Mo Ran stares at Wanning getting his outfit for the mission out of his bag. Making sure he has everything out for an easy dress in the morning.
Mo Ran sat on the bed staring at his... baobei (wife at the moment) not sure how to broach the topic.
To long staring Wanning turns to Mo Ran. Pausing at the man's serious expression. "Is something wrong?" Wanning asks stepping close to Mo Ran. Was there something he missed for the mission? They should have everything. They have as many facts as they can out of the inn owner.
Mo Ran blinks stunned for some unknown reason. "You're not mad?" Mo Ran voice, unbelieving. As if Wanning is angry all the time. Which is very much not true.
Raising an eyebrow Wanning asks, "about?" He stands right in front of Mo Ran.
"About... me joining you? Without thinking or talking about it." Mo Ran answers, eyes watching Wanning for any reaction.
"I... wanted to go on this mission with you. I... couldn't think of a reason to suggest you." Wanning says looking away bashful. Mo Ran grins. Sitting up straighter.
"Really?" Mo Ran asks. His heart feeling full.
Wanning nods, hands fisting his robes.
"Then why have you been... distant?"
Wanning whole face turns red. "Well... it's embarrassing, and I don't know how to act. We..." the rest of the sentence dying in his throat. He looks away, not able or face Mo Ran.
"Wanning?"
No answer, but Wanning does fidget in place.
"Baobei?" Mo Ran calls softly.
...
"Chu Wanning?" Mo Ran calls smirking at the way Wanning body flinch. Mo Ran actually calling his full name. Finally the man looks over his shoulder, eyes narrow. "Why?" Mo Ran asks, and Wanning knows the man won't give up. But if he really wanted to he could squeeze the answer out of this foolish old man easily. Might as well skip some steps and come out with it.
"We shouldn't have... do that outside!" Wanning shouts, face red. Very bashful.
"That? You mean sex?" Mo Ran wonders, eyes glowing with amusement.
Wanning nods. "We should be modest when in public." Wanning says not able to make eye contact.
Mo Ran covers his lips, hiding the face he's grinning as he bites his lip. Trying to hold in his laughter. How can someone be so adorable? So fuckable. What Mo Ran wouldn't do to... Mo Ran shakes his head. "I see." Is all he says. Mo Ran smiles. "If that's what you want." Mo Ran says, though he was hoping to be able to act just a bit shamelessly, he hardly gets to at Shisheng peak. He should have known that his Boabei is too thin faced for that.
There is something that crosses Wanning mind. He looks away. A bit perplexed, on one hand he doesn't want to be scandalous but they have to for the mission. "Only holding hands. Nothing to much." Wanning says looking away, face hot.
Mo Ran grins. The urge to tease is strong. "But how will I make sure people know you're my wife?" he wonders playfully, tilting his head. Wanning turns a dark red, so much so Mo Ran can see it traveling down his neck. Wanning glare at the man.
"As long as you don't go to far it's fine!" Wanning yells. Mo Ran grins impossibly wide. He moves to stand next to Wanning.
"Then... since we are alone..." Mo Ran says sultry like, reaching forward. A hand gently placed on Wanning hips. He pulls the smaller man close, flush against himself. "... let's do some immodest things." Mo Ran whispers seductively in his ears.
"A-after dinner." Wanning sputters. As embarrassing as it is, sex with Mo Ran feels good. It's addicting, a shameful thought for Wanning. He's never been addicted to anything before. "And only once." Wanning adds.
Mo Ran looks away, yeah they shouldn't go to far tonight, they have a long day ahead of them. Mo Ran clicks his tongue. "Only once." he agrees. Wanning gives an affirming nod.
That night the only noises to be heard at the inn are the creaks of a bed, wet noises and the muffled groans of a certain elder.
Mo Ran gets a look at himself in the mirror. His face scrunches at his own reflection. Even as the emperor he was never this gaudy. He wore a light blue robe, a more formal robe. His hair ornament very elaborate and heavy. Gold in color with a few blue gems. To match his golden necklace, large and noisy. Which also matches his belt and vambraces. He stands out. Which is the purpose but uncle may have gotten carried away. This scream important desperately.
Mo Ran grabs the paper note his uncle left. Reading it quickly. Mo Ran sighs out loud. So not uncle choice but Qing Su. This was his gift from the family. It's no wonder it all fits. He didn't pay attention to his gift as he was busy helping Wanning with his. Afterwards he forgot.
Mo Ran hears a chime, turning around to Wanning who match him. Wearing a light blue hanfu. Similar to the one he wore at Qing Su city. Instead of silver it's all gold. Wearing his hair in a long braid. The hair ornament has a thin chain, resting a blue gem on Wanning exposed forehead. Gold earrings, gold necklace and gold belt. Wanning looks more like a goddess. Beautiful but they stand out.
Of course it's the plan. They want to draw as much attention to themselves as possible. Especially considering they don't know what about the woman draws the ghost. They need to make sure it's everything in the book. Money. Appearance. Action.
"You..." Wanning starts getting a full look over Mo Ran.
"I look ridiculous, right?" Mo Ran smiles scratching his cheek.
Blushing Wanning looks away, "you look... handsome." Wanning mutters but Mo Ran catches it. Stunned Mo Ran blinks.
"I do?" He asks, sure he look like a mess. Wanning gives a nod. He looks away then turns back. Getting a good look at the young man. He always looks handsome.
"It's not... you." Wanning says absentmindedly. As good as Mo Ran looks this feels like a caricature of Mo Ran. A thing he loves about the younger man is now unimpressed by money the man is. It doesn't define him. To see him dressed in gold and jewels feels more like a joke. "I like you dressed more... comfortable." Wanning admits.
Mo Ran heart bursts at the confession. "Me too." Mo Ran smiles. He steps closer to his wife. Taking in Wanning radiant beauty. So lucky to have him. "I also like when you are dressed comfortably." Mo Ran says pulling Wanning into a kiss. Wanning kisses back. One of Mo Ran favorite things is when Wanning gives back. Hugging him back. Kissing back. Smiling back. Mo Ran loves it all.
When they pull away, Wanning looks up at him. A little lustful. "Did you ask for a carriage?" Wanning asks.
"Yeah. They'll come to let us know it's ready." Mo Ran answers wrapping his arms around the smaller man hips.
Knock! Knock!
"Young lord your carriage is ready." A voice tells them. Mo Ran smiles. They truly feel like husband and wife.