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Xichen extends his stay at Lotus Pier to spend Dongzhi with Jiang Cheng. That’s what he tells his uncle when he writes. Lan Qiren kindly agrees to assist Lan Huiying, Xichen’s terrifyingly competent second-in-command, with anything she needs. While Xichen trusts her absolutely, he does like to know that she has support, especially since Wangji is off traveling with his partner.
He wonders if Wangji and Wei Wuxian will come to Lotus Pier. He hesitates to ask Jiang Cheng. Despite their re-forged bonds, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian’s relationship is still somewhat fraught.
But he’s not here to think about brothers. Xichen follows the sounds of whoops and yelps to the covered pavilion where Jiang disciples carry out winter training exercises. Jiang Cheng had promised to return to his room -- and Xichen -- by dusk, but the pure dark of an early winter night has covered Lotus Pier for nearly an hour, and while Xichen worries he might jeopardize their new understanding if he’s too clingy, he can’t resist seeking out Jiang Cheng.
He passes several stalls dishing out bowls with soft pink and white tangyuan floating in sweet, clear liquid dotted with osmanthus flowers. While it was a Gusu Lan tradition to consume these treats as well, they were encouraged not to overindulge. Meanwhile, at Lotus Pier, Xichen has been practically bullied into every indulgence, including…
“--put your arm up, Yiran!”
Xichen rounds the corner in time to see a flustered teen bow to Jiang Cheng, then take her wooden training sword and adjust her stance while her sparring partner, a slightly taller teen boy, squared up before her.
“Good! Now, I want you to take it slow, Jianyu. Focus on the steps, not whacking your sister to get back at her for dumping your robes in the lake!”
“Oh,” Yinran says, blushing furiously, “you know about that, Sect Leader?”
Jiang Cheng crosses his arms and glares down at her.
“I know everything that happens at Lotus Pier,” he says imperiously.
Xichen, with his new, privileged (intimate) knowledge of Jiang Cheng, can see that he’s all bluster, but the boy, Jianyu, quickly sticks out his tongue at his sister while Jiang Cheng’s back is turned.
Xichen watches as the siblings run through two short fight sequences, and when they finish, he applauds.
Jiang Cheng whips around, annoyance giving way to embarrassment when he sees Xichen leaning against the rack of training swords.
“Sect Leader Lan,” he says, bowing stiffly.
Xichen holds back a laugh as the children hastily attempt to copy Jiang Cheng’s form.
“Good evening, Sect Leader Jiang. Good evening, honored disciples.”
“Zewu-jun,” they mumble.
“Sorry,” Jiang Cheng mutters once he’s close enough to Xichen not to be overheard. “I got distracted, and, uh, I’m not used to having someone waiting for me.” He looks over his shoulder to his disciples. “Scoot. I’ll clean up here. You go wash up and get some dinner. And Yinran, buy your brother some tangyuan as penance for his robes. Good ones, not those skinny little leftovers for the babies.”
Yinran and Jianyu both bow deeply to their sect leader before scurrying off to do as he bids.
When Jiang Cheng is certain they are alone, he steps closer to Xichen and steals a swift kiss, blushing furiously as he does so.
Xichen floods with warm affection. He tugs on Jiang Cheng’s practice robes until their chests are pressed together and kisses him. When they break apart, Xichen meets Jiang Cheng’s gaze and says, “Delicious.”
“You Lans are shameless,” Jiang Cheng says, but he’s grinning, so Xichen kisses him again.
“Delicious,” Xichen says again.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and reaches for Xichen’s hand.
“Come on,” he says. “Let me buy you some dessert.”
“Shouldn’t we have dinner first?” Xichen asks to distract himself from the thrill of Jiang Cheng holding his hand in public.
Jiang Cheng shrugs. “Sometimes, it’s better to satisfy the craving for something sweet first.” He squeezes Xichen’s hand. “Let me show you.”