Work Text:
With his busy schedule, Nie Huaisang never fully considered the prospect of long-term dating or even getting married. Two years ago, when Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan got married. That was when he realized that everyone around him was in long-term relationships, engaged, or married. He always liked the idea of having someone to snuggle up with (and annoy) during late nights, but that was all it was. An idea. Simply a dream in the back of his head that he would forget when he got to work. It almost felt too early to be thinking about marriage despite how Wei Wuxian got married when he was thirty. Was that too young? Nie Huaisang really didn't know. His older brother wasn't married yet, only dating. The only person he could think of that was like him, single was Jiang Cheng. He pursed his lips, wondering if Jiang Cheng even cared for relationships. Did he ever think about marriage? Kids? If Nie Huaisang barely did, Jiang Cheng probably never did. Or at least that's what it seemed like.
It seemed like only yesterday that Wei Wuxian and he had a single-girls night out back in university. Back when Wei Wuxian still thought that Lan Zhan hated him. It was no surprise to anyone who knew them when they started dating. They were always pinning after the other, Wei Wuxian was the only one denying it.
So when Nie Huaisang got a text from Wei Wuxian. That invited him to hang out at his place this Friday casually, he completely forgot about everything and responded cheerfully.
[Huaisang]: OOO Wei xiong, of course, I’ll be there !! do I bring anything ??
[Wei-xiong]: huaisanggg!!! no alcohol (sadly) jie is bringing jin ling so he can play with ayuan and we have to be RESPONSIBLE but we can always go out on the weekend ;)
[Huaisang]: HAHA I like how u think. Another time maybe wink wink
[Wei-xiong]: maybe sooner than u thinkkk
Kids. A-Yuan and Jin Ling were very adorable, don't get him wrong, but it felt almost odd when people around his age had kids. Then again, it was normal for people their age to have kids. Maybe Huaisang was the odd one out? His brother didn't have kids. Some people did and some people didn't. Or maybe some people did but couldn't for one reason or another. Huaisang wasn't sure where he fits. Or more precisely, where he wanted to fit.
He shook his head and went on with his day. He was tired from work at his little studio where he designed custom outfits and clothes for people or companies. Sometimes they would pay him to make them, which took so long but he enjoyed it regardless. The pay wasn't bad either. He also got to make his own clothes.
It was only annoying that he couldn't have his studio in his own home. His apartment was too small for that and houses in this area were so expensive. Too expensive for a single person.
Thankfully, the walk back to his apartment wasn't far. Because he did have to take a bus for about ten or twenty minutes and then hop off. The walk is about eight minutes or so. When he got home an hour ago he felt dead tired even though it was only half past four. Now it was five-thirty and he lay on the sofa while some shitty, yet mildly interesting drama played on tv. His head rested on a pillow and his body huddled. Like a shrimp. Curled up in his own warmth sleep slowly came over him.
When he woke up it was already the next day, or from what he could tell. The sun was barely peeking out from the horizon. Nie Huaisang brought a hand up to rub at his eyes, trying and failing to wake himself up faster. He sat up and stretched, a loud yawn escaped his mouth before he sat up and picked up his phone from the table. Five forty-five. Just perfect. He turned off the television, which was still playing.
When was he supposed to show up at Wei Wuxian’s place anyway?
—
When he finally showed up at Wei Wuxian’s place, he was sure he was fifteen minutes late but it wasn't his fault! It just so happened that he missed the first bus because he was taking a bit too long to prepare and had to wait another fifteen minutes for the next one.
He knocked on the door and was greeted by the grumpy face of Jiang Cheng.
“Jiang-xiong! It’s so good to see you here.”
“You too.” Jiang Cheng opened the door wider to let Huaisang in. He seemed to want to say more but he didn't. That was always how Jiang Cheng was so Nie Huaisang didn't think too much about it.
“Where’s Wei-xiong?”
He saw Jiang Cheng roll his eyes, “with everyone. In the back or whatever. The seating area they have out there.”
“Why are you all alone here then?” Nie Huaisang teased. “You must be so lonely in here—”
Before he got to finish his sentence a pitter-patter of shoes. “Jiujiu!”
He turned around to see little three-year-old Jin Ling clinging to Jiang Cheng’s pant leg. It was kind of cute, honestly. The way Jiang Cheng’s whole face softened and his body became less stiff. For once he offered a smile as he leaned down to pick up Jin Ling. “Right. I almost forgot about the kiddos.” Jiang Cheng shot him a look. “I didn't bring anything, I swear! I just forgot.”
“We should go back outside anyway.”
Nie Huaisang followed Jiang Cheng outside. Everyone in their friend circle was there. Lan Zhan only stuck close to Wei Wuxian, who was busy talking to his a-jie. Zixuan must’ve been the one watching over the kids because he was currently with A-Yuan. When Jiang Cheng set Jin Ling down he immediately went over to his father and seemed to start babbling with A-Yuan. When he turned back to Jiang Cheng, he was already sitting down. So Huaisang joined him.
“Huaisang! You’re finally here.” Wei Wuxian turned to him with a grin as he sat down. “It’s been a while since we’ve done something like this hasn't it?”
“Some of us don't have a lot of free time,” Jiang Cheng mumbled under his breath. Nie Huaisang heard him and only gave him a small smile before turning back to Wei Wuxian.
“I’m so glad we can do this—although, sad to report that da-ge will not be joining us. He texted me at the last minute.”
“A shame.” Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Zhan, “Is your brother gonna join at least?”
“If da-ge won’t show up, then he wouldn't either. How can you keep forgetting, Wei-xiong! They stick together like they're permanently glued by the hip or something.” Nie Huaisang reached across the table to grab a sandwich that was on the plate. It was the good kind of bread. “It’s only a surprise they're not married.”
“That’s right. They’ve been together for so long haven't they?” Yanli smiled over at him.
“Mhm, eight years or something.” Huaisang bit into the sandwich. “All this talk about dating makes me feel so single.”
“Don’t worry, Nie-xiong, Jiang Cheng is just as single as you are!” Wei Wuxian grinned over at Jiang Cheng who stared right back at him. Jiang Cheng furrowed his brow and leaned in, Huaisang could see how he clenched his fists under the table.
“You—”
“A-Cheng is just taking his time. And if he doesn't want to, that's fine too.” Yanli, the only peaceful person at this table beside Lan Zhan, tried to reason. “Everyone takes their time.”
Huaisang nodded, “She does have a point.”
“We should get him a date, that’s what we’re for.”
Nie Huaisang spoke up, “I don't think that's necessary—”
“Aiyo, Nie-xiong, don't worry we’ll get you, someone, too. We should have one of those nights out the in town again—”
“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan finally spoke up, his voice quiet but everyone heard him. Especially Wei Wuxian who sat next to him but their chairs were practically almost one big one with how close they were.
“Ah, ah, right. Another time, Nie-xiong.” He winked over at Huaisang. That was when Huaisang remembered the texts he shared with him yesterday. He smiled back at him.
“Whatever,” Jiang Cheng grumbled quietly beside him.
“Don’t worry Jiang-xiong, I’ll drag you to every single girl’s night out with me.” He teased, pulling at Jiang Cheng’s sleeve. Jiang Cheng only shot him a dirty look before looking away.
The rest of the day went smoothly. Yanli and Zixuan left first. Jin Ling waved his uncles goodbye before leaving with his parents. Jiang Cheng left next and Nie Huaisang left not long after him. Running to catch up to Jiang Cheng as he walked back home. “Jiang-xiong! Wait for me.” He huffed out, regretting his choice of footwear today. “You sure walk fast.”
Jiang Cheng slowed down his pace. “You walk too slow.”
“So mean! Aren't we friends? The best of friends.” He pouted up at Jiang Cheng who only rolled his eye but Nie Huaisang knew he wasn't being mean. Jiang Cheng was just being reclusive.
“How far is your home?”
“I should be there in about half an hour or so, dunno. Maybe less.”
“Huaisang! That’s so far, you should have left earlier.” Jiang Cheng scolded him but his voice wasn't fierce. He had his brows knitted together as he looked forward after giving Huaisang a side glance.
“I forgot, I really did! Besides, we were having a nice chat weren't we?” Nie Huaisang would admit that he had too much fun teasing Jiang Cheng, maybe not to the extent that Wei Wuxian did though. It was cute, to see the way Jiang Cheng would look away when he was embarrassed. The way his eyes would flush a light red. Compared to when someone teased Huaisang and he would hide himself if possible or make himself smaller, maybe covering his face with his hand or if he carried his fan around. “Orrrr, you let me stay at your place.”
“I don't have any extra rooms, Huaisang. Or clothes for that matter.”
“That’s fine! I truly regret wearing these stupid boots today but they just look great with this outfit. Don't you think so?” He did a little dramatic spin before grinning up at Jiang Cheng who seemed to not be that amused.
“Yeah, yeah. Come on.” Jiang Cheng walked faster and Nie Huaisang quickly caught up.
—
Jiang Cheng’s apartment was nice. Small but cozy. Especially for one person, which made sense because Jiang Cheng lived alone. Despite how small Nie Huaisang thought himself, he would not fit comfortably on that couch. It was far too short and he would probably end up rolling off in the middle of the night. So he complained to Jiang Cheng, who huffed and made a makeshift bed on the floor with spare blankets. He thanked Jiang Cheng with a hug on his arm.
“Jiang-xiong is so kind!!”
“Whatever.”
They sat at the kitchen table while Nie Huaisang ate some of the leftover food he had brought from Wei Wuxian’s place. It wasn't much, but food was food. Some rice and Yanli’s soup. He had finished the bread earlier. Jiang Cheng only sat while on his phone, his face as bored-looking as always.
“Jiang Cheng! At least try to talk to your guests.”
He looked up to meet Huaiang’s eyes before turning his phone over and setting it on the table. “Yes?”
“You're like da-ge, except he would never use his phone—unless it was Xichen or something. But boy does he talk too much during dinner sometimes.” Nie Huaisang covered his mouth as he laughed just thinking about it. “Even more than me, which is shocking.”
“The fact that he even talks is even shocking. He seems so…gruff.”
“Jiang-xiong! That’s my brother you're talking about.” Nie Huaisang had his mouth wide open in an exaggerated gasp before Jiang Cheng reached a hand over to close his mouth by his chin.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
“Now you really sound like da-ge.” Huaisang pouted. Giving Jiang Cheng his best puppy eyes.
“It’s a miracle he’s tolerated you for so long.”
“So mean!! I thought we were besties. He’s just lucky that I don't live with him anymore.” Nie Huaisang finished the last of his rice. “I am a wonderful roommate, thank you very much.”
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Clean up, we should head to bed. Don't you have work tomorrow?” Jiang Cheng stood up and Nie Huaisang watched him go to the bathroom to presumably get ready for bed. It was dark after all. So Nie Huaisang washed the plate quickly and cleaned up his area before going to the living room where the makeshift bed was set up. Jiang Cheng popped his head around the corner, “if you need anything just tell me. My work starts early so sorry if I wake you up. Get home safe when you’re up.”
“Mhm, goodnight.” Nie Huaisang snuggled up in the blanket. Curling up like a shrimp. Jiang Cheng’s word’s didn't even cross his mind as he was lulled into sleep because of the dark and the cozy blankets.
Huaisang didn't remember if he woke up or not when Jiang Cheng left for work at a time that was far too early. (You would never catch him awake before nine-thirty!) So when he woke up at around eleven or
so in a bed he was gravely confused. He even had the same blanket he was sleeping with last night.
He knew it wasn't Jiang Cheng’s room because this room was missing the painting on the wall that Nie Huaisang had given Jiang Cheng for his birthday. It was a scenery of a lake with many lotus flowers, a reminder of Jiang Cheng’s childhood summers out in the country and away from the big cities. He was prideful in the fact that he made Jiang Cheng smile when he received the gift. Wei Wuxian even pointed it out before Jiang Cheng scowled again and yelled at him.
Getting out of bed was awful but he had no other choice. He had a big commission to do but so little time. So he dragged himself out of the comfy bed, made it, and then grabbed his things before leaving the room. (Jiang Cheng must’ve placed his things by the bedside table.) He did steal one little pastry before leaving though. It’s not his fault they were left out in the open!
—
It was around three hours into his work when Huaisang got a call, picking up and answering without even looking at who it was.
“Huaisang, Huaisang! Hey—”
“Wei-xiong?”
“You didn’t think I’ve forgotten about what we talked about yesterday did you–”
It took Nie Huaisang a few seconds to remember because he hadn’t thought about it since Wei Wuxian mentioned it during lunch but when he did he grinned. Even if Wei Wuxian wasn’t here to see it. “Of course I do, so you really have time? Your Lan Zhan won’t mind?”
“He doesn’t need to know every little detail—besides all I’m doing is helping you out, right? And A-Yuan is having a sleepover at Jin Ling’s house on that very day…sooo—” There was a brief pause before he continued, “Also I invited Jiang Cheng.”
“Jiang Cheng? He agreed??”
“Uhuh, we'll actually, no he didn't. But he’s gonna go anyway.”
“Oh, he’ll hate it.” Nie Huaisang snorted. “Do you think we can get him drunk?”
“Mmm, maybe! Maybe—uh, Huaisang, I gotta go now. I’ll text you the details later! Okay, okay, bye!”
“Bye—” Huaisang moved his phone from his ear and blinked absentmindedly. His brain was finally processing the whole conversation and that was when he panicked a bit. Jiang Cheng. He was coming along with them if he even showed up. Huaisang hoped he did. Jiang Cheng never accepted breaks of any kind when it seemed like he was the one who wanted them most. Especially after taking over his family business from his father when he was only twenty-four.
He shrugged it off and set his phone down. He still had orders to fulfill.
Huaisang was just closing up his studio when his phone pinged, indicating he received a message.
[Jiang Cheng]: I heard wei wuxian bothered you today, sorry about that
Quickly, he typed up a response.
[Huaisang]: wei-xiong and I already had plans, haha, but I heard you are also coming?! Is jiang-xiong finally letting loose wowow
He didn't bother to go back to his phone until after he was done with his work. Locking the door to his studio and making sure he had everything with him. When he finally looked at his phone again he only saw a brief text from Jiang Cheng. He grinned before shoving his phone back in his pocket and heading back home. The walk back was always tiring, even if he was on the bus most of the time. Sitting around is tiring too! Especially with how quiet it can be on the bus. It was too awkward, too awkward.
It wasn't until the next day that he remembered he never responded to Jiang Cheng or got the details from Wei Wuxian. So he groggily sat up and reached for his phone and typed up a message for Wei Wuxian.
[Huaisang:] where are those details >:O been waiting too long!! Is it today or tomorrow—or maybe next week?! You left me pondering for too long
A few minutes after he got out of bed he got a message back.
[Wei-xiong]: aiyo I was busy ok !! Tomorrow. I promise, um, we can decide the time later hah hah
[Huaisang]: you better !! or I can just go along with jiang xiong, we’ll have a great time tyvm
He could almost hear Wei Wuxian’s snicker, after many years of hearing it. Especially when it came to teasing his brother, or even Huaisang himself. It was never something he really enjoyed talking about, the fact that he had dated years ago but never fully settled with anyone. Especially when it seemed like everyone around him was getting married or engaged. Like his brother, who just now crossed his mind. He had always whined to him about this fact and Mingjue only shrugged him off, telling him “one day” he would find someone. “That’s too vague!! Not helping my case at all, dageee” He would whine for days and days. Even now, sometimes he would still do it just to annoy him a bit.
Sometimes he wondered if Jiang Cheng ever cared, but given that he sparsely dated, he probably didn't.
Later in the day was when Wei Wuxian finally sent him the details and an address. He thanked him and made sure to ask again if he asked Jiang Cheng. Wei Wuxian assured him that he sent him the address, but it was anyone’s guess if he would arrive.
Part of Huaisang was excited to go out. He wasn't even that old and this made him feel like he was a teenager again. Everyone was always so busy, they rarely went out. The times they did, the kids were there. Which was nice, the kids were adorable, even when they would start whining. Jiang Cheng seemed to not mind those trips, he always enjoyed seeing Jin Ling. Adoring him to no end, Nie Huaisang wondered why he just didn't have his own kids.
When Saturday finally arrived, Nie Huaisang silently cheered in his head. Checking the time every minute and always end up disappointed.
He kept shifting through his closet and drawers for his clothes, trying to find something acceptable to wear. Red was too much, blue was too bright but oh, this shade is really pretty—it’s all too much to think about!! Should he wear heels? Heeled boots?” He debated asking Wei Wuxian for help but panicked when he saw it was almost six.
Quickly getting dressed, and maybe putting on a bit of makeup, he finally went out. He walked his way to where Wei Wuxian said they would meet up, but when he arrived all he saw was Jiang Cheng there. A scowl was on his face, he looked so out of place in the bar.
“Jiang-xiong, you should lighten up,” Nie Huaisang teased, sitting across from him.
“How can I when Wei Wuxian said he would be here ten minutes ago? I didn't even want to come.”
"He is probably just late, as usual." Nie Huaisang surveyed the area, and slowly it was being filled up. People walked in and they kept coming. Hopefully, it wouldn't stay like this. "Have you ordered anything? I'm kind of craving a snack or something, maybe with a drink."
"You can order it yourself," huffed Jiang Cheng.
"So mean!! Is this how you're going to treat your future wife, A-Cheng?"
Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes at him, "Could say the same for you, A-Sang."
"A-Sang." Huaisang grinned, "Are you sure you haven't anything to drink? Only Wei-xiong calls me that sometimes."
"Am I not allowed?"
"I didn't say that!" Huaisang called over a waiter, thankful that this place wasn't just a bar. A little food wouldn't hurt after all, especially since they were waiting for Wei Wuxian. After ordering them a small little dish to share he pouted at Jiang Cheng. "You're paying, right?"
"Me?! You're the one who wants food."
"I was only kidding! Ack━OH, Wei-xiong!! Over here." Nie Huaisang waved his hand in the air as he called out to Wei Wuxian. Who had just so happened to walk into the place just in time. Maybe the food made him appear, Huaisang thought jokingly.
"Nie-xiong! Jiang Cheng, you actually showed up! A miracle, really." Wei Wuxian laughed as he sat down next to Nie Huaisang with a grin plastered on his face.
"Of course, I did," grumbled Jiang Cheng, who was playing with the end of his sleeve.
"Have you two already ordered drinks? I'm only here to get wasted, it's been far too long."
“You drank too much in uni, how are you still thinking about it?!” Jiang Cheng scowled. “Can we not stay too long either—”
“Aiyo, so boring, so boring. Aren’t you tired of working that office job of yours, loosen up a little. C’mon let’s go to the bar, Nie-xiong.” Wei Wuxian gripped at his sleeve and dragged him from his seat. Only making a brief motion for Jiang Cheng to come along, which he eventually did. Now sitting next to Nie Huaisang, Wei Wuxian cheerfully waved over a bartender.
“You know we can’t let him drink a lot, Lan Wangji would kill us”
“And he’d kill us if we didn’t let him drink.” Jiang Cheng pointed out.
“He won’t kill me! I'm like his bestest friend.” Nie Husaiang grinned, but Jiang Cheng only raised his brow at him. “Besides, getting drunk doesn’t sound too bad right?”
“Don’t count me in—-”
Wei Wuxian squished himself between the two of them. “OKAY, I got all of us a little something. Well, actually I got myself two because It was simply alluring.” Wei Wuxian beamed up at the two of them. “Although I already miss A-Yuan, I hope he’s having fun at Jin Ling’s.”
“I’m sure he’s fine, Wei-xiong, just don’t get too drunk.”
That obviously didn’t happen. It was almost midnight when Nie Huaisang started panicking, ah, they weren’t supposed to be out this late. He tried to find Wei Wuxian in the crowd of people that had grown larger as the evening went on. “Wei-xiong!,” he called out, but his voice was drowned out. He wasn’t even sure where Jiang Cheng was. The drinks he had throughout the hours didn’t help either. He wasn’t dizzy, thankfully. Wandering around until he saw the dark purple dress shirt he was sure belonged to Jiang Cheng. Walking up to him and tugging at his sleeve. “Jiang-xiong, Jiang-xionnggg. Do you know where Wei-xiong is?”
Jiang Cheng turned to face him, that same scowl on his face. “I thought you were with him?”
Huaisang knitted his brows and shook his head. Prompting Jiang Cheng to look around the bar, but with so many people it was difficult to see much of anything. “His red coat will be easy to spot,” Huaisang pointed out. Jiang Cheng only huffed and pushed his way into the crowd, earning him a couple of scuffles from the patrons.
He debated whether or not to follow Jiang Cheng. On one hand, he wouldn't be alone. But he also might get lost, which he didn't seem keen on doing right now. So he walked out to the entrance and waited outside, it was cold and he slightly regretted putting on such a shirt with such thin fabric. (Although it was a very cute top, fancy even.) He waited what seemed like hours so he just went on his phone until he realized his phone was at low battery. ‘Damn it Huaisang, you forgot to charge it again!’ Thankfully, Jiang Cheng exited the bar, a tired Wei Wuxian clinging onto his sleeve.
“Let’s go.” Jiang Cheng said calmly, not even explaining what happened or would happen.
“Who’s taking Wei-xiong home?”
“Us, obviously. After we drop him off we can go to my place again since it's closer.”
“O-kay.”
Huaisang only followed along, but as the night dragged on he was tired. After they dropped Wei Wuxian off, Huaisang complained to Jiang Cheng because of course he did. It was one of his favorite things to do. “Aiyo, these heels are starting to hurt. Jiang-xiooong, help me!!”
“You wore those, not me.” Jiang Cheng scolded but offered to carry Huaisang anyway, and of course, Huaisang accepted. Hands wrapped around Jiang Cheng’s neck for a piggyback hold.
Huaisang rested his chin on Jiang Cheng’s head, “A-Cheng is so nice today!! He didn't even yell at Wei-xiong.”
“Even if I did, he wouldn't understand. He drank too much. We can only hope Lan Wangji doesn't yell at us.” Jiang Cheng snorted, it was cute.
“You also would never carry me, are you drunk too?” He joked, letting out a soft laugh.
Jiang Cheng pinched his leg and Huaisang yelped. “I’m not drunk, I barely even drank.”
“So mean!! Ah, what did I do? If da-ge hears about this you will be in trouble.” He pouted despite Jiang Cheng not being able to see him. “I barely drank too! Sort of…”
“Huaisang!”
—
Thankfully, they arrived at Jiang Cheng’s place not far after. Huaisang quickly took off his shoes at the front entrance, next to Jiang Cheng’s. “Ah, much more comfortable. Do you have clothes I can borrow too?”
“At this rate, you should just live here,” Jiang Cheng grumbled. “I have a shirt you could use.”
“But then I’ll be cold,” Huaisang whined, tugging at Jiang Cheng's sleeve again. “Get it for me, I have to go wash my face.” Jiang Cheng only made an affirmative sound before presumably walking to his room. Huaisang then went to the bathroom. Jiang Cheng handed him the shirt and offered for him to sleep in his bedroom. “What about you?”
“We can stay there together, I guess.”
“Sure!”
Jiang Cheng’s bed was big and warm. The cozy blanket laid on top of him and covered him nicely and he felt like a little worm. (He couldn’t think of what else he could be, but that didn’t matter!) When Jiang Cheng climbed into bed, was when Huaisang finally realized what was going on. He slowly turned and poked Jiang Cheng’s back, who only grumbled out.
“A-Cheng?”
“Hm?”
“You didn't even tell me goodnight.” That’s not what he wanted to say.
“Huaisang, just sleep, goodnight.”
“But, uh, A-Cheng. I’m still cold.”
Jiang Cheng finally turned over to face him. “Cold? You hogged my blanket.”
“It’s not enough!,” Huaisang whined, scooting closer to Jiang Cheng. “Cuddle me? Like when we were kids with Wei-xiong.”
He saw Jiang Cheng’s hand about to reach over but he retracted it, letting out a sigh. “Fine.” He wrapped his arms around Huaisang. Jiang Cheng was warm, he reached a cold hand up to Jiang Cheng’s face, he was very warm.
“See! I’m freezing and you’re so much warmer.”
“Mm, yeah, yeah, just go to sleep.”
When Huaisang woke up it was far too early, the sunlight was a pale yellow and it hurt to look at. Too bright, too bright! He squirmed around until he finally sat up, rubbing his eye. He heard a soft groan next to him and almost shouted until he looked down and saw Jiang Cheng sleeping.
“A-Cheng?” Huaisang whispered. Jiang Cheng rose a bit, he blinked an eye open.
“Mm, let me sleep.” He turned over.
Huaisang crawled on top of him, poking at his face. “You don't have work today, right? We should hang out.” He grinned down at him.
“Huaisang, it’s too early for this.” Jiang Cheng lightly swatted his hand. “Go bother Wei Wuxian.”
“Aiyo, but I want to be with you. He probably has family stuff to do anyway—they all do! We’re the only sad singles.” Huaisang whined, grabbing at Jiang Cheng’s hand. “Please?”
“Then go get a date, or something, I don't know.”
“You're much better than weird strangers! We don't even have to leave the house, don't you like baking? We can make little pastries.”
“You won’t leave me to do all the cleaning?”
“Nope.”
“Okay, fine. Now move, you’re heavier than you look. Even carrying you last night was a pain.”
Huaisang squawked, “So mean!!”
It took about thirty minutes until they finally were in the kitchen. Huaisang was looking through each cabinet to see what they could make when Jiang Cheng finally walked in.
“What are you doing?”
Huaisang turned his head and smiled, “Looking to see what you have.”
“You could have just asked me.” Jiang Cheng grumbled. “So what are we making?”
“I wanted to make a cake but, you don't have any frosting do you? Other than that you have everything else, I think. We can make cookies too, some simple oatmeal ones…” Huaisang went on and on, listing off every possible pastry that they would be able to make. That was until, of course, Jiang Cheng stopped him. ‘Cookies are fine.’ ‘I didn't even finish speaking, rude!’
Everything was going well, besides the small mess they had made. From the batter dripping down Jiang Cheng’s cheek to Huaisang’s flour-covered hands. They were laughing throughout the whole ordeal and Huaisang couldn't help but admire the smile on Jiang Cheng’s face. He didn't smile often, laughed even less, it was nice to see him loosen up. So when the cookies were finally placed in the oven, Huaisang smiled at Jiang Cheng. “Now we just wait! What do we do in the meantime?”
“Wash up, of course. We made a mess.”
Washing up was not fun, but it was Jiang Cheng’s house so what else could he do but follow along? Washing his hands thoroughly and making sure nothing was on his face. Jiang Cheng was already sitting on the table, his face was now clear of batter, on his phone.
Huaisang sat across from him, “what’re you doing?”
“Nothing.”
“A-Cheng.”
Jiang Cheng finally looked up and their eyes met. Huaisang subconsciously smiled at him. “It’s nice that we hung out today, even if it was without Wei-xiong.”
“He only makes trouble, we would get nothing done.”
“That's true, but we’ve all been so busy. Aiyo, never having time for ourselves, after university everyone got stale and stuck up. How boring, but you were always like that anyway—”
“Huaisang!!”
“I was only kidding!” Huaisang laughed as Jiang Cheng only frowned. “That frown doesn't make you look very handsome. You should smile more.”
Jiang Cheng's face flushed and he only looked down at his phone.
“So shy, A-Cheng! It’s okay, it makes you look even cuter.” Huaisang moved to sit next to him.
“Huaisang, you can't just say that.”
“You're acting like you did when you were in secondary! C’mon, we’re much older now, surely you can handle a little flirting? I have done nothing wrong, I am purely innocent.”
“Flirting?!”
“A-Cheng,” Huaisang slid closer. “I thought I was being obvious, I should have consulted da-ge. Since Xichen-ge is also the most oblivious to flirting.”
Jiang Cheng finally made eye contact with Huaisang. His face was still pink.
“Look at you, so cute. We still have time, the cookies need about forty more minutes.”
“You, you like me?”
Huaisang nodded, his face finally becoming flushed. “I do…and not just because we’re the only sad singles. I have for a few months, I think. I don't know. Maybe years.”
“This is not a joke?”
“Of course not! What do you take me for?” Huaisang finally got the courage and grabbed his hand, lacing their fingers together. “I know it was random, but I really didn't know when or how…uh to do this, ya know?” He leaned closer. “Is this okay?”
“Yeah,” Jiang Cheng breathed out, his eyes shifting down to his lips.
“A-Cheng is so forward.” Huaisang laughed before leaning in, pressing their lips together. Jiang Cheng fully turned his head, letting go of his phone that was in the other hand to hold Huaisang’s face. The kiss was short, it didn't last long. The inexperience between the two of them was obvious. When they parted, their eyes met and Huaisang smiled at him. “We still have time.”
Jiang Cheng shook his head. “Another time, it’s too soon—I’d get a heart attack or something.”
“Okay, we’re not that old!”