Work Text:
The door clicked shut behind Jingyi, and the weight of the world seemed to settle on his shoulders. He hadn't even bothered to change out of his robes, his exhaustion and frustration too overwhelming for him to do anything more than stumble toward the small seating area in the corner of the room.
Jiang Cheng was already there, as if he'd known something was wrong, and as soon as he saw the younger man, his expression softened.
"Jingyi," Jiang Cheng's voice was gentle, but it carried a firmness that spoke of concern. "What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
Jingyi didn't reply immediately. Instead, he walked over and sat down next to Jiang Cheng, his usual composure faltering. He had always tried so hard to prove himself, to live up to the Lan family expectations, but lately, it had felt like it was never enough.
"It’s... It's nothing," Jingyi murmured, voice cracking as he wiped a hand over his face, trying to shove the tears back down. But they came anyway, a silent wave that overtook him.
Jiang Cheng was quick to react, moving behind him to wrap his arms around Jingyi’s shoulders, pulling him close. "You’re not alone in this," Jiang Cheng whispered. "I’m here."
Jingyi didn’t hold back anymore. He collapsed into Jiang Cheng’s embrace, tears falling freely. His body shook with the weight of it all—the judgment from the Lan elders, the pressure to be perfect, the feeling of never truly belonging.
"I... I just want to be enough," Jingyi’s voice was muffled, his face pressed into Jiang Cheng’s chest.
Jiang Cheng said nothing at first, simply holding him tighter, running his hand over Jingyi's back in a soothing motion. His usual gruffness was gone, replaced by something softer, something that only emerged when he was caring for someone he loved.
"You are enough," Jiang Cheng murmured after a long moment. "You’re enough for me, for Xichen, and anyone who matters. Don’t let them tell you otherwise."
Jingyi hiccupped, squeezing his eyes shut, but he nodded against Jiang Cheng’s chest, grateful for the unwavering support. He didn’t have to speak more—his emotions were too tangled up inside to find the words. But in Jiang Cheng’s arms, he found some comfort, some semblance of peace.
As he finally calmed down, exhaustion from the emotional drain took over. His body sagged against Jiang Cheng, and before he knew it, he was asleep, still cradled in Jiang Cheng's lap.
Jiang Cheng watched over him quietly, the only sound the soft breathing of the boy in his arms. His heart ached for Jingyi, knowing how hard he tried, how much he put himself through to be accepted by a family that would never truly see him for who he was.
But Jiang Cheng saw him. He always had. And he would fight for him, no matter what.
----------
Lan Xichen stood quietly at the door, observing the calm, peaceful scene. His husband, Jiang Cheng, was still sitting on the couch, Jingyi comfortably nestled against him, both of them lost in their own thoughts. The soft glow of lantern light bathed the room in a warm, cozy atmosphere.
"How’s he doing?" Xichen asked softly, stepping further into the room.
Jiang Cheng sighed deeply, rubbing a hand over his face. "Better. Still... it's hard, you know? The elders just don’t understand. I think Jingyi’s heart is in a thousand pieces after what they said." His voice cracked slightly, betraying just how much the whole situation was affecting him.
Lan Xichen nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "He’s been through a lot. But he has us, Jiang Cheng. We’ll make sure he knows he’s never alone."
Jiang Cheng gave a small nod, his gaze softening as he looked down at Jingyi, who had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep in his lap. His breathing was steady, and his small form relaxed against his father’s chest, completely at ease for the first time in hours.
Lan Xichen smiled at the sight, his heart warming at the quiet tenderness between the two. He walked over, kneeling down next to the couch. Gently, he lifted Jingyi into his arms, holding him with the utmost care, as if the young man was made of the finest porcelain.
"Come on, little one," Xichen murmured, cradling Jingyi to his chest, careful not to disturb him. "Let’s get you to bed."
Jiang Cheng stood up as well, his movements smooth and steady despite the long, emotionally draining day. He followed Xichen into the bedroom, a silent but strong presence beside him.
Lan Xichen carefully laid Jingyi down on the bed, smoothing his hair back with a gentle hand. "He’ll be okay," Xichen whispered, though it was clear he was speaking more to himself than to Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng nodded, his heart swelling with love and protectiveness. "He will be. I’ll make sure of it."
Once Jingyi was settled, Xichen stepped back, allowing Jiang Cheng to do what he did best. He walked over to the side of the bed, his face softening as he watched the peaceful expression on Jingyi's face.
Jiang Cheng carefully tucked the blanket around Jingyi, his movements slow and deliberate, like every action mattered. His fingers brushed lightly over the boy’s forehead as he bent down to place a gentle kiss there.
"You’re my son," Jiang Cheng whispered, voice filled with emotion. "You’re so much more than enough."
Lan Xichen, standing quietly behind him, placed a hand on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, a quiet support. He didn’t need to say anything—Jiang Cheng knew. This was their family, and nothing could take that away.
----------
Later that evening, the Lan elders were gathered in the usual meeting room. The air was thick with tension as they began their usual criticisms, all focused on the fact that Jingyi wasn’t the “perfect” Lan they expected him to be.
"You’re not a true Lan," one of the elders said dismissively to Jiang Cheng, his voice full of disdain. "Not even properly married into the family, and yet you act as if you have a right to speak for the Lan name."
Jiang Cheng’s temper flared at the words, and before anyone could react, he stood, voice hard as stone. "For Jingyi to be my son, I don’t need to be married to Xichen," he said, his tone cutting through the room like a knife. "I’ve cared for him since the day Xichen brought him into our lives, and I will continue to do so, regardless of your archaic views. He is my son, and I won’t let you belittle him."
The room fell silent at the force of Jiang Cheng’s words. The elder who had spoken earlier seemed to falter for a moment, but he quickly recovered and sneered, "You may think you have a right, but—"
Jiang Cheng stepped forward, his eyes flashing with barely contained fury. "No, you listen. Jingyi is better than any of you could ever dream to be. You’re lucky that he even looks at you with respect, considering the way you treat him. You will never make him feel less than. Do you hear me?"
The elder didn’t respond. Instead, he just scoffed and turned away, but Jiang Cheng’s words had hit their mark.
----------
Back at home Jiang Cheng sat on the couch, the weight of the day still present but no longer so oppressive. He had his back to the door when Lan Xichen entered, his footsteps quiet but steady. Xichen was already taking off his outer robe, preparing for a well-deserved rest after the busy day.
"How is he?"Jiang Cheng asked quietly, his voice as soothing as always.
"Sleeping," Xichen answered.
"Good, he’s finally getting some rest. I hope this... this won’t be the last time I have to step in for him, but I’ll do it. He’s my son, and no one can take that away from me." Jiag Cheng said.
Xichen nodded, walking over to sit next to Jiang Cheng, his hand resting gently on his husband's arm. "You’re doing everything you can. Don’t doubt that."
There was a moment of peaceful silence before Jiang Cheng spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "I don’t care what the elders say. Jingyi is my son, and nothing is going to change that. I won’t let anyone make him feel like he doesn’t belong."
Xichen smiled softly and squeezed his hand. "We’ll both make sure he knows he belongs. You and me. And when things get tough, we’ll do it together."
Jiang Cheng turned to him, his gaze full of love and gratitude. "I don’t deserve you."
"You deserve everything," Xichen whispered, leaning in to brush a kiss against Jiang Cheng’s forehead. "And more."
They sat there in comfortable silence, just holding each other. And for the first time that day, Jiang Cheng felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that his family was strong, and they would weather any storm together.
After a while, the night fell into a comfortable rhythm. Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen stayed in the living room, exchanging soft, affectionate glances between the quiet moments. The warmth of their home surrounded them, a space where both of them could breathe and be their true selves, without the weight of expectations or the judgment of others.
"Jiang Cheng," Xichen spoke softly, breaking the silence, his eyes full of warmth, "You’re doing a great job. Jingyi is lucky to have you."
Jiang Cheng smiled faintly, his usual gruffness softened by Xichen’s words. He leaned into the touch of Xichen’s hand resting gently on his shoulder, the simple act grounding him after the emotional whirlwind of the day. "I just wish I could do more for him. I hate seeing him hurt. It’s like… it’s like I failed him."
Xichen shook his head, his hand gently squeezing Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. "You haven’t failed him. You’ve been his protector from the start. Jingyi knows you love him. He feels that, even when he doesn’t have the words to say it."
Jiang Cheng looked at Xichen, the sincerity in his gaze. "Do you really think so?"
"I know so," Xichen replied without hesitation. "There’s no doubt in my mind."
Jiang Cheng’s expression softened, and he leaned his head against Xichen’s shoulder, the weight of the day slowly lifting. They sat there in silence, the soft crackling of the hearth in the background, as they just held each other. It was a peace they had found in each other—a peace Jiang Cheng had never thought possible after all the chaos he’d experienced.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom:
Jingyi shifted slightly in his sleep, his small form curled beneath the blanket. His face, usually so guarded and stoic, was peaceful in slumber. The tension that had weighed on him earlier was absent, replaced by a quiet calm.
Lan Xichen entered the room quietly, his footsteps soft on the floor. He walked over to the bed, where Jingyi lay, and gently pulled the blanket up to tuck him in more snugly. He placed a tender kiss on the boy’s forehead, his heart full of quiet affection.
"Sleep well, Jingyi," Xichen whispered, his voice low and soothing. "We’ll protect you, no matter what."
He lingered for a moment, just watching Jingyi sleep, before turning to leave the room. His heart was full—full of gratitude for the family they were creating together.
Back in the living room:
Jiang Cheng’s exhaustion was starting to catch up with him. He stretched his arms above his head, a small groan escaping his lips. "I swear, if I have to deal with one more elder tonight, I might just snap."
Xichen chuckled softly, the sound light and calming. "We’ll save that for tomorrow. Tonight, you deserve rest."
Jiang Cheng grumbled good-naturedly but didn’t argue. Instead, he allowed Xichen to gently pull him toward their shared bedroom, where the promise of a peaceful, quiet night awaited them.
As they entered the room, Jiang Cheng immediately began to strip off his outer robe, tired but grateful. He turned to Xichen, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You really think I’m doing okay with Jingyi?"
Xichen smiled back, his eyes full of affection. "You’re doing better than you think. Your strength is in how you love him."
Jiang Cheng leaned in, pressing his forehead against Xichen’s, their closeness comforting and familiar. "I just want him to feel safe, Xichen. That’s all I want."
Xichen gently ran his fingers through Jiang Cheng’s hair, a soothing gesture meant to calm the storm inside. "You’re doing that. Every day, you show him he’s safe. And that’s all any child could ever need."
Jiang Cheng closed his eyes, the warmth of Xichen’s touch and words melting away the last of his tension. He let out a sigh, content, for the first time in a while, with how everything was. "I love you."
Xichen’s smile softened, and he cupped Jiang Cheng’s face in his hands, leaning in to kiss him gently. The kiss was tender, a soft reminder of their bond, their shared strength. "I love you too, Jiang Cheng."
They both climbed into bed, the quiet of the night settling around them. Jiang Cheng rested his head on Xichen’s chest, and Xichen wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. The soft sounds of their breathing filled the space between them as they lay in each other’s arms, the weight of the world outside forgotten, even if just for tonight.
------------
Jingyi awoke later, his eyes fluttering open to the dim light of the room. For a moment, confusion clouded his thoughts, but then he realized where he was. His body was comfortably warm, tucked into the soft bed, the covers gently pulled up around him.
He sat up slowly, glancing around the room. The door to his room was cracked open, and through the small gap, he could see the faint outline of his father and Lan Xichen laying in their bed, talking in hushed tones. He could hear their voices, soft but full of love, though he couldn’t make out the words.
He slowly stood up and went to his parents. Halfway trough the door Jiang Cheng lifted his head and looked at his son.
“What are you doing up?
“I want cuddles.” Jingy clarified,”Can I sleep with you for tonight?”
Lan Xichen just lifted the blanket and let Jingy have the spot between them.
Jiang Cheng and Xichen put their arms around Jingy and let him cuddle into Wanyin.
A small smile tugged at Jingyi’s lips as he gets comfortable, his heart swelling. He may not have been born into this family, but in this moment, he felt like he had always belonged.
---------
The first light of dawn filtered softly through the window, casting a gentle glow over the room. Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were still asleep, the quiet rhythm of their breathing filling the room with a sense of calm. In the middle of the bed, tucked under a blanket, Jingyi stirred slightly. He blinked, his vision still blurry from sleep as he slowly woke up. The room was quiet, save for the soft sounds of his parents' breathing.
He groggily turned his head, glancing at the peaceful forms of Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen. For a few moments, he simply lay there, drifting in and out of a half-awake state, the warmth of the blanket, his parents and the quiet comfort of the room making him feel safe.
Jingyi let out a small yawn, his hands rubbing his eyes as he tried to fully wake up. His mind was foggy, and it took him a second to realize that he had somehow ended up curled up against Jiang Cheng during the night. He blinked again, trying to piece together how that had happened.
Then, his sleepiness took over once more, and he cuddled into the warmth next to him, his head finding its way to Jiang Cheng’s chest. His hand instinctively reached for Jiang Cheng’s arm, as if seeking the comfort he had always known from his mother figure.
"Mama," Jingyi mumbled sleepily, his voice soft and vulnerable, as he nuzzled closer, not fully aware of the words that left his lips.
Jiang Cheng's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the soft whisper. For a moment, he didn’t fully register what had just happened, but then the word—"Mama"—reached his ears, and his heart nearly melted.
He gently moved, careful not to startle Jingyi, and pulled the boy closer into his embrace, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
"Hey, Jingyi," Jiang Cheng said softly, his voice thick with sleep, but also full of warmth. "It's okay, you're safe here."
Jingyi slowly lifted his head, blinking his eyes open and finally realizing what he had just said. His face flushed instantly, and he pulled away slightly, embarrassed by the slip-up.
"I-I didn’t mean to…" Jingyi began, his words stumbling out in a flurry of nervousness.
But Jiang Cheng just smiled, a soft, affectionate smile that made Jingyi’s heart skip a beat. He reached out, gently tucking a lock of hair behind Jingyi's ear.
"It’s alright," Jiang Cheng reassured him. "You can call me whatever makes you feel safe. I’m always here for you."
Jingyi’s blush deepened, but his heart swelled with the warmth of Jiang Cheng’s words. He felt a lump form in his throat, the quiet comfort of knowing he wasn’t alone, knowing that Jiang Cheng saw him, truly saw him, and was willing to be the mother figure he needed.
"Thank you, Mama," Jingyi whispered quietly, the words feeling both natural and foreign, yet somehow exactly what he needed to say.
Jiang Cheng chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Jingyi’s head. "You’re welcome, Jingyi. Always."
Together they sleep a little longer.
-----------
The stronger light of morning slowly crept through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The peaceful quiet of the morning was only disturbed by the occasional rustle of blankets as Jingyi stretched in bed, finally ready to start the day, his messy hair sticking out in every direction. He groggily opened his eyes, blinking at the unfamiliar brightness, and immediately felt the warmth of the blanket still tucked around him.
He let out a sleepy yawn and slowly pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes. His hair, a wild mess of tangles and curls, was sticking up like a collection of spiky needles, completely defying any attempt at order. He stared at the strands in confusion for a moment, but the feeling of sleepiness was still far too strong to care.
Jiang Cheng had already risen earlier to prepare breakfast, but when he heard the sounds of Jingyi waking up, he walked into the room, smiling softly at the sight of his son—well, his child—still sitting there, looking like a small bird with messy feathers.
"Good morning, Jingyi," Jiang Cheng greeted warmly, his eyes soft as he moved over to Jingyi’s side. "Looks like someone had a wild night."
Jingyi gave him a sheepish smile, his hands immediately trying to smooth down his hair, but it was no use. The wild bed hair refused to behave.
"Morning, Mama," Jingyi mumbled, still feeling a bit groggy. He rubbed his eyes again, clearly not ready to face the world yet.
Jiang Cheng chuckled softly, moving over to a nearby dresser and pulling out a small brush. “Alright, time to tame this mess.” He sat down beside Jingyi, gently lifting the boy's chin so he could look at him. “You know, I always thought you had such beautiful hair, even if it looks like a storm hit it in the morning.”
Jingyi blushed slightly at the compliment, but the warmth in Jiang Cheng’s voice made him feel safe. He let out a small sigh, his shoulders relaxing as he let Jiang Cheng begin brushing through his hair.
The gentle strokes of the brush were soothing, and Jiang Cheng worked through the tangles with such care, as if his only concern was making sure Jingyi was comfortable. Every time he hit a particularly stubborn knot, Jiang Cheng would pause for a moment and then continue as if nothing had happened.
“You know, Jingyi, you really do have the most beautiful hair. You look so much like your father, but you’ve definitely got your own style,” Jiang Cheng said, a teasing tone lacing his words as he ran the brush through the boy’s wild curls.
Jingyi blinked up at him, surprised by how kind and patient Jiang Cheng was being. He didn't quite know what to say, so he simply let his eyes close and continued to enjoy the warmth of the moment, the sound of Jiang Cheng’s voice like a soft lullaby.
“You’re always so sweet and strong, and you’re growing into such a great young man,” Jiang Cheng continued, his voice softening even more as he gently adjusted Jingyi’s head. “I’m really proud of you.”
Jingyi’s heart swelled with affection, and in that moment, he realized just how much he relied on Jiang Cheng’s support. The brush continued to move through his hair, and the care in each stroke made him feel like he was more than just someone to be fixed. He felt seen, truly seen.
As the brushing slowed, Jiang Cheng leaned down slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Jingyi’s head, his lips brushing against the boy’s messy hair.
"You're more than I could ever ask for," Jiang Cheng whispered.
Jingyi sat there for a moment, a feeling of warmth filling him up. He didn’t say anything at first, unsure of how to put into words what he felt. But then, as the words came to him, he smiled softly and looked up at Jiang Cheng, his eyes full of trust.
“I love you, Mama,” Jingyi said quietly, the words slipping out as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Jiang Cheng froze for a moment, his heart swelling with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. He blinked, and then he pulled Jingyi into a tight hug, holding him close.
“I love you too, Jingyi,” Jiang Cheng whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “More than you’ll ever know.”
They stayed like that for a moment, the brush forgotten on the bed as they held each other close. Jiang Cheng’s heart swelled with pride and affection as he thought about everything Jingyi had gone through—and everything they would continue to go through together.
This moment, small and simple, meant everything.