dumbshow | highly new, slightly improved open post

Jiang-xiong, isn't doing it now the same as making another promise...?

[He needs at least a full week to come up with an adequate wish, please do not put him on the spot like this.]

Unless you already thought of something.

Like you're going to be able to come up with one on the spot! And you'll have to, because you'll say you'll do it, but then you'll get distracted, and then it'll be the night of and you won't have any idea.

[So there.]

How about a peaceful summer?

[It's dry, but it's not like he'd mind such a thing.]

None of that is true. [and yet it was all true, actually--] If you want a peaceful summer, you can't toss me in the lake.

[Hmph. Now he has to come up with a good wish on time out of spite.]

I'll think of something by midsummer!

[He probably will, honestly, now that Jiang Cheng has said it.]

Hmm. We'll see.

[What else . . . oh.]

I could teach you how to make a kite.

[Oh? Arts and crafts? From his number one not creative boy? Yes.]

Alright, but I have to know something important— how much can I paint a kite before it's too heavy to fly?

[Let him show you how to make a 3D cube, super nifty, he's an artist . . .]

I'm not telling you. If you get carried away painting and it doesn't fly, it's your own fault.

[Very impressive, perhaps the most impressive thing Jiang Cheng will ever do...]

That's such a waste! [Ugh! Babe!] If it doesn't wind up in the lake, I'll give it to you...

Paint enough to make it flashy, not details. It's a kite, Nie-xiong.

[A beat, and a strange look crosses his face. Because, see, he's actually already got something drawn by Huaisang in his possession, doesn't he? Except it's probably super weird he's kept that all these years, so, hm.]

Besides: if you're going to give me something . . . give it to me because you want to, not because it's a castoff.

It should still look nice...

[He's particular, please. Jiang Cheng should be used to this. But ah, that's... he didn't mean to imply that he's going to give Jiang Cheng his disappointing first drafts, but that does sound how it sounds, huh.]

I'll get you something when I beggar myself in town— a surprise.

You don't have to--

[This is how he gets: so tangled up in his own fussiness and perceived insult that he trips over himself, leaves himself stranded and alone because he ended up blurting out the first thing that came to mind. Jiang Cheng scowls, exhales sharply, and then glances back over at him.]

Okay.

[He bites his lip, because god forbid he make an even larger fool of himself in this conversation. But hm, that's, what, three things Huaisang has offered him now: that fan, from a lifetime ago when they were in Gusu; his pin, a token that Jiang Cheng refused to think too deeply on, lest he balk at wearing it at all; and now this. Some unnamed present, something that will undoubtedly be artful and thoughtful and good.

So. Maybe it's past time for him to return the favor.]

Come on. Let's talk to your brother. We might as well do it before dinner, or else he'll be staring at us the entire time.

[He'll stare at them the entire time regardless, but at least they won't feel as though they're waiting for the other shoe to drop. Also: there will be less liquor consumed, which can only help their chances.]

[Huaisang will get him something thoughtful and good and definitely too ostentatious for Jiang Cheng's taste, but he'll keep it anyway just like he wore the pin, and that will make it worth it. So, then— Talking to Mingjue, which doesn't go as uncomfortably as it could, although Jiang Cheng arrived with Huaisang's pin in his hair and then they showed up in Mingjue's presence with the pin in Huaisang's hair and Jiang Cheng's whole style changed, which earns them a well-deserved raised eyebrow.

Could have planned that one out better. But there isn't much to say other than Brother, I'm going to Lotus Pier until the end of the season, because Mingjue surprisingly doesn't argue. Glare at Jiang Cheng intermittently throughout dinner, yes, but that was probably going to happen anyway... In the end, little brother gets whatever he wants and he will take the judgmental looks about hair pins in stride.

The trip to Lotus Pier is... odd, perhaps. There's a tension between them that Huaisang half expects- Jiang Cheng rebuilt his home from nothing, and of course there's heavy significance in taking someone back to see it- but he doesn't enjoy it, really. Plus, there's sleeping outdoors. All in all, a terrible journey he's glad to see end when they reach the last leg of it, the part on a boat sailing to the eponymous pier. Huaisang stares appreciatively at the sights on the way in, and gushes over the town and, yes, the literal lake before they get to the house, and praises the house more solemnly when they arrive— he's a good guest!

And so passes the basic tour on that first day, nothing too exciting after days of traveling, and Huaisang is eager to get out and see the rest of the town in the days that follow. There are indeed many fine craftsmen and artists here, yes... love that...

It's a few days in, loitering around where the house overlooks the water, that Huaisang brings up the elephant in the room himself:]

You still haven't thrown me in the lake. I've been mentally preparing for nothing.

[Yes. That elephant. There are no others.]

[The past few days have been-- and he so rarely uses the word, but there's no other that fits-- blissful.

Not because everything is perfect. That would terrify him, frankly. But that's just it: things aren't perfect, and yet somehow they're good. They're enjoyable. Huaisang doesn't make everything perfect, but he does make everything easier. Even the dullest parts of Jiang Cheng's day are a little easier to bear, because he knows there's something wonderful waiting for him at the end of the day. It barely matters what they're doing; just sitting around eating lotus seeds at ten in the evening is enough.

He suits Yunmeng, too. Whether darting excitedly through the streets or sitting in a pavilion out on the lake, he looks like he fits here, so at home it's a wonder he's only lived here three days now. And if he looks so comfortable, so suited to Lotus Pier right now, why--

Well. Anyway. No sense in getting ahead of himself. The point is: things are going well, and it's all he can do not to instinctively distrust that state of affairs.]

Are you asking me to? I will.

[He glances over at him. They're secluded enough; it's not as if anyone will catch them. Sect Leader Jiang might not be able to throw the second son of Qinghe into a lake, but Jiang Cheng certainly can.]

Are you overheated? I told you to wear thinner robes.

[Perhaps purple robes? Hm.]

[It's been three days but it feels like longer, and pleasantly so, at that. The people of Yunmeng are friendly, friendlier than at Qinghe— not that his own sect's people have ever been unkind to him, but Qinghe people don't stop him excitedly on the street, call him young master, young master! and hand him handfuls of steamed buns just to try. And yes, he's a rich little second son with coin to spare, but still! By the second day he knows half of their names like he's lived at Lotus Pier for a year already, and it's... fun.

Fun to be in town; relaxing to be with Jiang Cheng during times like this, when they're finally alone and free to unwind just a little. Huaisang hums and flutters his fan pointedly, because it is humid. If Jiang Cheng wanted to take him back to his room and give him something light and purple to wear, and touch his lips and fall asleep in his lap again, that would be another decision entirely - but as much as he enjoys Yunmeng, he can't actually run around in another sect's colors just for fun.]

It's colder in Qinghe! I brought the thinnest robes I have...

[Also they are very expensive like everything he owns, he can't handle lake stains on these robes, so please be considerate when throwing him anywhere. It's— okay, it's absurd at best, but it would be a lie to say that Huaisang hasn't put some... extensive thought into Jiang Cheng just lifting him up like it's nothing. He has definitely considered that more than once, and even bolder: how to provoke Jiang Cheng into picking him up...

But the lake part isn't so great!! He's stuck! A terrible, terrible fantasy.]

I'm just wondering if you've given up on throwing me around.

I don't give up on anything.

[Jiang Cheng is going to pick Huaisang up and they're going to both die, it'll be fantastic.]

I just want to wait for when you won't whine about it when I do. Fortunately for me, I've got the rest of the season. You'll give in sooner or later.

[About the lake. He'll give in and they'll go swimming, that's assuredly what this conversation is about.]

If you throw me in the lake like this, [that is, Fully Clothed, but he can't just say that,] I'm definitely going to whine!

[So! Give him something else to wear or no swimming. Huaisang hasn't spent time at a lake in... ever, really? Gusu had its little streams winding all around, but nothing like the lake here. Is it going to be all bugs and algae in there in the height of summer? Hmm.]

It's cooler at night. If you're going to shock me, do it then.

[The temperature is the only reason.]

You want me to do it at night.

[Was there a need for him to say that? Never mind to say it like that, his tone a little heavier than strictly necessary. In his defense: he was going for deadpan sarcasm, not . . . anything else, but like so often around Huaisang, what he means to happen and what truly happens are two different things entirely.]

You're absolutely sure about that.

[Be careful what you wish for, because he absolutely has a plan for if they're going to swim at night, and it doesn't involve adding clothes.]

[Well damn, if he wasn't sure a moment ago he is now, even if- sorry, but let's be honest- he assumes Jiang Cheng has absolutely no idea how his own words sound, as usual. Huaisang is just making an innocent request, that's all...

He shuts his fan, tapping it thoughtfully against his chin. Wow, what a difficult question!!]

Hmm, if I get to pick? Yes.

[It only makes sense, see. No one will catch them out there in the middle of the night. Truly, he has only Jiang Cheng's reputation as Sect Leader in mind, he is so considerate.]

[He's absolutely right to assume that.]

Then no complaining.

[It's not that far from evening anyway-- and sure, Huaisang hadn't meant tonight, specifically, but why wait?]

Do you know how to swim? That's an important part of this. Am I teaching you tonight?

[Oh good, there's still an element of surprise. Please don't ruin his expensive outfit, that's his only request.

And— hmm. A pause. Then, almost sheepishly:]

Well, how deep is your lake?

[He can probably not drown? Do not expect elegance. Qinghe doesn't have lakes!!]

[He stares at him for a long few seconds, then sighs. It's not Huaisang's fault he wasn't raised in a normal place on a lake, but still, honestly, what kind of childhood . . . ]

You'll be able to stand. But if you need to, you can hold onto me.

[He leans over, nudging him with one elbow.]

There's fish in the lake. Don't scream when one brushes against your leg.

I'm not going scream over fish! I've seen fish before.

[Wow! So maybe it's been a while since Wei Wuxian last pushed him into a river while fishing, but wow!! Sounds like he'll have to hold onto Jiang Cheng to avoid the terrifying fishies...]

I know you've seen fish. You've eaten them, too. That doesn't mean you're not going to scream when one runs up against you and you can't see it coming.

[Love you, babe, but you're on his turf now, and that means he gets to make all the assumptions he wants. Is he merciless? He is. But sooner or later they move on to another topic, and another, and then they wander off to get food, but the important part is: they come back.

Late, too. Late enough that everyone's asleep, late enough that he should really be asleep, because Sect Leaders have to be up early to deal with everyone's problems. Instead: they're in the most tucked away part of Lotus Pier, far and away from anyone's prying eyes.

He sets his sword down carefully first; his ring comes next. His shoes; the belt keeping his outer robe cinched tight. It's only once he's rolling that off his shoulders that he says helpfully:]

Catch up.

[Because there's no special robes for swimming, or at least there aren't right now. Besides: it's summer. It's humid. This is what you do in Yunmeng, or at least it's what you used to do with your brother, and now are reapplying it in an entirely different context. Leaping into the lake naked with Wei Wuxian when they were twelve is a fair sight different than doing it with Huaisang now, but whatever! It's fine! Nothing worth agonizing over, and hey, there goes his middle robe, so seriously, catch up, Huaisang.]

[Here they go, really getting started on the list of things Mingjue can never, ever hear about. Huaisang should know better, when Jiang Cheng invites him to go for a walk with him after dusk, but the days are long and peaceful enough that he's not thinking about a dip in the lake until the water is in sight. So, ah—

Ah. He has to be forgiven for standing there and watching Jiang Cheng for a moment; the moonlight at his back, the faint glow of lanterns from the house cast over this, ah, scene— no one could possibly blame Huaisang for being a little distracted when Jiang Cheng simply stops and starts taking off his clothes.

So-]

—Oh.

[Oh, okay. Huaisang starts with his belt, if only because he is not putting his fan down on the cold hard ground, where people walk, without a protective layer, god no. It's accessories first, so next come the pins out of his hair, which he runs a hand through to let it fall naturally around his shoulders. One layer of robes, then another, and then he pauses to wonder just how nude this swimming lesson is supposed to be. It was one thing to be in shock in a bath in front of Jiang Cheng, but this...

Well, this. One robe left to shrug off and boy, if they'd done this in the daylight he'd have burnt to a crisp for how pale he is, the pampered artist... He fidgets with a lock of hair instead of picking his fan up again, stooping to take off his shoes. So, is this whole cloth skinny dipping or a pants-for-modesty session... Being an adult who has to be mindful of other people's reputations is so, so difficult; to think if they were poor nobodies he could have been naked in the water like twice over by now! Damn!

It's Jiang Cheng's house though, so let him know, thanks.]

[The plan had been to just leap in naked, but the reality is this: they're still vaguely tentative, and what he wants isn't quite the same as what ought to happen. So: pants, but only that, and if his gaze lingers as Huaisang slips off the rest of his clothes, well. He's not the only one looking, right?

Honestly, Jiang Cheng has no idea. He's too caught up in the way Huaisang looks: slender and soft in the best way, and god, but there's no inch of him he doesn't want to touch: the slight curve of his hip, the span of his waist . . . his eyes drag over the set of his collarbone, the long line of his neck, and he swallows thickly. Huaisang is all pale skin, which makes the sharp shock of black hair a delightful contrast. Add to the fact the moon gives his skin a glow, and god, but maybe it's good they've still got pants on.

Anyway. Fuck. Fuck, what was he doing? Oh, right, swimming, right-- absently he kicks his pile of things over, half-hiding them beneath a bench. No one will come by, but if they do, maybe it's best they don't see the Sect Leader's robes strewn about on the floor.]

Just jump in. I'll keep you from sinking.

[That's what he manages, thick and a little clumsy, before turning to hoist himself over the pier. He's done this a thousand times, and so is he showing off a little as he dives in? He is. He absolutely is. There's virtually no need to dive, but there he goes. At least the water is nice: delightfully warm this time of year, and a welcome relief after the heat of the day. The wind's in the right direction, too, which means there won't be any bugs . . . a perfect night.

Or it will be, anyway, once Huaisang joins in. Jiang Cheng can't say he minds waiting: it gives him an extra opportunity to stare, after all. He shoves wet hair back, eyes locked upwards.]

[Huaisang watches Jiang Cheng dive- absolutely showing off, the dork, but it's deserved- and allows himself the moment of hesitation on the pier to be a little transfixed. Chalk it up to his picky attitude, not wanting to hop into a lake as easily as Jiang Cheng does, but he needs a moment to watch him, all lean muscle and precise angles, just a wholly different shape from his own. God, but it's like he's been sculpted out of marble, and as Huaisang shuffles over to the edge to look down at him in the water, it's a different kind of hesitation that holds him there for a moment.

It's just— this moment might be a simple thing, the two of them fooling around where they probably shouldn't, but if Huaisang could stop time during these weeks in Yunmeng, he would. One day Jiang Cheng will get married and carry on his family name, blah blah, duty, but in the warmth of early summer he's just Huaisang's, and the nebulous shape of their relationship doesn't have to be defined. Jiang Cheng looks up at him from the water and Huaisang wants in equal measure to slide his hands over wet skin and down the dangerous inward dip of his hips— and just to put the image of him and the feeling of all this to memory.

But he's been standing there for a second too long and so he laughs sheepishly, like he's been worrying about sinking this whole time (and well, hasn't he?), tugging at his hair again. He's not nearly as practiced or graceful at getting himself into the water but he manages, shivering from something that certainly isn't the temperature.]

I wonder if the fish are afraid of how serious Jiang-xiong is...

[He says this and still drifts right up to Jiang Cheng anyway, shamelessly reaching for his arm. Hello, help him, he's so terrible at swimming.]

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