fanoperator | Open RP Post

It took Huaisang about three months after the resolution of his revenge to realize that he needed a project.

At first, he reveled in the freedom. Without having to think every day about his goal and the practicalities of bringing it into being, he had plenty of time to paint and compose poetry, to attend theatrical performances and music, and to manage the affairs of his sect. He'd long since set up his sect under the management of bureaucrats and supervisors he trusted, and it needed very little intervention from him. Everything was peaceful, and he could spend whole days painting without a thought in his head.

He was surprised to find that he missed having thoughts in his head.

It took more time and a visit to Wei Wuxian in the Cloud Recesses, but Huaisang finally got his idea for a delightful new project. Jiang Cheng was infamous for being blacklisted from the matchmakers because of his difficult personality and extensive list of qualifications for any potential spouse. Huaisang's own bachelor state was another source of gossip, it was true, but that joke was low-hanging fruit. It was hard to stir up much gossip about how Sect Leader Nie might be a cut-sleeve when he did relatively little to hide it and his reputation was already in the mud.

So, plan in mind, Huaisang went to visit his friend, announcing intention to stay for a week.

"Jiang-xiong," he started, once the pleasantries and diplomacy had been done and they were sitting out by the edge of the lake under a pagoda roof, drinking and watching the sun set. "I could not help but hear some word of your... courtship difficulties."

[Continuing this thread.]

Oh, look at that, [Huaisang teases, admiringly lifting Jiang Cheng's cock with a gentle fingertip.] No underwear, Wanyin?

Hmmmm. [He inspects the 'patient' with an appraising eye, trying to tell if there's any bruising.] I see. I'm afraid you're in very critical condition, Young Master Jiang. Amputation may be required if we don't start a rigorous course of treatment immediately.

[And yet here he is continuing to nod seriously rather than starting on that 'treatment'.]

After Meng Yao's downfall, things settled into a quiet routine. Being Sect Leader kept him busy though he still had time to train and enjoy quiet moments when he could. But it was the quiet moments that often his thoughts turned to those who he had lost. Visiting the shrine to his parents and Yanli was a hollow comfort.

Finding a spouse was the other project which only frustrated him. He didn't think his requirements for a potential wife were unreasonable, to say the least, and it wasn't his fault that the matchmakers failed to produce any candidates. After months of getting banned from matchmaker after matchmaker, he decided that it was a project he would put aside for now.

He hadn't had the chance to see Huaisang in a while so a visit was welcome though he was surprised by Huaisang's intention to stay the week when he had his own sect. He frowned slightly when Huaisang mentioned his difficulties with finding a wife, setting his cup down as he clenched one hand.

"The matchmakers have failed to present me with any suitable candidates in the last few months," he remarked, not denying it since it wasn't exactly a secret.

"Leave that to me," Huaisang assured him, with absolute confidence, as though he already had a line of suitable candidates ready to be plucked. He could think of at least one candidate who matched the list of attributes that Jiang Cheng claimed to want in a mate. Except, perhaps, for "thrifty". How unreasonable. But surely Jiang Cheng would be willing to compromise on that one point once Huaisang convinced him on all the others.

"There are still plenty of beautiful cultivators from good families in the world. I'm not concerned about that at all. And you are extremely qualified yourself: handsome, the leader of a prominent clan, honorable, a very powerful cultivator, highly respected. Really, Jiang-xiong, you're one of the most eligible bachelors in the cultivation world." Smiling cheerfully as he flattered his friend, Huaisang rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand. "But even if you are qualified and your partner is qualified, none of that matters at all unless you have the necessary skill in courtship to prove your worthiness as a romantic partner. See, this is something of a well-known secret, but no matchmaker would consider a man who didn't have any skill at courting. I suspect that's the source of your trouble."

He nodded very seriously, with just a hint of a pout to communicate his great sympathy on this topic.

"Do you have someone in mind?" He decided that he didn't want to know just where Huaisang had found a suitable candidate when the matchmakers had failed. He had been so frustrated that he was willing to accept help on this matter wherever he could find it.

He wasn't moved by the flattery since he knew his own qualifications. He was confident that any woman from a good background would be lucky to be married to him in his view. He peered at Huaisang, brows furrowed as he considered his words carefully. It was true he didn't have a lot of experience with courtship. Any attempts had been shortlived and he had just given up since his efforts were often in vain.

"What do you suggest that I do?" he asked slowly.

"Well, you need practice, of course. And a good teacher. So that was the idea I had. You can court me. It'll be a fun game, and good practice for you. Then, when I'm sure you're ready, you can move on to other suitable candidates." Of course, depending on how much Huaisang enjoys the courtship, it's possible he will never deem Jiang Cheng ready to move on.

Whipping open his fan, he fluttered it elegantly. Lifting his chin, he regarded Jiang Cheng loftily over the edge of the fan, as though he was a very high-born young mistress considering Jiang Cheng as a suitor. "Well, Sect Leader Jiang? State your intentions."

Jiang Cheng took a moment to consider Huaisang's proposition. The other man was right- he had to learn about courtship if he was going to go back to the matchmakers. At least, the ones who would still work with him.

"It will not interfere with your duties as sect leader?" He wasn't going to ask anyone else for help though, his pride wouldn't allow it. But he had been friends with Huaisang for many years, he trusted him. He let out a breath.

"What do you want in return if I take your offer?"

Lowering the fan to speak more earnestly, Huaisang gave him an encouraging smile. "That's something you'll have to be considerate of, just like in a real courtship. I'll come and visit as often as I can, and you'll come and visit me as often as you can. You'll treat it just as seriously as you would a real courtship, but that means that we do still have duties. I won't always be available to play, and you'll have to be sure not to get too caught up in your own duties. If you go too long without making time for me, I will feel neglected."

Huaisang reaches across the little table and taps Jiang Cheng's chest with his fan in playful reprimand to warn him off of possible future neglect.

"You courting me will be its own reward." Setting down his fan, Huaisang pours again for them both. He was absolutely thrilled about Jiang Cheng giving this ridiculous proposal serious consideration. His naivete on these matters was really adorable, though that was of course also what had gotten him into this situation in the first place. "You'll have to take me on excursions to the theater and on leisure trips, which means I get a companion to the theater and on trips. And you'll of course have to woo me with courtship gifts, because it will be good practice for you to choose courtship gifts for various occasions, so I'll of course be keeping them because you'll be choosing them for me."

He couldn't believe that he was considering this. But he wasn't sure what other choice he had if he eventually wanted to get married. He had a lot to learn. He stared at Huaisang for a moment as he listened, not stopping Huaisang tapped him on the chest with his fan. He should turn down this offer. He had a lot on his hands as it was being a sect leader.

There was a long moment of silence before he nodded. It seemed like a simple arrangement.

"Alright, I agree to your terms."

"Good!" Huaisang grinned cheerfully, very excited about this game. He planned to try to get Jiang Cheng to take it seriously as possible, so that he would get all the benefits of being courted by a handsome and eligible sect leader. "Let's get started."

Picking up his fan again, he waved it artfully ahead of himself, giving Jiang Cheng a shy but interested glance this time. "Now, state your intention and ask my permission to court me. Probably a good idea to include a compliment in the statement of intent, acknowledging that I am worthy and exceptional and that you humbly seek to court me. But put it in your own words and make it specific to me and my qualifications." Nodding encouragement, he flashed him another playful grin, then ducked shyly behind the fan, slowly lowering it and trying to look shyly aloof.

He was determined to learn as much as he could since he did need to marry eventually. This was the first lesson but already he could tell that this wasn't going to be easy.

He normally didn't find himself at a loss for words but this was something he had never done before. "Alright. My intention is to court you, Nie Huaisang-" Awkward pause. "I humbly ask-"

This was more difficult than he thought it would be.

"-to court you because you are clever and honorable."

There.

Huaisang lowers his fan and grins at him, genuinely charmed. Awkward though it was, Huaisang is thrilled by the effort and the earnest praise. "I would be delighted to accept your courtship, Jiang Wangyin."

Picking up his cup again, Huaisang lifts it in toast. "To our courtship." He drinks, cheerful about his success and the compliments that he got. "That was an excellent start! It was an great choice to compliment me on my personality rather than on my birth or status. I don't think you need an enormous amount of flattery to court someone. Earnest and heartfelt is always the best choice."

Jiang Cheng picked up his cup, raising it before taking a drink. Perhaps there was hope for him after all. It looked like Huaisang was enjoying this- he still wasn't sure why he was helping him with this still aside from just wanting company to the theater. And gifts.

"What is the next lesson?" He asked as he set the cup down. He was approaching this as anything else he studied, intent on his lessons.

"Well, much of it is us spending time in each other's company, at this stage. So we can plan the next time we see each other. I'll be here all week, but I understand that you still have your duties. Being a good suitor is much the same as being a good host." Huaisang knows that Jiang Cheng could use some tips on that, as well. He tries his best, bless his heart. "If we can have meals together, we should. If you are busy with other things, then try to send a message or a little token to let me know that you are thinking of me and my comfort and that you are impatient--no..." Huaisang taps his closed fan to his lips in thought. "Eager to be back in my company."

There's so much to go over, and Huaisang doesn't know what Jiang Cheng will take to naturally and what will need to be explained. "For the next week, my schedule is at your convenience. While I certainly can go into Yunmeng and seek out my own entertainment, a good host and especially a good suitor will arrange such things for me. So, what do you think? What meals can we have together tomorrow, and what entertainments do you think I might enjoy for the times that you are busy?"

"What kind of tokens?" he asked, honestly having no idea what he could send. He thought he was a fine host whenever he had visitors. Granted, for some reason, other sect leaders didn't really visit Lotus Pier.

"I believe we can share meals together tomorrow unless something comes up." He frowned, trying to think of things that Huaisang might want to do around Lotus Pier and Yunmeng. He normally left guests to their own devices so it was a struggle to think of something. "There is a theater in Yunmeng you can go to. And tomorrow there are boats being taken out into the lake to harvest lotus seeds."

He had enjoyed doing that before he was sect leader, when he had time to spend out on the lake with his sister and Wei Wuixan.

"At the end of the week, Jin Ling will be coming and I'll be taking him on night hunts. You're welcome to accompany us."

"For things where we have planned to be apart or if you are too busy for something more, something small like a flower, or even just a little sketch of a flower along with the message. Candies, little trinkets that you saw in the market that made you think of me, specifically."

Finishing his drink, Huaisang rises and beckons to him, lifting his hand to take Jiang Cheng's arm. "I'd like to attend both the theater and the boats with you. If I get all three meals with you tomorrow, then I don't mind quietly amusing myself while you're busy. I think I'll head home before the night hunts, however. I'll only get in your way."

While he thinks fondly on times spent with his friends in such situations, he also remembers how often he had to be rescued or protected, and while he was in night hunt situations he was always terrified. He'll stay safely inside, thanks. "Walk me to my room."

[ Oh fuck. Nie Huaisang's teasingly tender touch and his observant eyes are sending all the blood right to his groin and yet at the same time, his theatrics are making giddy laughter bubble up in him. He is, in fact, still a little bit sensitive from the stubbing but not enough to lessen the sparks of delight even the tiniest touch sends through him. It's all confusing and embarrassing and all he can do is do his best to muster a glower. ]

Then you should get to it, shouldn't you? [ He does manage a fairly effective arch look. He reaches down, running his thumb over Nie Huaisang's oh so tempting lips. ] Do you always talk this much when there is an emergency?

He stood up, allowing Huaisang to take his arm. He was stiff, he wasn't used to letting anyone so close to him since his sister married and left. He would have to look for small trinkets that would work, he had never given such gifts to anyone before who wasn't his sister or brother. He had never actually tried to draw something since he was a child, it was Wei Wuxian who had that talent.

"I'll be able to take dinner with you tonight later," he said as he walked with Huaisang along the walkways above the pools of lotus blooms. It was quiet and peaceful, everyone left them alone as Jiang Cheng lead Huaisang to the guest quarters which had been prepared in advance while they had had their tea.

Mhm. [Huaisang kisses that thumb, then licks it sweetly and sucks it into his mouth for just a moment, taking it to the hilt and hollowing his cheeks around it to drive Jiang Cheng even more crazy.

Then he pulls back suddenly, getting up and heading to the cupboard. Fetching a small bowl, he fills it with a few pieces of ice and comes back to kneel.

Grinning up at his lover, he holds Jiang Cheng's eyes as he pops a piece of ice into his mouth and shifts it into his cheek. Only then does he take Jiang Cheng's cock into his mouth, letting him feel warm tongue, warm lips, warm mouth contrasting against the slick shock of ice pressed along one side of his cock.]

"I'd like that." Huaisang smiles warmly at him, happy to have his friend's company and flattered to be courted. Even if it is just a game, it's playing at something he wants very deeply. Part of him knows that he's toying with breaking his own heart. There's every chance that he'll fall in love with Jiang Cheng from this courtship, only to have his friend grow tired of the game and move on to courting women. He still wants this, even if the game is all he ever gets to have.

He squeezes Jiang Cheng's arm a little, hugging it for a moment before he lets up again. "Where will we be dining?"

[ He is already breathless with anticipation before Huaisang even takes him back into his mouth and yet when he feels the shock of hot and cold, he still gives a startled full-body jerk, followed by a moan that he would have called downright pathetic for how needy it is.

He curses in a blue stream under his breath and then, with Huaisang's tongue playing him so skillfully, the oh so fearsome curses turn into a stream of babble. His fingers dig into Nie Huaisang's hair, not controlling his pace or moving his head, no, simply because he needs to hold on to him. His other hand is curled into a tight fist at his side. ]

[Huaisang always likes neediness, since he receives it as validation. Delighted at the reaction he gets, he slides his mouth down as far as he can comfortably go, bobbing his head. Deepthroating is a struggle for him on a good day, and with the piece of ice in his cheek he doesn't even try. Wrapping a warm hand hand around the base of Jiang Cheng's cock to compensate, he bobs his head smoothly, having to lift up every so often to move the ice into his other cheek. After a minute, both his cheeks are stinging from the ice, so he spits it into the bowl, giving Jiang Cheng a moment of reprieve as he sucks him off without ice.]

He returned the smile awkwardly. He hadn't smiled in a long time. He was under a lot of stress since he had become sect leader and even with the aftermath of Meng Yao's defeat, there was still a lot that he had to handle on a day to day basis. It didn't really put him in the best of the moods most of the time.

Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows with confusion at the question. "Where I normally dine with guests. Is there somewhere else you would like to dine?"

You are... Oh. [ The chip of ice may be a reprieve from the overload of sensations but there is still Huaisang's merciless tongue and his fingers that he can't get enough of. His legs tremble a little and he forces himself to take deep, steadying breath to keep himself from coming sooner than his pride permits. But pride or no pride, if Nie Huaisang wants neediness, this much he has achieved already. Jiang Cheng is rocking against him with gritted teeth, trying so hard to keep himself from thrusting into his lover's mouth as he aches to do. ] Please. Don't tease.

"As long as I am with you, Jiang-xiong, I am happy." Huaisang gave his arm a squeeze and he smiled up at his friend again, charmed by Jiang Cheng's earnest confusion. "But it would be nice to have a little bit of variety in our meal locations, where possible. You might show me around some of the finest restaurants in Yunmeng, or take me on a picnic to a scenic location. On some evenings, I would like it very much if we dined privately in your room or mine. Much more intimate that way."

Light fingertips stray along the length of Jiang Cheng's arm, admiring the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "In courtship, and in marriage, it's good to always show off a little bit. Making an effort to impress your partner and going out of your way to make them happy shows them that they're valued. And a good partner will reward you with praise and affection, in addition to trying to impress you in return."

Open RP Post

Fake Courtship; for angrygrape

TFLN cont; stub your boner, legbreakings

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