Work Text:
Jiang Cheng admits, if only to himself, that everything is perfect. Red lanterns glow from every tree and post throughout Lotus Pier. The air is filled with the competing scents of delicious foods and blooming lotus. The murmur of conversation is punctuated by the occasional shriek of childish glee as Jin Ling, Lan Jingyi, and Lan Sizhui chase each other through the crowd of gathered adults. Jiang Cheng grins as he notices Jingyi’s tiny fists holding various treats on sticks like bouquets. He dances out of Jin Ling’s reach, but Zixuan intercedes before there’s a meltdown. He shifts his daughter to one hip and reaches out for his son, stroking his hair, whispering something to the boy, who pulls in his trembling lower lip, bows to his papa and makes a dash for the banquet tables on the far side of the pavilion.
Never mind that the ceremony hasn’t yet begun. But Jiang Cheng can’t blame his nephew. Lotus Pier has been in an uproar of preparations for the last month, culminating in this night, a long-awaited celebration of union and joy.
The fearsome Sandu Shengshu, face aching from smiling, hangs back in the shade of a red-draped corner of the grand courtyard. His grin widens as Lan Xichen, who has been deep in conversation with Yanli, catches sight of Nie Mingjue across the courtyard, makes a polite excuse to Yanli, and strides forward, meeting him halfway and seizes him in an embrace that lifts the stern and stoic Chifeng-Zun off his feet. Mingjue throws his head back and laughs before catching Xichen up in a passionate kiss.
“Shameless,” a sweet and familiar voice whispers behind Jiang Cheng, barely heard over the enthusiastic cheers of the on-looking crowd. Slender hands meet as Jiang Cheng is caught in his own embrace.
“Mind the robes,” he says, gently turning to face his Huaisang. “I’ve still got to...” He waves a hand. He’s still not entirely certain what Wei Ying needs him to do. He’s not Wei Ying’s father, after all, but he’ll stand up with his brother.
Huaisang smiles and offers Jiang Cheng a chaste kiss. “You look splendid,” he says, stepping back to cast a critical eye over the outfit. He tugs at the collar until it lies perfectly flush against Jiang Cheng’s chest.
“You’re looking pretty good yourself,” he says, leaning down to kiss Huaisang. He’s stopped by a closed fan against his lips and a hand splayed against his chest.
“Pretty good? A-Cheng, you know just how to wound me!” Huaisang pouts.
“I’m trying to be discreet,” Jiang Cheng replies. “You have no idea how tempted I am to toss you over my shoulder and make a run for it.”
“Ah, but then you’d have to deal with a crying Wei Wuxian, which would lead to an angry Lan Wangji, who would be supported by Lan Xichen, who would have the backing of my brother, and I can’t choose between my brother and my lover.” Huaisang steals a swift kiss. “And worst of all, Jiang Yanli would be disappointed.”
“Ah, I can’t disappoint Jiejie!”
“No you cannot.” Huaisang leans up and begs one last kiss from Jiang Cheng before taking his hand. “Come, then. Let us go and celebrate a wedding.” He squeezes Jiang Cheng’s hand. “And if you’re very good, I’ll let you sneak out early and take me to bed.”
“Who’s the shameless one now?” Jiang Cheng asks with a laugh.
“Where do you think da-ge learned it?”
Jiang Cheng’s reply is cut short by a sudden burst of fireworks over the water, but his smile says it all.