Chapter Text
Shen Jiu sat in a lush garden, the early morning sun framing the leaves in shimmering gold. His hair was wet, hanging down his back over the heavy fur blanket draped over his borrowed linen robes. His fingers clenched around a cup of warm fragrant tea he'd been given as soon as he left Qiong Ding Peak's hot spring. This was the most luxury he had ever experienced in his life. Of course, the Qiu estate had been opulent. Full of beautiful paintings and vases, the gardens flush with gardenias and peonies, but Shen Jiu had only experienced those things when Qiu Jianluo wanted to find a new game to humiliate him. Even now with the birds chirping nearby and the wind blowing through the plum blossom tree at his back, he couldn't stop waiting for it all to fall apart.
The shadow of the night before loomed over his thoughts. He had been jolted awake after only a shichen of sleep by Qiu Jianluo dragging him out of the cramped room he slept in. He had thought it would be the same as it always had been. Qiu Jianluo would throw him onto the floor of his bedroom, a wicked smile on his face. There was never any fighting back when it came to Young Master Qiu. Shen Jiu could only shrink into himself and hope it would be over quickly.
And it had been, though not the way he expected.
On that night, Yue Qi had kept his promise.
Shen Jiu startled, muscles tensing at the soft sound of footsteps making their way through the garden. He tugged the fur blanket around his shoulders tighter. A tall and elegant lady strode in, her head high. The jade pins in her dark, gray-streaked hair glinted in the morning sun. Qi-ge followed behind her.
Shen Jiu narrowed his eyes but kept his head down. She was pretty, and she had come with Yue Qi the night before to spirit him away from the burning Qiu estate. She couldn't be a bad person. Not entirely. But her knife-sharp brows and thin set mouth made him shrink back. He'd never had anyone in power treat him kindly. They always wanted something. He just didn't know what the sect leader of Cang Qiong Mountain would want from him.
His gaze swept to Yue Qi. His Qi-ge. How much he had grown up. He no longer looked like the scrawny lanky boy that had knelt on the other side of a door and promised he'd return. He looked like a noble hero. His hair was wound into an ornate xiao-guan, his broad shoulders draped in embroidered white silk. He'd become so much taller, too, his jaw line sharpening as it lost the soft curves of his youth. Shen Jiu's shoulders curled under the fur as he scowled at the ground. He was too aware of how thin he was, how little he had grown since they'd parted. It wasn't as if Qiu Jianluo thought his favorite toy needed more than the bare minimum to survive.
"Xiao Jiu." Yue Qi's voice was deeper now than it had been, but his cadence was the same. Gentle and smooth. Shen Jiu couldn't help but lean in when he spoke. "This is my shizun. The Qiong Ding Peak Lord and sect leader of Cang Qiong Mountain, Ming Qiongxing."1
Shen Jiu bowed his head. Qiu Jianluo had beaten his reading skill into him and he'd always had an excellent memory. He could hazard a guess of who stood in front of him without an introduction.
"Immortal Master Ming, this humble Shen thanks you for your hospitality and…" He trailed off. He didn't know how to thank this stranger for pulling him away from Qiu Jianluo's grip while her disciple, the now radiant Yue Qingyuan, stabbed that beast in the gut.
"My disciple told me of your situation," she said, waving his thanks off. "It was only natural that I assist him so that his betrothed may be returned to him."
Shen Jiu swallowed the shock, but just barely. For a moment, he was seven and Yue Qi was nine. They were sitting by the river as the sun set and Yue Qi was smiling as he placed a red handkerchief they'd found over Shen Jiu's head.
"This Qi-ge will marry Xiao Jiu," he'd said, one tooth missing from the side of his wide grin. The sunlight had haloed his hair, turning the edges to gold and Shen Jiu had thought he didn't know much about being someone's wife, but if it was Qi-ge, then that was all he'd ever want.
The sect leader cocked her head. "Yue Qingyuan said his beloved was a great beauty, taken from him before he came to the sect. As the future leader of Cang Qiong Mountain, it of course would not do to allow our disciples to face such disgrace." She hummed then her face split into a cold smile. "Plus, I hate those who abuse the weak."
Shen Jiu's jaw clenched but he said nothing. Was he weak? He supposed so. He'd never once been able to stop Qiu Jianluo taking whatever he wanted. Not like Yue Qi who had come to the most preeminent sect in the world and become the head disciple of the sect leader. He'd always known his Qi-ge would go far.
"Immortal Master Ming is both righteous and generous," Shen Jiu forced out of his mouth. "This one can never repay you."
Ming Qiongxing hummed, then stepped forward and held out her hand. "Let me check your meridians."
Shen Jiu did not move, just looked up into her dark eyes. He could picture her wreathed in fire as the Qiu estate burned. Even if she had helped Qi-ge come back to get him, anyone with that much power made Shen Jiu's stomach twist.
Yue Qingyuan looked between them, then carefully stepped forward and sat next to Shen Jiu close enough for their thighs to press together.
"Xiao Jiu, this is my shizun," he said. "It's alright. You can trust her."
Shen Jiu tsked. "I don't—" He cut himself off, then thrust out his hand. "As the Immortal Master asks."
Ming Qiongxing's brow cocked, but she didn't comment. Her fingers were warm where they wrapped around his bony wrist. A flickering feeling ran up his arm, then a tingling warmth filled his body. Her eyes widened, but she said nothing as she pulled away.
"Yue Qingyuan."
"Yes, Shizun?" Yue Qingyuan's head lifted.
"Shen Jiu will need somewhere to stay. An Ding has guest houses."
Shen Jiu's heart started to race. He darted a glance to Yue Qingyuan. Yue Qingyuan reached out and grasped his hand.
"Shizun," he said. "Xiao Jiu is…Well, would it not be better for him to stay here?"
"You are betrothed. You know as well as I do that you really should not be spending the night together." She sighed.
"Shizun. I can stay outside. Or in the disciple dorms or—"
She raised a hand, cutting him off. She seemed to know her head disciple well enough to know when it was not worth arguing. "Fine fine. Take Shen Jiu back to the Azure Hut. Make sure he has anything he needs. He may stay until all things are settled."
Yue Qingyuan's face split into a relieved smile, his thick brows drawing together. Then he hurried to bow low. "This disciple thanks Shizun."
Ming Qiongxing's face softened. "Aiyah, what am I supposed to do about you? Well? Go on then. I will not excuse you from your duties this afternoon."
Yue Qingyuan bowed again then tugged Shen Jiu to his feet. Shen Jiu barely had enough time to bow his head to the sect leader before he was being pulled out of the private garden and into the path running under the lush trees.
Yue Qingyuan's house was not far from the Qiong Ding Peak Lord's. It was surrounded by a white wall, the inner courtyard small but filled with bright white peonies and a tall willow tree that shaded the red painted door. It's most striking feature was its roof, made of deep blue tiles the color of the sky. Yue Qingyuan paused at the threshold, his hand on the smooth lacquered wood. The tips of his ears turned red.
"Ah," he shuffled. "Xiao Jiu…"
Shen Jiu waited, his heart beating hard. His gut twisted, filling his mind with all sorts of thoughts: how Yue Qingyuan might have changed his mind, that he saw how scrawny and pitiful Shen Jiu was, that he wouldn't want Shen Jiu in his house, that he'd made a mistake. Shen Jiu shook himself. No. No, of course not. Yue Qingyuan had kept his promise. No matter what transpired from this moment, he would never forget that Yue Qingyuan had come back for him.
"Qi-ge?" Shen Jiu tipped his head to look up at Yue Qingyuan's face and watched the flush spread from his ears to his cheeks.
"I just," Yue Qingyuan shuffled again. "I hope you'll like it. If you don't that's alright. There are other places to stay. I won't be upset I promise. I just want Xiao Jiu to be comfortable. I—"
"Qi-ge," Shen Jiu interrupted.
"Mn?"
"Shut up and bring me inside." Shen Jiu crossed his arms, eyes sliding away. What an idiot, he thought. His heart gave a delicate flutter like a little bird.
Yue Qingyuan beamed. "Yes."
…
Even if Yue Qingyuan kept repeating that his house was small and that he hoped Shen Jiu would be comfortable, it was still the nicest place Shen Jiu had ever been allowed to stay. Sure, he'd lived in the Qiu's lavish estate for many years but he was not allowed to sleep in the nice rooms or partake in its luxuries. He stood now, turning in place as he took in the small but elegant receiving room. Paintings of mountains hung on the wall and the low table was made of a rich, warm, polished wood. Lacquered boxes rested on shelves along with jade and bone white sculptures. Past a large painted screen, Shen Jiu could see a bed piled with cushions and silk blankets with a window that looked out onto a bush of flowering hyrdrangea.
"If you aren't comfortable, I can—" Yue Qingyuan started.
Shen Jiu huffed. "Qi-ge can stop talking now."
A pleased flush bloomed across Yue Qingyuan's nose. "Mn."
Yue Qingyuan reached out first, his hands tentative as they ran down Shen Jiu's narrow shoulders. He took a breath, seeming to weigh some difficult choice, then he pulled Shen Jiu close. Shen Jiu's heart leapt then rattled against his chest as he was his head was tucked against his Qi-ge's shoulder. He breathed in, the unfamiliar scent of incense and silk robes filling his lungs, but beneath it, there was still something unameable of Yue Qi. He smelled the same.
"Xiao Jiu." Yue Qingyuan's hand ran up and down Shen Jiu's back, occasionally drifting up to thread through his hair as the other hand wrapped, unmoving, around his waist. "You're here."
Shen Jiu nodded. His throat felt too tight and he gritted his teeth against the warm rush flooding his gut. "I'm here."
When Yue Qingyuan pulled back, his eyes were bright. "You're here."
"Mmhmm." Shen Jiu turned his head away. His face felt hot.
"You're here," Yue Qingyuan repeated.
"Yes," Shen Jiu said. "You've said that."
Yue Qingyuan's lips split into a grin. "Xiao Jiu!"
"What?" Shen Jiu shot him the coldest look he could muster but it did nothing to stop the brilliant smile on Yue Qingyuan's face. His heart raced. His body felt both too large and too small all at once. His Yue Qi…his eyes traced the young but handsome face, down to his soft lips. His Yue Qi had really grown up.
Yue Qingyuan's dark lashes fluttered. "Ah, Xiao Jiu, you're here. I just…I really want—"
He was cut off by a knock at his door. A moment later a voice followed. "Yue-shixiong! Liu-shidi got in a fight again."
Yue Qingyuan's soft expression vanished and he shot a dark look at the door, his hands tightening around Shen Jiu.
"I'm busy now," Yue Qingyuan called back.
There was a pause. "Sorry, shixiong. It's just that… Liu-shidi. He won't listen to anyone else."
Yue Qingyuan pulled Shen Jiu closer. This complete fool. Shen Jiu sighed and swatted at him.
"Qi-ge has become so irresponsible," he said. "How did you even become head disciple? Huh?"
"Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan ducked his head.
"No," Shen Jiu backed away. "Go do your duties. I'm not getting blamed for you slacking off."
Yue Qingyuan's lips slid down. If he had ears and a tail they'd be drooping to the floor.
Shen Jiu crossed his arms and huffed out a breath. "I'll wait here for you, so just… Just hurry back."
Yue Qingyuan's eyes flicked up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Then I won't waste anymore time." Still he hesitated. At last he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Shen Jiu's forehead. "This Qi-ge will be back soon. I promise."
Shen Jiu nodded but refused to look at him lest his face burst into flame. He already knew Qi-ge would keep his promise.
…
By the time Yue Qingyuan managed to return, the night had grown late and Shen Jiu had grown tired. He'd checked every corner and crevice looking for any weak point where someone could sneak in, familiarizing himself with the best escape routes. As he went he'd found small protection talismans tucked away here and there, out of the way and only visible to someone looking for them. Shen Jiu had smiled to himself. So Yue Qingyuan wasn't such a fool anymore. Good.
He'd finally slid into the unfamiliar bed and waited for Yue Qingyuan to return. But his Qi-ge had looked so tired when he made his way back into his little house that Shen Jiu had just squeezed his eyes shut and pretended to sleep. He hoped things might change the next day but Yue Qingyuan was the sect's most sought after disciple. Of course, his time would be limited.
Shen Jiu's own days on Cang Qiong Mountain slid by as fast as water. He couldn't help but jump at every sound or startle awake whenever th Azure Hut creaked. But the sect was a peaceful place, only subject to the disciples' petty squabbles and training matches. Yue Qingyuan, a surprise to no one, was the same as he'd been as a child. Even if Shen Jiu had been his favorite, the other children had flocked to him when they were young. The Cang Qiong Mountain disciples did the same now.
Shen Jiu was put out. Every moment they had alone together, a knock would come at their door or a call for Yue-shixiongand Yue Qingyuan would be pulled away again. But what could Shen Jiu do? It wasn't as if he was anything more than a guest at this sect. He couldn't just tell someone to get out of Yue Qingyuan's house.
This morning the same exact thing had happened. Yue Qingyuan and Shen Jiu were sitting, as close as the low table allowed, when they were interrupted by one of the younger disciples. Shen Jiu had gone to excuse himself so that Yue Qingyuan would not be interrupted by his duties but Yue Qingyuan caught his hand.
"Xiao Jiu should finish his breakfast," he said, pulling Shen Jiu back down. "You hardly eat. Don't get up."
Shen Jiu sighed but he was weak to that look in Yue Qingyuan's eye. He ended up sitting watching Yue Qingyuan patiently explain the importance of the brush pressure to the younger disciple. Shen Jiu didn't think much of the kid though, he had the haughty look of some noble son, and his robes were askew on top of it. He could have at least showed up looking presentable.
"Liu-shidi should pay extra attention to this mark," Yue Qingyuan said.
The younger boy nodded, following Yue Qingyuan's direction with the brush on the talisman paper, but his sharp eyes kept cutting back across the table to Shen Jiu.
"And here, this is an easy place to make a mistake and render your talisman ineffective," Yue Qingyuan said.
"Yes, shixiong," Liu-shidi said. Again his eyes lifted, glancing at Shen Jiu's face. Shen Jiu glared and the boy darted his head away.
By the time they were done, this boy had snuck no less than eight glances at Shen Jiu and Shen Jiu was ready to throw something. His muscles were tight, breath coming short. He didn't like it. No attention was ever good attention unless it came from Yue Qingyuan.
When Liu-shidi was safely herded out the door by Yue Qingyuan, Shen Jiu let out a long breath.
"Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan's thick brows drew together as he came to kneel beside Shen Jiu. He lifted a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Shen Jiu's ear. "Are you alright?"
He leaned closer and Shen Jiu nodded, unable to get the words out of his suddenly tight throat. Yue Qingyuan's gaze dipped to his lips then back up, then down again. Shen Jiu could picture it. Not the glorious and talented cultivator Yue Qingyuan, but Yue Qi, his Qi-ge, leaning in and pressing their lips together. Yue Qingyuan's hand stroked through his hair, leaning close enough for their noses to just brush. He could feel the breath against his lips. His eyes fluttered shut.
Another knock sounded at the door.
Yue Qingyuan hissed out a curse, His characteristic good humor vanished as he snapped at the door. "What?"
"Yue-shixiong?" The voice of a young lady called. "The sect leader is asking for you."
Yue Qingyuan's eyes squeezed shut. He sighed, then leaned in and pressed his lips to Shen Jiu's forehead.
"Sorry Xiao Jiu." He forced a smile. "I'll see you for dinner."
Shen Jiu managed a nod then Yue Qingyuan was gone. Annoyance rose like bile in his gut. His hand shot out and struck his empty cup from the table where it rolled across the floor. Then he got up and stormed out through the back garden door.
Maybe this was for the best anyway. He already mapped the ins and outs of Yue Qingyuan's house. Now he should know the same for the rest of the peak. When inevitably this easy peace came crashing down and he was told he could no longer reside here on the mountain, he'd need a way to sneak back in past all these righteous cultivators.
Qiong Ding Peak was filled with inlaid stone walks and flowering trees. Wisteria bloomed across covered walkways before opening up into large spaces surrounded by white walls where the disciples ran their sword drills under the shade of the mountain peak. Everyone was dedicated to their work like Shen Jiu had always pictured a cultivation sect to be. The only oddity was him.
Wherever he went, the stares of the disciples followed him. The older ones were too disciplined to gawk but the younger ones in their crisp white robes kept pausing in their sword forms, their eyes locked onto him as he passed. Shen Jiu's gut twisted. He did not like being the focus of so much attention.
He turned a corner past a large hall filled with tables where a few disciples were gathered eating their late breakfast. A pair, one in white robes and one in gray robes, sweat dotting their brows, came around towards him and were forced to an abrupt stop. Both their eyes went wide and the taller stiffened.
"Shen-qianbei," he said and Shen Jiu realized it was the boy who had come to ask Yue Qingyuan questions earlier. Liu…something.
"Good afternoon." Shen Jiu bowed his head. The boy's friend leaned in to whisper something into his ear and Liu-whoever blinked, eyes sliding to Shen Jiu then away, then back again. He nodded in a way he probably thought was subtle. Some of the nervous energy spilled out of Shen Jiu. They were staring at him yesterday, but not in the way Qiu Jianluo or the servants did. If he didn't know better… He strode forward, and as if they'd choreographed it, the two jumped apart. He could feel their eyes on his back, hear the hushed sound of their whispers. How ridiculous. It was kind of funny.
"This humble Shen will leave first," he called, not bothering to turn around as he strode away.
…
As the sun started to dip low, he found a peaceful spot near a copse of plum blossom trees and sat leaned over one of the pavilion balustrades. It would be nice…Staying here. Even if no one wanted him around except Yue Qingyuan, at least Qi-ge was here. Wherever Qi-ge was, that was where he wanted to be.
The sun glinting through the trees was overtaken by a long shadow and Shen Jiu whipped around. As if he'd summoned him by his thoughts, Yue Qingyuan stood smiling behind him.
"Xiao Jiu." His eyes curved as he looked Shen Jiu over. "It seems you've found a good spot."
"Perhaps," Shen Jiu sniffed. "I thought a cultivation sect would have more interesting fare, but this is just like every rich lord's estate."
Yue Qingyuan's smile broadened. "Oh? Is Xiao Jiu bored?"
"Incredibly," Shen Jiu crossed his arms. "I had to tour myself around thanks to you."
"Let Qi-ge make it up to you," Yue Qingyuan said. "I bet I know a few places that Xiao Jiu didn't find.
Shen Jiu lifted his head but kept his eyes narrowed. He didn't want Yue Qingyuan getting ideas about bribing him…even if he could, very easily, be bribed. Yue Qingyuan reached out. His hand curled first around Shen Jiu's fingers, squeezing once, then slid up to loop their arms together.
Shen Jiu kept his head held high as he walked, expression frosty, but inside his heart was pounding. Yue Qingyuan was so warm, he could feel the heat radiating off the man from where their arms were joined. Shen Jiu could feel his face growing hot. Getting flustered like a maiden. How embarrassing.
They wound their way off the stone path into the denser woods at the foot of the mountain peak. At last they cleared the tree line and found themselves beside an out of the way pavilion beside a pond fed by a small cascading waterfall. Yue Qingyuan led him up along the red painted steps and together they sat, leaned against the balustrade.
"These fish feed on the qi rich air," Yue Qingyuan explained as Shen Jiu's eyes traced along their flitting gold forms just visible under the rippling surface of the water. "That's why they grow so large and colorful."
Shen Jiu snorted. "Careful or one might make its way up the waterfall and through the dragon gate."
Yue Qingyuan laughed, his hand sliding back down to entwine their fingers together. Shen Jiu did not jolt. He was very calm. He could hold his childhood friend— betrothed— his childhood friend's hand and it would not be weird.
"Do you like it?" Yue Qingyuan asked. He had the distinct air of a puppy wagging its tail and Shen Jiu felt his ears start to warm.
"It's… acceptable."
"High praise." Yue Qingyuan's eyes curved as he smiled. The wind drifted through the trees, scattering a few maple leaves across the pond's surface. Somewhere far away Shen Jiu could hear the clashing metal of the disciples' sword drills.
"Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan said. "Can you still do that trick with the leaves?"
Shen Jiu rolled his eyes. "I thought you'd find far more interesting tricks, Yue-xianshi."
"I'm just a disciple, Xiao Jiu."
Shen Jiu blew a rush of air out of his nose then lifted his hand and concentrated. It was no longer as easy as it had once been as a child, when the qi had flowed through him as natural as breathing. But it wasn't unreachable either. It stirred up through his body then, in a rush, split the air. The leaves on the pond lifted, dancing in a flurry of red and golden sunlight. Then they streaked to him and he caught them out of the air, one by one.
"Here," he said, and Yue Qingyuan plucked them out of his hand before tucking them away into his sleeve. Shen Jiu snorted. "Stupid Qi-ge. Saving leaves."
Yue Qingyuan said nothing in his defense, just smiled, his fingers squeezing around Shen Jiu's. After a moment his smile fell away and he pulled his hand back.
"Xiao Jiu, I—" his lips twisted. "I have to tell you something."
Shen Jiu waited, his heart pounding.
"This Qi-ge…I'm sorry, I was wrong."
"You were…" Shen Jiu shook his head. "What are you wrong about?"
Yue Qingyuan's lips turned down.
"I don't understand," Shen Jiu said. His chest felt tight. All his worst fears rising up his throat to swallow him. Yue Qingyuan would tell him that he didn't want him, that Shen Jiu didn't belong here, that he couldn't stay. That— he forced himself to breathe. Yue Qingyuan had come back for him. So, it couldn't be any of those things. It couldn't.
"Qi-ge." Shen Jiu's jaw clenched. "Just say it."
Yue Qingyuan's shoulders hunched, but he nodded. "I… I promised I'd come back for you. I did work hard. Xiao Jiu. I did my best to get into a sect then trained until I collapsed every day trying to get back to you. But…" At last he reached out and took Shen Jiu's hand. His thumb rubbed across a paper thin scar, just visible from where Shen Jiu's sleeve met the back of his hand. "I took too long. You were hurt and it's my fault."
Shen Jiu stared at him. The shadow of Qiu Jianluo rose up behind him. He no longer slept well, his body constantly ached, and his hands shook when there were too many people close by. But Yue Qingyuan…Qi-ge…
"What a fool you are," Shen Jiu scoffed. "You're the dumbest man I've ever met."
Yue Qingyuan's smile was more a wince than anything. "Yes. Xiao Jiu is right."
"Well you did take a long time," Shen Jiu said.
"I did."
"So of course Qi-ge needs repercussions."
"Of course. Whatever Xiao Jiu thinks."
Shen Jiu nodded, his heart starting to beat fast for an entirely different reason. "Qi-ge will have to make it up to me. For keeping me waiting for so long."
Yue Qingyuan finally lifted his head. His thick brows furrowed. "Xiao Jiu?"
"Well?" Shen Jiu sniffed, his cheeks growing hot. "Are you such a fool I have to tell you how to do everything?"
Yue Qingyuan blinked, then a pleased smile crossed his lips. "No. I shouldn't make Xiao Jiu do all the work if I'm supposed to be making things up to him."
Shen Jiu swallowed. Even his ears felt hot. "Good then. I don't see how Qi-ge could be the future sect leader if he was so useless that he couldn't even…"
He trailed off as Yue Qingyuan leaned in, one hand pressing to the balustrade beside Shen Jiu's shoulder. The other hand came up to trace his fingers along Shen Jiu's jaw.
"Shall I start making it up to Xiao Jiu now?"
Shen Jiu's head darted away. He didn't know what to do with his hands so they tangled in his robes as Yue Qingyuan's warm breath ghosted across his cheek. His heart was beating hard. He felt too hot as Yue Qingyuan shifted, his broad shouldered form dwarfing Shen Jiu's lithe body. Yue Qingyuan's fingers threaded into his hair. His lips pressed to Shen Jiu's cheek.
"Xiao Jiu," he murmured low. "I really want to—"
"Shixiong?" A voice cut through the air and Yue Qingyuan stiffened, his fingers on the balustrade tightening enough for the wood to creak. His expression twitched, then settled into a tight, strained smile as he turned around.
"What is it?"
One of the younger disciples stood on the path just before the pavilion's steps. Her eyes went wide as saucers as they darted from Yue Qingyuan's icy smile to Shen Jiu.
"I—sorry. I— I didn't know that—" The disciple's shoulders climbed to her ears. "I thought you were alone."
Yue Qingyuan's eyes curved into crescents as he nodded. "Yes, that much is clear, shimei."
The girl didn' seem to know where to look. Every time her gaze slid to Shen Jiu, Yue Qingyuan's smile grew icier.
"Shimei, is this something that cannot wait?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
The girl swallowed. "It…it's not important!" She bowed low, her little braids flipping over her shoulder, then she darted back through the woods without a backwards glance.
"What happened to kind and patient Yue-shixiong?" Shen Jiu snorted. "I didn't know it was Qi-ge's habit to intimidate his martial sib—"
"Sorry, Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan interrupted. Without another word he lifted Shen Jiu into his arms and started back down the path. Shen Jiu yelped, hands wrapping tight around Yue Qingyuan's shoulders.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Shen Jiu snapped. "Put me down!"
Yue Qingyuan's arms tightened, shooting Shen Jiu a smile instead of responding.
"Qi-ge!" Shen Jiu yanked a strand of Yue Qingyuan's hair. "What are you? A beast? Put me down!"
This, again, only made Yue Qingyuan hold him tighter. "We'll be back soon, so stop struggling, alright?"
Shen Jiu glared, the tips of his ears growing hot. Fine then, if Yue Qingyuan wanted to carry him like a bride across half the peak, what did he care? It's not like everyone didn't stare at him anyway. He dropped his head into the crook of Yue Qingyuan's shoulder, unwilling to see if anyone was around to watch this display. Yue Qingyuan hummed, a happy light sound, and dropped a kiss to the side of Shen Jiu's head.
Yue Qingyuan didn't set Shen Jiu back down even as he walked inside his house, closing the door with his foot. He kept walking all the way to the bedroom. Only then did he set Shen Jiu onto the bed like he were a piece of spun sugar.
Shen Jiu could feel his flush spreading from his ears to his cheeks. "What do you think you're doing?" He huffed up at Yue Qingyuan.
"Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan said. "Every time we have a single moment alone, we're interrupted. I'm tired of waiting."
"You're tired of waiting for wh—"
Yue Qingyuan bent down and sealed their lips together before he could get another word out. Shen Jiu gasped at the sudden warm contact and Yue Qingyuan wasted no time, pressing his tongue into Shen Jiu's mouth as he pressed Shen Jiu back against the cushions, caging him in. Heat coursed through Shen Jiu's body. His hands pushed against Yue Qingyuan's broad chest, torn between telling him to get off and pulling him closer. It was like Shen Jiu's body didn't know what to do and he froze, fingers splayed wide across the silk of Yue Qingyuan's robes as Yue Qingyuan slowly and methodically mapped out the inside of his mouth.
Even just that much had Shen Jiu shivering. Yue Qingyuan was so warm, he'd grown up so much and Shen Jiu could feel the strength and new weight of him as Yue Qingyuan's pressed him against the bed, cradling his head with his hands. Even as insistent as he was, Yue Qingyuan didn't rush, his lips soft as he finally pulled away to trail kisses up Shen Jiu's jaw as gentle as a butterfly walking across his skin.
It had never…Shen Jiu had been kissed before. A lot of things had been done to him. There had been one night, as he lay curled up on his bed in the Qiu's manor, body aching and shivering, that he'd promised himself when he escaped he would never be intimate with anyone. It was something that could only hurt so why would he want it? When he saw Qi-ge again and Qi-ge proclaimed that Shen Jiu was his betrothed, in his mind he had accepted that this may be the outcome that his Qi-ge would want. That he might have to break that promise to himself. Even so, if it was for Qi-ge, even if Shen Jiu had sworn he never wanted to, for Qi-ge… if it was what Qi-ge wanted…
But as Yue Qingyuan's hands slid down his waist to curve around his hips, rocking slowly against him, Shen Jiu couldn't hold back the soft gasps. It didn't hurt. He thought it should hurt, but even the soft nips of Yue Qingyuan's teeth across his bared neck didn't hurt. They only left a shimmery sort of pleasure bubbling up through his body.
Yue Qingyuan undressed him with careful movements, his hands spanning the width of Shen Jiu's waist as he wound each tie and sash free. When he went to pull Shen Jiu's outer robe completely off, Shen Jiu froze, heart leaping into his throat. It was fine. It was fine. He could be naked with Qi-ge. He could—
"Shh," Yue Qingyuan pet his hair, then leaned up to press a kiss to his temple. "It's alright. We can leave them on."
"Stupid, Qi-ge." Shen Jiu's face flushed and he darted his head away. He hated how easily his body settled when the weight of the silk and linen was left on his shoulders, even as Yue Qingyuan went back to parting them until he was left with a strip of Shen Jiu's bare skin.
Yue Qingyuan sat back on his heels, his dark eyes tracing over Shen Jiu from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. A small curling smile spread across his face.
"What?" Shen Jiu snapped, feeling too hot and too chilled at the same time. This was a new feeling, to have all the most vulnerable parts of him bared, but to still be allowed to curl into his robes like he had some kind of armor.
Yue Qingyuan's smile broadened. "Xiao Jiu is so beautiful." He ran a hand up Shen Jiu's thigh, still covered by his long socks, until his fingers just dusted the bare skin at the top. Shen Jiu's breath hitched.
"Will you just stare at me?" Shen Jiu glared. His heart had begun to race again.
"Mn," Yue Qingyuan nodded. His fingers idly traced along the edge of Shen Jiu's sock but slid no closer towards the blooming heat that had begun to fill Shen Jiu's belly. "If that's all Xiao Jiu wants me to do."
Shen Jiu clenched his jaw to keep his lips from trembling. How stupid. He crossed his arms, forcing a sigh from his lips. "Qi-ge is so stupid. Must I tell him how to do everything?"
"No." Yue Qingyuan's fingers dipped around Shen Jiu's thigh to slide underneath, pressed right to the edge of where Shen Jiu's leg curved up to his bony behind. He sucked in a breath. Yue Qingyuan's hands were warm and Shen Jiu's toes curled in his socks at the pleasant rush of feeling. "I'll take care of everything. Xiao Jiu only needs to let Qi-ge know if it hurts."
Shen Jiu sneered. "Of course, it will hurt. Are you stupid?"
Yue Qingyuan's smile slid away. "Xiao Jiu will let me know?"
Shen Jiu stared, then sighed. "Fine, fine. I will."
Yue Qingyuan nodded, then he dropped down without hesitation and pressed his tongue directly between Shen Jiu's thighs and straight to his cunt. Shen Jiu gasped. It was hot. Yue Qingyuan's tongue soft, and wet, and insistent as he very carefully licked across Shen Jiu's hole, laving up to his clit. Yue Qingyuan's hands lifted Shen Jiu's thighs onto his shoulders. He pressed deeper, his long straight nose buried as close as he could get into Shen Jiu's pussy.
Shen Jiu's hands flew up to his mouth as his whole body shook. He'd never had anyone do this for him before. Who would have? Who cared enough about him to treat him as more than a convenient object to use. Of course, Qi-ge would be different. Yue Qingyuan dragged his tongue back and forth, slow and methodical as the way he kissed, pausing after each hitch of Shen Jiu's breath. He mapped each reaction, then returned to repeat them until Shen Jiu was squirming, a burning fire stoked in his gut. Yue Qingyuan pressed his tongue flat against Shen Jiu's clit, dragging across the sensitive nub before dipping lower to press into the tight space of Shen Jiu's fluttering hole.
Shen Jiu's toes curled. His eyes stung, fingers cutting hard into his cheeks as he pressed his palms against his mouth. He burned with embarrassment for his inability to control even a single reaction, his legs jerking over Yue Qingyuan's shoulders and his chest heaving. The twining pressure in his belly built higher and higher, and he squeezed his eyes shut. He couldn't be— It had never been—
He let go of his mouth for just a moment to gasp out a desperate— "Qi-ge, stop, I'm going to—"
Yue Qingyuan raised his head for a moment, head tipping, the bottom of his chin slick with spit. Then he smiled, wide.
"Mn, good," he replied, then dove back in like a starving man. The tip of his tongue pressed into Shen Jiu's hole and the pressure in his gut snapped.
He came, body shaking as he gushed wet over Yue Qingyuan's waiting mouth. His thoughts fractured, and his keening cries grew loud enough to escape the cage of his palms. Yue Qingyuan continued to gently drag his tongue across Shen Jiu's slick pussy until his trembling grew near painful, then, as if he knew without being told, he pulled away.
He wiggled, pressing his body against the bed so he could prop his head on Shen Jiu's belly. Shen Jiu stared down at him, his flushed cheeks, his pink lips, the shining spit slicked over his chin. Spit and other things, Shen Jiu thought with a flush of heat straight through his body.
"See," Yue Qingyuan said. His eyes were curved and he looked a little too smug. That's how he'd always been. Even when they were children. Always in a rush, always grinning when he did something he thought Shen Jiu would praise him for. What a fool.
"See what?" Shen Jiu huffed, ignoring his fluttering heart.
"Did it hurt?"
Shen Jiu's lips curved down. The tips of his ears were burning. Yue Qingyuan just waited, that little pleased smile still on his face.
"…no," Shen Jiu mumbled.
Yue Qingyuan propped his head on his open palm, using his other hand to idly trace patterns over Shen Jiu's hipbone.
"So Xiao Jiu will trust his Qi-ge to handle the rest?"
Shen Jiu glared at him. "Handle the rest? You're lucky I let you handle anything. Shameless."
Yue Qingyuan's eyes crinkled. "Mn, very lucky." He pressed a quick kiss to Shen Jiu's belly, then pulled himself the rest of the way up to press their lips together again. Shen Jiu shivered as Yue Qingyuan's tongue curled into his mouth. He tasted of salt, and sweat, and something else. Yue Qingyuan tasted like him. The tongue now curling along the back of his teeth had just been inside him.
A soft whimper escaped their kiss and he could feel Yue Qingyuan's curling smile. So smug. Shameless fool. But Shen Jiu couldn't have pulled away if he wanted to. He'd lost control of his hands, unable to do anything but wrap into Yue Qingyuan's robes as Yue Qingyuan probed the inside of his mouth. He gasped as he felt Yue Qingyuan's fingers slide down, dipping under the draped fabric of his robes, dragging over his narrow waist, his bony hips, then in between his thighs. Yue Qingyuan hitched one leg up over his own hip, then dipped in between Shen Jiu's legs to drag his fingers along the sticky wetness of Shen Jiu's pussy.
Shen Jiu tensed as Yue Qingyuan's finger circled his entrance, his body shrinking back against the bed.
"Shh." Yue Qingyuan broke their kiss to rest their foreheads together. "It's alright. I won't hurt you."
"Shut up," Shen Jiu hissed. His fingers dug into Yue Qingyuan's robes.
"Just relax." Yue Qingyuan pressed his thumb to Shen Jiu's clit, gently rubbing back and forth. "Qi-ge will take care of everything, just be good and relax for me."
Shen Jiu's face heated. He could feel a wetness dripping from his cunt. He couldn't believe it was that easy. That Yue Qingyuan just had to tell him to be good and his body would respond. But it was Qi-ge. Of course, who else had Shen Jiu ever been able to trust than his Qi-ge?
The first finger inside him made him freeze as he waited for the pain of being forced open. But Qi-ge was as good as his word. He took his time, slowly pumping the finger in and out as his thumb ran idle circles along SJ's clit. He was so warm, draped over Shen Jiu's whole body, holding him steady as he finally pressed in with a second finger. By the time he'd added a third, SJ was shivering. His arousal was strung out, hanging on the knife's edge before falling over. Sweat slicked down his back as the room filled with the wet squelching sound of Yue Qingyuan fingering him open with so much easy patience than it might drive Shen Jiu insane. Shen Jiu's toes curled. His breath hitched. Yue Qingyuan only crooned to him, leaning into whisper against the shell of his ear.
"Xiao Jiu is doing so good. Do you feel how wet you are? How eager your body is for me."
"Shameless," Shen Jiu bit out. "Stupid Qi-ge. I—" His words cut off as Yue Qingyuan curled his fingers and a bolt of pleasure lit up his body. His fingers tangled into Yue Qingyuan's robes, panting, face flushed. "Stop—What are you waiting for?"
Yue Qingyuan hummed, smiling his gentlest smile. "I want you to come for me first."
"I already—"
Yue Qingyuan curled his fingers again and Shen Jiu's back arched. Now that he had worked out the exact method to play Shen Jiu's body like a well-tuned instrument, he focused all his attention on his task. His thumb ran circles around Shen Jiu's clit, fingers pumping in deep hard strokes into his hole as he returned to running his mouth along Shen Jiu's jaw. The hazy pleasure that had consumed Shen Jiu's whole body turned into a pulsing wave. He gasped, head tipped back and legs shaking as Yue Qingyuan continued to thrust his fingers inside, his other hand holding Shen Jiu gently down by the hip.
It took an embarrassingly short time before Shen Jiu was arching, the pleasure burning through him until, like the rushing tide, it carried him over the edge. He came with a high keening cry and another wet gush over Yue Qingyuan's fingers.
"So beautiful," Yue Qingyuan said, peppering kisses over his temple. "Xiao Jiu did so well."
Shen Jiu panted, unable to form a single word. He was dazed. Aftershocks of pleasure ran through his veins. He whimpered when Yue Qingyuan pulled his fingers out but Yue Qingyuan just pressed a kiss to his lips.
"Just a moment Xiao Jiu," he said as he got to his knees to settle between Shen Jiu's legs. "I'll fill you back up."
"Stupid," Shen Jiu hissed, even as the dull ache in his body reminded him of how good it had felt for Yue Qingyuan to have his fingers inside him, how good it might be to have something else of Yue Qingyuan inside him.
"Are you comfortable?" Yue Qingyuan's dark eyes slid up to Shen Jiu.
"No." Shen Jiu crossed his arms.
Yue Qingyuan's thick brows drew together, eyes widening. He had such a handsome face, like a hero from a children's story. How strange it was to have him knelt between Shen Jiu's spread legs. Shen Jiu tilted his head away.
"Qi-ge still has all his clothes on. How am I supposed to be comfortable if I'm the only one exposed."
The worry fell away and Yue Qingyuan smiled. "Sorry, Xiao Jiu. This Qi-ge messed up. Let me fix it."
"You better."
Shen Jiu watched as Yue Qingyuan slid from the bed, his robes wrinkled. He made quick work of pulling them off to drop them haphazardly on the floor. He still had some of the lithe narrow muscles of his youth, and a little roundness along his jaw and his waist, something he'd never had when they were just starving children on the street. But his shoulders had broadened, the sweep of his stomach was lined with muscle, and his cock… Shen Jiu swallowed. It was large. Flushed red where it curved back up to his belly, drooling a line of sticky pre-come down the head.
Yue Qingyuan lowered his eyes, lashes dusting his cheeks, when he caught Shen Jiu watching.
"Am I pleasing to Xiao Jiu?"
Shen Jiu's face heated and he forced a scowl. "Why do you need so many compliments?" Then, in a small voice, "Of course, Qi-ge is pleasing."
Yue Qingyuan's lips quirked up into a broad smile. Before Shen Jiu knew it, he was back on the bed, kneeling between Shen Jiu's legs. His hands stroked along Shen Jiu's hips, curling along the protruding bones before sliding down to his thighs to lift them. Shen Jiu swallowed hard, then wrapped them around Yue Qingyuan's waist. His body ached with the desire to be filled with Yue Qingyuan's long hardened cock now pressing along his folds. He'd never— He'd never thought he could want something like this, to have his whole body attuned to his Qi-ge's closeness, to feel what it would be like to have Yue Qingyuan inside him, fucking him, claiming him.
"Is Xiao Jiu ready?" Yue Qingyuan asked, his thumbs stroking along Shen Jiu's hipbones.
It was too much to look up into Yue Qingyuan's handsome face and Shen Jiu was forced to look away to answer. "Will you keep me waiting again?"
"Of course not," Yue Qingyuan bent to press a quick kiss to Shen Jiu's lips. "I'll never keep you waiting again. I promise."
Before Shen Jiu could reply, he felt the blunt head of Yue Qingyuan's cock slide against his hole. His breath hitched, then it popped in. Yue Qingyuan let out a shivery groan, fingers tightening. He pressed in slow. Even as his brows curved in deep concentration, he took his time. But Shen Jiu had been stretched well and all he felt was an intense heat and pressure as Yue Qingyuan slid in further and further until at last he bottomed out.
They both let out matching moans. Shen Jiu's chest heaved. It was so much. Yue Qingyuan was inside him, fingers stroking along his hip bones like he was calming a startled animal. Yue Qingyuan pressed his forehead to Shen Jiu's, letting out long and shivery breaths that ghosted warm across Shen Jiu's face. To Shen Jiu's rising embarrassment, he felt his eyes start to prick with tears. Qi-ge, his Qi-ge. Of course, Qi-ge would never hurt him. He'd always treated Shen Jiu like a priceless treasure. Whether they were crawling in the dirt or clad in silk, nothing had changed.
"Qi-ge." Shen Jiu's voice came out strained. Yue Qingyuan cracked his eyes open. His lips parted then he was leaning in to press gentle kisses to the corners of Shen Jiu's eyes.
"Xiao Jiu," he murmured. "Xiao Jiu, you're perfect."
Shen Jiu felt Yue Qingyuan's cock twitch inside him. He swallowed hard. "Just—just move. Stupid Qi-ge. Don't you know how to do this?"
Yue Qingyuan smiled. "Mn. I do. Just let me take care of everything."
The first thrust tore a gasp from Shen Jiu's throat, the second had him letting out a strangled whimper. Yue Qingyuan was barely doing more than rocking into him but even so, it felt like Shen Jiu's blood was on fire. He felt surrounded, all consumed, by his Qi-ge. Qi-ge's warm hands wrapped around him, Qi-ge's cock inside him, Qi-ge's familiar scent filling his nose. With every thrust he felt full to bursting. He couldn't do anything but wrap his arms around Yue Qingyuan's back and let his Qi-ge use his body as he wanted.
He'd never known it could be like this, pleasure flooding his body, slick wetness dripping from his cunt down his thighs. Yue Qingyuan's nails dug into Shen Jiu's hips and Shen Jiu keened, his pussy squeezing tight around Yue Qingyuan's cock.
"Oh—" Yue Qingyuan groaned. "Xiao Jiu—"
His hips snapped on the next thrust and even that carried only a sharp insistent pleasure.
"Qi-ge—" Shen Jiu tightened his legs around Yue Qingyuan's hips. "Qi-ge, I—"
"I've got you," Yue Qingyuan gasped. His pace increased, a loud wet sound filling the air as he started to drive his cock in faster and faster. "Just relax, you're so good for me."
Shen Jiu's eyes squeezed shut. For a moment he thought once more of how different this could have been. Then it was all washed away as Yue Qingyuan crashed their lips together.
Shen Jiu's hands came up, clawing down Yue Qingyuan's back to hold him closer. His hips lifted on their own to meet each thrust. The pleasure spiked like a lightning strike as Yue Qingyuan got onto his knees, pressing Shen Jiu's legs up by his head so he could drive deeper.
"Ah—Qi-ge—I—" Whatever Shen Jiu was going to say was lost to the overwhelming pleasure of Qi-ge slamming as deep as he could go inside him. He wanted Qi-ge to keep going, to carve a space just for his cock to fit, to rewrite every moment of Shen Jiu's past until it was only Qi-ge, his Qi-ge and nothing else. Yue Qingyuan's tongue dragged across the roof of his mouth, his cock slammed hard, deep and fast, his fingers found Shen Jiu's clit and pressed.
It was too much. The taut wire of Shen Jiu's pleasure snapped and he crashed over the edge once more with a loud cry, thoughts fracturing, and body shaking. His eyes welled up, then tears spilled over his cheeks and down into his hairline.
"Gods," Yue Qingyuan gasped, thrusts growing erratic. "You're perfect, my Xiao Jiu, Xiao Jiu, Xiao Jiu—"
Shen Jiu hiccuped, the pleasure stringing him out until he was nothing more than this moment, joined with Qi-ge. He clung to it like it might last forever.
Qi-ge gasped, his voice cracked as he dragged Shen Jiu back onto his cock. Then he was spilling inside of Shen Jiu's body, pressing deep enough for nothing to escape. His hands pressed bruising marks onto Shen Jiu's hips until at last, there was nothing left.
He collapsed to the side, pulling Shen Jiu into his arms, as he pressed his lips to Shen Jiu's hair and just breathed.
Shen Jiu wiggled a little until his face was pressed firmly to Yue Qingyuan's sweat slicked chest. His head felt full of catkin fuzz, body and muscles relaxed in a way he didn't think they'd ever been. Yue Qingyuan's hand stroked up and down the silk still covering his back and Shen Jiu huffed. He forced himself to sit up, catching a glimpse of Yue Qingyuan's wide-eyed expression, then shed the layers still covering his arms. Now completely bare, he pressed himself back into Yue Qingyuan's space with no more barriers between them.
They lay in comfortable silence, hands idly stroking over skin. After a while Yue Qingyuan pressed a kiss to Shen Jiu's forehead. Shen Jiu could feel him smiling. The idiot.
"Xiao Jiu," Yue Qingyuan murmured.
"Hm?" Shen Jiu squirmed closer against Yue Qingyuan's chest. He was warm and comfortable and did not want to move just yet. Stupid Qi-ge and his stupid nice voice trying to talk to him.
"Let's get married."
Shen Jiu blinked, the fuzz billowing out of his mind. "What are you even saying?"
Yue Qingyuan shot him a lopsided smile. His hair was a mess and his cheeks were still flushed and Shen Jiu thought he'd never looked more handsome.
"Let's get married, Xiao Jiu, as soon as possible. I already told Shizun that you were my betrothed so why wait?"
Shen Jiu's ears grew hot. "Stupid Qi-ge," he grumbled. "As if you were going to marry anyone else." If he did, Shen Jiu might have to throw that person off the side of the mountain.
Yue Qingyuan's smile widened further, eyes curving into crescents. "Xiao Jiu will look so pretty in red. Everyone will be envious. Then we can live together, and sleep in the same bed, and—" he paused cheeks flushing. "Xiao Jiu could have my children."
"You!" Shen Jiu's shoulders climbed towards his ears. His heart fluttering as light as a bird. He smacked a hand against Yue Qingyuan's chest which only made the man laugh. "Shameless, ridiculous fool! What are you even saying?!"
Yue Qingyuan just laughed more before leaning in to capture Shen Jiu's lips in another kiss, pressing him back against the bed.
By the time they finally broke apart the sun had long since set and Shen Jiu was well and truly sated.
"We should get dinner," Yue Qingyuan said.
Shen Jiu groaned. "Bath first."
"Mn," Yue Qingyuan kissed his forehead. "Xiao Jiu is right." He stood up to start pulling his robes off the floor. Shen Jiu watched him, a twisting discomfort winding in to cut through the easy atmosphere. After a moment, Yue Qingyuan stopped, glancing up at Shen Jiu with a frown. "What is it?"
"Nothing," Shen Jiu huffed.
"It can't be nothing." Yue Qingyuan shrugged on his inner robe then came back to sit on the bed. He reached out, twisting a lock of Shen Jiu's long hair around his finger. "Xiao Jiu?"
"It's ridiculous."
Yue Qingyuan waited. Shen Jiu clenched his jaw and stared back but he had a feeling he wasn't going to out stubborn Yue Qingyuan.
"Fine." He sighed. "It's just that…the disciples here. They're always staring at me."
"Staring at you?"
"Yes, whispering. Pointing even. I don't know why I'm so interesting that I deserve all of their attention."
Yue Qingyuan's jaw clenched, his lips pulling down. But when he looked back at Shen Jiu he smiled and reached a hand up to cup his cheek, leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to his lips.
"I'll take care of it Xiao Jiu, don't worry."
Shen Jiu looked away, trying to calm the fluttering of his heart. Maybe not so surprisingly, Shen Jiu believed him.
…
As expected, Yue Qingyuan was forced to leave early the next morning. Shen Jiu spent the day lazing around in Yue Qingyuan's small but private garden, no real desire or energy to do anything else. Who knew Yue Qingyuan would be so insatiable and keep him up all night! Shen Jiu hoped he was extra exhausted. A smile tugged up his lips. If Yue Qingyuan was, then he'd remember it was because he'd stayed up all night with Shen Jiu. He hoped Qi-ge had to sit all uncomfortably aroused all day. That would show him for leaving so early.
Yue Qingyuan didn't make him wait forever. He came back early in the afternoon, stepping into the garden wreathed by warm sunlight. Tucked under his arm were a few boxes. He stepped up to the bench Shen Jiu was sitting on and leaned in to press a kiss to his forehead.
"Xiao Jiu." He smiled. "I brought these for you."
"Do you think you can buy your way into my good graces after leaving me as soon as you woke up?" Shen Jiu huffed. Still he reached out and Yue Qingyuan placed the boxes in his lap.
"No," Yue Qingyuan shrugged. "But I saved every bit of money I've made since we were separated. I know it's not much now. But I ordered a few things for you, hoping they'd make you happy when we were reunited." He took a seat next to Shen Jiu, scuffing his boot against the grass. "And now we are."
This complete fool. Who wouldn't be charmed by him? He was like a child in his earnestness. Shen Jiu didn't know how he'd kept that trait all these years. Shen Jiu didn't think he had any of it left, if he'd ever had an earnest bone in his body at all. But Qi-ge… Qi-ge was special.
He opened the lid of the first box and his lips parted in a soft "o." Then he opened the rest. They contained a set of new robes, each as beautiful as the last, made of fine silk and complete with delicate embroidery and matching ribbons and sash tassels. There was even a jade pin for his hair, carved into the shape of a bird.
"Qi-ge…" There was no telling how much this must have cost. He clenched his jaw against his tight throat. He swore if stupid Qi-ge made him cry he'd kick him out of his own house. "How much do they pay you at this sect to afford all of this? Really, what are they hoarding money?"
Yue Qingyuan smiled. "I'm glad Xiao Jiu likes them. I'll get you more, whatever you like." He paused, cheeks coloring. "And wedding robes. Xiao Jiu deserves the best."
"I do." Shen Jiu crossed his arms, trying to ignore his burning face.
"There's one more thing," Yue Qingyuan said. He reached into his sleeve and withdrew a piece of gauzy fabric. Shen Jiu took it and held it up, brows drawing together. It was a veil to wear over his nose meant to obscure everything but his eyes.
"You said you didn't like people staring at you." Yue Qingyuan ducked his head. "I can't do much about that, but I could at least make it a little easier… And then, you know, not just anyone could look at you."
Shen Jiu swatted at him. "You're a jealous fool! When did you become like this?"
Yue Qingyuan held up his hands but he didn't deny the accusations and, deep down, Shen Jiu didn't want him to. He didn't think he'd ever been this happy.
"Well?" Shen Jiu said.
"Well what?" Yue Qingyuan's brows lifted.
"Aren't you going to greet me properly? You've barely done more than shove boxes in my hands."
Yue Qingyuan's smile curled wider, then he leaned in and sealed their lips together. Shen Jiu soon found himself pressed down into the grass, heat filling his body. But just as Yue Qingyuan's fingers slid under his collar, a knock sounded at his small door set into the wall of his garden.
"Shixiong?" A voice called.
Yue Qingyuan eyes slid to Shen Jiu's, then to the smooth white wall surrounding his garden, then back to Shen Jiu.
"Shixiong, are you here?" The voice called again.
"You sh—" Shen Jiu started but his words were cut off as Yue Qingyuan raised a single finger to his lips.
"Shhh," he whispered, then he sealed their lips together.
Note The title is a reference to the term Lao Yaoguai (老妖怪) meaning Old Monster. Used here to refer to someone who is the type of old powerful immortal master that occasionally comes down from their mountain and takes a break from cultivation to interact with us mere mortals. Readers may recognize this as what Wen Kexing calls Ye Baiyi in Word of Honor. Of course, Shen Jiu is no true Old Monster…but perhaps there’s something else going on heheheh
1 Ming Qiongxing (明穹星, Bright, dome/sky, star) The sect leader of Cang Qiong Mountain and Yue Qingyuan's shizun. She is vehemently against slavers so of course she leapt into action as soon as she heard about her disciple's beloved future wife. Her name comes from the Qiong in Qiong Ding. I went with the headcanon that the courtesy names of the peak lords cycle through the peak names. return to text ↩