[ Conversely, Jiang Cheng has decided that this conversation merits the wearing of his robes. It's rarer now to see them, since this is now his only set, but the conversation he needs to have with Nie Huaisang seems to be the proper occasion to bring them out.
He's absolutely not expecting the gown Huaisang is wearing when he arrives, fumbling just a little bit — that's so much skin. And that tongue. He stares for maybe just a fraction of a second longer than he feels he should before snapping himself out of it and bowing. ]
Sect Leader Nie. [ Is... Should he be greeting him so formally? Considering the purpose of his visit, considering what had happened... No. It's fine. It might not be sect business, but it's business all the same; best to be proper. ] Thank you for making time for me. Is there somewhere private we can talk?
The whole house is private. Xichen is not in at the moment.
[Huaisang leads the way into the tea room, kneeling on one of the cushions and beginning to serve the tea.] Please make yourself comfortable. You are always welcome in my home. How may I aid you, Sect Leader Jiang?
[ Right— Lan Xichen. He'll need to talk to him as well.. Maybe after this conversation, once he knows how it will go.
Jiang Cheng sits as bidden, waits for Huaisang to finish serving the tea and settle in before drinking... honestly, most of it in one go. Damn, does he hate how nervous he is about this, but. If it's something that needs doing, he supposes he really has no choice, and his eyes linger on the cup in his hand as he begins to speak. ]
Nie Huaisang. I've been here for [ too long already ] a while now, and it is becoming apparent that I am... somewhat out of my depth. [ And oh, how it grates to admit that. ] You, however, seem to have taken to this place much more easily; when I consider it, your knowledge and advice on navigating things would be much appreciated.
[ He doesn't mention that Huaisang is really the only one he would feel comfortable posing questions to. Hanguang-Jun? Wei Wuxian? Pfft. He takes a deep breath, forces himself to look his friend in the eye. ]
A while back, you mentioned the potential of a contract. Between us. [ And then other things had happened. He refuses to acknowledge the heat climbing up his neck as he remembers those other things, absolutely refuses to let his eyes fall to exposed skin. ] Does that potential still exist?
[Huaisang listens with attentive interest as Jiang Cheng stumbles through his formalities, smiling warmly by the end of it.] Yes, of course, Jiang-xiong. You still have time, but whenever you are certain to make a choice of a dominant, whether it's me or someone else, I will help arrange your contract. If you choose me, I would be delighted.
[He notices that heated blush. Of course he does. It's adorable how flustered Jiang Cheng is. Huaisang lets him stumble through it. It's important that Jiang Cheng be able to come to his conclusions in his own time, though Huaisang is of course attentive to making sure his friend comes to the correct conclusions.]
Do you wish to discuss specific terms at this time?
[ Honestly, it's strange how much of a relief it is for Huaisang to say these things — to present the illusion of choice in a situation where one way or another, the result will remain the same. He'll still need to form a contract with someone. Of the people he knows labeled Dominant, doesn't Huaisang seem to be the best option?
Jiang Cheng sets the tea cup on the table, lets his hands fall to his knees. Maybe they curl into fists as he sets his jaw, and then nods. He doesn't like feeling like a dog made to heel for its master, but — the vague whispers of what might happen otherwise cannot be forgotten. So he bows his head. ]
If... you'll have me. [ And he takes a deep breath before looking back up at him. ] What terms would you ask?
I would be glad to have you, Jiang-xiong. [Huaisang's tone is warm and affectionate, and carries a hint of suggestion that he'd like to 'have' Jiang Cheng in a more physical manner.]
You may live either here in my spare bedroom, or I can arrange a separate residence for you if you prefer. You will be required to meet your quota requirement with me, but any additional experiences you wish to have with other partners are at your discretion. You already are in my employment at the boutique, I'll include that as part of your contract. This place requires submissives to have a collar. I'll provide you with one. You'll have your wages from the boutique and I'll provide your clothing and housing, so I don't expect that you'll need an additional expense account. Your wages will be your own to do with as you wish. Most importantly, however, you are not to break any laws or cause any trouble that would draw unwonted attention upon me, which is to say absolutely no public fighting or open disrespect toward any Dominant while you're in the Up, and if you're in the Down just make very sure that you're not going to draw the attention of law enforcement.
Aside from those stipulations, you'll have total freedom.
[ He's quiet as Huaisang speaks, his fists tightening as he prepares himself for whatever outlandish demands he's been convincing himself tend to happen in this place — and finds himself surprised, actually somewhat speechless. Jiang Cheng's eyes widen just a bit, the innate scowl clearing off his face. There's maybe a moment of shame for having had such little faith in his friend, for expecting worse of him; he ducks his head in a nod in an attempt hide the relief that threatens to broadcast itself across his face. ]
Those are... reasonable terms. [ Best not to mention nearly getting into a fight with Lan Wangji, but that's fine. He's sworn to take worse secrets to his grave. There's a little bit of a scoff. ] I don't know how many fights you expect me to get into; I have at least some sense of decorum, unlike Wei Wuxian.
[ There's less sass behind the words than he'd like, but that's fine. A little bit of a nod, and once he's fairly certain his face won't give anything away that he doesn't want it to, he looks back up. Because he has to be sure: ] That's really all you would ask of me?
Of course. [Huaisang's brow furrows a little, bewildered as to what Jiang Cheng expected of him. Huaisang has been many things and may reasonably be suspected of several other things, but he has never been cruel or careless with his friends' emotions.] What else were you expecting?
[Drawing a bottle of champagne from his qiankun pouch, because yes, he simply does just carry around multiple bottles of liquor at all times and champagne is one of his favorites, he fetches a couple of flutes from a side cabinet and pours into them.] Let's celebrate. I'll have the contract drawn up tomorrow and then you can review it before it's finalized.
[ There's a vague gesture, trying to dismiss this entire conversation. ] When I first arrived, there were some— questionable things I saw. [ People on leashes, skintight clothing. ] I didn't expect you to share those... tastes, but I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect.
[ He huffs out a quiet laugh when Huaisang pulls out the bottle; honestly, if anyone were to repurpose their qiankun pouches for this, he would be least surprised if it were either the man in front of him or Wei Wuxian. Some of the tension goes out of his shoulders, and he nods. ] ...thank you. I trust you, and appreciate your assistance.
Oh, I may perfectly well share those tastes, Jiang-xiong. I just wouldn't force them on you, that's all. You'll always have a choice, as long as you meet your quota. And if you don't desire me and prefer to meet your quota elsewhere, I... I won't be offended. [He might cry a bit alone in his room over his childhood crush not wanting him, but that's not important.
Pushing Jiang Cheng's glass across the table to him, Huaisang takes a big gulp of his own, blushing with sudden nervousness.]
[ You'll always have a choice earns a nod from him, relief blooming in his chest. At least for a moment, before I may perfectly well share those tastes processes through his head. It occurs to him that there may be.... more to his friend than he'd thought, than he'd assumed, and Jiang Cheng finds himself studying Nie Huaisang carefully. As though any such proclivities might be written on his face, apparent for him to see, giving him a hint before it's too late.
Of course that's not how it works — and whatever strange things Huaisang might be interested surely can't be that bad. Jiang Cheng stares at the glass for just a moment, before he takes it, takes a deep drink of the champagne. He has to fight for a moment not to cough at the bubbles, but it's fine— and besides, it gives him something to hide behind when he averts his eyes, takes a deep breath. ]
I... do. Desire you. [ It's a stuttered, awkward confession, face as hidden behind the glass as he can manage and cheeks heated. ] So. That suits me just fine. As long as it suits you, as well. [ There's just a flash of heat as he looks over, fierce as he adds: ] I will not.. force you into any situations you don't wish to be in. I promise you that.
Jiang-xiong! [Huaisang practically sparkles with delight at Jiang Cheng's little confession. Quickly knocking back the rest of his drink, Huaisang clambers around the table to reach his side, hugging his arms around Jiang Cheng's arm and beaming at him. Jiang Cheng desires him. It's the best possible news, and Huaisang can't wait to bring that desire to fruition. Repeatedly.] Jiang-xiong. We should...
[He tugs Jiang Cheng's arm, excited but still trying to play slightly coy.] We should go get started on that quota of yours. It's very important. I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble. Maybe we'll have to do it a few extra times just to be safe. Just in case, you know.
And then maybe a few more times after that just for fun.
In my bedroom. [He gives Jiang Cheng's arm another tug.]
[ His eyes go wide at the expression on Huaisang's face, stunned as he watches his friend skitter around the table to his side. What? What's going on, was it something he said? Jiang Cheng downs the rest of his glass, just a little hint of a smile twisting his lips as Huaisang grabs him. Honestly, it's kind of endearing how excited he seems.
Endearing, and then he mentions the quota and exceeding it and Jiang Cheng is very glad that he doesn't have any alcohol in his mouth because he would definitely be choking on it otherwise. ] I— What?!
You want to... right now? [ Heat is definitely climbing up his neck to his face, but he lets himself be pulled along with Huaisang. ] Wait, how many times? Is that even possible?!
Of course right now! We have to celebrate our decision to contract together and celebrate you desiring me, and meet quota... [He gets Jiang Cheng to his feet, heading back through the main room and toward the stairs, walking backward. He stops before he gets to the stairs, pressing close and stretching up on tiptoe.] And I want you.
[Hugging his arms around Jiang Cheng's neck, Huaisang pulls him down into a greedy kiss. He's wanted for so long, always thinking that Jiang Cheng wasn't interested, that he was out of Huaisang's league, that a serious sect leader would never want... him. Learning otherwise makes him ecstatic.]
You... [ Honestly, those sound like somewhat flimsy excuses for sex — at least until Nie Huaisang says I want you and Jiang Cheng has to take a deep breath to steady his heart. That those words seem to affect him more than he'd like to admit, a pulse of something pleased and elated rushing through him.
It's easy enough to distract himself from that feeling by leaning into the kiss, at least; it's a much better way to occupy his mind, and Jiang Cheng lets one arm circle around Huaisang's waist, the other hand planting itself firmly on the center of his back. He closes his eyes as they kiss, daring to drag his teeth along the other's bottom lip.
When they finally separate, there's something of a laugh in the form of a huffed out breath. ] I shouldn't be surprised that you would want to turn everything into a celebration. [ But, well. Can he deny that the things he's done with Huaisang have felt good? Not at all. ] Let's celebrate, then.
[Jiang Cheng has already become such an incredible kisser. Not surprising, he was always a fast learner, and he had the best possible teacher. Huaisang's breathless and happy when the kiss breaks, gazing up at Jiang Cheng with open adoration.] Carry me upstairs.
[His grin is wide and irrepressible, gazing at Jiang Cheng like he's the center of the world.] I'll show you your bedroom. We can break it in properly.
I don't understand how you can say things like that out loud. [ Said with sarcasm, but no bite to the words. He has to stop himself from laughing at that command, those words. It feels.. close, not exactly the same, but close to what he imagines it must be to carry one's bride. Nie Huaisang isn't a woman though, and while he's fairly delicate, it's..not very hard to remember that, considering what they've done together so far.
Ever the terrible, awkward man, Jiang Cheng goes to lift him — and then pauses. How... should he do this? Arms under his shoulders and knees? Pick him up on his back? Scoop him up like he'd done for Jin Ling when he'd been a child? Over his shoulder?
All of these options are terrible. He glances at Huaisang's face, down the rest of his body — before compromising. He takes one of Huaisang's arms, slings it over his shoulders before bending to scoop under his knees. It's slightly ungainly to walk like this, but it's not the most embarrassing way for him to be carried.
There's a nod before he starts up the stairs. ] Lead the way.
Edited (wow idk how i got that icon instead of this one) 2020-09-02 19:52 (UTC)
[Huaisang waits while Jiang Cheng figures out the deeply complicated nuances of his request. Squeaking happily once he's scooped up, he hugs his arms around Jiang Cheng's neck, kissing at his jaw and cheek as he's carried.] Third door on the right.
My room's at the end of the hall. Xichen's room is that one but he doesn't usually stay nights here anymore. The two of you share the connecting bathroom.
[Huaisang reaches out to open the door when they arrive, since Jiang Cheng's hands are otherwise occupied. It opens onto a beautifully decorated room that blends traditional styles with modern elements and a mural along the back wall which is obviously Huaisang's work.] Do you like it?
[ Does he acknowledge the flush of color in his cheeks when Huaisang kisses him? No. Not at all, don't be ridiculous. Instead, Jiang Cheng sets his jaw, goes where he's told and makes note of the rooms as they're explained to him. There's a moment of surprise when he hears that Lan Xichen doesn't stay much anymore — but that's something he can ask about later, he decides.
Instead, when he sees the room designated as his, his eyes widen. Jiang Cheng pauses just inside the door, before carefully setting Huaisang onto his feet. He is resolutely dedicated to not giving the city any shadow of a benefit of a doubt, but... Even if it isn't home, it's closer than anywhere else he's been so far. So Jiang Cheng nods, and maybe there's just a hint of a smile curling one side of his mouth when he looks back at Huaisang. ] I do. Thank you.
[Huaisang smiles happily, stepping close again and sliding his arms around Jiang Cheng's waist. He's thrilled to have pleased him, thrilled that Jiang Cheng belongs to him, desires him, has more than one reason to sleep with him. It's a dream come true.]
You're mine now. You'll have the best of everything. You deserve it.
[Tugging him over to the bed, Huaisang gently pushes him to sit, then steps back again. He begins a slow, artful dance for him, combining traditional styles with more modern poses as he sheds his gown slowly, letting it slip from his body until he's left in only lacy panties. Then he steps forward, climbing into Jiang Cheng's lap.]
[ Jiang Cheng can't help the small flush that comes with being proclaimed Nie Huaisang's. An immediate instinct to protest rises in his chest, wanting to fight back against those words — I don't belong to anyone. But that isn't quite true here, is it? Once the contract is signed, he is, at least for a time, Huaisang's.
Were it anyone else, he thinks he would let the words slip, would storm out of the room. As it is, he doesn't mind them. Especially not when his friend is so thrilled about it.
He lets himself be pushed onto the bed, his breath catching as he watches his childhood friend, gods watch and preserve him dance. His eyes go wide, seeming to catch on every inch of skin that's revealed as heat climbs up his skin and pools low at the base of his belly. ]
Huaisang.. [ It's quiet, breathless as he says his name. His hands catch on Huaisang's hips after just a second of hesitation, his cheeks flaring as he helps him to get settled. Still, he has to check, has to make absolutely certain— ] You're sure about this? About having me?
[Huaisang nods, cupping Jiang Cheng's face in his hands as he beams happily at his friend. He kisses Jiang Cheng's nose, then his lips, lingering there and flicking his tongue across Jiang Cheng's lips before withdrawing again.] I'm sure. I want you.
[His fingers pluck at Jiang Cheng's sash, swiftly unlacing his garments so that Huaisang can part his robes, hands roaming across Jiang Cheng's bare chest.] My Jiang-xiong. My proud hero. My tiger.
The words send a surge of emotion through him, devastation and elation in equal measure — had anyone ever said anything like that to him before? Certainly not like this, and the tiniest hint of a boyish smile curls on his face. Only for a second, before he schools it away and glowers instead. ] Fine, but you can't blame me when you change your mind.
[ He lets Huaisang disrobe him, shimmying out of the clothes to make it easier — and freezes for just a second as his fingers skate across his chest, the old scars that never quite faded away. It's the first time he's let anyone close enough to see them outside of medical purposes, a stark contrast to the smooth, soft skin underneath his own palms. Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath, leans in to kiss at the dip between his collarbones.
And then the words actually hit him. He pulls back, eyes widening just for a second before he narrows them. ]
Not gonna change my mind. I've wanted you for years. Already sucked your cock, and it only made me want you more. [Grinning and nuzzling at the side of Jiang Cheng's throat, Huaisang barely notices the scars. He's taken other lovers who are covered in scars, and Jiang Cheng is a warrior. It makes sense for him to have scars. Observant though Huaisang is, he simply doesn't know enough about matters of combat and torture to tell the difference when it comes to the scars that are left behind.
Blinking when Jiang Cheng suddenly pulls back, Huaisang tilts his head slightly.] What? My hero, my tiger?
[He doesn't see the problem, and can't think of any significant associations with tigers from their life back home. Leaning forward again, Huaisang presses kisses along Jiang Cheng's neck and chest, continuing to tug open his clothing to get more access.]
[ The crass words have Jiang Cheng sputtering, almost as much as the apparent knowledge that Huaisang has wanted him for— years? Had he really said years? He doesn't have a response for that, completely and entirely distracted from the fact of his scars on display. Years? Impossible. Jiang Cheng bites down the immediate response — now is not the time or place. He knows that Huaisang will change his mind, though. It's happened with every other relationship in his life; it's only a matter of time for this one, too.
Instead, he decides to enjoy the moment, flushes when Huaisang calls him a tiger again. ] I'm not a tiger. [ There's a little bit of embarrassment tinging his voice as he says it, but he doesn't hinder Huaisang. Just shifts to let him do as he pleases, working with him to discard his robes; and after a moment he presses his forehead to the side of Huaisang's neck as his hands falls to his hips. ] Tigers are proud, powerful creatures, and I'm human; you're flattering me too much.
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He's absolutely not expecting the gown Huaisang is wearing when he arrives, fumbling just a little bit — that's so much skin. And that tongue. He stares for maybe just a fraction of a second longer than he feels he should before snapping himself out of it and bowing. ]
Sect Leader Nie. [ Is... Should he be greeting him so formally? Considering the purpose of his visit, considering what had happened... No. It's fine. It might not be sect business, but it's business all the same; best to be proper. ] Thank you for making time for me. Is there somewhere private we can talk?
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[Huaisang leads the way into the tea room, kneeling on one of the cushions and beginning to serve the tea.] Please make yourself comfortable. You are always welcome in my home. How may I aid you, Sect Leader Jiang?
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Jiang Cheng sits as bidden, waits for Huaisang to finish serving the tea and settle in before drinking... honestly, most of it in one go. Damn, does he hate how nervous he is about this, but. If it's something that needs doing, he supposes he really has no choice, and his eyes linger on the cup in his hand as he begins to speak. ]
Nie Huaisang. I've been here for [ too long already ] a while now, and it is becoming apparent that I am... somewhat out of my depth. [ And oh, how it grates to admit that. ] You, however, seem to have taken to this place much more easily; when I consider it, your knowledge and advice on navigating things would be much appreciated.
[ He doesn't mention that Huaisang is really the only one he would feel comfortable posing questions to. Hanguang-Jun? Wei Wuxian? Pfft. He takes a deep breath, forces himself to look his friend in the eye. ]
A while back, you mentioned the potential of a contract. Between us. [ And then other things had happened. He refuses to acknowledge the heat climbing up his neck as he remembers those other things, absolutely refuses to let his eyes fall to exposed skin. ] Does that potential still exist?
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[He notices that heated blush. Of course he does. It's adorable how flustered Jiang Cheng is. Huaisang lets him stumble through it. It's important that Jiang Cheng be able to come to his conclusions in his own time, though Huaisang is of course attentive to making sure his friend comes to the correct conclusions.]
Do you wish to discuss specific terms at this time?
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Jiang Cheng sets the tea cup on the table, lets his hands fall to his knees. Maybe they curl into fists as he sets his jaw, and then nods. He doesn't like feeling like a dog made to heel for its master, but — the vague whispers of what might happen otherwise cannot be forgotten. So he bows his head. ]
If... you'll have me. [ And he takes a deep breath before looking back up at him. ] What terms would you ask?
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You may live either here in my spare bedroom, or I can arrange a separate residence for you if you prefer. You will be required to meet your quota requirement with me, but any additional experiences you wish to have with other partners are at your discretion. You already are in my employment at the boutique, I'll include that as part of your contract. This place requires submissives to have a collar. I'll provide you with one. You'll have your wages from the boutique and I'll provide your clothing and housing, so I don't expect that you'll need an additional expense account. Your wages will be your own to do with as you wish. Most importantly, however, you are not to break any laws or cause any trouble that would draw unwonted attention upon me, which is to say absolutely no public fighting or open disrespect toward any Dominant while you're in the Up, and if you're in the Down just make very sure that you're not going to draw the attention of law enforcement.
Aside from those stipulations, you'll have total freedom.
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Those are... reasonable terms. [ Best not to mention nearly getting into a fight with Lan Wangji, but that's fine. He's sworn to take worse secrets to his grave. There's a little bit of a scoff. ] I don't know how many fights you expect me to get into; I have at least some sense of decorum, unlike Wei Wuxian.
[ There's less sass behind the words than he'd like, but that's fine. A little bit of a nod, and once he's fairly certain his face won't give anything away that he doesn't want it to, he looks back up. Because he has to be sure: ] That's really all you would ask of me?
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[Drawing a bottle of champagne from his qiankun pouch, because yes, he simply does just carry around multiple bottles of liquor at all times and champagne is one of his favorites, he fetches a couple of flutes from a side cabinet and pours into them.] Let's celebrate. I'll have the contract drawn up tomorrow and then you can review it before it's finalized.
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[ He huffs out a quiet laugh when Huaisang pulls out the bottle; honestly, if anyone were to repurpose their qiankun pouches for this, he would be least surprised if it were either the man in front of him or Wei Wuxian. Some of the tension goes out of his shoulders, and he nods. ] ...thank you. I trust you, and appreciate your assistance.
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Pushing Jiang Cheng's glass across the table to him, Huaisang takes a big gulp of his own, blushing with sudden nervousness.]
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Of course that's not how it works — and whatever strange things Huaisang might be interested surely can't be that bad. Jiang Cheng stares at the glass for just a moment, before he takes it, takes a deep drink of the champagne. He has to fight for a moment not to cough at the bubbles, but it's fine— and besides, it gives him something to hide behind when he averts his eyes, takes a deep breath. ]
I... do. Desire you. [ It's a stuttered, awkward confession, face as hidden behind the glass as he can manage and cheeks heated. ] So. That suits me just fine. As long as it suits you, as well. [ There's just a flash of heat as he looks over, fierce as he adds: ] I will not.. force you into any situations you don't wish to be in. I promise you that.
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[He tugs Jiang Cheng's arm, excited but still trying to play slightly coy.] We should go get started on that quota of yours. It's very important. I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble. Maybe we'll have to do it a few extra times just to be safe. Just in case, you know.
And then maybe a few more times after that just for fun.
In my bedroom. [He gives Jiang Cheng's arm another tug.]
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Endearing, and then he mentions the quota and exceeding it and Jiang Cheng is very glad that he doesn't have any alcohol in his mouth because he would definitely be choking on it otherwise. ] I— What?!
You want to... right now? [ Heat is definitely climbing up his neck to his face, but he lets himself be pulled along with Huaisang. ] Wait, how many times? Is that even possible?!
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[Hugging his arms around Jiang Cheng's neck, Huaisang pulls him down into a greedy kiss. He's wanted for so long, always thinking that Jiang Cheng wasn't interested, that he was out of Huaisang's league, that a serious sect leader would never want... him. Learning otherwise makes him ecstatic.]
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It's easy enough to distract himself from that feeling by leaning into the kiss, at least; it's a much better way to occupy his mind, and Jiang Cheng lets one arm circle around Huaisang's waist, the other hand planting itself firmly on the center of his back. He closes his eyes as they kiss, daring to drag his teeth along the other's bottom lip.
When they finally separate, there's something of a laugh in the form of a huffed out breath. ] I shouldn't be surprised that you would want to turn everything into a celebration. [ But, well. Can he deny that the things he's done with Huaisang have felt good? Not at all. ] Let's celebrate, then.
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[His grin is wide and irrepressible, gazing at Jiang Cheng like he's the center of the world.] I'll show you your bedroom. We can break it in properly.
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Ever the terrible, awkward man, Jiang Cheng goes to lift him — and then pauses. How... should he do this? Arms under his shoulders and knees? Pick him up on his back? Scoop him up like he'd done for Jin Ling when he'd been a child? Over his shoulder?
All of these options are terrible. He glances at Huaisang's face, down the rest of his body — before compromising. He takes one of Huaisang's arms, slings it over his shoulders before bending to scoop under his knees. It's slightly ungainly to walk like this, but it's not the most embarrassing way for him to be carried.
There's a nod before he starts up the stairs. ] Lead the way.
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My room's at the end of the hall. Xichen's room is that one but he doesn't usually stay nights here anymore. The two of you share the connecting bathroom.
[Huaisang reaches out to open the door when they arrive, since Jiang Cheng's hands are otherwise occupied. It opens onto a beautifully decorated room that blends traditional styles with modern elements and a mural along the back wall which is obviously Huaisang's work.] Do you like it?
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Instead, when he sees the room designated as his, his eyes widen. Jiang Cheng pauses just inside the door, before carefully setting Huaisang onto his feet. He is resolutely dedicated to not giving the city any shadow of a benefit of a doubt, but... Even if it isn't home, it's closer than anywhere else he's been so far. So Jiang Cheng nods, and maybe there's just a hint of a smile curling one side of his mouth when he looks back at Huaisang. ] I do. Thank you.
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You're mine now. You'll have the best of everything. You deserve it.
[Tugging him over to the bed, Huaisang gently pushes him to sit, then steps back again. He begins a slow, artful dance for him, combining traditional styles with more modern poses as he sheds his gown slowly, letting it slip from his body until he's left in only lacy panties. Then he steps forward, climbing into Jiang Cheng's lap.]
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Were it anyone else, he thinks he would let the words slip, would storm out of the room. As it is, he doesn't mind them. Especially not when his friend is so thrilled about it.
He lets himself be pushed onto the bed, his breath catching as he watches his childhood friend, gods watch and preserve him dance. His eyes go wide, seeming to catch on every inch of skin that's revealed as heat climbs up his skin and pools low at the base of his belly. ]
Huaisang.. [ It's quiet, breathless as he says his name. His hands catch on Huaisang's hips after just a second of hesitation, his cheeks flaring as he helps him to get settled. Still, he has to check, has to make absolutely certain— ] You're sure about this? About having me?
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[His fingers pluck at Jiang Cheng's sash, swiftly unlacing his garments so that Huaisang can part his robes, hands roaming across Jiang Cheng's bare chest.] My Jiang-xiong. My proud hero. My tiger.
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The words send a surge of emotion through him, devastation and elation in equal measure — had anyone ever said anything like that to him before? Certainly not like this, and the tiniest hint of a boyish smile curls on his face. Only for a second, before he schools it away and glowers instead. ] Fine, but you can't blame me when you change your mind.
[ He lets Huaisang disrobe him, shimmying out of the clothes to make it easier — and freezes for just a second as his fingers skate across his chest, the old scars that never quite faded away. It's the first time he's let anyone close enough to see them outside of medical purposes, a stark contrast to the smooth, soft skin underneath his own palms. Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath, leans in to kiss at the dip between his collarbones.
And then the words actually hit him. He pulls back, eyes widening just for a second before he narrows them. ]
What did you just call me?
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Blinking when Jiang Cheng suddenly pulls back, Huaisang tilts his head slightly.] What? My hero, my tiger?
[He doesn't see the problem, and can't think of any significant associations with tigers from their life back home. Leaning forward again, Huaisang presses kisses along Jiang Cheng's neck and chest, continuing to tug open his clothing to get more access.]
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Instead, he decides to enjoy the moment, flushes when Huaisang calls him a tiger again. ] I'm not a tiger. [ There's a little bit of embarrassment tinging his voice as he says it, but he doesn't hinder Huaisang. Just shifts to let him do as he pleases, working with him to discard his robes; and after a moment he presses his forehead to the side of Huaisang's neck as his hands falls to his hips. ] Tigers are proud, powerful creatures, and I'm human; you're flattering me too much.
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