Gaoshun glanced at the Moon Prince with amusement, it seemed these days he was much more rested and focused but a new pattern had emerged. While he would be reading a document and would freeze suddenly, red rising across his cheeks, and shade his head clearly attempting to reread the line.

With Maomao attempting to be tactful in her words she had made plenty of parallels to things Jinshi was familiar with. A calming tactic in the moment, but now when he'd stumble across the familiar wording in inquiries and formal requests from official departments the wording took on an additional meaning. Which in hindsight made the Department of Water much more interesting. He wondered how married men like Gaoshun and Baryou managed to focus.

The Moon Prince sipped his tea and attempted to reread with the correct mindset. Images of her flashing through his mind were not helping.

"Would a constitutional help your highness?"

Yes, a walk would be very helpful. Jinshi sighed and stretched. He debated the best place to stretch his legs. The medical office was out, he would need a proper excuse to interrupt their goings on, and besides he was trying to get her out of his mind. Sparring with Lihaku would be nice, but the thought of bumping into Lakan asking any questions was mortifying at best. To that end the Empress would pick up on his struggle in a heartbeat, he could vividly imagine her relentless teasing. The entirety of the palace was feeling smaller by the minute.

"Where is Basen today?"

"Apologies Moon Prince, he has an appointment with the U Clan today."

Damn it.

"Perhaps a check-in with the lower consorts is in order."

Gaoshun bowed and sent for a carriage. The Emperor never revoked Jinshi's access to the Rear Palace, in fact his role as manager of the flower garden was still rather much intact with as often as he was summoned. He started with the middle consorts and worked his way to the lower ranks, engaging in small talk and pleasantries with a few things of note to pass on to appropriate teams be they maintenance or other minor and sundry tasks. Unfortunately for the heartthrob-of-a-prince their eager gazes and starstruck stutterings only continued to remind him what a relief Maomao was.

Weaving his way through the courtyards he saw an elder figure moving slowly. A rather feminine eunuch who was making his way to his next check up. It was clear he had been on his feet too long and his legs were unsteady. Jinshi spotted a pond with a bench nearby and approached the honored La clan member.

"Dr. Luomen, how are you Sir," his smile was soft and genuine.

Maomao's adopted father gave the best bow he could manage and the prince moved to steady him, "No need for that Sir, please, sit for a moment."

The way he wobbled down made Jinshi seriously consider hiring him an aid. Or at least better transport between exams.

"Apologies Moon Prince, you needn't bother with me."

"You are many things Dr. Luomen, a 'bother' is not one of them."

"I am grateful to your Grace for your kindness."

Jinshi smiled, "And I am grateful to you for a great many things. Not least of which has been your returned service to the Rear Palace."

The old man looked wistfully across the rippling pond, "It has been interesting to watch what has… and has not changed."

He could hear Maomao echoing similar vague statements though Luomen was much less likely to state anything other than known facts. An appreciated caution, but like many of the La clan his intuition was dead on, "Attempting to clear your head your Majesty?"

Jinshi chuckled, "Is it that obvious Sir?"

"You don't often frequent this portion of the rear palace. I can only imagine the complexities required for you to retreat to this particular location."

In other words he can tell who I'm avoiding in this section of the rear palace. "Indeed, societal expectations and political complications have me… challenged on multiple fronts."

Of all the people to stumble across, he wished he and Luomen had more time like this. Jinshi could see why a warm smile that spoke of emotional safety would pull at Maomao's lips whenever she had the opportunity to be with her pops. As direly as he didn't want Lakan for a father in law, he would relish having Luomen as part of his inner circle.

"Is there something you'd like to ask me young man?"

That was surprisingly informal coming from him. Jinshi thought for a moment, knowing Luomen was the very definition of discretion, "If there was one thing you'd wish for me to know about your daughter, what would it be?"

"In what aspect, your highness?"

"What do you mean?"

"Professionally, medically, emotionally, personally?" He could clearly go on, but the Dr. had gotten his point across.

"Perhaps how she takes on challenges, and any thoughts from your observations. You know her better than anyone."

The elder thought for a moment, "As you know Maomao struggles to feel emotions as deeply as others. A defense mechanism was born out of unintentional neglect that has unfortunately served her well. However, sometimes to her detriment, is her ability to break down an emotional problem into logical chunks. She loses sight of the overwhelming whole to address more conquerable parts. Paired with her desire to isolate and figure out on her own can be challenging."

Jinshi considered their endeavors of late and the observation was spot on. "And if she can't break it down?"

Luomen chuckled softly, "in a word, chaos. I remember when her curiosity got the better of her and she caused an explosion in the Verdigris house. Time and place fell away for her single mindedness, needless to say there were some unforeseen 'unconquerable' parts. If she had requested guidance, consequences could have been avoided."

The Moon Prince smiled as memories of her chaos jumped into his mind, from his first offer of ox bezoar to sniffing the maids in the Crystal Pavillion for soon-to-be-banned perfume, to aiding the Shi clan children coming out of their resurrection state.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by the grandmotherly voice, "Of all the things I could anticipate over the years, sitting here with you in the Rear Palace was certainly a surprise. Let alone receiving such an inquiry about my daughter. It brings me great joy, your highness, to see you grow into a man any father would be proud of."

The sentiment warmed him to the core, "You were there to bring me into this world and raised a wonderful daughter Sir. While I hate that kidnappers took her from you and brought her here, my life is richer with you and her in it. You have my sincerest thanks."

I need to make more time for this treasure. Jinshi thought to himself, he made for an excellent neutral party, which is something the Moon Prince severely lacked at the moment.

"May I offer a thought to your Highness."

"Certainly."

"If you're guiding her in a difficult direction perhaps making space for her excitement will be of benefit to both of you. It is such a rare emotion from her for anything outside of medicines and poison."

Jinshi blushed as the image of her bare shoulders, bated breath and flushed cheek flashed before him, his forearms tingling with memory of her silent request. Luomen stole a glance but said nothing simply requesting assistance to stand.

The Moon Prince obliged, "May I escort you to your next location Dr. Luomen?"

"Certainly, though I fear you may catch more attention than you desire."

"An unfortunate hazard almost wherever I go," Jinshi sighed.

"Lucky for you, Maomao never was the type to get jealous."

Did Luomen just tease me?

…..

It would be several days before Maomao was able to visit again, but the conversation with Luomen did much to calm Jinshi's heart. He wished he could just take a stroll with her through the gardens or really any part of the palace not as servant and master but as companions. But he knew well the chaos that would ensue. There had to be a way, even if it meant reprising his role as Jinka the commoner. He debated this as she dragged her way in for dinner.

"You look like you had a day."

She plopped down on the couch next to him and unceremoniously put her forehead on his arm groaning, "I assisted with a surgery and we found out the gallbladder had gangrenous tissue. Tianyu accidentally got some necrotic fluid on me. It took over an HOUR to scrub the smell off."

It was rare for Maomao to look green around the gills, it must have smelled horrendous. "I assume you are not hungry then?"

"No but I should eat, I've got a mid tomorrow."

She chose the blandest of the selection on the table and Suiren shortly appeared with some rice congee. The apothecary seemed very thankful, she looked like she needed a hug. The prince knew well enough to wait until after food was consumed.

Maomao was in her night clothes almost before the dinner dishes were clear. Obvious signs of a quiet night if ever Jinshi saw them. He changed quickly and sat on the edge of the bed while she finished her nightly hygiene routine. Wandering over to stand before him her head fell onto his shoulder and with an "awwww" he wrapped his arms around her. She crumpled into his touch. Rather than stay on the side of the bed he picked her up and sat on his side. The apothecary was asleep within moments cradled against his chest. The term 'sleeping companion' would reign supreme tonight.

Her breath warmed his chest and he was content to just be there in the moment. No flirting, no sparkles, no posturing, no politics, no tet-a-tet, no exploration, just an exhausted young woman asking for a safe place to rest. Jinshi couldn't be happier considering all the times the roles had been reversed. The only debate was if he could hold her like this in his sleep. Considering previous attempts to read into the night he knew the pain that would greet him in the morning, but he also didn't want to let her go. He also knew she was out so he wasn't worried about disturbing her sleep. Reaching out the Prince brought her pillow closer and opened up the blankets, carefully lowering her next to him. Readjusting, he felt her shiver a bit and turn into his warmth. Jinshi pulled her to his chest with the softest of smiles and was soon off to dreamland himself.

A bird sang to the early dawn and the Moon Prince was feeling a bit constricted. He made a move to roll onto his back and found not only a leg but an arm draped over his torso.

"Cold?" He asked his clinging feline amused.

She shivered a little and he draped his sleeves around her with an "awww."

"Don't you have a meeting?" The muffled voice asked.

"Maamei cleared my morning when she heard you were coming."

"Why would she do that?" Maomao said, turning her face towards him.

"Why does anyone in this house give us extra space?"

"Are they still bothering you about grandkids?"

"N-no!" He stuttered with a blush, flicking her ear, "sometimes people are supportive in their own way. Sheesh. What am I gonna do with you?"

"Well they certainly seem to think-"

"Really!? Gah- quit it! Do you wanna be warm or not?"

"Sorry Jinshi," she sounded like an elementary student who had a teacher looming behind them.

He chuckled, she tilted her head, "what?"

The Moon Prince caresses her hair, "I'd take this frustrating banter over the fawning masses any day."

He could feel her smile just a little, with just the smallest hug. Jinshi nuzzled and kissed her forehead and they rested in their embrace.

Once Maomao was warm though she was feeling a little playful, it was as if her cat ears were up and her tail was twitching. Her arm was already draped over him, she lightly brushed at the base of his arm.

"What the-" Jinshi arched away. Maomao pursued with a tickle, a mischievous grin and glint in her eye. The prince wasn't going to take this lying down, he knew several of her vulnerable spots. It quickly devolved into a tickle fight with blankets and pillows launching from involuntary spasms of laughter. The military trained Prince naturally had the advantage.

He had her thoroughly pinned beneath him mercilessly tickling her sides, amidst her laughter she managed some version of a tap out. He relented leaving her heaving beneath him, he had no idea when he had pulled himself between her legs but their position was becoming quickly apparent.

"What was that about?" He asked with the remnants of playfulness.

"Are you mad?"

"Well I guess not it's just-" speaking while being kissed is difficult. It wasn't a long kiss, but it wasn't chaste either. His body reacted before his mind even registered the disruption, flattening out against her and responding to her witty tongue. She moaned against the pressure driving him closer still. Hips grinding, her hands traced down his sides and coaxed forth a rhythm. His hand kept some of the weight off her while the other supported her arching back.

The fabric in between did not matter, Jinshi's breath was quickening, he moved to kiss her neck and she pushed the fabric away from his shoulder so she could reciprocate. Shuttering from her lips he ground and moaned. Her hands ran up his back and he arched, pressing her into the bed. Her voice responded in kind. Feeling a bit crushed in his sensitive parts, he shifted her straddle to his leg and her rhythm picked up in fervor. In one hand she took his hair, redirecting mouth back to hers, the other hand pulled at his leg.

"Do you -trust me," she asked between voracious kisses.

His mind was a blur from ecstasy, but he managed a "yes."

Then he felt it, a finger brushing his shaft. Fireworks went off in his vision. She hadn't changed the rhythm, her fingers were carefully gathering the fabric for, "hrrrrngh."

His moan was intense as she closed her fingers around his pants, giving just enough room to slide. He nearly bit her tongue. She bit and dragged his lip just a bit as he reeled in the new sensations. Maomao was fairly close herself but she had the wherewithal to time it. They rolled and rocked against each other feverishly drinking in the other, their movements becoming more simple as the muscles began to tighten. Her hand reached a fever pitch for him as she felt herself clench. Fighting through her own climax to make sure he got his. She felt him push her hand off as they slowly collapsed into the disheveled pile of blankets.

As clarified previously, he kept his wet hips well clear of hers, with his head on her chest. They both lay there heaving in the tangled afterglow.

Jinshi felt a hand softly brush his hair away from his face as the breathing slowed beneath him, a soft voice asked, "was that okay?"

Okay? Okay!? Is a flash flood wet? He took the hand in front of him and tenderly kissed it, "Yes. Let me come back down to earth for a moment."

Her fingers continued to gently brush the hair out of his face and off his neck and back. He would not be surprised if a bath was drawn for them by the time they got up. The prince's head was slowly clearing; there was a definite wobble as he got his arms beneath him so he could regard his miraculous partner.

"You know when I said 'next time' it didn't have to be this visit."

"I… I know," she looked away with a blush, "I - you wanted to make me feel better, and I know my upbringing makes this weird for you more than me, and it's hard watching you be so nervous."

He brought her hand back to his lips and kissed her palm, "I hope you know how much I treasure you."

Her hand cupped his cheek, her thumb stroking gently, "thanks for trusting me."

Awwwww. He melted internally, his expression did too which was very entertaining for Maomao. This wasn't the composed and chiseled celestial beauty that lived above the clouds, this was a happy pile of jello.

"We should probably clean up and get some food," Jinshi said, getting up slowly. He peeked into the bathroom, "there's a bath drawn."

"Oh… um."

Jinshi paused and looked back before entering. Maomao looked remarkably sheepish, "Just leave me a bucket of hot water please."

He fully stopped and turned, "wha-WHY!?"

"Well I can't very well get into the bath after you use it, that would defeat the purpose."

The gears turned for a moment and Maomao could see the moment the light went on. Jinshi knew exactly how the next argument would go and it followed his mental script… mostly.

"Ah, then you go first."

"No I couldn't your highness."

"And why not?"

"Well first of all-"

"If you're going to say something about our positions I'm gonna strip you down and scrub you myself!"

They stared at each other blinking, blood rising in both of their cheeks for … multiple reasons. Both knowing that was an empty threat, but still flushing at the mental image.

"I was gonna say -I am having trouble getting up."

In very quick succession he facepalmed for making such a statement then asked in a panic, "Are you okay!? Did I hurt you!?"

"No, no I am just not used to the full effect of an orgasm. My muscles are still recovering."

And somehow he was back to mentally assisting her with cleaning up and then reeling that he didn't really wanna trigger a second round. His frog leaped at the thought. Now he was debating if Suiren or Chue would be a help.

"-Shi. MASTER JINSHI!" clearly he had zoned out.

"What!?"

"You can either give me a few minutes to pull myself together or help me to the tub, your chooooooooice." She was almost scooped up before she finished her sentence. There was a pause after setting her down on the edge of the tub.

The apothecary gave him a look, "We're fast approaching the point of clothing being optional but I don't think you want that just yet."

Nope! He was gone and the door was shut. Staring at the door she remembered the cave and the waterfall with amusement, his reactions so vastly different before she reciprocated. She sighed and disrobed, attempting to clean off before getting in. Balance is difficult when muscles are made of gelatin. Her entry was less than graceful, but she managed. The hot water was working its magic. Just as she was realizing she hadn't moved her garments into the bathroom the servant quarter door slid open a few inches and a withered hand placed two sets of robes on the counter. Apparently they had been a touch faster than Suiren had anticipated. Knowing her, she was also juggling breakfast.

Maomao got out as soon as she was able, wanting the prince to at least have warm water. She'd feel bad if Suiren had to draw an entire second bath. The apothecary stepped out of the bathroom and began toweling her hair dry and the Prince was quick to switch out. He didn't want her to feel guilty but he also wanted to clean up.

Suiren seemed to have sparkles all her own when he emerged and joined Maomao for breakfast. The pair tried to ignore her excited glances and overjoyed tone.

"Basen won't be back 'til this afternoon," she commented after setting out the last breakfast plate. She promptly disappeared to attend to other chores.

Ever observant of her internal state, Maomao recalled wondering if Jinshi's scent could be gathered and sold as an aphrodisiac. After this morning's encounter her hypothesis seemed relevant as there was this innate desire to sit a little closer, maybe leave their legs in contact? Would have to put a warning label, "May be addictive, use at your own caution."

Tingles burst across her hand as fingers were interlaced and a loving kiss was placed on the back, "I bet you're hungry after yesterday."

Hungry for something apparently. Yeah… definitely a warning label. She blushed, not remembering the surgery or gut twisting stench. He had long put her hand down but it was warm. Luckily her stomach was still in the present and growled her back to reality.

She dished herself up a plate and sat back to eat. Her legs ached for touch, this is ridiculous, I don't remember eating any aphrodisiacs. Didn't smell any in the bath water, nothing on the table.

"-cary. Maomao?"

"Hmmm?"

His hand touched her cheek, "you're looking really flushed, are you okay?"

She took his hand away from her cheek, but she wanted to leave it there. "Y-yeah, just… having an internal argument."

He set both their plates down and took her hands, his leg finally brushing against hers. Fireworks and somehow relief confused her further.

"What's going on?" He was so concerned.

"I-uh… hmmm," how to word this,"so… three things. One, remember how I said sometimes individuals want to cuddle afterward?"

"Yes."

"Apparently I'm one of those… which I have NO idea how to process. Two, remember how I said I don't know how my body will react to things I know about in theory?"

"Yes?"

"I'm in the middle of figuring that out."

"And three?"

"I… am not asking you to act on this," she couldn't meet his gaze, "women… can climax multiple times during a given encounter."

His blush now matched hers.

She continued, "I'm not used to my body wanting to be touched.. let alone be close to someone."

He softened, "What do you want and what do you need?"

"What I want can wait," so many blushes this morning, "what I need is to eat and be close to you."

Their legs remained in contact while they ate. Before they signaled the 'all clear' for Suiren, Maomao shyly tugged on his sleeve and crawled into his lap. The prince was over the moon. She wanted this, she wanted him! The freedom to kiss her on the forehead was one thing, but for her to lean into it and then softly flop her head on his chest. Gah! He could die a happy man.