Silence stretches— before there is a scrunch of Shen Qingqiu's brows.
Eyes flutter open to look at Luo Binghe, only a moment's distance away from him.
“... Binghe.”
“... A little bit. I can't rest easy when you aren't...”
He trails off, his thin face taking on a light shade of pink when he realizes just what he almost said aloud!
... No answer. His Shizun is fast asleep.
Maybe he can give it another try.
@whitelotusbinghe.bsky.social
Binghe, come.
As the other draws near, his heart can't help but skip a beat. There's just something inherently different when they're like this!
“There really isn't any need for Binghe to make up for anything. He did what he was able to do,” he replies smoothly, eyes on him.
“... No. No, I suppose they don't,” he acquiesces, letting out a breath.
Who would he be to question the protagonist's capabilities, after all? Above all else, he's just too! OP!
“This ma— ... I missed you very much. T-truthfully, I was counting down the days until I get to see you again...”
Unable to mask his surprise, Shen Yuan takes hold of the sleeve of the other's robe. He starts, “You... how did you—?”
He tugs him in after taking a quick glance around outside, shutting the door behind them.
“How did you get here?”
A ‘well-dressed’ cosplayer is the least he expects when he opens the door.
It takes him a moment to fully take in the figure at his doorstep, money in hand to pay for what he thought to be his delivery.
“L— ... Luo Binghe?!”
What a scarily vague question. It's something he's still figuring out the answer to himself.
The hand stroking Luo Binghe's hair pauses.
“... That is... this master wouldn't say there there is one tried and tested way to love someone that will fit in every situation.”
What's gotten him in this mood?
He strokes Luo Binghe's head, holding him close when he leans against him.
“What has Binghe been thinking about?” he gently asks, absentmindedly raking his fingers through his curls.
Hold on, is there really a need to strip while cutting cake?
Unable to stop himself from watching, he ends up blocking his gaze entirely with his fan, face a crimson red.
“This master greatly appreciates Binghe's efforts,” he manages to mumble.
Shen Qingqiu glances up from his paper, surprised by the sudden question.
“... Binghe is not a bad person,” he replies, certain with his answer. “Why does he ask?”
Eyes linger for a second on the slip of skin revealed underneath Luo Binghe's robes.
The pink on his cheek reaches up to his ears— he quickly snaps his fan open and lifts it up to the lower of his face.
“Mn. Did Binghe bake it himself?”
He responds to the question with a small shake of his head, sitting across from Luo Binghe and looking at the cake.
“Mm, no plans. This master was...”
Clearing his throat, cheeks taking on a soft pink.
“Was hoping to spend the day with Binghe.”
“Thank you, Binghe.”
He smiles at him, not wasting a second in making his approach.
“Did I make you wait long?”
Ah. It's his birthday.
Shen Qingqiu lets out a low hum of agreement.
“And now?” He asks. “How does Binghe see this master now, if not untouchable anymore?”
“... Mn. What about it?” He looks to him, curious about the sudden question.
“Do I not spoil Binghe enough?”
... And just how can this master show his husband just how sorry he is?
( His thumbs smooth over jade-like skin, ready to catch any stray tears that threaten to fall. )
( Such a sight just makes Shen Qingqiu want to tease him even more! )
Forgive me, Binghe— haha—
( Tilting Luo Binghe's head down, he presses a kiss to his forehead, a small giggle against warm skin. )
A contemplative hum as Shen Qingqiu's hand continues to glide over his head. Isn't this very much like praising a pet dog?! All that's missing is a bark or two!
"For the rest of the day, my attention will be Binghe's and Binghe's only. Undivided."
( Stifling laughter. He looks over Luo Binghe's way before moving forward to cup his cheeks. )
Don't be upset. This master was just teasing Binghe.
As he expected, there really, really is no way around this!
He raises his hand to gently pat Luo Binghe's head, heaving a small sigh.
“Binghe does deserve a reward for all he's done,” he coolly says.
...
( Averting his gaze elsewhere. )
Who else could I be looking at but you? Silly.
Trepidation sets in, though he doesn't make it apparent.
“... One more thing?” He repeats with a small tilt of his head. “And what could that one more thing possibly be?”
👀
“En. Ever since, I've always wanted for both of us to be happy. And as things are now, I'm deeply, deeply satisfied.”
He presses a kiss to Luo Binghe's forehead, over the crimson zuiyin.
Shen Qingqiu falls silent, contemplative for a spell, before gentle hands reach up to cup Luo Binghe's cheeks.
“Binghe will never be a disturbance,” he reassures, thumbs gliding over jade-like skin. “After all, he is a part— the biggest part— of my happiness too.
