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vassar177 · 3 years

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Cause for Concern

All kinds of people pass through karaoke bars, it just so happens that Nie Mingjue recognizes someone this time. And it's a bit concerning.

Or, the one where Nie Mingjue works at a karaoke house and Jiang Cheng sings through the five stages of grief.

This was a prompt request from the highly relatable @niebruvsky on twitter. Enjoy!

~ Ao3 link here ~

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Saturday nights are always the worst.

People of all ages come in and out with the most ridiculous requests; ranging from the mild "can I get your number?”; to the slightly unreasonable but still entertaining "sing this song with us youngin’”; right up to the wholly intolerable “please do this stupid internet trend so I can record you for clout.”

All waiting for him to have some extraordinary reaction when the only thing he really wants to do is go home.

The only reason even works a lousy job at the karaoke house is because it was the only place with a part-time, overnight shift that would accept him once they saw his tattoos.

His normal bodyguard job doesn’t care too much since he wears a suit most of the time- and his strength is the only thing that matters anyway- but apparently, convenience stores are still a bit picky about these things.

And someone needs to help pay for the rest of Huaisang’s schooling. They can’t keep relying on their parents’ inheritance; three major changes only to drop out and end up in a technical school isn’t particularly cheap. Nie Mingjue groans as he stretches his arms.

He was lucky today.

His coworkers immediately noticed he was in no mood to entertain and put him on desk duty, which isn’t particularly interesting. But it does come in handy sometimes.

Like when your brother’s friend mindlessly walks in, eyes cast down avoiding all contact and reserves a booth indefinitely.

Nie Mingjue looks down at the queue one last time before finally making his decision. The dial tone rings four times.

“A-sang.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, one that tells Nie Mingjue exactly where his younger brother is. The pounding bass, the in and out warping of synths, the much too loud droning of a distorted singer.

Nie Mingjue adds ‘pick up a shitfaced Huaisang’ to his mental checklist.

“Da-ge, what’s up?”

Nie Mingjue can barely hear him. “What’s your friend’s name?”

“Da-ge, you’re gonna have to be more specific than that.”

Nie Mingjue sighs, looking down onto the music queue for room 304. There are two more songs added. “The pretty one that’s always angry.”

“Jiang Cheng?” A few odd sounds filter through the phone and suddenly all the noise Nie Mingjue had been hearing is muffled close to nothing. His voice echoes when he speaks next, “why? Is something wrong? Is he okay?”

“I think he’s cycled through every emotion possible within the last four hours. He’s ordered seven Tequila Sunrises and is currently singing Whitney Houston.”

Nie Mingjue will silently admit the kid has good taste, after he confirms whether or not he needs to stage an intervention.

Now it’s Nie Huaisang’s turn to sigh. Which is never a good thing.

“He’s had...a rough week.” Nie Huaisang gives, ambiguous as always, but Nie Mingjue has all the information he needs.

He may not be the best with faces, but he certainly remembers names and ‘Jiang Cheng’ makes a frequent appearance in his brother’s rants.

“He’s taking your bed though.” Nie Mingjue hangs up before Nie Huaisang can fully vocalize his outraged squawk.

The clock shines a bright 2:17 am and he figures he can leave early for once.

Packing his things doesn’t take long, his bag had stayed with him since he hadn’t been required to get into uniform today. Making his way to room 304, Nie Mingjue braces himself for whatever he’s about to walk into.

He can hear the muted sounds of what he thinks is a power ballad and a very sad tambourine through the door.

What he opens the door to isn’t all that different from what he heard, actually.

Jiang Cheng is sitting at the edge of one of the sofas with what seems to be nine empty glasses beside him. He looks like a startled deer, pupils dilated by the new stream of light pouring into the small room, hand still poised to hit his tambourine, mouth still poised to sing the next lyric.

His eyes are red and puffy and he’s got tear stains running down his cheeks.

The lights from the karaoke machine continue to bounce around the room as they stare at each other in silence and Nie Mingjue ignores the voice in his head that tells him he wasn’t lying when he said “pretty” earlier.

He does listen to the voice that tells him that this is his brother’s friend, though, who probably really needs some food and water right about now.

“Can you stand?”

Speaking breaks whatever trance Jiang Cheng was in as he blinks furiously to adjust his eyes. It doesn’t do anything to curb the confusion. Nie Mingjue can see him trying to mentally put the puzzle together despite none of the pieces fitting.

Especially since Jiang Cheng hadn’t even noticed Nie Mingjue when he paid at the front desk earlier.

Making his way towards the other, Nie Mingjue squats down in front of him, shifting his work bag and offering his back. He throws a light “A-sang asked me to check up on you” over his shoulder for clarity’s sake.

Something must finally click in Jiang Cheng’s mind because he climbs onto Nie Mingjue’s back without further prodding.

He gets a few odd looks as he leaves the building through the employee entrance but other than that, no one complains when he clocks out early.

The walk is quiet.

Nie Mingjue doesn’t speak and Jiang Cheng certainly doesn’t say anything.

He would almost think he had fallen asleep if not for the slight grumble that comes from the other’s stomach, and the weak “sorry” that accompanies it.

Right, food and water.

Locating a nearby convenience store isn’t difficult, not when there’s one on every block, so he deposits Jiang Cheng outside while he goes in to pay.

He thinks he remembers Huaisang complaining about Jiang Cheng’s tastes when drunk, something about coffee milk doesn’t even taste good, and really? A whole-ass sweet potato?

Nie Mingjue doesn’t think too much of it as he picks the items up along with a few other miscellaneous foods and drinks, but looking back, it might come off as a bit weird if someone who is by all means a stranger were to know your exact food preferences.

Or at least that’s the vibe he’s getting from Jiang Cheng as he looks back and forth between the food and Nie Mingjue in confusion.

He eats it anyway.

Nie Mingjue pulls out his phone in the meantime, sends Huaisang some money to take a cab home because he’s obviously not going to be able to pick him up, and sips at one of the drinks he got.

It’s much too sweet for his tastes but it’s better than the soda they have stocked at the karaoke bar. The carbonation always hurts, setting off his nerves and staying much longer than welcomed. He’ll leave the other bottle for Huaisang when he gets home.

It’s the sound of slurping that informs him that Jiang Cheng has finished. His eyes are more focussed now at least, and when he stands there’s no indication he’ll fall.

“I can still carry you if you need,” Nie Mingjue offers anyway, he’s used to it after all.

But with sobriety comes clarity, and with clarity often comes shame, so he’s not surprised by the choked “no thank you” that rushes out of the other’s mouth.

They walk in silence once more, the only difference being what was once halfway to comfortable, is now stifling.

Nie Mingjue can feel anxiety and guilt and self-deprecation radiating off the other in waves. It’s so bad that he's even starting to feel self-conscious.

The clicking of Jiang Cheng’s nails as he plays with them echoes off the walls at a steady pace and Nie Mingjue realizes he doesn’t think he can last the fifteen minutes it will take for them to reach his apartment.

“Celine Dion, huh.” It was the thing that stuck out to him most as he watched Jiang Cheng queue up song after song.

The clicking stops for a moment and Nie Mingjue has to glance over, wondering if his attempt to change the mood worked any. He does not expect the scoff that comes.

“Celine Dion is a legend and an icon, I take no criticism.”

Well then.

Nie Mingjue tries to bite back a smile at the response. Jiang Cheng seems more like himself now than he has all night- or the version of himself that Nie Mingjue has crafted based on stories from Huaisang- and to think it would be because of Celine Dion.

Humming a bit to himself, Nie Mingjue thinks of how many times Jiang Cheng has felt the need to defend himself over something as inconsequential as his taste in music, and it doesn’t sit well with him.

“It wasn’t a criticism,” is what he manages to say after a few long seconds. “I think it’s rather impressive actually, that those are the songs you’ve managed to hit the top of the leader board with.”

And it’s true. Nie Mingjue hasn’t seen someone score a 95 on a Celine Dion song the entire time he’s worked at the house. Although to be fair, not many have even attempted to sing her songs.

“The what?”

“The leader board, it’s posted right when you walk in. By the time I left the front desk your room had taken up seven of the top ten slots.” Nie Mingjue glances over again and Jiang Cheng seems genuinely surprised. He continues, “You must have some serious skill. I only know My Heart Will Go On and A-sang told me I sounded like a cow giving birth.”

Jiang Cheng barks out a startled laugh, looking at him in disbelief. “That can’t be true.”

Oh, but it very much can be. So Nie Mingjue demonstrates.

It’s made worse by the fact that they're walking down a narrow street, the sound echoing off buildings and walls to further enhance the cacophony. It lasts seconds after Nie Mingjue has already finished and Jiang Cheng’s eyes are blown wide. He’s staring down the street as if he can actually see the discordant notes bouncing around.

He has never argued when Huaisang has said that Nie Mingjue is where all things music and art go to die.

“Oh my god.”

Nodding along, Nie Mingjue can’t help but agree.

“Oh my god,” Jiang Cheng repeats, borderline hysterical but still managing to keep it together somehow. Until someone shouts from their window-

“What the fuck was that?”

-and all hope is lost.

Jiang Cheng doubles over, laughter escaping his chest as he clutches onto Nie Mingjue for stability. Even Nie Mingjue finds the timing of it all quite funny, chuckling to himself lightly.

By the time Jiang Cheng actually calms down, there are tears streaming down his face, but it’s contrasted with a flush that comes with delight not despair, and a cheeky smile that brightens his entire face.

Jiang Cheng is wiping his tears, involuntary chuckles making their way back up every few seconds, and still clutching onto Nie Mingjue’s arm for support.

It’s a much better slight than the one he had walked in on. Nie Mingjue decides to make it his mission to see this look as often as possible.

Even if it means he has to embarrass himself here and there.

---

Jiang Cheng does not end up in Nie Huaisang's bed, but that's only because he and Nie Mingjue pass out on the couches after getting through the door. Nie Huaisang has pictures and a smug grin when Nie Mingjue finally wakes up.

Thank you all for reading, I hope you found it a least a bit enjoyable!

#mingcheng #tried to write #twitter prompt

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ibijau · 4 years

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Worst engagement AU // on AO3

Lan Wangji gives friendship another try, and Lan Xichen has a pretty shitty day

warning for infidelity :D part of this chapter had been posted wayyyyy back (in fact, it was the very first thing I posted for this AU!) but it’s been touched up a lot

It is rare, this year, to find Nie Huaisang alone. So when Lan Wangji, one afternoon, sees the other boy walking alone in a garden with a stack of papers under his arm, he takes his chance and greets him.

"Lan gongzi! I was thinking you'd taken a dislike to me," Nie Huaisang replies with a half smile. "May I help you with something?"

A certain guilt makes its way in Lan Wangji's chest. He hasn't meant to avoid Nie Huaisang. If anything, he has wanted to check on the other boy for those past three months, at once still worried about his break down at the end of the previous year and quite stunned by the changes since his return. And he knows, of course, that Nie Huaisang would not have been opposed to a conversation, since the other boy often smiles at him when their eyes meet.

Lan Wangji would have been happy to pursue the budding friendship they started last year, but Nie Huaisang’s entourage made it difficult. It is good that Nie Huaisang is not so alone this year, but did he really need to be friends with Wei Wuxian, who is the most irritating, and annoying, and clever, and gorgeous, and disrespectful person Lan Wangji has ever met?

"I was wondering if Nie gongzi would like to have tea."

"Really? I'd love that!" Nie Huaisang exclaims with a large smile that quickly dims a little. "Ah, sorry, that was probably too loud. I've gotten bad habits with the others, but don't worry Lan gongzi, I can still be quiet as well. When would you like to do that?"

At the moment, Wei Wuxian is being punished for fighting with Jin Zixuan, while Jiang Wanyin is dutifully waiting for his father's arrival. Lan Wangji cannot be certain he'll get such a chance again. If he allows for this moment to pass, maybe when Nie Huaisang comes to have tea with him, Wei Wuxian will try to tag along. It would be absolutely awful. Lan Wangji doesn't want to have Wei Wuxian in his house, ever.

"If Nie gongzi is free now, I am as well."

The older boy considers that for a moment.

"I had plans for later, but nothing too important. It’s fine if I miss out on that or if I’m late, especially if it’s to have some time with Lan gongzi. Let me just go drop those in my cabin," Nie Huaisang requests, patting his pile of papers.

"Homework?"

Nie Huaisang grimaces at the very idea.

"No, I have been painting a bit. I'll just drop them and…"

"I would like to see them," Lan Wangji cuts him. "Bring them."

"Really ? Well, if Lan gongzi insists…"

Lan Wangji nods, and Nie Huaisang easily gives in. With this matter settled, the two of them head toward the house Lan Wangji shares with his brother and uncle. When they reach the door, Nie Huaisang hesitates, his easy smile faltering a bit.

"Is your brother likely to be there?"

"Brother is helping Uncle deal with sect business, since Uncle is expecting visitors. Neither of them are likely to come."

Nie Huaisang instantly relaxes at the news, which isn't a surprise. Lan Xichen has been complaining a great deal about the time he is forced to spend with Nie Huaisang, and how unpleasant it always is. Lan Wangji imagines the feeling is shared. It seems odd to him, because both his brother and Nie Huaisang are fine people with personalities mild enough that they’re easy to get along with. Still, if they’ve decided they can’t bear each other’s presence, it’s their problem, and he’s not getting involved in that.

That's why rather than to stay in the main room, as would probably be more proper, Lan Wangji prepares tea and then takes the other boy to his bedroom. That way, if Lan Xichen comes home, Nie Huaisang is less likely to have to deal with him. It also means that Nie Huaisang gets to see the painting he gifted Lan Wangji hanging on the wall.

He looks absolutely stunned to see it there.

"So you really displayed it?" he mumbles. "I thought your brother was poking fun at me because it's such a bad painting. I should have known better, it’s not like he has a sense of humour. Still, to put something so bad on the wall like this..."

"I like it," Lan Wangji protests. "Brother too likes it."

Nie Huaisang snorts and crosses his arms on his chest, tilting his head to glare at his painting.

"I doubt that. He hates everything about me."

"Brother likes how you paint," Lan Wangji objects, inviting Nie Huaisang to sit at his desk, the only table available.

Nie Huaisang sits down. He accepts the cup of tea offered to him and glances at it, but quickly puts it down on the table, lips pinched.

"Nie gongzi doesn't like this tea?"

"I don't like any Lan tea, I think. You people always make it too light, it's just warm water.” Nie Huaisang presses a hand against his mouth. “Ah, sorry, that's rude! I'm so sorry, I'll make an effort to be more like before."

"Like before?"

Nie Huaisang nods and drinks some tea with a forced smile.

"You like me quiet, right?" he asks. "I haven't had to be quiet in a while. I miss it a bit, actually. I like having friends, but it's so much effort sometimes, and it gets hard to keep up with people like Jiang-xiong and Wei-xiong. Thanks for the chance to… Ah, I probably speak too much as well?"

"You speak less than Wei Wuxian, so it is fine,” Lan Wangji replies, unwilling to admit that he minds chatter a little less these days. After that month of overlooking Wei Wuxian’s punishment, he’s had to get used to it.

"Well, that's not hard,” Nie Huisang chuckles. “He even talks in his sleep sometimes."

Against his better judgement, Lan Wangji finds that detail endearing. He adds it to the list of little things he keeps learning about Wei Wuxian, although he would rather die than confess such a list exists.

"It is fine that Nie gongzi speaks more now," Lan Wangji states. "Nie gongzi said last year he was one to follow demands and not make them, I'm glad this is changing."

"Oh, right, I never thanked you for that!” Nie Huaisang gasps, before breaking into a large smile. “But after what you said, I spoke with my brother when I went home, and he agreed to let me try different things. Lan gongzi, I'm very grateful for the kindness you showed me that day, and for your good advice. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Lan Wangji nods in acknowledgement.

In all honesty, and remembering the state Nie Huaisang was in after being told he failed his exams, Lan Wangji has some idea what the older boy might have done if not given some comfort and encouragement. Most of what he said was spoken out of fear that his brother might turn into a widower before even getting the chance to marry, and Lan Wangji was half certain that it was mostly nonsense but… if it helped Nie Huaisang, he’s glad.

“Since Nie gongzi no longer has to hide, will he show me his work?” Lan Wangji asks, glancing at the small pile of papers the other boy dropped on the floor.

“Only if you show me yours. Lan gongzi paints as well, right?”

Lan Wangji nods. He does, but only because it is what a young man of good birth must do. He doesn’t find in this the pleasure his brother and Nie Huaisang seem to take in it. Still, it is not unpleasant to have someone other than his brother appear excited about the prospect of seeing his work.

The day has been unpleasant so far for Lan Xichen, and he does not particularly expect it to improve. His uncle is in a terrible mood and making it felt around, all because of this business with Wei Wuxian, which is…

If Lan Xichen could allow himself to be honest, he’d say the entire matter is ridiculous. Wei Wuxian isn’t an easy student, but he’s far from being the worst they’ve had either. As for this argument with Jin Zixuan, the fault is divided between the two of them, so it’s unfair that one gets punished more harshly. Certainly Wei Wuxian has misbehaved here and there, but he’s clever, and if Lan Qiren had just found the right way to get through to him, things would have gone better.

Except his uncle isn't one to question his methods, and so Wei Wuxian must carry the blame alone. Much like last year when Nie Huaisang had to shoulder his failure alone, when surely, after how much effort the other Nie boys confirmed he put into studying, such bad results should have made any teacher question themselves.

It is an unpleasant day, and Lan Xichen feels so rebellious that he asked to be excused when sect leader Jiang and sect leader Jin arrived, for fear he might say something he shouldn't.

Leaving the adults to their gossips and complaining also means he is free to go inform his brother that Wei Wuxian will be leaving. This, too, Lan Xichen blames on his rebellious mood. He knows his uncle doesn't want Lan Wangji to have anything to do with Wei Wuxian, now that it is clear his upstanding nephew cannot influence the other boy and might instead be lead astray. Too bad for Lan Qiren. If there's finally someone who insistently wants to be Lan Wangji's friend, Lan Xichen wants to encourage that.

And so as soon as his uncle allows him to leave his side, Lan Xichen heads straight for home. At this hour, his brother is likely to be there, either meditating or practicing the guqin.

When he enters the house, the faint aroma of tea in the air confirms that Lan Wangji must be there. The main room is empty, so he must be in his bedroom, most likely meditating. Lan Xichen is sorry to disturb him, but hopefully Lan Wangji will be grateful to be given a chance to rush and say a few last words to Wei Wuxian.

As Lan Xichen walks toward his brother's room though, he is struck to hear voices coming from that direction. His brother is not one for guests and there is hardly anyone Lan Wangji is close enough to bring into not simply his house, but his bedroom.

This mystery is quickly lifted when Lan Xichen reaches the door to his brother's room and finds him sitting at his desk, Nie Huaisang at his side. The two younger boys have spread a large quantity of papers on the table before them, paintings by the looks of it, and are so busy chatting about them that they haven't noticed Lan Xichen.

It is so odd to see Nie Huaisang this relaxed. When Lan Xichen sees him in the distance with his friends, he is always jumping around, laughing and smiling and nearly as loud as Wei Wuxian. And of course during their weekly meetings, Nie Huaisang is sullen and closed off. Lan Xichen might be tempted to think that this is closer to how Nie Huaisang was last year, but even that would be inexact. Nie Huaisang never used to smile this much, and he always carried himself as if he were scared to take too much space. Nothing like this Nie Huaisang who is calm but clearly happy, and doesn't hesitate to reach across the table to take a painting.

"Oh this one is so good!"

Lan Wangji glances at the painting in question.

"Hm. It is brother's. He gave it to me to copy."

Nie Huaisang blushes slightly at the blunder. Lan Xichen expects him to drop the painting or make some disparaging comment, but instead the other boy inspects it carefully.

"Well, it figures,” Nie Huaisang sighs wistfully. “Your brother is a painter beyond compare… I could never even hope to paint with such controlled lines. Everything is just perfect, exactly as it should be… it must be amazing to be this good. I hope to be half as skilled someday."

Lan Xichen’s heart races at the unexpected compliment. Considering how Nie Huaisang speaks to him when he is present, he would have expected him to say much worse things about him in his absence. Even if he didn’t want to offend Lan Wangji by insulting his brother, it would have been easy to say something more neutral, or nothing at all.

“Huaisang could ask brother to teach him,” Lan Wangji suggests.

“No,” Nie Huaisang huffs with a bitter chuckle. “Your brother has made it very clear to me that he thinks I should give up on painting to focus on studying. He’d never do anything to encourage me on that path. And even without that, he hates me too much to ever want to spend more time with me.”

It stings that Nie Huaisang would believe that, when Lan Xichen has repeatedly asked to see his paintings, only to be denied each time. It stings also that Lan Wangji just nods along and drops the matter, grabbing instead a different painting to inspect it.

"This one is nice."

"You think?” Nie Huaisang pouts. “It could be better. I really like that view, but I can never do it justice."

"It is nice," Lan Wangji insists. "I like it."

"Really? You can have it if you want. Or… or if you'd like, I could paint something especially for you. As a thank you for your help."

"There is no need."

"There is much need,” Nie Huaisang grumbles. “You don't realise how much it changed for me. Ah! I know what to give you!” he exclaims, his smile turning devious. “I painted a portrait of Wei Wuxian a little while ago, do you want it?"

At this most cruel attack, Lan Wangji looks away. In doing so, his eyes fall on the door of his room, only to find Lan Xichen standing there. Lan Wangji appears a little uncomfortable at this intrusion, but nods at him to acknowledge his presence. This, of course, attracts Nie Huaisang’s attention.

The change is immediate. A moment ago, Nie Huaisang was relaxed and smiling easily, but as soon as he spots Lan Xichen he tenses and hurriedly grabs the paintings laid on the desk so he can hide them.

"I guess it’s getting late," he says stiffly. "I have other appointments today. I will go now."

"You don't need to," Lan Xichen sighs. "I was just here to tell my brother that..."

"Don't worry, I'm already gone," Nie Huaisang insists, dashing past Lan Xichen with a mess of papers held against his chest. "I know where the door is."

Before either brother can stop him, Nie Huaisang is already gone. Lan Xichen isn't exactly surprised that things turned out like this, but he feels somewhat guilty for interrupting this conversation when the other two seemed to be having fun. Indeed, Lan Wangji looks mildly annoyed at him.

"I just came here to give you some news regarding Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen sighs. "I thought you'd want to know as soon as possible that uncle has decided to expel him."

"Jin Zixuan provoked him," Lan Wangji protests.

"I know, and I also think it's a little unfair, but uncle won't bulge. You know how he gets when he's sure he's right. At least you might have a chance to say goodbye, they're all discussing sect business now, and Wei Wuxian is in the courtyard for his penance."

It says a lot about Lan Wangji's distress that for once, he doesn't even try to deny his interest in Wei Wuxian. Instead he hurriedly tidies his desk so he can head outside. Eager to help, Lan Xichen gathers the remnants of their tea (Nie Huaisang’s cup is still full, he can't help but notice) and brings them back to the main room so the servants can wash everything. He is then quickly joined by Lan Wangji who holds a few sheets of paper and appears uncertain what to do with them.

“Nie gongzi forgot those,” he explains.

Lan Xichen glances at the papers. They can’t be what Nie Huaisang offered to give to his brother, they’re only studies (excellent studies; it seems Nie Huaisang’s skill has grown even greater since the rabbits) which means he must have simply missed them in his haste to go away. Judging by his expression, it’s clear Lan Wangji feels he should return those without delay, but also that he’d much rather go check on Wei Wuxian.

“Give them to me,” Lan Xichen asks. “I have nothing to do right now, I can drop by the Nie cabin.”

Lan Wangji all but shoves the studies into his hands and hurriedly leaves the house. When he’s gone, Lan Xichen allows himself to chuckle. His brother’s crush is really adorable. It’s a shame that Wei Wuxian is leaving so soon, these two might have gotten somewhere with a little more time. And if it had turned into something serious, Yunmeng Jiang isn’t a bad ally to have. Marrying Lan Wangji to a servant’s son isn’t ideal, but everyone knows how much Jiang Fengmian favours his ward, so they could have gotten a real alliance out of it. Perhaps if Lan Wangji gets a little bold and offers a correspondence to Wei Wuxian, if they get to meet again… Lan Xichen wouldn’t mind having a brother-in-law like that to shake up things in the Cloud Recesses.

That’s a consideration for later, though. First, Lan Xichen has his own fiancé to think of. He takes his time heading for the Nie cabin, feeling no hurry to face Nie Huaisang’s bad mood for the second time in a single day. A shame because these studies are so good that Lan Xichen can’t stop glancing at them as he walks, half certain that he can recognise the exact view of them mountains they depict, and he would love to talk about that. Still, he’s half hoping that his fiancé won’t have returned to the cabin directly, and that he can drop the studies to one of the other Nie disciples.

On a day like this, of course he shouldn’t have hoped to be lucky. As he gets close to the cabin, Lan Xichen sees Nie Huaisang in front of the door, having a conversation with a Lan disciple whose face is not visible from where he stands. Nie Huaisang does not seem particularly enthusiastic about the company, but still ends up following the other boy behind the cabin.

Lan Xichen goes after them. He tells himself that it is only because he needs to return the paintings, but there might be a hint of curiosity as well. The two boys are so taken by whatever they're planning that they don't even notice he's getting close behind them.

“I’m just saying you could have warned me,” he hears the Lan disciple complain when he’s almost caught up to them. “I waited a long time, I thought maybe something had happened.”

“Listen, if I wanted to be scolded, I’d go hang out with Lan Xichen,” Nie Huaisang retorts. “I got busy, that’s all. I’m barely in the mood at all, so count yourself lucky I’m not sending you away.”

The Lan disciple, whose face Lan Xichen still can’t see, shrugs. He then steps closer to Nie Huaisang who throws his arms around his neck as they lean closer to each other and…

Lan Xichen feels punched. His hand clenches on the paintings he’s holding, tight enough to probably rip the paper, but right now he can’t care about that because… because…

“What are you two doing?” he hisses.

It all goes very fast. Nie Huaisang pushes away the Lan disciple with enough force that the boy cries out and falls to the ground. The boy glances up and, realising who found them in this compromising situation, he scampers off hastily, trying to hide his face. Lan Xichen should stop him, because what just happened broke so many rules, enough that this boy could probably be sent away from Gusu Lan, but he’s too stunned to react.

Nie Huaisang remains where he is, looking rather annoyed as he crosses his arms and glares at his fiancé.

“Do you really have to ruin everything for me?” Nie Huaisang asks. “How annoying.”

“I don’t think you’re the one who should be upset,” Lan Xichen replies, rather more weakly than he would have liked. “I’m the one who caught my fiancé kissing someone else, aren’t I?”

Nie Huaisang smirks and shrugs in that cocky way he does now.

“And what are you going to do about it? Have the engagement cancelled?” he taunts.

“Is that why you did this?” Lan Xichen asks.

He knows that Nie Huaisang hates their engagement, far more than Lan Xichen himself does at this point. But he had assumed that Nie Huaisang understood how important the alliance between their sect is, how much Gusu Lan and Qinghe Nie need to count on each other. Every day that passes gives more proof that Qishan Wen is preparing for war, this alliance is so important, regardless of personal feelings, surely Nie Huaisang is clever enough to understand...

“I know we can’t avoid getting married,” Nie Huaisang retorts with another insolent shrug. “But we’re not married yet, and I know you don’t want me, so… can’t you at least let me have fun with someone who does?”

“Do you like him?”

Just saying the words hurts because suddenly, Lan Xichen realises that he might end up living the same life as his father, with a spouse who only reluctantly tolerates his company and would rather be anywhere else. He remembers how wistful his mother looked sometimes, especially toward the end. He doesn’t want to see that expression on Nie Huaisang. He certainly doesn’t want either the lonely life his father condemned himself to.

Nie Huaisang laughs to his face.

“You Lans, it’s always about love and all,” he mocks. “I don’t care about that. I just want to have a little fun with someone before I’m forced to be faithful to you. Kissing people’s nice, you know?”

Lan Xichen flinches. Nie Huaisang smirks, walking closer, leaning toward him, his head cocked to the side.

“Ah, but actually… I guess you wouldn’t know, right? Bet you’ve never kissed anyone, eh?” He steps closer still, slowly, like a wolf stalking its prey. “Lan gongzi… want me to be your first kiss? I’ll make it good, I swear.”

It’s a shameless proposition, one that Lan Xichen should immediately refuse. Instead, his eyes fall on Nie Huaisang’s lips and he aches to feel them against his, to hold the other boy close, to touch him, to...

Nie Huaisang laughs again.

“Right, of course not. Well, I can’t make you want me, can I?” he snickers. “Whatever. I’ll go now. But please, next time… don’t interrupt, okay? It’s rude to bother people when they’re having fun.”

He saunters away as if he doesn’t have a worry in the world. Lan Xichen watches him go, once more filled with hatred for this fiancé he didn’t choose.

It has to be hatred.

He refuses to give another name to the gnawing coldness inside his chest.

#xisang #worst engagement au #jau writes #ooof that was a hard one to write for some reason it just didn't want to happen!#but welp now lxc knows #and jzx is about to become free real estate

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huanwanchens · 4 years

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XiCheng Fic Recs

Fic recs featuring XiCheng with some side pairings. I decided to do this list so I can keep track. Basically, these fics are extra long coz the bitch in me doesn’t like to read short fics lol. All are complete works though. I hope this helps my fellow XiCheng shippers! I am a bitch for XiCheng and I am proud? LOL

Little Lotus by RennieOnIceCream (XiCheng mentions of WangXian)

Summary: If one asked Lan Xichen about having children a few years ago, he would’ve said the idea of a family was nice, but it was entirely impossible for him.

Having the leader of the Jiang Sect for a partner, he should’ve known -- impossibilities were always achievable.

Mpreg XiCheng fic that is light and fluffy! This is more like the journey of pregnancy featuring XiCheng.

Wish That You Were Here by Achromos (XiCheng, JingYi)

Summary: Ever since he was young, Jingyi knew that he was missing a parent. The thing that bothered him the most about this was that his a-die was clearly suffering and lonely. At first, he had to settle for stories of his fuqin - the First Jade of Lan, a beautiful and powerful cultivator. But then he was sent to study in the Cloud Recesses, where he met the other side of his family. He was determined to find out why his parents won't speak to each other; what happened fifteen years ago. How he can perhaps mend the rift between them.

A fic where Jingyi is XiCheng’s love child. So much angst and it hurts.

Broken Mirror by akanezora (XiCheng AU side WangXian)

Summary: When Jiang Cheng left Lan Xichen life, he brought a secret with him. Years later, Lan Xichen caught up with that secret. (Jingyi as Xicheng Lovechild)

A fic where Jingyi is XiCheng’s love child in Modern AU. This is just so cute with a little bit of angst on both sides also, WangXian is a side pair here.

Being An Uncle Is Anything But Easy by TheWildJoker (XiCheng)

Summary: Jiang Wanyin, Jiang Cheng, Sandu Shengshou, uncle of Jin Ling, brother of Jiang Yanli. He held many titles, and worked with many different hats, but the thing in his life that was missing most was someone to assist him in his struggle at raising a barely month old, orphaned child. Cue the entrance of the eldest jade of Lan, prim, proper, and loved by all. When first met with the worn out Jiang Cheng his inability to leave others alone while they're struggling most kicked in, and leads to a lot of confusion, bad decisions, and then finally a chance for the both of them to be healed from wounds of their past.

Aaah, I love this fic so much. Basically, it started when Jiang Cheng was landed with the responsibility of raising A-Ling because he just refused or rather, he just didn’t trust Jin Guangyao with the upbringing of Jin Ling. Also, some cute A-Yuan and A-Ling interaction for those who love ZhuiLing innocence.

Never Had I Ever by Kicchin (XiCheng side WangXian/NieYao)

Summary: Nie Mingjue is almost certain that Jin Guangyao has an ulterior motive for dating his best friend, Lan Xichen. However despite voicing his concerns, his best friend seems unconvinced and Lan Xichen continues to date the said man. Unable to give up just yet, Nie Mingjue tries a different tactic--convincing his best friend the man is not the right person for him by setting him up. Fortunately for him, Wei Wuxian's youngest brother is very much single and seems to be just the kind of person his best friend needs. Can Jiang Cheng truly change Lan Xichen's mind, or will Nie Mingjue's plan is a disaster from the beginning?

A Modern AU - University style fic wherein Jiang Cheng is a freshman and Xichen is just a dork who falls in love with unsuspecting Jiang Cheng lol. This is funny but it has that tooth-decaying element XD Also, drunk Xichen is always chaotic but can be so sweet.

The Beginner’s Guide to Moving On by messenger18 (XiCheng side WangXian)

Summary: Jiang Cheng is jaded, bitter and miserable. Lan Xichen isn't sure he can ever trust anyone again. They've always been at the periphery of each other's lives, perpetually visible but never touching, and it seems it's going to stay that way. Then Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui fall in love, and everything changes.

Thrown together as the only single men in a family full of couples, neither is exactly happy about their situation. But when two lonely people find each other, sometimes they can be a little less lonely together.

A slow burn fic that involves awkward meetings, building friendship, humor and fluff that you don’t have any choice but to read more lol. But I strongly recommend this one for XiCheng fans!

葬花/Zàng huā by CrystallizedPen (XiCheng Mpreg)

Summary: One day, Sect Leader Lan just disappeared, no one knew where he went, nor why he left, not even the people closest to him knew. He left behind his sword, his token, and his forehead ribbon. He left behind everything except the silver bell that was given to him by a person that he loved, and whom he thought would love him too. Their love was beautiful like a blooming flower. But, apparently he was wrong. He should have buried this love deep inside his heart, like burying a flower that was never meant to bloom.

Heavy angst XiCheng fic that expanded for 10 years of waiting coz of some intervention. I just love angsty elements in this and Xichen is well characterized in this fic! Strongly recommended!

Monotone by seredemia (WangXian and XiCheng)

Summary: Wei Wuxian died. Wei Wuxian died and he never came back, not after thirteen years, or a hundred, or a thousand. The year is 2019 and Lan Wangji is still here, having reached the highest point of cultivation that has gifted him with immortality. It's supposed to be a gift, an honour, yet to him it's nothing but a curse. Wei Wuxian is dead, and life is colourless. Lan Wangji ghosts through time, simply living each day in monotone.That is, until he meets a man who has the same face, same name, same smile as Wei Wuxian. Suddenly, there's colour and hope back in his life—but it's not long until he realises Wei Wuxian in this timeline has not escaped the sorrow that plagued his past self.Maybe history really does repeat itself after all.

THIS IS THE GREATEST. Immortal Xichen and Wangji in search of happiness. I certainly love the dynamics and interaction of XiCheng pair in here. Contains heavy angst, self-harm and hurt and you’d get a lot of emotional rollercoaster on this one! READ THIS GUYS, YOU WON’T REGRET IT! Unfortunately, the writer took down her work in A03 for personal reasons but she provided alternative links where you can read this. (Thank goodness for that.)

The Misadventures of Secretary Jiang by rollo (XiCheng mentions of WangXian)

Summary: When the competent Secretary Jiang gave his two weeks notice all of a sudden, CEO Lan XiChen is forced to switch up his long game.

Will Secretary Jiang ever notice that he’s not just the CEO’s Secretary?

This fic is hilarious as fuck. Full of humor and mishaps between XiCheng pair. Wanna see a different side of Xichen? Like the clingy, pouty ones - well this one is for you! I’ve just recently started the series called What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim and thank goodness, the author didn’t make Xichen as vain and narcissistic as the original character but all in all, if you want a light, honest to goodness fic, then I recommend this one for you!

I’ll Bind You To Me by yunkarin (XiCheng mentions of Married WangXian)

Summary: Jiang Cheng is the president of Yunmeng Cosmetics. Lan Xichen is the president of Gusu Pharmaceuticals. He and Lan Xichen have a complicated relationship, where they separate business and pleasure. How far are you willing to go to bind me to you?

A very sexy XiCheng fic with lots of sexy time. Insatiable Xichen is hot btw. If you want some kinks and smut filled read, well this one is for you!

The Form of Boneless Ice by TheWonderingHeart (XiCheng)

Summary: Mythical beasts have long ago been driven to extinction by the gentry — hunted for sport, but more importantly for their magical cores. Since then, there remains only one creature that has never been caught. The Jiang’s retreated a long time ago. Abandoning land altogether, they sought safety where the humans could not reach. It all comes to a head though, purely by chance. (Or is it by fate that a spontaneous decision allows for them to meet? If fate were a rock!) Jiang Cheng suddenly finds his whole life balanced on the head of a pin — on the flimsy promise of a human boy. In his opinion, things cannot possibly get worse!(But then they do when the Wens decide it’s finally time to search for the elusive merpeople, and suddenly nowhere is safe.)

Oh goodness, I love this one so much with innocent Jiang Cheng with the human world but still has a potty mouth lol. Mermaid AU wherein they met as children and continued their friendship until they turn into lovers. This is so sweet with angst, of course. Strongly-recommended!

My own fics (If you guys want lol shameless promotion)

Jin Ling’s Dating Guides for His Stupid Uncles (XiCheng/WangXian)

A work-in-progress wherein Jin Ling tries to matchmake his uncles to his best friend’s parents - the Lan brothers. However, danger is looming upon their family and they must solve it before it gets out of hand.

a way to his heart is through his stomach (XiCheng side WangXian)

A feisty cook joins the team by request. How far can he go without falling for the charm of the restaurant's assistant manager, Lan Xichen? And what’s this? They’re roommates too? Oh, fun.

Follow the journey of the gang as they go on with their lives as interns in the hospitality world for a year - the chaotic life of living

Another work-in-progress wherein the boys are in the hospitality industry.

I will add more works on this list as I go on reading. I better thank the quarantine that I can binge read yummy XiCheng fics. lol

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ibijau · 4 years

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follow up to this, or on AO3

Lan Xichen was taken to Nie Mingjue’s office by a disciple who assured him that his Sect Leader would be arriving as soon as he was done with some business of his. They sat together awkwardly. The man tried to make some polite conversation, asking after Lan Xichen’s uncle and father since he was of their generation, but there was little to be said there. Lan Qiren was actively preparing for the next batch of guest disciples that would arrive in a few weeks, while his father… Lan Xichen had not seen him in well over half a year, and even then the conversation had been kept short.

It was an immense relief when the door opened again. The man with him could not contain a slight grimace when rather than Nie Mingjue, it was Nie Huaisang who came in, but Lan Xichen found himself smiling at the other boy.

“Young Master Lan, what a pleasure to have you here!” Nie Huaisang said with a deep bow. “My brother has sent me to say that he might be detained a little longer than anticipated, and asked me to keep you company while you wait. I took the liberty to ask for tea to be brought, I hope you do not mind.”

“And cakes too, I suppose?”

“Of course! You are a honoured guest in this house, you deserve only the best we can offer!”

While Lan Xichen struggled not to laugh, Nie Huaisang became briefly serious as he turned to the disciple who had stayed with him, and informed him that Nie Mingjue had made a few urgent requests. The older man quickly took his leave.

“Some trouble?” Lan Xichen inquired.

Nie Huaisang shook his head, and dropped down to opposite Lan Xichen.

“We might get a new disciple, but nothing’s sure yet because he’s rather older than what we usually take in.”

“Hm. A late start does make things more difficult,” Lan Xichen agreed. “We usually consider that anyone older than ten cannot be taught. How old is this boy?”

“I’m not sure, sixteen maybe?” Nie Huaisang guessed, before laughing at Lan Xichen’s shocked expression. “I know, right? But there are precedents. Our founder didn’t start cultivating until his late twenties… and that’s only the official version. There’s stories that say he was even older. So who would we be to deny someone based on age?”

“I suppose your brother knows what he is doing.”

Still, sixteen was rather old to get started. It was the age most disciples were starting to go on unsupervised Night Hunts, giving them a chance to bond and learn to better work together. That boy, if he was accepted, would run the risk of never quite fitting in with people of his generation, which could be a greater problem than anything to do with his cultivation. Of course, Nie Mingjue must have been aware of this, since his own early rise as Sect Leader had made it difficult for him to bond with peers outside his sect.

Before Lan Xichen could inquire any further about this possible new disciple, tea was brought in. To his surprise and pleasure it was not the usual bitter tea that Nie Mingjue favoured, but something light and flowery that would marry itself perfectly with the biscuits that had been brought along.

“As expected, Second Master Nie planned this well,” Lan Xichen complimented the younger boy.

His words had a stronger effect than expected, making Nie Huaisang blush to the tip of his ears. He tried to hide it by elegantly serving tea for both of them.

“Master Lan is too kind,” he chirped. “I just thought those might go together well, that’s all. I am very happy if you approve of my choice.”

“You are too humble,” Lan Xichen replied, taking the offered cup of tea. He noted how delicate the cup was, far more elegant than what he had seen on his previous visits. He half suspected it must have belonged to Nie Huaisang personally.

“This is not something I am often accused of,” the other boy chuckled. “Ask our elders and they will let you know just how little humility I have.”

“Then I shan’t ask them, as I do not want to hear unfair accusations against you.”

To Lan Xichen’s amusement, the blush on Nie Huaisang’s face deepened.

“Master Lan, you really need to stop,” Nie Huaisang mumbled. “If someone as accomplished as you takes my side, I’ll start thinking too highly of myself. Ah, but please, do try the tea! I so hope you will like it.”

The tea was, in fact, delightful. A little sweeter than necessary with those biscuits, but still extremely pleasant and a testament to Nie Huaisang’s good taste. It was not unexpected, truth be told. They had exchanged a few letters in recent months, since Nie Huaisang had first written to thank Lan Xichen for the fan he had helped Nie Mingjue pick. It had come a little out of the blue since they had only spoken once before, but it had not been unwelcome. However silly and insolent he had been in person, Nie Huaisang had turned out to be exceedingly polite and well spoken on paper, with a poetic quality to his words that Lan Xichen would not have expected.

“I do enjoy the tea very much,” Lan Xichen announced. “Thank you for this.”

“It’s nothing, it’s really nothing!” Nie Huaisang replied, beaming. “I am only trying to be a good host in my brother’s stead. I know it is him you really came to see, so I have to entertain you until he’s free.”

“Hm. But your company is appreciated too.”

Nie Huaisang’s blush, which had receded, returned to its full strength. It was rather sweet, for some reason, especially with the happy way he grinned.

“Master Lan, that is very kind of you to say!” he exclaimed with a boyish enthusiasm that contrasted with the careful maturity of his letters. “I am very glad if you think well of me!” Nie Huaisang then gasped and looked down at his tea, his joy subsiding. “Ah, sorry! I only meant… since you are my brother’s friend, it matters to me that we should get along, nothing more!”

That was all Lan Xichen had understood his outburst to be about in the first place, but the need for that to be said surprised him. How else could he have interpreted that pleasure at his approval? It was odd, really, to see Nie Huaisang go from such great joy to obvious embarrassment, and suddenly Lan Xichen wondered…

Before he could fully form a thought on that topic, a knock on the door distracted him and Nie Mingjue entered, followed by a young man (a boy really) that Lan Xichen had never met before.

The boy wasn’t much older than Nie Huaisang, and a little shorter which made for a rather amusing contrast when he stood next to Nie Mingjue. He was dressed in old mended clothes, but had clearly put great care into looking as dignified as such garments would allow.

“Xichen, Huaisang,” Nie Mingjue greeted them. “Sorry for the delay. Huaisang, could you take Meng Yao to the intendant so she can see about fitting him for new robes, then show him to the dorms? Maybe give him a tour too, if you have time before dinner.”

Although there were still traces of a blush clinging to his face, Nie Huaisang looked the perfect image of a serious young master as he stood up and turned to his brother and their new disciple.

“It will be my pleasure! We are very happy to have you here, Meng Yao. I hope you will fit in just right. Please, never hesitate to ask me if you ever need help with anything!”

“Just don’t expect him to answer,” Nie Mingjue grumbled.

His brother broke character for a second, sticking out his tongue in response to this attack before returning to a polite smile as he left with the other boy.

Lan Xichen found himself almost wishing that Nie Mingjue had taken a little more time deciding whether or not he would take in that new disciple. He liked his friend immensely of course but… it would have been nice to chat a little with Nie Huaisang and figure out if his conversation in person could really hold up to his letters. Perhaps when he would come to Cloud Recesses in some weeks it would be something worth investigating, if they had time.

“So, what did you need to see me for?” Nie Mingjue asked, taking the seat left free by his brother and serving himself some tea.

Lan Xichen smiled, and started explaining about some business for which his uncle wanted the support of Qinghe Nie. Nie Mingjue listened attentively before suggesting some of the things he could do to help, and soon enough they were deep in conversation. Lan Xichen stopped thinking about Nie Huaisang, except whenever he drank some of that flowery tea or nibbled on a biscuit.

Nie Huaisang certainly had excellent tastes when it came to these things.

#xisang #lan xichen #nie huaisang #huaichen #mo dao zu shi #mdzs #jau draws #jau writes #teen romance xisang #I had an entirely different illustration started but then the chapter didn't go the way I wanted so I had to restart yay

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