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Jiang Cheng had only just managed to not crash his car as he sped through the streets to the hall. He'd cut someone off to swing into one of the last available parking spaces – they could just deal, he was in a hurry - and had run off before he could be pulled into an argument with the other car's driver.
His sister would be proud of his restraint.
He raced around the corner and into the building, up the stairs and down the corridor, finally shoving a door open and allowing it to slam shut behind him as he stomped over to his best friend's side.
“Here!” he snapped, holding a wrinkled paper bag in front of the man's face.
Wei Wuxian was sitting cross-legged on a large footstool, dressed only in a flashy silk robe (Jiang Cheng couldn't even count the number of colours in the damned thing, just looking at it gave him a headache) as Wen Ning stood behind him and styled his hair. He looked up at Jiang Cheng and his eyes lit up as the brown paper bag was placed before his eyes. He grabbed it and opened it, immediately holding it up to his nose so he could take in a long, deep breath, disrupting Wen Ning's efforts.
“You're a lifesaver, Jiang Cheng!”
“Just raise your head a little, please? You can eat while I continue,” Wen Ning suggested meekly.
Wei Wuxian did his best to sit upright as he pulled a plastic container from the bag along with a bamboo fork. The lid was popped open and the scent of gravy, cheese, and meat permeated the room. The fork dove into the contents and came out with a mess that went straight into Wei Wuxian's mouth, provoking an obscene moan from his throat.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “It's just a smoked meat poutine.”
“It's ambrosia,” Wei Wuxian replied with a full mouth – at least that's what Jiang Cheng thought he said.
“At least he's not dressed yet,” Wen Ning added as a glob of melted cheese caught on the corner of Wei Wuxian's mouth. “I don't think I could get gravy out of red silk with this little notice.”
“Blame him,” Jiang Cheng grunted. “He's the one who's nervous on his own wedding day.”
“The only other thing that calms me down is a glass of apple Crown Royal,” Wei Wuxian agreed, his mouth finally between mouthfuls of covered fries. “And I figured it wasn't a good idea to get drunk on whisky right before the ceremony.”
“Very wise,” Wen Ning grinned.
Jiang Cheng had a sarcastic comment on the tip of his tongue – perhaps to remind the man that it wasn't wise to get drunk on wine either - but was interrupted by a knock at the door. His sister popped her head inside, and upon seeing that everyone was decent, she entered the room, closing the door behind herself.
“I have a small note for A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli announced with a fond smile.
“Who from?” Wei Wuxian grabbed the paper with the same excitement as he would a birthday present.
“Lan Xichen gave it to me, but he wouldn't tell me who from.”
Wei Wuxian's eyes flickered back and forth as he read the note, his face glowing with joy and his eyes growing misty. He looked up from the note, his eyes catching on Jiang Cheng... and the smile faded a little. That didn't bode well.
“Well?” Jiang Cheng prompted impatiently.
Wei Wuxian cleared his throat and didn't react as Jiang Yanli reached down to grab the paper. “Ah, well... it's wonderful news! Someone who'd said they couldn't make it for the wedding managed to find a last minute way to come, and they're coming as someone's plus one so we don't have to worry about having the caterers add a plate to the seating arrangement.”
“And?” Jiang Cheng knew when awkward news was coming, could sense it in his bones, and his bones were going off the charts.
“Oh, this is wonderful!” Jiang Yanli crowed as she finished reading the note. “Lan Wangji will be so happy to see him-” Her words stopped when her eyes fell again on Jiang Cheng, just like Wei Wuxian had done.
Forget about his bones – his brain was shouting at him that there could only be one person that earned such a response. He reached out to grab the paper from his sister, who jumped back to keep it away from him. He was faster than she was and he caught her quickly, easily snatching the paper from her hands (though he knew he only succeeded because Wei Wuxian was being forced in place by Wen Ning, otherwise he would have helped her play keep-away). All it took was a quick glance at the paper to tell him who it was from.
His stomach dropped into his feet.
It was just as he'd thought: the last minute arrival was Nie Huaisang, Lan Wangji's childhood friend and Wei Wuxian's (and Jiang Cheng's) former university drinking buddy. He was the man who'd introduced Wei Wuxian to his fiance, who'd encouraged them to confess their feelings back when they still had their heads shoved far up their asses, too afraid to 'ruin their friendship' to make a move. He was someone who meant a lot to both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, both of whom had been terribly disappointed when given the news that Nie Huaisang would not be able to get back to Ottawa in time for the wedding.
He was also Jiang Cheng's ex-boyfriend.
Fuck.
“Jiang Cheng?” Wei Wuxian asked tentatively.
Wei Wuxian, who was getting married today. Who Jiang Cheng was there to support as his Best Man. For whom he needed to put himself back together.
“It's fine,” he finally said as he folded the letter and handed it over to Wei Wuxian. “It's good. He should be here.”
Jiang Yanli placed a comforting hand on his arm. “And it's nice that he sent word ahead. That way you're not taken by surprise.”
He nodded. He was managing to keep his emotions in check, even managing a small smile for Wei Wuxian's benefit. His friend smiled back and relaxed into Wen Ning's ministrations, his hair nearly finished. Jiang Cheng was trying to stay still... and he was failing.
“I'm going to check if the caterer's here,” he announced, turning to head out the door, ignoring the voices behind him calling out his name.
He did not run down the corridor toward the main hall, he in fact kept his steps calm and even as he grew closer to the sound of two hundred people talking at once. He made his way into the hall, looking around the room for the caterer, because that's who he was here to find, nobody else, and when he spotted the woman at the far end with a handful of servers, he felt disappointed relieved.
He turned around, needing to head back to Wei Wuxian, only to crash into someone behind him.
“I'm sorry-”
“I wasn't watching where I was going-”
Jiang Cheng felt like he could no longer breathe, yet he still somehow managed to gulp.
Huaisang.
It suddenly felt as if the last three years hadn't happened and he was once again standing in the airport lobby, watching Nie Huaisang wave to him one last time before the other man lined up for the security check-in. Jiang Cheng had wanted to shout out and beg him not to go, but never in a million years would he stand between Nie Huaisang and something that would make him happy, even if it meant having to say goodbye.
“A-Cheng,” Nie Huaisang said, his voice rising to be heard over the noise surrounding them. His lips were tilted up in a small smile that brightened up his face, which was paler than it had been three years ago. His hair was much shorter, though the style looked good on him. And his clothes... were not what Jiang Cheng would have expected from someone who'd always taken pride in his appearance. It wasn't that he looked bad in black jeans, a grey button-down shirt, and a navy blue blazer that must have been nearly two sizes larger than he was, but Nie Huaisang had never been able to resist an opportunity to dress up for special occasions, and the wedding of two of his closest friends was definitely such an event. He looked like he'd just arrived in Ottawa with little more than the clothing on his back and had borrowed the blazer... which was probably close enough to the truth.
Despite that, he still looked good. Or maybe Jiang Cheng was still unable to see him as anything but utterly and completely gorgeous.
“Huaisang,” he finally replied, his voice mostly drowned out by the people all around them, though Nie Huaisang's smile grew just the slightest bit wider, so perhaps he'd been heard after all.
There was so much he wanted to ask. How was Antarctica? Was the Artists' Program everything he'd hoped it would be? Did he get to meet a penguin? (He'd been ridiculously excited to see one in the wild... he'd always loved his birds.) What else had he done and seen while he was down there? Did he paint and sketch everything that caught his eye, and would he show Jiang Cheng?
Did you miss me? Because I missed you more than you'll ever know. Are you here to stay or will you leave again once the wedding is over? Will I ever see you again after today?
“You... look good,” Nie Huaisang offered, his eyes running up and down Jiang Cheng's black suit and bright red tie.
“You too,” he replied, meaning every word.
Nie Huaisang laughed and glanced down at his own outfit. “Now I know you're lying. I flew in last night and didn't have anything better to wear.”
“You still look good.”
Their eyes met and the noise around them faded. Jiang Cheng began to wonder if he was dreaming, and if he was, he didn't want to wake up. If he could, he would spend the rest of his life caught up in this dream of standing face-to-face with Nie Huaisang again, close enough to touch...
An elbow shoved into Jiang Cheng's back. “Hey, watch it!” he snapped at the passing man, irritated at having the moment broken. When he turned back to Nie Huaisang, he was smirking.
Oh, how he'd missed him.
“I... should probably get back to Wuxian before he sets himself on fire or something.”
Nie Huaisang nodded. “A very important job,” he teased.
“But, can we catch up later?”
“Of course. You know I'll always have time for you, A-Cheng.”
It took every ounce of strength he had to walk away when all he wanted was to stay right there. Nevertheless, he took a deep breath, and with a final nod, turned around and left.
He somehow made his way back to Wei Wuxian's dressing room, only barely conscious of the world around him. He was aware of the noise of the hall receding and blocked completely when the door was shut behind him. He leaned back against it, stunned and shaky.
A hand slipped into his. He looked into his sister's eyes – compassionate and understanding – and she gave his hand a supportive squeeze.
“All right, I'm coming out!”
Jiang Cheng sighed and moved away from the door so that he and his sister had a good view of the wooden partition when Wei Wuxian came around. His friend, quite frankly, looked fantastic and happier than Jiang Cheng had ever seen him. Wei Wuxian made a little spin to show off his red tang jacket, the golden embroidery glittering in the shape of a dragon and a phoenix, and his hair moved with him, put up in an old-fashioned half top-knot and held in place with a wide red ribbon. He looked like something out of one of his favourite wuxia dramas.
“So? What do you think?”
Jiang Yanli stepped over to give Wei Wuxian a hug and kissed his cheek. “Lan Wangji will fall in love with you all over again the moment he sees you.”
Wei Wuxian grinned proudly, then looked over at Jiang Cheng expectantly.
“Well, at least you decided against doing the cosplay thing,” he taunted, not willing to let the moment go to his best friend's head.
Wei Wuxian put on a huge exaggerated pout and rushed over to Jiang Cheng's side, grabbing his arm and tugging at it. “You hear that, Yanli? He can't even be nice to me on my own wedding day!” he whined.
Jiang Yanli covered her mouth as she erupted in giggles.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Oh, give it up. You know you look good, you don't need me to tell you that.”
“I knew you loved me,” Wei Wuxian crowed, throwing an arm over Jiang Cheng's shoulders and pulling him into a side hug.
There was noise outside in the hall and Jiang Cheng turned to look at the door. When it opened, he found himself unreasonably disappointed that it wasn't Nie Huaisang. I really need to get a grip.
“We're here! Someone almost forgot the tea set we needed for the ceremony... Oh heavens, look at my baby!”
Cangse Sanren swirled in like a whirlwind and went straight over to Wei Wuxian to pinch his cheeks. Right behind her, Wei Changze carefully held a wooden box in his arms. “Of course that someone was her,” he announced with a fond smile.
“I figured, Dad.” Wei Wuxian grinned at his parents, though he did push his mother's hands away from his cheeks. “I don't care about the tea set, I'm just glad you're both finally here.”
Now that Wei Wuxian's parents had arrived, Jiang Cheng stepped back to allow them to fuss over their son. He stood by the window, glancing toward the door every now and then as if able to see beyond it to the hall outside. He nearly started when he felt a touch at his elbow, but thankfully it was just his sister.
“I'm heading back out there, but I'll see you after the ceremony.”
Jiang Cheng nodded and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before making her escape. His idle thoughts of familiar dark eyes and a bright smile were soon waylaid when he was drawn into a conversation with Wei Changze, and he did his best to focus on where he was needed.
The time for the ceremony came soon enough and he stood at the front of the large hall next to his best friend, watching as he and his fiance pledged their love for one another in front of all of their friends and family. Every now and then, Jiang Cheng's eyes strayed to the audience, lingering on where Nie Huaisang sat next to some Lan cousin he didn't really know well, looking almost as happy as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji did. Sometimes Nie Huaisang looked back at him, offering him a smile that he couldn't help but return.
The tea ceremony went by quickly, as did the bows – exactly as Wei Wuxian had planned. To him, the ceremony was less important than celebrating with all the attendees afterwards, and Jiang Cheng couldn't really blame him. Lan Wangji hadn't protested, but then he'd always been happy to indulge Wei Wuxian in whatever he wanted. Eventually the formalities were over; Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were presented to the crowd as lawfully wedded spouses, and the crowd applauded and cheered.
There were group photos for the wedding party, and Jiang Cheng was already itching to loosen up his red tie if only so he could breathe properly. After his own part was finished, he waited by the hall doors with Lan Xichen, who had stood up for Lan Wangji, until the happy couple were finally finished with the photographer. Only then did the group re-enter the hall to line up for greeting the guests in attendance.
By this point, Jiang Cheng was working mostly on automatic, suffering through the formalities until he could get himself a strong drink... at least until he heard excited screaming from Wei Wuxian.
“Nie-xiong!!!” Wei Wuxian glomped onto Nie Huaisang, nearly knocking him off his feet. “I can't believe you made it! And in such an ugly jacket!”
Nie Huaisang hugged him back. “You didn't think I'd miss your wedding, not after all the effort it took to get you two together, did you?” He grinned as he was released and patted Wei Wuxian's arm affectionately. “And Xichen was kind enough to lend me the blazer since my luggage got 'misplaced' somewhere between here and New Zealand.”
“We are grateful you're here,” Lan Wangji said simply but meaningfully.
“You'd better save me a dance later,” Wei Wuxian said with a grin.
“Well, maybe, if your husband will allow it,” Nie Huaisang teased, and Lan Wangji nodded in response. “All right. I won't hold up the line, but we'll talk later.”
Jiang Cheng watched Nie Huaisang exchange a brief word with Lan Xichen before moving on to him. As they stood together again, Jiang Cheng's face warmed even more than it already had from the heat of the overcrowded room. He wanted to reach out for an embrace of his own but wisely chose not to – he was afraid if he did he wouldn't be able to let go, but he also didn't know if the hug would be welcome.
“I bet you're dying to get that tie off,” Nie Huaisang said fondly.
“Tell me about it,” Jiang Cheng groaned. “Someone insisted it be red, too.”
Nie Huaisang chuckled. “You always did look better in purple... though red's not such a bad alternative.”
The next person in line gave Jiang Cheng a pointed look; he sighed, but tried to ignore them for just a moment more. “So, if Wuxian gets a dance later, do I get one too?”
The one behind Nie Huaisang began clearing their throat obnoxiously. “Of course,” Nie Huaisang replied as if the next person didn't exist, “as if there was ever any doubt. In fact... I'll save you two.”
And then Nie Huaisang was absorbed into the crowd, leaving a reluctant Jiang Cheng to finish his duties as Best Man.
The dinner banquet went with only two small hitches: when one person changed their mind on what entree to have at the last minute, and when a waiter, in trying to skirt around a running Jin Ling and Wen Yuan, dropped a tray of food. Compared to most other weddings, it ran rather smoothly. The wine poured freely and the food was good, and everyone was talking happily all around the room – even Lan Qiren, who didn't fully approve of having Wei Wuxian as a nephew-in-law, but was satisfied as long as Lan Wangji was happy, which he was.
Jiang Cheng, however, only noticed it all on the periphery as his eyes continued to seek out that one face in the crowd.
There were a handful of speeches, including one from Jiang Cheng where he made certain to tell the story about how a teenage Wei Wuxian had sworn up and down that he'd never get married (and if he did, it would only ever be to the lovely Lupita Nyong'o), but soon enough the plates were taken away and the DJ sat at the small stage, and Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji strolled hand-in-hand onto the floor for their first dance. The next song brought out a few relatives, all of whom were outshone by Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren as they rumba'ed like professionals, but after that the dance floor was open to whoever wanted to join in.
Jiang Cheng watched, glass of cabernet franc in hand, as his best friend celebrated the love of his life, their families all around them. He felt a poignant ache in his chest as he watched them all so happy and in love...
He started when a hand tugged at his elbow, but his heart stilled when he saw that it was Nie Huaisang.
“Do you have time for that dance?”
Jiang Cheng didn't trust his voice and simply nodded. He put his glass on the nearest table, then allowed himself to be drawn out onto the dance floor. When Nie Huaisang's hands moved to touch his waist, Jiang Cheng's mind was filled with thousands of memories of all the times Nie Huaisang's hands had touched him in the past, of the way they'd made him feel loved and cherished. He placed his own hands on Nie Huaisang's shoulders, resisting the desire to simply move in and kiss him.
But oh, how he wanted to kiss him. It would be so easy – too easy.
The music and the crowd were too loud to talk, which was probably for the best – Jiang Cheng didn't know if he could properly string two words together with Nie Huaisang's hands on him. Instead they swayed together to the music, and Jiang Cheng's entire world was reduced to the two of them. He was so focused on Nie Huaisang that he wasn't even aware that the music changed to something with a faster tempo, only that Nie Huaisang was stepping away from him.
But he didn't want to let go.
Apparently, neither did Nie Huaisang – the other man took Jiang Cheng's hand and led him off the floor, out to the balcony where that people had been using to get breaths of fresh air, though it was thankfully unoccupied at the moment. They walked together to the very end, stopping when Nie Huaisang let him go to lean against the railing. Jiang Cheng copied the movement, his arms shivering at the coolness of the iron through the thin layers of his suit.
And now that the worst of the noise was held at bay, Jiang Cheng had no excuse not to talk.
“So how was-”
“So how've you-”
They both paused and chuckled at having spoken at the same time. “How was the program?” Jiang Cheng finally asked.
“For the most part, it was amazing. There's a haunting beauty, with Antarctica being so far away from the rest of the world. And there was a wildlife photographer there who let me go out with her a few times to see the penguins!”
Seeing Nie Huaisang's enthusiasm settled something in Jiang Cheng's heart. Though it had been the hardest thing he'd ever done, saying goodbye had been worth it to bring this joy to his ex-boyfriend. Jiang Cheng had said that he'd be happy waiting for him, but Nie Huaisang hadn't known where his life would go after the program, and he hadn't wanted Jiang Cheng to put his life on hold for him. Go and live your life, meet someone who can be here for you now... I love you, A-Cheng, and I just want you to be happy. And Jiang Cheng had tried, going on a few dates, even taking a few to bed... but none of them held a candle to the person who already owned his heart.
“And I practised my portraiture a lot, did sketches of every scientist, including Bohmgardner despite his being a fucking asshole.”
“There's always one,” Jiang Cheng commiserated.
“Tell me about it. But even with him there, it was just... a dream.”
Their upper arms brushed together, but neither of them pulled away.
“And... you're doing well?”
Jiang Cheng nodded. “I suppose I'm doing all right.”
“Xichen says you got a promotion at work.”
“Yeah, they just wanted me to do more work and figured this time they'd have to pay me for it,” he grumbled, shaking his head.
Nie Huaisang, however, gave a low chuckle. “Admit it, you like your job.”
“I'll admit no such thing.” But despite his words, he couldn't help a reluctant smile because Nie Huaisang was right. He always was, had always been able to see past Jiang Cheng's bullshit. “So, how long are you back for? Will you go see Mingjue before heading back?” Nie Huaisang's brother had been invited to the wedding, of course, but a last minute fall off a ladder had landed him in the ER overnight, unable to make it on time.
The arm against his tensed slightly. “Well, you see... I can't go back.”
“What?”
“Because the location is so isolated and takes too long to get to, and there's so few boats to and from there, they said that once we'd been accepted to the program, we had to stay for the duration. So, to come back in time for the wedding, I... had to quit the program.”
A part of Jiang Cheng was heartbroken for Nie Huaisang, knowing how much he had loved being part of something so unique... but a selfish part of him was happy that he wouldn't be returning. And if he were to leave for Montreal to live with his brother, that was at least a short drive or flight or train away. “I'm sorry.”
“It's okay... I only had another eight months left in my term, and besides, I think it's for the best. I loved it there, but... I missed the people I left behind even more.”
I missed you so fucking much, Huaisang. “I'm sure your brother will be ecstatic to know you're back for good. Though... there won't be anyone in particular you'll miss from down there?”
Nie Huaisang gave a small grimace. “There are only so many people to interact with when you're down there, and while there may have been one or two people who helped make it a little less lonely... it was just a bit of comfort, nothing more, really.” He took in a deep, steeling breath, his eyes focused on the city beyond the balcony rather than Jiang Cheng. “And you? Are you happy?”
Jiang Cheng had never been a man comfortable with emotions – but for Nie Huaisang, he had always tried. “I did as you told me to, dated a few people... but none of them” was you “really clicked.”
“All right.” Nie Huaisang backed away from the railing and turned to face Jiang Cheng, a hopeful look in his eyes. “I know I have no right to ask anything, I'm the one who left, but if there's even a chance we-”
Jiang Cheng didn't even let him finish – he moved in, cupped Nie Huaisang's jaw with his hands, and shut him up with a kiss. Nie Huaisang's fingers clutched at his blazer, pulling him closer, and he was more than happy to oblige. He closed his eyes and just fell into the kiss that felt as natural as breathing, losing himself in the familiar taste and scent and feel of Nie Huaisang in his arms. This hadn't changed at all, not in three years apart, and he wondered if he could ever stand to live without it, without him, again.
When their lips parted, he refused to let go, wrapping his arms around Nie Huaisang's head to pull him against his chest. Nie Huaisang's arms wrapped around him, tightening until he almost couldn't breathe, but he didn't mind.
Nie Huaisang was there, with him, and he wasn't going to leave again anytime soon.
“I missed you so much,” Nie Huaisang exhaled shakily. “I thought of you every night when I went to bed and every morning when I woke up.”
“Me too,” Jiang Cheng replied, his voice heavy with emotion. “Me too.”
“I sketched you so often, everyone at the station would know you on sight.”
Jiang Cheng chuckled and placed a kiss against Nie Huaisang's temple, then moved in to take his lips again. And again. And again...
“Hey you two, get a room!”
Jiang Cheng jumped and followed the voice to see a small crowd had gathered at the entrance to the balcony. His sister was there with Jin Zixuan, her husband, Lan Xichen had his phone up to his ear and was speaking with a knowing grin, and with Lan Wangji at his back, Wei Wuxian had his phone out to record every second.
“Wei Wuxian!”
“I wish we had a bouquet or a garter to throw, but either way, I have a sneaking suspicion who will be the next ones married,” Wei Wuxian teased.
“I'm going to break that phone into a million-”
“Oh, do you hear that?” Jiang Yanli piped in. “I think that's our song. A-Xuan?” Jin Zixuan gave a nod before following his wife back into the reception hall.
“Good idea.” Wei Wuxian put his phone away and grabbed his husband's hand. “Let's join them.”
Lan Xichen watched them all pass him by before pressing something on his phone's screen, then holding it out in their direction.
“All right, Huaisang,” Nie Mingjue's voice sounded tinny over the speaker, “you can stay in Ottawa for another couple of weeks, but you'd better get your ass back here after that!”
Nie Huaisang chuckled, his hands still at Jiang Cheng's waist. “I promise, Da-ge. Try not to fall off any more ladders until then.”
“Shut up, you brat! Jiang Cheng, I'll expect a visit from you too. Now Xichen, take me off speaker.”
With Lan Xichen's departure, it was once again just the two of them on the balcony. Jiang Cheng looked at the happiness that shone from Nie Huaisang's face and despite the embarrassment of the moment, he wouldn't give any of it up. “So, I'm guessing you stayed at Xichen's last night?” Nie Huaisang nodded. “And tonight as well, I guess.”
“That was the original plan.”
“So, if I were to ask you back home with me once everything is done?”
Nie Huaisang's response was a short kiss that promised many, many more. “Where you go, I'll go.”
The night was still young and there was still much Jiang Cheng had to do as Wei Wuxian's Best Man... but he knew that once the night was over, he would be returning home with the only man he had ever loved.
~*~*~*~
“Fuck,” Jiang Cheng muttered as he tried to fish a piece of egg shell out of what was supposed to be a future omelette. He heard a sound at the door to the kitchen and lifted his head, his heart stopping at the sight before him.
He had left Nie Huaisang sleeping in the bedroom that morning – they'd both been exhausted after the wedding, and Nie Huaisang was still adjusting to the time and seasonal differences, so all they had done was change into sleep clothes and passed out in each others' arms on the bed. But now there he was at the kitchen door, wearing nothing but his boxers and one of Jiang Cheng's old t-shirts, his shorter hair mussed up from sleep.
Jiang Cheng thought he was more beautiful than ever.
“Are you making breakfast, A-Cheng?”
“Ah, yeah.” He finished fishing out the shell and turned toward the fridge. “Do you still like spinach and swiss?”
Nie Huaisang's hands slipped around his waist from behind, tightening affectionately. “Yeah, I do. I like you even more, though.”
Over the last three years, there was one huge regret that Jiang Cheng had, and he feared he didn't have the courage to do the one thing he'd neglected most – tell Nie Huaisang just how much he meant to him. “You know it's hard to move around and cook with you holding me like this, right?”
“Is that so?” Nie Huaisang mumbled sleepily against his back. “What a shame, a terrible shame.”
“Well, you're going to have to make a choice. Either the omelette or me.”
“Easiest choice in the world.” The arms squeezed around him tighter. “You. From this day on... I'll always choose you.”
Jiang Cheng took a shaky breath, overwhelmed in the best possible way. He loosened Nie Huaisang's arms enough to turn around and just simply stood there, staring down at him as if he would disappear again any moment. He lifted a hand to Nie Huaisang's cheek, brushing his cheekbone with his thumb... He wanted to make promise after promise, but it had been three years apart versus one day together. They both needed time before promises could be made.
And then Nie Huaisang gave him a lazy, playful smirk that was sexier than it had any right to be.
Jiang Cheng kissed the smirk away and was immediately lost in having Nie Huaisang back in his arms again.
The eggs sat abandoned on the kitchen counter for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon. There were, after all, much more important things to be done – like showing his former ex-boyfriend just how much he loved him, even if he might never be able to say the words.
Fin