Work Text:
Though he hadn’t grown up swimming, when Nie Huaisang began to spend time at Lotus Pier, Jiang Cheng insisted he learn. Huiasang didn’t mind, because learning to swim meant Jiang Cheng, his golden skin slick and bare, his hands on Huaisang. He was a good teacher, and Huaisang grew to love the freedom of stripping off his heavy robes and sliding into the cool waters of the lake.
By far, however, his favorite thing is this: Jiang Cheng rows them out among the lotuses in the early evening. They slip into the water and spend a while swimming, circling the boat, talking about their day or plans for the coming weeks. As the sun dips toward the horizon, they hold onto one another, trading lazy kisses and whispered endearments.
Here, buffeted by gentle waves, the only weight they carry is the weight of their affections, and their hearts are light.