Work Text:
Nie Huaisang is summoned, very rudely, from his vacation back to headquarters when he’s in the middle of finishing up a painting of the Hanging Gardens. He makes his displeasure known when he next sees Lan Xichen.
“Tell my brother,” he starts, “That he needs to start giving me advanced notice for assignments. I’m not going to keep dropping everything last minute for him.”
Lan Xichen gives a small laugh. “I’m glad you’ve been having fun in Babylon. I should take the opportunity to go, too, before the area closes.”
Yes, Nie Huasiang thinks, exactly. This is exactly why he would prefer if his brother would be a little more considerate.
Despite their abilities to travel through time and space, it’s not like they have free reign over anywhere they want to go. The universe is so cripplingly expansive, with so many years and days and seconds, that areas only open for certain amounts of time before they grow unstable and close again, making way for other areas to open.
The length that they remain open depends on the stability of the region and how many time travelers move through it. The window for the area Nie Huaisang had just come from was only one month. Given the wide popularity of Babylon, the initial instability of the window, and all of the other stupid time travelers curious to see it, Nie Huaisang could only cycle through the window two times before they began to sound the warnings for that area, signifying its impending closure.
He had hoped, at least, to finish off the month. If only his brother didn’t feel entitled to cut his vacations short.
“I also just finished a case,” Nie Huaisang continues, thoroughly pissed and not ready to let it drop just yet. Lan Xichen had always let him vent and nods even now to indicate that he’s listening. “Just finished. Sketched all of Vlad Dracula’s original manor, every single room, lived in the creepy place for six months. I deserve a break.”
“You do,” Lan Xichen agrees. “But this one is urgent. This is only the second time we have access to this city—do you remember Rapture?”
Nie Huaisang doesn’t. He feels pacified enough to cross his arms and ask, “What year?”
“Around the 1950s AD. 63 degrees, 2 minutes north and 29 degrees, 55 minutes west.”
Lan Xichen passes him references. He genuinely hasn’t heard of it before—which isn’t entirely surprising, considering all cities that have ever existed in time. The pictures that he’s looking at depict a vibrant underwater city, skyscrapers blooming up from the ground and glass tunnels connecting between buildings. The photos are old, weathered, and monochrome. Despite that, Nie Huaisang can imagine the bright lights framing the marquees advertising speakeasies and gentlemen’s clubs, gold glinting off of its Art Deco flourishes.
“I think I remember this,” he says, flipping through the pictures. There are people in them, dressed to party, leaning on each other and laughing with their cigarettes and glasses of alcohol. “Something about a lawless city?”
Lan Xichen nods. “It’s such a small city that only one other time-traveler has visited before, the one that took these photos. We think that’s the only other time a window has opened there. It’s a virtually unexplored area—lots of data to collect.” His smile softens. “Plus, I thought you might enjoy the city. It looks quite beautiful. You’d be a pioneer, of sorts.”
Nie Huaisang begrudgingly agrees. The city, from these photos, does look beautiful. That alone would convince him to go visit—he wants to stand in some of these buildings to see if the ceilings look as high on the inside as they do in the photos, and to see what colors they used in that era. He would have a very fun time in Rapture.
And he can understand why his brother is eager to send someone to explore, as well. Especially considering their clients, information about such an exclusive and hard-to-access area would sell high.
Well, no matter what, the Hanging Gardens would have to wait. It’s already too late to go back. “How long is the window?”
“Two weeks.”
And it’s short. Nie Huaisang has always liked the shorter windows—time is more precious in those, like he’s feeding off on some of the urgency to live, the way he imagines humans trapped in linear time must feel.
He doesn’t bring much. Only some basic supplies, for scouting the city out. He could go for a drink.
FADE IN:
INT. THE MOON BAR - NIGHT
A dim room, lit by expansive windows revealing a sprawling SEASCAPE outside. This is the Moon Bar, one of the smaller jazz bars in the expansive underwater city of Rapture.
[TRACK 1: GET OUT OF TOWN]
All of the furniture is plush and red, comfortable and rich. Well-dressed patrons are stationed at chairs and booths along the side. All of the patrons look slightly drunk, fawning over each other in opulent dresses and suits. Over the hum of conversation and flirtatious giggles is the crooning of the singer at the middle of the room, leaning against a beautiful grand piano. She shares a few lingering glances with the piano player and reaches over occasionally to touch her shoulder.
We drift over to the bar. Seated in the corner stool is a casually dressed young man with long hair bound into a high ponytail. NIE HUAISANG, chin leaning on a propped hand, looking bored as he stares out at the rest of the room. He is doodling on a few sheets of paper and seems very content being alone. A glance at the sheets reveals a series of beautiful perspective SKETCHES of the room.
The bartender, JIANG CHENG, turns to him after serving another guest --
JIANG CHENG
Anything for you?
Nie Huaisang looks up. He gives Jiang Cheng a very obvious once over and smiles. Jiang Cheng bristles. It’s clear that he gets this frequently. However, unlike the others, Nie Huaisang looks away afterward and doesn’t seem interested.
NIE HUAISANG
A French 75.
Jiang Cheng turns away to make the drink. As he pours out champagne, he takes glances at Nie Huaisang. Judging from his clothes and his demeanor, it’s easy to tell that he’s not from Rapture.
Nie Huaisang notices him staring and grins.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Something catch your eye, bartender?
Jiang Cheng looks visibly turned off and rolls his eyes. Nie Huaisang laughs.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
I’m sorry. That was cheeky.
JIANG CHENG
It was.
Jiang Cheng pours out the cocktail into a flute. He pushes it forward, his expression still sour from the comment earlier. He wipes his hands on a towel.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Would you like to start a tab?
Nie Huaisang takes the drink and sips. It’s very well made, and his satisfaction is obvious.
NIE HUAISANG
Yes, please.
Jiang Cheng nods and turns back to the other patrons. Nie Huaisang resumes his sketching. He plays with the lemon rind garnish as he refocuses on his work. Jiang Cheng throws him a glance while serving others.
The singing SWELLS at the end of the song,
FADING INTO...
A different night at the Moon Bar. This time it’s silent. The water is darker, the white ripples casting long shadows into the bar. Fake stars TWINKLE in the domed ceiling. It is like night under the sea. The band has long left. Instead, a large radio behind the bar is turned on, the tinny song echoing in the high ceilings.
[TRACK 2: IT HAD TO BE YOU]
Only two people remain. Nie Huaisang is sitting in one of the chairs closer to the closed piano. He going over the details in his sketches of the night with a pen. The other is Jiang Cheng, who is wiping down tabletops.
Jiang Cheng walks by, trying to be inconspicuous as he glances down at Nie Huaisang’s sketches. Nie Huaisang laughs to himself. He’s been catching Jiang Cheng staring all night.
JIANG CHENG
We’re closing in ten.
NIE HUAISANG
I know, you’ve told me already.
He lifts one of the sketches. It’s of an indoor garden, stunningly rendered, accurate down to the waves in the waterfall. The detail is astonishing.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Do you like it?
(beat)
If you like it, you can have it.
Jiang Cheng leans down to see it closer in the dim light. Nie Huaisang, out of Jiang Cheng’s line of sight, smiles. He’s clearly having lots of fun.
JIANG CHENG
Did you finish this all today?
NIE HUAISANG
When else would I have finished this? You only told me about the garden yesterday, it’s not like I stayed up all night sketching.
(beat)
But thanks for telling me about it. It was gorgeous. There was practically no one there when I went. So much more peaceful than the bar -- sorry.
Jiang Cheng shrugs.
JIANG CHENG
It’s not my bar.
NIE HUAISANG
Fair.
Nie Huaisang leans in to point something out. Grins when Jiang Cheng visibly leans back, maintaining an acceptable radius between them.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Did you notice the ferns?
JIANG CHENG
Mmm, they look good. They really are everywhere. My sister likes them a lot.
NIE HUAISANG
Really? I hate them.
Jiang Cheng glares. Nie Huaisang laughs.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
I mean, yeah, they’re pretty. But do you know how much effort it was to draw all of these little leaves? My hands hurt so much afterward.
JIANG CHENG
(dryly)
So you decided to drink it off?
NIE HUAISANG
What do you mean? I worked so hard all day, do I not deserve a drink? Plus, I had to show these to you. Would you not be sad if I didn’t come?
JIANG CHENG
It really wouldn’t make a difference to me either way.
Nie Huaisang pulls a face. He pretends to be offended and gathers his papers. He pushes the garden sketch at Jiang Cheng.
NIE HUAISANG
Then I guess I won’t show you any more! Give this to your sister -- it’s not for you, don’t you dare keep it.
Jiang Cheng smiles.
JIANG CHENG
Got it.
NIE HUAISANG
You don’t look like you get it.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. He takes the sketch with care that doesn’t go unnoticed by Nie Huaisang. He smiles when Jiang Cheng isn’t looking.
JIANG CHENG
We’re closed. Get out.
Nie Huaisang sighs. Slides his sketches into a folder and stands.
NIE HUAISANG
You know, you should really be nicer to your customers. They’re not going to keep coming back just because you have a pretty face.
Jiang Cheng flushes. He looks like he wants to say something, but Nie Huaisang is already gone.
The sound of singing begins in the distance and we
FADE INTO…
A different night. The piano in the middle of the room is gone and a small band stands at the center. Their faces, except for the singer’s, are shrouded in shadow from the brims of their hats. The singer grins out at the audience as he croons into a microphone, hands moving as he sways to the lyrics.
[TRACK 3: IF I DIDN’T CARE]
From a distance, we see Nie Huaisang in his usual seat at the bar. Jiang Cheng is talking to him, sleeves rolled up past his elbows and leaning against the counter, head tilted as Nie Huaisang points to something on a page and says something into his ear. The music is too loud and it is impossible to hear them. Their conversation looks comfortable.
A hand wave from a man down at the other end of the bar. Nie Huaisang notices and shoves Jiang Cheng’s shoulder to attract his attention. He motions to the patron. Jiang Cheng turns and mutters something in his ear that makes him laugh. He pushes him again, and Jiang Cheng goes.
CUT TO the bar. Nie Huaisang is just finishing his club soda when Jiang Cheng comes back.
NIE HUAISANG
Did he leave you his number again?
Jiang Cheng sighs. He flashes a business card. Nie Huaisang laughs.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Well? Are you going to call him this time?
Jiang Cheng tears the card up.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Oh.
JIANG CHENG
Anyway, you were saying.
NIE HUAISANG
Oh! Right. You were right about the theater, they didn’t let me in unless I paid. Which is beyond stupid, there weren’t even any shows going on at the time. What would they possibly lose from letting me in for an hour or so?
JIANG CHENG
They have rehearsals during the day. You’ll just have to buy a ticket.
NIE HUAISANG
But I don’t want to actually sit down for the entire show! Plus, it’s a waste of money.
(beat)
Is it actually that pretty inside?
JIANG CHENG
It’s beautiful.
NIE HUAISANG
If you like it so much, why don’t you go?
He pushes a sketchbook at Jiang Cheng and grins.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
I’ll owe you one.
Jiang Cheng looks at him dubiously.
JIANG CHENG
You don’t want that.
NIE HUAISANG
What? Just give me something rough, I’ll make stuff up from there.
JIANG CHENG
You really don’t want that. Trust me.
(beat)
What do you even need these sketches for anyway?
Nie Huaisang shrugs.
NIE HUAISANG
Promised my brother I would bring back souvenirs.
JIANG CHENG
Then buy a postcard.
NIE HUAISANG
They’re all ugly.
He picks up the sketchbook and places it in Jiang Cheng’s hands.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
See? Couldn’t get any worse than a postcard. Just give it your best shot.
Jiang Cheng is embarrassed. He sets it back down and clears his throat. Nie Huaisang snorts.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
There’s no way you’re that bad. I’m just asking you to draw a few lines.
JIANG CHENG
No.
Nie Huaisang sighs.
NIE HUAISANG
You’re so difficult. Fine, you’ll just have to come with me, bartender.
JIANG CHENG
What? To the theater?
He looks flustered. Nie Huaisang is busy taking back his sketchbook and misses it.
NIE HUAISANG
Yeah. If I have to sit through three hours of a show, you’ll have to do it with me. Come find me tomorrow, they have a performance at ten in the morning. We’ll go to that.
Beat. Jiang Cheng looks unsure. Nie Huaisang finally catches on and looks up. His eyes, wide and surprised, make Jiang Cheng avert his gaze.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
...What?
JIANG CHENG
...Nothing. Where are you staying again?
NIE HUAISANG
The Aventine.
JIANG CHENG
When do you want to leave then?
NIE HUAISANG
When should we leave? You’re the local.
Beat.
JIANG CHENG
I’ll come get you at nine. There’ll be a line for tickets.
Nie Huaisang makes a face. He leans in to say something more to Jiang Cheng, but the singing ends and the patrons in the Moon Bar APPLAUD loudly, drowning out their voices once more.
The band bows and begins their next song.
[TRACK 4: I'LL NEVER SMILE AGAIN]
Slowly, time slips forward and we CUT across multiple scenes…
INT. THE THEATER - NIGHT
Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang sitting while the opera singers on stage open their mouths wide, Nie Huaisang’s face turned upwards to stare at elaborate paintings on the ceiling, mouth open in awe and pencil dangling loosely from his fingers, Jiang Cheng watching him from the side with a small smile...
EXT. THE TEA GARDEN - DAY
Under a tree, Jiang Cheng reluctantly turning a sketchbook around to show Nie Huaisang something -- Nie Huaisang doubling over in shrieks of laughter that make Jiang Cheng stand up, face red, stopped only from leaving when Nie Huaisang catches his wrist and starts apologizing through his tears...
EXT. A TUNNEL BETWEEN BUILDINGS - DAY
Walk through a glass tunnel, rounded and transparent to the sea creatures outside, between buildings; the two of their heads bent close together as Nie Huaisang chatters animatedly and Jiang Cheng points out passing sharks...
A CUT -- the music quiets and slows and becomes more real --
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
In a dark hallway, both of them laughing.
JIANG CHENG
-- But what are they like on the surface?
NIE HUAISANG
The buildings?
He thinks. Starts making motions with his hands.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Well, nothing's connected. None of the buildings, at least. So everything -- like how we can get from the Moon Bar to your apartment from the tunnel -- we don't have that. Instead, everything's just spread out in the open, and you can walk anywhere you want.
Jiang Cheng looks bemused. Nie Huaisang grins.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Much easier to get lost up there.
JIANG CHENG
It sounds strange.
NIE HUAISANG
They would say the same about an underwater city, trust me.
JIANG CHENG
Well, they'll be able to see it in the postcards.
NIE HUAISANG
Oh -- God -- right, those hideous postcards. Why do you all even have postcards here, if there's nowhere else to send them?
JIANG CHENG
We keep them stocked in case any wandering artists pass through.
Nie Huaisang laughs. It's a joyful sound. He is about to say something more when Jiang Cheng leans down and kisses him.
Nie Huaisang stops. Stares with wide eyes. Jiang Cheng steps back and goes red.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Sorry -- I don’t know why --
Doesn’t finish. Nie Huaisang laughs and drops his sketches, reaches up to take his face in his hands. Loose papers flutter to the ground as he pulls Jiang Cheng down for another kiss. Fumbles behind him for the doorknob, opening it for the darkness behind it to swallow them.
INT. THE MOON BAR - DAY
Before opening. Nie Huaisang is sitting on the bar, legs swinging, watching Jiang Cheng as he rearranges bottles. CLINK of stacking glasses together. The radio behind the bar is on, playing a distant, airy piano cover of a famous melody.
[TRACK 5: POLOVTSIAN DANCES]
NIE HUAISANG
That’s nice though. My brother is way older than me. I’m pretty sure he sees himself as my dad sometimes. You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff he says to me.
JIANG CHENG
Really.
(beat)
Well, I can see that.
Nie Huaisang stops swinging his legs.
NIE HUAISANG
What?
JIANG CHENG
I mean, I can see you being high maintenance.
Nie Huaisang picks up a lemon slice and mimes throwing it at him. Jiang Cheng doesn’t flinch. He looks entertained.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
And get off the bar.
NIE HUAISANG
What? Does it matter?
Jiang Cheng shakes his head and motions downwards with a finger.
JIANG CHENG
Off.
NIE HUAISANG
Fine. You wipe it down every day anyway.
He still listens and slides down onto a barstool. Jiang Cheng finishes up and joins him on the other side.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Come here.
He beckons for a kiss. Jiang Cheng leans in. Nie Huaisang shoves the lemon slice into his mouth.
Jiang Cheng is exasperated. He takes a big bite of the lemon and grabs Nie Huaisang for another kiss. It’s deep. Nie Huaisang shudders at the taste.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Okay! Okay! I get it! I won’t do it again!
JIANG CHENG
Serves you right.
They smile at each other. Another kiss, softer this time. They look comfortable. Nie Huaisang untucks the back of Jiang Cheng’s shirt.
NIE HUAISANG
What time is it now?
JIANG CHENG
Don’t care. We have enough time.
NIE HUAISANG
Oh. Eager today?
Jiang Cheng bends to kiss at his jaw.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Is that a yes?
JIANG CHENG
Yes.
Nie Huaisang laughs and hops off of the stool. They pull each other along out of the door of the bar. It closes behind them.
INT. THE BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Jiang Cheng's bedroom is cast in a comfortable glow from the sea. It’s small but neatly kept. There is a desk and a wardrobe and a standing light. Against the corner is a single bed, occupied by Nie Huaisang, who is swaddled in blankets, watching the fish swimming by outside. In the background is a radio, playing a muted song.
[TRACK 6: I DON'T WANT TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE]
He rolls over to watch Jiang Cheng, half-dressed, pick through the clothing dropped on the floor. Jiang Cheng folds up Nie Huaisang’s clothing. Moves over to kiss him on the forehead.
JIANG CHENG
Plan on getting up anytime soon?
Nie Huaisang shakes his head. Pulls Jiang Cheng into more kisses before he can get away.
NIE HUAISANG
Nope.
JIANG CHENG
That was rhetorical. Get up.
NIE HUAISANG
No thanks.
JIANG CHENG
I have to get to work, we have a delivery coming in before we open.
NIE HUAISANG
Don’t care.
JIANG CHENG
Are you not coming today?
Nie Huaisang grins.
NIE HUAISANG
I already did.
Jiang Cheng tries pulling away again. Nie Huaisang laughs and dangles off of his shoulders.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
How much time do I have?
Jiang Cheng checks his watch.
JIANG CHENG
You have fifteen minutes.
Nie Huaisang groans. Jiang Cheng stands back up, pulling him upright. Nie Huaisang reluctantly steps out of bed and over to the pile of clothes to dress.
He stops at the desk. A paper peeks out of the drawer. He opens it.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Oh, wait --
It’s stacks upon stacks of Nie Huaisang’s sketches.
He pulls them out. They’re all the ones he gifted Jiang Cheng over the past few days, folded neatly.
NIE HUAISANG
Oh...
He looks at them. Something in his eyes change.
Jiang Cheng looks embarrassed.
JIANG CHENG
I'm sorry. I'd wanted to put them up earlier. I just haven't found the time yet.
Nie Huaisang runs a finger along the edges of one -- the garden sketch, the first one that he'd ever given Jiang Cheng all those nights before.
NIE HUAISANG
You kept it.
JIANG CHENG
Oh. That -- you weren't serious about me not being allowed to keep it, right?
NIE HUAISANG
...No. That's fine.
He flips through the sketches. All of them accounted for, even the tiny ones he did on bar napkins. Not so much as a crinkle on any of them.
He sets them down and presses a hand to his head. Everything is suddenly very overwhelming. The song ends and the music in the room fades into silence.
JIANG CHENG
Are you okay?
Nie Huaisang drops the sketches onto the table. He reaches for his clothes and throws them on, frantic.
NIE HUAISANG
Yeah, I'm okay, I just --
JIANG CHENG
Hold on, did something happen?
Nie Huaisang doesn't stop to let him get a word in. The energy in the room is suddenly uncontrolled, like they've derailed and are moving on different tracks.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Is this about the drawings? I'm really sorry, I do plan on putting them up, I just haven't --
NIE HUAISANG
I'm fine. It's okay -- it's not you, my head just -- I got a little dizzy for a moment.
Misunderstandings pile between them. Jiang Cheng is confused but powerless to stop him. He dresses to the side.
Nie Huaisang finishes before him and moves towards the door.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
I'll meet you at the bar, I want to go see the -- the -- the station that you mentioned yesterday -- the --
JIANG CHENG
(quietly)
The Atlantic Park Station.
NIE HUAISANG
Right -- I want to get at least a few scenes there.
He opens the door. Finally slows down.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Sorry. I know I -- sorry.
He exits. The door closes LOUD behind him.
INT. ATLANTIC PARK STATION - NIGHT
A beautiful train station with glass ceilings open to the ocean above. Posters lining the side, advertising products and performances in the coming weeks. Bustling, flooded with people laughing and chatting to each other. It's the hour where everyone is on their way to a party, a bar, or a club.
A crackling and tinny speaker plays music that is barely audible above the hubbub.
[TRACK 7: SHOW ME THE WAY TO GO HOME]
Nie Huaisang sits on a bench against a wall. Traces a circle, over and over, on the page with a pencil. He looks very small and out of place.
A train pulls in -- loud, smoke billowing everywhere. A surge of people pours out of it. It's loud and hectic.
He looks up at the noise. Thinks about something, pauses. Then packs up his stuff and walks away, blending into the crowd.
“These are all so great,” Jin Guangyao says, flipping through the pile of sketches. “Your brother will be pleased. Oh—” He pulls out a sketch of a garden with a beautiful waterfall. “Is this in Rapture, too? They have gardens? That’s surprising, I wonder how they keep them alive. If I have time, I might go visit, too.”
Nie Huaisang doesn’t answer him. He looks like he’s miles away. Jin Guangyao picks up on this quickly and sets the sketches down.
“Are you okay?”
Nie Huaisang shakes his head. “I’m fine,” he lies.
Jin Guangyao watches him carefully. “Okay,” he says, “Well, you’re going at a fantastic pace. You’ll probably be done in a few more days, at this rate. They mentioned you were eager for another vacation.”
Nie Huaisang hums. He hesitates and then says, anyway, “I might stay a little longer, actually. I made a friend.”
Jin Guangyao’s face clears immediately in understanding.
“A good friend?”
“Mmm.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Be careful not to get too attached.”
Nie Huaisang turns away. He doesn’t need his brother’s friend to remind him what he’d learned centuries ago. He knows that it's not feasible for them to grow attached to mortals—the likelihood of meeting the same human in a future area is basically impossible. Even if there was another chance for him to return to Rapture, mortals lived such short lives. He knows the statistics.
It feels like a sick joke. He can barely recognize himself anymore. He was never the type to get attached. Jiang Cheng has made him terrible at goodbyes.
EXT. THE MOON BAR - NIGHT
The outside of the Moon Bar looks as opulent as the inside. Laughter and applause accompany the music that drifts out from inside.
[TRACK 8: MY FUNNY VALENTINE]
Nie Huaisang stands against the door, hand raised for a few moments. He lowers it. Takes a step forward and then hesitates. Then steps back. Repeats these motions a few times.
He's about to start pacing in front of the door when a SOCIALITE steps up. She's looking to get in with her two friends.
SOCIALITE
Hey -- plan on going in anytime soon?
Nie Huaisang jolts. He turns and glares at the socialite before turning and walking away.
INT. THE TEA GARDEN - DAY
We watch from a distance. The sound of water running from the waterfall. A single figure underneath a sprawling tree, sketching on a pad propped on his knees. A shadow approaches and reaches out to him.
The figure under the tree looks up. A beat.
He takes the hand.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BEDROOM - NIGHT
A familiar bedroom with two familiar people. Things feel different this time, more detached.
They kiss -- slow and gentle, like they've been moving together for years. Jiang Cheng pulls away.
JIANG CHENG
I wanted to show you something.
NIE HUAISANG
Okay. But before you do, I want to say, I'm really sorry --
JIANG CHENG
No, hold on, first --
(turns him gently by the shoulders)
Look.
And so he does. Freezes.
The wall had been empty last time he'd seen it. Now, it's filled with dozens of PICTURE FRAMES. It's all of his sketches, meticulously framed.
Nie Huaisang is stunned. His eyes grow glassy.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
I didn't mean to offend you last time. I went out and arranged these the day right after, I know you spent a lot of time on them and I -- I guess I don't know much about drawings, I thought they would be fine in the drawer.
He realizes that Nie Huaisang is crying. Immediately goes to wipe at his tears.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Oh, fuck, I really -- I'm sorry --
NIE HUAISANG
No...it's fine.
Jiang Cheng hugs him. They stand there for a few beats.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
...Sorry.
(he pulls back and smiles)
It's sweet. Thank you.
JIANG CHENG
Are you sure? I can take them down if you want.
(beat)
Did I misunderstand? I thought you didn't like that I kept them in a drawer. If you actually want the drawings back, I can --
NIE HUAISANG
No, it's not that. They're for you. I'm crying about...I don't know.
(beat)
You've only known me for eight days.
JIANG CHENG
Oh. I guess.
(beat)
It's felt so much longer, I didn't even realize. Maybe because you kept popping up every day in the bar.
Nie Huaisang bursts into laughter. The sound is resigned.
NIE HUAISANG
Because you're very good at what you do, bartender.
JIANG CHENG
Thanks.
NIE HUAISANG
You're a little too good at what you do, actually.
He sighs.
JIANG CHENG
Why do you say that?
NIE HUAISANG
Don't know. I'm just...
(beat)
I don't think we should be doing this.
Jiang Cheng is very still.
NIE HUAISANG (CONT'D)
Not that I don't want to. I just won't be in town for very long, I guess. I don't think we should get very attached, because I'll be leaving soon.
Beat.
JIANG CHENG
Oh. Is that all?
Nie Huaisang is surprised. It's clear this is not the reaction he expected.
NIE HUAISANG
Um...I suppose.
JIANG CHENG
I can fix that, then. I just won't get attached.
He bends down and kisses Nie Huaisang on the forehead. Nie Huaisang, despite himself, smiles.
NIE HUAISANG
I'm serious.
JIANG CHENG
Why do you think I'm not?
NIE HUAISANG
You're making fun of me.
JIANG CHENG
I'm really not. You're saying that we should stay casual. I can do that.
Nie Huaisang looks back to the wall.
NIE HUAISANG
Then...
JIANG CHENG
Those?
His thinking is painfully visible. Nie Huaisang watches him with a creeping smile. Jiang Cheng notices and settles on an aloof look.
JIANG CHENG (CONT'D)
Those are some drawings from an artist that I love. I just put them up because I thought they look nice. You wouldn't know him.
NIE HUAISANG
Oh.
JIANG CHENG
There's no sentimental value in them at all.
NIE HUAISANG
Okay.
JIANG CHENG
But they are all limited edition. Very rare. I wouldn't give you one even if you paid me.
He's so unconvincing that Nie Huaisang can't help but laugh.
He gives in. Whatever will happen can happen. He relaxes in Jiang Cheng's arms.
NIE HUAISANG
Fine. I don't want them anyway.
A slow
DISSOLVE AWAY...
INT. THE MOON BAR - NIGHT
A quiet night in the Moon Bar. There are fewer people. Music is different, tonight. It is a solo pianist at the keys.
[TRACK 9: MOON RIVER]
Nie Huaisang is at a table this time, across the room, chin supported by the back of his hand.
He doesn’t pretend to sketch and watches Jiang Cheng openly, pensively. Jiang Cheng looks back at him between serving patrons. The playfulness from the earlier nights is gone, replaced by something quieter.
Later. The bar has emptied out. Though the pianist has long left, the song continues to echo in the room. Chairs are pushed messily against tables, a single rag resting on a table. The fake stars in the ceiling TWINKLE.
Two figures, cast in shadow from the sea, slow dance to the music.
Nie Mingjue is flipping through the folder and stops suddenly on one of the sketches.
“Who’s this?”
Nie Huaisang doesn’t even have to look to know that it’s a sketch of Jiang Cheng. He’s not ready to look at it yet.
“Someone I met in Rapture.”
Nie Mingjue brandishes it, meaning for his brother to take a look. Nie Huaisang shakes his head. Nie Mingjue places the paper in front of him.
It’s unavoidable now, so he sighs and complies.
And bursts into laughter.
He was wrong—it isn’t a picture of Jiang Cheng. Instead, it’s a juvenile scribble of what only vaguely resembles a human being. The head is a perfect circle, eyes slightly misaligned and represented beautifully with two large dots, mouth wobbling into a smile and huge ears at the side. The body is represented with a wonderful series of rectangles.
“Did you meet a child there?” Nie Mingjue asks, dubiously. “Who is this supposed to be?”
Nie Huaisang reaches out, still laughing and shaking his head. “It’s supposed to be me. Can I have it? I want to keep it.”
Nie Mingjue pulls it back. Suddenly it’s not so funny anymore. Nie Huaisang stops laughing. His brother pulls out another sketch from the folder.
This time it's what he was afraid of. It’s a drawing from the second to last night, of Jiang Cheng’s profile. Nie Huaisang had sneaked it at the end of his shift when he was leaning himself against the bar, chin in the palm of his hand, eyes closed. The slight push of his hand on his cheek had been adorable. Nie Huaisang still remembers how soft it had been when he kissed Jiang Cheng awake.
He can feel Nie Mingjue watching his reaction. “You liked him.”
Nie Huaisang shakes his head. “Not in the way you’re thinking.”
“For some reason, I’m not convinced.”
“I really don’t care if you’re convinced or not.”
Nie Mingjue’s eyes narrow further.
“Nie Huaisang.”
He feels a headache come on. His brother’s voice grates like its scraping against his bones. He drops his forehead into his hands.
“What?”
“Did you love him?”
Nie Huaisang starts laughing.
“No.”
He knows this isn’t enough to convince his brother. Despite this, he hears Nie Mingjue say—
“Well. Then that’s fine. I don’t want you heartbroken over a mortal you’ll never meet again.”
A paper flutters down before Nie Huaisang, and he recognizes it as the terrible picture Jiang Cheng had drawn of him. His brother is going to let him keep it. This is more sentiment than he was expecting.
He looks up, surprised, to find Nie Mingjue watching at him carefully. Is that concern in his eyes?
“I know. You’re right,” Nie Huaisang says.
It’s still too soon to have this conversation. He runs his finger along the edge of the page and it accidentally slices into his skin, drawing out a bead of blood.
“But wouldn’t it be nice if we did?”
INT. THE MOON BAR - NIGHT
Past closing. The lights are dim on the buildings outside. All of the bold marquees are turned off, no one left awake to impress. The city is asleep. Possession of the ocean is returned to its sea creatures.
A solitary bartender stands at the bar, wiping it down. From his shadow, we watch him stack cups. Rearrange bottles. Play with a box of lemon slices. Lean on his forearms and look out into the water past the window, wonder what's beyond.
The radio turned down low -- a single song playing, echoing through the room and down the open hallway, like it's searching for someone.
[TRACK 10: WE'LL MEET AGAIN]