[Video] Imagination 10

[ayao]

Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang, would you mind meeting me in the Library? I have something important to discuss with you.

[He looks down unhappily, unable to even meet the eyes of those who might see this transmission. As long as it reaches those he intends, that is all that matters.]

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[ayao]

[He isn't alone. Since the death of Meng Shi, he has felt, constantly, alone. Yet here, on this strange train, he is made aware of how deep his connection with the Nie goes. How could he have been so blind?]

I will not let go of your hand or his.

[brightjade]

[ Not even a little. Mingjue will remind him as often as he needs it. ]

I would give you my name if you wish it. A reminder of where you belong.

[ And it's been on his mind. ]

Of who you can be, now that you have chosen to renounce Jin Guangshan.

[ayao]

[Everything grinds to a halt and Meng Yao questions his hearing. His name...? He would give him...his name?

Blinking several times, he scoots his chair closer and peers into Mingjue's handsome face.]

Nie...Yao? Is that who I would be?

[brightjade]

[ It's not something to rush into - and he isn't. Mingjue is silent, watching the other man while his words and what they mean sink in.

When Meng Yao scoots closer, he raises a hand to brush the back of fingertips over the other's cheek, gaze just as steady as before. ]

Yes. We could also come up with an appropriate courtesy name for you, should you wish one.

[ So many ways in which Jin Guangshan was lacking! ]

[ayao]

[He melts under the touch, at last allowing himself the luxury of trusting someone. His heart hammers in his chest, but he ignores it, concentrating instead on the warm strength of Mingjue's hand. There is kindness behind that touch.

No, not just kindness. The other man cares for him. Meng Yao smiles gently, the expression wobbling.]

If you chose one for me, I would be proud to call it mine.

[brightjade]

[ He does. More than he should, perhaps. But let him be cursed to eternity if he doesn't try one last time to save this man.

His lips purse a little as he thinks, gaze resting on his hand as he flattens it, cupping Meng Yao's face. ]

The one I choose for you is what I wish for you.

Nie Zhongqing.

[ Loyalty. Integrity. A morally noble person. ]

[ayao]

[His joy isn't expressed with words; the syllables catch in his throat when he attempts to speak. He thinks that perhaps this is the time anyway to show Mingjue the truth of how he feels about him. The future...what Xue Yang told him...hasn't dampened his love. If anything, it has made the emotion more desperate to be acknowledged.

So he finally acknowledges it, leaning across the small space of table between them and taking advantage of the fact that Mingjue is seated. His kiss isn't clumsy - he has too much experience for that - but it is warm and insistent. If this is the moment he becomes Nie Zhongqing, he wants to mark it in a special way.]

[brightjade]

[ Mingjue's own feelings really should be obvious! And they are, in his opinion. But showing it is less obvious, unless one looks at the simple fact he hasn't killed A-Yao, they frequently end up snuggled in bed together (with clothes...so far) and A-Yao helps him dress and undress on a regular basis. Right up to his hair.

And now, giving this man a name. Something that should have been done earlier - but that has been fixed. He watches the emotions and responses play over the other's face. Watches how A-Yao is struck speechless.

He gives as much time as - then lips press to his as all the answer he needs. And Mingjue shows he is not innocent, nor inexperienced. His answering kiss is just as warm, bordering on hot. Seeking to imprint who it is he now holds, for his arms move to wrap around the other man. ]

[ayao]

[Mingjue does have his own way of communicating his...interest. Meng Yao finally feels like he is understanding him. The eldest Nie doesn't hate him, doesn't despise him. He should. That would make sense. Yet something prevents Mingjue from entertaining such negativity.

When the arms come around him and the lips under his respond, his final, dearest question is answered. There is room in Mingjue's heart for him. Still. The library is ignored while Meng Yao kisses the other man thoroughly.

He never does anything halfway. Not for the Nie. His heart hammers for a different reason now - a far more pleasant one - and he gives Mingjue a happy grin when they part.]

[brightjade]

[ He should. He did. But they've worked too hard, and A-Yao is still the sweet, competent person Mingjue had fallen for before. So he's fallen for him a second time - the last time. Sense or not. Logic or not. Justice or not...

He sees no other path he can take. And so he walks this path with his eyes open.

Mingjue answers that passion in kind, not letting up until they need to breathe only because of the burn of lungs. Even then he doesn't pull back all that far, just enough to catch their breath. He presses their foreheads together, a quiet little chuckle answering that grin, and a quirky little grin of his own. ]

Never doubt me, A-Yao.

[ayao]

[There won't need to be a third chance. Meng Yao knows that all the love and support he has been searching for - thinking it was somehow beyond his reach - has been right in front of him. And the reason Mingjue...and Xichen...and Huaisang...care for him is because of him. Not because of his name or birthright or parents.

The urge to crawl into Mingjue's lap is almost too difficult to resist. Tingles race over his body and the heat of the other man's kiss won't soon be forgotten. How can he not smile? In turn, how can he not love the grin he receives?

He slips his arms around Mingjue's neck and nuzzles in close.]

I'm sorry I ever did. I won't doubt you for any reason.