Work Text:
“You wouldn't get this from any other guy,” Nie Huaisang proudly said, revealing his newest set of merchandise.
Lan Xichen, in spite of his heavy blush, could only nod as he admired the series of artful prints.
“You do always have some very... unique items for trade,” he conceded, wondering idly if that position was even physically achievable. It didn't look credible, but it was on several of the prints, hinting that either it was possible, or there was a high demand for that type of picture, or the artist in person really enjoyed it.
He wanted to bet on the third option. It took some true skill to make a body this contorted look appealing.
“Where do you even get those?” Lan Xichen asked.
“Trade's secret,” Nie Huaisang smugly replied. “But I'm pleased to announce it's now possible to make requests, as long as you're willing to pay the right price. Nothing is off-limits.”
“A dangerous offer to make.”
“Which is why I'm only saying it like that to you,” Nie Huaisang admitted with a laugh. “Wei-xi... I mean, some other clients got a detailed list of things they're not allowed to request, because I value the artist's sanity.”
Lan Xichen nodded. He had some very strong suspicions regarding the identity of Nie Huaisang's associate, mostly because he was quite familiar with the younger boy's drawing style. He had a certain way of doing eyes and smiles that was his only. And then, there was the choice of subject. Not the fact that it was pornography of the filthiest sort, but the people depicted in that pornography. There were... subtle hints.
Of course ribbons were to be expected, for lewd art sold and rented to guest disciples in the Cloud Recesses. Gusu Lan disciples tended to be very handsome, and very inaccessible, so many outsiders fantasised about them, especially with their reputation for purity. Men and women in white bearing a ribbon were not rare in such prints. But the xiao was a less common accessory to give to those not-at-all-Lan-disciple figures, until very recently. And it also hadn't escaped Lan Xichen's notice that if the character in white bore a xiao, then their more colourful partner, man or woman, would often carry a fan.
Lan Xichen tried not to wonder if he was flattered or not, knowing the answer might not be one he was ready to face. Nie Huaisang was his best friend's little brother, and while it was acceptable for a younger boy to get certain ideas about an elder, it would have been quite scandalous for Lan Xichen to return them.
Not that he was that much of an elder to Nie Huaisang. Two years of difference didn't really count, right?
“What do you think of that one?” Nie Huaisang asked, pointing at one of those suspicious prints Lan Xichen was eyeing. The person in white was a very flexible woman this time.
“Would you have that with two men?” Lan Xichen muttered, cursing himself.