illicitly | our other threads are too cute so this one has to be sad now (Reply)

From:

Complicated is one word for it. Heartbreaking is another.

On some level, Huaisang had always known there was no future for him and Jiang Cheng. Ultimately, it didn't matter how they felt about each other. If they loved each other. Jiang Cheng is the leader of his sect and Nie Huaisang has never been a marriage prospect capable of producting him an heir. If Nie Mingjue hadn't died, maybe Huaisang could have salvaged something with the man he'd loved since they were teenagers.

But it's too late. Nie Mingjue is dead and Huasang's fate is sealed. He is the only Nie left that can continue the line. One day, he must marry and produce an heir of his own for the good of the sect. It's his responsibilty. Da Ge would've wanted to him accept his responsibilities and do right by his sect, even if it meant sacrifice.

Huaisang doesn't answer at first, instead downing more of his wine. He looks downright miserable, his eyes downcast, unable to meet Jiang Cheng's gaze when his mind and heart are in such turmoil.

"...I'll go out in a moment. Thank you, Jiang-xiong," he says softly.

More distant address than Huaisang's given him in years but he still can't quite bring himself to use his formal title.