a loving kind of boy

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( still 17 )

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Jiang Cheng spends his weeks in Gusu watching Wei Wuxian annoy Lan Wangji some more while Lan Wangji stoically calls out another broken rule, and then grants Wei Wuxian more time in Gusu Lan Detention.

He hasn’t told his mother, but someone has probably done so at this point. Right?

“Why.” he says, on another Saturday spent training and then drowning his Wei-Wuxian-related complaints in the comfort and confidence of Nie Huaisang’s shoulder.

“Mm?” Nie Huaisang asks, unbothered as he drew one of the absolutely beautiful sceneries in the Cloud Recesses.

One of the things Jiang Cheng is thankful for in this life is the fact that Nie Huaisang enjoys being a human pillow and somehow is capable of doing anything while at it.

“Why is he doing this? How has Lan Wangji not kicked him out of the mountain yet? Are we sure the guy is human? Are we sure he’s not a robot? Am I the only one concerned about Lan Qiren going into qi deviation?”

“There, there, A-Cheng.” Nie Huaisang says, absently patting his cheek before going back to his drawing. “Everyone needs a hobby. Wei-xiong likes to cause mayhem and annoy Wangji. Wangji likes inflicting the Gusu Lan rules on everyone within a half mile radius. I like to take photos, paint and draw. You like taking care of rescue animals, training with Sandu and cuddling me. And all of those are valid.”

Jiang Cheng sighs, and Nie Huaisang feels the arm around his waist loosen. “Sorry. Is it getting annoying?”

“Aw, no, never. I like listening to you complain, Jiang Wanyin. It’s a masterclass.”

“Thank you. Wei Wuxian is an excellent source of material. Now with added Lan Wangji.”

Nie Huaisang laughs, then he leans back so he can face his companion. “About that, I have a theory, and I’m pretty sure I’m right.”

Jiang Cheng raises an eyebrow. “And that is…?”

“Wangji likes Wei Wuxian.”

Jiang Cheng stares.

Nie Huaisang stares back.

“No.”

“I mean it!”

Jiang Cheng looks at him, visibly struggling, trying to make sense of the concept, trying to find out the right words, the right questions, the right emotions – until finally he comes out with, “WHY?”

“I don’t know, exactly, but I’m backed by an expert.”

“Wha-?”

Nie Huaisang takes his phone out, taps frantically, swipes several times, and then shows Jiang Cheng his messenger app.

Jiang Cheng reads:

> er ge! 😚

a sang! ✨

> wangji totally likes wei wuxian right 💕

🤭 oh yah totally haha 

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Jiang Cheng looks at it like someone who’s simultaneously having and solving an existential crisis.

He looks back – really looks back – at all the actions he’d seen of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in the past two months.

It clicks.

“What the fuck ?”

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