Chapter Text
Zodiac 1: Year of the Rat
Rat Characters : Meng Yao / Jin Guangyao, Jin Guangshan.
Summary: Jin Guangshan throws a banquet in honor of his Zodiac year and invites family members, including the Jiang family and Meng Yao causing sass to fly between his wife and Yao. Drama ensues until Meng Yao leaves upset, but soon realizes that family and home isn't always just biological, it's who opens their arms and heart to you.
Tags: Year of the Rat, Chosen family, Het, BL, Humor, Sass, Drama, Sadness, Heart Breaking, Heart Healing, Heart Warming.
~
Golden Carp Tower had seen many banquets in its time, but outside of births and marriages it had never been quite so well decorated as it was today, the very first day of the Lunar New Year of the Rat. This was of course because of the behest of the Rat born leader of the Lanling Jin sect, Jin Guangshan, who was never one to go without when it came to himself. And now as he admired the many symbols of prosperity in red and gold around him, he could not help but nod in satisfaction,
"Finally my year has come again. It is good to be born in a year of prosperity." The Jin Sect leader said, causing his wife who had just finished explaining the exact dinner items to be checked from the banquet, to comment,
"Whatever happened to a Rat's thriftiness."
"When you have as much money as us dear, only spending this much on the most special of occasions is thrifty." Jin Guangshan said, feeling self-satisfied.
Madam Jin, who was much more down to earth than most of the people in her household except for her daughter-in-law, shook her head at that, but was instantly distracted by Jiang Yanli walking carefully with a large bowl of noodles in her hands and Jin Zixuan hovering concerned behind her.
"Jin Zixuan what is wrong with you? How could you let your delicate wife carry such a heavy bowl without help."
Jin Zixuan's eyes widened in protest as he quickly defended himself,
"I assure you I offered, but she insisted on making it and bringing it herself."
Yanli nodded her head in agreement as she placed the bowl onto the main table, while Madam Jin let out a sigh and shoo-ed the males in the vicinity away,
"Shoo shoo, why are men such useless beings?" she said gently grabbing hold of Yanli's arm and leading her to her proper seat herself, sitting down next to her, and changing her tone to a much softer one as she addressed the Jiang,
"Yanli dear you are the sole flower of your generation in our sect. It is very kind of you to go out of your way to make something with your own hands for such an auspicious occasion, but there's no need. The servants are perfectly capable, and how would I face your mother if you were burned or injured in such a creation or even the transport of one? Jin Guangshan is certainly not worth such efforts."
Both male Jins currently present, having been called useless, and one not worth it were a bit perturbed. But the elder Jin, knowing that his wife put up with a lot due to his dalliances dared not do more than clear his throat in correction. But Jin Zixuan, who had been pampered all of his life up until his wife had joined could not bear to stand for such a thing, snapping back at his mother in annoyance,
"Well if men are such useless beings than why didn't you give birth to a girl then?"
Madam Jin raised a brow at her son's defiance, before deciding to bring him down a peg or two, so that he could remember his filial piety before anyone else arrived of course,
"To be honest there was a time when I thought I did, up until you actually manned up and asked Yanli to marry you. Really dear I couldn't have made it easier for you, you were already betrothed at birth."
Jin Zixuan wanted to respond to this, but it felt way too humiliating to fight back and forth in the open with his mother like this, as if somehow it only proved her point, so instead he gave her an annoyed "hmph" and tossed his head before going to check on the rest of the kitchens decorations.
Yanli shook her head smiling at her mother-in-law,
"Please don't tease him anymore today, he really did ask, but I insisted so he's not at fault. I just wanted to make it with my own hands because I want to be a part of the process of bringing the family luck."
Madam Jin shook her head back looking somewhat exasperated,
"It's our luck to have you in our family at all. And anyway, what that man decides to be stubborn about and what he let's go is clearly skewed, but it seems you came out of the matter unscathed and I can never deny you anything so I'll acquiesce for the day. Besides it seems that I'll have bigger fish to fry, or rats for that matter."
The latter part of her speech had corresponded with the arrival of one Jin Guangyao with his own retinue, causing Madam Jin to stand from her spot so that she could look down upon him as she loudly addressed her husband,
"I see you've done some of your own inviting Jin Guangshan, how many more of your bastards should I be expecting? Or is this one special because he's also a Rat? I'd like to know as early as possible to know if I should bother eating at all lest I lose the contents of my stomach on such an allegedly auspicious day."
Not being one to back down himself, the ever sassy Jin Guangyao made the tiniest head nod to Madam Jin in place of a proper bow and before he retorted,
"Dearest Madam Jin I am so sorry to hear of your digestive problems. Alas age catches up to us all eventually. If it would please you shall I recommend a remedy for your malady?"
"If the remedy is your quick exit than I would gladly take it, but if it's anything else I'm afraid I might not be able to stomach it. Poison is not good at any age." Madam Jin responded.
Just before the last line was said Jin Zixuan had entered the room, but upon looking up and seeing who had arrived and hearing his mother's words he turned right back around leaving it again. He knew that the claws were going to be out for a while and he was now clearly going to be in charge of making sure that people check each dish for poison just from the mere words alone. And although he felt slightly sorry for his wife having to deal with the drama herself, he decided that since he could do nothing to help right now, it would be best to save himself.
"Ah, is that so?" Meng Yao responded, playing it up, "Yet in my experience small doses at a time do wonders. Makes you harder to kill than some may like. Never the less I'm not a doctor, and sadly no expert on the elderly, so I'll have to defer to the experts. But if Madam is ever at all uncomfortable I will not take offense if you must retire to your chambers early ~ "
"Why you little-" Madam Jin started ready to jump the table just to get at the younger rat, but was interrupted by her husband moving in front of her line of view and Yanli urging her with big doe eyes to sit down next to her and chat instead.
"NIE MINGJUE what an unexpected pleasure!" Jin Guangshan practically yelled the name to remind his wife that they were not alone and there was an important leading member of a sect there as well.
Both men bowed to each other, Nie Mingjue looking serious as he responded,
"Thank you for the invitation, although we cannot stay long Meng Yao and I wanted to pay our respects."
"You wanted to." Jin Guangyao said snippily, causing Nie Mingjue to ask the Jin Sect Leader to pardon them for a minute so that he could step back and admonish Meng Yao.
Jin Guangshan agreed quickly because he needed his own minute with his wife. So for a few minutes Jin Guangshan played an angry game of charades with his wife telling her to behave in front of Nie Mingjue for the love of the cultivation world and Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao having a whispered argument themselves,
"Jin Guangyao will you please behave for the very short time we're here? First you argue with a woman and now you're taking shots at a sect leader, both of which are elders?! Have you gone crazy?"
"Nie Mingjue you dragged me here against my better judgment to try to play nice with the people I hate most in this world. Once again instead of my own celebration, because this is my year too you insensitive Ox, I get to watch these insufferable silver spooned sect leaders praise a man who left me and my mom for dead. Then I walk in and before I can so much as sent a greeting that witch in my mother's place calls me a bastard, and I'm supposed to what? Let it go? Pretend I can't hear? Been there, done that, if you wanted this done peaceably you should have come alone."
Nie Mingjue rubbed his temples, stressed, before answering,
"Okay, okay, I get that you're angry, and I'm not saying you don't have a right to be, but it's your filial duty to celebrate your father's lunar year with him. Lunar New Year is longer than a day, be good today and you can have as lavish a party as you'd like when we return to the Unclean Realm."
"I'm pretty sure in order for filial duty to count your parents have to actually claim you and fulfill their duties in choosing to bring you into this world first, but sure, I'll give my bastard father who only claims me when it benefits him politically a big Ratty righteous obeisance and we'll eat and be merry like one happy family while I check my food with the silver needle I bought due to my immense trust and respect for the people in this room. And then we'll go home and I'll drain you of all of the silver and gold taels of the Nie sect just to outdo the disgusting tackiness and lavishness of this one. How does that sound?"
Nie Mingjue frowned back, before muttering,
"I knew I should have brought Lan Xichen, you wouldn't be acting like this in front of him."
"What did you say?" Meng Yao questioned, eyebrows furrowed.
"Nevermind. The main point is I won't go back on my word, you can have as lavish a party as you like. But of course if we're drained of funds we'll have to live more frugally after that."
"Live more frugally? We're literally not even on par monetarily as the monk Lans, how much more frugally can we live while still having food on the table?!"
"That's up to you." Nie Mingjue said with a shrug.
"Damn it, I knew I should have defected to the Wens a long time ago!" he said with a sigh, "Fine! I will ATTEMPT at being somewhat civil, unless she comes at me again because woman or not I'm protecting myself and my interests. So lets hurry this up and get out of here as soon as humanly possible. My year's only just begun and bad luck is already upon me. Which reminds me that you'd better have bought me red underwear, because if I go down this year I'm taking you with me Mingjue."
Deciding it would be best to deflect back to the present now that he got something of an agreement, as best as he could tell Nie Mingjue looked back around the same time that Jin Guangshan did with a fake smile. Meng Yao gave a half-hearted bow while looking to the side and Madam Jin did her best to keep looking at her daughter, who was the only person in the room currently that brought her any sense of calm and happiness.
Jin Guangshan lead Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao to their seats, away from the main table and towards the side where Madam Jin was not facing. Once they were seated there was a few awkward minutes until thankfully, for the sake of everyone who'd been stuck in that room, the Jiangs entered.
Upon seeing her friend walk in Madam Jin's mood was turned completely upside down. Although they were actually Yanli's family, who she must miss very much, Madam Jin still beat the girl in a race to her mother, flinging her arms wide and hugging Madam Yu, who shook her head, yet dotingly patted her head,
"Good, good. I see you've still not matured a bit. Word of your outstanding elegance and propriety spread far and wide, but how come I never get to see it?" she teased, as Madam Jin let go of her and smiled,
"How could I treat Jie Jie the same as other people?" Madam Jin said, truthfully looking at least a decade younger than she had just a minute ago.
The two husbands who were friendly, but not as close as their wives to each other greeted each other with bows in the proper way, and made small talk, while Yanli, who had been right behind her Mother-in-Law hugged her two brothers fondly. Jiang Cheng pulled away shyly after a few seconds, but Wei Wuxian who was not as shy with sibling affection took this chance to hug her for longer and whine about missing her.
And it was this moment that Jin Zixuan returned holding his trump card / shield of choice in his hands as he came forward, only to put the little one down when he spotted Wei Wuxian's antics and frowned.
"Wei Wuxian as you've no actual blood relation can you please refrain from flirting with my wife?"
Wei Wuxian, who was naughty by nature, stuck his tongue out at the Jin and hugged her closer, saying,
"She was my Jie Jie before she was anywhere near being your wife!"
"We were engaged before you were adopted!"
"Engaged is not married."
"Wuxian do us all a favor and go get married yourself. Your sister and I even have a child, what have you produced?" Jin Zixuan said, indicating their two year old son who was trying to rub the sleep from his eyes.
"Oho what haven't I?" Wei Wuxian countered taking out and waving one of his experiments.
Jiang Yanli laughed the childish antics of both,
"Enough, enough I have enough love for you all. Fighting the first day of the New Year is not auspicious so behave."
"Fine, fine, there are better things to do anyway," Wei Wuxian said squatting before calling over the just waking little one, "Jin Rulan come to your favorite Uncle."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes from behind Wei Wuxian feeling annoyed at the very statement. Clearly the Wei was trying to trick the boy. Despite acting as if he wasn't Wei Wuxian was very competitive, which was often the case with those of great skill, but having lost to him too many times to feel good about Jiang Cheng didn't want to play such games. It was a harmful and hurtful endeavor.
Interestingly enough three of Jin Rulan's Uncles were before him. For where Meng Yao was asked to sit was the side that Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian had come in through. So when the little Jin was finally awake enough to register his guest uncles his little face immediately brightened and he ran as fast as his two little legs could take him, a little clumsily due to his elaborate robes.
Wei Wuxian smiled mischievously pulling out a candy for the child to view and then opening his arms wide open, Jiang Cheng looked away not wanting to witness it, and even Meng Yao, who'd had his vision filled with a family he'd never had, couldn't help but hold his breath in hope of being chosen. But two uncles dreams were soon dashed when the little Jin threw his tiny arms around the legs of the Uncle who hadn't dared to even dream of being chosen.
Jiang Cheng looked down in surprise as Wei Wuxian snapped his fingers as if losing a bet and Meng Yao deflated, unsure of why he'd even had hope to begin with.
"Little brat, how could you not be even a little influenced by my bribes? And you call yourself a Jin."
Little Ling stuck his tongue out at the Wei before making little whining sounds and attempting to climb his Uncle Cheng. Feeling the eyes of the room on him, he was embarrassed to soften in front of them, but the little one sounded so much like a pitiful puppy that he couldn't help but quickly scoop him up. He avoided eye contact with the adults by looking down at the now completely happy and satisfied Jin Ling who practically melted into his Uncles arms resting his head comfortably on his uncle's chest.
"Alright A'Ling I think you've proven who is your favorite-" Yanli started with a laugh.
"Best choice son." Jin Zixuan said with pride, for the other two options were certainly not who he wanted to see his son pick.
"But don't be mean to your other uncles. Greet them well and they might have a surprise for you." Yanli admonished gently.
Jin Ling who would normally have pouted, refused, and clung on to his favorite, remembered his parents telling him about red packets, and though he had pretty much everything he wanted you never knew when such a thing could come in handy. And after all it would be his very own money so he could use it if he ever was turned down.
With this in mind, his Jin side was displayed as Jiang Cheng put him down and he immediately kowtowed, of course to the man in front of him first. Wei Wuxian found this amusing, because Jiang Cheng was clearly flustered by the sudden movement, and decided to tease,
"Don't get a swelled head A'Cheng, I'm sure Jin Ling just picked you because he looks like you."
Although that may or may not be the reason that Jiang Cheng was chosen it was true that of all of the family members Jin Ling had taken after Jiang Cheng the most physically speaking. In fact, when the Jiang took his nephew out people who didn't know the sect leaders that well always assumed that Jin Ling was Jiang Chengs. Had Jiang Cheng been the adopted son of the Jiang family this would have caused a big issue, but thankfully it was in the genes through Yanli and there were still some obvious similarities between Jin Ling and his actual birth father.
"Actually if I didn't know any better I'd wonder if Jin Ling is secretly yours and Zixuans." Wei Wuxian teased.
Jin Zixuan glared at the Wei, wondering why on earth his wife put up with such things. Yanli merely shook her head use to and somehow fond of such nonsense. But Jiang Cheng was in something of a panic at the very thought of it.
"Don't speak nonsense and confuse the child!" Jiang Cheng said sternly, heart warmed by Jin Ling's pure care for him, but not wanting Jin Ling to think he's his mother or other father instead or something. His ears were red from the scenario and Wei Wuxian's commentary, so he wanted the attention away from him as soon as possible. But first he wanted Jin Ling distracted so he didn't take heart to what the Wei had just said, so he squatted down to his level, took out the red packet he brought and gave it to him,
"Good boy, don't listen to Uncle Wei, he may look older than you, but in maturity he's younger."
Jin Ling nodded solemnly while taking the envelope and stuffed it into his undershirt against his skin, then he threw his arms around his Uncle happily thanking him,
"Lub you!"
Jiang Cheng, who was still not used to such kind words outside of his siblings, turned red at that, and half stuttered out,
"Yes, I ... you ... as well. Speaking of which, don't forget others." He said pivoting the boy towards Wei Wuxian who was happily with his arms out.
Jin Ling walked over less enthusiastically, but still kowtowed as properly as a two year old can. When he came up though he had an arm out to block the hug, for he took whatever his Uncle Jiang said as gold so when Wei Wuxian asked why he didn't get the same treatment the Jin stated looking sagely,
"You lie."
Wei Wuxian's eyebrows rose at this, but Jin Zixuan vowed to double the packet he was going to give to his son for intelligence. Even Jiang Cheng couldn't help but turn himself around so that he didn't crack up inappropriately in front of the elders.
Wei Wuxian pouted, but played along,
"Fine then, if I'm such a liar I must have lied about bringing a red packet for you, so there."
Jin Ling's eyes widened, his lips pouting as he said,
"Bu' I 'towed!"
Jin Ling felt rather shocked that he should kowtow without reward despite being promised one. He looked over at his Uncle Jiang who had just managed to get himself together enough to look back and told him of his grievances, trusting him even more after such quick and definitive proof of lying, had he not seen it before his very eyes?!
" 'e lie to me!" he reported.
Jiang Cheng, who was secretly a softy couldn't bare to see Jin Ling being deceived so young, what kind of lesson was Wei Wuxian trying to teach anyway? So he nodded as he walked over, stuck his hand into Wei Wuxian's red packet hiding place and handed it to Jin Ling anyway,
"He really did for he had it for you all along." he explained and Wei Wuxian patted the boys head while Jiang Cheng assured him.
Jin Ling shook his head at Wei Wuxian,
"Chamed."
"What?" Wei Wuxian questioned.
"I believe he's saying that you should be ashamed, and I'd have to agree." Jiang Cheng commented standing up again.
"Aw A'Ling I was only playing and hoping for a hug. Don't you both look at me like that it's like I can't figure out what age I am when I have two such similar faces frowning at me." Wei Wuxian said looking between Jiang Cheng and his mini me Jin Ling.
Having acquired his next packet and put it away Jin Ling went back to work. His grandparents began to ready theirs but were surprised when he skipped over them for the time being and kowtowed to Nie Mingjue. Of course, knowing there was a child in the household and being a stickler on this kind of etiquette the Nie was prepared so he handed it over.
Next of course was Jin Guangyao, who's heart began to thaw a little when Jin Ling kowtowed to him, and began to walk forward as if to give him a hug. It was the briefest and best moment for him, for Jin Ling smiled at him in a friendly manner, and was the only member of the Jin's who didn't seem to have an issue with him, who included him wholeheartedly and knew him as nothing more than an Uncle. Meng Yao smiled opening up his arms for the quick embrace, but just as Jin Ling was closing in with pure joy he was pulled back and picked up, leaving Meng Yao in humiliation with his arms and heart open, but no one to fill the void.
"A'Ling forget about Uncles, grandparents are elders and we give the best red packets." Jin Guangshan coaxed, since Jin Ling had been surprised to be pulled away so suddenly, but as he was a child and somewhat easily distracted, except in the case of his favorite Uncle, he continued what he counted as his work, albeit a little confused since it seemed that kowtowing was a strange business where some people gave him red packets and some did not. He even wondered if perhaps he had not kowtowed well enough and that had made the difference, so he tried his best to fix it now that he was facing his grandparents.
But one thing that could not be fixed was Meng Yao's broken feeling heart. Inviting him, politically or not, he had never been welcomed by this family. The only one of the Jins who cared about him was the youngest, who his bastard father wouldn't even let him touch, probably afraid that the Jin would do something to him. What had almost healed just a fraction in that moment had torn into him, opening a wound that hurt him to his soul.
"Enough." He said quietly to Nie Mingjue, who despite being a stickler for the rules couldn't bare to see the look of pain and further humiliation come to the other.
As far as the Nie was concerned they had done the right thing in coming, but the other party had not done the right thing as far as the Welcome was concerned.
Nie Mingjue got up first and stood mainly in front of Meng Yao so that the Yao could simply nod a little bow and hide behind him from there. He knew the Jin well enough to know that although he was tired and heartbroken he still didn't want to show his weakness, not to the Jins who would tear at it.
"I'm afraid we must take our leave, we wanted to pay our respects but we are also planning a party for our Meng Yao, as it's also his year. Much Luck and Happiness Sect Leader Jin." Mingjue said paying his respects to the main party.
Jin Ling having been passed over to his grandmothers by this point allowed Jin Guangshan to feign disappointment, but Meng Yao who also had the eyes of the lunar rat could see that the Jin was relieved. He had likely invited Mingjue for political reasons and had expected that Meng Yao would convince the other not to attend, but been foiled. A part of Meng Yao almost wanted to stay out of pure spite, just to give the rest of the Jins something to worry about all evening. But when he heard Mingjue call him 'Our Meng Yao' declaring him a member of the Nie in his own gruff Ox way he decided that holidays were best spent with true loved ones rather than fake ones.
Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao paid their respects to the rest of the important people there. Meng Yao understandably slighting a few. When he knew they were leaving Jin Ling sent them a smile and a wave and Meng Yao couldn't help but wave back even though just looking at the boy was now making him sad.
Nie Mingjue noticed this and stood behind him towering over the smaller male and urging him forward until they got off of the Jin property and were away from sight before turning him around and pulling the man to his chest.
Meng Yao had stayed strong for as long as he could, but as soon as Mingjue had wrapped his arms around him and gave him a safe space to do so he began to cry. Tears fell in between the two and especially on Mingjue's clothes, which Meng Yao cried more about as he tried to apologize,
"I'm sorry, your clothes."
Nie Mingjue held the other man tightly, looking over him into the distance, rubbing his back soothingly as he said,
"Clothes don't matter to me. You matter more."
This of course made a new set of tears flow and Meng Yao couldn't help but sob and curse his father and most of the Jins, and vent about everything that had happened until he was limp from all of it and Mingjue lifted some of his own still dry clothes to wipe the tears from his eyes, before looking at him seriously,
"I'm sorry I made you go. I thought it was the right thing to do and it would be good, but our Meng Yao was still hurt by it. You can take revenge on me if you like. I'll take the responsibility."
Meng Yao looked back at his crying handiwork and shook his head,
"No, how could I punish you when you've been so good to me, especially comparatively? Even I'm not so shameless as that. Let's just go back to the Unclean Realm and you help me forget about tonight."
Nie Mingjue frowned but nodded, deciding to listen to Meng Yao this time, since not listening to him had gotten them into this mess in the first place. Since Meng Yao was tired from his emotional day, Nie Mingjue piggybacked him for a while until he hailed a palanquin. Although not as comfortable as Mingjue's back the young Lunar Rat was so exhausted that he fell asleep and stayed that way for quite a while.
By the time he'd woken up he was back on Mingjue's back and they were thankfully back in the Unclean Realm. Meng Yao stretched his arms, before gently wrapping them around the Nie and nuzzling contentedly, planning to feign sleep again until they were indoors if the Nie gave up now and demanded he get down, but Mingjue didn't bother, walking him right into the main hall instead, where Meng Yao received a great surprise.
"Happy Year of the Rat Mom Yao!" Nie Huaisang happily yelled, waving his fan at the rest of the room, as Meng Yao slid off of the Nie Sect Leader looking in awe at the decorations.
"Happy Lunar New Year A'Yao!" Lan Xichen exclaimed as well, smiling behind the hyper active youngest Nie.
Meng Yao looked around at the very artistic and delicious looking feast before him, before looking back at Nie Mingjue in wonder,
"You did this all for me? No, wait even more amazingly, you managed to keep a secret from me?"
Nie Mingjue nodded, fairly surprised about it as well,
"The three of us and the Nie disciples did it of course. I'm not much of a party planner, but apparently I'm a pretty good distraction. Or maybe I should say your old family is."
Meng Yao's eyes began to water and for a moment Mingjue thought that maybe he did the wrong thing. Perhaps Meng Yao didn't want to have a celebration after such a horrible day after all,
"If you don't like it or need to rest we can always reschedule. You can make your own party if you want." The Nie Sect leader said in a panic.
"No, no," Meng Yao said wiping his tears on his own sleeve this time, "it's beautiful."
At that and feeling his brother was not good with such things Nie Huaisang hooked his arm with Meng Yao's leading him around the room and showing off,
"Good, because I was in charge of everything important. That's why there's such an air of elegance and sophistication. I even painted most of these items and these signs, and- well admittedly Lan Xichen did some of these like those poems, but I was the one who told him to so give me most of the credit okay?"
Meng Yao nodded in agreement.
"Also blame them for your lack of a change of clothes. I wanted to get you a silk gold statement piece but the butcher and the monk called it an 'ostentatious waste of money.'" Nie Huaisang said glaring at the other two.
"It's okay, I've never had any particular luck while wearing gold." He commented thinking about his biological father's family.
Since it wasn't to his benefit to respond Nie Huaisang brushed past this statement, getting back to what he felt was the main point, which was his party creation,
"So what do you think? You love it right?"
Meng Yao laughed at that, looking at the animated Nie Huaisang fondly, and although they weren't blood related he felt that Huaisang was like him in some ways and perhaps better in others,
"Of course, our Nie Nie is so talented how could I not?!"
Nie Huaisang beamed,
"I knew it, only you properly understand my genius! But wait today's not about me, so happy Lunar New Year Mom Yao! May you be happy and prosperous; May your money and treasures be plentiful!"
And having said that Nie Huaisang threw himself at the Yao, launching into a hug, and finally the hug that he'd been deprived of before came back to him seemingly doubled. And he hugged back twice as fiercely as well at first as if it would be ripped from him again, but this time it wasn't and when he realized that Huaisang wouldn't back off until he did he loosened his grip little by little.
Soon Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue after a nudge and a mischievous little smirk from Lan Xichen, joined the end of the hug which caused Meng Yao to laugh and say, as soon as he could extract himself from the others,
"I already have all of the treasures I could ever want here." He said meaning the three people that most cared about him in this world: His sworn brother, his little Nie, and his something more.
What his biological father could never give him even out of obligation the Nies and one special Lan gave freely: love. And it was worth more than all of the gold that the Jins could ever possess.
But of course as he was still a little greedy by nature he could not help but cheekily adding,
"But I wouldn't turn down a bit more money and prosperity, in case any deities are watching."
Nie Huaisang quickly nodded at that,
"Neither would I! Good catch Mom Yao!"
As fireworks soared above Lan Xichen offered to take Nie Huaisang into the town to see the excitement up close, seeing that the mood was right for romance for the other two, so the others agreed. When they were alone Mingjue brought out a package and sat next to Meng Yao who leaned on the other while asking,
"What's this?"
"A Lunar New Year gift of course. Just a little something to keep you safe."
Curious, and wondering if Mingjue had made him something like a dagger for some unknown reason he opened it, and lifted the inside item up. Mingjue felt himself panic a bit at that and promptly pulled it out of sight and back into the box.
"Red underwear? You actually dared?" Meng Yao said looking pleased.
Mingjue, looking distinctly uncomfortable still quickly nodded, saying,
"It's your year of bad luck after all, and it's meant to be bought by- well you know."
Meng Yao smiled, practically giddy, for he knew how much effort this had truly been for Mingjue,
"Usually by a loved one, like a spouse."
Mingjue began to get redder in the face, refusing to look at the other despite the provocation,
"Yes, and who would be qualified to get you such a thing if not for me."
"Nobody," Meng Yao said admittedly, lifting his head to look at the other closely, "but I'm afraid these won't be able to entirely do the job."
At this Mingjue turned to look at him alarmed,
"Why are they the wrong type? Do you sense a curse? Is it not your size? If so I'll replace them tomorrow. Actually it might be best if you come with me since you know better about such things. I could tell that shop owner knew I didn't know what I was doing I'll bet-"
Meng Yao kissed the suddenly talkative lips to stop him, which did its job effectively,
"The underwear are fine, what I meant was that my safety and protection is you. Thank you Mingjue for taking me in. You've given me everything- friends, family, and a true home."
Nie Mingjue breathed a sigh of relief at that, before pulling Meng Yao into his arms as he said,
"No we rebuilt everything together, so this will always be our home, just as you're our Meng Yao."
Meng Yao didn't quite know how to respond to this, so he decided to say something else that had lately been on his mind,
"Did you know that Oxen and the Rats are said to be good matches because the Ox generously carried the rat across the river?" Meng Yao questioned.
"Mmm." Mingjue answered as he knew as much himself.
"When they made it to shore the rat jumped off and came in first place, even though he'd never have made it to the other side of the water without the Ox. But the Ox didn't seem to mind or hold a grudge at all, even though it could have been first without the weight. Aren't you as an Ox a little concerned about being used by a Rat like me?"
Nie Mingjue shook his head,
"From what I hear the Rat helped the Ox to steer and find his way. Who's to say if the Ox would have gotten any place if he had gotten lost? Besides as an Ox myself I don't think he minded much being second, as long as the person he cared about was first before him. As for me even if you use me it's fine, even if it's a step behind if you bring me to better places than I could ever find myself, why should I begrudge you that?"
Meng Yao's heart was as full now as it had been empty before. He rested contentedly against the Nie and they both fell into a comfortable silence. As awkward as he was with the Jins that's how restful he felt with the Nies and it showed. For so long Meng Yao had harbored such anger and resentment and insecurity because of his Dad and his father's wife and one counted son and so on, but having seen both sights in one day he'd truly not give up anything for this home, this peace, and this moment.
In other dimensions and lifetimes he might not have been able to give up his thirst for revenge, but in this one it was now the farthest thing from his mind. Instead all of his attention was drawn to the one who cared about him the most. The person that truly was his home.
With a sudden burst of happiness Meng Yao turned around in Mingjue's arms, threw his own arms around the others neck and gave him a quick hug, then bright eyed he exclaimed,
"It's the Happiest Year of the Rat of all!"
Then Meng Yao gave the Nie a kiss as big as the sum of his gratitude, and as always Nie Mingjue doubled it back and responded in kind, until neither one could be differentiated from the other and they retired to their room, ironically dropping the item that was to be Meng Yao's safety on the floor in their haste. But neither minded this for Meng Yao had been right in the end, lucky undergarments from a loved one couldn't hurt, but the biggest protection was the person who brought them themselves. And for Meng Yao there was no greater safety than in the arms of Nie Mingjue, and for Nie Mingjue that was exactly where he wanted his favorite Rat.