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Jiang Cheng grumbled, he's feeling worse and worse just sitting alone in his brother's engagement party. His brother had officially went through all the traditional engagement ceremony and got himself his man.

He's happy for his brother. What he's getting angry about is watching his brother and his fiancé go around the room, while introducing Lan Huan to everyone they deemed single and available. God he was so beautiful. How could he not be jealous? Lan Huan is such a sight, especially with a beautifully tied cravat around his neck and a coat over his crisp white shirt.

He almost wanted to spit the sour taste created by the nasty feeling inside his chest. He watched as they introduced themselves, smiled and shook hands with Lan Huan. He hate it. He hated this feeling inside his chest. He hated himself for feeling this way. He cannot be selfish and always feel jealous whenever other people come close to Lan Huan. But then, Jiang Cheng haven't even spoken one word to the man the whole evening.

Jiang Cheng downed the soda drink he had on the table and turned his attention to his phone. He was browsing the comments on his channel about the new food hopping vlog he uploaded. He smiled at some comments, replied to others and thanked a plenty for supporting him and his contents.

A tap on his shoulder brought him back to his surrounding. It was Nie Huaisang, a friend of his working on a theater. Probably the only one who knew about their relationship, oh Wen Ning too.

"What the hell are you doing here alone?" The man sat beside him and picked at the nuts left on the table.

"Passing time?"

"Just fucking claim him, A-Cheng. I hate seeing you like this."

Jiang Cheng sighed and glanced at his boyfriend from two tables down. He diverted his eyes when he saw how his boyfriend smiled and laugh with others.

"Even though I want to, I can't force him if he doesn't want to, A-Sang."

Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes and flicked open his fan. "You seriously have to stand your ground, A-Cheng. There's only so much you can let him."

"Yeah, I can feel it. That tight coil, ready to snap. I wanted to shout to the world. But... he's not ready yet. Even though his brother had done it. He felt like there's more pressure on him now."

"Just... it's been so long already. I hope you found what's better for you two." He laid his hand on Jiang Cheng's shoulder and squeezed an assurance.

Jiang Cheng forced out a smile. Thankful for his friend's support. Their talk was cut short when people started approaching him and asking him for a picture. It was his subscribers on You/Tube. Some were already familiar, running a same gaming circle with Wei Wuxian, and some were people who had watched a few of his vlogs and recognized him.

Soon enough, the engaged couple approached their table just as his last pose for a selfie. Jiang Cheng immediately connected his eyes with Lan Huan who followed closely.

"Yah~~ our A-Cheng is becoming famous now huh? A lot of people recognizes you in a crowd like this." His brother threw an arm around his shoulder. He noticed Lan Huan moving on his one side. They formed a small circle now.

"They are also in your circle. And we featured each other in our vlogs and channel." He said, smirking a little.

He turned to Lan Zhan and held out his hand. "Lan Zhan, congratulations, again, on your engagement!"

"Thank you, Jiang Cheng."

"Take him away now please." He grimaced because his brother was clinging to him. He kept his eyes on Lan Zhan, "And take away all his stuff at our house, ASAP! I want peace in the house and have the studio finally for myself."

"Why are you being so mean again, A-Cheng?! Also, I cannot just move houses from one to another! We're not married yet!" He exclaimed moving to his fiancé's side. Jiang Cheng slid closer to Lan Huan until he felt their knuckles brush against each other.

"Who are you kidding? Aren't these just a ruse?" He flicked his eyes briefly to Lan Huan's face, catching the confused expression. Slowly, Jiang Cheng hooked his pinky to the other's.

"Shh!! Why are you saying these things!"

"We're the only ones here."

"Still! We spent time preparing for this party you know?" Wei Wuxian grinned and looked up to Lan Zhan.

"What ruse?" Lan Huan asked confused.

"They've already eloped, this is all just for show to appease both families." Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and his eyes met with Lan Huan again. There was a tilt in his head, a small secret smile passing over them. Their holding hands discreet, but still could be noticed when one glimpsed down between them. A burst of giddiness thumped against both of their hearts. Jiang Cheng was once again, reminded why he put up with having their relationship a secret. This thrill that only they knew. It was just the two of them, stealing touches.

There are times he likes it. And was glad his relationship wasn't out to the public for others to tear apart especially when they both are somewhat public figures. He understood this part well. What he cannot fully understand is also keeping this a secret to their family.

"But why are you so eager to push me out of the house!" Wei Wuxian pouted briefly before he perked up and wagged a finger towards Jiang Cheng.

"Tell me! Who is it you're planning to take home?"

Jiang Cheng's eyes widen and he knows Lan Huan's face paled at this. Their reaction didn't go unnoticed to Lan Zhan who stood silently and had also caught a brief glance at the hands intertwined together. He remained stoic, letting his fiancé do all the talking. Seemed Wei Wuxian hasn't caught on yet.

"Take home? Is that a fast food or something?"

"Don't play dumb with me, A-Cheng!"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, squeezing the hand he held that, to his amusement, haven't been noticed by their brothers. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Hmp! I would get you at that!" He turned around to face Lan Zhan, clinging to him and pouting.

Jiang Cheng sighed and met Lan Huan's worried gaze. He gave a reassuring smile. It's okay. He wanted to kiss him to reassure him they're still fine. But with a lot of people still surrounding them he could only hold his hand and smile at him.

Both were oblivious to Lan Zhan who narrowed his eyes a bit, watching the exchange. He dragged his fiancé away, letting the two on their own. His brother will tell him when he's ready.

~~~

"I highly suspect, you're bring a boy home Jiang Cheng!"

Wei Wuxian exclaimed, hands on his hips and glaring at Jiang Cheng. The younger man just ignored his brother and continued packing.

"No, I just want to get away from you for real! You're a huge thorn on my side, living with you for years."

"Why are you being mean again? And what years? It's just two years! For all I know, you're going to miss me!"

"That's long enough to live with you Wei Wuxian. Between you and me, it's you who's going to miss a lot of me."

Jiang Cheng turned around to look at his brother. Wei Wuxian's packing all his belongings because he's officially moving to his home with Lan Zhan. Hopefully, it's going to be his home for a long time.

"You're avoiding the topic again."

"What topic?" He smirked at his brother.

"A-Cheng!! Tell this gege the truth! Are you seeing someone? Is that why you're so eager for me to move out? You'll be bringing them here aren't you?!"

The urge to tell the truth to his brother was there, he almost spilled everything. But he held back, keeping his promise to be patient and understanding to his lover.

"So what if I am? And no, why would I bring anyone here if I could just go to their place?"

The gasp he heard was so exaggerated Jiang Cheng wanted to cringe. Wei Wuxian stomped closer to him and grabbed his shoulders.

"Are you fucking serious?! Why aren't you telling me anything?! Every time you don't go home is because you were at their place?!"

"When did this happen? What did I miss?!"

"Oh wait! When a picture of you and a mysterious guy circulated the internet, that's true, right?! You denied it but it was true all along!"

He continued to rant, and Jiang Cheng let him. He didn't say anything that would give away who it was but, he felt a little better knowing his brother has an idea he's dating someone.

He saw his brother stopped and got busy with his phone so Jiang Cheng walked closer, curious.

"Why the fuck are you searching that hashtag again?!"

Wei Wuxian had opened Instagram and search the hashtag #MysteriousMrGrape

"Because that's the most trending hashtag you got and- look look!!"

He looked at a picture. It was indeed him in a light gray shirt with a guy. They were holding an ice cream in each hand and Jiang Cheng was eating off of Lan Huan's cone. The image of Lan Huan only got his side and back profile. He was also wearing a black cap and looking down so his face wasn't clear.

"Is this him? But that's over a year ago!!!"

Jiang Cheng pursed his lips. The post was dated more than a year ago. When someone tagged him along with that hashtag and location, the two of them panicked. Lan Huan didn't show himself to him for a week and only contacted him through text. He was so frustrated and hurt at that time. They argued and fought because they don't know what yo do. Jiang Cheng wanted to be honest, and yet, Lan Huan was shaking and pleading him not to. So the result, Jiang Cheng had to do a video where he claimed... he's single.

Jiang Cheng sighed at the old feeling. That was one of the hurdles of many more. But look at them, still together, he just had to be patient and show Lan Huan he loves him no matter what. He knew sooner they'll be ready.

"A-Cheng! It's about the same time where Lan Zhan and I started dating each other right? And weren't you out to film a vlog that day?" Wei Wuxian had a confused expression on his face. "Why don't you just tell me?! Why do you keep on keeping your mouth shut? This gege is very very eager to know!"

"I'm not spilling anything to you anymore Wei Wuxian." He grabbed a box and started going out the door, before saying, "Just that, we're together longer than your relationship with Lan Zhan."

He heard a shriek and he walked faster down the stairs.

Jiang Cheng was met with the Lan brothers hauling Wei Wuxian's studio equipment out to the moving van. He placed the box down near the door and went to the kitchen. After drinking water, he felt someone entered the kitchen.

"A-Cheng, I heard the two of you talking upstairs." Lan Huan's voice was low and curious.

"Don't worry, I never confirmed nor denied. He never suspected who. He just knew I am seeing someone now."

Lan Huan walked closer and kissed his forehead.

"Just wait a bit, A-Cheng..."

"I know, A-Huan. Take your time."

"Thank you so much."

"Yeah, yeah."

Jiang Cheng kept his smile until the man walked back out the kitchen. He looked down at the empty glass in his hand. The heavy weight coming back to his heart. No matter how his heart clenched at holding back and keeping this a secret, Jiang Cheng could feel the brimming want to let people know.

I just hope you make it fast A-Huan.

~~~

Jiang Cheng stomped towards Lan Huan's room. Frustration swelling up his chest. He tried to understand, he tried to stretch his patience more but why? Why is he always so short-tempered?

Jiang Cheng messed his hair in frustration.

"A-Cheng..." Lan Huan pleaded from down the hall, it made Jiang Cheng ache at the same time more angry at himself because he wasn't making this any easier for the both of them.

The day was starting well, he was cooking breakfast for both of them. They were staying at Lan Huan's apartment and they had a plan of going on a date. Lan Huan was being sweet and clingy, hugging him from behind as he prepared their breakfast. What ruined it all? Someone had caught them together in their sweet moment.

It was Jin Guangyao followed by Nie Mingjue walking in on them making out in the kitchen. The way Lan Huan had pushed himself back, away from Jiang Cheng, like he was burned and looked horrified left him dumbfounded and angry.

Jiang Cheng just watched as Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao's surprised look passed their eyes and they both looked at each other. Jiang Cheng doesn't know how to react but the two was kind enough to excuse themselves out.

What escalated Jiang Cheng's frustration and hurt was when Lan Huan, flustered and torn, looked at Jiang Cheng for permission to go after the two and explain. Like it isn't obvious as it is. Jiang Cheng turned away and Lan Huan took it as a cue.

So now here they are, Jiang Cheng's hope for a peaceful day was ruined. He grabbed his clothes from yesterday, putting it on over what little clothes he's wearing. Just as he shoved his legs through his pants and buttoned it, Lan Huan emerged from the bedroom door.

"You're leaving?"

Jiang Cheng looked up, "What does it look like? Don't expect me to stay, I'm so..." he breathed in deeply, keeping his temper in check, he's angry again and he wanted to throw things around. "I'm brimming with energy right now. And it's not a good energy."

He tried to walk past the man but the other didn't let him. Instead pushing them both back inside and closing the door before leaning on it.

"Let.Me.Out." He gritted.

"No! A-Cheng, listen to me first, okay?"

Lan Huan put his arms out trying to reach for Jiang Cheng but the other moved away. The refusal hurt him, but he couldn't let Jiang Cheng walk away without knowing what he thought, what happened after he chased-- he quickly shook his head.

"I told them!" He blurted out, hastily.

"What?!" Jiang Cheng turned back to him eyes wide.

Lan Huan took a deep, shaky breath and stared at his love, slowly he said, "I told them, A-Cheng."

Jiang Cheng just stood there, heart thumping loudly in his chest as he look at the other's eyes. He doesn't know if he's hearing right or he'd gone insane already. Lan Huan took a step closer to him and took his hands, he repeated the third time, "I told them the truth, my love."

"Are you sure?"

Lan Huan ached at the small voice he heard from Jiang Cheng, but he saw a flicker of hope in the other's eyes. Hope bloomed in his chest too. He's not going to lose to his father and uncle, or his friends and what other people around him will say. He's not going to lose his love because of his fear. It's not completely gone. He could feel his anxiety creeping up but only gazing at those gray eyes looking at him full of love, those fears were quieter. He nodded fondly, hands reaching up to cup the other's neck.

"It's our first step, A-Cheng." He leaned his forehead against the other. "If we kept this up, everyone will know in no time. I promise you that. I'm ready now, A-Cheng. I love you more, that's why we're going to do this. We're going to let the people dear to us know, how much we love each other. And no matter what, I'm not letting you go, not before, not now, not ever. We promised that remember?"

Jiang Cheng cannot help but press his lips against Lan Huan's. His heart, its going to jump out of his chest if it doesn't calm down. He felt Lan Huan reached for his left hand, feeling the silver band on his finger.

"It's a first step, A-Huan. And I love you so much. We promised to each other, but I'm sorry for being angry and so impatient-"

"Shh, you have the right to feel that. And still gave your all to be the most understanding one, my love. I was the one making this hard for us." He give one last kiss before pulling away, keeping their hands linked.

"Now come on. I actually told them to wait by the living room, because I wanted to introduce you properly to them."

"Well, good thing I changed right?" Jiang Cheng remarked and they both chuckled as they opened the door to a new start.

~~~

Jiang Cheng sat down on a vacant chair inside Cinnamon Cafe, his friend Wen Ning owned this with his sister. He was waiting for Lan Huan to show up after their practice at the theater. They agreed to meet here before going back to Lan Huan's apartment. Wen Ning sat down before him.

"So... how's it going?" His friend asked, leaning forward.

"Well, with his friends, it turned out good. Lan Huan was smiling when they left and I felt relieved and lighter."

"That's good."

"And also... we sat down and talked about what to do next. I told him you and Huaisang knew, from the start. He's not as happy but, he let it go. We came to a decision to just face our close relatives. Then, we're not going to hold back anymore."

"If you think it's better that way, then it's fine that it's just us." Jiang Cheng smiled at his friend, grateful for the support.

"Who are you going to talk next?"

"Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan."

"I wish you luck! I think it's sooner than you thought." Wen Ning gestured to the entrance of the cafe.

Jiang Cheng saw Lan Huan followed by the couple, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan.

"Wish us luck indeed, get us some more of this coffee please."

Lan Huan was quick to find him and move towards his side.

"Oi, A-Cheng! Lan Huan told us we'll see you here!"

"Mhm." He watched as everybody settled down and noticed Lan Huan moved his chair closer, casually putting his hand on Jiang Cheng's thigh which was obscured by the table.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, he didn't expect to be seeing them right away. Yet it isn't much of a surprise especially when Lan Zhan also practiced in Lan Theater.

"We bumped into each other! Lan Huan told us he's meeting someone here. Oh speaking of, who is it? A boyfriend?" Wei Wuxian's eyes gleamed turning his head to look around the cafe.

"Wei Wuxian, you're so annoying you know that?!" Jiang Cheng leaned back in his chair and put his hands underneath. One of his hand easily finding the one resting on his thigh.

Drinks were served to them by his friend and Jiang Cheng felt Lan Huan's unease as the time dragged by. Jiang Cheng was waiting... he wanted Lan Huan to do it. Knowing this is a big leap for both of them. Jiang Cheng knew his brother wouldn't would be fine with it. Still, there's a rising anxiety in his chest in wishing for things to go smoothly.

Wei Wuxian was easily distracted by the handcrafted beverage in front of him. He stopped questioning them for a moment. Jiang Cheng raised his cup of coffee and stole a glance at Lan Huan. Their eyes met and Jiang Cheng smiled behind the cup. I'm ready when you are, A-Huan. He squeezed their hands together.

"Huh,"

The sound caught everyone's attention. Wei Wuxian had his head at the palm of his hand and his elbow resting on the table.

"Hmm, when I think back to it, when did the two of you first meet?" He narrowed his eyes in thought. "I'm pretty sure not the same time as Lan Zhan and I did. It's either before or after we started dating."

Wei Wuxian made a show of tilting his head and even glancing briefly at his fiancé. "So when was it?"

Jiang Cheng smirked. Oh, they could play this game.

"Before." Both of them answered. Surprise passed in Wei Wuxian's expression. He expected for them to answer differently.

"I never saw you two interact before then. When was it?"

"In one of their dress rehearsals. I helped Huaisang to deliver the costumes. And Lan Huan was kind enough to help us."

"Yes, final dress rehearsals for the Hamilton play back in 2016."

"Twenty-fucking-sixteen ?! And you never thought of introducing Lan Huan to me, to meet Lan Zhan earlier?!"

"If you didn't refuse to go to the plays Huaisang invited us to, you would. Because I met Lan Zhan shortly after that."

Wei Wuxian pouted and looked up to his fiancé. "Is that true Lan Zhan?"

"Yes, I met Jiang Cheng after the play itself. Huan-ge and Huaisang introduced Jiang Cheng to me at the after party."

"Why are you suddenly asking these questions?" Jiang Cheng raised a brow.

Wei Wuxian just pouted some more like a kid he was.

"Because for a while there, I thought you two are together!"

Jiang Cheng hid his surprise by chuckling, he heard Lan Huan do the same. His brother proved to be quite keen.

"Are you serious? You thought we do this..." The older man said, moving closer to Jiang Cheng. He made a show of wrapping his arms around the other and kissing his cheek. Jiang Cheng threw his head back and laugh, he just felt so ridiculous watching things unfold at the same time feeling his heart full and thumping hard against his chest. "...and more? You're right, we are together."

Wei Wuxian gasped, clearly scandalized of the act and caught off-guard. "What! Did you just-!"

Lan Huan kissed his temple, lingering longer, before settling with one of his hand around Jiang Cheng's shoulder. He lifted both of their left hands to show their brothers a matching silver band on their ring finger.

"WHAT THE--" Lan Zhan covered Wei Wuxian's mouth with his hand because his brother was close to being hysterical. His wide eyes and shock riding off him in waves. Lan Zhan pulled him close and placed the other's head on the crook of his neck to calm him down.

"A-Huan, you are going to kill Wei Wuxian with this." Jiang Cheng chuckled. "We're not yet married nor we're engaged, we're letting you have that first. It's a promise ring we made on our third anniversary."

"Third? THIRD?! Why did I miss those years?! Lan Zhan they'd gotten together longer than us! Do you know this?"

Lan Zhan shook his head and glared at his brother. "I never suspected. I just noticed during our engagement party."

"That was last month!"

"Mhm, brother said nothing. I don't want to pry."

Wei Wuxian fell silent looking down at his coffee. Jiang Cheng sat up straight then, even Lan Huan felt uneasy again. Silent Wei Wuxian is not always good.

Wei Wuxian stood, "Jiang Cheng."

A little bit alarmed at the sudden change in mood, Jiang Cheng stood up too. He was surprised when Wei Wuxian grabbed his arm and pulled him, dragging him out the cafe and out of sight. The Lan brothers immediately rushed after.

What they saw had them stopping. Wei Wuxian hunched over with his head resting on Jiang Cheng's shoulder. And the younger one patting his back.

They couldn't hear what's going on nor make out what the exchange was about. However, the trembling shoulders of Wei Wuxian was a clear indication the man was crying.

"You're getting people's attention Wei Wuxian!"

"I don't care. I'm so hurt right now. How could you keep this from me and jiejie? You haven't told her! She would be mad and hurt A-Cheng!" He sniffled.

"Lan Huan wasn't ready. I was waiting for him. He doesn't want people to know, especially their father. You told me how they almost disowned Lan Zhan when you two started your relationship? It scared him. He doesn't want to lose his family, Wei Wuxian."

Wei Wuxian moved back, wiping his tears and looking at his younger brother. "It was so hard then, A-Cheng. And it must have been harder for you! It was three years before you even told me. You know I would be understanding and welcoming right?"

Jiang Cheng cannot help but be teary to. It wasn't an easy journey, and definitely not gonna get easier with Lan Huan's father and uncle.

"I know, but we're finally telling you now. And this made me so happy, gege."

"You deserve that A-Cheng. You really do." He patted his shoulder. "Look at you! Snagging a man like Lan Huan!" He playfully shove Jiang Cheng before the two of them walked back to their other companies.

"No need to worry 'bout us Lan Zhan!"

"You're just overly dramatic." Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

"Fine whatever. Now come on! We're going on a date! Double date!"

Jiang Cheng sighed, feeling Lan Huan's arm rest at his waist. "Are you happy, A-Huan?"

"Much. And you?" It's true, it reflected on his eyes and the way he smiled brightly.

"Very!" He looked up to the man and he smiled, "I love you so much, A-Huan."

"I love you too. Thank you, A-Cheng."

~~~

"So when are you going to tell me, A-Cheng?" Jiang Yanli had a sweet smile on her face that Jiang Cheng could feel the rise of his hair at the back of his head. That is his jiejie's I'm-not-happy smile.

"I-I am g-going to!" He flustered almost hiding behind Lan Huan.

This time, Lan Huan came over to his house to spend the night. The next morning his jiejie made an unexpected visit. She caught them sleeping side by side in Jiang Cheng's room. She asked them to meet her at the kitchen with that sweet and polite smile of hers despite catching them in their less than decent appearance.

Now, Jiang Cheng wanted to shrink himself to hide behind Lan Huan when her sister presented a breakfast before them. He knew his sister was more than angry. Jiang Yanli offering you food when angry is... scary.

"You had three years to do that A-Cheng. Why now after three years?" She served them different plates of clubhouse sandwich.

"Thank you for the breakfast, Yanli-jie."

Jiang Cheng widen his eyes when he saw Lan Huan picking up the sandwich his sister made for them. "No!"

"What's the matter, A-Cheng?" She questioned an eyebrow raised.

"Jie, what are you trying to do? Lan Huan why are you so casual!"

Lan Huan chuckled, "Why are you so scared A-Cheng? Yanli-jie wouldn't do anything to us. Ease down." Lan Huan rubbed his back to soothe him before taking a bite of the sandwich. Jiang Cheng just gaped, heart anxious if his boyfriend would faint or not. Glad that he didn't but his sister's words made him scared for his own food.

"I'm not trying to do anything. He's right. I'm not going to do anything yet."

Jiang Cheng groaned and took a bite at his own sandwich, only to sputter. He was about to throw it out but seeing the glare in his sister's eyes made him force himself to swallow the awful taste of his sandwich.

Jiang Cheng cannot pinpoint what it really tasted like. All he knew was it was bitter, then sour, then the burn of onions and garlic, and even wasabi. He forced the food down his throat and visibly shuddered. Yanli slapped his hand away when he reached for the glass of water.

"Jiejie?! What is that? That is the most..." he shut up when his sister smiled sweetly at him.

"Jiang Cheng, you kept a secret from me."

Jiang Cheng groaned, he knew he won't be getting out of this punishment from his sister. He should finish the food placed before him. He just prayed his stomach could handle its awful taste.

"Why do I get to eat this and Lan Huan gets a decent meal?"

"You're my brother A-Cheng. You should know that by now."

He turned his eyes on his boyfriend. Asking to save him from his sister's wrath. "It's going to be okay A-Cheng. I'll treat you to your favorite K-BBQ later on." His words worked and Jiang Cheng had a courage to take another bite of his sandwich. At least this was all he'd gotten from his sister.

~~~

"We're going, and its final, Lan Huan. I'm not letting you go through this alone." Jiang Cheng said, already pulling out a set of clothes.

Lan Huan was already dressed in white crisp shirt and denim when Jiang Cheng arrived at the apartment. He wasn't happy in knowing the other planned on coming out to his elders alone.

"I just thought, to get this over with. No matter what I'll hear from my father..."

Jiang Cheng glanced at the man who waited for him to dress. He put in the last button of his dress shirt before approaching Lan Huan.

"And you don't have to take it all alone. We're in this together remember?" He placed a kiss on the man's forehead.

"Yes, you're right." Lan Huan took a deep breath before letting it out. He's clearly nervous and worried of the outcome but he'll do this, both for him and Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng could hear the fast beating of his heart as he faced Qingheng-xiansheng* and Qiren-xiansheng.

Lan Huan had asked to have a meeting with the both of them and they're now inside the Lan's private office at the Lan Theater.

"Are we just gonna stand around and stare at each other like fools?" Lan Huan flinched at what his father said. The older Lan sighed, "or are you going to tell me why you have a Jiang with you and had set this meeting up abruptly?"

"I-" Lan Huan started.

Jiang Cheng noticed the trembling in Lan Huan's hand and brave his heart to step forward and take it to his. This seemed to reassure the other and decided to speak.

"I've been together with Jiang Cheng for three years now, father. I just want you to know." Lan Huan took a deep breath, "I'll accept your judgement. If you think you need to disown me, I'll accept it."

Lan Huan's words pierced his heart. Jiang Cheng could only squeeze the other's hand and show support to him in all this. As the silence went longer, Jiang Cheng watched as the two elders fixed their gaze at them.

"Are you expecting something from us?" Qiren-xiansheng said, his question catching both young men a bit surprised and confused.

Qingheng-xiansheng went to stand up and walked closer, Lan Huan tensed as he waited for his father to stop in front of them. Before anyone could react, Qingheng-xiansheng had raised his hand and attempted to slap Lan Huan.

Lan Huan flinched and braced himself, but the slap never came.

"Xiongzhang*!"

"Get off me!" The Lan patriarch showed his angered face, getting away from his brother's grip.

By this time, Jiang Cheng and Lan Huan had moved a few steps back, Jiang Cheng holding a shocked Lan Huan.

"First Lan Zhan, and now you! Is this some kind of a trend?! Of all people why my sons!"

"What will happen to our lineage? You are my heir, Lan Huan! Just how are you two going to give our family an heir to continue?!"

Qingheng-xiansheng stopped his pacing and turned back to the young men.

"You are the oldest, Lan Huan. I expected different from you. What are you getting out of those Jiang boys?! He's-- he's just some kid who does videos on You/Tube and tried to get paid for it. Is that even a proper job?!"

Like a whip had struck Lan Huan, the man stilled at his father's words. Jiang Cheng wanted to growl in frustration and shrink to himself. A few words from his family echoing inside his head. But he doesn't want to make things worse for Lan Huan so he pushed it to the back of his mind. He should stand firmly beside his love because they promised each other.

"Fuqin*, do you remember muqin*?"

Everyone in the room stilled, surprised at what Lan Huan suddenly said. When no one said anything, Lan Huan straightened himself and pulled Jiang Cheng closer to him. He stood with his chin up and shoulders back staring eye to eye with his father.

"You fought for her, you loved her and married her despite our families being against your relationship. You showed our grandparents and our ancestors, that they were not going to take your love away from you."

"I won't let you talk to Jiang Cheng like that. I love him fuqin, whatever he have or doesn't have right now do not matter. I am standing up for the love I have with him. No family ties, lineage, inheritance or career will stop me."

"Then, it's settled, you are no longer a Lan. Get out of here!" Qingheng- xiansheng's voice was loud, it made Lan Huan force himself to move. He was stopped though, when his hand that clasped Jiang Cheng held him back.

Jiang Cheng had a determined look in his eyes as he stood his ground and had a stare off with the Lan Patriarch. Even though his heart ached for the elder's decision for his son, Jiang Cheng just cannot let this happen.

"Your son, has such a beautiful soul. He loved and loves deeply, like all the Lans had been. All his life, he'd dedicated it to please you and your family. All he had asked was someone to show him how to love outside his family. And I'm so grateful that person is me. I'm sorry for disappointing you, that I am the one he had chosen to give his heart to. But I plead, don't do this. Don't show him how cruel it is for having his family turn their backs on him just for loving a person like me."

Jiang Cheng bows deeply.

"A-Cheng, you don't--"

Lan Huan was interrupted when his father spoke. "If that is so, then why not break up with my son."

"Fuqin!"

"Xiongzhang! Stop this nonsense!"

Jiang Cheng slowly straightened himself. "With all due respect, but that decision is not up to me or you, Lan-xiansheng. I would only break up with Lan Huan if he told me so."

He met Lan Huan's teary eyes who was already shaking his head. "No. No. Let's just go Jiang Cheng. I'm-- We're going to be alright. L-let's just leave." His voice cracking and his eyes was already red, tears pooling at his eyes but never fell.

"Okay." Jiang Cheng swallowed the lump in his throat.

Qiren-xiansheng sighed, "You both stay, no one is leaving this room." He turned to his brother, "You are overreacting Xiongzhang."

"But it was getting good!"

"Shut up. This had dragged on for so long, it's getting old. Look at the kids! You've broken them. Let's sit down and talk about this."

The man rubbed his forehead before dragging his older brother towards the sitting area of the office.

Bewildered at the sudden turn off events, both Jiang Cheng and Lan Huan followed the elders and sat down on a long couch. Qiren-xiansheng, poured them tea and Lan Huan grabbed a cup easily, downing it in one go.

"Lan Huan look at me." Qingheng-xiansheng caught their attention again, going back to his serious face. "No one is disowning anyone."

More questions bombarded Jiang Cheng and making his confusion grow, didn't they just try to kick them out of the office? He kept an arm around Lan Huan and his other hand clasping together their hands.

"Right. Your father is just a little... screwed up in the head. He did this to Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian, didn't they tell you?"

By now, all the events were catching up to Lan Huan and he could feel his head spinning. Although, his anxiousness and fear were simmering down a little. It took him a while to actually speak. "What do you mean, shushu*? A-Zhan told me you almost disowned him. That you were so angry you don't want to see us for a while."

"First thing off, all that was a ruse. Your father isn't serious about disowning you or letting you break up with Jiang Cheng."

"I would never! Understand this A-Huan, out of the two of us," he points between himself and his younger brother, "it is likely that Qiren would be the one against your relationship. And what is it about bringing up your mother! Hey, didi, A-Zhan didn't say something like that?"

"I didn't say anything about being against anything. Also no, A-Zhan did not because he just flashed his teary, puppy eyes at us and you broke. You flustered like a fool at seeing him cry and heart broken."

"Not like you weren't the same with A-Huan! His tears haven't even fallen and you gave in."

Lan Qiren chose to ignore his brother, "We aren't against the relationship you two have. Your father just really wanted to shake you up."

"So, you're okay with it?" Jiang Cheng asked tentatively, his eyes going back and forth between the two people important to Lan Huan.

"Everything's fine Jiang Cheng, ease your worries! I didn't think A-Zhan wouldn't tell you what really happened. Look at your youngest nephew, Qiren. He's starting to omit the truth now."

"He's your son after all, whatever rules we raise them to, there will come a time they'll learn how to break those."

Hearing this Lan Huan's eyes started tearing up again at the relief washing over his heart. He cupped his face, hiding his tears. He was shaking a bit, adrenaline having left his system and making him a mess.

"A-Huan, you heard them, everything's alright now." Jiang Cheng whispered, Lan Huan just turned to him and let himself go. Jiang Cheng just cradled the love of his life and secretly wiped his happy tears.

~~~

Bonus Scene

Jiang Cheng and Lan Huan was sitting on the floor where they had set-up a pillow fort. Lan Huan stayed a few nights a week over his house. Tonight, they decided to set up a fort at Jiang Cheng's room. His huge sliding window making them see the sky without going outside and exposing themselves to insects.

As they laid comfortably in each other's arms, Lan Huan reached up his left hand. He turned it this way and that. Jiang Cheng watched him, until slowly he reached up too, clasping his hands over his lover's. Their rings clinking at the contact.

He remembered the moment Lan Huan slid a small velvet box towards him. Of course his thought jumped to the obvious one. Lan Huan immediately caught on and explain it was only a promise ring. He showed a pair of silver rings inside.

They made promises that night.

Jiang Cheng intertwined his fingers with Lan Huan. "I really thought, you were proposing to me that time."

Lan Huan chuckled, "You'll know when I am, my love. But I want to believe this promise ring is as close."

"Oh, make sure I'll be the first to know. Our promises were as good, my love. I can't believe you came up with it."

"Mn." Lan Huan shifted and both of them sat up to stare at each other's eyes, both hands intertwined with each other.

"HUANCHENG" Jiang Cheng smirked as he thought back of this engraving inside the rings.

"Happiness" Lan Huan said, a similar smirk growing on his lips.

"Understanding," Jiang Cheng answered back.

"Authentic,"

"No holding grudges," Jiang Cheng chuckled as he moved closer, fitting himself in between Lan Huan's legs.

"Communicating"

"Humility,"

"Encouragement,"

"No intolerance,"

"And Gratitude." Lan Huan pressed a kiss on their joined hands.

"Above all these is love for one another," They continued together.

"Choosing to not let go of each other,"

"Not before, not now, not ever."

Jiang Cheng giggled before sealing their promise with a kiss.

"I love you, A-Huan."

"And I love you too, A-Cheng."