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Jiang Cheng picked up his cellphone and swiped over to his family group chat.
JC: l'm flying out to visit Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang today. I'll be staying for a few days.
AJIE: Oh, have fun A-Cheng!
JC: Thanks.
WWX: dont do anything I wouldnt do!!!!!!
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.
JC: Yeah, that's easy enough to ensure.
His phone buzzed shortly after his response, when he looked he found Wei Wuxian had sent the fire emoji and the broken-heart emoji.
Again, Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "Tch."
He set his phone aside as he focused on dressing. He decided on warm clothing with a coat that allowed him to tuck his phone in a zippered pocket for safe keeping.
After that, he packed a small overnight bag then he was on his way.
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Sandu carried Jiang Cheng swiftly through the air, zipping past the low hanging clouds.
At the height he flew the wind that rushed past him was cold, and while it wasn't terrible, Jiang Cheng pulled up the collar of his coat. The softness blunted some of the wind's sharpness against his face, as he traveled to Qinghe.
Occasionally, far in the distance, he saw a fellow traveler, but mostly he was alone. It was a quiet journey and he found the solitude to be nice. It wasn't often he could find a few hours for himself, and when he did, it usually bled into the hours he should have been sleeping.
Up here, at least, he couldn't be harassed by anyone or especially by correspondence.
The almost meditative quality of his flight allowed his mind to drift.
Nie Mingjue had been correct when he said it had been some time since his last visit. Not that Jiang Cheng had done it purposely, but running a Sect was never-ending, and sometimes Jiang Cheng forgot to take time for himself.
When he thought it he often found himself yearning for a slower time.
Not that childhood - especially his - could be described as being calm, or slow, but there was something to be said about having ones family close by, and his mother and father alive; no matter how exhausting it was to live up to their expectations (or lack thereof).
Jiang Cheng missed his parents. He missed that simpler life with his sister, and Wei Wuxian, but each of them now had their own lives and while it wasn't perfect, it was what it was.
At least the Peacock treated A-Jie well. If he didn't Jiang Cheng would break his legs.
Wei Wuxian on the other hand - Jiang Cheng huffed to himself - he wasn't sure what could be said about their relationship. After their parents died Wei Wuxian pulled away from all of them.
It was only after they arrived at Qinghe that Wei Wuxian disappeared. It took several weeks for them to realize he abandoned them for Hanguang-Jun.
Jiang Cheng wasn't sure what hurt worse; the fact that Wei Wuxian didn't even tell them what he was going to do, or the fact that he left them altogether.
Thinking about it caused Jiang Cheng's jaw to tighten and it was only when his molars began to ache that he forced himself to relax.
All of them had made what they thought were the best decisions back then, but it still hurt.
Before his thoughts could turn fully morose Jiang Cheng caught sight of the main buildings of the Nie Sect, and with a slight lean of his body and sword, he began a controlled downward spiral.
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Just as he touched upon the ground and stepped off his sword, he heard a familiar voice.
"Jiang-xiong!" Nie Huaisang shouted as he almost-ran over to him. "You made it!"
Jiang Cheng felt positively underdressed in his jeans, sweater and jacket, next to Nie Huaisang's outfit with its riot of colors that somehow meshed together well, instead of clashed.
When Jiang Cheng had both feet on the ground, Sandu sheathed itself at his side, which was good, because before Jiang Cheng knew it Nie Huaisang was throwing himself at him for a hug.
Awkwardly, because Jiang Cheng was just that way, he patted Nie Huaisang's back. When the hug went on for longer than he anticipated, Jiang Cheng muttered, "Alright, alright. I do need to breathe."
Nie Huaisang laughed as he let go. "How was the trip?"
"Good. Quiet. How're you doing?"
"Eh, I can't complain. Life is good, my latest art project is moving along, and my favorite person is here to visit me."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "Laying it on a little thick, aren't you?"
"Never." Nie Huaisang laughed again. "But, da-ge did ask me to pass on his apologies for not being here to greet you. He's out helping with some downed trees blocking a few of the roads. You know how he is, always gotta help."
"It's not a big deal." Jiang Cheng said, ignoring the faint disappointment that fluttered in his chest.
Nie Huaisang gave him the slightest of looks, but before Jiang Cheng could say anything more, Nie Huaisang chimed in. "I've had some refreshments brought to the house."
Unlike, Jiang Cheng, the Nie brothers had a small familial residence outside (and behind) the main sect buildings.
"Why don't we go inside and rest until da-ge comes back." Nie Huaisang continued, "Here let me carry your bag. Is this all you packed? Jiang Cheng!"
"What?" Jiang Cheng said, defending himself. "I only need a few outfits. It's not like we're doing anything special."
Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, it's just like old times again. Good thing you have me to help fill out your wardrobe."
He snorted softly, but when Nie Huaisang walked to the entrance, Jiang Cheng followed his friend.
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"See I told you this was the best show. You like it don't you? I can totally tell."
Jiang Cheng, who was settled at one end of the couch housed within the personal rooms of the Nie family, turned a look to Nie Huaisang. "I'll admit, it's not bad."
Nie Huaisang crowed with delight. "I knew it! I totally knew you would."
Unbeknownst to either of them, Nie Mingjue was standing in the doorway. They both jumped wildly when his deep voice broke through the sounds of the TV and their own chatter.
"Huaisang, you promised you wouldn't watch any more of the episodes without me."
Nie Huaisang, who was now on his feet, looked from Jiang Cheng to Nie Mingjue. "Da-ge! I-I was just showing Jiang Cheng the show. I promise."
"And what episode are you on?" Nie Mingjue asked, as he stepped into the living area.
Now, Nie Huaisang fidgeted. "OKAY. We did watch ahead, but da-ge! It was soooo good! How can we be blamed for it?"
"I'm pretty sure you can be blamed."
"Da-ge!" Nie Huaisang cried, as if his life was ending. "Wait, we'll go back and watch it from where we left off. Let me just get some more snacks, and a drink for you. I promise we're not too far ahead!"
Jiang Cheng watched Nie Huaisang scurry off, and when he looked back at Nie Mingjue, he found him grinning. "If it helps." Jiang Cheng spoke, "We were only on episode four."
Nie Mingjue waved a hand as he laughed. "I already watched the whole series, because I know how Huaisang is. I'm just teasing him now."
The revelation caused Jiang Cheng to blink before he too laughed. "Devious."
"I can be when I want to be." Nie Mingjue grinned, showing those dimples of his, and when he sat on the couch it was with enough force that Jiang Cheng caught a whiff of pine alongside the sharp tang of cold air.
The scent of pine prompted Jiang Cheng to ask, "How'd the tree removal go?"
Nie Mingjue turned himself just enough so he faced Jiang Cheng. "It was fine. It was just in a tight spot where getting heavy machinery up there to cut it would have been difficult. It's why they called us in."
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Understandable."
"I brought some of the better logs back to chop for firewood. Figured I'd get to that tomorrow."
Before Jiang Cheng could offer to help with that labor intensive task, Nie Huaisang reappeared. In his hands he held a tray loaded with various foods and drinks for all of them.
"Here we are! Now we can start with episode three and watch until the very end."
Jiang Cheng exchanged an amused look with Nie Mingjue, but settled back into the couch as Nie Huaisang started the episode again.
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Jiang Cheng and sleep were always more frenemies than anything else, but today, he found himself waking from something that could possibly be described as restful.
It was still early as fuck when he awoke, but Jiang Cheng could handle that.
After he was dressed - in his own clothes versus the flashy things Nie Huaisang put in his closet - Jiang Cheng made his way quietly to the kitchen.
He found a pot of coffee already made and poured himself a mug. He knew Nie Mingjue made it, because Nie Huaisang never ever was awake at this hour. Not unless he was just coming home from a late night.
It was only as he carefully blew on the steaming liquid that he heard a faint rhythmic thud that was definitely coming from the outside. Curious now, Jiang Cheng circled around back to his shoes, slipped them on, and stepped outside.
The backyard, if one could even call it that, was a wide expanse of lawn, bordered by thick heavy trees. Jiang Cheng always felt like Qinghe truly mirrored its cultivators. There was the obvious strength they each had, and fortitude, but beneath all of it was a wildness that came from their sabers.
Just like the forests and hillsides that surrounded them.
Jiang Cheng's musings were interrupted as the previously heard thuds resolved into a more familiar sound. Wood being chopped.
The back porch wrapped around the majority of the house, and he followed it toward the sound.
He rounded a corner just as he raised his mug for a quick drink of coffee. Only, the gulp of liquid went down completely wrong when Jiang Cheng caught sight of Nie Mingjue.
There Nie Mingjue stood shirtless, ax in hand, and a pile of various sized firewood set haphazardly around himself. He had the ax raised high, ready to split a larger bit of wood into two, when he paused and looked over.
Concern immediately filled his expressive face when Jiang Cheng couldn't stop himself from coughing (embarrassingly so).
Nie Mingjue slammed the ax into the side of the chopping block and started to walk over.
"N-no!" Gasped Jiang Cheng between each choking cough. "'m okay!" He really was, he just needed to rip his treacherous lungs from his body.
It still didn't seem to soothe Nie Mingjue, as he stepped up to the porch and gently (for him) slapped Jiang Cheng on the back.
Which, irritatingly enough, did help. Finally he held up his free hand and Nie Mingjue paused. "Good?"
"Yeah." Croaked Jiang Cheng. "Good. Sorry about that. Asshole lungs."
"Coffee go down the wrong way?"
Jiang Cheng closed his eyes briefly, voice still rough. "Yup. Wasn't being careful enough. Anyway -" Because he needed an avenue to escape this humiliation, he asked, "- Why don't I get you some coffee?"
A fool proof plan, or so hoped Jiang Cheng, but that hope soon died a quick death when Nie Mingjue shook his head.
"I have a full thermos, but thanks. If you like you could come keep me company?"
"Sure."
The smile Nie Mingjue sent his way caused Jiang Cheng's heart to flutter, which he again resolutely ignored, and when Nie Mingjue turned away Jiang Cheng followed.
Walking behind him gave Jiang Cheng an excellent view of the strong slope of his shoulders, and the muscular planes of his back, and while he shouldn't have looked, Jiang Cheng did.
Nie Mingjue really was built so damn attractively. It really was quite unfair.
Nie Mingjue took his place back at the block and Jiang Cheng settled himself far enough away so he wouldn't get hit by stray splinters, or chunks of wood, but close enough to easily converse.
The ease which Nie Mingjue pulled the ax free from the wood, caused Jiang Cheng to busy himself with taking a second sip from his mug. A careful sip.
Thunk.
Crack. Snap.
Thunk.
It went on like that for a handful of seconds, then Nie Mingjue's voice carried over to Jiang Cheng.
"You have anything planned for today? Or should I say, does Huaisang?"
Jiang Cheng shifted his attention back to Nie Mingjue, for politeness sake, and once more he had quite the view. Though this time it was a great view of Nie Mingjue's chest. "No idea." He retorted. "But I can tell you if he does have something planned for us, it won't be until the evening."
The us caused Nie Mingjue to grin. "Don't worry, I won't leave you alone to his machinations, but I do agree, it likely won't be until late night."
Jiang Cheng offered an agreeable little hum. He continued to nurse his mug of coffee, stealing the smallest looks over at Nie Mingjue when he actively chopped wood.
"I was thinking." Nie Mingjue huffed, as he broke down a chunk of firewood with his bare hands now. "Of hiking a few nearby trails if you wanted to come along? It's nothing fancy like clubbing, but there's still something to be said about nature."
It was hard for Jiang Cheng to keep his concentration on their conversation, when Nie Mingjue tore the wood in half, but Jiang Cheng was a Sect Leader. He could multi-task. Pulling his eyes back up to Nie Mingjue's face, Jiang Cheng nodded. "I'd like that. We should eat some breakfast first, and I need to change into my hiking boots, too."
"And a light jacket." He considered, with how chilly the morning air was.
"Great." Nie Mingjue smiled, pleased. "Let me finish this up and get cleaned up and we can whip up a quick breakfast. Maybe then Huaisang will be up."
"Ha." Jiang Cheng said, "I highly doubt that. I'll start getting breakfast set-up. Is everything where it usually is?"
"Yup." Nie Mingjue confirmed. "Haven't changed much. I'll join you once I'm washed up."
"Sounds good." And just like that, Jiang Cheng found himself walking back to the Nie household, an excursion with Nie Mingjue planned.
The faintest of smiles curled a corner of his lip upward.