Archive of Our Own

It is Lan Wangji's third discussion conference since his confinement was lifted, this year being held in Carp Tower, and he can safely say : He did not miss these events. Lan Wangji is bored and tired of all the grandeur and conversation about things he couldn't care less about. His back aches from sitting straight for so long, despite being used to it, the scars on his back have pulled the skin tight, and he struggles, but manages, to suppress a wince as he rolls his shoulders a little. Lan Xichen looks over, concerned, but Lan Wangji just shakes his head, and Lan Xichen relaxes a little, nodding. He puts a hand on Lan Wangji's shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Wangji, don't strain yourself. You've done well, I'm sure no one would mind if you retired a little early."

"Mm."

Across the room, something must catch Lan Xichen's eye, because as he's about to reply, a smile breaks across his features, soft and warm, not unlike the ones he gives Lan Wangji, but the flush in his cheeks is the only clue Lan Wangji needs as to what, or who, attracted his brother's attention.

A quick glance confirms that indeed, Jin Guangyao is looking in their direction, his smile almost a mirror of Lan Xichen's in it's blatant affection, and he tilts his head a little, an invitation. It's not for him, of course, so Lan Wangji looks away, and Lan Xichen lets a short breath. "Wangji..."

"Go. I won't stay much longer." Lan Xichen hesitates for a moment, caring as always, but after a moment nods in thanks, and stands to make his way across the hall.

Behind Lan Xichen, movement catches Lan Wangji's eye, and he leans over slightly, just in time to see Nie Huaisang knock his knees into the table in front of him, seemingly in a hurry to stand. Nie Huaisang's gaze is fixed firmly on Lan Xichen, but Lan Wangji watches as he freezes, then slumps back into his seat, pouting so hard it's visible even from afar. 

Lan Wangji wonders briefly if he's embarrassed to have made even a minor scene such as that, but no one seems to have noticed his fumble, bar one or two snickering Jin servants, and there's no humble blush to his cheek, no stammered apology among laughter. This, along with the fact that Lan Wangji is well aware Nie Huaisang has absolutely no concept of shame, something he and Wei Ying had in common, leads him to follow Nie Huaisang's gaze.

The subject of his irritation is clear right away, but no less surprising. Jin Guangyao is leading Lan Xichen out of the main hall, a hand lightly pressed to Lan Xichen's back, as they laugh at something Lan Wangji is sure isn't that funny. He almost feels a prickle of irritation under his skin. It wasn't fifteen minutes ago Qin Su and her child retired for the night, and already Jin Guangyao is leading his brother away.

He doesn't have any real feelings about Jin Guangyao as a person, really, he's a fitting enough clan leader, competent and politically adept. Maybe a little too much so, Lan Wangji is quite familiar with the 'This is ridiculous and exhausting but I am Clan Leader so I have to be polite' smile Jin Guangyao frequently adopts, as Lan Xichen wears it all too often himself. He also knows of some of Jin Guangyao's less... favourable deeds, as his brother's confidant, but also knows how deeply Lan Xichen cares about him, and if there's one thing Lan Wangji knows he cannot lecture another about, it's loving someone despite their misdeeds. So he swallows his minor discomfort at the thought of Lan Xichen putting so much effort into a married man, and lets his mind wander back to Nie Huaisang. A man who, after everything that's happened the past few years, should have absolutely no reason to have looked at Jin Guangyao the way he did.

When Lan Wangji looks again, Nie Huaisang is hiding behind his fan, chatting with one of his disciples as though nothing had happened. How like him. While Lan Wangji can't say that he and Nie Huaisang are friends, or even really acquaintances, he has known the man for years. He knows well by now that Nie Huaisang uses his fan in the way Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao use their smiles, and he finds himself almost intrigued. Idle curiosity, at least. He's not interested any of the perfunctory conversations the other Clan Leaders are having, and if Nie Huaisang holds some hidden ill will to Jin Guangyao, or his brother, Lan Wangji ought to know about it.

He sips at his tea, clearly expensive, and flowery, but a little too sweet for his liking, and sets himself to watching Nie Huaisang. The man is clearly distracted. Judging from the growing irritation on his conversation partner's face, they've had to repeat themselves a few times, and Nie Huaisang fans himself, sheepish smile exposing itself occasionally, as he throws yet another glance over his shoulder, to the door Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao had exited through. 

He fidgets with his free hand, shoulders stiff, the picture of anxiety, and Lan Wangji is almost alarmed, until, on perhaps the sixth glance, Lan Wangji gets a good look at Nie Huaisang's eyes, and oh. Alarm gives way to something like pity. Sympathy maybe. Because Lan Wangji knows that look. 

If he knows one thing on this earth, it's those pained eyes, and the feelings that accompany them. 

How could he not, when he's seen those eyes a thousand times in his reflection? When he's felt the same tightness in his chest that Nie Huaisang's eyes betray right now? He's never felt anything like kinship with the man before, but in that moment, he knows they're the same. He knows, because of Wei-

Before he can even finish the thought properly, he's up and moving himself, something he only realises when Nie Huaisang looks up at him, smile wavering a little before he lifts his fan to obscure it.

"Ah, H-Hanguang-jun, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Clan Leader Nie." He bows, as insincere as it feels while Nie Huaisang sits beneath him. It gives him time to think of a real reason for his approach. "I noticed you seemed to wish to speak with my brother." Almost imperceptibly, Nie Huaisang seems to pale, but his hand doesn't stop fanning himself and what little Lan Wangji can see of his expression gives away nothing. "I believe he has retired for the evening, but if you had Clan affairs to discuss, I can relay them to him."

"Ah, that - It's nothing, nothing important, that can't wait, but thank you, Hanguang-jun." 

That should be it, Lan Wangji should nod, and return to his table, or his guest room, but something in him grounds him there. Lan Xichen has always called him stubborn. Lan Wangji can't say he's wrong, not with the way his body is marred with all the proof anyone would need to call him such.

"It's no trouble." 

"R-Really, Hanguang-jun, it was just a small - personal matter." He looks reluctant to say even that much, and at the edge of the fan, Lan Wangji can see colour tinting his cheeks. "You needn't worry yourself about it."

Lan Wangji is about to respond again, retort that it wasn't worry, but before he can, a Nie disciple leans in, whispering something to Nie Huaisang, who nods and waves them off. The disciple glances up, and Wangji thinks his expression must betray his irritation at having been interrupted, because the disciple has the sense to bow and offer a quick apology, before scurrying off, followed by the rest of the Nie Clan members accompanying Nie Huaisang to the conference.

Nie Huaisang himself almost seems surprised when he looks back up to see Lan Wangji still stood there. "Um - Was that all, Hanguang-jun?"

No, it isn't, Lan Wangji wants to say, but he's never sought out conversation before, especially not about a topic like this, and he isn't even sure what he would say if Nie Huaisang indulged him. His fists clench a little at his side, frustrated at himself, before taking a breath and deciding the simplest way to do it is better than the... polite, word-mincing way he's sure anyone else would.

"You are in love with my br-"

"AH, AH, H-HANGUANG-JUN, HANGUANG-JUN!" Nie Huaisang shoots up in an instant, grabbing at his sleeve.

Lan Wangji steps back, surprised, and Nie Huaisang, who does not let go, is pulled with him, his legs once again hitting the table, and he cries out in alarm as the pot of tea that had been resting there is knocked over, spilling onto his robes. Nie Huaisang's face floods with colour in an instant, as murmurs begin to echo throughout the room. Jin clan servants annoyed at having to clean up another one of Clan Leader Nie's messes, and other assorted disciples muttering about how much Nie Huaisang must've had to drink, how desperate for attention he must be to be hassling the great Hanguang-jun just because Clan Leaders Jin and Lan are busy.

Lan Wangji would probably be thinking something similar were he just an observer, and he doesn't appreciate Nie Huaisang's grab-happy hands, but looking down at the desperation written plainly on the younger man's face, he relents, and lets Nie Huaisang keep ahold of him.

"Hanguang-jun, I-I'm afraid I need your help, you know, Carp Tower is so vast, I think I've forgotten the way back to my room, could you please escort me back?" He sounds a little choked up, to his credit, but Wangji can't see any tears in his eyes just yet.

"How many times have you been here?" He asks, coldly, unsure if he's serious. A sharp tug on his sleeve, and furrow of Nie Huaisang's brow affirms it's a ruse.

"I know, but I really don't know, and all my disciples have left already, Hanguang-jun please, I really don't know the way." He shakes his head pitifully, living up to his nickname, and Lan Wangji cannot withold a scoff, but nods, hoping Nie Huaisang doesn't intend to cling to him the whole way there.

After a moment, however, Nie Huaisang has still yet to let go, and Lan Wangji has to simply resign himself to this, swallowing down his frustration. He has no idea how his brother can manage Nie Huaisang, but Xichen has always been better with people than him. They leave the hall awkwardly, Nie Huaisang thanking him far too loudly and performatively for his liking, although he suspects it's mostly to drown out all the gossip that stirs as they go. Nie Huaisang quiets once they're out of earshot, and he sighs, his whole body deflating. He loosens his grip a little, which Lan Wangji is grateful for, but doesn't let go entirely, so Lan Wangji can feel the slight tremble in his hands. They walk silently, and despite asking to be shown to the guest rooms, Nie Huaisang gently tugs and directs him elsewhere, through the maze of gaudy, golden hallways that make up Carp Tower. He finds himself genuinely unsure of whether Nie Huaisang is leading him somewhere intentionally, or has gotten lost already. He remains quiet, however, and soon they exit into a small, but elegant courtyard.

It's the kind of place one would expect to find out front, for all the guests to see, not tucked in amongst the labyrinth of the tower, so he wonders if it's meant to be private, but no servants have stopped them on their way, though they have certainly attracted looks as they passed.

There's a small pond in the centre, hidden away amongst the bushes and flowers, inside which beautifully patterned koi swimming around aimlessly. He can hear the quiet buzzing of other insects, and there must be a wind chime somewhere amongst the foliage and flora, because he hears a faint musical tinkling as a breeze picks up, and he looks down at the man beside him. 

"Clan Leader Nie, you-"

Nie Huaisang's voice trembles as he interrupts, but doesn't falter. "You know, Hanguang-jun, you really... can't say things like that around others." He lets go of Lan Wangji's sleeve finally, to pull his paper fan out of his own, but doesn't unfold it, merely spins it in his hands. "Someone could overhear you and get the wrong idea, you know. Then what would people think?"

His eyes flit to Lan Wangji's occasionally as he speaks, but he averts his eyes again each time. Lan Wangji frowns. He may not be very adept with people, or at all, really, but he's sure of what he saw, even for a moment.

"Are you saying you are not in love with him?" Nie Huaisang almost flinches, but Lan Wangji won't soften his words. To what end? He wants a straight answer out of Nie Huaisang, not a vague, fumbled apology or a claim of ignorance.

A quiet laugh preceeds Nie Huaisang's next words. "Even if I was, Hanguang-jun, it still wouldn't be something I'd want publicised. Especially not in front of all of them." 

He fails to hide the disdain in his voice, and Lan Wangji can't say he doesn't feel the same. He's always found the discussion conference to be tedious, and is eternally grateful that whenever his uncle insists he go, he's able to let Lan Xichen handle most of the talking.

"Mn."

"Why does the great Hanguang-jun want to know anyway? Did Er-ge ask you to find out? I'm flattered, really, but-"

"No."

Nie Huaisang almost looks put out, but he extends his fan, and Lan Wangji is thankful he no longer has to try and analyse Nie Huaisang's expressions. It's tiresome, watching someone both so expressive and so guarded. Nie Huaisang merely stares at him, unfortunately, so he's forced to elaborate.

"I saw it."

"Saw what?" Nie Huaisang's voice is sharp, now. "I just wanted to speak to him is all, before San-ge took him away. There's nothing to have seen. I didn't even do anything."

Lan Wangji shakes his head. "I saw it. In your eyes."

Nie Huaisang scoffs, but his brow furrows and then Lan Wangji watches as he schools himself into something more neutral.

"...And so? You're not the type to mock others, so you must be here to what, ask me to back off? Say I did feel... that way about Er-ge, I wasn't planning on acting anyway, so you needn't worry about that."

Lan Wangji can't do much but stare. Looking at this defensive Nie Huaisang, he finds he's not quite nostalgic, but maybe somewhat sentimental. When thinking of the Nie Huaisang he knew on his multiple stays in Gusu, it occurs how much and how little has changed. All too often, Lan Wangji dismissed his own feelings, both to himself, and to others, and while now, he's still expressionless to others, he sees no point in hiding how he feels. Not about Wei Ying, not when he's still taking pain medication once a week, not when he still has to take care whilst washing his chest, for the sear over his heart.

On the other hand, he remembers Nie Huaisang as a boy who very much wore his heart on his sleeve, just as shameless as Wei Ying, and almost as boisterous, quieting only when his brother was mentioned. He knows well that Nie Huaisang encouraged many of Wei Ying's jokes, tasteless as he thought them. He'd confiscated plenty of pornographic material from sheepish Lan disciples who pointed to Nie Huaisang as their supplier. Shameless.

And yet, here was Nie Huaisang, fearful enough of this secret being exposed that he'd make even more a fool of himself to avoid it being heard, than just laugh it off or confess to it, like Lan Wangji imagines he may have done in the past. 

It's a strange feeling. He's being presumptuous, he knows it, he never knew Nie Huaisang, not really, even despite the time Nie Huaisang spent in Gusu, during and before the war. Even so, he can't help the feeling of... what he hesitantly calls kinship. If not through their futile loves, for he knows it is futile for Nie Huaisang, knows his brother's gaze is focused elsewhere, and his Wei Ying is gone too, then perhaps through loss. He knows through Lan Xichen how close Nie Huaisang and Nie Mingjue were, even if rumours speculate otherwise. Lan Wangji knows better to believe in rumours anyway, and he recalls the absolute state of Nie Huaisang after Nie Mingjue's passing. Lan Wangji didn't always see eye to eye with his father, both literally and figuratively, for all the time his father spent in seclusion, but he remembers the grief when his father passed, and his mother too, imagines it's likely quite similar to what Nie Huaisang felt. At least Lan Wangji had his brother, and uncle though. Nie Huaisang has no one but his disciples, Lan Wangji knows, and he's observed throughout this conference how little respect they seem to show.

Nie Huaisang may not be a particularly competent Sect Leader, but Lan Wangji knows he isn't stupid, and especially in the wake of loss, finds such disrespect disgraceful.

"That... was not my intention." He says, quickly, after realising he's been silent too long, and Nie Huaisang seems to be edging away from him. "I merely... wished to speak with you."

This stalls Nie Huaisang's anxious fanning.

"Oh?" He cocks his head a little, almost resembling a bird. "Hanguang-jun... you aren't going to confess, are you?"

"Of course not." His answer is like lightning, and straight from the heart, even though he realises moments later that it was a joke. An attempt to lighten the admittedly tense atmosphere.

"Of course not." Nie Huaisang merely replies, voice softer than it has been all evening, almost understanding, and he stares at Lan Wangji long enough he starts to feel uncomfortable, before tucking his fan away, and taking a seat by the edge of the pond. He says nothing else, until Lan Wangji follows and sits beside him. 

"I suppose... you of all people, Wangji-xiong," He startles, but composes himself quickly, and, almost craving the familiarity, allows it. "You would understand what it's like, wouldn't you?"

Lan Wangji simply nods. "Mn." What else can he say? Of course he does. He hardly remembers a time when he wasn't yearning. He still is, if he's being truthful to himself. Foolishly. Who pines for a dead man?

"It doesn't go away, does it?" Lan Wangji doesn't answer right away, considers not answering at all. He certainly doesn't look at Nie Huaisang when he does, though he's sure Nie Huaisang knows the answer already.

"No. It does not."

Another soft sigh from his side. "No. I didn't imagine it would."

Lan Wangji takes to watching the pond, the koi circling around, the moon's reflection as it wavers in the ripples, a lone dragonfly atop a lily.

"Does..." Nie Huaisang intakes sharply, and in his reflection, Lan Wangji can see him bite at his lip. "Was it worse to see Wei-xiong happy without you? Or is it worse now, when you can't see him at all?"

The question hits Lan Wangji squarely in the chest, and he suddenly feels as though all the air in the world could do nothing for him. His fists bunch in his lap, and he bends over a little, to attempt to steady his breathing. Trust Nie Huaisang to ask the one question Lan Wangji had desperately tried to avoid asking himself. He could swear the sear on his chest burns hotter, under the weight of his feelings, and he finds himself speechless. 

Was it better for Wei Ying to be happy without him? Was Wei Ying even happy at all? He had seemed happy whenever Lan Wangji had visited, but-

"S-Sorry, sorry. That was... insensitive." A tentative hand placed lightly on his back brings him back to Carp Tower, out of the recesses of his mind. Lan Wangji won't correct him. But...

"He was happy. It was all that mattered."

His voice is hoarse, though he doesn't know why, until Nie Huaisang is handing him a folded cloth. He takes it, and they don't speak again for what feels like hours. Lan Wangji is grateful, the knot in his throat doesn't unwind quickly, and a quick glance at Nie Huaisang suggests he too is lost in thought, eyes glazed as he gazes at the water. He seems to have forgotten the hand he's left on Lan Wangji's back, and his other is still atop his folded fan. 

Lan Wangji has heard Nie Huaisang described as a puppet, or a marionette before, biting comments from servants and disciples alike, before they were shut down immediately by either Jin Guangyao or Lan Xichen, or a particularly merciful Nie disciple. Looking at Nie Huaisang sat so still in the moonlight, Lan Wangji can understand likening him to a doll. It isn't that pleasant a revelation. Lan Wangji doesn't think he's ever seen Nie Huaisang sat so still.

To clear his throat would be rude, but the atmosphere is too overpowering, so he resigns himself to speak, but as he takes a breath, the spell on Nie Huaisang seems to break.

"Hey, Wangji-xiong?"

"Mn." His shoulders sag ever so slightly in relief.

"All that matters is their happiness, right?"

"Mn."

"Even - Even at the expense of our own?"

Here, Lan Wangji hesitates. He cannot say no, for all that he gave up for Wei Ying. But to say yes would be cruel. 

"It... is a Lan rule to accept both wins and losses with grace." It's not even close to an answer, really, and the bitter laugh from Nie Huaisang says as much.

"So yes."

"...I would not..." Lan Wangji grimaces. He wants to choose his words carefully, but doesn't want to lie, or sugarcoat things. "I would not tell you to give up your own happiness so that my brother could have his."

This must surprise Nie Huaisang, because he takes a few moments to give Lan Wangji another piercing stare, as though he can read Wangji as well as his brother. He can't help an involuntary shiver, and Nie Huaisang pulls his hand away quickly.

"Sorry." And then he hums, thoughtful. "What if - the person, o-or- the thing that makes him happy, isn't... isn't a good thing?" Lan Wangji's eyes narrow, and he appraises Nie Huaisang again. There's a slight tremor to his hands, but something burns in his eyes. "Should you let them continue, because they're happy, or... or keep them safe, and garner their hatred?"

Again, Lan Wangji is struck by such... kinship. This too, he understands all too well. However, the meaning behind those words sinks in all too quick, and he sits a little straighter, looking right at Nie Huaisang, who is still steadfastly watching the water.

"What do you mean? Is Jin Guangyao-" Nie Huaisang stiffens up, and waves a hand quickly

"Ah, I-I don't mean anything like that, it was just a general question, you know, haha, I'm just being wistful, I don't know, it's late after all,-"

"Nie Huaisang." He stills again. "I may not approve of Jin Guangyao's..." and bites his cheek. Do not speak behind others backs. "He treats my brother well. If you are implying he's a threat..."

"No, no, of course not, I'm just- a little bitter, is all." It certainly comes through in his tone, and his eyes are cold. "Just letting my jealousy get the best of me. Jin Guangyao would never hurt your brother." The words are surely meant to be an assurance, but the thinly veiled anger behind them does little to assuage Lan Wangji's worry. Still, he thinks better of Nie Huaisang than to think he'd let Xichen come to harm, especially if he loves him half as much as Lan Wangji had loved Wei Ying. He allows himself to relax, at least a fraction.

Nie Huaisang sighs. "Ah, all this talk is so depressing, let's talk about something else, Wangji-xiong."

Lan Wangji falters here. His entire approach had been in regards to their shared loss. He's honestly not sure what else they have in common to discuss.

"Is there anything else?" He asks, perhaps coldly, but it's a genuine question. Nie Huaisang makes a sound as though he's been impacted, and, rather ungracefully, flops onto his back, knocking up a cloud of dust, and sending his hairpiece flying across the garden. Lan Wangji looks after it, but Nie Huaisang waves him off.

"Wangji-xiong," he whines, in a tone Lan Wangji has heard him use many times before, on his brother. "How cold. I'm sure we have more in common than you realise, you know, we're both sophisticated young men."

"Such as?"

There's a beat of silence. And then another, and another, and after a minute or so, Nie Huaisang pouts. "Just because I can't think of one right away, doesn't mean there's none."

Lan Wangji is pretty sure that's precisely what that means, but says nothing. Despite the heavy topics of conversation, and unnecessary contact, he finds himself not quite wanting to go, yet. It's... refreshing, he would say. To talk to someone other than his uncle, his brother, or some other disciple asking for advice from the venerated Hanguang-jun. 

"Oh, I know! What about painting? You like art, right?"

He partook, occasionally, though he saw no reason for Nie Huaisang to kn- Ah. Wei Ying. He's briefly impressed that Nie Huaisang would remember something that was surely mentioned in passing amongst the many jokes they had played.

He nods. "I do not have as much time now, but in the past, I would."

"Is that- Was that during your ah... recovery, Wangji-xiong?" Nie Huaisang makes no attempt to disguise his glance at Lan Wangji's back. Lan Wangji himself isn't actually sure how much of what happened is public knowledge, versus what Xichen might've confided in Nie Huaisang during those years. He knows that time was as hard for his brother as it was for him.

"Mn." Hearing this, Nie Huaisang quickly looks down at the hand he'd had on Lan Wangji's back, and glances back up quickly.

"Sorry, sorry, did I hurt you then, when I-"

"No." He shakes his head. "But thank you. It is as healed as it will ever be." 

Nie Huaisang appears to sadden at that. "You know, I've thought this before but your clan really is too strict, you know."

He knows.

"It... is to be expected. I broke many rules, and harmed many people."

"So what? You had a righteous cause. Wei-xiong didn't do anything wrong!"

All Lan Wangji can do is let out another "Mn." Nie Huaisang scoffs, from the floor.

"I've half a mind to go and give your clan elders a piece of my mind, honestly."

"A quarter, then? I doubt they'll be impressed."

Nie Huaisang is stunned, for a moment, leaning up on his elbows to stare at him, wide eyed, and Lan Wangji worries for a moment, before Nie Huaisang bursts into a fit of laughter so loud it almost grates on Lan Wangji's ears, but the tiniest of smiles still finds it's way onto his face. Nie Huaisang's eyes are shut as he laughs, thankfully, pounding the ground with one hand.

"Wangji-xiong, Wangji-xiong, you- you really have to warn me next time, I didn't know you could tell jokes like that!"

Fighting a smirk, Lan Wangji is tempted to toss in 'I wasn't joking', but that'd be a lie, and he's satisfied enough with having seen Nie Huaisang laugh like this. He understands now, at least a little, why Wei Ying enjoyed jokes so much, despite laughter being technically forbidden.

Once Nie Huaisang is fully recovered, and has caught his breath, he sits back up, making a futile attempt to dust off his back, lamenting that these were his nice robes, pouting and elbowing Lan Wangji when he reminds Nie Huaisang no one made him lay in the dirt.

To change the subject, Nie Huaisang asks about the subject of his paintings in the cloud recesses, and Lan Wangji finds himself more than happy to discuss the landscape, and the rabbits he's been raising in the fields there. It was one of the first things he did once he was well enough, and his forced seclusion was ended. Little A-Yuan loves them, but Lan Wangji doesn't mention him. Another night, perhaps, when he and Nie Huaisang are a little closer, proper friends. 

He likes the sound of that.

Later, Nie Huaisang falls asleep on his shoulder, and just as tired, Lan Wangji lets him. When he opens his eyes next, he's back in his guest room, sunlight filtering through and saturating the golden room with even more hues of yellow, banishing any thoughts of sleep from Lan Wangji's mind. Beside the bed, he finds a pot of still warm tea, and a note from his brother. 

"I'm glad to see you're making friends, Wangji. Please do take care of your back, though. The tea is medicinal, just in case." 

Lan Wangji takes this, and the crick in his neck, to mean he and Nie Huaisang had fallen asleep in that little garden. Years ago, his stomach might have churned at the idea of being so close to someone essentially a stranger, but it doesn't anymore. Affection isn't the terrifying thing it used to be, and Nie Huaisang is no longer a stranger.

"Friends..."

He takes a sip of the tea his brother left, and lets himself smile. He definitely likes the sound of that.