He hated the idea from the very beginning. But outwardly accepted it; he wanted his father's approval after all. But it never came. Especially when Wei Wuxian entered court. He had gotten so mad at how his dogs were given away that he had run off into the forest, shifting into his family's trait of a purple tiger cub and hidden in the tall grass. His father didn't want him; his mother was angry; his sister was already fussing over the new addition to their court. He both wanted to be left alone and seen by someone.
What he had seen and met was a white and blue dragon with dark amber eyes. One that was so kind to him and wanted to listen and share his adventures as well. They had met often the years, knowing each other and learning of each other without learning much about their families or the kingdoms they hail from. It was nice. He could just be Jiang Cheng.
But the arrangements had been made. He had been promised so that his kingdom could be united with the Gusu Kingdom. Jiang Cheng keeps stoic as he and his family make their way up into the Cloud Recesses, royal residence to the powerful Lan family to finally meet his husband to be.
"Lan Xichen," his own voice as neutral as he could get it. If he could switch, he would flick his tail in annoyance.
Jiang Fengmian chuckles quietly. "We'll let you to get to know each other." His father takes the rest of his family along the hallways to perhaps meet with the famous Lan Qiren.
Lan Xichen bows respectfully to the Jiang king as he leaves, before turning back to his future husband. His future husband who does not seem exactly pleased about any of this, either, though he appreciates the appearance of neutrality.
He does not have anything against Jiang Wanyin. What he does know of the other man is, admittedly, very little, but he had traveled close enough to the Jiang kingdom to hear that the crown prince was a capable fighter and was well liked, if perhaps known for his temper. Lan Xichen had not paid as much attention as he probably should have, since such travels were usually due to meeting up with his beloved tiger.
But he knows enough to know that he likely would have been as much in favor of this arranged marriage as one could be, were it not for said beloved tiger.
He wonders, briefly, if there is someone else that Jiang Wanyin is having to leave behind, or if it is arranged marriages in general - or one to him in particular - that he is not pleased with.
What he asks instead is, "Are you hungry after your journey? I wondered if you might take tea with me."
He doesn't want to be rude. There was a lot that rode on this marriage.
"A tea would be nice after our journey."
He knew he had to meet his dragon friend. He recalled that he was from
Gusu. And he'd visited Gusu time and again to meet with his dragon friend.
Playful, kind, sweet, and so understanding. He could have tea with Xichen
for a little while. As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, he would
excuse himself. That seemed to be a good plan.
He gives a very slight bow this time, respectful without being overly formal, before he moves to lead the way. It would not do to immediately alienate Jiang Wanyin by treating him so stiffly, after all, even if it is impossible for him to fully relax.
But then, he has very rarely felt comfortable enough to relax at all.
In hopes that his betrothed might agree, he had already set up the reception area in his quarters with a variety of teas and snacks, and it isn't too long before they reach it.
"I was not sure what you might like, so I brought up a number of my favorites from the kitchen."
He must not be petulant. It isn't becoming of a king and he's sure word
would return to his mother about it. He stands straight as they enter what
had to be his quarters. Jiang Cheng looks around the room before glancing
at the teas and snacks that had been set up for him. At least Lan Xichen is
trying. Perhaps they could...no. There is no way he would be able to
dishonor their marriage and unification by having his dragon on the side.
His hands clench behind his back. He didn't want to tell his dragon friend.
Not yet. Not until they arrived in Gusu.
He takes a seat and waits for Xichen to do the same. His entire body is
tight, not ready to give anything up just yet. Wei Wuxian had run off and
gotten married...eloped. His sister had a profitable marriage with the Jin
that he's still not quite happy about. This is the last marriage that had
to be arranged.
His own posture is just as rigid, and it's only partially from his strict training. He imagines Jiang Cheng wants to be anywhere else, at the moment, a feeling he can certainly understand. Except, well, his elsewhere is somewhere very specific.
It isn't fair to either of them, for Lan Xichen to be sitting and pouring tea for his future husband while longing to be only with his tiger. He should have told him he was betrothed, he knows he should have, it's only - it's only he hadn't wanted to say anything until it was certain, and the engagement had been arranged very quickly after Wangji's elopement.
He will have to tell his tiger friend tonight. Perhaps he is being ridiculous, perhaps despite that his tiger clearly cares for him, despite the depth of their relationship, Lan Xichen is the only one who has fallen in love. It isn't as though he has confessed, after all.
Another thing he should so very much not be thinking of, at the moment.
"Much of our cuisine is vegetarian, but I am partial to seafood." It's hard to keep a dragon satisfied only on vegetables, after all. "I have heard that our level of spice often leaves much to be desired for those not raised on it, so I asked for some extra seasonings to be brought up for you."
Damn Wei Wuxian. Damn Wei Wuxian and eloping with Lan Wangji and putting
him in such an awful position that they needed to make this legitimate just
so the families could save face. Didn't his brother think of anyone other
than himself? That perhaps Jiang Cheng had a love too? Not that he'd said
anything. He supposes he could've said something. But..how could he? They
had met only in secret, only with each other, and only in their shifted
forms. He could be a real dragon for all Jiang Cheng knows. He's a little
distracted and shakes himself of it.
"I'm sure that there will be...some influence of Yunmeng's cuisine here.
But I will make sure it won't be so spicy that you would not be able to
have any."
Courteous. Yes, yes it was, wasn't it, and isn't that who Lan Xichen is? Courteous, accommodating, patient, understanding, always doing what's best for the kingdom. Putting the needs of everyone else first and never even considering his own.
He'd never thought there was anything wrong with that until he met his tiger. Until he had someone who saw him as a person - or a dragon, technically, since it isn't as though either of them have ever talked about being shifters - who made him want something for himself.
Could he ever have truly been happy with this, even if he didn't know now what true love felt like? He supposes it doesn't matter.
This is what he has, and he is determined to make some good out of it.
"I am eager to see Yunmeng's influence here, and not only in the cuisine. This may not be what either of us planned, but I do believe together we can do some good for both of our kingdoms."
He nods before reaching for the cup of tea and toasting it to his future
husband before sipping it. Xichen is right, they could do a lot of good for
their respective kingdoms by influencing each other. He looks across the
top of his cup at Xichen. It's true - the girls had reason to swoon over
the handsome King. He certainly is as handsome as many seem to mention.
Jiang Cheng reaches for one of the snacks and has one.
Lan Xichen smiles pleasantly, a shade more pleased than his standard polite, friendly smile - but not by much. He is trying, because there is a lot riding on this marriage and he wants it to succeed, but the Jiang prince is a stranger. Who knows if he even wants Lan Xichen to try to adjust for his Lan upbringing and adopt a more familiar attitude?
Doing so has only ever come naturally for one, and Lan Xichen suspects that is due in part to the fact that he feels more freedom in his dragon form, when there are no expectations of him as the crown prince, and in part due to his tiger's natural ability to set him at ease.
It is nothing like what he feels here, even as he risks a look over of Jiang Wanyin and notes that he is indeed extremely handsome, that the line of his jaw and the cut of his cheekbone and the spark in his eyes would be enough to draw him in if he hadn't already given his heart so completely to another.
"I'm glad you like it." He takes a sip of his own tea, mind searching desperately for a conversation topic that isn't about their marriage, Jiang Wanyin's expectations for it, or the fact that Lan Xichen is in love with someone else.
"Tomorrow, if you are amenable, I would like to show you around some of the kingdom."
"A tour would be nice," he replies. "And some day, perhaps, I'll take you
on a tour of Yunmeng. It's warmer than here. And there's..."
There's a sense of unrestraint in Yunmeng. Something he noticed upon
setting foot in the Cloud Recesses.
"There's other delicacies that I would like for you to try. Though there
tends to be more meat there, I know of a few vegetarian dishes that would
be more suitable for your palette."
He wishes it were something else. He wishes every happiness on the Lan
prince. He wishes every happiness on himself but he knows what that would
look like. He clears his throat.
"...but I heard that Gusu and the Cloud Recesses are quite beautiful in
their own way."
He sips at his tea as he watches Jiang Wanyin talk about his kingdom - their kingdom, one day, the same way Gusu will be Jiang Wanyin's as much at it is his - and it brings a faint smile to his lips.
"I have heard the same about Yunmeng. I am looking forward to seeing it all with you." For a moment, he almost considers telling him that he has a friend in the Jiang kingdom, but...
He has told no one but Wangji about his tiger, and even then not everything. It is not something he can discuss with anyone else.
"The best tours are done by someone who loves their kingdom very much, and I can see that in you." He is reasonably sure that Jiang Wanyin would not be here if he didn't love his kingdom, the same as Lan Xichen.
"I hope you will come to enjoy Gusu and Cloud Recesses as well."
It’s on the tip of his tongue. He has enjoyed some parts of Gusu. The ones
revealed by his dragon friend. But perhaps he couldn’t. He knows he
shouldn’t. It would look bad and he couldn’t compromise their marriage.
What would haven if he recognized his dragon friend as one of his subjects?
Ignore him?
“Surely, I will as it produced someone as kind and handsome as yourself.”
Though not as kind minded and warm hearted as his dragon.
“I’m afraid I will not be able to attend dinner this evening.”
He ducks his head slightly at the compliment, busying himself by drinking the rest of his tea. Jiang Wanyin is not the first person to call him handsome or kind, but it is pleasing to know that at least he has made somewhat of a favorable impression on his husband to be.
Pleasing and guilt inducing, of course, considering he hasn't truly been kind today with as often as his thoughts have gone off with his tiger.
"Jiang Wanyin is as charming as he is handsome."
His brows furrow briefly when he says he won't be able to make it to dinner, then smooth out in understanding.
"Of course. You must be tired after your journey - I will speak with my uncle, and make sure you aren't disturbed."
He feels somewhat ashamed, but he must admit he's not entirely disappointed. It means he'll have more time to go look for his tiger tonight.
He waves off the compliment. A pang of guilt goes through him. He just
needs time for one last goodbye to his dragon. One last time with him.
Perhaps to even watch the sunrise together. To tell him how he feels and
why they could no longer see each other.
“Yes. Thank you.”
If his mother could believe his excuse of fatigue from the journey as well
then it would work out. He looks at Xichen.
“...just tonight, I swear to you.”
He stands and walks over to where Xichen is, bowing formally and taking his
hand to kiss the back of it.
Charming indeed, despite that Jiang Wanyin waves off the compliment. Lan Xichen shifts his hand slightly to curl his fingers around his future husband's, giving a brief squeeze.
"Whenever you need," he counters. "Even when we are married, if you need a night to yourself, you will have it with no questions asked."
He certainly doesn't want Jiang Wanyin to feel trapped - he knows exactly how well that works out. Still, he can't help but feel even guiltier. Jiang Wanyin deserves someone who wants him there every day, who misses him when he's not around.
Someone who feels about him the way Lan Xichen feels about his tiger.
Regardless, after tonight, it will be over. He will tell his tiger goodbye, and Jiang Wanyin will be his future.
"Lunch. Then a tour of Gusu and the Cloud Recesses to familiarize myself
with it and...perhaps you could show me some of your favorite spots."
Then he could watch the sunrise with his dragon. Spend as much time as
possible with him before never seeing him again. Jiang Cheng feels a pang
in his heart, a sadness for Xichen. Someone so kind deserves someone
better; someone who isn't in love with someone else as his spouse. He
squeezes his hand back, feeling that guilt compound within him. He knows
that they could eventually grow close as partners, friends, but Lan Xichen
will never have Jiang Cheng's heart - that belonged to his dragon.
And he would, he does very much want to show Jiang Wanyin around his home, he wants him to like it, he wants to take him to his favorite spots, perhaps even share some that he's never even shown Wangji.
The fact that he wants to share them with his tiger more - that he wants to share all of them, share every last bit of himself with him - won't matter at all, after tonight.
He will never be in love with Jiang Wanyin, but he is determined to treat him better than anyone else ever could for as long as they are wed.
Not that he would be there for very long. But it is one of his last nights
as a bachelor more or less. Their wedding is set for tomorrow evening after
all. Starting tomorrow, he and Xichen were to share a bed, to share
chambers, to share...everything. Jiang Cheng nods, letting go of Xichen's
hand and straightening again so that his betrothed could lead the way.
As they walk, Jiang Cheng has to take a moment to ask quietly, "have you
heard from Wei Wuxian and your brother?"
Not that he would ever say it but he wanted to know his brother is happy.
Lan Xichen looks at him out of the corner of his eye for a long moment before he nods.
"I have not told my uncle, but yes. Wangji has written to tell me that they are safe, and he is as happy as I always hoped he would be."
Not in so many words, of course, but Lan Xichen knows his brother well enough to understand what he was saying.
He leaves out the fact that Wangji had expressed regret not for anything he'd done but for the fact that his actions had made things more difficult for Lan Xichen himself. Jiang Wanyin knows very well how the actions of their brothers had helped bring this about, and does not need the reminder.
He lets out a breath he doesn't realize that he had been holding when
Xichen reports that Wangji had written. That meant that Wei Wuxian is happy
as well. All this would be worth it to know that his brother is happy
somewhere out there. He wishes that Wei Wuxian would write to him. But from
their last explosive encounter, it isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
"I am glad you were able to hear from your brother."
When they approach his chambers, temporary as he is only temporarily a
guest in the Cloud Recesses, he bows before Xichen, prince to prince.
"Thank you for your company and for sharing some of Gusu's delicacies with
me."
"If there is anything you would like to say to your brother, I can include it when I respond to Wangji. He will not open it if requested."
It's quiet, and it's not an offer he would make to many - but this is one thing that he and Jiang Wanyin have in common, it seems. They both want their brothers to be happy, no matter what it means for them.
He bows back, equally as proper, offering him a small smile. "Sleep well, Jiang Wanyin. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
Jiang Cheng slips into his chambers and shuts the door, locking it. He
leans against it, touching his forehead against the door, still feeling
that sadness for Xichen...the man deserves someone to love him, not Jiang
Wanyin. Imperfect and closed off. Over time...long over time, he
could...grow a certain kind of fondness to Lan Xichen. Perhaps. He puts out
the candles, making sure all semblance of light had been snuffed to give
the illusion that he is sleeping off the journey.
He walks over to the window and easily slips out in the quiet of the night.
Once he lands on the ground, he shifts into his tiger form, giving a little
sigh at the freedom he feels through his entire body. He bounds off in the
shadows to where he and his dragon had agreed to meet this evening. He has
to tell him. He has to tell him everything.
Lan Xichen stops by to see his uncle, first, making good on his promise to tell him that Jiang Wanyin is not to be disturbed, and that he and his future husband will spend the afternoon tomorrow alone together touring the area before the ceremony in the evening. He is... firmer, than he has been in the past, when stating what his decision is, but then he has already begun doing that more, and his uncle doesn't disagree.
They both know it won't be long before Lan Xichen officially takes over as king, and they both know that Lan Xichen agreeing to the arranged marriage is clear proof that he will always do what is best for the kingdom.
He retires for the night after that, but he's barely locked the doors to his quarters before he's launching himself out of his window, shifting into his dragon form as he does and taking off into the air.
It doesn't take long before he arrives at their agreed meeting point, though he spots his tiger already waiting there for him. He picks up his speed, landing close to him and immediately lunging over to greet him - by all but wrapping around him, pressing as close as possible and nuzzling his muzzle into his tiger's neck.
He keeps his eyes to the skies, knowing that his dragon would fly in as he
always does. Jiang Cheng does his best to not jump when he lands, but meets
him in his lunge, wrapping his arms and paws around him and tumbling to let
his dragon comfort him and surround him. When he feels that muzzle against
his neck, he turns and playfully captures that muzzle in his jaw, not
really biting him but greeting him. There is a sadness as they tumble and
Jiang Cheng revels in the few sweet moments he has with his dragon. He
keeps his paws on him for as long as possible.
I need to tell you something. He says it through their telepathic
bond.
Jiang Cheng gives a soft, almost mournful growl. He nuzzles against his
dragon, not wanting to tell him yet. He knows he must but he is determined
to spend the rest of his evening enjoying his dragon's presence.
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What he had seen and met was a white and blue dragon with dark amber eyes. One that was so kind to him and wanted to listen and share his adventures as well. They had met often the years, knowing each other and learning of each other without learning much about their families or the kingdoms they hail from. It was nice. He could just be Jiang Cheng.
But the arrangements had been made. He had been promised so that his kingdom could be united with the Gusu Kingdom. Jiang Cheng keeps stoic as he and his family make their way up into the Cloud Recesses, royal residence to the powerful Lan family to finally meet his husband to be.
"Lan Xichen," his own voice as neutral as he could get it. If he could switch, he would flick his tail in annoyance.
Jiang Fengmian chuckles quietly. "We'll let you to get to know each other." His father takes the rest of his family along the hallways to perhaps meet with the famous Lan Qiren.
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He does not have anything against Jiang Wanyin. What he does know of the other man is, admittedly, very little, but he had traveled close enough to the Jiang kingdom to hear that the crown prince was a capable fighter and was well liked, if perhaps known for his temper. Lan Xichen had not paid as much attention as he probably should have, since such travels were usually due to meeting up with his beloved tiger.
But he knows enough to know that he likely would have been as much in favor of this arranged marriage as one could be, were it not for said beloved tiger.
He wonders, briefly, if there is someone else that Jiang Wanyin is having to leave behind, or if it is arranged marriages in general - or one to him in particular - that he is not pleased with.
What he asks instead is, "Are you hungry after your journey? I wondered if you might take tea with me."
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He doesn't want to be rude. There was a lot that rode on this marriage.
"A tea would be nice after our journey."
He knew he had to meet his dragon friend. He recalled that he was from Gusu. And he'd visited Gusu time and again to meet with his dragon friend. Playful, kind, sweet, and so understanding. He could have tea with Xichen for a little while. As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, he would excuse himself. That seemed to be a good plan.
"Lead the way."
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But then, he has very rarely felt comfortable enough to relax at all.
In hopes that his betrothed might agree, he had already set up the reception area in his quarters with a variety of teas and snacks, and it isn't too long before they reach it.
"I was not sure what you might like, so I brought up a number of my favorites from the kitchen."
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He must not be petulant. It isn't becoming of a king and he's sure word would return to his mother about it. He stands straight as they enter what had to be his quarters. Jiang Cheng looks around the room before glancing at the teas and snacks that had been set up for him. At least Lan Xichen is trying. Perhaps they could...no. There is no way he would be able to dishonor their marriage and unification by having his dragon on the side. His hands clench behind his back. He didn't want to tell his dragon friend. Not yet. Not until they arrived in Gusu.
He takes a seat and waits for Xichen to do the same. His entire body is tight, not ready to give anything up just yet. Wei Wuxian had run off and gotten married...eloped. His sister had a profitable marriage with the Jin that he's still not quite happy about. This is the last marriage that had to be arranged.
"I'm not as familiar with Gusu's delicacies."
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It isn't fair to either of them, for Lan Xichen to be sitting and pouring tea for his future husband while longing to be only with his tiger. He should have told him he was betrothed, he knows he should have, it's only - it's only he hadn't wanted to say anything until it was certain, and the engagement had been arranged very quickly after Wangji's elopement.
He will have to tell his tiger friend tonight. Perhaps he is being ridiculous, perhaps despite that his tiger clearly cares for him, despite the depth of their relationship, Lan Xichen is the only one who has fallen in love. It isn't as though he has confessed, after all.
Another thing he should so very much not be thinking of, at the moment.
"Much of our cuisine is vegetarian, but I am partial to seafood." It's hard to keep a dragon satisfied only on vegetables, after all. "I have heard that our level of spice often leaves much to be desired for those not raised on it, so I asked for some extra seasonings to be brought up for you."
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"Thank you. That is very courteous of you."
Damn Wei Wuxian. Damn Wei Wuxian and eloping with Lan Wangji and putting him in such an awful position that they needed to make this legitimate just so the families could save face. Didn't his brother think of anyone other than himself? That perhaps Jiang Cheng had a love too? Not that he'd said anything. He supposes he could've said something. But..how could he? They had met only in secret, only with each other, and only in their shifted forms. He could be a real dragon for all Jiang Cheng knows. He's a little distracted and shakes himself of it.
"I'm sure that there will be...some influence of Yunmeng's cuisine here. But I will make sure it won't be so spicy that you would not be able to have any."
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He'd never thought there was anything wrong with that until he met his tiger. Until he had someone who saw him as a person - or a dragon, technically, since it isn't as though either of them have ever talked about being shifters - who made him want something for himself.
Could he ever have truly been happy with this, even if he didn't know now what true love felt like? He supposes it doesn't matter.
This is what he has, and he is determined to make some good out of it.
"I am eager to see Yunmeng's influence here, and not only in the cuisine. This may not be what either of us planned, but I do believe together we can do some good for both of our kingdoms."
no subject
He nods before reaching for the cup of tea and toasting it to his future husband before sipping it. Xichen is right, they could do a lot of good for their respective kingdoms by influencing each other. He looks across the top of his cup at Xichen. It's true - the girls had reason to swoon over the handsome King. He certainly is as handsome as many seem to mention.
Jiang Cheng reaches for one of the snacks and has one.
"The food is good," he admits quietly.
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Doing so has only ever come naturally for one, and Lan Xichen suspects that is due in part to the fact that he feels more freedom in his dragon form, when there are no expectations of him as the crown prince, and in part due to his tiger's natural ability to set him at ease.
It is nothing like what he feels here, even as he risks a look over of Jiang Wanyin and notes that he is indeed extremely handsome, that the line of his jaw and the cut of his cheekbone and the spark in his eyes would be enough to draw him in if he hadn't already given his heart so completely to another.
"I'm glad you like it." He takes a sip of his own tea, mind searching desperately for a conversation topic that isn't about their marriage, Jiang Wanyin's expectations for it, or the fact that Lan Xichen is in love with someone else.
"Tomorrow, if you are amenable, I would like to show you around some of the kingdom."
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"A tour would be nice," he replies. "And some day, perhaps, I'll take you on a tour of Yunmeng. It's warmer than here. And there's..."
There's a sense of unrestraint in Yunmeng. Something he noticed upon setting foot in the Cloud Recesses.
"There's other delicacies that I would like for you to try. Though there tends to be more meat there, I know of a few vegetarian dishes that would be more suitable for your palette."
He wishes it were something else. He wishes every happiness on the Lan prince. He wishes every happiness on himself but he knows what that would look like. He clears his throat.
"...but I heard that Gusu and the Cloud Recesses are quite beautiful in their own way."
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"I have heard the same about Yunmeng. I am looking forward to seeing it all with you." For a moment, he almost considers telling him that he has a friend in the Jiang kingdom, but...
He has told no one but Wangji about his tiger, and even then not everything. It is not something he can discuss with anyone else.
"The best tours are done by someone who loves their kingdom very much, and I can see that in you." He is reasonably sure that Jiang Wanyin would not be here if he didn't love his kingdom, the same as Lan Xichen.
"I hope you will come to enjoy Gusu and Cloud Recesses as well."
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It’s on the tip of his tongue. He has enjoyed some parts of Gusu. The ones revealed by his dragon friend. But perhaps he couldn’t. He knows he shouldn’t. It would look bad and he couldn’t compromise their marriage. What would haven if he recognized his dragon friend as one of his subjects? Ignore him?
“Surely, I will as it produced someone as kind and handsome as yourself.”
Though not as kind minded and warm hearted as his dragon.
“I’m afraid I will not be able to attend dinner this evening.”
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Pleasing and guilt inducing, of course, considering he hasn't truly been kind today with as often as his thoughts have gone off with his tiger.
"Jiang Wanyin is as charming as he is handsome."
His brows furrow briefly when he says he won't be able to make it to dinner, then smooth out in understanding.
"Of course. You must be tired after your journey - I will speak with my uncle, and make sure you aren't disturbed."
He feels somewhat ashamed, but he must admit he's not entirely disappointed. It means he'll have more time to go look for his tiger tonight.
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He waves off the compliment. A pang of guilt goes through him. He just needs time for one last goodbye to his dragon. One last time with him. Perhaps to even watch the sunrise together. To tell him how he feels and why they could no longer see each other.
“Yes. Thank you.”
If his mother could believe his excuse of fatigue from the journey as well then it would work out. He looks at Xichen.
“...just tonight, I swear to you.”
He stands and walks over to where Xichen is, bowing formally and taking his hand to kiss the back of it.
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"Whenever you need," he counters. "Even when we are married, if you need a night to yourself, you will have it with no questions asked."
He certainly doesn't want Jiang Wanyin to feel trapped - he knows exactly how well that works out. Still, he can't help but feel even guiltier. Jiang Wanyin deserves someone who wants him there every day, who misses him when he's not around.
Someone who feels about him the way Lan Xichen feels about his tiger.
Regardless, after tonight, it will be over. He will tell his tiger goodbye, and Jiang Wanyin will be his future.
"Shall we meet tomorrow at noon, for lunch?"
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He nods.
"Lunch. Then a tour of Gusu and the Cloud Recesses to familiarize myself with it and...perhaps you could show me some of your favorite spots."
Then he could watch the sunrise with his dragon. Spend as much time as possible with him before never seeing him again. Jiang Cheng feels a pang in his heart, a sadness for Xichen. Someone so kind deserves someone better; someone who isn't in love with someone else as his spouse. He squeezes his hand back, feeling that guilt compound within him. He knows that they could eventually grow close as partners, friends, but Lan Xichen will never have Jiang Cheng's heart - that belonged to his dragon.
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And he would, he does very much want to show Jiang Wanyin around his home, he wants him to like it, he wants to take him to his favorite spots, perhaps even share some that he's never even shown Wangji.
The fact that he wants to share them with his tiger more - that he wants to share all of them, share every last bit of himself with him - won't matter at all, after tonight.
He will never be in love with Jiang Wanyin, but he is determined to treat him better than anyone else ever could for as long as they are wed.
"Would you like me to show you to your quarters?"
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Not that he would be there for very long. But it is one of his last nights as a bachelor more or less. Their wedding is set for tomorrow evening after all. Starting tomorrow, he and Xichen were to share a bed, to share chambers, to share...everything. Jiang Cheng nods, letting go of Xichen's hand and straightening again so that his betrothed could lead the way.
As they walk, Jiang Cheng has to take a moment to ask quietly, "have you heard from Wei Wuxian and your brother?"
Not that he would ever say it but he wanted to know his brother is happy.
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"I have not told my uncle, but yes. Wangji has written to tell me that they are safe, and he is as happy as I always hoped he would be."
Not in so many words, of course, but Lan Xichen knows his brother well enough to understand what he was saying.
He leaves out the fact that Wangji had expressed regret not for anything he'd done but for the fact that his actions had made things more difficult for Lan Xichen himself. Jiang Wanyin knows very well how the actions of their brothers had helped bring this about, and does not need the reminder.
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He lets out a breath he doesn't realize that he had been holding when Xichen reports that Wangji had written. That meant that Wei Wuxian is happy as well. All this would be worth it to know that his brother is happy somewhere out there. He wishes that Wei Wuxian would write to him. But from their last explosive encounter, it isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
"I am glad you were able to hear from your brother."
When they approach his chambers, temporary as he is only temporarily a guest in the Cloud Recesses, he bows before Xichen, prince to prince.
"Thank you for your company and for sharing some of Gusu's delicacies with me."
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It's quiet, and it's not an offer he would make to many - but this is one thing that he and Jiang Wanyin have in common, it seems. They both want their brothers to be happy, no matter what it means for them.
He bows back, equally as proper, offering him a small smile. "Sleep well, Jiang Wanyin. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
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"Sleep well, Lan Xichen."
Jiang Cheng slips into his chambers and shuts the door, locking it. He leans against it, touching his forehead against the door, still feeling that sadness for Xichen...the man deserves someone to love him, not Jiang Wanyin. Imperfect and closed off. Over time...long over time, he could...grow a certain kind of fondness to Lan Xichen. Perhaps. He puts out the candles, making sure all semblance of light had been snuffed to give the illusion that he is sleeping off the journey.
He walks over to the window and easily slips out in the quiet of the night. Once he lands on the ground, he shifts into his tiger form, giving a little sigh at the freedom he feels through his entire body. He bounds off in the shadows to where he and his dragon had agreed to meet this evening. He has to tell him. He has to tell him everything.
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They both know it won't be long before Lan Xichen officially takes over as king, and they both know that Lan Xichen agreeing to the arranged marriage is clear proof that he will always do what is best for the kingdom.
He retires for the night after that, but he's barely locked the doors to his quarters before he's launching himself out of his window, shifting into his dragon form as he does and taking off into the air.
It doesn't take long before he arrives at their agreed meeting point, though he spots his tiger already waiting there for him. He picks up his speed, landing close to him and immediately lunging over to greet him - by all but wrapping around him, pressing as close as possible and nuzzling his muzzle into his tiger's neck.
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He keeps his eyes to the skies, knowing that his dragon would fly in as he always does. Jiang Cheng does his best to not jump when he lands, but meets him in his lunge, wrapping his arms and paws around him and tumbling to let his dragon comfort him and surround him. When he feels that muzzle against his neck, he turns and playfully captures that muzzle in his jaw, not really biting him but greeting him. There is a sadness as they tumble and Jiang Cheng revels in the few sweet moments he has with his dragon. He keeps his paws on him for as long as possible.
I need to tell you something. He says it through their telepathic bond.
Jiang Cheng gives a soft, almost mournful growl. He nuzzles against his dragon, not wanting to tell him yet. He knows he must but he is determined to spend the rest of his evening enjoying his dragon's presence.
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