much for dying that you would rather have had it all be over sooner? So that you could be with him instead, free and clear, valuing his pretty words over my steady heart?”

Lan Xichen felt those words like a punch to the gut.

It knocked all the air out of him. Nie Mingjue believed – he really believed that Lan Xichen would –

Why wouldn’t he believe it?

Lan Xichen was instrumental in not one but two attempts on Nie Mingjue’s life. He’d sworn to be loyal to him, to their love, and he’d betrayed that oath countless times over – not just every time he went to Jin Guangyao’s bed, but every time he’d ignored Nie Mingjue in favor of Jin Guangyao. Every time he’d put Jin Guangyao first in his heart: prioritized his comfort, his happiness, his word over Nie Mingjue’s.

Every time he’d allowed himself to be convinced of something he knew, deep in his heart, was a lie.

Every time he’d chosen to close his eyes to the truth.

Every time he’d put himself – his image of himself as the righteous man, the good man, the kind and gentle man who would never hurt anyone, who would never disappoint anyone – over everything else.

Even his relationship with Nie Mingjue.

“I didn’t,” he whispered, looking between Nie Mingjue and Lan Wangji and seeing nothing but the disappointment he’d always been so afraid of, the rejection he’d feared so much that he’d foolishly sent himself to its door. “I didn’t. Mingjue-xiong…Wangji…I swear it. I swear I didn’t.”

They stared at him, their gazes cold and forbidding.

He wanted to cast himself down on his knees before them, to cry out that it was his fault, that he did it, that he was useless, worthless, awful, that he deserved the worst of all the disdain they could give him…but that would just be more of the same, wouldn’t it? If he exaggerated everything and heaped blame on himself, made it seem worse than it was, cast himself down before they had the chance to, they would be put into the position of having to comfort him, even though it was his fault.

He wouldn’t do that. He’d done enough to them.

“Please believe me.”

Silence.

Lan Wangji turned his face away from him – turned to look at Nie Mingjue, who was frowning, who looked heartbroken and tired but still wholly himself, his beautiful self that Lan Xichen had had but had not cherished, that Lan Xichen had very nearly played a part in killing.

“I believe you,” Nie Mingjue finally said. “But I don’t forgive you.”

Lan Xichen closed his eyes.

His heart felt as though it had shattered in his chest.

“There isn’t time for this,” Lan Wangji suddenly said, as if abruptly remembering something. “The Jin sect’s army is invading.”

Lan Xichen’s eyes shot open.

“The Jin sect is what?!” Nie Mingjue exclaimed, but Lan Wangji looked grim. “Meng Yao, what’s the meaning of – where did he go?”

Lan Xichen turned, suddenly realizing that Jin Guangyao had stopped speaking at some point – presumably when Lan Xichen had focused on defending himself from an accusation of murder. He’d stopped speaking, and now he was gone…and there was still worse.

“Da-ge,” he cried. “Where’s Nie Huaisang gone?”

[tangledinmdzs]

Hiii! May I ask for a second part of the wife with temporary amnesia but with Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and Jin Guangyao, please? I really loved the one you wrote! Thank you!

hi!

i’m really quite behind on requests (as you can see) so sorry about that! i’ve gotten a lot of requests that i’ve really liked, so i’m chugging along. thank you for being patient with me!

and i wouldn't mind writing one with those characters :) 

i'm glad you enjoyed the first one!

to you~

｡ﾟ❁ུ۪ °ₒ 𓂂 ˚ 𓂂 ₒ ° ₒ 𓂂 ˚˖⋆

Jiang Cheng

the soft scent of lotuses

and the distant lapping sound of water

feels like, paradise 

and when you finally open your eyes,

the strong profile of the man at your bedside, steals all of your breath away

you don’t quite believe that the man in front of you is real, 

not with that jawline

you blink rapidly, wondering if you were just having a realistic dream, but then the man sitting at your bedside turns

and you meet his eyes, 

you forget how breathe 

“y/n,” there’s so much relief in his voice, 

and it takes your brain another second to realize that it’s relief for you,

the man moves closer, hovers over you almost as if he’s taking in the sight of you

you mirror him, because my goodness this man was handsome

but your heart is in for another surprise when the man smiles and a happy tear rolls out of his eye

you’re quick to sit up, hands flying to hold his face, because,

“don’t cry for me, i’m okay,” you’re reassuring because why was it that your heart swelled and broke so easily at the sight of this man before you?

“laopo (wife),” the man breathes out against your hand and your heart stutters in your chest, 

his tears are warm against your fingers as you wipe them away, your head heavy from your injury, your heart heavy with the pain that had been felt for you,

when you finish wiping his tears, your hand lingers on his face 

sat in front of you, Jiang Cheng huffs out small breath, takes your hand from where it’s rested on his cheek and brings it to his lips

a soft kiss on your knuckles, has a high blush coloring your cheeks 

Jiang Cheng finds your eyes, sees the lack of recognition there

but somehow, he still sees

still believes

that there is love

Nie Huaisang

the noisy entrance to your room draws your attention away from the landscape outside of your open window, 

“please, young master!” 

you raise your eyebrow at the sight of the man, who’s introduced himself as Huaisang, precariously carrying a rather large tray to you,

he’s balancing a lot of dishes, yet it doesn’t seem like he’s accepting any help from the servant accompanying him,

somehow, the tray gets brought to your bedside table in one piece

and you can’t help but smile as Huaisang sits heavily down beside you, breathing out an exhausted breath,

“thank you,” you begin and Huaisang simply waves his hand at you, 

“there’s no thanks between us,” Huaisang replies easily, smiles right back at you, 

upon your awakening, Huaisang had introduced himself as your friend,

but his presence by your side at nearly every waking moment,

and his gentleness with you,

makes you rethink his words, especially when he...

"i- i can feed myself!” you’re quick to interrupt, when Huaisang turns to you with chopsticks in hand and a small bowl of rice,

“y/n, you’re still weak, let me,” Huaisang insists

“it’s really okay, i can do it,” you reply, your hand reaching out for the bowl only for Huaisang to quickly draw it back to his lap,

you blink at him in surprise, noticing a different kind of look in his eyes for the first time 

a sadder, a bit more forlorn shade in his brown eyes that quickly dampens to something lighter, 

hidden away from you,

“can i... will you...let me take care of you?” Huaisang asks you, 

as if he hadn’t taken care of me so much already, you can’t help but think to yourself

“at least eat with me,” you say, remembering his form sat by your bedside the last image before you fall asleep

your words brings a small smile to Huaisang’s lips, 

and somehow that sight of his smile, warms your heart too

Jin Guangyao

you wake up to an elaborate, majestic bedroom

one that you don’t quite recognize

but it looks quite lived in, despite its lavishness

the sheets under your hand, and the robes that you wear are of the smoothest, softest silk

you’re pushing yourself up slowly, taking in everything bit by bit, when hands come to wrap around you 

your arms nearly give out at the surprise, both because of the surprise entrance and the proximity of the person to you

his eyes are brown, bright light brown, staring at you with a depth that has you winded 

and his actions with you are kind, gentle, something that borders a deeper care than a physician attending a patient

as you let this man help you sit up, softly against the propped pillows 

your eyes fall to the bright yellow robes that he wears, embroidered with beautiful designs, just as lavish as everything you were surrounded in,

“thank you...” you say quietly, 

the man sat in front of you stares at you for a beat, almost as if waiting for you to elaborate,

but you don’t

you both don’t exchange much words after that, 

not when the man is quick to take your wrist in his hand, checking your pulse, possibly (probably) your qi as well 

you blink as his hand comes up to feel your temperature, an action that you don’t think is necessary, but accept anyways

and then he is off

and you wonder to yourself, if you were just overthinking it, and he really was just a physician

when Meng Yao closes the doors of your bed chamber, he takes a heavy breath

he had known of your amnesia, 

was told that you might have forgotten him,

he had known that, known everything and thought he had been prepared for it

but the warm tear that falls out of his eyes in front of your closed door

makes him realize

that he is not

[i-will-cry-you-a-river]

Previous

Day 9 of @sangyaoweek

Free day

He almost forgot about the whole gift-thing (a lie), as both the little notes and the gifts stopped after he sent his letter. It didn't really bother him (another lie); he had so many other things to do (a somewhat truth). While he was a bit disappointed (a gross understatement) that Jin Guangyao seemingly forgot about him, but the saber practices became one of his favorite things overnight (to the desperation of his bruised and wounded training partners).

His mood was just as bright as a lovely spring day (when one moment the sun is shining, and the next there's a devastating hail storm), and he was enthusiastically working on some slight issues (viciously tearing a proposal apart), when Nie Mingjue approached him. “Huaisang, we have a visitor,” he said.

The younger Nie rolled his eyes. “Another?” He groaned.

“Mm,” hummed Nie Mingjue noncommitally, gesturing towards the courtyard. With a mix of resignation and frustration, Nie Huaisang made his way to the entrance, his strides long and determined, as if he was going to a battle. He hated these “visitors”, because each and every one of them were the sons and daughters of smaller clan heads, trying to dump them onto him. Somehow they all thought that if he denied them through letter, he wouldn't be able to do that after seeing their “beautiful, smart and perfect” offsprings in real life.

He threw the doors open, but before he could march right in front of another spouse-wannabe, he stopped dead on his tracks.

There, standing amidst the peach blossoms, was Jin Guangyao, dressed in the rich, golden robes of the Jin sect, looking like the prettiest painting ever.

Nie Huaisang noted distantly that his eyes lit up as he saw Nie Huaisang, but it was as if he was seeing what was happen as an outsider. As if it was happening to somebody else.

“A-Sang,” Jin Guangyao whispered, and stepped forward, a tentative smile on his lips.

With that, Nie Huaisang stepped back, making Jin Falter with his movement.

They stood there for a moment, simply looking at each other, the world around them fading into the background. Nie Huaisang wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not; he wasn't even sure what he was feeling at that moment. Joy? Anger? Love? Rejection? Hope? Sadness? He really wasn't sure.

Finally, Jin Guangyao broke the silence, his voice filled with sincerity.

“I’ve missed you, Huaisang,” he confessed. “Every day, I thought of you. Before I sent you the gifts, I needed to establish myself in Lanling. Then, I found things that I thought you'd like, and I just had to send them to you, but I couldn't afford to bring them myself. After your letter, I was working hard to be able to come here. I'm sorry for not coming sooner, not replying you, but I had to convince the Sect Leader that it would benefit him if I moved here. I… I missed you, Huaisang. Can you forgive me?”

Nie Huaisang felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes. “I missed you too,” he admitted.

Jin Guangyao stepped closer, gently taking Nie Huaisang’s hand. “I need to tell you something, and I want to know if you felt the same way. I would wish to stay with you either way, as a friend, or… but I have to know.”

Nie Huaisang’s heart pounded in his chest, hope filling his chest, like a bad heart-burn. Or a stomach ace. “How I feel?”

Jin Guangyao nodded. “Huaisang, I love you. I want to be with you, to build a future together. Do you… Do you think you could ever feel the same?”

Nie Huaisang’s breath caught in his throat. “A-Yao, I…” He faltered, but the look in his partner's eyes gave him strength. “While I kind of hate you for the time without any contact, I… I do love you. I've fallen for you the first time you stepped in front of me to shield me from a bandit. I just couldn't hope that you'd feel the same, especially after knowing who I was.”

Relief and joy washed over Jin Guangyao’s face. It was unfairly pretty. He was always graceful, like a doe, pretty, like a flower petal, and beautiful without comparison, but love and happiness made him look ethereal. Like a god descending from the heavens.

He pulled Nie Huaisang into a tight embrace, propriety damned, and Nie Huaisang gladly let him. “Thank you, Huaisang. Thank you for giving me this chance.”

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, savoring the moment of their reunion. Nie Huaisang could feel his brother's long-suffering stare from a distance, but he cared not even the tiniest bit. He was finally happy.

He had the approval of his clan, the trust of his beloved Da-ge, and the love of Jin Guangyao. Finally, he felt content.

[bloody-bee-tea]

Beetober 2021 Day 16 - Synch

This is for Precipice on AO3, who left this comment on another fic of mine: I think that we as a society are ready for more "NMJ lives but pretends to be dead in order for NHS to expose JGY and once the dust settles NMJ falls in love with JC" AUs.

It's not exactly that, but decently close I think.

Jiang Cheng is not sure what he’s supposed to think when his second in command wakes him up in the middle of the night, telling him that Nie Huaisang is waiting at the entrance for him.

“Didn’t you ask him inside?” Jiang Cheng snaps, cranky because he’s being woken up and because his second lacks all manners, but he shakes his head.

“Of course I did, but he said he couldn’t, not before you know everything.”

That is more than strange, even for Nie Huaisang, so Jiang Cheng hurries along with his second.

Nie Huaisang is still waiting at the entrance, clearly panicked and stressed, and there are tear-tracks on his face.

“Are you okay?” Jiang Cheng immediately asks, rushing forwards, but he stops when Nie Huaisang shakes his head.

“I need you to promise me that you can keep a secret,” he says, as he wrings his hands in front of his chest. “On your life, Wanyin.”

“Of course,” Jiang Cheng gives back.

He’s not one to talk much, and it’s not like he has anyone to share his secrets with anyway.

“Your people—they are trustworthy, right? If you tell them to keep a secret as well, they would?”

“My disciples would, yes,” Jiang Cheng gives back, no doubt in his mind that his people are loyal to him and would keep whatever secret he asks them to.

“Promise. Promise on your life,” Nie Huaisang repeats, stepping forward to grab Jiang Cheng’s arm and he’s surprised how much Nie Huaisang shakes.

“I promise on my life, the life of my disciples and the memory of my family,” Jiang Cheng solemnly says and Nie Huaisang slumps in relief.

“Someone tried to kill da-ge,” Nie Huaisang tells him. “I need you to hide him while he recuperates.”

“What?” Jiang Cheng breathes out, because who would dare to go after Nie Mingjue.

“I just—I can’t explain,” Nie Huaisang whispers. “I’m going to make them pay, but I can’t explain and they can’t know that da-ge is still alive. I need you to hide him, nurse him back to health. Please, Wanyin.”

“Of course,” Jiang Cheng immediately agrees, because there is no way he’s going to send Nie Mingjue or Nie Huaisang away. “Where is he?”

Nie Huaisang brings him to where he’s hiding Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng is not even going to ask how he managed to bring Nie Mingjue this far in that state. He looks bad—really bad—and Jiang Cheng wonders how he is still alive.

Sheer will, Jiang Cheng guesses, and he hopes that Nie Mingjue’s will lasts long enough to get him back on his feet.

They somehow manage to get Nie Mingjue into Jiang Cheng’s quarters, where he’ll have to stay until Jiang Cheng can prepare some more permanent rooms for him, and as soon as Nie Mingjue is settled Nie Huaisang turns towards him.

“No one can know,” he says again and Jiang Cheng nods.

“Are you going to tell me who did it?” Jiang Cheng wonders, though he can guess the answer.

“No,” Nie Huaisang shortly says and leaves Lotus Pier.

“Okay, then,” Jiang Cheng sighs and goes to call his healer.

He has to make sure Nie Mingjue survives. That’s more important than figuring out who Nie Huaisang is going to destroy.

~*~*~

Nie Mingjue is the worst patient Jiang Cheng can imagine. He doesn’t want to stay in bed, he doesn’t want to stop training, he doesn’t even want to take his medicine.

Jiang Cheng wants to hit him over the head several times a day, simply because he’s so aggravating and in his more mean moments, he wonders if whoever tried to kill Nie Mingjue wasn’t on to something.

But then Nie Mingjue says something funny or does something so deliberately stupid that it has to be on purpose, or he gets Jiang Cheng back out of his own head and all of those thoughts are forgotten.

Still. Worst patient ever.

~*~*~

“You won’t let me leave the inner parts, right?” Nie Mingjue asks, standing in the doorway of his room and not leaving, despite being finally cleared to do so.

“Of course not,” Jiang Cheng scowls. “Your presence here is supposed to be a secret. I have my disciples under control, but what the general population of Lotus Pier does—” he trails off with a shrug.

“Fine,” Nie Mingjue says as if this is the worst thing that happened to him in the last few months. “Show me around then?”

“Gladly,” Jiang Cheng says, rolling his eyes and pushing past Nie Mingjue.

He’s honestly relieved that Nie Mingjue is already feeling well enough to get up and walk around—and that he’s actually cleared to do so, too—because that first night Jiang Cheng hadn’t even been sure if Nie Mingjue would survive.

Nie Mingjue follows him obediently around, and he seems interested to see all the things Jiang Cheng changed while rebuilding Lotus Pier and before Jiang Cheng realizes it, most of the day has passed.

“Can you swim?” Jiang Cheng belatedly asks, because he doesn’t need Nie Mingjue drowning after they painstakingly nursed him back to health.

Nie Huaisang would accuse him of a murder attempt as well and who would even want that.

“Of course I can,” Nie Mingjue huffs out, and he seems ready to prove it on the spot too, but Jiang Cheng stops him.

“I believe you. I just don’t want you do drown.”

“I won’t,” Nie Mingjue confidently says, and then almost missteps and falls off the pier.

Jiang Cheng tries his best to hold his laughter in, but he doesn’t really manage it going by the look on Nie Mingjue’s face and that only makes him laugh more.

“I see how it is, you laugh at my poor misfortune,” Nie Mingjue grumbles but there’s a smile playing around his mouth as well and Jiang Cheng is glad to see it.

He feared for Nie Mingjue’s sanity for a while when he was still bound to his bed and to see him amused like this—almost laughing—is a relief.

Jiang Cheng decidedly does not think about how Nie Mingjue’s dimples make him feel.

~*~*~

Nie Mingjue has been in Lotus Pier for close to six months when Nie Huaisang finally comes by for a visit.

He sent constant letters of course and Jiang Cheng thinks there’s no day where the brothers don’t correspond with each other, but this is his first visit.

Word in the cultivation world is that Nie Mingjue suffered a qi deviation, went missing and is thought to be dead, so there was a mourning period to obey, but now Nie Huaisang can finally move around a bit easier again.

“Where is he?” Nie Huaisang asks the moment he touches down and before the question even fully leaves his mouth, Nie Mingjue is there and pulling him into a hug.

“Di-di,” he breathes out and Jiang Cheng feels like he really shouldn’t be here, like he’s interrupting something that’s only meant for the two of them.

“Da-ge,” Nie Huaisang wails and that’s the moment Jiang Cheng decides to give them some privacy.

Almost an hour passes before they come to find him at Jiang Cheng’s favourite pavilion—Nie Mingjue having led them there, no doubt—and Jiang Cheng tries very hard not to think about the fact that there hasn’t been anyone who cared to remember his favourites in way too long.

It wouldn’t do to get attached after all. Nie Mingjue is going to leave as soon as Nie Huaisang gets rid of his would-be-murderer and then Jiang Cheng is alone again.

“I see you’re hiding yourself away,” Nie Huaisang says as he sits down without waiting for an invitation and Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, shame on me for giving you some privacy,” he mutters but he does pour Nie Huaisang and Nie Mingjue some tea to show that he doesn’t really mean it.

Jiang Cheng is burning with a question for Nie Huaisang, but he’s not sure if he’s allowed to ask. In the end Nie Huaisang takes it out of his hands.

“Just ask, Wanyin,” he sighs out and Jiang Cheng doesn’t waste any time.

“I don’t want to know about your no doubt elaborate scheme, but just tell me: is Jin Ling safe with him?”

It seems like the question effectively stunned the Nie brothers because both stare at him before they speak in synch.

“What the hell?!”

“Great,” Jiang Cheng mutters, not even trying to hide how much their surprise hurts and Nie Mingjue immediately grimaces while Nie Huaisang waves him off.

“I just didn’t think—”

“That I’m that smart? I’m not an idiot, Huaisang,” Jiang Cheng snaps but it’s Nie Mingjue who puts a calming hand to Jiang Cheng’s arm.

“That’s really not it,” he reassures him. “We didn’t think that. It’s just—you don’t seem like a good actor. We didn’t think you’d be able to act normally around him if you knew.”

“I have to deal with Sect Leader Yao and Jin Guangshan on an almost daily basis and I despise those two. Yet I still manage to be polite enough to them. Sect Leader Yao even thinks us to be friends,” Jiang Cheng sniffs out, because he might be young and he might be inexperienced but he damn well knows how to keep a poker face when he has to.

“True,” Nie Mingjue gives back and smiles at him. “We’re sorry for underestimating you.”

“Whatever,” Jiang Cheng grumbles. “Just answer the damn question.”

“Yes, I do believe Jin Ling is safe with him,” Nie Huaisang says and Jiang Cheng even believes him.

“Okay. Is there anything you need me to do?”

“Pretend like everything is normal, like you have done the last six months as well,” Nie Huaisang immediately gives back and Nie Mingjue leans back on his hands.

“The same goes for me, as well. And I can’t say I’m too mad about it, I’m actually enjoying my vacation here.”

Right. A vacation. That’s all this is to Nie Mingjue, Jiang Cheng bitterly thinks. He has to remember that. He can’t get any more attached to Nie Mingjue than he already is, because in the end he’s only going to leave again.

~*~*~

Jiang Cheng isn’t sure how he ends up in the water with Nie Mingjue but that’s where they are right now. Their boat is drifting around, most of their clothes in it, and Nie Mingjue seemingly tries to drown Jiang Cheng.

Not that he can catch up to him, which is a good thing, because that sure is a lot of exposed skin right there.

Jiang Cheng is glad that the water is decently cold, so that his face isn’t burning too hotly, but he guesses he could write it off as exertion. Nie Mingjue might not be the fastest swimmer, but he’s relentless.

“Will you just stay still for a moment?” he pants when Jiang Cheng swims out of his reach again and Jiang Cheng laughs.

“Right. So you can drown me? I don’t think so. If you can catch me fine, otherwise—though luck!”

They keep at it for a while longer—Nie Mingjue entirely unable to catch up to Jiang Cheng—and in the end Nie Mingjue has to admit defeat.

“Fine,” he grumbles and swims back to the boat that drifted a good distance away.

Nie Mingjue heaves himself into the boat again and Jiang Cheng would love to do the same, but he’s wary of what Nie Mingjue is going to do so he swims laps around the boat for a while longer. It’s only when Nie Mingjue puts his clothes back on that Jiang Cheng figures he’s safe.

He swims over to the boat and heaves himself up as well, and he falls into it more gracelessly than he would like to. But swimming around for the whole afternoon has exhausted him and he’s not too ashamed to admit that.

“Tired?” Nie Mingjue teasingly asks and Jiang Cheng glowers at him.

“And whose fault is that?” he demands to know, righting himself up and looking for his clothes.

“Oh, I wish I could tire you out for real,” Nie Mingjue mutters under his breath and Jiang Cheng’s heart stops in his chest.

Nie Mingjue has made remarks like that before, but Jiang Cheng always pretends he doesn’t hear them, because he can’t do this.

He’s already in too deep for this to be only a quick, fun thing but he’s not ready to tell Nie Mingjue that. Nie Mingjue will return to his own sect once Jin Guangyao is dealt with and Jiang Cheng couldn’t stand that.

So he ignores any and all comments like that.

“Where are my clothes?” he grumbles, pretending that he didn’t hear Nie Mingjue over the murmuring of the water and Nie Mingjue points at a stack of clothes on his side of the boat.

“Right here.”

“Great, give them here, please?” Jiang Cheng asks and to his amazement Nie Mingjue hands them over without complain.

But instead of letting go of them when Jiang Cheng takes them, he uses them to pull Jiang Cheng towards himself, upsetting Jiang Cheng’s balance and making him fall face first into Nie Mingjue’s chest.

“Hello there,” Nie Mingjue says and Jiang Cheng’s heart goes into overdrive.

He’s pretty sure he can hear Nie Mingjue’s heart beat just as fast as his, and he’s almost certain that he felt Nie Mingjue’s lips brush against his hair and Jiang Cheng really can’t do this.

He flings himself away from Nie Mingjue as if he’s poison and he can’t meet his eyes.

“Don’t ever do that again,” he snaps at him, his clothes pressed protectively against his chest, uncaring that they are getting wet right now.

“I’m sorry, Wanyin,” Nie Mingjue says and he seems like it, too. “I just thought—”

“You thought wrong,” Jiang Cheng snaps out, though he longs to say anything else, and suddenly he can’t be in this boat with Nie Mingjue anymore.

He’s going to grow weak and reach out for him in return, but he knows that having this for one night will be worse than never having it at all.

So instead of letting himself be tempted he throws his clothes in Nie Mingjue’s face and jumps off the boat again.

A swim back to Lotus Pier will do him some good and make him remember his place in Nie Mingjue’s life.

~*~*~

It’s over. It took Nie Huaisang almost an entire year to bring down Jin Guangyao, but he did it, and that means that Nie Mingjue can go back home without having to fear for his life.

Jiang Cheng isn’t sure how he does it, but he manages a smile when Nie Huaisang tells them about it.

“That’s great,” Jiang Cheng says and doesn’t let himself think about the hole Nie Mingjue’s absence will leave in his life. “I’m happy for you.”

Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang frown at him, so he knows he’s not being that good of an actor right now, but Jiang Cheng can’t be bothered to care.

“I trust that you can gather your own things? You must want to get back as quickly as possible so I won’t keep you,” he says and turns away from them. “It was a pleasure hosting you.”

“Oh no, you don’t,” Nie Mingjue says and grabs Jiang Cheng’s wrist. “Is this why you have been distant lately? Why you wouldn’t let me kiss you? Or do anything else?” Nie Mingjue wants to know, clearly uncaring of Nie Huaisang’s splutters to the side.

“What does it matter?” Jiang Cheng hisses, but he can’t manage to break Nie Mingjue’s grip on him. “You’ll go back to Qinghe and this won’t matter anymore.”

“You will always matter!” Nie Mingjue yells and Jiang Cheng stills in surprise. “You think I wanted—what? A quick fuck? Some uncomplicated fun? No offense, but for that I would have picked one of your disciples.”

“So what do you want from me?” Jiang Cheng dares to ask, because this sounds like Nie Mingjue might want more than just that from him and hope is a very dangerous thing.

“Well, if you would ask me, I would stay. At least part-time. I have no intention of going back as a Sect Leader. Nie Huaisang is perfectly suited for that and I can give some advice if need be, but I don’t want to lead anything anymore.”

“What are you saying?” Jiang Cheng whispers.

“I’m saying that I want to court you like is proper, and then marry you so you can never doubt my intentions again,” Nie Mingjue tells him and Jiang Cheng feels like he’s floating.

He’s kind of glad that Nie Mingjue is keeping him tethered to the ground right now.

“Oh,” Jiang Cheng breathes out and Nie Mingjue rolls his eyes, just as Nie Huaisang hides himself away behind a fan.

“A proper courtship has to go through your Sect Leader,” he says, his voice smug and Nie Mingjue glares at him.

“Refuse me this and I’ll never come home,” Nie Mingjue threatens, causing Nie Huaisang to laugh out loud and Jiang Cheng can feel himself flush.

“Seriously?” he still has to ask, because this is too good to be true and Nie Mingjue turns back around to him.

“I love you. Of course seriously.”

There is no trace of hesitation or deceit on Nie Mingjue’s face and Jiang Cheng knows he can trust this. Nie Mingjue doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean.

“Court me properly then,” Jiang Cheng challenges him and he only has a split second to appreciate the wicked smile on Nie Mingjue’s face before he darts in for a quick kiss.

“It’s way too soon for that stage,” Nie Huaisang screeches, whacking Nie Mingjue with his fan, but Jiang Cheng has to laugh.

It’s a bold enough move to fit Nie Mingjue.

“A proper courtship,” he reiterates and Nie Mingjue nods, clearly unrepentant.

“From now on, everything will go its proper way,” he agrees and Jiang Cheng laughs again.

It seems like he is in for quite the ride.

Link to my ko-fi on the sidebar!

[guqin-and-flute]

nieyao or 3zun + prompt 64 with cat!baxia

64. “I think your cat wants to kill me.” [This got way away from me WHOOPS]

“So. This date is going fantastically. Do I make top 10?”

Meng Yao huffed a short, polite laugh through his nose at Mingjue’s rueful question. “Being nursed back to health by a handsome man is certainly adding back points lost in the cat attack,” he replied, and some of the frustrated dread bled from the ball in Mingjue’s chest. “I really could do this myself, you know,” he added.  

Mingjue sighed. “Yeah, well, since it was my cat attack, I feel like I need to make reparations. I’ve also taken First Aid more times than I can count and cat scratches can get really nasty.” 

If this were a one of the sappy romcoms Huaisang loved so much, standing at the sink together as he tended to the 2 gashes scoring down Meng Yao’s forearm with several antiseptic soaked cotton balls had the potential to be romantic. Except Mingjue had never liked those movies and he just felt like a fucking asshole who owned an unruly animal.

He had met Meng Yao at the grocery store. Mingjue had looked up from his phone at the sound of a sharp voice--a middle aged business man was snapping at a young man in front of him in line; "Fucking Christ, you're going to hold up everyone."

"You can go ahead of me if you'd like--"

"There's a whole line of people here! We all have places to go!"

The man being yelled at--(the very attractive man with round, dark eyes, he noted)--had grimaced placatingly, as the cashier was saying, "We can hold his groceries while he goes out, sir, you won't have to wait."

A the business man threw his hands into the air in disgust, Mingjue had slid his phone into his back pocket and interrupted in his 'is this guy bothering you' voice; "What's the problem?"

3 pairs of eyes had darted to him immediately and gone wide. The very good looking man had tensed completely, eyes darting to the door in a way that looked involuntary--and well, Mingjue had been struck by the completely overwhelming urge to tuck him back behind him and make this asshole between them shit his pants in fear. And anyone else that made him look that scared, for that matter. "I'm sorry," the scared, attractive, adorable, fragile-looking, harassed young man had said a tight smile, "I forgot my wallet in my car, we can just--"

"Here," Mingjue slid out his credit card handed it--pointedly--over Mr. Business-Asshole's head to the cashier. "I'll cover it. You know what," he had added, fixing the quickly wilting dickhead with his best 'I-can-bench-press-you-and-then-feed-you-your-own-esophagus-no-problem' stare, "Why don't you get the nice lady behind me, too. Once this guy is done running for the biggest jackass award. I'll wait."

And, you know, weirdly enough, Mr. Asshole had actually left the line, red faced and without his shitty little protein shakes. As the cashier bit back a grin and rung up the card, the harassed young man--who was even prettier up close, holy hell, it made his lower back sweat--had tried to insist that it wasn't necessary, that really, he had the money, he could just go get it, he appreciated it but didn't need Mingjue to put himself out. Mingjue had just shrugged and held out his hand. "It's the principle of the thing. Nie Mingjue."

The man had opened his mouth, looked down at his hand; then, he had smiled and holy goddamn fucking shitballs he had dimples. Shaking it firmly in a hand that was soft and cool and slim, he had said, "Then...thank you. Meng Yao. I'll have to pay you back. Do you have a cash app?"

"Don't bother."

"I insist."

"You can buy me dinner sometime, then," Mingjue's mouth had decided to say without permission, but luckily he agreed with the idea and so had been quite pleased to see Meng Yao's ears go pink.

"...That sounds fair," he replied, finally, those lovely dimples returning.

The cashier had cleared their throat, brightly. "Do you by chance have our loyalty card?"

They agreed on a first date in a public restaurant where they could verify that the other wasn’t some sort of serial killer. It had even been a nice one that Meng Yao had insisted on where they had also shared a bottle of wine and interesting conversation. Meng Yao was exceedingly smart and easy to talk to--the perfect conversational partner with a knack for solving many of the problems that Mingjue hadn't even realized he complained about. In return, he had made his attraction quite clear and Meng Yao had ducked his head.

"I'll have you know that I don't go home with anyone on the first date," he had said carefully, eyes on his fingertip as he ran it around the rim of his wineglass. "It's a personal rule of mine. I wouldn't want you to get the wrong impression."

"That's fine with me," Mingjue shrugged. "If you're up for it, I'll wait for as many dates outlasts your rule, 'cause I grill a mean steak."

Those dimples came back and he had sat back in his chair, voice light as he asked, "Oh? Won't you get bored?"

Mingjue had snorted and finished off his glass. "Just because I'd like to sleep with you doesn't mean I don't also want to get to know you, you know."

Mingjue was just getting to know the guy, so he couldn't be sure, but that answer seemed to please him.

The night of the cat disaster was the 4th on their run of dates--Mingjue had shooed Huaisang over to Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s house for the night and invited Meng Yao over via text for dinner and a movie and also the option of sex, if he wanted. 

Apparently, the bluntness had made Meng Yao laugh. Mingjue had texted back that he preferred honesty in all things and could handle a ‘no, thanks’ with plenty maturity. Meng Yao had replied, ‘I’m sure you can,’ which, he had very keenly noticed, was not a ‘no, thanks.’

Dinner had gone great--homemade meals always seemed to impress--and they had been preparing to split a chocolate lava cake in front of a shitty action movie they had both agreed on with the understanding that neither of them minded missing anything if they decided fooling around was more interesting.

But now, there was blood everywhere--on the dishes in the sink, on the towel they had hastily staunched it with, on the countertop and the mood was ruined because his giant, grumpy ass cat had decided to savage his date as they were cleaning up the table. Baxia had sniffed his leg suspiciously when he first came in, flinching away as he knelt down to offer his fingers. Then, she had fixed him with a glare, hissed, and turned around and stalked away, fluffy gray tail held high--which, for her, was practically a warm welcome. She had her boys--Huaisang and Mingjue--and hated pretty much everyone else (except for Wei Wuxian's older sister Jiang Yanli when she had dropped him off to hang out with Huaisang when his license got suspended. Which had happened a few times, now).

Everything had been fine with her while they ate--she had even spent it under the table, rubbing up against Mingjue's legs, staring up at Meng Yao without making so much as a peep. It was when they had risen that disaster struck. She had hopped up onto Meng Yao's chair and decided to take personal offense to his existence with absolutely no warning at all when he passed by with his hands full of silverware.

Now, Meng Yao’s long fingers curled into a fist as the cotton passed over a particularly deep part of the slice, though his face remained calm, so Mingjue winced for him. "Sorry. I swear, she's never done this before, I don't know what the hell her problem is."

Meng Yao shook his head, smile pressed and polite as he said, "Really, it's fine." He shifted on his feet to lean his hip against the cupboards and, immediately, Mingjue seized his elbows. 

“Are you dizzy?”

The other man had stiffened at the sudden movement, staring up at him. Then, he blinked and smiled, shaking his head. “No, I'm alright.”

Mingjue eyed him suspiciously. “You’re sure?”

He laughed. “I’m not going into shock, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve had much worse, trust me. I’m not going to pass out.”

Mingjue remained unconvinced. Instead of arguing further, he simply lifted him by the waist to sit on the island across from the sink for lack of a chair. Meng Yao let out the beginning of a squeak, hands automatically flashing up to bunch in the front of his shirt for balance. He blinked down at Mingjue, then the ground, then back at him, eyes wide and nostrils flared. Mingjue couldn't tell if it was annoyance, horniness, or a combination of both--and that was all well and good except that he was still bleeding and he knew from experience what a bitch blood was to get out of clothing. So he just pulled Meng Yao's arm out again and went back to work, asking, "So what was the 'much worse'?"

"Pardon?"

"You said you knew you're not going to pass out because you've had 'much worse'. What's the story there?"

"Ah. No story. I broke my arm. Compound fracture. I stayed awake the whole time, so a cat scratch is fairly minor, in comparison."

Mingjue hissed in through his teeth reflexively in sympathy and scanned him. Either he healed fantastically or the scar was higher up on his arms, under the soft cream sweater sleeves that were rolled up to his elbows--luckily, they had been rolled up before the attack and had escaped blood thus far. "Fuck. How'd that happen?"

"Fell down some stairs."

Mingjue raised an eyebrow at the stark explanation. "Well, maybe you shouldn't fall down stairs. Ever thought of that?"

Meng Yao smiled thinly down at him, dark eyes glinting in the fluorescent lights. "Mm. I'll have to keep that in mind." The dimples he searched for avidly were there, faintly, and Mingjue found himself wanting to nibble on them.

They hadn't done much else besides a kiss goodnight in the shadows near the entrance to the parking garages of their dates, because Mingjue was being good and keeping his hands above the belt. And he should probably figure out whether or not this date was going to have the eject button pressed, first. There was blood everywhere, still.

"Why all the First Aid classes?" Meng Yao asked suddenly, keeping his arm extended out even as Mingjue released him to rummage for the antibacterial spray. "Was it because your demon cat kept attacking people?"

Mingjue barked out a laugh and sprayed down his arm--Meng Yao didn't flinch. "At first, it was for lifeguarding, every summer since I was 16 until I graduated college. Now, I take refresher courses because I run a martial arts studio and shit can get real real fast, especially with newbies who try to fuck around." Tearing open the packet of sterilized gauze with his teeth so he could still hold his arm, he situated it and held it with a gentle thumb. "Tape or gauze wrap?"

Meng Yao shrugged. "I have no preference. Surprise me."

Gauze wrap it was. It would hurt less than pulling tape off his arm later. Meng Yao watched him finish up quietly, ankles linked, posture straight and proper even sitting on a kitchen counter. On impulse, Mingjue lifted his now bandaged arm and kissed the skin of his wrist, just below where the gauze stopped and got a slight shiver for his trouble. He looked up at him, then, an angle he was not used to but was definitely enjoying. "This has been a piss poor date. I really am sorry."

"The dinner was lovely before it ended in bloodshed, I promise," Meng Yao assured him, smiling. Then, it grew a little sly and he leaned in, slowly, stretching his arms out over Mingjue's shoulders to link behind his neck. "Although, you could always kiss it better."

Well, there was no possible way to misinterpret that particular invitation and he heartily took it, snugging Meng Yao up against him with hands on his hips and devouring him just as indulgently as he would the forgotten lava cake cooling on the stove top. He hummed in appreciation as Meng Yao's arms wrapped tighter, his thighs squeezing around his hips as he kissed back with just as much enthusiasm. He tasted like the dry wine they had finished the meal with.

All at once, though, Meng Yao froze, hands stilling in his hair. Before Mingjue had time to be confused, he whispered against his mouth, "I think your cat wants to kill me," eyes fixed on something over Mingjue's shoulder.

Mingjue craned his neck around to find Baxia perched on the counter next to the sink, tail swishing, gaze locked with Meng Yao, ears flicked out to the sides. She let out a low, quiet growl.

"Oh, for fucks sake," Mingjue growled back. "That's it. You're going in Huaisang's room for the night."