Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu woke up with the familiar warmth of a large body pressed against his. He snuggled into his husband, savoring through the fog of sleep the rare luxury of waking up first. He heard the sounds of normal birds greeting the day or whatever it was birds did and knew he was on Qing Jing Peak.

Wildlife sounded a bit more… wild in the demon realm. That and most demonic beasts were unwilling to approach the palace with the wards Luo Binghe maintained.

Though, weren’t they supposed to be there now? He could have sworn…

The day before came rushing back to him and Shen Qingqiu sat up abruptly, adrenaline swamping his system as he looked over his husband. Despite being a light sleeper, Luo Binghe barely stirred at the jostling, mumbling something that sounded like husband before stilling again.

What the hell?

“Binghe! Binghe, are you okay?”

“Hm?” Luo Binghe blinked his eyes open lazily. He smiled in that adoring way of his once he registered Shen Qingqiu. “Good morning, husband. Would Shizun like breakfast now?”

…he was kinda hungry, but that wasn’t his biggest concern at the moment. “Breakfast can wait. Is Binghe well? I was worried yesterday.”

Luo Binghe found his hand and lifted it to his lips. “This Binghe is fine and happy to be back in his own time. Binghe missed his Shizun.”

“Did you now?” Shen Qingqiu said archly. “I would have thought you were too busy having fun with another me.”

“Shizun!” Luo Binghe protested, tears springing to his eyes. “I love A-Yuan in any form, and he was no different. You’re my Shizun; of course I miss you when we’re not together.

“Does Shizun think he is so replaceable to me? Does he think I don’t love him more than anything?”

Shen Qingqiu sighed and moved to pat his head. “Apologies, Binghe. I am not used to anyone sharing your attention and it bothered me more than I thought. I know you love me. You’re not usually so tired in the morning and I figured that you likely took the time to cure him of poisoning.”

“…Yes,” Luo Binghe said with some hesitation, sitting up now, too. “Husband is my Hall Pass, as you say.”

“I never expected you to get to use that one,” Shen Qingqiu grumbled with a pout. “You don’t… prefer him to me, right?”

“No! I could never desire anyone above you!” Luo Binghe seemed insulted enough that Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to believe him.

But something still itched at his brain, an instinct stirred that he couldn’t ignore. He was not the last person to give his husband pleasure and that was fundamentally a crime to him. Luo Binghe was his, dammit.

“Oh?” Shen Qingqiu leaned forward and used a hand to push Luo Binghe down. He crawled until he was straddling him, face hovering over his own. “Do want me still? Are you mine?”

The man beneath him whimpered and Shen Qingqiu smirked, thrilled at his response to so little. “Yes, please, yes.”

Shen Qingqiu put a hand to the back of Luo Binghe’s hair and made a fist of it, causing his husband to expose his entire neck to him with a gasp, his hands resting beside him like a good boy. Shen Qingqiu leaned closer and stared into his dark eyes as he demanded softly against his lips, “Prove it.”

It was quite some time before they left the bed.

Shen Qingqiu was not awake. The light making its way past his closed eyelids was too weak for it to be a concern and his body was physically exhausted enough to make resistance to sleep futile.

If only his pillow would stop moving.

He groaned low in his throat in protest, arm tightening around the body beside and partially under him. He was seeking warmth and comfort more than anything, but something about the situation bothered him.

…The body beside him.

Oh, it was just Binghe.

“Sleep, Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu grumbled, tucking himself closer to him and nuzzling his… shoulder? Chest?

Had Luo Binghe worn clothes to sleep?

With a strange hesitance, arms slowly came around to embrace him. Was he smaller?

“Shizun…”

“Not Shizun,” he whined. He irritably turned his face into Luo Binghe’s chest, fighting being awake because he was tired, okay? And he’d earned his rest after–

“A-Yuan?”

The name was a question and Shen Qingqiu froze because that was not the voice he was expecting to hear. Or, rather, it was exactly the voice he should have known would answer.

Shen Qingqiu finally opened his eyes and found himself wrapped around not his husband but his disciple.

Oh, shit.

Well, he was awake now.

“Binghe… knows my name?” That so wasn’t the point! Shen Qingqiu blushed and made to pull away from the boy. Looking away, he started, “That’s not– this master apologizes, Binghe. He took liberties that were not his to take.”

“No!” Luo Binghe surged forward to hug him. Taken off guard, Shen Qingqiu fell backwards and landed with a grunt. Luo Binghe propped himself up on his hands so that he was over Shen Qingqiu as he said, “This Binghe wants A-Yuan to take every liberty with him. This Binghe has learned much in the past day and has never been more sure of his desire to court and marry A-Yuan.”

Shen Qingqiu could only stare at him with wide eyes, not quite aware enough to process this. “Oh.”

The boy wasn’t done. He straightened to kneel beside him and said seriously, “This Binghe understands A-Yuan’s aversion to his advances now due to his age and position. Shizun’s older self-explained that very clearly to this one and this Binghe would never want to make A-Yuan uncomfortable. But he could never pretend not to admire and esteem A-Yuan above all others, nor that the highest honor this Binghe can conceive of is becoming his husband.

“Is this…” Luo Binghe seemed to steady himself and he took a deep breath. “Is this Binghe wrong to hope that A-Yuan could share his regard in the future?”

That was… rather a lot for Shen Qingqiu to take in first thing in the morning. Still, his heart softened at the boy’s earnestness and he was grateful he had an answer prepared. He sat up so they were of an equal height and smiled.

“Binghe is not wrong to hope at all.” The smile he got in return melted him and he couldn’t help reaching up to pat his head. “We have much to speak of, but Binghe should know a couple of things. First, no one else can hear you call me by my name. That’s just for us and if they know I am not Shen Jiu, that could cause a lot of problems. Understood?”

Luo Binghe nodded, and Shen Qingqiu continued petting his hair. The boy endearingly leaned into the touch. “Second, I made a promise to the older Binghe yesterday that I intend to keep with you. I vow that, when Binghe emerges from the Abyss, if he is still interested in courting this Shen Yuan, then I will accept his courtship in good faith, no matter my relationship to other people or circumstance.”

Luo Binghe gasped then he lunged to hug him again. Shen Qingqiu braced for it this time and managed to hug him back. “Thank you. Thank you, A-Yuan.”

Shen Qingqiu heard a now familiar sniffling and sighed. “Why is Binghe crying? I would have thought he would be happy.”

 “This disciple is! This Binghe was afraid for so long to tell Shizun that he was a demon, was afraid that he would hate him. The fact that Shizun will consider this one for his husband in the future with full knowledge of this one’s family brings tears of joy to this one’s eyes.”

Ridiculous boy, he thought, immeasurably fond. Though I do understand why Liu Qingge asked to drop the formalities; in casual conversations, it really was awkward. “Well, if Binghe is to cry, I would always prefer it be from joy rather than despair. And, considering we’re… like this…”

In their inner robes. In his bed.

They really shouldn’t be like this, holy shit.

Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat and gently. “We can continue speaking once we dress for the day. We have much to cover.”

The boy paled then flushed before scrambling to leave. “Of course, Shizun! This one apologizes.”

“Bing–“ The boy had fled the room before he tell him there was no need to apologize. “Never mind then.”

Despite the early hour and some lingering… aches, Shen Qingqiu was in a good mood as he dressed. His body was buzzing but relaxed and the loneliness he feared experiencing now that he was without a husband again, absent.

As he sat at his dressing table to wrestle with his hair, Shen Qingqiu was startled by a knock at his bedroom door. “A-Yuan?”

“Yes, Binghe? You can come in.” His door open and revealed his disciple, ready for the day with a hopeful look on his face. “What is it?”

“May this Binghe help A-Yuan with his hair?”

It was the first time Luo Binghe took the initiative to actively seek out the task, but it wasn’t as if he would ever turn down help. “If Binghe would like.”

The boy smiled like he had given him a gift and strode over to him. “Thanking A-Yuan for the privilege.”

Perfect, now they could continue their conversation. “As I was going to say before, Binghe need not speak so formally with me in private. To hear how you say my name surrounded by formalities is odd.”

Perhaps it was inappropriate to allow him to be so casual with him in the first place, but Shen Qingqiu didn’t have the heart to stop him. He liked hearing his name and being reminded he was his own person, knowing that someone else valued him for that. Plus, Shen Qingqiu was going to put the boy through so much with the Abyss that allowing this relatively small impropriety seemed reasonable.

Speaking of which…

“This… I’ll do my best.”

“That’s all I ask.” Luo Binghe went to pick up a comb. Shen Qingqiu turned so he was facing him and grabbed his hand. “First, before anything else, I must to apologize to you, Binghe.”

The boy was surprised. “A-Yuan has nothing to apologize for.”

Shen Qingqiu shook his head. “I am interested to hear how my other self explained things to you, but I want you to know that it would never be my choice to hurt you. Never. But I.” He looked down at his lap. “If Binghe fails to go into the Endless Abyss in a year’s time, I will die. I would avoid it if I could but–“

“No.” Luo Binghe kneeled in front of him and Shen Qingqiu looked up to see the Protagonist’s Look of Determination on his face. “A-Yuan must not die, especially for the sake of this Binghe.”

“I’m not planning to,” he soothed.

“Neither did Yuan-ge.” The boy froze, cheeks heating, and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help grinning.

“You called him Yuan-ge? Binghe, that is adorable!” Shen Qingqiu said. “Ah, it’s so nice to say that out loud without seeming odd. Binghe often does cute things and I could never say!”

“A-Yuan!” Luo Binghe’s face was fully red at this point, expression mortified before he hid behind his hands. It was all Shen Qingqiu could do not to laugh.

He may have loved adult Binghe, but he was so, so happy to have this white lotus back with him.

He pet the boy on the head, causing him to look up at him. “I’m glad to have my Binghe back. I missed him yesterday.”

 Luo Binghe looked at him like he had done something amazing. “I missed A-Yuan, too.”

Luo Binghe was very happy.

He had once more woken beside Shen Qingqiu, no Shen Yuan, and this time it was the Shen Yuan of his time! And while he was actively Not Thinking about why his other self was sleeping with his Shizun, he was thrilled to have the man wrapped around him when he woke up.

No really. All of him was thrilled. Which made getting out of bed imperative.

But Shen Yuan–he couldn’t think of the man as Shen Qingqiu when they were alone like this and Luo Binghe could tell just how much softer he was now that he wasn’t pretending to be Shen Jiu–thankfully hadn’t noticed. And had said that he agreed to court and (possibly) marry him in the future!

And then later! He called him!! His Binghe!!!

This was the best day of his life.

Sure, he was a little embarrassed by the fact that he thought he was oh so cute. And, now that that they were beginning to go over what each of them learned about the future over breakfast, the task before them seemed daunting. But anytime he started to feel discouraged or overwhelmed, he just needed to remember waking up next to a naked Yuan-ge the day before, being called husband, or having a half-asleep A-Yuan tell him by name to go back to sleep while cuddling closer in bed, or hearing his A-Yuan calling him his Binghe, and then everything felt alright.

Something was bound to come and ruin it.

They were talking over a light breakfast, Luo Binghe going through the narrative and back stories that Yuan-ge had given him, when a strange look came over Shen Yuan’s face. He held up a hand to stop Luo Binghe and said, “Someone’s at the barrier and not going away. We may need to pause a moment, Binghe.”

“Of course, A-Yuan.” Like Luo Binghe would say no to spending more time alone with him in the future.

“Remember, don’t use my name if you even doubt that it’s not just us, alright? I’m still your Shizun and,” he winced, “it would be bad for reasons not related to my transmigration status if others heard you speak to me so casually.”

“Understood, Shizun.” He didn’t really, but no need to bring attention to it now. He got the important part: A-Yuan felt he could only be A-Yuan with him. He would rather die than betray that trust. “Should this disciple open the door?”

Shen Yuan frowned then sighed. “Might as well. Thank you.”

Sounds from the outside returned as Shen Yuan dropped the barrier around the bamboo house and Luo Binghe watched some… personality leave his face. No, maybe not personality. Ease?

His Shizun sat there looking poised and elegant, the picture of scholarly beauty, and Luo Binghe hated it, just a little. While he rejoiced that Shen Yuan felt he could relax around him, he despaired that the man he loved needed to hide himself from the rest of the world. 

Maybe there was one good side to that: if Shen Qingqiu was any friendlier to Liu Qingge, the man would never leave.

Bothered, Luo Binghe opened the door to the house to find the Sect Leader with his hand raised to knock. The other man seemed surprised and none to happy to see him. “This Luo Binghe greets the Sect Leader. Does Sect Leader Yue have a message to deliver to Shizun?”

“…Luo Binghe. I delivered a message to your Shizun yesterday and need to speak to him about it. Let me through.”

Luo Binghe felt his hackles rise. Before he could respond he heard Shen Yuan sigh behind him. “It’s okay, Binghe. You can let him in.”

“Yes, Shizun,” he said, if only to make it clear which of them he was obeying. He moved aside and watched as Yue Qingyuan entered. When he turned back to his Shizun, he mentally switched back to acknowledging him as Shen Qingqiu. His face was as cold as Luo Binghe had ever seen it, far too reminiscent of when he called Shen Jiu his master.

Something had happened between them to make his teacher no longer like Yue Qingyuan.

Interesting.

Shen Qingqiu rose and bowed slightly. “This shidi greets this shixiong. How may this shidi assist the Sect Leader so early in the morning?”

Luo Binghe blinked at the borderline rude wording. Oh, shit, Shen Qingqiu was more than unfriendly to Yue Qingyuan; he was annoyed, too. What had he missed?

“…Qingqiu-shidi,” Yue Qingyuan greeted gruffly and Luo Binghe marked the absence of the diminutive name that he often used for Shen Qingqiu. “With your disciple answering the door, I assume his older counterpart is gone.”

“Yes. This master is grateful his disciple returned safely to this time.”

“Is this your answer to my message, then?”

Shen Qingqiu stilled for a moment before saying calmly. “This master must apologize for being too busy to read Sect Leader’s missive yesterday. What were its contents?”

Yue Qingyuan didn’t answer. After a long moment, Shen Qingqiu blanched and said, “Binghe, on my desk there should be two missives. Bring them to me?”

“Yes, Shizun.”

Luo Binghe walked quickly to the other room and heard Shen Qingqiu ask in a low voice, “What has Zhangman-shixiong done?”

“Nothing that shouldn’t have been done long ago. Why did Qingqiu-shidi have a privacy barrier up when I arrived?”

“We were speaking of things that should not be overheard.”

“So, he did go to the future. The one where you are married.”

“What does that have–“ Luo Binghe re-entered the room to see Shen Qingqiu’s eyes narrowed at Yue Qingyuan, both of them still standing and the air between them nearly hostile. He presented the scrolls to Shen Qingqiu, one of them with a blue ribbon and the other carrying the Sect’s official seal. “Thank you, Binghe.”

“This disciple is happy to assist.”

Yue Qingyuan gave him a near scathing glance and Luo Binghe put the pieces together.

He was jealous. Yue Qingyuan, Leader of the great Cang Qiong Sect, was jealous of him, a mere disciple.

Luo Binghe needed to talk to someone who could fill him in because what had happened? Not because he didn’t know why the other man was jealous (that was rather obvious), but he rather wanted whatever details he could get on what his older self had done to provoke him, partially for the entertainment value but mostly because he was the one who had to live with the fallout.

Then again, maybe Luo Binghe had the answers already, written on a scroll he had found hidden with his disciple robes.

Oblivious, Shen Qingqiu put the message with the ribbon in his sleeve and unrolled the one from Yue Qingyuan. Luo Binghe watched carefully as the man paled further, mouth pinched and eyes narrowed as he read on silently. When he got to the bottom, his hands tightened in what seemed to be an involuntary manner, crinkling the paper loudly.

When he was finished, Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and seemed to be taking deep breaths, obviously upset in a way Luo Binghe hadn’t seen from him before. He took a tentative step forward. “Shizun?”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes snapped to him, gaze sharp enough that Luo Binghe couldn’t help flinching. That made the other man frown sadly and his voice was a gentle apology as he said, “Binghe, could you please go and find some of your martial siblings to explain the changes to the examination schedule? I need to speak to the Sect Leader in private.”

“Yes, Shizun. Please allow this disciple a moment to grab some study materials from his room.”

Shen Qingqiu’s expression softened minutely, but it was enough to put Luo Binghe at ease. “Of course, grab what you need.”

“Thanking Shizun.” Luo Binghe hurried away and grabbed some materials that may have been useful from his room, but was mostly concerned with the mysterious scroll. He had a feeling it was from his older self.

He could find out about the exam later. Whatever advice the other him had to impart that was important enough to put it in a place only Luo Binghe would see was urgent enough to inspect the moment he was truly alone.

Luo Binghe returned back to the main room to find Shen Qingqiu glaring at Yue Qingyuan, mouth pinched and hand damn near crushing his fan. He was uneasy about leaving them together like this, but he could do nothing but obey the order to leave. He bowed low to Shen Qingqiu and Shen Qingqiu alone. “Shizun. Sect Leader.”

Luo Binghe left the house, closing the door behind him. Rather than starting down the path to where the rest of the disciples resided, he turned towards the narrow footpath through the bamboo grove. He walked for a good fifteen minutes before he came across a nearly hidden path towards a small clearing he often escaped to when he wanted solitude. It was early enough that some dew lingered on the grass but a boulder to the side was dry.

He perched himself on it and took out the scroll. Familiar, if more practiced, handwriting greeted him.

Luo Binghe,

Read this alone, memorize its contents, then burn it. This is for your eyes only.

If you’re reading this, then we have returned to our own times and I have no doubt my husband has told you what information he thought was useful in helping you have an easier path than we did. I did the same for the  A-Yuan of this time, though I’m sure what my husband and I think is important differs slightly.

There are things that I never have told my husband and refuse to tell A-Yuan about my past that you must know. They weren’t in the Abyss with me and, while they love us both, neither of them could save us from that fate.

I am cooking A-Yuan dinner now and have limited time. Before you read this all, know I want you to avoid the mistakes I made. I envy the certainty you will have of Shizun’s love for you as I spent many years thinking he despised me above all others, but losing him is a pain I would never wish upon my worst enemy, let alone another version of myself. There is a way to bring him back using the Holy Mausoleum, but it is better if you avoid needing it altogether.

In addition to things about the Abyss, I have included a brief list of people to watch out for and why, a few pieces of advice for being in a relationship with Shizun, and some observations from our experiences today. It’s not that I don’t think A-Yuan wouldn’t tell you things, only that he is not the most understanding when it comes to how people react to him.

That said, everything below is offered freely. I’ve come to understand today just how different my husband and your A-Yuan are for all that they are the same person. Time and hurt reshaped my husband, so take my advice about him with some caution.

What followed was a long list of information that would take him days to memorize, but he knew it was important. He blanched and felt nauseous while reading about the Endless Abyss and what his counterpart had endured, even in this shorthand. He found himself laughing and sighing at times at Luo Binghe’s writing about their shared love.

When he got to his account of the day before, a lot more things about what he witnessed with Yue Qingyuan made sense and he could guess what had made Shen Qingqiu so angry. He couldn’t help but groan at the news that Shen Qingqiu had possibly picked up another suitor in the form of his own cousin and then fret at the revelation that he had been made aware of everyone’s interest in him. The one thing Luo Binghe had been able to rely on was his obliviousness! Now what was he going to do!?

The writing had changed quality, becoming more rushed after that as his older self quickly explained how and why Shen Qingqiu had been upset the night before. He shared the man’s outrage over the incident and mentally prepared himself for a year of defending Shen Qingqiu’s honor against rumors he was at the center of. He only mentioned his run in with Liu Qingge before quickly finishing the letter.

Last major thoughts as A-Yuan must be wondering where I am:

Stop pretending to be incompetent when training with Shizun. It made him worry that we were clumsy and going to get ourselves killed in the Abyss. If you want physical affection, it often works to just ask if you’re alone.

Do not destroy Xin Mo. If your timeline is like mine, at some point when you’re 25/26, the Luo Binghe who tortured and killed Shen Qingqiu will come to your timeline. Fighting him without it is doable, but it was too close. He is going to try to take Shizun; don’t let him.

“What the fuck.” Luo Binghe said quietly at the last line. Shen Qingqiu would have had a fit if he had heard it, but Luo Binghe felt it was warranted. How could a venomous beast in the Abyss warrant a detailed description but not an incident that almost lost him Shen Qingqiu to a man who had managed to successfully kill him!?

Xin Mo can be managed; just remember what you value over power.

Hope this helps! Please don’t hate me for curing A-Yuan of his poison!

Lord Luo Binghe

Bastard, Luo Binghe thought at the last line. I was doing fine until you reminded me.

Luo Binghe sighed and did his best to push the thought out of his mind. He had a job to do.

Meng Mo, he called mentally.

What is it, kid?

Did you read this with me?

The demon came to the forefront of his mind’s eye, seemingly curious. No. What is it?

A letter from my older self. It has some information about the demon realm that I don’t understand, as well as some gossip that I figure is more meaningful to you rather than me at the moment. Could you help me memorize it? I need to burn it as soon as possible.

Meng Mo raised his eyebrows and mimed getting a closer look. Finally, you show interest in things that actually matter. Let’s get started.

Shen Qingqiu waited about 5 seconds after he stopped being able to hear Luo Binghe’s footsteps before he said, voice low, “This Shen Qingqiu does not even know where to begin.”

Yue Qingyuan sighed like Shen Qingqiu was the one out of line here. “Shidi, it’s past time. He never should have been here in the first place.”

“Which Sect Leader could have protested at any point in the past year and a half. But, no, this Qingqiu receives an order for Luo Binghe’s removal to the dorms yesterday of all days? Does Yue Qingyuan realize just how insulting this is?” Shen Qingqiu was shaking in rage because how dare he?

How dare he!?

“There is no insult in fixing a mistake.”

“A mistake. A mistake! Enlighten this lowly one, Sect Leader, but how was ensuring Luo Binghe was properly housed when it was clear that he was being bullied out of a bed before my qi deviation a mistake?

“Actually, let’s talk about my behavior before my qi deviation. If there was ever a time for Sect Leader to intervene, it was then, when this Qingqiu was abusing his disciple for reasons that escape him now. How was beating him and sabotaging his learning acceptable while him living here and living well is not? Because Sect Leader had to have known, even if I can personally no longer recall.”

Yue Qingyuan closed his eyes and looked away from him, silent. “I am expecting an answer, Yue Qingyuan!”

“Xiao-Jiu had–“

“That is not my name!” Shen Qingqiu shouted and a sudden rush of spiritual energy responding to his emotions dizzied him. He stumbled backwards and Yue Qingyuan was suddenly at his side, doing his best to hold him steady. “Get off of me,” he snapped, jerking away with a hand raised towards the wall to catch himself if needed.

Yue Qingyuan seemed particularly pathetic as he slowly lowered his helping hand. “Qingqiu-shidi had experienced many hardships growing up. He may not remember but it caused him to lose his temper more often than not. A bit like this, actually.”

Shen Qingqiu didn’t like the contemplative look on the man’s face. “Believe me, Sect Leader, this is me holding onto my temper. I rather think you won’t like me when I’m truly angry.”

Calm down, some rational corner of his brain reminded him. He closed his eyes and breathed. I need to calm down. I’ll have enough issues without having the Sect Leader end his weirdly preferential treatment of me. I can’t afford to have my freedom limited with everything I need to do. It’s not worth it.

Good points, self, but also fuck this guy.

When Shen Qingqiu opened his eyes Yue Qingyuan was looking at him like his very existence hurt him. He wasn’t calm, exactly, but he was in control. “Answer me this, Sect Leader. Why is it no longer fine for Luo Binghe to live here? If it was truly inappropriate, it never should have been allowed in the first place. If you think he is suddenly a danger to me, I will have to laugh. If you think I am suddenly a danger to him, well,” Shen Qingqiu sneered, “I would be incredibly insulted and would have to ask you to leave my Peak immediately. So, what is the reason? Why are you kicking Luo Binghe out of his home? And why did you get several of our martial siblings to sign off on this farce as well?”

That was the detail that had nearly sent him over the edge when he had seen it. Most of his fellow Peak Lords probably didn’t particularly care about what they were signing off on, though he was pleased to see neither Liu Qingge nor (surprisingly) Shang Qinghua’s name on the list. But the fact that Yue Qingyuan had taken such a step in such a short time frame was extremely telling.

If the others were aware of what they were signing, well. He would have to go back to the idea that Liu Qingge was in the minority and the rest of the Sect really thought he was a pedophile. The thought hurt more than he expected.

Yue Qingyuan sighed again. “Does Qingqiu-shidi think that the news of him marrying his disciple won’t spread? That the rumor would not be twisted in the telling? It was never appropriate, but Luo Binghe living with Qingqiu-shidi was relatively harmless. Now allowing him to stay with shidi damages the Sect’s reputation.”

“So now I’m a liability to the Sect. For something I haven’t even done.”

He frowned, but his eyes were sad. “That’s not what I said, Xi- Qingqiu-shidi.”

“That’s what I heard. Because does Sect Leader really think that moving Luo Binghe out of my home will not cause rumors?”

“Better than the alternative.”

Shen Qingqiu was a bit calmer with an explanation, but he couldn’t not fight this. He owed it to both himself and to Binghe to fight this. “Tell this shidi: has Sect Leader always cared about rumors spoken when related to this person? Has Sect Leader always let them sway him so easily?”

“Of course not,” Yue Qingyuan said. Bullshit, Shen Qingqiu thought. “This shixiong has always sought to protect both the Sect and Qingqiu.”

Even when you shouldn’t have, he thought, the casual address bothering him but it was better than Xiao-Jiu.

After a moment of silence, Yue Qingyuan continued. “Why is Qingqiu-shidi so opposed to this?”

Shen Qingqiu held his gaze, but it was difficult. “Binghe helps this one with things around the house. This master has come to rely on his disciple for assistance.”

He’s the only one that knows me. He’s been there for me, kept me company when I didn’t even know I needed it. He makes me feel like I’m here for a reason, not just some cruel twist of fate.

“Is that all he does? Help?” Yue Qingyuan asked quietly, like his answer would be shameful and, oh look, there was his temper again.

“What else would he be doing? He is sixteen.”

“Qingqiu-shidi says that like it makes him a child. Sixteen is not so young.”

“Get out,” Shen Qingqiu demanded. “I cannot believe– Binghe said explicitly yesterday that I didn’t even let him court me until he was twenty-five years old and yet you would say such a thing?!”

Yue Qingyuan said blandly, “Things change with knowledge. Qingqiu-shidi let that man touch him casually in a way this one had never imagined yesterday. And they disappeared together for long periods of time, both on and off the Peak.”

If Shen Qingqiu didn’t have a role to play, his jaw would have been on the floor. “Are you kidding me? You’re conflating what I would do with a twenty-seven-year-old adult with what I would do with a teenage disciple under my care? And how do you even know about– are you spying on me?”

Yue Qingyuan froze, like he finally realized he’d said something he shouldn’t have. “Not on Qingqiu-shidi, no. But there was a strange man claiming impossible things alone with the Sect’s second-ranked Peak Lord. It would have been irresponsible to leave him unmonitored.”

Bull. Shit! Shen Yuan would have paid good money to retcon cursing being part of Shen Qingqiu’s character. Alas, he was left only with cutting statements. “So the second-ranked Peak Lord is not enough? Do everyone’s guests get this treatment? Because what Binghe claimed wasn’t impossible to believe if anyone looked at him, clearly just a grown version of my disciple.

“Or was it not the time travel that struck Yue Qingyuan as impossible?” Shen Qingqiu asked lowly, vicious in his preciseness. Yue Qingyuan flinched. “You know, my husband said something to me yesterday. My husband told me that Sect Leader would try to take my disciple away, would try to separate us. I told him that Sect Leader wouldn’t dare, that he would have no motive. But my husband thought differently.”

“He’s not Qingqiu’s husband,” Yue Qingyuan finally snapped.

“And why not?” Shen Qingqiu shot back. “We called each other such. He bowed to a man named Shen Qingqiu. He knew things about me only my spouse could know. He was extremely familiar with my–“

Yue Qingyuan was suddenly in his face, crowding him against the wall. “He is not your husband.”

“The Luo Binghe of now isn’t. But the Luo Binghe who was here yesterday was, as far as I am concerned. And my husband said that you would take away my disciple because you were jealous, because you wanted to be my husband instead. Do you know what I said in response?”

Yue Qingyuan was still in his space, was still crowding against him. If the adult Luo Binghe had been in his place, he perhaps would have felt more amorous. Now? All he felt was violence. “What did Qingqiu say?”

“I said that there was no possible way you were interested in courting me. If Yue Qingyuan had any interest in this one, it would only be his Xiao-Jiu and not Shen Qingqiu. Sect Leader would only be courting a ghost because Xiao-Jiu doesn’t exist anymore.”

Yue Qingyuan blanched and stumbled away from him. Shen Qingqiu steeled his spine and said with cold eyes, “I don’t remember who I was before the qi deviation, but I won’t make his mistakes. Having horrible things happen to you does not excuse being a horrible person. Maybe I didn’t have the tools I needed to be better, maybe the past held me so tight that I couldn’t move forward. But in forgetting, maybe I’m finally able to move on and live in the present. I want to live in the present. I don’t know what Yue Qingyuan wants from me, but I do know I refuse to go back.

“I’m ready to leave the past behind. The question is: are you?”

The other man seemed stricken and moved further away from him until he was across the room. He shook his head numbly. “Shen Qingqiu’s capacity for cruelty remains untouched by memory loss.”

“Is it cruelty, or just a truth that you didn’t want to acknowledge?” Shen Qingqiu opened his fan and raised it to his face, cursing himself internally. He had said far more than he had meant to, and it was time to end this before he said more damning things. “This shidi must ask Zhangmen-shixiong to kindly leave his Peak.”

Yue Qingyuan didn’t move, only stared at him searchingly. “This shixiong did not want this conversation to end as such.”

“This one fails to comprehend what Zhangmen-shixiong expected when sending such an order but what’s done is done. Leave. The Sect Leader is no longer welcome on Qing Jing Peak for anything other than official business than cannot be otherwise handled by missive.”

Yue Qingyuan opened his mouth again but closed it when Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes at him. “Very well.” The man started walking towards the door and Shen Qingqiu watched him, moving only his eyes to track him like a predator.

Yue Qingyuan opened the door and paused. Then he said, “Peak Lord Shen must have Luo Binghe in a regular dormitory no later than one day after his upcoming examination.”

So generous, Shen Qingqiu thought sarcastically. Out loud, he merely said, “This shidi will see Zhangmen-shixiong at the next Peak Lord meeting.”

The Sect Leader finally left him alone and Shen Qingqiu was set adrift for a moment, numbly sitting back at the table where the remnants of breakfast still waited to be cleared. The totality of the argument began to hit him in waves.

The System was blinking in the corner of his vision with a notification.

[Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Important things must be said three times! +250 B-points for confronting Yue Qingyuan about the past! Optional Quest: I’ve Got 79 Problems – 30% Complete!]

What the fuck?

He closed the interface, the total number of B-points he had accumulated mocking now that the 10,000-point threshold meant nothing to him.

Shen Qingqiu did a quick check with his qi to make sure no one was within earshot of the bamboo house. Then the put his head in his hands and let out one earned and heartfelt, “Fuck.”

Luo Binghe was having a great morning.

He had never known his husband to be particularly jealous. Possessive, perhaps to a minor extent, but jealous? Not to his memory.

Turns out that was likely because Luo Binghe never gave him a reason to be.

To be sure, the last thing he wanted to do was upset Shen Qingqiu and he was sad that his husband doubted, even for a moment, that he was the center of Luo Binghe’s existence. That said, he couldn’t pretend that having his husband dominate him as he rarely does first thing in the morning didn’t leave him with some pep in his step.

Plus, it looked like he actually was welcoming Luo Binghe’s pampering!

Not once did Shen Qingqiu turn down his offers to help him bathe or dress following their morning intimacy. He simply relied on Luo Binghe with a smile and soft eyes in a way that made his chest warm.

His mood did not go unnoticed, though it wasn’t like he was trying to hide it.

Over breakfast (that he had made and Shen Qingqiu was happily devouring), his husband asked, “What is Binghe smiling about?”

“Shizun was so good to this husband today, he cannot help but be happy.”

The man blushed cutely and hid behind his fan. “This master didn’t do anything special.”

“But this morning in bed Shizun told me to–“

“Shameless!” Shen Qingqiu interrupted, face blooming with color and eyes glaring to cover his embarrassment. “Speak no more of it.”

Luo Binghe grinned, hopelessly in love with the thin-faced man across from him. “But then he let me help him dress and take care of him and now we’re eating!” He sighed, “If every morning started as such, this Binghe could never complain.”

Something about what he said made Shen Qingqiu freeze, eyes guarded in a way that made heart sink. “Binghe really likes it when this master… when I don’t protest his help?” Luo Binghe nodded. “Binghe knows that my love for him does not depend on what he does for me, correct? That he could never cook me another meal and I would still love him as I do right now?”

Luo Binghe knew this deep down, but hearing it made his eyes water at the emotion that filled him. His most special person loved him! After so much, his Shen Yuan loved him! It was his greatest wish realized. How could he not be moved?

“A-Yuan!” In a flash he was around to the other side of the table and reaching out to the other man, only to stop a cun away from touching him. He was in his time again and his husband didn’t like it when he touched him. The thought hurt, but he knew the other man loved him. It was enough. It was enough. He settled beside him, kneeling with his hands firmly on his thighs, and dared to lean his forehead against the other man’s shoulder. “This foolish husband knows he is loved.”

Shen Qingqiu sighed and put down his fan. He brought a hand up to first pat his hair then cup his face. “You can touch me, Binghe.” Luo Binghe looked up at him in surprise and was further shocked when he saw the determined but bashful expression on his face. “It… occurred to me yesterday that Binghe may not feel as close to me as he wished and that was why he was so insistent with serving me. I don’t dislike physical affection between us. I only insisted on maintaining separation for… my own reasons.”

Luo Binghe stared at him wide eyed as he processed what this meant. Then, tears once more falling from his eyes, he said quietly, “So, A-Yuan is not afraid of this husband?”

Shen Qingqiu startled and said, expression bewildered, “What? Of course not! Why would you say that?”

“…Yesterday.” Luo Binghe started then paused because Shen Qingqiu had already made it clear he wasn’t happy about him being close to another person, even if it was a version of himself.

Shen Qingqiu sighed and leaned forward to give him a short kiss. “Contrary to my reaction this morning, I’m not going to be upset with you for doing what I told you I was okay with, Binghe. I only needed the reminder that you are mine. Go on and tell me.”

Luo Binghe stared at him but only saw calm expectancy and a hint of concern. He ventured, “Yesterday, Shen Yuan was permissive in allowing this Binghe to hold him as we worked and seemed to enjoy it. He had assumed that husband and I did so habitually. His reaction made this one fear that husband did not enjoy this one’s attentions outside of our marital bed due to how this one has harmed him in the past.”

Shen Qingqiu’s expression crumbled into one of pain and Luo Binghe rushed to say, “Shen Yuan did his best to convince this one that wasn’t the case! He was sure that husband did not reject this one’s touch out of fear and helped calm me down. But, now that husband has lifted his restriction, this Binghe could not help but ask.”

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and sighed, expression one of regret. “Binghe, this husband can only apologize. If I thought that you would think my… reluctance to accept your touch outside of our bedroom meant I was afraid of you, I would have explained myself no matter how embarrassing my reasons.”

A thought occurred and Luo Binghe frowned. “Husband knows there is no obligation to–“

“Of course. Have I not refused often enough to make that obvious?” Shen Qingqiu snapped then seemed surprised at himself. His cheeks heated and he said, “Sorry. Binghe knows discussing our… marital relations is difficult for me, but I shouldn’t talk to you like that.”

Luo Binghe raised his eyebrows. “This Binghe was only saying that A-Yuan need not tell this one his reasons. This husband always wants to know more about him, but it is enough to know he does not fear this one’s touch.”

His brain caught on something his husband had said and his gaze turned knowing. “Marital relations? While this Binghe cannot deny his hunger for A-Yuan, bedding him is not constantly his first priority. As I told Shen Yuan, touching my husband at any time could only be a comfort and privilege to me. Why did husband think otherwise?”

Shen Qingqiu looked away from him, face flaring scarlet. “Ah. Well. Binghe knows I am unused to being touched still, was even more so when we first wed. My reluctance stemmed from my own… shameful thoughts than any fear that my husband would harm me.”

Luo Binghe stared at him. “A-Yuan is saying he had thought about–“

“Yes, now stop talking!” Shen Yuan was leaning away from him now and hiding his entire face behind his fan, the confession too much for him apparently.

Adorable.

Luo Binghe took the opportunity to quickly adjust himself and pull a startled A-Yuan into his lap. The man let out a cute yelp and tapped his head with his fan, but made no move or sound to be released. Luo Binghe simply nuzzled the man’s shoulder and hummed as he hugged him close.

He hadn’t lied to Shen Qingqiu the day before when he described why he liked holding his husband. A feeling of peace swept over him, some primal instinct in him soothed because his husband was safe, and beside him, and his.

If Luo Binghe could purr, he would have started doing so at that moment.

Instead, encouraged by Shen Yuan’s reaction to him the day before, Luo Binghe loosed some control he kept on himself in these moments and let his demonic qi leak freely, spiritually scenting his husband as best he could with his essence. The effect on someone as powerful as a peak lord was negligible and likely only discernable to perceptive demons, but he still enjoyed leaving his mark behind on Shen Qingqiu.

His husband.

“Love you, A-Yuan.”

Shen Qingqiu was stiff in his hold for a moment, but it took little time for him to melt into the embrace. He sighed and hugged him back. Pressing a kiss to his head, he said quietly, “And I you, Binghe.”

Yes, Luo Binghe was having a very good morning indeed.

It took longer than Shen Qingqiu liked to collect himself after Yue Qingyuan left, thoughts vibrating intangibly and incomprehensible for the longest. At a certain point, he remembered that Shang Qinghua had sent him something that was sure to be less upsetting than the conversation he just had.

Unfortunately, even a glance at unrolled parchment signaled a different kind of headache was incoming, the words an abominable mix of simplified characters, pinyin, English, and emojis. There were even poorly rendered drawings here than there. The only compliment he could pay to the script was that it was legible, if overly casual.

[Cylinder] Bro!

Hope you and my son are having fun going to talk to a [picture of a squiggly line]! He really is sweet, very loyal. I would know! Can’t wait to meet him again at the expected time! [Star]

Anyway, you know my [crown emoji?]? Well, I kinda have to tell him that we’re friends now.

“We’re not friends,” Shen Qingqiu grumbled.

We’re TOTALLY friends! See, I even knew to put that in there.

Now, before you go all [picture with… someone holding a knife?] on me, hear me out.

Shen Qingqiu stared at the picture willing it to make sense. Then he gave up.

System?

[How can this System assist Host?]

Can you translate this for me into simple Chinese?

[…Host, is this really…]

For 20 B-points? He had the damn things to burn, now. Might as well make easy mode something closer to beginner’s mode.

[…Payment excepted. Translating. Thank you for using the System! Please see the results below.]

Cucumber Bro!

Hope you and my son are having fun going to talk to a cute little snake! He really is sweet, very loyal. I would know! Can’t wait to meet him again at the expected time! Excited!

Anyway, you know my king? Well I kind of have to tell him that we’re friends now.

We’re totally friends! See, I even knew to put that in there.

Now before you go all “Shang Qinghua, if not for the laws of this land, I would slaughter you” on me, hear me out.

My king isn’t 100% secure in his position right now and my son said that he showed up in person at the IAC in his time, right? Well, we’re already sort of definitely committing treason for planning to break my son’s actual dad out of jail. What’s doing one more treason on top of it? That, and he would know not to actually try to kill you during that one thing. And I’m like… physically incapable of keeping a secret besides the whole transmigration thing from him? Haven’t told him yet just thought we should maybe not set me up for failure and summary execution for betraying a demon lord who I may or may not be marrying in the future?

Wow, that was bizarre to write.

Let me know when you’re free to talk soon! Also, heads up but YQY stopped by just now asking me to sign some bullshit order to get your disciple out of your house. Also somehow knew that I had been by to see you? Not to put too fine a point on it but, um, he’s really territorial of Shen Jiu? Mostly out of a sincere desire to protect him but not entirely.

Yeah.

Anyway, write me back!

Airplane

What an idiot, Shen Qingqiu thought with some begrudging amusement and perhaps fondness.

At least he was a helpful one.

Shen Qingqiu felt less annoyed at the poorly concealed but highly effective code used here considering the letter plainly states that they’re planning to commit treason against the cultivation world. That said, there had to be a better way.

System? Is there a way Shang Qinghua and I can send instant messages to each other through our respective Systems?

[Yes. B.D.S.M. comes with S.O.S. 5.7. Would Host like to upgrade for 2000 B-points?]

Shen Qingqiu almost spit blood. 2000? And BDSM??? What does that have to do with anything?

[B.D.S.M. stands for Basic Direct System Messenger and is standard with System Operating System 5.7. Host is currently operating on S.O.S. 2.4. User 1.0, whom Host would like to communicate with, is operating on S.O.S. 3.2. Host upgrading would automatically upgrade User 1.0’s System as well.]

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes at the screen only he could see, finding the explanation suspect but he didn’t have enough information to argue otherwise. He had the points to spare thanks to the truly… depraved things he and the elder Luo Binghe had been up to the night before, but spending that many points in one go still hurt.

How long would it take to update?

[Host’s S.O.S. would take about 3 days to update. For User 1.0, it would take about 2.5 days to update.]

Shen Qingqiu sighed and thought to his System, Hold on that. I need to contact Shang Qinghua before making his System go offline out of nowhere.

[Host can complete purchase at any time. User 1.0 can also contribute accumulated points if Host is still concerned about the price.]

Shen Qingqiu rolled up the scroll and then flexed his newly invigorated qi. The scroll caught fire and Shen Qingqui watched it burn before sighing again. He needed to be better acquainted with his new/old power levels if he didn’t want to lose control again like he nearly did in front of the sect leader.

Another thing for his to do list. Wonderful.

The thought sent his mind down the path of all the steps that it would take to get Luo Binghe into the dormitories. On paper, it was probably straight forward. Shen Qingqiu would tell the dorm masters to prepare for the move, Luo Binghe would pack and then a small group of students would assist in moving is possession over.

But he knew it was so much more.

How am I going to possibly tell Binghe?

The last thing he wanted to do was fail his white sheep of a disciple. Yet, it felt like he had already done so.

Luo Binghe kept the scroll from his future self well hidden as he walked through more populated areas of Qing Jing Peak around lunch time. He had asked the first person he’d encountered about the exam change, which was mildly alarming, but he honestly had larger concerns at the moment.

Namely, that Shen Qingqiu had been looking for him earlier in the day, but was currently off-Peak.

Luo Binghe ruminated on what that possibly meant as he set about getting Shen Qingqiu’s lunch in order. As long as he was within the bounds of the sect, his Shizun made sure to come back for a meal if he could. Even if he was unable to make it at the usual time, Shen Qingqiu always seemed to feel better after having one of his meals.

Luo Binghe greeted some of his martial siblings who were similarly working in the kitchen, noting their stares but working to be unbothered by them as he got to work. He had anticipated things being odd, especially once he knew the extent to which his older self paraded his relationship to their Shizun in front of the entire Peak, so he figured he needed to get used to it fast.

He was studiously pretending he didn’t see people coming by simply to stare at him then leave and that he was deaf to the furious whispers that he could almost catch above the hissing of the oil. This went on from some time, tension steadily building in Luo Binghe’s shoulders until someone finally broke the tensions.

“A-Luo’s back!”

Luo Binghe turned his head to see Ning Yingying walking into the room and towards him with a wide smile on her face. “Good morning, Shijie. Yes, this Binghe has returned.”

She giggled and hugged him warmly. “You know, I spoke to you last night in this very spot, too? I guess some things like your favorite place to cook don’t change!”

He added the next ingredient while looking at her with wide eyes. “Yingying talked to him?”

“Uh huh. Not for long because Liu-shishu arrived and he had to go save Shizun and he was distracted when he came back, but some. A-Luo still has a lot of growing to do. He was much taller than even Shizun!”

“Of course he was.” Luo Binghe had to clinch his jaw at that. He had known that the older him was so much physically larger than he was now–those black robes were practically falling off him yesterday morning–but he didn’t like thinking about how much smaller he would seem to Shen Qingqiu in comparison.

He didn’t like feeling smaller than the other him, like there was suddenly a shadow he had no chance of recreating. Shen Qingqiu wasn’t treating him that way, but Luo Binghe was suddenly hyperaware that everyone else might. That everyone he might interact with on the Peak might be mentally looking to interact with a different version of him.

“And he was so bold, touching Shizun all the time. But you know what I noticed?”

Luo Binghe was staring into the sizzling wok, turning over the vegetables and meat as he tried to not let his eyes water with envy. “What’s that, shijie?”

“The way Shizun looks at A-Luo no matter his age doesn’t change much,” Ning Yingying said lowly, likely not to be overheard by the others who were clearly watching them in the background. “Yingying knew that Shizun cared greatly for A-Luo after his qi deviation. His expression softens around A-Luo the most and A-Luo makes him smile the easiest. But yesterday Yingying recognized that look was love.”

Luo Binghe stared at her, eyes wide and wet. His shijie hugged him again and said into his ear. “So Yingying hopes that A-Luo is not comparing himself to the A-Luo who was here yesterday, because Shizun only loved him because he loves you. Yingying supports your love and so do many others of Qing Jing Peak.”

Luo Binghe finally had the wherewithal to hug her back, tears now those of gratitude. “Thank you, Yingying.”

She pulled away and pat him on the head, warmth filling Luo Binghe in a way that reminded him of his mother’s cooking. “Why is my shidi cyring? Don’t worry; shijie’s going to help. Let me tell you everything that’s happened.”

Maybe, Luo Binghe thought, he could have more family that a cousin and a father.

Maybe he could have a sister, too.

Shen Qingqiu returned from his conversation with Shang Qinghua a little later than expected to find his lunch on his table, kept warm with a talisman written in a familiar hand. He felt some of the stress leave his body as he tucked into the simple yet delicious fare, but there was no sign of the person who had made it.

It was no matter. Shen Qingqiu would have to go to the classrooms soon to take questions from his students in preparation for the exam. There would be little time for he and Luo Binghe to actually talk about more recent developments.

They should probably have more privacy than a common classroom before Shen Qingqiu broke the news about Luo Binghe’s eviction from his home.

Soon, students began trickling in to see him. It wasn’t constant and he was able to make some headway on updating his lesson plans in between assisting his disciples. Shen Qingqiu had been surprised to find how much he enjoyed teaching once he got the basics of what he was supposed to do down. His disciples all seemed to respond well to him, though it probably helped that Shen Yuan’s approach to teaching was closer to how do I make the material accessible rather than Shen Jiu’s more figure it out or don’t method.

He never got the sense that his body’s previous owner was particularly well suited to the profession of teaching. That instinct had yet to be disputed after all the revelations he had been given about the man in the past 24 hours.

Around midafternoon, Shen Qingqiu was puzzling over training that could happen the day he, Luo Binghe, and Shang Qinghua were away to visit Zhuzhi-Lang when he heard, “Shizun?”

He looked up and saw Luo Binghe lingering at the door, tray in hand and eyes wide as if he were hesitant to disturb him. Shen Qingqiu felt his face soften and said, “Binghe, come in, come in.”

The boy hurried in, careful not to spill what Shen Qingqiu could now clearly see was tea and some baozi, likely filled with something sweet. Such a good bun, Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help thinking. 

“This disciple thought that Shizun may be thirsty and took the liberty to prepare some light refreshment.”

“Thank you, Binghe. This master appreciates Binghe’s thoughtfulness, though hopes his disciple did not trouble himself too much.”

“It is never any trouble to serve Shizun.”

The exchange was a familiar song and dance between them and, without realizing it, Shen Qingqiu began to smile. “And how are this master’s disciple’s studies going? This master wonders if Binghe has any concerns about the upcoming examination?”

Luo Binghe focused on pouring the tea, obviously avoiding Shen Qingqiu’s eyes. “This one is moving slowly and has yet to sufficiently review the material to voice any concerns, Shizun.”

Shen Qingqiu frowned. “That is a concern, Binghe. Where are your materials? We can work through them–“

“What are you doing?”

Shen Qingqiu’s gaze jerked to the door where Liu Qingge stood in the frame. “Liu Qingge? I wasn’t expecting to see you today. As I mentioned yesterday, I’m holding availability for my disciples to ask me questions about the upcoming exam. What are you doing here?”

He walked into the room, eyes flicking between him and Luo Binghe. “I was coming to check on you after our conversation yesterday.” He nodded at Luo Binghe who bowed (somewhat warily) in response. “Good that you’re back unharmed.”

“Thanking Liu-shishu for this concern. Shizun, should this disciple bring additional refreshments?”

“No need, Binghe. Liu Qingge isn’t staying long now, not when my attention will be divided for the rest of the afternoon. You’re dismissed, though we will finish this conversation about your studies later.”

He bowed first to Shen Qingqiu then more shallowly to Liu Qingge. “Thanking Shizun. Liu-shishu.”

Luo Binghe left him alone with another Peak Lord for the second time that day, though Shen Qingqiu had reason to hope that it would go better than his little tete-a-tete with Yue Qingyuan. “Apologies, Liu Qingge, but you really did come at a bad time. When I tell my disciples that I’m reserving time for them, I try to stick to my word.”

“…That’s kind of you.”

Is it? Shen Qingqiu thought. It’s literally my job to teach them, but I guess there aren’t exactly staff evaluations, are there? “I suppose. Thank you for your concern, Liu Qingge, but you could have just sent a message rather than coming all the way to Qing Jing. I am perfectly fine.”

“I prefer seeing for myself.” Liu Qingge stopped before him, staring down at him in a way that made Shen Qingqiu rather uncomfortably aware of the fact he was sitting. He worked to maintain his blank, if somewhat open face. “Your disciple has returned. From the future?”

“…Yes. It was as I suspected and my disciple simply took my husband’s place for the day.”

“And how’s that been?” At Shen Qingqiu’s frown, he sighed and sat on the stool Shen Qingqiu had set up before him for disciples. “Him, knowing about that future.”

“Oh.” Yikes! Shen Qingqiu had no idea how to answer that question. “Binghe seems unchanged. Hard to tell as I have yet to really talk to him about it. Our conversation this morning was interrupted.”

That reminded him of something and Shen Qingqiu frowned. “Did Liu Qingge know that the Sect Leader was planning on removing my disciple from my home when he came to visit yesterday?”

Liu Qingge frowned back at him. “He actually went through with that? He had mentioned something to me when we had left Qing Jing Peak yesterday morning, but I told him it was a bad idea. We haven’t talked since.”

Oh, Shen Qingqiu thought, somewhat relieved. “Yes, I received an order from him with signatures of most other Peak Lords supporting Luo Binghe’s removal from my home yesterday before you arrived. I didn’t know if…” Shen Qingqiu trailed off and cleared his throat, the idea that the too straight-forward Peak Lord hiding something like that from him too silly now to say out loud.

“…You called me your friend, yesterday. And you’re continuing to speak casually to me today,” Liu Qingge said, somehow gentle. “I would not have hidden this from you, Shen Qingqiu. I don’t know why but doting on that disciple of yours makes you happy in an innocent way. Separating the two of you is something that I could only support if I seriously thought either you or he posed a danger to the other. I know you have no such intentions and anyone who looks at the boy would know he would rather lose a limb than hurt you.”

“…But I don’t dote on Binghe? I give him more chores than anyone else.” Okay, maybe he also gave him more head pats than anyone else and maybe a hug here and there, but Luo Binghe did so much! Between his studies and his chores and generally helping Shen Qingqiu, did the boy not earn a small reward?

Liu Qingge had a conflicted expression before shaking his head. “…Anyway, I also wanted to ask you about securing the cure for your Without-A-Cure. I know you were distracted yesterday with… everything but getting you back in fighting shape and ending your affliction should be one of your top priorities. It would also make your insistence on doing things without adequate back up safer and… what’s that look?”

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t stop himself from blanching. Fuck, but between the return of his white lotus disciple and his fury at Yue Qingyuan, he had forgotten about the fact he was supposed to be poisoned. And that his colleagues would be expecting him to begin “searching” for the cure.

He hadn’t had time to think of a believable lie yet. It was a miracle Yue Qingyuan didn’t question the availability of his spiritual energy enough to be moved by his emotions that morning. And Shen Qingqiu could maintain a blank poker face well enough, but he couldn’t pretend that he was still poisoned, not without some serious practice in control.

Shen Qingqiu did a frantic internal check of his meridians, relieved to see them unaffected by any demonic qi. It wasn’t a guarantee considering who he had dual cultivated with for much of the previous night.

“Shen Qingqiu. What are you hiding?”

Liu Qingge was not dumb. Things would have been so much easier if he were. That, and they were trying to be friends. Liu Qingge was the type to highly regard honesty; could he lie to him now?

Out of other viable options, Shen Qingqiu tried the truth. He picked up his fan and hid his lower face behind it, eyes averted from the other man. “I’m already cured.”

“What? How is that possible? Have you been to Mu Qingfang?”

Shen Qingqiu took a long sip of tea, stalling as his mind frantically worked on how much he could get away with hiding. “No. Luo Binghe cured me.”

Liu Qingge stood in front of him and Shen Qingqiu peeked at him before glancing away. “For gods’ sake, why not? Your poisoning doesn’t just affect you, but the entire Sect, Shen Qingqiu. And why would you try to hide this?! Does anyone else know?”

“…Binghe knows. My older self told him. And I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Just say it in plain words! It’s not that hard. Unless… what was the cure?”

Shen Qingqiu allowed himself a wince and let his cheeks heat. The only piece of information about this that had to remain absolutely hidden was the fact that Luo Binghe was a Heavenly Demon.

He had a plan. He didn’t like it, hated it really, but he didn’t see another way out.

“I would… rather not say.”

“Say it anyway.”

Shen Qingqiu blushed honestly and glanced towards the door as to make sure none of his disciples were there. Quietly he mumbled, “Dual cultivation.”

“Be serious. If the answer was that simple, Mu Qingfang would have suggested it long ago.”

Shen Qingqiu managed to glare at him. “I am being serious,” he hissed. “Do you think I would say such a shameless thing if it wasn’t true? See for yourself if you refuse to believe me.”

She Qingqiu dramatically offered his wrist only to have to take it back to undo his arm guard, flustered. Liu Qingge said, “Mu Qingfang would know how to check that the poison was out of your system, not me. Let’s go.”

“What?” Liu Qingge seemed to be coming around the writing desk in front of him to his side, so Shen Qingqiu jumped to his feet. “Absolutely not. My disciples–“

“Can wait. Your health is more important.”

“I’m fine!” Shen Qingqiu took a step away from him then froze. Shen Jiu never would have run from him. Shit.

“With your penchant for putting everyone before yourself, excuse me for not believing you. I don’t get why you haven’t been to see him already.”

“I needed time to collect myself. Much has happened in the past day and I’m not enthusiastic about the idea of speaking of something entirely private with someone I work with.”

“This isn’t just about you, Shen Qingqiu. You trusted him, great. But how are the rest of us supposed to believe that your cure was so close at hand and no one had discovered it, but your supposed spouse did at a young age? How can the Sect trust that our second-in-command is well and carries no ill effects without having our Sect doctor visit?”

You could just believe me, he thought, but he hadn’t earned that yet. The entire conversation felt off to him, far too intimate yet painfully professional.

Shen Qingqiu held his ground, Liu Qingge hovering just on the edge of his personal space as if he would bodily drag him to see their doctor if Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t go of his own volition. Logic wasn’t going to win him this; all he had left was emotion and Liu Qingge’s all too apparent concern.

He sighed and let his shoulders drop a little. “Liu Qingge, I do not ask for much, but I will ask that you at least give me a couple of days to process all that has happened before subjecting me to Mu Qingfang’s no doubt invasive questioning. Please. I am tired and that is the last thing I want right now.”

The determined expression on Liu Qingge’s face shuddered into realization and worry. “Did he hurt you?” he asked lowly.

Shen Qingqiu blinked at him, nonplussed. “What? No. You said it yourself; the last thing Luo Binghe would want is to hurt me. That doesn’t change with age.”

“Right,” Liu Qingge said gruffly, dark look flashing across his face and disappearing before Shen Qingqiu could begin to parse it.

“Shizun, this–“ Both Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge turned to see one of Shen Qingqiu’s newer disciples at the door, a young girl who had impressed Shen Qingqiu with her determination and thinking during the selection with a family name of Ye. “Ah, this disciple apologizes, Shizun, shishu. This lowly one can come back at a different time.”

“Disciple Ye–“ but the girl was already gone, fled to the rest of the Peak that would likely know of the incident by the end of the day. Children, Shen Qingqiu thought with exasperation and fondness.

He sighed. “Liu Qingge will give this shixiong the grace of a few days before reporting him to our martial siblings?”

Liu Qingge groaned but stepped away from him, scowl on his face. “You act like it’s a punishment. I just want–going to the doctor after being poisoned so long and to ensure that you’re actually cured is a good idea, in addition to letting the other Peak Lords know you’re well. But yes, I’ll give you two days. If you haven’t gone before the Peak Lord Meeting in five, I will announce it then.”

And have to say out loud in front of everyone a grown version of his disciple cured him with papapa? No, Thank You! “Agreed. Now, thanks for your concern, but now I have to go track down my disciple and ensure that everyone knows I’m still available for questions.”

“Stay. I’ll just catch someone and tell them on the way out. Shen Qingqiu.”

“Liu Qingge.”

The man started walking towards the door then paused. Half in the corridor, he said, “I’m glad you’re alright.”

He left before Shen Qingqiu could respond.

Shen Qingqiu didn’t have time to puzzle over their interaction for long before he was beset upon by questioning disciples, his only comfort the tea and snacks in front of him.

The day proceeded as Luo Binghe would consider normal, which was odd. It felt like so much had changed, like he had changed with the knowledge of things to come, but Qing Jing Peak hadn’t changed with him. Sure, there were suddenly a lot of people staring at him, but after his talk with Ning Yingying and seeing his Shizun in the afternoon, he felt much surer in himself. He studied, did his chores, and made Shen Qingqiu dinner, which was all part of his routine regularly.

There were more differences, of course. At dinner, with tasks for the day largely done and neither of them expecting anyone, Shen Qingqiu began to relax his armor and transformed back into Shen Yuan before Luo Binghe’s eyes, his smiles easier and expression more relaxed. They spoke of different things, too, of the near and far future, of the present and his upcoming introduction to a member of his birth family. When Shen Yuan insisted they look over Luo Binghe’s studies, Luo Binghe sat closer to him than he would have dared two days prior.

Luo Binghe called him A-Yuan and watched his eyes light up subtly every time.

The only dampner on the evening was the fact that Shen Yuan was obviously struggling with something, opening his mouth only to close it without saying something, smile disappearing into a concerned and sad frown when he though Luo Binghe wasn’t looking.

Shen Yuan still hadn’t found the words by the time Luo Binghe had wiggled his way into helping him prepare his hair for sleep at the end of the night. The man was fidgeting and shooting Luo Binghe concerned glances in the mirror. He finally took pity on his Shizun and said quietly, “A-Yuan seems to have something on his mind. This Binghe is happy to listen to anything he would like to say.”

Shen Yuan froze and started to turn. Luo Binghe dropped his hair and watched as Shen Yuan faced him. It made something stir in him to see the man he loved look up at him from that angle, so Luo Binghe took a knee before him. Shen Yuan sighed, “Binghe need not kneel before me.”

I would kneel for you anytime, Luo Binghe thought but didn’t dare say. “This Binghe is not bothered and is eager to hear what Shizun has to say.”

When Shen Yuan stayed silent another moment, Luo Binghe said, “Does it have to do with A-Yuan’s talk with Sect Leader Yue this morning?”

“…Yes.” Shen Yuan was frowning, his eyes sad in a way that Luo Binghe hated and he said, “Binghe, I’m sorry. I tried to stop this, but I failed.”

Luo Binghe had a good idea what was happening, so he said soothingly, “A-Yuan need not apologize; if the Sect Leader said something must happen, then there is nothing he could have done. This Binghe hopes his Shizun does not blame himself for something that was not his decision.”

“…You have to move, Binghe. I have until after the exam to have you living in one of the dormitories.”

Luo Binghe felt his expression close down and mouth tighten. Just because he was expecting it didn’t mean that it didn’t hurt to hear, but it gave him an opportunity. “Will this Binghe be banned from the bamboo house?”

“No! Of course not!”

“May this Binghe still cook for A-Yuan and maintain the bamboo house?”

“I-I mean, I wouldn’t say no.”

“Could this Binghe still have the privilege of assisting A-Yuan with his hair?”

Shen Yuan was frowning again, but in clear bewilderment rather than the sadness that Luo Binghe had chased away. “…I don’t know why he would, but if Binghe wants to help I would not deny him?”

Luo Binghe smiled. “If I can stay by your side, then nothing to too wrong with the world, A-Yuan.

Shen Yuan blinked at him and, to Luo Binghe’s delight, a blush crept over his cheeks. “S-Silly boy, what are you even talking about?” He mumbled under his breath, turning away from Luo Binghe back towards the vanity.

Luo Binghe grinned but quickly hid it away as he stood behind him and began tending to his hair again.

Was he happy about moving out? No, not particularly. Did he love the fact that the most powerful man he had ever met feared Luo Binghe’s presence in Shen Yuan’s life? Very much so.

Was he going to make Yue Qingyuan regret making him move out? Absolutely.

His A-Yuan was so sweet, so willing to overlook signs of the obvious.

It would take some time, but Luo Binghe had an idea to use their separation to his advantage.

Shen Qingqiu, Shen Yuan would be his husband one day. He would make sure of it.

Shen Qingqiu was awake.

He did not want to be.

The loneliness that had been kept at bay by his work and the people in his life had roared back in the quiet of the night and of his empty bed.

This was fine. He had slept for years without another person beside him, holding him. He had known this would happen, that he wouldn’t have anyone with him for a while, if ever again.

It was fine.

It was fine.

It was fine.

Shen Qingqiu hugged a soft pillow close to his chest, repeating the words to himself until they lost all meaning, until they became background noise.

Until he fell asleep and dreamed that he wasn't alone anymore.

Shen Qingqiu was asleep. He swore he was.

“Husband?”

Shen Qingqiu groaned, “Not again, Binghe. I’m asleep.” He didn’t quite regret giving Luo Binghe the reason why he asked for his touches to be so limited since the ignorance ended up hurting him, but he had been fighting horny thoughts almost all day when he had been trying to work. He just wanted to rest at this point.

Luo Binghe held him close and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help nuzzling into his chest, basking in the moment though he would deny it if Luo Binghe said anything. “Husband is awake. I know A-Yuan is tired, but I was thinking… Do you think they’ll be okay?”

“Hm? Oh, you mean our younger selves?” Luo Binghe hummed in affirmation. “I think so. We did what we could, and Binghe loves his Shizun.”

“Of course, he does,” Luo Binghe said, lifting his head to press a kiss to Shen Qingqiu’s hair. “Just as A-Yuan loves his disciple. He doesn’t realize it yet, but I know what your love looks like. I changed some things, but hopefully nothing major.”

Shen Qingqiu heaved himself up to look at his husband. He was frowning into the middle distance, lost in thought and concern. “They’ll figure it out. We did.”

Luo Binghe blinked and focused on his face with a soft smile that never failed to melt Shen Qingqiu’s heart. “Yes, we did.”

Shen Qingqiu lightly kissed his lips before returning back to snuggle into the man he had happily bound himself to for life. “Goodnight, Binghe.”

“Goodnight, A-Yuan.”

When Shen Qingqiu eventually fell asleep, he slept with the certainty of two things: that the sun would rise tomorrow and that Luo Binghe would still love him.