Chapter Text
Did anyone know the real Nie Huaisang?
Even he often felt lost within himself. What had become of him?
And how did he end up like this?
His reputation wasn't a bad thing necessarily. Being the head-shaker, constantly underestimated, he could easily hide his plots behind a simple “I really don't know!”
Sometimes, he felt it a shame he couldn't let anyone close anymore. Not after his brother's death, not after all the effort he went through to ensure he'd be avenged.
He'd gotten his revenge. What now?
Nie Mingjue remained dead.
Wei Wuxian had returned through his scheme and found happiness, but there were so many who hadn't.
What about them?
Huaisang couldn't help all of them. He didn't particularly want to either, they'd have to figure it out themselves.
But there was one person he still somewhat wanted a good ending for: himself.
Without knowing why, he often found himself drinking with Jiang Cheng again. Just like the old days, he'd think briefly, but stopped that thought before melancholy filled him up.
It wasn't strange to enjoying drinking with your friends. Well, one of them at least. It seemed best not to invite Wuxian, he seemed so busy with his husband. Most of all though, the reason was that the relationship between Jiang Cheng and his brother would never be the same again, their wounds would likely never fully heal.
Huaisang wanted his friend to be happy as well though. The way he cared felt strange, but it certainly wasn't new. He thought that this person is an admirable person, that despite his short temper and his many other shortcomings he truly was someone who should be happy. He could easily put up with the other's irritability and aggressiveness, he was used to worse from his brother.
While Jiang Cheng wasn't the greatest, he was definitely one of the greatest. Huaisang had always admired him for his skill, but found that this admiration turned into something else, deepening along with their friendship.
He smiled as he found himself joining Jiang Wanyin once again.
He really did like this person.
-
Jiang Cheng wasn't completely oblivious. He had definitely noticed the looks Huiasang gave him when he thought he wouldn't see, he just wasn't sure how to interpret them.
How much did he really know about his friend, anyway?
A lot, he thought, but somehow it was never enough to fully grasp him. Huaisang was clumsy, but an air of grace and mystery subtly surrounded him. He'd never been good at fighting or studying, though he had a certain talent for the latter it was clear he preferred spending his energy on art and poetry.
Jiang Cheng looked over to him and he quickly hid behind his beautifully painted fan.
How much of his real personality was hidden in a similar manner?
He wanted to know. Jiang Cheng wanted to know more about this person. Despite having known him since childhood, he couldn't shake the feeling there was more to him than everyone believed.
Did they also see the beauty in this man?
They most likely didn't. While he was undeniably good-looking, in the cultivation world he wasn't anything special.
But Jiang Cheng felt like he could keep watching him endlessly. His every movement was entrancing.
The outer beauty was obvious, but inner beauty was there as well. Huaisang was clearly clever and had a great appreciation for the arts. But to Jiang Cheng, the man's smile made the most lifelike or entrancing paintings seem dull and boring in comparison.
How did he feel about this Nie Huaisang, he wondered. They were childhood friends, sure, but somehow only after they'd grown up and become adults, after they became clan leaders, only then did he realise just how much beauty there was in this person.
Maybe, just maybe, Jiang Cheng actually liked this person.
He shook his head softly. Could that be it?
When he looked back to Huaisang though, that one was dazedly looking at him, as if what he saw was some sort of wonderful thing. Did he like Jiang Cheng?
No. That couldn't be it. He must have drank a bit too much, that was all it was.
How could someone possible like Jiang Cheng of all people?