Chapter Text
Yue Qingyuan was not entirely sure how long they had been traveling for. It was awkward, and he knew the demons he was traveling with would worry if he couldn't tell them how long it had been since they had left Cang Qiong. His sect was fallen. But he still had others to look after, and he would not let them fall. He got up to join Zhuzhi Lang in making breakfast earning a surprised look.
Tianlang Jun woke to Yue Qingyuan gone from his arms. With him in his doll-like state he couldn’t think of any reason for him to do that unless something bad happened to him. He scrambled out of bed only to find his nephew and lover making breakfast. This was odd but not unwelcome. He didn’t think Zhuzhi would ask for Yue Qingyuan’s assistance. He composed himself and took a seat a short ways from the pair to watch them.
Yue Qingyuan glanced up and smiled softly at Tianlang as they cooked.
“Gege woke up early today,” Tianlang Jun idly commented.
"I wished to help with breakfast," Yue Qingyuan replied. "Something a bit heartier since we've been traveling for a while."
So his mind is back. For the first time in what seems like forever. He was on his feet and striding over to Yue Qingyuan before he could think. He pulled him into a far too tender kiss without saying a word.
Yue Qingyuan kissed back wrapping around him. "Have I been neglecting my husband?" He teased softly.
“It’s been far too long.” He admitted wistfully.
"Ah, I apologize." He had thought he had paid attention to Tianlang Jun as he drifted, but he must have been mistaken.
“You have no reason to apologize. You’re here now, that’s what matters.” He doesn’t know how long he has Yue Qingyuan and he’s not going to waste that time.
"How is Fu?"
“Their hunting has been improving. I believe traveling is benefitting them.”
Yue Qingyuan nodded in relief. The loss of the safe space to offer the child had bothered him. "That's good."
“You should speak to them,” he encouraged. “It’s been some time since they’ve been able to truly interact with you.”
"I ignored them too?" This was getting worrisome.
“You didn’t entirely ignore them but you haven’t been…here.” He spoke carefully as if that could hide the hurt.
"I am very sorry," Yue Qingyuan apologized. Guilt surged through him. He had to do better.
“Don’t bother apologizing, it was not your choice. I would rather savor the time I have with you than waste it with apologies.”
He nodded. "Whatever you wish to do."
Tianlang Jun hesitated for a moment. “…is there something you would like to do?”
"Just a letter to write." He wanted to help Zhuzhi Lang. Perhaps Queen Shang would be willing to listen to him for it.
“Then you should do that,” he encouraged.
"Will you sit with me?"
“Of course.” He couldn’t leave Yue Qingyuan’s side. He would save every remaining moment he has with him.
Yue Qingyuan gave him a soft kiss and dug into his supplies to pen the letter explaining his wish to aid Zhuzhi Lang and an open offer for payment.
Tianlang Jun pressed against Yue Qingyuan and behaved for once. He sat there and didn’t interrupt or try to claim attention for himself.
Yue Qingyuan finished the letter and turned to his lover. "You are being quiet."
Tianlang Jun laughed and pulled away. "Lost in my thoughts, I suppose. Is there anything else gege wants to do?"
"Just time spent with you. What more could I request?"
Tianlang Jun hummed his agreement. “I have little to give anymore. I’ll spend time with you.”
"Little to give? I thought I was the one meant to spoil you?"
Tianlang Jun laughed at that. “Yes, you are. How foolish of me.”
"You are my didi," Yue Qingyuan said softly. Though there was little he could buy for Tianlang out here.
“You can spoil me if that’s what you’d like.” He was growing tired of the empty care but maybe this has a chance to fulfill him.
"I very much would. What would my didi like his gege to give him?"
“Tell me something, gege. Speak to me.” He climbed on top of Yue Qingyuan and made himself comfortable in his lap.
"Ah?" Yue Qingyuan frowned. "I don't-do you want to hear of human history?" He did not have much worth sharing.
“If that’s what you wish to share, of course,” he agreed easily.
Yue Qingyuan nodded and started on a stuttering patchy retelling of what he knew of the history of the lands he lived in. He was better on recent history, but much of the past he could only mention bits of, and it was patchy.
Tianlang Jun listened all the same. He’s missed being able to see his lover use his mind, even if it’s for recalling a patchy history of human violence. His voice is clear and thoughtful once more. He could swoon.
"You like history?"
“Not at all, it’s a rather boring and redundant part of human culture.”
"Ah, you should not have let me ramble for so long."
“I wanted you to speak. I still do. I enjoy listening to you, no matter the topic.”
"I would prefer to speak of things you enjoy."
“Would you like to read one of my books?” He offered instead.
Yue Qingyuan smiled. "I can do that for you." Tianlang Jun was sure to enjoy that.
Tianlang Jun brought out a romance novel and handed it to him. “Thank you gege.”
Yue Qingyuan pressed a kiss to him and opened the book to begin reading.
Tianlang Jun sank against him and listened to him speak. He didn’t hesitate to playfully tease him at some cheesy or raunchy moments. He wants to fluster him like he can never do anymore.
Yue Qingyuan did his best to remain steady even as his ears turned red and he had to pause to catch his composure at the raunchier suggestions. Tianlang was truly set on ruining him.
Tianlang Jun pushed down the book at once point and brushed a clawed finger against his flush. “This must be the prettiest color in the world,” he purred to his lover. “You look stunning when you lose your composure.” Yue Qingyuan’s so responsive like this he can’t help but prod him more.
"You enjoy breaking past my walls," Yue Qingyuan sighed. Tianlang Jun had since he had found Yue Qingyuan drunk and broken from Shen Xue marrying.
Tianlang Jun faltered at that comment. He does, he can’t deny that, but that’s also how he ended up shattering Yue Qingyuan. “Do you want me to stop?” He asked quietly.
Yue Qingyuan blinked. "Pardon?"
“Do you want me to stop? Intruding on you?” He asked again.
"No!" He grabbed onto Tianlang Jun almost desperately. "Don't pull away." He knew he was a mess, that he was falling apart. But he couldn't stand it if he was left behind again.
“If you hate it so much I won’t break you anymore. I-“ he faltered. “I shouldn’t have broken you this much.”
"But you love me," Yue Qingyuan protested. "That makes it alright."
“I do love you. I also miss you. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to speak to you,” he mourned.
Yue Qingyuan frowned. Suddenly he was faced with a reason to not let himself fade and disappear. "I can try to stop it."
“You…can?” He thought he’d solidified his fate with his meddling.
"Mu Qingfang might have tips on how to make it stop." Yue Qingyuan couldn't promise anything. He had been broken long before TianLang Jun. It might only slow the decline.
“We should see him. We have to try.” He didn’t want to lose Yue Qingyuan just yet.
"We will try," Yue Qingyuan agreed. He would have to try to ask Mu Qingfang what his chances were alone to avoid hurting Tianlang.
“We’ll go to the demon realm. I’m sure Mu Qingfang has settled in by now.” He’s not sure if Yue Qingyuan will manage to keep his mind until they arrive.
"It will give us a chance to see the court of the Northern Desert."
“We’ve both been there before,” he pointed out. “But I suppose it will give Fu the chance to visit.”
"We have been, but not as official court guests," Yue Qingyuan said calmly. At least he hadn't been.
“Ah, well, I’ve never been an official guest but I have attended court.” Technically. He’s only crashed it.
"Will we present Zhuzhi Lang with us?" Fu would remain hidden, they were too young to let others know the child existed
“Zhuzhi typically stays dormant for these things unless he needs to act as my general. Would we need him?”
"I don't plan to be aggressive, we're going to ask for favors."
“I could demand them from those two. They are still under me,” he pointed out.
"I will trust your lead on that."
“It will be far more efficient to do this the demonic way.” Mobei is not likely to be resistant to his request. He holds a healthy respect for authority.
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "A display of power then."
“If he doesn’t cooperate with my request,” he agreed.
Yue Qingyuan pressed another kiss to Tianlang Jun. "Do you want to try out some of those scenes?" He asked very softly.
Tianlang Jun hummed and turned closer to him. "This demon would enjoy that very much," he purred.
Yue Qingyuan snuck a look to make sure Zhuzhi Lang and Fu weren't too close. Then he carried his lover off to their tent to give him as much attention as he needed.
Tianlang Jun was as clingy as usual once they finished. This time it was out of anxiety more than affection. Yue Qingyuan fades easily after sex. He doesn't want him to leave just yet.
Yue Qingyuan was more than happy to gently care for his clinging husband when they finished. He didn't understand why he was so stressed but Yue Qingyuan would try to ease it.
Yue Qingyuan seems to be staying for now. Tianlang Jun allowed himself to be doted on now that he’s satisfied he won’t lose him immediately.
>>>
The time spent with Yue Qingyuan awake and being himself left Tianlang Jun the happiest he’d been since they left to travel. He still tiptoed around him sometimes. He didn’t want to risk Yue Qingyuan falling back into a daze on accident. For the sake of diplomacy Tianlang Jun sent a letter ahead informing Mobei and his queen of their arrival. That way accommodations could be prepared for them. He doubted they would appreciate it if he showed up without a word and crashed court again.
Mobei Jun silently shared the letter with his queen as he prepared a space worthy of the emperor and his entourage. Tianlang Jun traveled light but he would not be caught lacking. Small Scrap was just old enough to work as one of the many errand boys that fetched drinks and notes during court, a fact he was very proud of. He had tricked an An Ding disciple out of their spot to be there the day the demon emperor arrived.
Shang Qinghua welcomed them to the palace. He remained polite but impersonal as he guided the group to their respective rooms. “My king will be along soon to meet with Junshang,” he explained as they stopped in front of the guest rooms. “Please, let the servants know if you need for anything. This Queen is happy to serve Junshang.” Tianlang Jun thanked Shang Qinghua warmly. The little human never failed to delight him. He didn’t even tremble while speaking to him this time!
Yue Qingyuan gave a polite smile to the queen, still hurting at how his martial sibling so easily ignored him. Ah, but perhaps it was deserved considering how badly he had failed everyone. He did catch Shang Qinghua at the door to slip him his letter about wishing to aid Zhuzhi Lang. "Private please," he murmured.
Shang Qinghua shot him a confused look but took the letter. He waited until Tianlang Jun left earshot before quietly asking, “Are you alright?”
"He wants to fix what can't be fixed," Yue Qingyuan said quietly. "I want to do what I can for them before then."
“Is he…trying to fix you? Is that what this is about?” Both his eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Yue Qingyuan nodded and gave a smile. "Don't tell him it can't be, alright?"
“That’s entirely up to Mu Qingfang,” Shang Qinghua pointed out.
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "Thank you for your time your majesty."
Shang Qinghua hummed and turned away. “If you need help you can ask for it. I won’t deny you any assistance.”
"Finding a way to help Zhuzhi Lang will be enough."
“Is that what this is about?” He glanced down at the letter. “Is something wrong with him?”
"It would be nice if his ability to control his form wasn't limited to having access to Tianlang Jun's blood," Yue Qingyuan said. "Such a thing is a matter of research however, and not something I can manage on my own."
“Ah. Yeah. It would be better if he could live his own life without relaying on his uncle. Not that I think he’d ever leave his uncle.” He snorted. “Sure, I’ll look into it.”
"Thank you." Yue Qingyuan knew Zhuzhi Lang would follow Tianlang Jun until his uncle went mad and had to be killed. It was after then that he worried for, and why he wished to give this gift.