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Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng smiled as he looked out the wide windows of his office, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Things were looking rather well for Lotus Ink Publishing that week. His authors were all doing well and keeping on track with their works, the new children’s book series was flying off the shelves, and he had just signed a contract to expand into ESL Mandarin textbooks for all ages.

It was a good day.

Then shit hit the fan.

Qing Su marched into Jiang Cheng’s office, a look of murder and desperation on her face. Her office wasn’t that far from his, but the fact she went all the way to him meant something was wrong or he was in trouble.

“A-Su? What’s wrong?” She was the head of the fantasy genre, their most popular genre. If something was wrong…

“Get your husband out from under my desk!” She demanded, her hands on her hips making her look like a mother chastising her son.

Jiang Cheng shuddered at the familiar stance.

“What is A-Sang doing under your desk?”

She threw her hands up in the air. “How should I know?! I don’t speak upset Huaisang! He’s been there for over an hour and, I’m sorry, I have a meeting with the author of a new series in half an hour!”

“I’ll get him out now,” Jiang Cheng frowned. “He’s not hurt, is he?”

Qing Su paused, noting the worry on Jiang Cheng’s face. “Not that I can tell. He seems mostly worried and anxious.”

“He was fine for three months…why is he upset now?” Jiang Cheng muttered, worriedly. “If someone said anything, I swear to god I will commit murder.”

“Not in my office please,” Qing Su smiled and nudged his arm as he passed. “I’ll see if there are any pastries still in the break room but please hurry and get him out.”

In Qing Su’s office, Jiang Cheng would have missed Nie Huaisang if he didn’t know his husband was hiding there. Worry surged through Jiang Cheng as he knelt down between the chair and desk, peering in to see his husband was curled into a ball, knees to his chest, gently poking M&M’s into color sorted piles.

“A-Sang?” Jiang Cheng sat down, tilting his head to look at his husband. “My love, my heart, what is wrong?”

Nie Huaisang mumbled into his knees, turning his eyes down as he hugged his legs. Jiang Cheng, if it had been anyone else, would have rolled his eyes and demanded an answer. But this was his husband, his special person, his soulmate. Carefully, he pulled one hand away from the quivering ball and kissed his knuckles.

“My A-Sang,” he muttered softly. “My beloved husband, my one and only.”

He felt the quivering slow, knowing his words of love and kindness were reaching his husband. On days where his insecurities got the best of him, hidden from the rest of the world, Jiang Cheng knew Nie Huaisang needed to be reminded that he was loved, treasured beyond words, and he wasn’t alone.

“My most beautiful work of art, my perfect darling, my blossom,” he muttered softly, caressing the now relaxed palm, and looked to see beautiful spring green eyes looking at him with a watery smile. “My soulmate, my reason for living.”

“My lotus,” Nie Huaisang whispered, a tear falling down his cheek. “My perfect, wonderful, purple lotus. How do you always know what to say to make me feel better?”

“I love you,” Jiang Cheng kissed Nie Huaisang’s palm, relishing the softness and warmth of his skin. “I may not be a Lan but I will never lie about how much I love you. Come to me?”

Carefully, Nie Huaisang scooted out from under the desk and curled into Jiang Cheng’s waiting arms, smiling at the kiss to his temple and the warm scent of his husband. He hugged Jiang Cheng tightly, nuzzling into the crook of his neck, sighing contentedly.

“I’m here, A-Sang,” Jiang Cheng whispered against his forehead. “I will always be here for you. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But I am here.”

Nie Huaisang sighed, shaking slightly as he turned to peer up at Jiang Cheng, a vulnerability in those beautiful eyes no one outside of Jiang Cheng or Nie Mingjue had ever seen. It was the greatest gift of trust Nie Huaisang could give someone, showing that side of himself that he always hid so carefully behind a playful act or an elaborately decorated fan.

“Nothing bad happened,” Nie Huaisang admitted softly. “Wei Ying is reading my book and…I started to have a panic attack over it…”
Ah. Jiang Cheng felt his shoulders relax, his worry fading with the gentle admission. His A-Sang wasn’t hurt, just scared. He wasn’t sure if he liked that better than the alternative, though. But he could help with fear easily.

“It’s different, when it’s your friends or family reading it,” Nie Huaisang whispered. “I’m scared of what he will say…I’m scared he’ll hate it.”

Jiang Cheng let a playful snort out. “If he has any taste, he’ll know a good book when he sees it. Your writing is one of the best I’ve ever read and I’m not just saying that because you’re my husband. You know I’m not into fantasy but I was sucked into your book and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t put it down until I reached the ending.”

“...really?” Nie Huaisang looked up at Jiang Cheng through his long lashes, amazement and awe in his eyes. “You read my book? You liked it?”

“Very much so,” Jiang Cheng nodded. “My love, you are a natural talent at storytelling! Your book is beautifully written and I’m honestly looking forward to the rest of the series.”

Nie Huaisang leaned up and kissed Jiang Cheng soundly, hugging him around his neck. “I love you.”

“And I love you,” Jiang Cheng smiled warmly. “Don’t forget, Wei Ying married a Lan. They’re not as good as a Nie, of course, but that shows he has good taste in some things. I know he will love your book almost as much as I do.”

A tender but real smile blossomed on Nie Huaisang’s face. “Thank you, my lotus.”

“Always,” Jiang Cheng kissed Nie Huaisang’s forehead. “Now, let’s get out of A-Su’s office before she kills us. She has a meeting soon.”

“I’ll buy her coffee and pastries for a week,” Nie Huaisang smiled but squeaked when Jiang Cheng stood, holding Nie Huaisang in his arms easily, like a bride. “A-Cheng!”

“You almost had a panic attack and hid under A-Su’s desk for over an hour. Your legs are tired and aching. I don’t want you to hurt yourself,” Jiang Cheng smiled warmly and carried his husband into the breakroom.

“And I thought Lan Zhan was shameless!” Nie Huaisang giggled and nuzzled Jiang Cheng’s cheek.

“Only for you,” Jiang Cheng smiled.

~

Lan Qiren was impressed. Mildly concerned, but more so impressed. Wei Ying had been sitting on his couch for nearly two hours, reading silently. It was the quietest Lan Qiren had ever seen his nephew-in-law! He was normally boisterous and laughing loudly, telling stories of his work in advertisement designing.

But that evening, he was silent, eyes boring into the book in his hands. He was curled up under a baby blue blanket on Lan Qiren’s couch, nestled into the soft cushions and pillows. Lan Zhan had personally set up the tiny nest for his husband to relax and enjoy his book.

“I’ve never seen him so silent and still before,” Lan Qiren noted, stepping into the kitchen where Lan Zhan was cooking. “What book is he reading?”

“I don’t remember the title, but it is a newer release from Jiang Cheng’s company,” Lan Zhan smiled softly, a hidden uplift of his lips few could recognize and brought on mainly by the subject in the living room. “He hasn’t put it down since he got it this morning. He’s enjoying himself.”

Lan Qiren nodded as Lan Zhan covered the food and put it to simmer. It was a simple curry, plain for them and spicy for Wei Ying. The duo stepped into the living room to see Wei Ying was staring wide eyed at the book, his eyes moving over the lines as though he were forcing himself to read slowly.

“It is…odd to see Cangse Sanren’s child so…quiet,” Lan Qiren mused softly, watching Wei Ying read intently.

“Ask him something,” Lan Zhan suddenly chuckled.

“About the book?”

“No, just anything,” Lan Zhan smiled, a light teasing note to it.

“...Wei Ying, what time is it?” Lan Qiren asked softly.

“In this dishwasher,” Wei Ying waved slightly, his tone distracted.

Lan Zhan chuckled softly. “Wei Ying, where is Shufu’s coffee mug?”

“I’ll eat it in a minute,” Wei Ying muttered softly, his eyes narrowing. “Oh, no, you idiot… don’t you do what I think you’re about to–and you did it. Fucking moron.”

“Language,” Lan Qiren sighed, sipping tea. “No wonder you love it when he reads.”

“Wei Ying is adorable and hilarious,” Lan Zhan smiled as the timer for dinner went off. “Uncle, can you extract him please? I will get dinner.”
Lan Qiren narrowed his eyes at his nephew, suspicious. Lan Zhan wasn’t above asking his uncle to do things with Wei Ying so the duo would get along better but he didn’t trust that look. Would Wei Ying bite him for taking his book?

Gently, Lan Qiren tugged the book from Wei Ying, ignoring the gentle whines in protest.

“You can read more after dinner,” Lan Qiren said softly, placing the book on the side table. “You need to eat. Skipping meals is not healthy, even for a book.”

Wei Ying pouted for a moment but it faded when he smelled dinner and his stomach rumbled softly. He smiled up at Lan Qiren and hopped up to help Lan Zhan. Lan Qiren smiled fondly to himself, reminded of Lan Zhan when he was a child and didn’t want to put his book away to eat or sleep.

“How is the book, my love?” Lan Zhan gently placed dinner on the table as Wei Ying set out utensils and bowls.

“It’s so good, Lan Zhan! I already have a favorite and I really hope he ends up with the thief! They are perfect together!” Wei Ying gushed.

“Would you like to tell me all about it or have me read it next?”

Wei Ying paused for a moment, pursing his lips in thought. “I want you to read it. We’ll read the series together!”

“Mn. Sounds wonderful.”

“And don’t try to get any spoilers out of me, Lan Zhan! It won’t work!”

Lan Zhan’s lips quirked up into a smirk. “Mn…we’ll see.”

Seeing that look on his husband’s face, Wei Ying blushed darkly. “Lan Zhan! No talking during meals! Let’s eat!”

‘Does A-Zhan even like fantasy?’ Lan Qiren wondered as Wei Ying placed stir fry into his and Lan Zhan’s bowls. ‘I recall he mainly read non-fiction books and biographies of animal rescuers.’

Immediately after dinner, Wei Ying was curled back into his nest after being lightly pushed out of the kitchen by his husband, who insisted he and Lan Qiren could handle dishes. Lan Qiren didn’t mind at all. He could tell Wei Ying was antsy to get back to his book and he and Lan Zhan often had nice conversations while doing household chores.

“I’ve never seen him so enthralled,” Lan Qiren noted softly as he and Lan Zhan sat in the living room, both with a cup of tea.

“He is happy and having fun,” Lan Zhan smiled fondly at his husband.

“When did that book come out?”

“A few months ago,” Lan Zhan noted that Wei Ying was almost done. “He’s on the emailing list for Jiang Cheng’s company and he’s been excited about several of them. He was finally able to get to this–”

“What the fuck?!” Wei Ying shrieked, making both Lan’s nearly jump out of their skin. “What bullshit is this?!”

“Wei Ying?!” Lan Zhan jumped up and found Wei Ying looking lost, despondent, and almost heartbroken. “A-Ying?”

“It…a cliff…I…why…?”

“Did a character fall off a cliff?” Lan Qiren asked, noting the horrified look on his nephew-in-laws face. “What happened?”

“It…it just ended! They didn’t find the thing they needed to find or the human they needed to find and the grumpy guy is missing and…and…”

“Ah, a cliffhanger,” Lan Zhan sat beside Wei Ying and gently rubbed his back. “I know how much you hate those, A-Ying. I’m sorry. But the next book should have the answers, right?”

“It’s not out yet,” Wei Ying mumbled. “I don’t even know if it’s been written. Unless… where’s my phone?!”

~

Nie Huaisang sighed contentedly, snuggling into Jiang Cheng’s arms, a cup of tea in one hand and an emotional support fan in the other. He sat on his husbands lap, tucked in the softest blanket he had ever felt as Jiang Cheng massaged his shoulders and neck.

“Do you feel better?” Jiang Cheng whispered, kissing the nape of his husband’s neck.

“A little, yeah,” Nie Huaisang sighed.

“Good,” Jiang Cheng smiled, then his phone began to ring. “Oh, one sec love. Hey, what’s—?”

“WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK?! WHERE IS IT?!” Wei Ying’s scream blasted out of the phone, making Jiang Cheng jump and Nie Huaisang shriek.

“And I’m deaf now, thanks asshole,” Jiang Cheng winced, rubbing his ear. “What book?”

“The book you sent me! Where is the second one?!”

“So…you liked it?” Nie Huaisang shifted slightly, nervously.

“I fucking loved it! Next book! Now! Gimme! Where is it?!”

Jiang Cheng sighed. “Let me–”

“It’s on Qing Su’s desk and will be out soon! You really liked it?! No lie?!” Nie Huaisang lit up, his smile finally back.

“Tell Su-jie to hurry up! I need that book! Yes, A-Sang! I fucking loved it!”

“Coffee. Tomorrow. Don’t be late. We need to talk all about it.” Nie Huaisang was beaming so hard, he had tears in his eyes.

“I’ll be there! Oh my god, that cliffhanger killed me! How many books are going to be in this series, do you know Chengcheng?”

“Don’t call me that! And I believe the contract is for a series of six books. We’ll see.”

“Oh my fuck, I need a million!”

~

The Next Day:

Jiang Cheng smiled at his phone as it buzzed multiple times, knowing his husband was having a wonderful morning.

“Why is Nie Huaisang blowing up my phone to push his second book's publication?” Qing Su appeared in his doorway, leaning against the frame, giving a wry smile at her phone.

“Wei Ying loves the first one and now A-Sang is excited to publish the rest,” he leaned back in his chair, slowly swaying back and forth. “He’s been smiling all morning.”

“Ah,” Qing Su smiled softly. “It’s different when it’s someone you know.”

“Very much so. A-Sang doesn’t care what the unknown masses think. But the opinions of his best friend and family mean the world to him. Not that he would ever admit it,” he grinned. “Please don’t tell him I told you.”

“Get me coffee for a week and you’re safe,” she laughed. “I’ll see about pushing the publication. Your phone is going nuts. I can hear it in my office.”

“Wei Ying is making A-Sang very happy with his feedback. He’s making excellent points A-Sang is planning on addressing in the other books. He’s even thinking of another series already.”

Qing Su blanched. “I see. That’s…good.”

“You good?”

“He’s your husband. You tell me.”

“You know I’d take him off your hands in a heartbeat if I could.”

“I’m so happy for you two, you know that, but I am so pissed you asked him to marry you before all of this.”

“It was only a little on purpose. Don’t hit me!”

Chapter Text

Nie Huaisang sat before his computer.

Just sat there. Staring at the blinking cursor on a blank white page.

“Fuck.” He mumbled. He had been sitting there for forty minutes and had not written a single word. That cursor was mocking him.

He groaned loudly, closing the laptop in frustration. He wasn’t going to get anything done staring at the white page.

A very empty white page while that devil cursor mocked his writer’s block.

He stood and stretched, feeling his back pop as he did, and looked around to see if there was anything he could do to distract himself.

“Shit.”

His entire house was spotless. Dinner was prepared in advance. All dishes were cleaned and put away. The pantries were organized to such a degree, Lan Zhan would have wept with happiness. Sandu, their beautiful German Shepard, was bathed and combed and happily napping in a spot of sunlight in the living room.

Nie Huaisang had woken up when Jiang Cheng was getting ready for work and, as soon as his husband was gone, he began procrastinating by cleaning. Everything.

He tossed an incredulous look at Sandu. “You have no deadlines. You have no worries other than where the next sunbeam is! How is this fair?!”

Underneath their many throw pillows, he could hear the faint buzzing of his work phone. More than likely, Qing Su was growing more and more irritated at the inability to get a hold of him. He wasn’t…necessarily avoiding her.

He just had a lot he needed to do! He needed to alphabetize the pantry and if he didn’t clean that floor, who knows how many ants would be in their home?!

…yeah, he was totally avoiding her.

He couldn’t help it! He had no ideas on how to continue the storyline, his deadline was looming over him like a constant rain cloud, and he was tapped out. He felt mentally and physically exhausted, unable to focus and unable to even type a word.

“Hey, Sandu?” Nie Huaisang called to the dog, hearing the gentle thump of his wagging tail on the floor. “Wanna go for a walk?”

Being body slammed by a big, fluffy bundle of joy always made his day a bit better. Sandu was bouncing around the living room as Nie Huaisang prepped the harness and leash. Sandu was a very good boy and always held still for the harness and leash, his tail wagging happily behind him. He was sleek and shiny and so soft after his luxurious bath, Nie Huaisang decided to stage some photos of the dog to send to his husband.

It always made Jiang Cheng smile.

“Good boy, Sandu!” Nie Huaisang gave the pupper a treat for sitting still and pretty by a water fountain so he could take several photos and send them to his husband. “You’re going to make your dad so happy today! Such a good boy!”

“Hey, A-Sang!”

Nie Huaisang beamed when he saw his brother, Nie Mingjue, and brother-in-law, Lan Huan, walking towards him. Sandu, of course, was happy to see Lan Huan who always had special treats for him up the Lan’s sleeve.

“Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang launched himself at his older brother and hugged him tightly around his middle, making the larger man grunt. “What brings you two out and about?”

“A-Huan wanted to go for a walk,” Nie Mingjue shrugged, but Nie Huaisang could see the gentle blush on his cheeks. Clearly, the walk had been his idea but being caught suggesting something so romantic was a bit much for him.

“Ah, it’s a beautiful day for a walk. Sandu and I just finished a photoshoot,” Nie Huaisang smiled uneasily.

Nie Mingjue noticed. “You’re having writer’s block, aren’t you didi?”

“Like an absolute anvil!” He wailed softly. “I haven’t written a word all day and A-Su is on me about staying on schedule but I’ve got nothing!”

“Stop thinking about it,” Nie Mingjue patted his head. “Don’t think about the book or writing at all. Focus on the walk, watch people, judge their fashion like you like to do. It’ll come to you, I promise.”

“Oh?” Lan Huan tilted his head, petting Sandu’s shiny fur. “A-Sang, you’re working on a book? What is it about?”

Nie Huaisang felt his entire body turn to fire. He used a fake name for a reason! He didn’t want people to know what he wrote and judge him for it! What if they hated it and took it out on him?! How could he continue knowing the people he respected hated his work?!

“A-Sang!” Nie Mingjue suddenly bear hugged his little brother, bringing him out of his own head. “Breathe, didi, breathe. It’s okay!”

Nie Huaisang inhaled deeply, noting that he had gone stock still and had tears falling down his cheeks. He looked around the park, making sure there weren’t many people around and was relieved to find they were the only ones in that area. No one saw him cry. Good.

“Oh, A-Sang, I’m so sorry,” Lan Huan’s brow was furrowed with worry. “I shouldn’t have asked, should I?”

“No, no, no, you’re fine!” Nie Huaisang shook his head, leaning onto his brother. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize, A-Sang,” Lan Huan gently held his hand. “Please, breathe for us. You’re safe, you’re okay.”

Nie Huaisang nodded and allowed the two of them to guide him to a bench to sit. Sandu immediately put his head on Huaisang’s lap, his big brown eyes looking up at him as he wagged his tail. Nie Huaisang really loved that dog as much as Jiang Cheng did.

“Are you okay, A-Sang?” Lan Huan’s expression was worry, sadness, and fear. Nie Huaisang nodded and petted Sandu.

“I’m sorry, Huan-ge.” Sitting between his brother and brother-in-law, two of the strongest and kindest men he has ever known, with his beloved husband’s dog, he felt safe and decided to be open about this. Maybe it would help?

“My anxiety hits me so hard when people ask about my writings. Fashion magazine stuff, that’s easy to talk about. But my book…I get so scared of what my family and friends will think of my work and…I start spiraling.”

“Hey,” Nie Mingjue gently nudges him. “No matter what, we will love and support you. I’ve read your book. He has too. I can honestly say we love it.”

“Oh! That book!” Lan Huan beamed. “You wrote that?! A-Sang that book is amazing! I couldn’t put it down! The second one is out this week, right?”

“Yeah,” Nie Huaisang nodded, smiling. “And the third one is nearly done. I’m just blanking on the next scene…you really liked it?”

“Loved it,” Lan Huan nodded. “You have a beautiful talent for storytelling, A-Sang, and your characters are well rounded and so interesting.”

“Thank you,” Nie Huaisang smiled. “That helps…so much.”

Nie Mingjue had a proud smile on his face. “You are a talented one, didi. Don’t ever doubt yourself. But when you do, we’ll believe in you for you.”

“Aww, Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang smiled and gently rubbed Sandu’s ears. “I do feel better.”

“We’re here for you A-Sang,” Lan Huan smiled warmly. “So…may I ask a few potentially spoiler questions?”

“Sorry, I don’t do spoilers,” Nie Huaisang grinned. “You’ll have to wait just like everybody else. You can join Wei Ying’s blog for his theories. He’s pretty close on a couple.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not telling you which ones.”

“Awe.”

“A-Sang, stop bullying A-Huan.”

“Yes, da-ge.”

~

That afternoon found Nie Huaisang in a small cafe on the other side of town. He had returned home to drop off Sandu, who was taking a well deserved nap, but Nie Huaisang wasn’t ready to sit and start writing. He still felt foggy and unable to think of anything to add.

Nursing a green tea, Nie Huaisang hadn’t noticed that he had gained company, until an arm was flung around his shoulders with the joyous cry of; “Huaisang!”

“Ah! Wei Ying! Don’t scare me like that!” Huaisang whined playfully, lightly punching Wei Ying’s leg. “Lan Zhan, don’t let your husband scare me like that!”

Nie Huaisang had never known such an emotionless face to look so unrepentant!

“What brings you two out here?” Nie Huaisang asked as Lan Zhan went to order for the duo. “I’ve rarely seen you in a cafe other than Huan-ge’s.”

“Ah,” Wei Ying blushed. “We’re not ready to talk about it just yet…”

“Alright then, keep your secrets,” Nie Huaisang grinned, eyeing Wei Ying’s bag that was brimming with papers and folders. He couldn’t see what was written on them.

“What brings you out here?” Wei Ying gave a knowing smile. His fellow gremlin was too smart sometimes and knew Nie Huaisang was bothered by something. He couldn’t admit the truth, so he went with a half truth.

“I’m having a hard time writing a new fashion article,” Nie Huaisang groaned, leaning back in his chair. “I’m just completely blanking on what to say.”

“You’re trying too hard,” Wei Ying shrugged. “Just relax, don’t think about it. It’ll come to you and soon you’ll be writing the best article in the world!”

“That’s what Da-ge told me,” Nie Huaisang sighed. “I’ll try. It’s hard trying to turn my brain off.”

“Here, here,” Wei Ying toasted as Lan Zhan joined them again. “Aww, Lan Zhan! You got my favorite!”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan gave a gentle smile. “I asked for extra spice and chocolate.”

“Marry me?” Wei Ying gushed before taking a sip of his spicy chocolate concoction.

“We’re already married, A-Ying,” Lan Zhan chuckled softly.

“Marry me again!” Wei Ying grinned. “Second wedding means a second honeymoon!”

Nie Huaisang would have had to have been blind to not see the vibrant red poking out of Lan Zhan’s hair. That was an interesting characteristic he had only recently learned to notice. Silently, he pulled out his writing on the go notebook and jotted down a little note of people blushing in their ears rather than their face. Subtle and only noted by close people.

“I will marry A-Ying as many times as he wishes,” Lan Zhan confessed softly.

Nie Huaisang made notes as Wei Ying’s eyes turned glassy, his cheeks dying pink, a look of awe and love taking over. That was the look of a man who was just given everything he had ever wanted and never expected it to be given. Nie Huaisang described the change in Wei Ying and Lan Zhan’s expressions as best he could before the inevitable;

“Lan Zhan! You can’t just say things like that! Think of my poor heart!” Wei Ying covered his face with his hands.

Lan Zhan just smiled and pulled Wei Ying’s hand away from his now flaming red face and placed a tender kiss on his knuckles. “I meant every word. If A-Ying wishes to marry again, I will do so. As many times as you wish.”

Nie Huaisang jotted down more notes. He had never really paid attention to the WangXian dynamic, how well they knew one another, how they just did things without saying anything or making a comment on it. They just do it.

Nie Huaisang sat back with his notebook and pen, nodding along every now and then and just watched.

Exhibit A: Wei Ying didn’t ask if Lan Zhan wanted an almond croissant to go with his tea. He just got up, ordered it, and placed it before his husband. Lan Zhan gave a tender smile, his silent appreciation speaking volumes.

Exhibit B: Lan Zhan silently brought a new spicy chocolate concoction for Wei Ying as he was going on about a new logo design he had been working on, removing the empty cup and replacing it with the full one without saying a word. When Wei Ying noticed, his cheeks were pink again and his smile was small but genuine.

Exhibit C: About two hours into their time at the cafe, Wei Ying gave Lan Zhan a simple once over and excused them from the cafe.

Wei Ying had texted Nie Huaisang later. Apparently, Lan Zhan’s social battery had run out and he was ready to go home and be with the rabbits. Nie Huaisang didn’t mind.

He had work to do.

~

Jiang Cheng returned home to a silent house. Sandu didn’t even go to see him as he usually did and immediately he was on edge.

A brief search had him discovering an adorable sight that melted him.

Nie Huaisang was curled up in bed, using Sandu as a pillow, his computer open and holding an epilogue for the next book in the series. Sandu, noticing Jiang Cheng was home, began wagging his tail and thumping it on the bed.

Jiang Cheng smiled and set about making his husband more comfortable. He made triple sure that the progress on the novel was saved before shutting the computer down and moving it to the desk. He tucked Nie Huaisang in for a little longer before going to make dinner, Sandu curling around the sleeping man, content.

He had just finished dinner with arms wrapped around his waist, a gentle warmth coating his back, and a head was on his shoulder. Jiang Cheng smiled and turned around to hug his husband tightly.

“Welcome home, A-Cheng,” Nie Huaisang muttered sleepily, blinking up at Jiang Cheng with those green eyes he adored. “Did you have a good day at work?”

“It was alright,” Jiang Cheng smiled and kissed his forehead. “Would have been better if Qing Su stopped cursing my husband so much.”

Nie Huaisang blushed, rubbing his face into Jiang Cheng’s chest. “I finished the whole book. Will that make it up to her?”

“Oh, yeah,” Jiang Cheng smiled. “Put it on a hard drive and I’ll take it in for her. You haven’t slept well the past few days. You need to rest. I’ll let her know you were too distracted to answer.”

“I love you.” Nie Huaisang sighed, holding his husband a little tighter. “Huan-ge knows it’s me.”

“Oh?” Jiang Cheng blinked, gently rubbing Nie Huaisang’s back. “How did he find out?”

“I took Sandu for a walk and a photoshoot at a park where I ran into da-ge and Huan-ge,” Huaisang yawned into Jiang Cheng’s chest. “I mentioned I was having trouble and when Huan-ge asked, I kinda panicked and began to spiral…then I told him.”

“Oh, my heart,” Jiang Cheng nuzzled his hair, holding him closer if that were possible. “I’m glad Mingjue-ge was with you. Are you feeling alright?”

“Yeah,” Nie Huaisang sat up, looking up at him with a tender smile. “I’m okay, my lotus. He understands and they won’t say anything. He asked about spoilers but I was strong!”

“My strong blossom,” Jiang Cheng kissed Nie Huaisang slowly and tenderly. “Let’s have dinner, my love, then we can rest.”

“Best husband ever,” Nie Huaisang sighed, helping set the table.

“...my love?” Jiang Cheng frowned, looking at the couch. “Why is the couch vibrating?”

“It’s excited?” Nie Huaisang winced at Jiang Cheng’s glare. “Ah…I shoved my work phone in there because it kept going off! What else was I supposed to do?”

“I love you more than anything in this world,” Jiang Cheng shook his head fondly. “This conversation never happened. Qing Su is not allowed to know you were avoiding her calls.”

“Thank you.”

“The house is beautiful, by the way,” Jiang Cheng smiled. “I’ll take care of the dishes. And Sandu is beautiful. Did you use conditioner?”

“Maybe,” Nie Huaisang winked. “Or maybe I spend more than ten minutes washing him.”

“He fights me and I always end up just as water logged,” Jiang Cheng scowled. “It’s not my fault.”

Nie Huaisang just laughed.

~

“Your husband is evil incarnate,” Qing Su muttered, eyes scanning the third book’s draft in her hands. “Good lord…that’s a lot of–!”

“Oi, oi!” Jiang Cheng shouted, pointing at her. “Do not spoil this for me! I’m only halfway through the second book! No spoilers!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Qing Su waved her hand, glaring at the words in front of her. “It’s good. It’s very good. I think he’ll be able to get more books out of this…it’s a blessing and a curse–GASP!”

“What?!” Jiang Cheng leaned over his desk to look but Qing Su leaned away, hiding the pages from him. “Dammit, what?!”

“Nu-uh, no spoilers, remember?” She grinned at him but it wavered. “This is either going to go very well or very bad.”

“I don’t like the sound of that…” Jiang Cheng frowned. “Don’t yell at me for reading.”

“It’s your company!” Qing Su rolled her eyes. “A publishing company at that! If you want to read, then read!”

Jiang Cheng eyed her. “You threw a shoe at me when I was reading last week.”

“You had a meeting to discuss new advertisement designs! You were late!”

“It was Wei Ying,” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “He got there the same time I did.”

“Don’t do it again,” Qing Su warned.

His name may have been on the building but Qing Su was queen. A terrifying queen.

Chapter Text

Nie Huaisang was tense. He sat in the familiar fetal position, his arms around his legs, his lips pressed against his knees as he watched his husband intently. The room was deathly silent apart from the rhythmic page turning as Jiang Cheng read the third book in Nie Huaisang’s series. He had only just started reading it that morning when it was delivered to the company for distribution.

Of all the people who read his books, Jiang Cheng was the one he trusted the most to give his honest opinion. He never said anything out of malice and only to help. Nie Huaisang loved hearing his husband’s opinion. He was insightful and contemplative when he wanted to be. And Nie Huaisang had learned that he made facial expressions when he read.

He frowned when he didn’t understand something that was happening. Then, when it was revealed, he would either nod or his eyes would widen. He smiled when something cute or funny happened, sometimes he would chuckle.

Nie Huaisang would never, for as long as he lived, ever forget how red Jiang Cheng turned when he got to the spicy scenes in book two. It was adorable at first but then, when Jiang Cheng realized where Nie Huaisang’s inspiration came from, he immediately threw the book into the freezer for an hour. Nie Huaisang had laughed his ass off.

Until Jiang Cheng gave him more *inspiration*.

Then he went to the freezer to retrieve the book and continued reading while Nie Huaisang couldn’t move. The wonderful bastard.

“Woah, woah, woah, what?!” Jiang Cheng jerked up, staring at the book. “No…no, no, no! No! No the fuck he did not!”

Nie Huaisang hid an evil grin behind his knees, keeping his eyes as wide and innocent as possible without overdoing it. This was the part he was waiting for.

“Excuse you?!” Jiang Cheng shouted at the book. “No! No the fuck he is not! No. The Fuck. He is not!”

Nie Huaisang watched as Jiang Cheng forced himself to read every word, every line, before turning the page and letting out the loudest shriek. “What the fuck?!”

‘Don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t laugh!’ Nie Huaisang was almost in tears, trying not to laugh at Jiang Cheng frantically reading.

But then the horrible, wonderful, beautiful man beside him turned his violet eyes to his husband and gave him the most heartbroken expression Nie Huaisang had ever seen.

“A-Sang…” Jiang Cheng whispered. “You killed him…?”

Now. Nie Huaisang has a law that he has upheld for his entire writing career, be it a fun little story or one of his fashion blogs: he never ever allowed spoilers.

But he is just a man! And Jiang Cheng has never given him that look before!

“Oh, my lotus,” Nie Huaisang hugged Jiang Cheng tightly. “He’s not dead, I promise. But it’s important that they think he is. Don’t worry! He’ll come back but he has to pretend for now.”

“He’s coming back?” Jiang Cheng blinked at his husband. “Promise?”

“I promise, my lotus,” he kissed Jiang Cheng’s cheek. “I promise, he will come back. I’m evil but I’m not that evil.”

Jiang Cheng nodded and wrapped an arm around Nie Huaisang’s waist, pulling him to lay beside him on the couch. “You stay here. I need my Emotional Support A-Sang for this.”

“Oh,” Nie Huaisang snuggled in. “Nap time for me then.”

“You can sleep but I make no promises to stay quiet if something like this happens again,” Jiang Chen warned, kissing his forehead. “Brace for Sandu.”

Ah, Sandu. A wonderful dog who always used Nie Huaisang as a pillow or chew toy or mattress, depending on his mood. He was also a self appointed lap dog to the death. He jumped onto the couch and laid down on the duo, providing his dads with a warm, living blanket.

Nie Huaisang suddenly had the realization that this is what he had always wanted. His husband holding him, a loving pet to snuggle and play with, his book series being enjoyed (for the most part) by people, and the gentle sound of rain and thunder outside. He felt warm, content, loved, and happy.

A half hour later, Jiang Cheng tilted his head to see his husband sleeping peacefully on his chest and smiled. Nie Huaisang had been so worried about how the third book would be received and had panicked for weeks. He was more than relieved to see his husband resting after so much anxiety and fear.

Nie Huaisang’s phone began to vibrate in his pocket and Jiang Cheng, determined to let his husband sleep, answered it.

“Nie Huaisang’s phone, Jiang Cheng dutifully answering.”

“Hey, A-Cheng,” Nie Mingjue greeted. “How is A-Sang?”

“He’s sleeping right now,” Jiang Cheng smiled. “Everything okay?”

“Do you have his third book?”

“I’m reading it now,” he tilted the book slightly. “I’m almost done, actually. What’s up?”

“So, you’ll understand why A-Huan is currently screaming at the book in his office?” Nie Mingjue sounded genuinely terrified. “Any clues you can give me?”

“Have you read the book yet?”

“I’m waiting my turn,” he sighed, then a string of rather Un-Lan like curses sounded in the background and Jiang Cheng wanted to laugh so badly but he couldn’t. “If I’m dead, you know who did it.”

“Ah, you know how A-Sang is about spoilers…but let’s just say a character kinda dies,” Jiang Cheng bit his lip to keep from chuckling.

“Kinda? How does someone kinda die?”

“Trust me. You’ll see,” Jiang Cheng sighed. “Sorry, A-Sang is sleeping on me and now I’m fading. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’ll keep you posted. Hey…isn’t Wei Ying reading this book too?”

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng was absolutely exhausted. “I think he is, yeah.”

“This is not going to end well.”

“No. No it’s not.” Jiang Cheng leaned back, laying the book on the side table. “Hey, I’m going to take care of A-Sang but I’ll have him call you later, okay?”

There was a crash and more cursing, but that time it sounded more repentant and worried. “Sounds good. A-Huan? Are you okay?”

“Who put a plant here?!”

“Uh…you did?” *click*

Jiang Cheng wanted to laugh so badly, it physically hurt his chest to hold it back but he just sighed and turned over to cuddle his husband. He paused for a moment then turned their phones off. It was his day off and A-Sang needed sleep. Whatever chaos ensued following the third book’s reading could happen without them. Sandu’s tail thumped on the couch lightly as Jiang Cheng reached down to lightly scritch his head before snuggling down to nap with them.

~

Lan Zhan is enjoying a lovely rainy day. His home office overlooks the back garden, the wide windows allowing him to see the grass turn vivid as it enjoyed nourishing water. The flowers danced on the gentle breeze and the wisteria branches swayed gently.

He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of fresh rain, flowers, and the scent of home, easing the tense muscles in his back and allowing him to relax further. Being a high school music teacher was rewarding, fun, and there was never a dull moment. But it did have its stressors and Lan Zhan valued those peaceful moments more than anything in the world.

He knew outside his office, down a short hallway and tucked into a nest of blankets and pillows, his beloved husband Wei Ying was reading his newest book. Lan Zhan smiled to himself, imagining Wei Ying’s small smile that graced him when he read something he truly enjoyed. Perhaps he was focusing seriously, the tiny dent between his brows, the tip of his tongue poking out between his teeth–

BANG!

“NO! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! I TRUSTED YOU!”

Lan Zhan jumped out of his chair, knocking it back onto the floor as he leapt out of the room and shot down the hallway.

“Wei Ying?!”

He found Wei Ying sitting on the floor, his arms folded on the low table, his head buried as he shook. Lan Zhan could hear sniffling and his heart almost stopped dead in his chest.

“Wei Ying!” He knelt beside his husband, his hands hovering close but unsure. Sometimes Wei Ying didn’t like being touched when he was upset or angry. Lan Zhan didn’t want to make it any worse, so he sat there, unsure. “Wei Ying? A-Ying?”

“How could they do this to me?” Wei Ying lifted his head, tears streaming down his cheeks, his eyes bloodshot, his face red. “Lan Zhan…”

Lan Zhan’s heart broke at the sight of his husband so distressed. He had vowed, long ago when they first met that fateful day in kindergarten, that he would do everything in his power to keep Yingying’s smile on his face.

“Wei Ying…” Lan Zhan tentatively cupped Wei Ying’s cheek, wiping a tear away.

“...please don’t be mad at me A-Zhan?” Wei Ying whispered, his voice filled with guilt and fear. “I didn’t mean to…I promise…”

Lan Zhan balked at that. How could his husband, sitting there in tears, think he could ever be mad at him right then?! He shook his head and gently caressed his cheek again.

“My love, I could never be mad at you. What happened?”

Wei Ying mumbled softly before lifting his hand to point at the wall separating the living room from Lan Zhan’s office.

Lan Zhan blinked once.

Twice.

“Wei Ying. How hard did you throw your book?”

It was a paperback book. It wasn’t even that big! How the hell did it get embedded into the wall? There were cracks in the plaster around it!

“They killed him, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying cried, lowering his head again. “They killed him!”

Right. Upset husband. That was the number one priority right now. The wall could wait.

“A-Ying…do you need–?”

Before he could finish his sentence, Wei Ying threw himself at Lan Zhan, wrapping his arms around Lan Zhan’s neck and sobbed openly.

“How could they, Lan Zhan?! He was only trying to help! He just wanted to help! And they…they!” Wei Ying sobbed. “It’s not fair! He didn’t get to say goodbye!”

Lan Zhan hugged Wei Ying tightly, rubbing his back and gently rocking them back and forth to try and help soothe his husband. Wei Ying had adored that series and waited for weeks, months even, for the next book to come out. They had gone to the midnight release of it, even though Jiang Cheng said he would get the bigger shipment first thing in the morning and could have brought Wei Ying a book easily, but the firecracker they both loved just couldn’t wait.

This was not good.

“A-Ying…who died? Can you tell me?” Lan Zhan spoke softly, not wanting to make it worse but wanting to know how to make it better.

Wei Ying sniffled. “The best friend…”

Oh shit. The protagonist's best friend was Wei Ying’s favorite character. Lan Zhan glared at the offending book (still in the wall) and wished hellfire on the author right then.

“Shame on the author. How dare he kill A-Ying’s favorite.” Lan Zhan muttered darkly.

“It was heartless! Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying sobbed again and buried his face in Lan Zhan’s neck. “Why did he have to die?!”

Lan Zhan hugged Wei Ying tighter, humming softly, until Wei Ying couldn’t cry anymore. His face was red and his eyes were swollen and he sniffled softly as the tears ran dry. Lan Zhan held him the entire time, refusing to let go, even when his legs went numb. His pain was tolerable. Wei Ying’s was not. But it gave Lan Zhan plenty of time to hatch a plan.

“A-Ying, I will draw a nice, warm bath for you,” Lan Zhan softly patted Wei Ying’s hair, marveling at the constant softness of it. “I will get your favorite ice cream and you can relax for a while, okay?”

Wei Ying gave him a watery smile and kissed his cheek. “Yes, please.”

“I will take care of you.”

It didn’t take long for Wei Ying to relax in their large bathtub. He laid back with his head on a cushion, the scent of Eucalyptus and Spearmint essential oils filling the air to help with stress. Wei Ying made Lan Zhan promise he would join him as soon as he was finished preparing the ice cream and checking something online.

He would not keep his husband waiting, so he made quick work of his online search.

Wei Ying wasn’t the only one upset with the book's development as many people were Tweeting their own distress. Just as Lan Zhan was about to click on any and all spoilers he could find, his phone rang in his hand.

“Ge?”

“A-Zhan, I hope I didn’t call while you are busy,” Lan Huan greeted warmly. “Is Wei Ying okay?”

“No,” Lan Zhan muttered. “The author killed his favorite character.”

“I read that part as well,” Lan Huan sighed. “I wasn’t too happy about that outcome either and I wanted to see how he was doing.”

(Nie Mingjue in the background, rolling his eyes. ‘That’s putting it lightly.’)

“Gege,” Lan Zhan suddenly remembered something. “Your cafe is right next to Lotus Ink Publishing. Is there any way you can tell me who the author is or find someone who knows?”

“A-Zhan…”

“He made A-Ying cry, gege,” Lan Zhan growled. He wanted to find the author for reasons. He was still debating whether it involved violence or not.

“...if I told you I already scolded the author and threatened them with yours and A-Ying’s anger, would that make it better?” Lan Huan reluctantly asked.

“Perhaps. You know the author?”

“We all do, didi.”

They all knew who the author was? And Lan Huan scolded them? But Lan Huan didn’t scold people outside of the family! And no one–

Oh. Oh. “No…”

“Huaisang has many talents, didi. He promised me, despite his law of never giving spoilers, that the best friend doesn’t stay dead. He actually isn’t even dead. He will come back. We have to keep reading to understand.”

Lan Zhan let out a sigh of relief. “If he makes A-Ying cry again, I will go after him.”

“Be kind, didi,” Lan Huan chuckled. “Wei Ying will be just fine. Now, go take care of your husband. I will call you tomorrow.”

Lan Zhan bid his brother goodnight and did as he was instructed.

After their bath, which was a little more than just bathing, Lan Zhan pampered Wei Ying with a full body massage with relaxing oils. Lan Zhan loved taking care of his husband, helping him relax and feel better. Wei Ying tried to return the favor, but Lan Zhan gently reminded him that it was his turn to be pampered. When Wei Ying was almost a literal pile of goo, Lan Zhan tucked him into bed before venturing out to retrieve the book out of the wall.

How it got so deep into the wall without being damaged, Lan Zhan wasn’t sure. Magic? A book loving ghost that refused to allow harm to it? Did Wei Ying break physics? Again?

“You promise he will be okay?” Wei Ying asked, tucking himself under the comforter.

“Mn, I promise,” Lan Zhan smiled, sliding into bed beside his husband.

“Read to me?” The gentle request was paired with a bright smile that Lan Zhan just had to kiss.

“Of course, my love.”

As Lan Zhan promised, the best friend didn’t actually die. He hid and became a spy for the heroes in the story and was reunited with his friends. To Wei Ying’s sheer delight, he even confessed to the one Wei Ying shipped him with.

“Thank heaven, a happy almost ending,” Wei Ying sighed, tucking his head into Lan Zhan’s chest. “That was good, though. Will my A-Zhan read to me again? I love your voice.”

“Mn, for a price,” Lan Zhan’s lips quirked into a small smile at Wei Ying’s curious expression. “A kiss for every page.”

“Deal!” Wei Ying leaned up and kissed his husband, his expression shifting to a tender smile. “I know you say they are not needed, but thank you, A-Zhan, for always taking care of me and not being annoyed by my book attachments.”

Lan Zhan kissed Wei Ying a little harder, gently nibbling on his lower lip. “I love my A-Ying. Your passion for your favorite books is one of the greatest things about you. You appreciate every character for who they are, even the villains. You care so much.”

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying whined, hiding his burning face in Lan Zhan’s chest. “Flaterer!”

“Only for you.”

~

“Did you learn your lesson?” Qing Su raised an eyebrow at Nie Huaisang, noting the new bruises on his neck he shamelessly flaunted with a low cut shirt. “And why do you look like you were used as a chew toy?”

“No comment,” Nie Huaisang blushed behind his fan. “And, yes, I learned my lesson. But what are they going to do when I actually have to kill a character?”

Qing Su shrugged. “That’s what fanfiction is for. How is book four coming?”

“I’m halfway done already, thank heaven,” Nie Huaisang sighed. “Wei Ying would not stop going on and on about the third book…”

Qing Su tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. “What happened?”

What happened?! One minute, Nie Huaisang was laughing at some of the dark humor in the novel with Wei Ying, the inspiration for such humor, when the man had to use the restroom. When he was gone, Lan Zhan leveled a glare at him that made his life flash before his very eyes! When he asked, Lan Zhan simply stated;

“Hurt Wei Ying again and we will have to have a serious conversation.” Lan Zhan tilted his head for a moment. “It is an excellent series. I look forward to what you have planned next.”

“I almost died, Su-jie!” Nie Huaisang cried. “And I don’t know how he found out!”

“Does Wei Ying know?”

“No,” Nie Huaisang shook his head. “Lan Zhan promised he wouldn’t say but he did warn me that he will not lie to Wei Ying, not like he ever has in his life.”

“Why don’t you want your best friend to know?” Qing Su inquired, softly. “He loves the series and he’s always been supportive of you in the past. Why not now?”

“Well…at first, I only wanted Da-ge and A-Cheng to know,” Nie Huaisang shifted slightly, lowering his fan to his lap. “I was so scared of what other people would think, Wei Ying most of all. I balked at telling him, especially since a lot of scenes are…well…”

“As if Wei Ying would have an issue with sex scenes,” Qing Su stated dryly.

“You never know! But now…now I’m learning that it’s okay if more people know it’s me. Huan-ge and Lan Zhan know now and…it’s kind of nice. They have been supportive…well, Huan-ge has been supportive. Lan Zhan has been threatening but kind. But now I just want to know how long it will take Wei Ying to figure out it’s me,” Nie Huaisang smiled. “He’s smart. It shouldn’t take him that long to figure it out.”

“You do you, A-Sang,” Qing Su shrugged. “As long as you stick to your deadline.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Nie Huaisang nodded. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to visit my husband and discuss proper romantic manners.”

“What?”

“You asked why I look like a chew toy.” He shrugged. “I’m addressing the issue.”

“Please don’t talk to me about that ever again.”

“Okay. I’ll just make you read it–AH!” Nie Huaisang dodged a stapler, diving into Jiang Cheng’s office. The stapler bounced on the ground and Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow.

“Why is A-Su throwing her stapler at you this time?”

“I may have revealed where my inspiration for…certain scenes came from. Speaking of, look at what you did to my neck!” Nie Huaisang gestured to the limb. “I look like a chew toy! That’s what Su-jie said! You’re as bad as Lan Zhan!”

Jiang Cheng smirked, eyeing the marks. “I finally see their appeal. I like them but they’re fading already.”

“You-!” Nie Huaisang blushed. “A-Cheng!”

“I think you need more inspiration.”

“In your office?!” Nie Huaisang whisper-shouted. “Are you nuts?!”

“Maybe,” Jiang Cheng’s eyes darkened. “Lock the door, Huaisang.”

Well. Shit. Who can argue with that?