Chapter Text
Cloud Recesses is lonely without Wei Wuxian to serve as a source of irritation, embarrassment and entertainment.
Jiang Cheng lay in bed with his inner robes askew and stares up at the ceiling. He lay on top of his blanket, too exhausted to wrap himself up after a day of demanding lessons. There is a miniscule area with a patch someone painted over with a shade that was the slightest bit off white. He wonders what caused the damage? Who decided to fix it with paint that was so close to being a substitute but fell short under close examination. If he hadn't lay gazing for a flaw, would it ever have revealed itself?
His hair fans out as he twists a red ribbon in his hands. There was no need for propriety when he was alone, no one to care how the future of Yunmeng Jiang conducted himself. The gong sounds jarring him out of his musing, his stomach growls as if in response to the dinner summons.
He ignores it. He listens to the muted sounds of disciples heading to dinner. He scoffs; they were far too quiet. Even after three months in Cloud Recesses, he still longs for the bustling sounds of Yunmeng's nightlife, the smell of spices, swimming in the lakes and his sister's cooking.
When he was home and couldn't sleep, he'd imagine what was happening outside of his view tuning out his roommate's snores. He'd stare into the darkness until he could see meat sizzling as it hit the pan, could hear the tinkling of wind chimes, could feel the comforting weight of the humid air.
Jiang Cheng sniffles and closes his eyes. The dinner summon meant there would be a stream of students filing over to eat in silence. They would sit down and nudge their friends to try to get them to laugh loud enough for the Lans to notice. The Yunmeng Jiang disciples acting more cautiously without their daring shixiong to draw away the hawk eyed gaze of the Second Master Lan; but there is still chili oil discreetly passing from hand to hand in desperate hopes of bringing much needed flavor to the steamed vegetables and boiled noodles.
They are probably conspiring through scrawled notes on how to sneak out and get alcohol without ending up doing violently hungover handstands. His sect members always save him a seat just in case he wants to join in but he knew deep down he was not their peer, tolerated rather than anticipated. If nothing else, his mother had hammered that in his head.
There should always be a degree of separation between himself and his sect members or it would be impossible to command their respect. Even in this, Wei Wuxian was something special, more than a sect member but less than family even though he sat at their dinner table and held his father's favor.
Jiang Cheng huffs and rolls over. The bed next to him is messy despite it being two weeks since it held an occupant. The pillow is under the bed while the cover drags on the floor. It was so like him to leave his mess behind for Jiang Cheng to clean up. Most visiting sect heirs have their own rooms but when they had arrived there had already been two beds. Wei Wuxian had laughed it off saying it was like being home.
He had turned red and pushed him away grumbling under his breath fiddling with his robes. The Gusu Lan guest uniform was not as comfortable as he liked. Jiang Cheng half expects his shixiong to walk in talking his head off and tugging him out the door into trouble. he can feel the ghost of warm rough hands around his wrist.
He acts as a bridge between Jiang Cheng and the sect disciples dragging them into his shenanigans. It works well enough that when he's drunk in fourth shidi's lap hiccupping in his ear his status was the least of his worries. Wei Wuxian had yanked him out of the boy's lap and helped him stumble back to their room dropping him roughly onto his bed.
"Sorry, A-cheng! I heard thought I heard Madame Jiang coming."
His stomach growls louder as the bell signaling the end of dinner rings
"Fuck," he says. He sees two choices: find fourth shidi who always had extra food packed away in his room or starve until breakfast. He flops onto his stomach blowing his bang out of his eyes, path of least resistance it was. He rises to his feet letting the robes drop onto the floor and stretches until his bones pop.
Jiang Cheng gathers his hair in a tight bun with the ribbon and crouches down to activate the talisman that warms the bathtub. He's grateful for whoever provides the replacement soap bars that smells like nothing. Cloud Recesses seems to have a running theme of silence, nothingness and obedience to go with its oppressive atmosphere of sheer boredom. He's used to complaining about pulling his martial brother out of trouble; it's an odd feeling to crave the disruption.
There is nothing that notable in Gusu unless you made it worthwhile. This makes his brother's fascination with the Second Jade all the more puzzling. He holds the same appeal as watching paint dry, seems to get off on catching rule violators and scorns the rare undivided attention of Wei Wuxian. He supposes he's nice to look at but his older brother is the better looking of the two, he at least knew how to smile and speak in non-monosyllabic responses. Jiang Cheng sighs, he's had his fill of these cold Lans, A-Xian had chided him for saying so before. He had leered and said, "if they're cold you have to warm them up, A-Cheng."
"Shameless," he'd hissed, if they had been home, he would've already pushed him in the lake. Jiang Cheng blushes at the memory and sinks deeper into the water. He wills it to heal the aches and pains from sparring with the other guest disciples. He knows how to bite his tongue and avoid the Jin disciples and their heir when within view of the Lan clan members but during training sessions he expresses himself. He will never see what A-Jie sees in the Jin boy, he is arrogant, rude and desperately in need of humbling.
Jiang Cheng smirks, Jin Zixuan's face had burned red after he'd been punched in his pompous face. It was well deserved, only the lowest of the low would talk down on his sister. His smirk slips off his face, the absence of A-Xian chafes, this was the longest they had been apart since his father had bought Wei Wuxian home. There was still nine more months until they'd see each other again, he sighs.
His eyelids droop as the hot water soothes his body and calms his mood. The steam dances before his eyes as fights to keep his eyes open until he slumps against the rim of the tub drifting off.
knock, knock, knock
Jiang Cheng snaps awake splashing water on the floor, It's cold and his fingers are wrinkly . He climbs out of the tub and pulls on a robe. He opens the door peering outside before landing on the boy. The boy has thick angular eyebrows and dark eyes that dance with mischief.
fourth shidi always looks like he was up to no good, it was no wonder him and Wei Wuxian got on like a house on fire. He looks even more suspicious dressed in all black with three pouches attached to his thick belt. It's odd seeing him without Xin-shimei by his side but Gusu Lan forbid mingling between the sexes. He'd grown up seeing their heads ducked together whether it be in the punishment hall or dining hall. It was for the best, Ran-shidi alone was enough to deal without without the accelerant that was their shimei.
Jiang Cheng scowls. "I don't want to know want you're up to nor do I want to take part." Ran-shidi smirks and reaches into one of his pouches and pulls out a cloth. He leans forwards, thin lips curling into a teasing grin.
"Jiang-gongzi," he whispers, "you weren't at dinner so I swiped you two buns. I lost the great war of chili oil, so unfortunately you have to eat them the Lan way. Are you sure you don't want to go out with us? If you do you're going to have to put on more layers, I'm not complaining at the view, trust me, but it's fucking cold out here. "
He considers it for half a second, he agrees with his shidi. The mountains are beautiful despite being cold and Caiyi town was ripe for exploration but he doesn't want to be invited out of obligation.
"Us?" He shakes his head and takes the buns. "Don't answer that, I already know too much, thank you shidi."
"Anything for you, Jiang-gongzi. I like the new look the color suits you." He dips his head and swaggers off. Jiang Cheng tucks the cloth to his chest with one hand and closes the door. New look? He looks down and groans, instead of grabbing the the typical Gusu Lan white robes or even his purple Yunmeng Jiang robes he's wearing a black outer robe. Jiang Cheng shoves a bun in his mouth, its cold and soggy but its better than going hungry. He finishes off the second one, chewing miserably on the slimy vegetables.
"Damn him," he huffs exchanging the robe for clean white inner robes. He hovers his hand on the frayed ends of the red ribbon, he leaves it allows himself this indulgence. Fourth shidi had definitely gotten a kick out of seeing their heir look like he was sad pining maiden. However, he may be a lot of things but he can be trusted to keep his mouth shut. Jiang Cheng walks over to crawl into bed but before he can the door slides open with a boom before being closed equally as loud.
The intruder stumbles over to Wei Wuxian's bed and collapses. The boy's face is oddly elegant even as he mumbled drunkenly to himself, he carelessly kicks his shoes on to the floor. His hair growing more and more tangled in his guan as he turns over on his side intent on going to sleep. Jiang Cheng blows out most of his candles, the boys entrance was not quiet and visible light would only make him a bigger target. He could already feel the phantom ache in his hand from writing lines.
The boy yanks the cover off the floor wrapping himself up in it getting more and more comfortable. The sect heir fights the urge to scream at the almost unconscious individual in the bed. Yelling would only bring the Lans down on both of their heads and he refuses to let anyone drag him down especially another sect heir.
He shakes him roughly, "Nie Huaisang, you have to leave now. You're going to get both of us in trouble."
"Not now Da-ge"
"Who the fuck is your Da-ge?"
He shakes him even rougher. Nie Huaisang grunts, throwing off the over and yanks him into bed trapping him in his oddly strong embrace. He had heard the Nie sect heir had no interest in cultivation nor training to the extent that he had to spend a second year in Gusu Lan after failing to pass his first year. His grip says otherwise, he squirms as Nie Huaisang pulls him closer. He smells like Emperor's Smile and ink; It wasn't a bad smell just very strong and almost familiar.
"Quiet down Jiang-xiong," he whispers damp breath tickling his nape. It sends a shiver down his back,
Damn the consequences, if he went down at least Nie Huaisang was coming with him. He opens his mouth to begin berating the Nie sect heir but squeaks as a hand covers his mouth. Footsteps trail outside the door, he can feel his heart pounding as the presence lingers outside the door. He shifts his hips and freezes when he feels a hard heat against his lower back.
Jiang Cheng clutches the other heir's arm they both watch the door. The shadow of the patrol leave after an eternity. Jiang Cheng twists out of his grip turning and pulling up his knee to nail the bastard where it hurts. Nie Huaisang flips him over so the Jiang heir is above him straddling his hips. Jiang Cheng pins his arms next to his head and sneers down at him, he looks ridiculous with alcohol reddened skin and tangled hair and his plump lips.
Focus.
He leans down next to the Nie's ear, "What do you think you're doing, Nie Huaisang?"
Nie Huaisang groans trying to angle his hips away. "Ah- forgive me Jiang-xiong, I was out minding my business and then I saw the patrol coming, mhm, so I hid in the closest room." He moans." I can leave now let me grab my shoes. "
He doesn't want him to leave. It feels good, his limbs feel heavy and hot, he wants more, he wants to be touched. His cock twitches under his robes, the friction isn't enough. He needs Huaisang to touch him. He moves the boy's hands to his waist, his hands almost meet in the middle. Nie Huaisang can feel the smooth skin through the thin fabric, the gray eyed boy is warm to the touch.
"Touch me." Jiang Cheng rolls his hips grinding their bulges together. "You want me don't you?"
"Yes," Nie Huaisang pants, "I want you, please Jiang-xiong."
"Then take me."
Jiang Cheng nips his ear. He doesn't know what's possessing him, the furthest he's ever gone is when Wei Wuxian had smacked kisses on his cheeks to irritate him. All he knows in he wants Nie Huaisang to keep touching him, to grab him harder, to mark him up. He can't stop talking but the other boy seems to like it. Nie Huaisang's eyes darken as his rough hands trails trail down his back to rest on his ass. Jiang Cheng whines thighs tensing around his torso as the Nie's grip tightens enough to leave bruises.
"Oh A-Sang," he gasps out.
Nie Huaisang swallows hard, blood roaring in his ears as he takes in the sight of a half naked Jiang Sect heir flushed so prettily and writhing with his cock tenting his robes. He yelps as Nie Huaisang sits up leaving a inch between their faces, and shifting his grip to Jiang Cheng's hips. Huaisang reaches up to hold his face, he leans into the touch sucking the tip of his thumb in his mouth. He licks it letting it go with a soft pop. He reaches for the ribbon tying up his hair and undoes the knot. The ribbon flutters onto the bed standing out starkly against the white bed sheets. Huaisang tucks silky hair behind his ear caressing his soft thigh peeking out his robe.
"Jiang-xiong," he exhales shakily, "you're going to be the death of me, you're beautiful. "
He peppers little kisses against his jawline, Jiang Cheng moans throwing back his head exposing more of his neck. Huaisang can't wait to mark him him up, to make a claim no matter how temporary. He gives into the urge, biting down and sucking a hickey into the curve of his neck. Jiang Cheng whimpers so sweetly, he doesn't know what to do when it feels so good.
Nie Huaisang slips his hand into the robe, grazing calloused fingers against a pebbled nipple. He pushes his robes off his shoulders. Jiang Cheng blushes, eyes half-lidded, and licks his lips. Huaisang shifts their positions so he's pinned beneath him, exposed under his hungry gaze.
"You want me to touch you?"
He trails his tongue over one nipple, slow and deliberately bullying the other one, rolling it between his forefinger and thumb. Jiang Cheng slaps a hands over his mouth, this was too embarrassing! The Nie wouldn't save him any face. He didn't know what to do with his hands. Maybe he should tug at the other boy's clothes, besides his shoes he was still clothed. In contrast, Jiang Cheng probably looks like a starring character from one of the yellow books most disciples owned. He's wearing a thin robe that barely covered his cock, his thighs shamelessly spread to make room for the other sect heir. His chest was heaving covered in Huaisang's marks; he'd always bruised so easily. He was already deep in; he might as well start swimming.
"Nie Huaisang?" He moans out as he bullies his poor nipples. It felt too good, he felt like he could come if he only touched his cock.
"Hmm?"
"You can call me ah...! ah," he whimpers as Huaisang grinds their hips together.
"Ah?"
"A-Cheng," he whines teary-eyed. He's so pretty, all long limbs, soft skin and doe-like gray eyes. He didn't think he'd get the chance to have him alone without his ever present shadow hanging all over him. It had been impossible to talk to Jiang Cheng without either Wei Wuxian or Ran Yi acting as guard dogs but expulsion and absence had taken care of that.
"A-Cheng, A-Cheng, A-Cheng."
"Yes?" He gasps wrapping his arms around the other boy's neck. The material of his robes is rough against his damp skin, it grounds him briefly. He's doing this with someone he barely knows, he's not sure what it says about himself that the thought of it sends a frisson of pleasure down his spine.
"I just like saying your name."
It feels good on his tongue, even better with permission. Nie Huaisang shoves his pants down so his cock springs free and strokes his cock languidly. It's big, an angry red color and drooling precum, Jiang Cheng wants to touch it so he does. The skin is smooth and warm and he likes the way it twitches in his hand and how its soaking his hand.
'Mmm ah just like that A-Cheng. You want to make me feel even better?"
Jiang Cheng nods. He feels powerful. Nie Huaisang wants him and he's not just saying it, he's showing it, he can quite literally feel the desire in his hand, there's no room for doubt. Nie Huaisang trails his hand over his clothed clock palming it slowly until Jiang Cheng is biting his lips to hide moans. Nie Huaisang wraps a warm palm around his weeping cock. The sensation tips him over the edge, his hips twitch as he shudders pleasure rampaging through his body.
"Good boy," he croons, stroking his spent cock. Jiang Cheng mewls trying to shy away. It was too much, the pleasure borders on pain. He licks his hand forcing eye contact with the flushed youth. "You taste so good, does my A-Cheng want a taste?"
He mumbles incoherently, completely relaxed even as Nie Huaisang drips his spend into his parted mouth. He traces those plump lips making sure every drop goes where it belongs. It tastes salty but Nie Huaisang is looking down at him like he's something special. He likes feeling special. Jiang Cheng reaches for the other boy's cock, it calls to him bobbing and begging for attention. He yelps as he's tossed onto his stomach, his cock throbs, he didn't expect Nie Huaisang to be able to throw him around. He'd only really lost to his shixiong and even he rarely put him on his stomach. Huaisang flips his robe up exposing his ass to his greedy gaze.
"I've got a better idea, A-Cheng, c'mon, " He pulls Jiang Cheng against him. "Let me fuck your thighs. It'll feel so good A-Cheng, I promise."
Jiang Cheng arches his back pushing back firmly against Nie Huaisang's hard length. He can come looking at his round ass. He wonders if he knows that he has two moles on the curve of his ass. They're begging to be licked and bit but he was on a mission, he want to cum between those plush tan thighs. He slides his cock in the narrow space rubbing against Jiang's Cheng's, he grimaces at the friction. He pulls on and spits on those shaking thighs before sliding back in.
“Look at you, Baobei. You're perfect.” He said, groping Jiang Cheng's waist poking the head of his cock through his thighs. It was fiercely red and leaking each jerky thrust coaxing out more fluid. Jiang Cheng bites his lip taking in the sight, clenching down to further squeeze it. He wants his thighs soaked, he wants to be covered in his cum.
"Fuck," Nie Huaisang hisses watching his cock glide through the channel made by his lover's thighs. He thrusts roughly grabbing A-Cheng's waist. He can hear the stifled moaning, A-Cheng is so cute when he's being shy. He feels Nie Huaisang's cock pulse as he comes all over him. Nie Huaisang pulls out flopping on his back with a deep breath. Jiang Cheng drops his hips down onto the bed. He already misses the slick warm movement between his thighs.
The Jiang sect heir turns his head to the side to look at the other boy, he looks satisfied and sweaty with his messy dark hair. He smiles reaching up to pull his guan from his hair. It had been on the verge of falling out all night . Nie Huaisang catches his hand bringing in up to his own mouth. He presses a gentle kiss on the back of it, cradling it against his face. It really shouldn't faze him in light of all the other ways he's been touched but Nie Huaisang is looking at him like he wants to eat him.
"A-Cheng?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I kiss you?"
Jiang Cheng scoots closer, their breaths intermingle as the gap between them narrows. if either one leans in the slightest bit their lips would be touching. Nie Huaisang has freckles sprinkling the bridge of his nose and thick lashes which frame his wide olive eyes. He's attractive and he wants him the choice is easy; he closes his eyes and leans forward touching their lips together. Nie Huaisang cups his cheek and kisses back, there's a bit of teeth and their noses bump but it still feels good, intimate. Nie Huaisang presses their foreheads and smiles at him stroking his cheekbone.
Jiang Cheng turns away, facing his own bed which is still mussed from his previous gazing. He can't see the mismatched paint from Wei Wuxian's side of the room. He yelps as Nie Huaisang wraps his arm around him nuzzling his nape with his nose.
"A-Cheng, I can still see your very red ears."
"Nie Huaisang!"
"Call me A-Sang," he tightens his grip on his slim waist. "Don't be so cold when you feel so warm."
He squirms in his hold, he can feel the cold cum drying and flaking on his stomach and thighs. It's not a pleasant feeling and he wants to take another bath.
"Well A-Sang needs to leave so I can take a bath and get some sleep before breakfast."
"Perfect. We can take a bath and go to sleep together, I can borrow some robes from you in the morning, they're identical."
"No way. I want to sleep."
He idly traces circles around his navel. He still wants to fuck Jiang Cheng, wants to have him coming on his cock, he wants to eat him out until he cries, wants to lick the salty tears off his face. But there's truly no rush. He still has six months to monopolize his time and when that's other he can always invite him over to the Unclean Realm. Da-ge would appreciate a sect heir who actually enjoyed training with weapons. He'll watch Jiang Cheng work up a sweat and paint him. Nie Huaisang lets go of him, gets out of bed and fixes his clothes. He slips his shoes on and adjusts his guan.
"Don't miss me too much, A-Cheng."
"Shameless," he hisses facing away. Jiang Cheng definitely doesn't miss his warm embrace, he wants him to leave so he can take a bath.
Nie Huaisang laughs, smacks a kiss on his cheek and leaves.
"Idiot."