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Jiang Cheng eyes Huaisang skeptically. “Are you sure?”
Huaisang swings the practice sword back and forth experimentally. “You said it was easy.” They stand in a frost-coated clearing on the north side of the Qinghe walls. Their breath curls in wreaths around their faces.
Jiang Cheng shivers and pulls the wool cloak Huaisang loaned him tightly around his shoulders. “I did not say it was easy. I said most Jiang disciples begin flying lessons when they are children.”
“That’s practically the same thing,” Huaisang says.
“It is not. Not at all.”
“Alright, but you did say I was smart.”
“You’re brilliant,” Jiang Cheng is happy to admit, “but this is dangerous. Why do you want to learn now?”
Huaisang shrugs. “I miss you,” he says. “I just thought, if I learned to fly, I could come see you more often. Now that you’re sect leader, it’s not right, it’s not seemly for you to be flying off, just to see me. You’ve only just rebuilt Lotus Pier.”
“I don’t mind.” Jiang Cheng reaches out and cups Huaisang’s cheek. “It’s worth it.”
“Still.” Huaisang leans into the touch, smiling. “I’m not good for much, but I should at least meet you halfway, or make as much of an effort to be by your side as you do to be by mine.”
“That would be really nice.” Jiang Cheng strokes his cheek. “But it’s not necessary. Your brother needs you, too, especially with...” He sighs. “I would feel better if you had a quick means of escape,” he says at last, “should the worst happen and the Wens make their way here.”
“So teach me to fly.”
“But what if you get hurt? Your brother will murder me!”
“You won’t let me fall, will you, A-Cheng?”
“I might.” Jiang Cheng flashes him a grin. “But I’d catch you.”
“Of course you would.” Huaisang tugs on Jiang Cheng’s robes until he’s close enough for a kiss. “When will we start?”
“Now’s as good a time as any.”
They start slow. Jiang Cheng shows Huaisang how to balance on the sword, how to direct his spiritual energy to create lift. He hops on his own sword and takes Huaisang’s hand, leading him in lazy circles around the clearing. By the time the early winter sun has melted the glittering frost, Huaisang is clearing the tops of the pines, whooping with glee as he weaves in and out of the towering trunks. Jiang Cheng is astonished, although he realizes he should not be surprised by anything Huaisang does.
Huaisang comes to a stop before Jiang Cheng, hovering just high enough to be eye-to-eye with Jiang Cheng. He is breathless and giddy, cheeks flushed the most appealing shade of red. He’s happy, Jiang Cheng realizes. He’s having fun. Jiang Cheng can’t remember the last time they just had fun.
Huaisang rests his hands on Jiang Cheng’s shoulders and kisses him breathless. Jiang Cheng circles his waist, and just in time. Huaisang’s concentration slips and the sword clatters to the ground.
“You caught me!”
“Of course I did.” Jiang Cheng holds him close. “I’ll always catch you.”
A shadow falls across Huaisang’s face. “You shouldn’t make promises like that,” he says, his voice dropping low.
“Why not?” Jiang Cheng kisses Huaisang’s temple.
Huaisang tucks his head under Jiang Cheng’s chin. “You can’t make a promise that’s impossible to keep.”
“Of course I can. Attempt the impossible, right?”
Huaisang threads his fingers through Jiang Cheng’s hair. “My impossible boy,” he says fondly. He kisses Jiang Cheng. “Your lips are so cold,” he says
“I’m cold all over.” He nuzzles Huaisang’s jaw, and he’s almost certain the shivers he elicits aren’t only due to a cold nose. “Let’s go inside, and I’ll give you a little sample of what you can expect when you visit me next.”
Huaisang cocks an eyebrow. “Just a sample?”
Jiang Cheng takes Huaisang’s hand and picks up the forgotten sword. “Warm me up and we’ll see if I can be convinced to show you more.”