Mo Ran sits in his spot at the main table with his cousin and uncle in the large banquet hall. He can hear people laughing, see people dancing and groups of people sitting and talking. Enjoying the party.
A party meant for the return of Chu Wanning.
Who is not here. The last time he saw ...him(?) was before he, uncle and cousin went into town to talk to the soldiers and main officers. They were there for a while, talking, before coming back. When they did they got roped into helping set the party.
And now here he sat mildly confused on where shizun is. Shizun wouldn't leave them here, especially when he's the main focus. If that's not odd then the fact auntie isn't here yet is. She's always the first one here greeting guests. Uncle did it this time.
"Where's shizun?" Xue Meng wonders, looking round the large room. Mo Ran shrugs looking into his cup. Watching his reflection, his mind all over the place. He can't think straight.
Chu Wanning is beautiful. But he's always been beautiful, but now he's beautiful in a more feminine way. He also can't unsee the way his robes hug his new body. It about left nothing to the imagination. The robes hugged his new small shoulders. The cross collar and lapel doing nothing to hide the newly formed breasts. The way the sash cinched his waist, only to show the massive curve of hips. Those still strong thighs perfectly outlined all the way down those perfect legs that look like they can go on forever. Until they stop at those dainty looking feet.
Can Mo Ran be at fault for staring most of the time shizun fought? He's always enjoyed Wanning voice, the perfect timber to listen forever and not get bored, now it's like a siren drawing him in. He'd do whatever Wanning demand of him no questions asked. Wanning only needs to tell him do something and Mo Ran will do it without a second guess.
He just loves Chu Wanning.
Especially the way he fights.
Of course that's not the only thing going in his mind.
He hasn't been able to talk to him. The walk up to Shisheng Peak is mostly quiet between them. Wanning focus on the ground and he focus on Wanning. During the whole way up he couldn't see the others face so he couldn't figure what he was thinking at any point. Mo Ran hope it's nothing bad. That's not Wanning though. He'd think badly about himself first than anyone else. Until he learns you did something wrong and bad. Then have mercy on your soul.
Wanning, as Mo Ran is slow to realize, loves to much, has such a big heart but a terribly thin face. Mo Ran has gotten hints that it's because of Wanning not so wonderful upbringing. Of course he can't ask directly, he also has no one else to ask. No way would uncle and auntie tell him, especially without Wanning consent, that is if they even know more about Wanning past.
And the guilt gets deeper. While Wanning has been completely selfless Mo Ran has been nothing but selfish. Only ever thinking about how things affect him and how his life hasn't been easy. But neither has Wanning and many others. Even the ghosts they've met have very sad stories. Theirs end in death while Mo Ran ends with revenge and the tyranny of innocent people.
Things are going to change this time. He's going to apologize and make up for his past behavior. Then he's going to stand by Wannings side as the dutiful disciple because he knows Wanning will forgive him even though he knows he shouldn't. So Mo Ran will punish himself by doing everything in his power to keep Wanning safe. It's the least he can do after everything.
Mo Ran perks at seeing his aunt enter the hall. She seems very proud of herself. Everyone pauses to greet her as she passes them. Uncle Xue smiles as she sits next him. "Have you seen Yuheng?" he asks. She looks surprised then turns as if Wanning is supposed to be behind her. She gives a slight frown at the empty space, though the next second it's gone. She calmly moves back to the door she came from, expression calm, not giving away what she's thinking. She stands in the way seemingly discussing something with someone. Mo Ran strains his ears to hear but there are too many people talking. He can see her expression. She gives a tired looking expression before she reaches forward.
Mo Ran almost drops his cup on his lap when she pulls Wanning out. Wanning dressed up for the special occasion. Wanning dress up in women's clothing. Wanning with hair ornaments. Wanning with a bit of a blush on his cheeks. Wanning with jewelry on.
Auntie must have done this. She's put Wannings hair in the same half do but for a woman with more hair ornaments. Most women do. And the hair style does looks more complicated. Wanning also has earrings. Silver with red. To match Wanning white womens robes, that have very light silver haitang embroidery. The belt once again cinching his waist but the skirt hiding just how much his hips curve.
Shizun looks like he's glowing. What did auntie do? And Mo Ran can't decide if he's upset or not about it.
"Beautiful." One female disciple whispers.
"Who is she?" Another asks.
"I wonder if she's staying?" A male asks.
Uncle silences the hall by waving his hand shouting, "Yuheng, you made it!" A large smile on his face. The hall goes deathly silent. Some look around. Those who figure it out stare with wide eyes and mouth agape. Aunt Wang drags Wanning to his seat. Right next to her, in front of everyone's eyes. Many elders ogling openly.
Wanning turns his head slightly away from everyone, face scrunch in a deep frown. If he was facing the other way the others would think he's unhappy about the noise or being there, but Mo Ran knew he's just uncomfortable about the attention and situation. Maybe even embarrassed with the way those ears go red.
"Madam Wang I can sit with the other e-"
"Nonsense." She cuts him off quickly as she sits. "This is for your welcome back with us so sit." She about commands motioning to the seat besides her. Wanning gently sits down with enough grace as a bird landing. By now Wanning has schooled his face.
The tips of his ears giving him away though.
Of course no one else is paying attention to that.
"Let's continue to celebrate a good cultivator joining us to the land of the living!" Uncle Xue says raising his cup. All eyes are not on him.