Cats Get Jealous Too
The days at the Inner Court have been surprisingly peaceful as of late. A sure sign of trouble on the horizon, even a small scale kind. Maomao could sense it approaching, a cold chill ran down her spine when... "Maomao!" Yes, there it was. Jinshi scooped her up from behind and pressed a firm kiss to her cheek.
"Master Jinshi! We are in public." But Jinshi didn't relent as he put her down.
"Is there something wrong with me showing love towards my future wife?" Ah, that's right, they were dating now but... he had yet to ask for her hand in marriage. She wouldn't refuse him just to be clear but it was still early for him to call her that. Most people in the Outer and Inner Palace still had no idea of their involvement.
The Four Consorts did, after all Maomao and Jinshi had to make it clear they're not trying for a baby right now. A baby from the Prince already in line for the throne could disrupt this fragile peace they've built.
"Be that as it may I would like for you to have more self-control. Or do you want rumors of you being a woman chaser to spread?" Every woman he so much as looked at already fawned over him. He wouldn't need to chase.
"The only woman I'm chasing is you. And I've caught you. Where's my prize?" Jinshi smirked wider as Maomao turned to face him.
He was almost 22 years old and still so childish.
"How troublesome." But his more relaxed, care-free side was the thing that endeared him to her and made her blush more often then not. Like right now as she quickly looked around before pushing herself up on her toes to kiss him on the corner of his lips.
That wasn't enough for Jinshi who cupped the back of her neck and pulled her into a more proper kiss. It took Maomao a moment to relaxed into to the surprising kiss. She should have seen it coming, this was the overly affectionate Jinshi after all.
Once they parted she saw a small blush on his pale face. He was too hot to be adorable too. "You're too cute." Jinshi smiled brightly, resulting in a deeper blush from her as well.
"And you're unfair, Master Jinshi."
"Huh? What? And I told you, when it's the two of us you don't have to talk to me like that." Maomao took a step back, her hands falling at her side. She didn't look at him and he got the message, he wouldn't press the issue.
It was odd enough for her to get use to these casual touches, the kisses, spending nights in the same bed, dates and letters. But those could have happened even if she was just a servant to him. It was hard for her to adjust to her new role as Jinshi's lover. "I have some business to attend. Please excuse me."
Maomao made herself scarce quickly. As more people would start to gather it wouldn't do well to make a scene. The staff that worked there still thought she was like them, so naturally they glared when Jinshi showed her affection, no matter how small. If any of them knew Maomao was of noble blood all the color would drain from their faces.
This was more fun.
There was only one drawback to it: seeing Jinshi get flirted with daily. Jinshi was always a beautiful man, the most beautiful in the entire nation if she was concerned. But the jealousy that came from having a boyfriend like that was entirely new. Maomao didn't like it one bit.
Try as she might, and she really was doing her best, she couldn't not narrow her eyes when she saw these things. No matter how fake Jinshi's polite smile was it still irked her.
"Master Jinshi, is something wrong?" She faintly heard one of the girls say as she touched his arm. Ugh, it really wasn't a nice sight.
As she turned to leave she could hear Jinshi quickly excuse himself. He called after her, he called her "Apothecary!" Not Maomao. She knew why, it was all part of their cover. So why? Why did it eat away at her? Was this how Jinshi felt when the guards and merchants got friendly with her?
A gentle hand wrapped around her wrist, "Wait!" Damn those sad obsidian eyes. "Are you alright? Are you sick? It's not like you to leave in such a rush when you've got medicine to make."
Her daily task was the last thing on her mind.
"I feel well, thank you." Fuck. That sounded too formal. Her voice was usually even, but those who knew her could tell the small differences that gave away her emotions and mood. Needless to say that Jinshi was not budging on this clear issue. "As you said, I have work. It's for Concu-"
She felt herself pulled around the corner and into the next hallway. Jinshi leaned over her, still taller. "Not until we talk." He could still be as childish as he was 3 years ago. "What did I do?"
"You? Nothing at all. I'm very happy that's the case, given the vast choice you have. But I'm your future wife," Maomao held onto his robe, "so in the future, please only look at me like that." As she pulled him down for a kiss he seemed to understand her meaning.
It was beyond rare for her to be jealous, for her blue eyes to have that possessive shine to them. "Understood."
He did more than return the simple kiss, he deepened it, asking for permission before his tongue felt hers. As he lifted her up her legs wrapped around him. "Something like this... you're already hard, Jinshi."
"Because I find you irresistible." Their hips rolled in unison, hands grabbling at hair and clothes. "I have never wanted anyone as much as I want you. Maomao, I hope I can prove that to you some day."
The annoyingly loud voice in her head screamed that he should do it now. They could have sex right now, keep going even if one of Jinshi's admirers happened upon them. The risk of pregnancy would be bigger but it would be worth it to see the looks on all those girl's faces.
"My, oh my." Huh. That was less alarmed then... wait a minute, that voice!
Both Jinshi and Maomao turned to see Gyokuyou and Lihua staring at them. One a lot more amused.
"This... we were just... you see Maomao said... I mean I..." Jinshi was at a complete loss of words at being caught.
"You two, I can perfectly understand being in heat of your new romance, but please do keep it behind closed doors." Lihua scolded them like a mother should, but her own amusement made it's way to her face in the form of a smile.
"Apologies for the display." Maomao bowed her head when she got free from Jinshi's embrace. "We got carried away." Clearly. Poor Jinshi looked like he wanted to die, his hands firmly folded at his front.
Gyokuyou laughed, "The of you should be more careful. I expected this from him, but not you. My Maomao has been corrupted." She said dramatically before laughing again. "Go, take the day off, both of you." With another quick bow as a thank you Maomao grabbed the still horrified Jinshi. "At this rate we might say have another little one in the Palace."
Not if Maomao could help it. They had yet to go that far, even if they did she knew of many ways to lessen the pregnancy risk. None of which included spontaneous make out sessions. Sadly.