A/N: I've been waiting for to accept the category request I sent. I'm so glad. I'll be posting my fics here, though anything explicit will be taken out for the sake of the website. If anyone wants to read the explicit versions, my profile has my Ao3 and Wattpad accounts where they can be read. Some fics that are simply just PURE sin will obviously not be posted here. Thank you and enjoy.
Only read warning is language.
Couple(s): Wen Kexing/Zhou Zishu (Main), Jing Beiyuan/Wu Xi (Brief Mention), Helian Yi/Jing Beiyuan (Unrequited)
Things That Should Be Made Known:
Not canon compliant.
Set During Zhou Zishu's Leadership of the Window of Heaven.
Wen Kexing Does Not Become the Ghost Valley Master.
Summary:
A peace offering is given to Helian Yi, in the form of a fourteen year old with exotic red eyes and rare white hair.
A gift, the Ghosts had said, from their Master to His Highness.
Wen Kexing isn't dumb, he knows what he is being offered as - but he didn't expect for the sudden turn of events. That's fine - he quite prefers this outcome.
Feat. Not cruelly evil! Helian Yi, Assassin! Zhou Zishu, Servant! Wen Kexing, Mentioned of Jing Beiyuan being confused about who TF Wen Kexing is how he managed to work his way into his 7th reincarnation when he wasn't even in his first lifetime.
I think it's better then the summary says, I just really suck at summaries lol
It's a situation Wen Kexing had hoped he would never get himself into.
He had been careful and made sure that he had never caught the attention of the other Ghosts. Strayed far from any possible threat - which was essentially everyone in the damn cursed Ghost Valley.
But he failed to take into account that he couldn't stop how apparently pretty he had grown to be. Wen Kexing never thought that it would be his looks that would be the one to betray him in the end.
Lovelace had the unfortunate fortune of catching sight of Wen Kexing one day and that escalated to the current situation they were all in - Wen Kexing's wrists bound and a sash tied around his eyes. He sat in a carriage of sorts, at least he's assuming it to be a carriage from the rough traveling and hooves of horses.
Wen Kexing had no clue where he was going.
All he knew was that one moment he was walking home one night and the next he was grabbed by the arm and dragged away. Then, taken to the Ghost Valley's main Manor, he was made to kneel before the Ghost Valley Master. In his fear, Wen Kexing hadn't done nor said anything, simply trembled in the hands of Lovelace - who presented him like a prize gift.
"This one," Lovelace had dramatically stated, petting Wen Kexing's silver locks, "This one should do."
The Ghost Valley Master had looked him over and nodded, seemingly satisfied, " Get him ready to leave. We'll depart soon ."
Wen Kexing just wanted to go home. But something told him he would never see it again - his little cottage with the kind old woman that brushed his hair and sang him songs of folk. The kitten that they had taken in, always so eager to meow at him until he picked him up and petted his soft fur.
Wen Kexing wanted to cry so desperately, but feared what may happen if he did so.
"It's nothing personal," The Tragicomic Ghost had softly stated, her girls helping Wen Kexing get dressed in robes of ruby red silk. They brushed his hair and placed pins of gold in it, braided bits and pieces - styling it so elaborately. His eyes were shadowed with red, said to accentuate his doe-like eyes. What a joke, But you truly do look like a prize worth gaining. How pretty your hair is."
They had the same color hair for fucks sake.
They have been traveling for seemingly days - Wen Kexing hoped the carriage would go haywire and crash.
Wen Kexing twisted his wrists in their bounds, feeling the harsh robe cut into his flesh harshly.
He fucking hated the Ghosts.
"An offering, your highness," Wen Kexing heard the Wu Chang Ghost speak up, and soon after he was shoved forward harshly.
Surprised at the sudden push, Wen Kexing fell with a high squeal, landing hard on his bounded hands. He heard laughter from the Ghosts' side, and maybe even some from whoever it was he was being offered to's side as well. It made embarrassment flush his cheeks, ashamed of having to be completely helpless.
"That was completely unnecessary," A man's voice spoke out, starting Wen Kexing from the unfamiliarity of it, "Zhou Zishu, help him up."
"Yes, your highness," Another voice, softer but also much more toneless, answered. Not long after - a hand gently touched his own and prompted him to rise up.
Wen Kexing clung to the hand, calloused from wear, but the touch itself seemingly held no malicious intentions.
"Our Master hopes you enjoy this one, he's quite a rarity. Look at those locks! White tresses, so uncommon. And more so, his eyes!" Lovelace speaks up, a perverse giggle that sent shivers down Wen Kexing's spine.
The hand in his gave a barely noticeable squeeze, almost as if to provide some comfort.
"Remove the blindfold, Zishu," His Highness stated nonchalantly, as if unimpressed with the Ghost's antics.
The Ghosts really did have the tendency to create unnecessary dramatics.
Wen Kexing felt the hand leave his own before the ties around his eyes were gently tugged off, and his vision was restored.
And what a vision it was.
Before him was a boy not much older than he, maybe around sixteen, and he had cheekbones as sharp as any blade and a strong jawline. His eyebrows were linear, over peach blossom eyes that withheld all his emotions seemingly. His dark hair was pulled out of his face, right into a topknot held by a leather band and it displayed his face so beautifully, for all to see those light pink lips that looked so soft.
Wen Kexing flustered, shifting nervously when he noticed the flash of surprise in Zhou Zishu's eyes.
He's aware of what his eyes look like, red as rubies on the crown that sat upon a royal man's head. Wen Kexing always made sure to avoid eye contact in the Ghost Valley, but Lovelace had forced his face to look at him when they had met.
Wen Kexing mourned what little freedom he had.
"Your eyes," Zhou Zishu breathed out, almost in awe. It would have been flattering had Wen Kexing not had the eyes of many others on him.
"What is the meaning of this?" His Highness demanded, standing up, "Why bring this child here? For what purpose?"
"A peace offering," Wu Chang Ghost answered with a sleazy smile, "Between the Ghost Valley and the Imperial Court, of course. This child of great beauty as a gift."
"Zishu, take the boy away," His Highness stated, without so much as a glance towards Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu, "Show him to a guest room near your quarters."
"Yes, your highness," Zhou Zishu plainly responded, a hand placed on the small of Wen Kexing's back to nudge him in the direction they were to go.
They had only taken about three steps before Lovelace had spoken up.
"Why don't you test the boy out right now?" Lovelace suggested, gesturing in front of himself, "So that we can report to the Valley Master that his gift was well received."
Ice cold fear coursed through his being as Wen Kexing felt the hand on his back still, a slight tension in the fingers that pressed into the red robes. Though Zhou Zishu's face was blank, there was a barely there twitch of his brow - as if annoyed or maybe even disgusted.
"I'm not in the mood," His Highness stated simply, unflinching, "Nor do I want to do such an act in front of an audience. I'm not a barbarian."
With those words said, Zhou Zishu nudged Wen Kexing to keep walking - to which he gladly did. Although Wen Kexing hoped His Highness was simply uninterested in himself, it didn't change the anxious feeling that stayed in his veins.
It felt like a poison festering.
"No one is going to hurt you here," Zhou Zishu muttered, having delivered Wen Kexing to his new room.
The boy in black was unbinding his hands, a frown upon his soft-looking lips when the rope came away with blood dried upon. Wen Kexing scrunched up his nose too, uncomfortable with the sight of what a mess his wrists had become - but he won't deny the relief of the restraints gone, even if it resulted in the stinging of open wounds.
"How can I be sure of that?" Wen Kexing asked, eyeing the other cautiously when the boy took out a vial from his sleeve.
"It's a healing ointment," Zhou Zishu reassured, seemingly catching Wen Kexing's look of suspicion. The boy then reached forward to gently grasp a single hand from Wen Kexing, spreading the cream like substance over the wounds on the pale wrist, "Helian Yi isn't interested in kids like that, I doubt he'll try anything on you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Wen Kexing asked, feeling a bit confused.
Zhou Zishu released his wrist to go towards the other, applying the same treatment, "Don't worry about. Just know that you are safe."
Wen Kexing eyed the other teen curiously, Zhou Zishu simply not meeting his gaze as he continued his task of applying healing cream before moving on to bandaging. He was - strange , to say the least. Wen Kexing knew what Zhou Zishu had meant - what Helian Yi was expected to do to him. But that wasn't the part that confused him, despite Zhou Zishu thinking otherwise.
He knew what sex was - he knew what rape was. Wen Kexing wasn't dumb , he could make the connection on what he was being offered as to the Crown Prince. It was kind of cute that Zhou Zishu seemed unwilling to admit it out loud, though - at least, not to Wen Kexing.
What was confusing was why Zhou Zishu sounded so sure over Wen Kexing's safety from his apparent fate.
As if hearing his thoughts, Zhou Zishu looked up to catch Wen Kexing's gaze - an almost naive look of stubborn determination thick within those peach blossom eyes.
"I'll protect you."
"Master Zhou! Master Zhou!" Wen Kexing called out, running forward towards the trotting of horses.
The man sitting on top of the leading horse halted the animal before climbing down, removing the black veil around his face. It revealed the face of one Zhou Zishu - now freshly eighteen and still as beautiful as the day they met.
Wen Kexing laughed as he was caught within the arms of the older boy, who patted his back lightly.
"You are making me lose face in front of my men again ," Zhou Zishu grumbled, though he did not remove the hand on the small of Wen Kexing's back - keeping it there even as Wen Kexing drew back a bit to smile brightly at the other.
"I missed you! You've been gone for two months!" Wen Kexing huffed, pretending to be upset just to further embarrass Zhou Zishu infront of his subordinates, "You didn't even write like you said you would!"
"I've been busy, you silly boy," Zhou Zishu grumbled with a roll of his eyes, "What kind of servant are you if you are able to have enough free time to come and meet me so early?"
"Prince Jin said I was relieved of all duties today just so I can see you!" Wen Kexing proudly stated before whining when Zhou Zishu flicked him on the forehead.
"His Highness is far too lenient on you," Zhou Zishu commented, not at all phased when Wen Kexing started pounding his fists on Zhou Zishu's chest.
"Unruly servant."
"Lord jerk-face!"
Wen Kexing cheerfully served tea for both Helian Yi and Zhou Zishu as the two conversed, unable to understand the odd phrasings they were saying towards one another.
Wen Kexing wasn't stupid - he knew what Zhou Zishu worked as, what he did under the orders of Helian Yi.
He just didn't particularly care.
Who cares if a bunch of nobodies died? As long his Highness and his savior were okay - Wen Kexing would feign ignorance to it all and okay the role of a favored servant that was spoiled far too much.
He enjoyed the role quite thoroughly.
"A' Xing, I need to talk to Prince Jin alone, okay?" Zhou Zishu spoke, the air taking a serious turn that had Wen Kexing's smile fade.
He looked between Zhou Zishu and Helian Yi, both not looking his way but at each other instead, a somber look upon their faces. With a swallow, Wen Kexing placed the tea pot down gently.
"Do I have to leave now?" Wen Kexing asked, almost grudgingly, "You just got home and-!"
"A' Xing, don't be spoiled," Helian Yi scolded lightly, gesturing for Wen Kexing to leave.
"We can catch up later," Zhou Zishu added, briefly touching Wen Kexing's hand.
Wen Kexing sighed with a disgruntled pout, standing up and turning to leave. He tried not to feel bitter as Zhou Zishu and Helian Yi proceeded to talk in whispers, unable to clearly hear what was being passed between the two.
They always do this!
"Don't tell me you're upset," Zhou Zishu said with exasperation in his voice.
Wen Kexing continued to ignore him, chopping the onions with practiced ease.
"A' Xing," Zhou Zishu drawled out, followed by a chin hooking on Wen Kexing's shoulder, "What an unruly servant you are, ignoring when being called."
"What are you going to do, huh?" Wen Kexing asked with a huff, refusing to turn around, "Have me whipped?"
It was a ridiculous question to ask, especially since he already knew the answer. And sure enough, there was a sharp inhale from the eighteen year old behind him. This time, Wen Kexing didn't fight it when Zhou Zishu nudged him to turn around.
"Whip you?" Zhou Zishu furrowed his brows, "Where did this ridiculous notion come from?"
Wen Kexing felt silly for his words but knew he had to elaborate, "I saw the Xu family at the market a few weeks ago, and they had this servant that was with them. He was an elderly man and he dropped a newly purchased item by accident. So they had him whipped right then and there. It made me wonder why, after all the mistakes I would make, neither you or Prince Jin ever punished me like that."
"Look at me," Zhou Zishu nudged Wen Kexing's chin lightly, prompting him to make eye contact, "Whose servant are you? The Xu family or Prince Jin's?"
What a silly question to ask.
"Prince Jin's," Wen Kexing answered easily.
"Exactly, how they discipline their servants are different from how His Highness does, don't forget that," Zhou Zishu stated, tucking a lock of silver behind Wen Kexing's ear.
"But Prince Jin has had servants whipped before," Wen Kexing protested, grasping Zhou Zishu's sleeve with his hand, "The other servants complain that I'm-"
"Those servants need to keep their damn mouths shut," Zhou Zishu glowered, softening only when Wen Kexing tugged on his sleeve.
He hadn't meant to cause Zhou Zishu's ire.
Zhou Zishu sighed, patting Wen Kexing's head after shaking off Wen Kexing's grip on his sleeve, "He won't have you disciplined without my permission. While you are his servant, you are under my protection. Don't you remember what I promised you? When we first met?"
I'll protect you.
Wen Kexing nodded, recalling the feeling of awe he had felt towards the other when he had uttered those words with so much sincerity that it had brought tears to Wen Kexing's eyes. He recalls crying after hearing those words, lunging towards Zhou Zishu - who had caught him easily and held him close, hushing and rocking him.
Wen Kexing had never felt so safe in his life before.
"I've done a lot of bad things, A' Xing," Zhou Zishu whispered, his eyes going a bit distant, "But if I can at least keep you safe, then at least I haven't completely failed."
Wen Kexing was a bit confused on that last part but, seeing how vulnerable Zhou Zishu looked at that very moment, he pushed it to the side so that he could move forward and hug the other man.
"Master Zhou is always good to me," Wen Kexing muttered, "Even if he were to go crazy one day, this servant will still follow."
"What if one day I kill you?" Zhou Zishu whispered, sounding like he was close to tears. It unnerved Wen Kexing to hear his sound so distraught, so unsure of himself.
"If Master Zhou kills me one day, I'll become a ghost and still follow you," Wen Kexing answered with determination, "This servant won't leave your side even in death."
Zhou Zishu let out a shaking breath and hugged Wen Kexing closer, arms tight around his waist, "A' Xing is so silly."
"A' Xing is still upset over being told to leave earlier," Wen Kexing grumbled, smiling when Zhou Zishu snorted and pulled away to pinch his cheek.
"Let's go to the market, I'll buy you a new fan from the market."
"Master Zhou is the best!"
"Master Zhou has such pretty hair, I don't understand why you never let it down," Wen Kexing complained, brushing the black locks carefully, not wanting to yank at any tangles that may be found.
"It's not appropriate to walk around with one's hair completely down, you silly boy," Zhou Zishu scolded lightly, though the small smile Wen Kexing caught through the bronze vanity mirror meant that no real scolding was being placed.
"Master Zhou is only two years older than this one," Wen Kexing grumbled with a huff, setting the comb to the side to gently gather the locks and part them in three sections, starting to braid the hair, "Yet he acts as if though he is hundreds years older."
"Maybe if A' Xing would mature faster, this Master wouldn't act older," Zhou Zishu amusedly stated, Wen Kexing unable to hide his own smile at the other man's mirth.
"Master Zhou needs to stop bullying this one!" Wen Kexing falsely complained, flicking the now finished braid to the side with a huff.
Zhou Zishu gave a snort.
Hearing him laugh always made Wen Kexing's heart flutter, feeling unbearably fond over the other. Lately, Zhou Zishu has seemed to have gotten less and less sleep and more and more stressed. Although he tries not to show it, Wen Kexing can see the exhaustion weighing on those peach blossom eyes and bags starting to form more prominently.
"What's going on in that silly head of yours?" Zhou Zishu tapped Wen Kexing on the forehead, a brow raised in question.
"Master Zhou," Wen Kexing tentatively started, "Are you okay? Have you been taking care of yourself? Sleeping enough? Eating well? Whenever you return to the capital, you look so tired and like you've never had a home cooked meal in your life! I can-"
"That's enough," Zhou Zishu interrupted, standing and taking Wen Kexing's hand in his own to help rise up as well, "You fuss too much, everything is fine."
Liar !
Wen Kexing held his tongue, but his displeasure must have been evident on his face for Zhou Zishu's eyes softened and a hand tucked a stray lock of silver behind his ear.
"Do not fret so much, A' Xing."
"You're leaving again ?" Wen Kexing pouted, crossing his arms when Zhou Zishu rolled his eyes and flicked his forehead.
"Unruly servant," Zhou Zishu scolded, "Why are you so surprised? I told you I would not be staying long."
Wen Kexing huffed with a frown.
Zhou Zishu never had time for him anymore!
When he was fourteen and newly brought into the Imperial Court, Zhou Zishu would always make time for him. But lately the missions have grown longer - farther away - and even though Zhou Zishu will send trinkets every now and then, it's not the same as having the other actually around.
"Hey, stop with that face," Zhou Zishu muttered, looking very conscious of the waiting subordinates that stood patiently not too far behind him on their horses, waiting for him to take command, "I'll be back before you know it. And when I do return, we can go to the market and I'll treat you to anything you want from there."
"You promise?" Wen Kexing asked, not above spending the money of one apparently wealthy Zhou Zishu.
Zhou Zishu nudged his chin with a curled up finger and gave a small smile when Wen Kexing giggled, "I promise. I'll send you the prettiest fan I find in the first town I stop in so don't fret so much."
"Master Zhou, take this!" Wen Kexing insisted, just before Zhou Zishu turned to leave.
He reached up to his hair to untie the red ribbon holding his hair up - it's the first thing he had ever bought for himself since living in the capital - and proceeded to tie the red fabric around Zhou Zishu's wrist.
Unlike Zhou Zishu, he hadn't cared much for appearances, so when his silver locks fell loosely over his shoulders - he easily ignored the startled gasps from the men behind Zhou Zishu, though he preened inwardly at the hitch of breath Zhou Zishu gave.
"There, it's to bring you luck on travels," Wen Kexing insisted, after tying a cute bow on Zhou Zishu's wrist with the red ribbon, "So that no scary bandits try to make a fool out of you!"
"Scary bandits? Is that what I should be wary of?" Zhou Zishu laughed shortly, amused peach blossom eyes peering at him behind delicate lashes.
Zhou Zishu really was unfairly beautiful.
"What else is there to fear out there?" Wen Kexing rolled his eyes, shaking his head like Zhou Zishu was the silly one.
He knew there was a lot more to fear than bandits, of course he did - Wen Kexing grew up in the Ghost Valley after all. But Zhou Zishu seemed to get it in his head that Wen Kexing was some sort of saint - a picture of purity and all things innocent. He treated Wen Kexing like he was a frail, delicate flower that needed to be taken care of.
It was both amusing and sometimes annoying.
But Wen Kexing didn't have the heart to correct Zhou Zishu - couldn't bring it in himself to disillusion the other man who seemed determined to keep Wen Kexing safe from all things trying to corrupt.
What a silly man.
"A' Xing," Zhou Zishu softly spoke his name like a whisper, a secret between the two of them.
"Yes, Master Zhou?" Wen Kexing asked, whining when the black haired man pinched his cheek with a laugh.
"Never change."
Wen Kexing is seventeen when Zhou Zishu suffers a great loss.
He's only met Qin Jiuxiao a few times, so the death of the other boy who is only a year or two younger is not that much of a loss to himself. Wen Kexing only really cares for two people, four if he feels generous enough to include the ridiculously beautiful Jing Beiyuan and his weird but strangely cute not-exactly-yet boyfriend Wu Xi.
But Qin Jiuxiao?
Wen Kexing can't say he cares all too much.
For some reason, Zhou Zishu cares so much. It's the loss of that boy that sets off a certain chain reaction in Zhou Zishu. He's gotten more guarded, more mournful, less expressive, less available. The man will come, pat his head but then say he is too busy to indulge Wen Kexing in any activities he may want to participate in.
No more trips to the market, no more painting or reciting poetry in the garden, no more taste testing new recipes, no more braiding of the hair.
Zhou Zishu is too busy for the likes of him.
Wen Kexing is a bit bitter about how the death of one boy was able to make his savior crumble so easily.
"What beautiful eyes you have," Wen Kexing blinked, shaking his head a bit to look up from the cup of tea he was serving their guest.
Kang Long was a man of great martial ability, or so the man brags about. He's apparently a new recruit for Zhou Zishu. Wen Kexing hadn't personally met any of Zhou Zishu's subordinates, each never really courageous enough to talk to him whenever they're nearby.
Wen Kexing has seen them in the shadows before, lurking about. Although he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, Wen Kexing didn't survive as long as he did in the Ghost Valley without noticing the shifts of shadows and movement in his peripheral.
Like always, he feigns ignorance. The only reason he knows the man is a new subordinate is because of the insignia he had on his right bracer, not yet learned to fully conceal in public.
Dumb man.
"Thank you," Wen Kexing smiled, hoping Zhou Zishu would arrive soon.
Normally, he wouldn't have been allowed alone with a member of whatever organization it is that Zhou Zishu runs, but he was the only servant available since the Spring Festival was right around the corner. Preparations had to be perfect and Wen Kexing was a clumsy mess when it came to making things look pretty.
"I've never seen that shade of red before," Kang Long breathed out in awe, reaching out as if to touch Wen Kexing's face.
He flinched away, not wanting to be touched by what was essentially a stranger. The movement caused the tea jug to jerk and Wen Kexing lost his grip, the contents spilling all over Kang Long's lap.
"I'm so sorry!" Wen Kexing apologized, feeling just a bit embarrassed as Kang Long cursed and hastily stood up.
Wen Kexing followed, standing as well. He promptly fell back down when a pain exploded in his right cheek, crying out at the sudden strike. Wen Kexing spat out the blood caused by accidentally biting his tongue, bringing a hand up to cover where he had been hit.
He hasn't been hit in years , not since arriving in the Capital. Helian Yi never had him disciplined - mostly scolded him briefly for any mistakes made - and Zhou Zishu had stated clearly that he had no intentions of ever laying a bad hand on his person.
Wen Kexing was more surprised than he was hurt over the actual pain.
He could hear cursing and then another flare of pain to his stomach, resulting in Wen Kexing to curl up in himself, but the actual pain quickly transformed into a numbing sensation. The words thrown his way were muffled and hardly recognizable or comprehendible. It was like a ringing in his ears, blocking him from understanding.
Wen Kexing didn't feel very real.
He can vaguely recall being grabbed and being pushed fully onto the ground, the back of his robes pulled down to bare his back and flashes of pain in the flesh of it. The smell of something metallic reached his nose, his eyes are strangely itchy and for some reason, his throat burns like a fire has been lit inside of it.
Wen Kexing can't quite comprehend what is happening.
"A' Xing..."
"Master Zhou?"
"... I'm sorry."
"What happened?"
"I promised nothing could ever hurt you."
Wen Kexing doesn't like it when Zhou Zishu cries.
"Master Zhou?"
Zhou Zishu gave a sad smile, lightly stroking Wen Kexing's hand delicately. Wen Kexing wanted to stand up and hug the older man but the Physician said he was not allowed to get out of bed until the wounds on his back have healed.
He was incredibly bored.
And lying on his stomach was an uncomfortable position.
"A' Xing, what do you want to do once you've healed?" Zhou Zishu asked, tucking a stray lock of silver away from Wen Kexing's face.
Wen Kexing blinked, a bit confused on the question but the almost desperate look on Zhou Zishu's face had him reply, "I want to watch you paint. You never paint anymore."
Zhou Zishu's face went through a series of complicated emotions, too quick for Wen Kexing to catch and cypher, before settling on a slightly pained one, "How about I paint something tomorrow, and you can watch from the bed, okay?"
Wen Kexing smiled brightly, excited at the prospect of being able to watch Zhou Zishu paint again, almost getting up to cling to his arm, "You promise!?"
"Settle down you unruly boy," Zhou Zishu scolded, carefully guiding him to lay back down properly, "Are you trying to stay bedridden forever?"
"Sorry, sorry," Wen Kexing laughed, not feeling at all in the least apologetic when Zhou Zishu gave an exasperated small smile back.
"A' Xing?"
"Yes, Master Zhou?"
"Don't call me that anymore."
"Then what should I call you?"
"Something more... familiar. Less formal."
"...Okay, A' Shu."
There was a bit of life back in those cold eyes.
Wen Kexing watches as Zhou Zishu paints, an almost serene look upon his face that has his heart melting at the mere sight.
"You done staring at me?" Zhou Zishu asked in amusement, not looking up from his task of decorating a once plain white fan with a multitude of different flowers.
"I can never tire of looking at Master-... ah , at A' Shu's pretty face!" Wen Kexing cheekily responded, laughing when Zhou Zishu shook his head at his words with a small smile.
"A' Xing plays too much," Zhou Zishu scolded, looking up to point his paintbrush at Wen Kexing accusingly.
"A' Shu never believes me when I give him compliments, so cruel - he calls me a liar. " Wen Kexing huffed, pouting at the amused Zhou Zishu.
Wen Kexing tries and fails to fight the smile that grows on his face when Zhou Zishu makes his way over and kneels beside the bed to be eye level. He can't help but almost purr when Zhou Zishu runs his hand through his hair, scratching lightly with his snails against his scalp.
"A' Xing is too cute," Zhou Zishu teased, his eyes so soft that it made Wen Kexing's heartbeat quicken.
"A' Shu will stay with me tonight?" Wen Kexing asked, brows furrowing, "I don't want to sleep alone."
Zhou Zishu's smile faltered a bit and Wen Kexing feared he would be denied - that he had overstepped. He was a scared fourteen year old or a bashful fifteen. He was almost eighteen, almost too old to be playing this game of willful false innocence. Will Zhou Zishu want to stay, now that he is no longer so small?
"It's not very appropriate if I were to stay, A' Xing," Zhou Zishu lightly said, thumb rubbing gently over Wen Kexing's exposed temple.
"Oh," Was all he could really utter - a bit disappointed even if he had expected that very answer.
They stay in tense silence for a moment, Wen Kexing feeling all counts of embarrassment and dejectedness. He wanted to curl up under the bed covers and mope in mortification.
Zhou Zishu gave a sigh after a few minutes, and a beautiful smile graced his lips as he peered down at Wen Kexing, "I can never deny you anything, can I? Try to move over carefully, I don't want to sleep on the floor."
Wen Kexing cheers and does as told - mindful of his movements.
They talked until Wen Kexing felt sleep creeped forward and take him under, wrapping him in an embrace of comfort and unspoken promises. It sweeps him off his feet and lays a kiss of dreams against his brow before allowing him to succumb to inevitable unconsciousness.
And when he wakes, Wen Kexing is half on top of Zhou Zishu, snuggled closed with an arm over his waist - light and mindful of his injuries. He watches Zhou Zishu slumber peacefully, hair down and framing his aristocratic face, long lashes casting shadows over his cheeks.
It takes him a moment to realize what the fast beating of his heart means, the warmth that spreads through his being and cradles his soul with a gentle touch. The lightning in his veins and the blood rushing to his face.
Wen Kexing is in love.
Wen Kexing sighed, watching as Zhou Zishu danced away with the General's daughter, Sun Yun.
How annoying it was to watch the man he had just realized he loved more than a servant should have the right to - dancing away with a stupidly pretty woman. Wen Kexing's back still ached, though the wounds have now healed to the point of ugly scabs, and though he is dressed in the finest of robes given to him by Prince Jin - at the end of the day, no matter how favored he is, Wen Kexing is still a servant and Zhou Zishu is the cousin of Helian Yi.
They are of two different statuses, paths that cross but should not intertwine.
"You look displeased, are you not enjoying yourself?" Helian Yi raised a brow, to which Wen Kexing hastily shook his head.
"It's not that, Your Highness, the gathering is lovely!" Wen Kexing insisted before sighing, "It's just, I feel awfully alone. Everyone is dancing but I don't know anyone else to ask."
"Why not dance with me?" Helian Yi asked, and Wen Kexing nearly choked in surprise. The mirth in the older man's eyes had him pouting just a bit.
"Your Highness, you're... a highness !" Wen Kexing tried to explain, failing miserably at choosing his words well, "Isn't it like illegal for a servant to even think about dancing with you? Stop laughing at me, Your Highness, you and A' Shu always treat me like a baby!"
"I'm sorry, A' Xing, you're just too cute sometimes," Helian Yi pinched his cheek. Wen Kexing wondered if this was what big brothers were actually like - annoying, "Raising your voice at me and clinging to my arm as if though you are three is also not exactly appropriate behavior towards someone of royal status, you silly boy."
"A' Xing is five not three," Wen Kexing grumbled, laughing when Helian Yi snorted, "Well, if His Highness insists, this one will have to ask for a dance! Please, please, please!"
"Alright, alright, let's go dance," Helian Yi shook his head fondly, placing a hand upon the small of his back to guide him towards the other dancers, "Just follow my lead, okay? Be mindful of your steps."
"Of course, Your Highness," Wen Kexing nodded determinedly, placing one hand on Helian Yi's shoulder and the other in the outstretched hand of the royal blood's.
He had to look down for a while, to make sure he knew where he was stepping, but after getting a hang on the pattern, Wen Kexing was able to keep up. He beamed at Helian Yi, who looked on with fond exasperation.
He could feel the eyes of the other guests watching them, Wen Kexing wasn't stupid to not think they wouldn't warrant some attention. A strange looking no-name dancing with the Crown Prince? Hard to miss. But they wouldn't dare to say anything about it - at least not out loud that is.
Wen Kexing hardly cared, he was enjoying the dance with the man who had become something akin to what he imagined a family would be like.
Maybe that's what compels him to ask, "Your Highness, have you ever been in love?"
"In love?" Helian Yi raised a brow in surprise, Wen Kexing flustering at the accusing stare, "Is there something A' Xing would like to say for himself?"
"Not at all, just answer the question," Wen Kexing whined, embarrassed over the knowing look Helian Yi had.
"I'm sure that's true," Helian Yi did not look at all convinced but luckily didn't press too much on it, "I loved once but he was not mine to keep. Instead, I sent him off far South with the man he truly loved."
"A' Yuan?" Wen Kexing asked, surprised that Helian Yi actually confessed it.
Jing Beiyuan was stupidly pretty, so it's no surprise if anyone falls for him at least once. Maybe Wen Kexing would have if he hadn't clung to Zhou Zishu the first moment he got. Jing Beiyuan may be pretty but Zhou Zishu was pretty and strong.
"Sometimes, love means letting go," Helian Yi said, before his eyes trailed off to the side, "Sometimes, it means taking a chance. A' Xing, which are you going to choose?"
Wen Kexing followed his gaze, catching the eyes of one Zhou Zishu, who raised a brow in question, looking between Wen Kexing and Helian Yi with an unreadable look in his eyes.
Wen Kexing turned his attention back to Helian Yi, feeling like a lost child in the woods, "I am only a servant, Your Highness, I-"
"You are more than that," Helian Yi interrupted, the dance stopping as the music changed. A hand lightly patted his head, "Haven't you realized that yet?"
"Your Highness?" Wen Kexing asked, but Helian Yi merely smiled and walked away, leaving him confused and with many unanswered questions.
How strange.
"May I have this dance?" A hand gently placed itself upon the small of his back, prompting Wen Kexing to turn towards the familiar hold.
"I can't promise it'll be a good dance," Wen Kexing nervously smiled, accepting Zhou Zishu's offered hand in his own.
Zhou Zishu shrugged, "If it's with you, it's a dance worth every step taken."
"Charmer," Wen Kexing snorted, squeaking when Zhou Zishu pulled him closer than Helian Yi had.
Zhou Zishu smirked, devious eyes locking into his own.
"Just follow my lead."
Wen Kexing doesn't know much about what happened during the big battle that had erupted in the capital.
All he knows is that a boy named Qin Jiuxiao had died and he had been someone Zhou Zishu had cared for greatly and that Jing Beiyuan was not there.
Per Helian Yi's request, Jing Beiyuan and Wen Kexing were sent away with Wu Xi. Wen Kexing was sure Jing Beiyuan was not going to follow Helian Yi's request to leave the capital had Helian Yi not pleaded for Jing Beiyuan to take care of Wen Kexing.
A Prince asked to care for a servant?
Preposterous!
But Zhou Zishu had also asked Jing Beiyuan, holding a frail Wen Kexing - sixteen, a few days away from being seventeen, in his arms and asked for the same thing.
Take Wen Kexing and go with Wu Xi, protect him if there are any ambushes along the way. It's too dangerous for him to be here.
For a moment, it had looked like Jing Beiyuan would protest, but a wide-eyed scared look from Wen Kexing had him cave. They weren't close, not Zhou Zishu and Jing Beiyuan close, but Wu Xi seemed fond of Wen Kexing's blunt words so maybe that had been a partial influence in his decision to agree.
Either way, when the battle at the capital was over and Zhou Zishu had came to Nanjiang, only Wen Kexing had returned to stand by Helian Yi's side.
He doesn't understand the relationship between Helian Yi and Jing Beiyuan - unrequited love? Wen Kexing had noticed that Jing Beiyuan tended to avoid Helian Yi. For some reason, Jing Beiyuan had seemed confused when Wen Kexing was first introduced to him.
The look of shock whenever Wen Kexing tugged on Helian Yi's sleeves or talked back, the scrutinizing look in his peach blossom eyes whenever Zhou Zishu would allow Wen Kexing to ride on his back or hug his arm.
He looked like he knew when some things would happen and it made Wen Kexing's skin crawl. Sometimes, Jing Beiyuan seemed to even forget Wen Kexing was there until he made himself loudly known.
Jing Beiyuan had made him just a bit uncomfortable.
"A' Shu, you're leaving?" Wen Kexing frowned, peering up at Zhou Zishu who sat upon his horse in the black robes he always wore whenever he left.
"I have some work to do outside the Capital," Zhou Zishu vaguely said, annoying Wen Kexing with his need to pretend like Wen Kexing was too dumb to understand what it was his work entailed.
"When will you return?" Wen Kexing asked, petting the horse's mane.
"Whenever I finish," Zhou Zishu stated, once more not at all helpful in his answers.
Wen Kexing huffed, glaring at the other. Zhou Zishu snorted and flicked his forehead, an annoying habit the other still hasn't gotten out of. The red ribbon attached to his wrist drew Wen Kexing's attention briefly, Helian Yi's words from the dance two weeks ago floating in his ears.
"Sometimes, love means letting go. Sometimes, it means taking a chance. A' Xing, which are you going to choose?"
"A' Shu, lean down," Wen Kexing insisted, urging him closer when he did as told with a raised brow, "Closer!"
"A' Xing, if I lean anymore down, I'll fall," Zhou Zishu rolled his eyes in exasperation, "What is it?"
"Close your eyes!" Wen Kexing demanded, laughing when Zhou Zishu eyed him cautiously.
"Why do I have to-"
"Just do it!"
"Alright, alright, nagging servant," Zhou Zishu muttered, closing his eyes.
Wen Kexing calmed his nerves, taking in the complete trust Zhou Zishu had in him in order to close his eyes so easily to him - vulnerable and unguarded.
He hoped he didn't break that trust for what he was about to do.
Wen Kexing stood lightly tough Zhou Zishu's cheek, taking note of a furrowing of brows, before leaning in the rest of the way.
Lips softly brushed over unsuspecting ones, and he could feel the hitch of breath Zhou Zishu gave. It was a small, chaste and brief moment of their lips simply touching before Wen Kexing pulled away, opening his eyes just in time to see Zhou Zishu's own flutter open.
"Three weeks," Zhou Zishu breathed out, "I'll be back in three weeks."
Wen Kexing smiled when Zhou Zishu leaned down for another kiss.
Wen Kexing woke from a kiss to his temple, a hand smoothing away his hair from his face.
He blinked blearily, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. For a moment he tensed when a hand touched his wrist and slowly moved one his hands away, but relaxed at the sight of a familiar beautiful face of Zhou Zishu.
Zhou Zishu...
Wen Kexing jolted wide away, lunging forward to be caught in Zhou Zishu's awaiting arms, "You're here! You're early!"
"I had to come back as soon as possible," Zhou Zishu gave a chuckle, leaning over to place his lips upon Wen Kexing's own.
Wen Kexing was startled at the bold move but easily melted into his embrace, humming happily as they kissed. Soft and gentle, Zhou Zishu kissed slowly and tenderly, like he was something to be savored. It made him feel warm at the mere thought of being deemed precious enough to savor.
"I've got you," Zhou Zishu whispered between their lips, "And I'm never letting go."
"There's nowhere else I want to be."
"When did this happen?" Helian Yi raised a brow, looking between Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu.
Wen Kexing flustered, smiling when Zhou Zishu didn't release his hold on his hand.
Before Helian Yi had entered the room, Zhou Zishu had been painting while Wen Kexing watched. After a while, he wanted some attention so he had shamelessly grabbed a hold of the hand holding the paintbrush after knocking the item away and cheered when he managed to get Zhou Zishu's gaze to fondly look back at him.
And then proceeded to pout as Zhou Zishu simply kicked up the paintbrush with his other - available - hand and started to paint once more with just the same amount of skill he had with his other hand.
" Unfair ," Wen Kexing grumbled, smiling when Zhou Zishu kissed his pout away.
"Not too long," Wen Kexing confessed to Helian Yi with a weak shrug, "You said I had two choices, to let go or take a risk. So I decided to take a chance."
"I see," Helian Yi said before sighing, "Well, it seems I have to plan a wedding now."
Zhou Zishu coughed as he pulled the cup of tea away from his mouth. Wen Kexing spluttered in surprise, picking up a clean paintbrush to wack Helian Yi's arm with, "Who's wedding you-!"
Helian Yi laughed, a loud and booming sound that had Wen Kexing sigh in embarrassment.
"You'll look lovely in red, A' Xing," Helian Yi teased, reaching out to pinch his cheek.
"Cousin, please, " Zhou Zishu groaned.
"I'm just saying, that's all."