Work Text:
The sky after it rained was always the brightest, Lan Xichen noted. There were few clouds but the air still smelt of fresh rain. He breathed it in as he marched over to the locker room. It was almost 2:30 which meant the swim club would be finished soon. He would know, he made sure to know their hours so he could wait for one of its members. Since he started this year Lan Xichen grew closer and closer to Jiang Cheng. At first, it was a simple friendship, but then Lan Xichen developed a crush on him. After almost the whole year of pining and gentle push from his friends he decided he would confess.
Now would be a perfect time. It stopped raining and he knew Jiang Cheng’s schedule. It wouldn’t be something grand or ceremonious. Something simple, sweet, and honest.
Lan Xichen held his bag tightly in his hand. He told himself to relax. The last thing he wanted was to appear a nervous wreck in front of him. Jiang Cheng could smell bullshit a mile away.
On the dot, members of the swim club came pouring out of the locker room. He searched the crowd among them looking for his friend’s face, yet didn’t find him. The last few of the members came walking out and still no Jiang Cheng. He wondered if he even showed up to practice at all. No, Jiang Cheng loved swimming, there was no way he would miss it.
Lan Xichen approached one of the stragglers.
“Ah, excuse me. Did Jiang Wanyin come to practice today? I was looking for him.”
The member took a minute to look Lan Xichen up and down before raising his eyebrows.
“Oh yeah, Sandu? He’s still in there. He likes to be the last person to leave.” The member shrugged and then walked away.
Lan Xichen furrowed his eyebrows before entering the locker room. As he walked in he could smell chlorine. Other than his footsteps he heard the dripping of the showerheads. It then hit him, what if he walked in on him changing!? Lan Xichen stopped in his tracks and almost imagined it. No, no he couldn’t. Even if he liked Jiang Cheng in that way it would be dishonorable to imagine him in such away. He put his hands over his eyes and sighed.
‘Go back outside and wait for him there,’ he thought to himself. ‘Yes just turn around and act like you never stepped foot inside.’
As he turned to leave he heard a locker door slam. Lan Xichen flinched and turned around seeing Jiang Cheng walking from one of the lockers.
“Lan Xichen?” He blinked in surprise.
It was too late to run now. Lan Xichen smiled and hoped his face wasn’t red. Clutching his bag close he turned full towards him and waved.
“Hello, Jiang Wanyin. Sorry about the intrusion. One of your teammates told me that you were still in here. I uh,” he cleared his throat. “I probably should have waited.”
Jiang Cheng gave an unimpressed look before shrugging. “Yeah, I do a few extra laps before leaving.”
Jiang Cheng walked up to him and Lan Xichen took the time to admire him. He wore a baggy purple hoodie and his hair was tied up in a loose bun. He wore black leggings with purple stripes going up the sides and worn-out sneakers. The legging hugged his thighs in such away. It made Lan Xichen thank whoever decided to make swimming a club in the first place. He then realized he was probably staring at him.
“Oh, I see. You’re so dedicated, I’ll be sure to go to your next competition to cheer you on,” he said.
Jiang Cheng looked at him before smiling. He combed his fingers through his bangs before nodding, “Thank you. I’ll be sure to do my best then.”
“I don’t doubt it, you’re hardworking and a lot of people admire you.” He held back from saying he admired him as well. Maybe Jiang Cheng would pick up on it through telepathy or something.
He chuckled in front of him and shook his head, “You’re exaggerating too much, Lan Xichen I’m not-”
“I’m not!” He interrupted. “Sorry for interrupting, but I did mean it. You’re amazing with your studies and such a great athlete as well. You care about your family and I-” he closed his mouth. The words hung on his lips he was so close to saying it, but staring into Jiang Cheng’s eyes he just couldn’t.
“...I truly admire you.”
Jiang Cheng stood in stunned silence. The last thing he was expecting was something so earnest from him. He looked away from him and scowled. A light shade of pink-faced his cheeks and Lan Xichen could see the freckles on his tan skin.
“Lans can’t lie,” Jiang Cheng mumbled.
Lan Xichen’s shoulders relaxed, “It’s forbidden.”
Jiang Cheng’s scowl then melted into a soft smile before he looked back at Lan Xichen. He stuffed his hands into his hoodie pocket and shrugged.
“Did you come all this way just to tell me that then?”
Lan Xichen’s ears were red by now. Yes, he did, that and more so why couldn’t he just say it now?
“Not exactly. What I wanted was...well…”
What if Jiang Cheng didn’t feel the same way? This isn’t exactly how he pictured his confession would go. Not with the heavy smell of chlorine water invading his nose. Jiang Cheng cleared his throat and it caused Lan Xichen to panic.
“Sorry, I wanted to ask if you maybe wanted to have dinner tonight? If you weren’t busy. We could go to that cafe that you like.”
Then, he would say it then. Jiang Cheng liked the food and the mood would be perfect. Though he would like rain so maybe he could have an excuse to share an umbrella. Another fantasy he had the past few days.
“Ah, normally I would but I’ve got to study. Midterms are coming up and I have to make sure my brother at least starts his assignments.”
Lan Xichen tried to not look visibly disappointed. That’s right mid-terms were coming up. He was already on top of his studies so he had less to worry about, but Jiang Cheng was 2 years behind him. Things were different.
“Oh, I see. Your school work should always come first,” he nodded.
Maybe it wasn’t the right time he’d have his chance. If he weren’t so chicken shit he’d do it now.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not free tomorrow afternoon though,” Jiang Cheng smirked.
Lan Xichen’s mood perked up, "Tomorrow? That sounds good."
Jiang Cheng nodded, "I only have a morning class. I won't have anything else to do until the evening to study."
"Okay, the afternoon. Is 1:00 good for you?"
"Sounds good.” Jiang Cheng stepped forward. “I have to get going,”
"Of course, I'll walk you out."
Lan Xichen was thrilled. Tomorrow, tomorrow for sure he would make his feelings be known.
That evening he thought of the different ways he could say it. I love you or I like you a lot. Maybe I care for you or adore you. He starred in the mirror thinking of how he would look. Jiang Cheng liked confidence in people he knew that. Also, he didn't like it when people beat around the bush. He would have to be upfront about his feelings and not hide from them.
"So, did you do it?"
Lan Xichen to find his roommate and best friend standing in the doorway. Only a few knew about his loud crush on Jiang Cheng. He was one of them. Lan Xichen sighed and turned back to the mirror.
"No, but I got close this time. Tomorrow we have a date, well not a date but he promised to meet me tomorrow after his morning class."
Meng Yao smiled, "Er-ge, you have to do it eventually. I have to ask you not to chicken out tomorrow."
Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow, "Of course I will, but why are you insistent about it? You wouldn't have a pool against me would you?" He joked.
Meng Yao chuckled, "Of course not Er-ge. My money is on you."
Lan Xichen spun around, "A-Yao! Just who is in this pool?"
"Oh," he sighed as if he wasn't supposed to let that detail out. "No one who doesn't already know."
Lan Xichen closed his eyes, "Of course."
"We all believe in you Er-ge. Just some of us thought it would take you until graduation. However, I believe you can do it tomorrow."
Meng Yao smiled and gave a pat to his shoulder.
"Don't fret too much Er-ge. It will all go smoothly. Just be honest."
Despite his embarrassment, Lan Xichen looked at Meng Yao and nodded. "Be honest."
"Yes, Jiang Cheng isn't the type to read between the lines. He's not a mind reader."
Lan Xichen nodded, "You're right." Exhaling he straightened his hair out.
"Now, A-Yao, tell me who bet against me."
-----
Morning classes finally came to an end and Lan Xichen had butterflies in his stomach. He hadn't seen Jiang Cheng since the locker room and wondered if he should meet him outside of his class.
No, he almost walked in on him changing best not to ambush him outside of his classroom. No, he decided to go straight to the cafe as promised.
He was right on time and found a table that seated two far from anyone else. It had the privacy for such an occasion. Lan Xichen seated himself and checked his phone. It would probably take Jiang Cheng a few minutes to get there. Either way, he was happy to wait.
The server came by asking about his order and said he was waiting for someone. They smiled and left him be. He checked his phone again and 10 minutes passed. No need to worry, it was about that much away from campus anyway.
After 15 minutes, Lan Xichen asked for some water for his nerves and to make sure he didn't look too pathetic. He stared at the empty seat and decided to text Jiang Cheng.
'Got us a table c:'
Something simple, a gentle reminder. He left his phone on the table and waited. After 20 minutes Lan Xichen started to worry. He checked his phone and Jiang Cheng hadn't even read the message yet. Maybe he ran into one of his teammates and got sidetracked.
"Excuse me are you using this chair?"
A stranger asked. They came in with a large group. Lan Xichen blinked before nodding.
"Yes, sorry I'm waiting for someone."
The stranger nodded and looked for a different chair. Lan Xichen looked at his phone and the message still hasn't been read. He sent another.
'The sweets you like are special. Do you want me to order for you?'
Surely he would have to look at his phone by now. Yet, after 30 minutes and not even an update, the butterflies in Lan Xichen's stomach turned to rocks. Jiang Cheng wouldn't stand him up like that, would he? He checked his phone and still he hadn’t read the message. Lan Xichen leaned back in his chair. He heard someone approach and turned around with a smile. It wasn’t Jiang Cheng though. It was the server once again. They had on a pitiful smile hoping not to make matters worse.
“I’m really sorry. Uh, we need the table. Are you going to order something?”
Lan Xichen couldn't get mad at them. They were only doing their job and all he had was free water. Looking back at the empty seat he came to the mortifying conclusion that he got stood up. Standing up he left a generous tip on the table and nodded his head to the server.
“Sorry, I should be going anyway.”
As Lan Xichen left the cafe he stood outside feeling so foolish. He should have just accepted his fate after the first 10 minutes. Jiang Cheng didn’t even look at his messages at all. Then a thought occurred to him. What if Jiang Cheng couldn’t look at his messages? What if something terrible happened to him and he couldn’t respond?
That was enough to kick his heart into gear. Lan Xichen started to march back to campus and towards the dorms. He hoped nothing awful happened to him, maybe he just slept in. It was almost 2:00. The swim club didn’t meet today either. Lan Xichen hoped that nothing bad happened to him.
He’d been to Jiang Cheng’s dorm building before. Sometimes to meet him outside for a morning coffee or walking him back from swim practice. Never once has he made it inside the room. He was too stiff to ask and Jiang Cheng never offered. What if it was because he didn’t want him there?
Pushing that self-doubt away, Lan Xichen made his way up to the dorm rooms. Jiang Cheng shared the dorm with his brother. That much he did know. Though he didn’t have his number, so he couldn’t ask him what happened to Jiang Cheng. Going right to the source was his only option at this point.
He finally reached the room. On the door, he found a whiteboard with two names written in red and purple respectfully. Lan Xichen thought about how Jiang Cheng’s handwriting was so neat. He winced thinking how much Meng Yao would tease him right now. Exhaling he knocked on the door and waited for a response.
The door flew open and was met with wild bangs and a wide smile.
“Er-ge!” Wei Wuxian greeted brightly. “What brings you here? Is Lan Zhan with you?” He looked around him.
Lan Xichen stood still as Wei Wuxian looked around him like he was a tree. He chuckled as he remembered that their brothers were...friends.
“Ah, no, Lan Zhan isn’t here. He’s in class.”
Wei Wuxian looked a little disappointed but shrugged it off. “Oh yeah, I forgot. So, then why are you here?”
The last person he wanted to know about their meeting was Jiang Cheng’s brother. But, the only person who would know where he was was Wei Wuxian.
“Well, Jiang Ch-Wanyin was supposed to meet me today. I texted him and he hasn’t responded. I was wondering if you knew where he was.” Lan Xichen rubbed the back of his neck feeling embarrassed.
“Ohh I see,” Wei Wuxian scratched at his nose. “He’s here, yeah. The thing is he’s been sick all day.”
Lan Xichen blinked, “Sick? Is it anything serious?”
Wei Wuxian waved his hand, “Nah. The dummy went running in that little shower we had and then swim practice right after. So, he was going to get sick eventually. He was going to study last night then said he felt tired and went to bed early. I heard him coughing in the middle of the night with a fever. So I’ve been here all day looking after him.”
Lan Xichen felt a mixture of relief and worry. At least he didn't stand him up, but at the same time, he was sick. Lan Xichen nodded and took a step back.
“I see, I apologize. If I had known I would have brought him something. Thank you for taking care of him, please let him know I wish him well.”
He took a turn to leave when Wei Wuxian grabbed his arm and yanked him into their dorm. He made an undignified noise and stumbled inside. Wei Wuxian closed the door behind him and put his hands on his hips.
“Don’t you wanna visit him? That’s why you came over did you?” He asked.
Lan Xichen stood frozen. “No! I mean,” he lowered his voice, “I only wanted to see how he was doing. If he’s sick I don’t want to bother him.”
“Nonsense,” Wei Wuxian said, not taking into account his volume. “He would love to hear someone else’s voice besides mine by now anyway. He was taking a nap last time I checked on him.”
“Then I shouldn’t--”
“He wanted to see you today.”
Lan Xichen closed his mouth. Wei Wuxian’s expression grew serious as he stood in front of the door.
“I’m just saying he would like to see you. A little visit won’t kill him,” he smiled.
Lan Xichen relaxed, “He would?”
Wei Wuxin rolled his eyes, “Of course. Now stop being so shy, I’m betting you want to talk to him too!”
Wei Wuxian started to push him towards his room. Normally would mind it, but he did need a little push. Wei Wuxian opened Jiang Cheng’s door and shoved him inside.
“Play nice!” He sang before closing the door.
Lan Xichen pursed his lips at the door then looked around. The room was neat and orderly. On the desk were some school work and pictures of Jiang Cheng’s friends and family. One picture in the center of the shelves was of him and his siblings. Most of the pictures didn’t have Jiang Cheng smiling, but that one did. His lamp was off and Lan Xichen left it that way. The only light came through the cracks of the curtains. There were several trophies and academic awards on his wall his chest swelled with pride.
Jiang Cheng laid on the bed sleeping soundly in a large purple sweatshirt. A cool patch was left on his head and his hair was tied in a long braid on the side. Lan Xichen blushed, even though he was sick he looked so beautiful in his eyes. He approached him slowly and smiled over him. He looked so soft at this moment he didn’t dare try to wake him.
He took the seat from his desk and sat next to his bed. Lan Xichen felt like he was falling for him again. He gently moved his bangs from his face just to get a better look when Jiang Cheng moved his head.
His warm skin touched his fingers and Lan Xichen paused. The fever was pretty bad, he still felt so hot. Lan Xichen smiled as he caressed his cheek hoping that would keep him asleep. He pulled the covers up higher as they were around Jiang Cheng’s waist.
“Sorry for jumping to conclusions,” Lan Xichen whispered.
That was enough to wake him up as Jiang Cheng let out a small noise and opened his eyes. He looked so groggy Lan Xichen immediately took his hands away.
“Jiang Wanyin, sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”
He placed his hands in his lap. Jiang Cheng closed his eyes again before clearing his throat. Probably from coughing all night. He moved to sit up but Lan Xichen made a move to stop him. He urged him not to push himself but he was stubborn. Sitting up now he sniffled and pushed his blanket down.
“Hardly slept anyway,” he spoke softly. “Between my brother and this damn cough, it’s hard to get any rest.”
“I’m glad he was here to watch over you. I would have brought you something if I knew…”
“Don’t worry about it,” he cleared his throat. “I’m surprised you even came to visit. Especially after I stood you up.”
Lan Xichen shook his head. “I was just worried. You didn’t read any of my messages. So, I just wanted to see if you were okay.”
Jiang Cheng sighed, “Yeah I was trying to sleep but the notifications were giving me a headache. So, Wei Wuxian put my phone on silent. I meant to tell you what happened, but after my medicine, I knocked out.”
“It’s alright.”
Lan Xichen took his hand. Jiang Cheng’s hands were smaller than his but that didn’t stop Lan Xichen from using both hands to hold his. Jiang Cheng put his free hand over his. He could feel him intertwine their fingers together.
“I’m glad I still got to see you today anyway,” Jiang Cheng smiled.
“Me too, I’m...I'm really happy to see you every day.”
Jiang Cheng's expression changed as soon as he heard that. When Lan Xichen said it he didn't realize his tone. They stared at each other in silence with their hands still together. It clicked in Lan Xichen’s head and he decided to not hold back.
"I like seeing you every day. When we get coffee together or when we study together even though we have different classes. I wasn't just saying those words yesterday just to say them. I truly do admire you Jiang Wanyin. I love watching you swim and I love how much family means to you. You're passionate and determined. I like you Jiang Wanyin. I really, really like you."
It felt like the rocks in his stomach finally went away. Lan Xichen exhaled knowing his face was probably red. He geared himself for the worst, for Jiang Cheng to reject him or worse even laugh at him. Yet, that never came. Instead, Jiang Cheng's hands just went tighter around his own.
"You-" Jiang Cheng blinked, "You like me?"
Lan Xichen nodded, "I do."
"As in more than a friend?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
Jiang Cheng blinked again before looking down. His bangs fell over his face so Lan Xichen couldn't see at all what he looked like. He took one hand to move his bangs to find his face completely red.
"Wanyin?
"...I like you too."
"What? I couldn’t hear-”
“I said I like you too!”
Jiang Cheng spoke loud and clear. Lan Xichen took a moment to register what he said. He finally looked at him with worry in his eyes. As if Lan Xichen already didn’t just confess his love.
“You like me too?” Lan Xichen spoke.
Jiang Cheng nodded, “I do. You’re amazing and wonderful. I like you too.”
Lan Xichen smiled and leaned forward. He held his cheek in his hand and Jiang Cheng leaned into the touch. His cool hand did wonders for his fevers. Though Lan Xichen was leaning closer in and Jiang Cheng put a hand on his chest to stop him.
“What are you doing?” He asked.
“I,” Lan Xichen blinked, “I was going to kiss you? I’m sorry if you’re not ready for that.” He moved away.
“No, of course, I-it’s not that!” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “I’m sick, you can’t just kiss me.”
Lan Xichen raised his eyebrows then smiled, “I’ll be careful.” He leaned in again.
“Xichen! That’s not how this works. You can’t get sick just for a kiss.”
“But I’d do anything for a kiss with you.”
Jiang Cheng put a hand over his eyes, “You can’t say things like that!”
“I’ve wanted to kiss A-Cheng for a long time,” Lan Xichen spoke in a low tone.
Jiang Cheng peeked between his fingers to glare at him, but how red his face was it wasn’t working. Someone found some confidence, Jiang Cheng thought.
“You’re ridiculous,” he pinched the bridge of his nose.
Lan Xichen chuckled and leaned in again. He kissed his forehead and then his cheek. Jiang Cheng loved the feeling much more than he anticipated. If it wasn’t for this damn cold he would have kissed him on the lips himself.
“And you’re wonderful.”
Jiang Cheng smiled and raised his arms pulling Lan Xichen into a hug. He gladly returned the embrace before pulling away.
“A-Cheng,” he started, “I do have a question. One of your team members called you Sandu. Why that name?”
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. There was a bit of silence before he yawned and laid back in bed. “I chose it. Sandu Sengshou. We all came up with nicknames for ourselves freshman year. I thought it fit since Nie Huaisang said I cut through the water like a blade once.”
Lan Xichen thought about its meanings and it did describe the way he swam and how he took sports so seriously. He had no room to complain.
“It’s better than Zewu-Jun,” he said, pulling the covers up.
“You are right however, you are sick. Is there anything I can do?” He asked.
Jiang Cheng smiled, “Be here when I wake up?”
Lan Xichen smiled and kissed his cheek again, “Of course.”
After Lan Xichen helped tuck him in he waited for Jiang Cheng to fall right back asleep. He waited and left the room to at least get him a new cold patch and some water for when he woke up. He found Wei Wuxian laying in the middle of the floor on his phone. He looked up at him and winked.
Lan Xichen put his hands on his hips, “I know about the betting pool you know.”
Wei Wuxian sat up immediately and put a finger to his lips.
“Shh! If Jiang Cheng knows he’ll blame me for it!”
“I won’t,” Lan Xichen shrugged, "Just tell me who you bet on."
"I wouldn't bet against my own brother!"
Lan Xichen gave him a knowing look.
“Ugh,” Wei Wuxian groaned, “I bet he would ask you out at least after midterms. He was too chicken to do it before his last competition.”
Lan Xichen beamed knowing Jiang Cheng was trying to confess to him as well.
“Wei-gonzi, my brother’s class does end soon. You’ll have a chance to catch him if you go now,” he smiled.
Wei Wuxian tilted his head before standing up straight. “Mm,” he scratched at his nose and then gasped.
“Are you trying to get rid of me? When my precious shidi is all sick? My, my, Xichen-gege I’m surprised at you.”
Lan Xichen chuckled, “I’m sure you don’t want me to let A-Cheng know about the pool.”
There was another gasp. “Are you blackmailing me? You, Zewu-Jun?”
“Blackmailing is immoral. I’m simply only reminding,” he gave a diplomatic smile.
Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes at him before grinning. He took the hint. With a shrug, he moved to grab his coat (which was on the floor) and went to leave.
“Fine then. I leave my shidi with you. It’s only fair since I get to have the afternoon with Lan Zhan. Treat him well!”
With that Wei Wuxian left the room. Lan Xichen smiled and went back to Jiang Cheng’s room. Luckily he was sound asleep and didn’t hear much of their conversation. He leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.
“Rest well, A-Cheng,” he whispered.
When he would wake Lan Xichen would be sure to spoil his lovely boyfriend. No matter how much he protested.