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Chapter Text

There’s a story Shen Yuan remembers when he was human.

He’s pretty sure it had something to do with a cat girl and a magic sword that went off to become overpowered, all because it was bored. And, if there was one thing that Shen Yuan was, it was bored. Backtrack, he wasn’t really bored, he was more or less stuck as a sword himself, watching Shen Qingqiu-- Shen Jiu? as he heard Yue Qingyuan once say-- live his day to day life. Here’s what he learned so far:

Shen Jiu was precious, in ways that no man should ever be precious. Who the hell woke up looking so cute? Scratch that, when did Shen Yuan start thinking of the scum villain as someone cute?

Shen Jiu spent a good deal of his morning, looking like a god-- well, more like, a cranky, pouty face, twitchy brat who muttered under his breath about his disciples all the while managing to look like nothing was shoved up his ass-- and if there was a fleeting thought about Shen Yuan shoving something up that fine ass, then no one had to know but him.

Shen Yuan had, a few times, managed to catch his owner-- sword-handler?-- coming out of a bath some mornings, hair dripping across his shoulders, robes clinging way to taut to be considered anything but sinful, and wondered if in his last life he offended someone. And then, he had a good bout of panic realizing he was attracted to Shen Jiu.

But alas, he was a sword.

And if he had his way, then, he would be doing things that Airplane Bro himself would blush at.

Again, Shen Yuan had a moment of panic, realizing that being a sword, was making him a bit hornier than he should’ve been. The last life he was a virgin, and now this life, he was doomed to watch one of the most gorgeous men walk across the Bamboo House. Of course, there are times when he’s held, and Shen Yuan felt nothing but excitement each time. The shared connection usually left him buzzing with something he couldn’t quite place. It takes him a bit longer to get that, when they first started ‘interacting’ to when Shen Jiu becomes an adult. It’s Shen Jiu’s soul, clashing with his, before merging into a soothing, hot energy that Shen Yuan finds himself craving. Sadly, Shen Jiu is on the fucking scholarly peak, and Shen Yuan, most times, gets out to fly, and the instances of fighting beasts. Being cleaned and wiped down is one of his favorite things, or when he's being used to train with other disciples, but just to be really used-- Shen Yuan wasn't.

He wonders if Liu Qingge’s own sword had a constant boner.

Then he had to stop thinking that, because if Liu Qingge’s sword started talking to him, then he might have actually gone insane.

...but, did… the sword…?

…?

Focus, Shen Yuan, there was … well--

...he might have tried the next time he saw Liu Qingge. He got no response from Cheng Luan. Which, then, only saddened Shen Yuan, as he realized, hey… no. He was the only sword spirit thing. And there was no way, he would be able to make any friends. He was utterly alone.

What a shitty way to transmigrate.

         There are things that Shen Jiu does that Shen Yuan wishes he didn’t see. Like, going to a brothel, for one. The man usually leaves Shen Yuan against the wall, and Shen Yuan turns away as his long time master seeks out comforts in more ways than one. No one can see Shen Jiu crying the way he does when the Peak Lord is alone, or the way he clings to a pillow at night, simply staring into the air as if he’s trying to think himself out of a bad place with a tremor. Shen Yuan doesn’t think it’s right to see those things, he doesn’t think it’s okay to know that Shen Jiu was hurting in ways that no one else can see and that no one should see, and he knows, it’s these instances that make Shen Yuan wish he had a body to wrap his arms around Shen Jiu.

He thinks about that alot.

The urge to hug the male gets stronger each passing day, enough that it’s like a tingle in the base of his-- if he had a spine, it would be his spine, but his own spiritual energy that connected him to Shen Jiu. It’s a pull from him as if he could manifest actual hands to caress Shen Jiu’s form when he sleeps. He doesn’t think it’s actually working, until one night, Shen Jiu turns over, whining and fingers digging into the sheets with his brows furrowing, and Shen Yuan, in a moment of desperation, feels as if his hands are there, that he’s tucking a stray lock of jet black hair behind Shen Jiu’s ear and running a soothing palm down his master’s back and Shen Jiu makes a noise.

That noise has him tugging back quickly, and for a moment, it feels like his heart-- his heart?-- is pounding.

So, Shen Yuan managed to touch Shen Jiu’s hair. Okay. And his arm. Cool. Shen Yuan could deal with this, he could perfect this. He had all the time in the world.

He just… had to stop the urges of… touching Shen Jiu when he slept. It was creepy.

Even if Shen Jiu slept better with a hand rubbing his back.

...er, energy? Soul magic? Shen Yuan was still coming up with names for that.

          Shen Jiu has a lot more nightmares than what he lets Yue Qingyuan on. The Sect Leader knows of some, but that’s all he’s ever told. He doesn’t know about the way Shen Jiu sobs out for someone, or how he wakes up, shaking and jumping out of bed like he needs to run. Shen Yuan has had a few online friends who had night terrors, and he’s never seen them until his Master. It leaves him aching uncomfortably, as all he could do was watch. But he’s getting better, at -- not really touching Shen Jiu, but nudging a teacup when it was too close to the edge, or fixing his crown when it was a bit too loose. So, the next time Shen Jiu has another nightmare, Shen Yuan’s first thought is:

Hold him.

Which, he does.

It goes well, for the next few moments, before Shen Jiu wakes up.

There’s a beat of silence before Shen Jiu thrashes and rolls off the bed in a panic, swearing. Shen Yuan panics, because he’s never seen Shen Jiu move that fast after waking up, and pulls himself back to his place, as a cool looking sword, that then clatters to the ground.

“What the--” Shen Jiu swears again, this time more muffled, he’s pulling himself up onto the bed and glaring. There’s nothing, of course, and if Shen Yuan had a mouth, he would be gently reassuring his owner, hey no, it’s okay.

He wished he had a mouth, or --

--if only to stop Shen Jiu from looking as distressed as he did.

Shen Yuan focuses on the feeling the other was currently dealing with and mentally sent as much love as he could through their bond. Honestly, he didn’t think it was going to work-- he didn’t know it was going to make Shen Jiu start freaking out some more.

Look! He was still learning!

And now, Shen Jiu was currently struggling to breathe because--

Fuck--

Shen Yuan tries to lessen that feeling, tries to focus on something more subtle, something calmer. Tries to catch the bits of Shen Jiu’s unstable qi with his more steady stream, and it takes a while, with Shen Jiu panting, rubbing his wrist, just--

Oh.

He was staring at Shen Yuan.

No, wait, that was glaring.

Shen Yuan remained as calm as possible. There was no fucking way Shen Jiu figured that was from him, right?

Oh god, he was coming closer, he was--

Okay.

Shen Jiu grabbed him, exhaling shakily. “I need to get out.” He mutters to himself, shaking his head as he ran fingers through his hair. Shen Yuan was fine with this, he could go for a ride too!

Correction, the ride lasted a minute before Shen Yuan plummeted them both onto the ground. The ride wasn’t even a ride, it was Shen Jiu stepping onto him, still as shaky, and Shen Yuan, still as anxious himself for the act he pulled, before he apparently blacked out.

He hears Shen Jiu curse, again, for the umpteenth time that night. “What the fuck is going on.”

Look, if Shen Yuan could answer, he would probably say: I’m having a bad night too, okay?!

Shen Jiu drops him. He drops him onto the dirty ground and stares at him as if he’s just spoken about the guy’s bedhead.

“You’re fucking kidding me.” Shen Jiu laughs then, a weird sound that seems like he’s on the edge of an emotional breakdown. Shen Yuan, in his long life with the other man, has never heard him cuss this much. “I’m having a qi deviation. There is no way-- no. Nope.” Shen Jiu leaves him on the ground, turns and walks back into the Bamboo House.

Shen Yuan mourns the fact he’s left out, in the cold.

          When he gets picked up, it's not by Shen Jiu. It’s Ming Fan, who mutters something about the man before bringing him inside to be placed-- thrown, it was aggressively thrown-- onto the bed. Shen Jiu stares him down, he, a simple sword, being glared at, like he was about to be interrogated.

Which, he was.

Because Shen Jiu barks out, “you cannot talk, right? This is just some fucked up dream, right?”

Shen Yuan stays silent, maybe if he does, then Shen Jiu wouldn’t throw him around anymore?!

There’s a long pause before Shen Jiu rubs his face, tired. “That’s what I thought, you’re… you’re not actually talking to me. It was just a dream.”

Yeap, Shen Yuan thinks, just a dream.

“...” Shen Jiu was looking at him again. “You.”

No! He didn’t mean to-- god, fuck, what do you do? Act like a sword, Shen Yuan. You are literally a sword.

“Oh, oh no, you don’t get to act like-- whatever the fuck, like you did not just talk. I’m taking you back--”

Back?! Back where?! The fucking sword caves?

“Yeah!” Shen Jiu spits, grabbing him. “You’re a demon sword, there is no--” He inhaled deeply, dropping Shen Yuan back onto the bed and pacing about the room, muttering to himself. This was out of character, this was a stressed-out Shen Jiu who was clearly having a conversation with his sword, but to the outsiders, all they heard was their Shizun talking to himself.

I am NOT a demon sword. Xin Mo and Saika had that spot, thank you very much. Shen Yuan was as pure as he could be, minus the dirty thoughts he had when staring at Shen Jiu for too long.

“Then how are you conversing with me?” Shen Jiu demands, “you’re just…”

...The magic of… Think, think, think, Shen Yuan thought about the many tropes he had experienced in the modern world, and could only come up with, love.

“Love.”

Yes.

“Love.” Shen Jiu repeats, dryly laughing, “the magic of… love? Whose love?”

My love for you.

…

Shen Jiu turned away, a hand to his face.

Shen Yuan wished he could roll over because that was corny. That was too much.

“You love me.”

...Yes.

“My… You. A sword. My…” Shen Jiu rambled, for a good minute, as if trying to think over what he had just heard. Shen Yuan was there too because he somehow just confessed and it wasn’t even a lie. “Xiu Ya.”

...Yes?

“You. Love. Me?”

...Yes, I’m… we already went through this.

“You’re a sword.”

I… I can be many things.

“You’re a sword.”

Please stop repeating yourself, it’s very… Weird? Shen Yuan had never seen his Master get all blushy. Over-- over a sword. Over Shen Yuan, who was trapped, as this… weapon.

“I’m sorry, I’m trying to cope with the fact I was just confessed to by a sword. What’s next, my fans?”

If both men sat in silence, as if awaiting a response, neither admitted it.

     Their relationship changes a bit then. See, Shen Jiu was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that Shen Yuan confessed to him. And it was probably the whole, sword bit, but after, Shen Jiu… talks to him. The man is… shy about it too. He seems to want to know everything about Shen Yuan, and Shen Yuan, who hasn’t had anyone to talk to, spends a long time discussing his prior life. In a subtle manner, to not really make Shen Jiu think he had transmigrated. He talks about things he’s seen on television as if they were grand tales, and Shen Jiu listens with wide eyes and questions that come in rapid succession. It’s all pretty sweet, if not, for the fact that the other peak lords are suddenly very much concerned with Shen Jiu’s attachment to Xiu Ya.

“They think I’m crazy.” Around Shen Yuan, the other dropped all formality, he relaxed in ways Shen Yuan was glad stuck around after the admission he wasn’t just a weapon. “I’m not crazy.”

No. Shen Yuan replies, not crazy. Maybe angry, and kind of a dick.

“They’re all idiots.” Shen Jiu mutters, flicking at Shen Yuan, against the hilt of the sword, “they don’t talk to me enough to know me.”

Not even Zhangmen--

“No.” Shen Jiu rolls onto his back. They’ve settled onto the bed after a long day, and Shen Jiu’s hair spread over the pillows like spilled ink, his eyes sliding shut. Shen Yuan had a moment where he just--

Longed--

To touch him.

That’s how it usually started, that’s how he learned to touch Shen Jiu when he was having nightmares. And now, it's so much easier, as if their connection had grown stronger over the last few weeks of just talking. Shen Yuan reaches out with his own energy and traces across Shen Jiu’s jaw. He wishes he could really touch, really feel more than just a tingle of qi, the heat of the other’s skin. He wishes he could feel how soft Shen Jiu felt. The other inhaled sharply then, blinking in shock before shifting closer.

“Was that…?”

Me? Yeah.

Shen Yuan felt he sounded breathless. He just--

“Oh.” Shen Jiu rubbed at the spot he had touched, “you… you should do that again.”

Really?

“Mn, I liked it.”

Shen Yuan does. He touches because it feels nice, even if all he can sense was the other’s qi, but the longer he caresses Shen Jiu’s jaw, the more he can make out the smoothness in his cheeks, how soft they felt as he traced phantom fingers down Shen Jiu’s neck.

Was the air hot?

Was it them?

Their bond felt… warm. Like a fire was starting up, but not enough to really--

Shen Jiu turns his head, “...you… you can go lower.”

He could? Shen Yuan blessed whoever was letting this happen because he was going to go lower. He dragged down, tracing each curve of muscle even if Shen Jiu hadn’t stripped, with only his own qi moulded nicely against Shen Jiu’s qi. He rubbed circles at the other’s stomach, to make him squirm and bite out a complaint. He --

Shen Jiu wasn’t saying no--

His face was turning a pleasant shade of red, his lips pressing together tightly before he snaps, “lower!”

Shen Yuan wished he could just bury his face in something because Shen Jiu was acting like-- like-- a spoiled lover? Needy? A brat? He…

...He wondered if he could kiss him?

Shen Yuan thought about it, as he had done for each prior action, thought about his mouth, if he ever could have one again, pressing against Shen Jiu’s neck and the sound he gets was a low mewl of pleasure he had never heard come from those lips. He trails lower, and Shen Jiu hides his face with a pillow, biting into the fabric as his legs spread open and-- Shen Yuan didn’t know why, or what compelled him to do it, but his kisses went further down.

Shen Jiu’s hips shook a bit, his thighs closing but it doesn’t stop Shen Yuan from kissing. There’s no way to stop something that’s being done spiritually, and Shen Yuan wondered if Shen Jiu did want him to stop. But his Master moans out Xiu Ya, a low, shaking sound and Shen Yuan wished, for a moment, he had a body. Something so he could--

He was learning. He could probably find out how to kiss Shen Jiu while kissing everywhere else. Shen Jiu makes another noise, the further Shen Yuan gets, taking his time to trace at Shen Jiu’s hips with fingers he yearned to have. To really feel the way Shen Jiu trembled beneath a touch. This was enough for now, Shen Yuan would learn how to make all of this real.

“Fuck.” Shen Jiu shook his head, exhaling shakily, “how the hell are you a tease?”

Shen Yuan wisely did not respond, because there was no way Shen Jiu would know that he had been teasing his sword for years. As far as Shen Jiu knew, Shen Yuan was totally not lusting after him twenty-four seven.

He focuses on the fact this was their first time, doing anything sexual, and he… wanted to kind of… really go at it.

Shen Jiu had already spread his legs wide as if awaiting something to-- to push into him-- Shen Yuan knew if he had a body, he would probably be as red as Shen Jiu. For now, he could just-- wing it. Safely assuming that Shen Jiu didn’t toss him off the bed after for like, being bad or something. Could spirits be bad at sex?

Shen Yuan refocused on kissing and using phantom fingers to slide over Shen Jiu’s hardening cock, earning a high pitched gasp. He rubs at the erection for a good moment, learning what touch made Shen Jiu squirm more than remain lax. When Shen Yuan squeezed the base, Shen Jiu moaned loudly, rocking up into a hand that wasn’t there, before he growled and flipped over onto the bed, rocking his hips against the bed. Shen Yuan curses himself, and luck, for the thousandth time, for not being able to have his own-- fucking-- body!

But this way, Shen Jiu’s arse was clearly visible, though still hidden beneath his robes, it didn’t stop Shen Yuan from --

...licking a stripe across the other's chrysanthemum-- Shen Jiu went still. His voice, shaking, groaned out: Fuck yes to only let Shen Yuan know what he did? It was definitely okay. So he continues, does it again, pushing his tongue inside Shen Jiu. The male squirms beneath the touch, rolling his hips down against the bed as Shen Yuan took his time thrusting his tongue forward into Shen Jiu’s orifice. He clenches down a few times, hissing out a word Shen Yuan can’t make out, pushing his hips back as if it would help the sensation.

Shen Jiu’s fingers are clinging to the sheets, his face pushing against the fabric as he pleaded for more, for Shen Yuan to push in deeper. He doesn’t, not when it has Shen Jiu rutting forward, shoulders trembling and voice cracking over heat and rising euphoria.

Their bond, once warm, was now scorching hot, and bleeding with emotion that Shen Yuan didn’t understand, not when he was muddled with his own form of pleasure. No, it was Shen Jiu’s, bleeding into him, making Shen Yuan desperate to --

-to--

He just kept using his tongue to fuck into Shen Jiu’s entrance, he reached around with more energy to grasp Shen Jiu’s cock and help get him off. Their connection already felt like too much, in a way that Shen Yuan found himself wanting more of. He wanted to get this sensation of ecstasy over and over--

Shen Jiu screams when he cums, his gasps broken and pitched high. Shen Yuan pushes a little more, squeezing the head of Shen Jiu’s cock, murmuring encouragements as he kept moving his tongue inside his master--

“N...nna… can’t…” Shen Jiu whined, shaking his head, but his hips push back, and he’s still rocking into the bed, “oh--”

You can, can’t you? Look how desperate you are… Shen Yuan quickened his pace around the other’s erection. Shen Jiu swallowed thickly, nodding his head in agreement, as he was guided into another orgasm.

Spent, in more ways than one, Shen Jiu rolled onto his side, panting. His robes were ruined, Shen Yuan notes with glee, and his face was bright red and covered in a thin layer of sweat.

“...You’re…” Shen Jiu starts, eyes fluttering shut, “...Fuck.”

Again? I’m down- -

“No! No… I… break. I need a break.”

Really? I’ve seen you in a brothel--

“I will lock you in the shed.”

Shen Yuan shut up.

He still felt full of energy, in a strange way, after an hour. Shen Jiu doesn’t look at him the same afterward, but there’s a twitch in his fingers, a neediness in his gaze, in the way he gently speaks to Shen Yuan that lets him know, his sweet Master, was as sexually interested as he.

Shen Yuan’s already planning their next time the moment Shen Jiu admits it.

Chapter Text

It doesn’t take long for everyone to think that Shen Jiu has a unnatural need to be around his sword.

Shen Yuan felt a bit bad and would feel worse if Shen Jiu didn’t calmly tell him that everyone in that meeting room was a two-faced bastard and should’ve been run through by Xiu Ya years ago. He responds by not saying anything to his master because Shen Jiu had uh, some issues he needed to resolve and Shen Yuan would be very gentle about getting the information out of him.

Just not now.

Shen Jiu was always so tense after meetings. Where his shoulders shook with rage and his fingers kept tapping against his fan, and his pace was quick. Shen Yuan would be jostled against his side and he was very sure, if he had a fucking body (again and again he hoped for one) he would have motion sickness.

At least he gets gently placed upon the bed.

Before Shen Jiu flops onto the bed beside him and--

Ah.

He’s screaming.

Shen Jiu, alone, was one of the most open and (angriest) cutest thing Shen Yuan had ever seen. He ranted, he cussed, he talked about things that he would never talk about with anyone else, and then the moment someone walked through his door, he became the cool and collected Shen Qingqiu.

What’s wrong? Shen Yuan was concerned. The meeting hadn’t been that bad, right? Hell, the most that happened was Shang Qinghua complaining about how Bai Zhan needed to stop breaking all the training dummies and Liu Qingge glaring at him. Yue Qingyuan had been very much awkward and kept making eye contact with Shen Jiu, and no lie, Shen Yuan had spent a good deal testing how far he could touch Shen Jiu before he would jolt. The longest he went was five minutes, just stroking at his shaking thigh.

And if they both got aroused at the idea of Shen Jiu getting off in the meeting? No one had to know but them.

Another time, Shen Jiu whispered to him, and fuck, there was no way Shen Jiu was actually that dirty.

“It’s funny how everyone doesn’t like me, but the moment they think I’m getting too attached to my own weapon, they suddenly care.” Shen Jiu laughs, a terrible sound before he rolled over onto his back, fingers running across Shen Yuan-- er, the scabbard-- “It’s pitiful. They’re all--”

Well, what about Yue Qingyuan? Doesn’t he care?

“It’s probably fake. He--” Shen Jiu cleared his throat, “I don’t trust him to actually care.”

Wei Qingwei?

“Really? He’s just making sure I’m not possessed.” Shen Jiu grips him a bit tighter, before relaxing his grip. Though he squeezed on occasion, a bit jittery, Shen Yuan didn’t feel the least uncomfortable at the touch.

Mu Qingfang?

Shen Jiu goes silent. His brows furrow and he clears his throat, “he’s a healer. Of course, he’s… going to care about my... ah… well being.”

What was that?

“What was what?”

You hesitated! You fucking-- ooooh, does Shen Jiu have a crush on Mu Qingfang?!

“No.” There was another hesitation. “And don’t call me Shen Jiu.”

I’m calling you whatever I want. Does Shen Jiu… want… Mu Qingfang… to kiss him?

The fact that Shen Jiu’s face turned bright crimson and his words spilled out with no real meaning, just random gibberish as Shen Yuan focused on touching his owner, rubbing his ‘palm’ over the others shoulder, dipping behind his back as Shen Jiu relaxed into him. The touch was nice, especially the longer Shen Yuan made contact, and the longer Shen Jiu just tried to deny that Mu Qingfang wasn’t some handsome, gentle man whose hands fit perfectly around Shen Jiu’s waist, or how they felt rubbing against his arm, slick with balm. Shen Yuan doesn’t bother to stop the way his master flushed and whimpered around the first flick of a tongue pushing into his entrance, while Shen Yuan encouraged those thoughts about Mu Qingfang.

He is very handsome. I think Shen Jiu would look beautiful under him.

“Xiu…” Shen Jiu starts, gasping out as his fingers scraped down the sheets, “Xiu Ya…. I… should… toss-- aaaah--”

Yeah, Shen Yuan knows that Shen Jiu could very much just toss him into a shed and leave him there for months, but Shen Jiu was as desperate for human touch as Shen Yuan was, and even if it breached into something sexual, Shen Jiu willingly spread his legs, raised his hips as if he could push back on a tongue sliding inside him. There’s no actual tongue, just sensations and though Shen Jiu is as hard as a rock, there’s no actual way to get off when it’s Shen Yuan teasing him with qi-- until the other's energy, their bond, is scorching hot and bubbling over as if they could cum together and they do in a weird way, of emotion and satisfaction and calmness like their spiritual energies are clicking and molding together in synergy that has Shen Jiu gasping out before he reaches down and strokes his leaking cock.

He cries out Xiu Ya, over and over, like a mantra, a plea as Shen Yuan pushes more into his master. The sensation is addicting, the arousal that stems from just their qi fitting together like a puzzle, of Shen Jiu’s beautiful sounds that ring into the air, of a slick hand pumping beneath robes--

Shen Yuan should’ve really thought about putting up an array where no one can hear him, because the door-- the door is slamming open, and Shen Jiu sobs, scratching at the sheets as he can’t cum because Ming Fan is tentatively asking for his Shizun, and Mu Qingfang’s voice, soothing and low, commands Ming Fan to leave.

Keep your legs spread. Shen Yuan gently says, stroking down with his own energy, keeping Shen Jiu pinned down, legs sprawled open and his face, eyes watering with tears of frustration, throat hoarse from screaming and Shen Yuan won’t let him get off. Let him see you.

“N-... Xi-- that’s --!” Shen Jiu slaps a hand over his mouth as Shen Yuan pushes a hand across his cock, flushed and leaking pre down the base, stroking until Shen Jiu’s voice cracks and he pleads, “Xi--Xiu Ya please-- I-- it’s-- shameful!”

“Shen-shixiong?” Mu Qingfang asks, from behind the screen door blocking Shen Jiu from sight, “...your disciple has asked for me. He… feared you were… partaking in an unsafe activity with your sword.”

….well.

He wasn’t wrong.

“...M-mu-shidi, just-- hmmm-- go!” Shen Jiu, with no real help from Shen Yuan, manages to sit up, adjusting his robes with a shake in his fingers, “T-...thi… ahh… I’m fine!”

The mistake comes from the drop in formality.

Also, maybe because Mu Qingfang was a healer and cared about Shen Jiu, but the door slides open and his face, from concerned, goes to shock. His entire face turns bright red, and, whatever he wanted to say? Was lost at the sight of Shen Jiu’s trembling form, cum-stained robes, and messy hair. Shen Jiu grabbed at his bed, reaching for-- Shen Yuan-- and:

“G-go!”

“I--” Mu Qingfang inhaled, exhaled, and calmly said, “shixiong, this one merely wants to assure you aren’t placing your sword somewhere… it… shouldn’t be.”

“....Where the hell would I be shoving Xiu Ya?”

Your ass. Shen Yuan points out, trying not to laugh. He thinks you were shoving me up your ass! Ask him to shove his ‘sword’ up your ass.

Shen Jiu drops him against the floor as if he burned. “Shameless!”

“What..?” Mu Qingfang asks, having been cut off, “Shen-shixiong--”

I’m sure if you asked, he would ‘gladly’ take care of you. Dual cultivation is pretty common here, right? Don’t you want to get off?

“Shut up!” Shen Jiu kicked him across the floor, standing-- trying to-- his hands coming to hide his face, be it in shame-- arousal, Shen Yuan could feel it hot and aching between their shared connection-- “Mu-shidi, just-- just go.”

He doesn’t. Mu Qingfang’s initial shock is gone, he’s caring as he places a palm to Shen Jiu’s forehead.

“Shen-shixiong, it’s come to the attention of us other Peak Lords that your attachment to Xiu Ya is unhealthy… if you are using it to… relieve yourself, it would be a much better idea to find another suitable partner.”

                   Shen Jiu is silent. His eyes are wide and they flicker down to Xiu Ya, before moving back to Mu Qingfang. His tongue shyly slides over his bottom lip, and he’s considering everything his sword had said to him. He hadn’t realized how horny he was before Xiu Ya started… touching him. Touching him in ways he’s never been… through their bond, like an itch under his skin that drove him insane. Xiu Ya had fallen silent, but he could feel it in the back of his mind, curling pleasantly like a content kitten. He pushes back, and Xiu Ya accepts him willingly. It spoke like a low, soothing purr, it’s okay if you don’t want to. If you do want to, then just ask him. I won’t watch.

It made him feel a bit better at that. He wasn’t forced to do anything he didn’t want to do. Shen Jiu was given a choice. He felt the cut off from their bond as if Xiu Ya was just going back to remain nothing but a sword and not a sentient being that--

He shook his head at the thought, curling a hand over Mu Qingfang’s wrist. “..Mu-shidi… will you be a willing partner?”

His shidi flushed. “Perhaps Zhangmen--”

“No. No. My first choice is you.”

The sound Mu Qingfang makes only has heat spiraling into his gut. Shen Jiu leans back as Mu Qingfang hesitates, before nodding. “Then…this one only hopes he doesn’t disappoint his shixiong.”

Why was he so willing, Shen Jiu wants to know. But Mu Qingfang kisses him gently, like-- he’s always wanted to kiss him. Their mouths pressing together unsurely, before a moment passes, and Shen Jiu, with his own experience, takes control. He leads Mu Qingfang into a heated kiss, one that has the other man groaning under the action. They tumble back, Shen Jiu wasting no time ripping open the other’s robes. He already come once, he’s already shaking with energy for more, he needs hands to touch him, actual hands-- and not that he hates Xiu Ya’s passion-- but it kills him when he can’t have a palm push him down onto the bed as another spreads him open for a--

Mu Qingfang is big.

Shen Jiu will not focus on that girth, no, but he will gladly take in the fingers that push into him, already coated in lubricant, thrusting gently inside him. Mu Qingfang is unsure, with each touch, his brow furrowed and he’s looking anywhere but at Shen Jiu, and Shen Jiu can’t help but grin. His shidi, a virgin? But hadn’t Mu Qingfang dealt with various others who had been dosed in a severe amount of aphrodisiac?

The thought itself only turns Shen Jiu on more. His shidi! A virgin! Or perhaps, Mu Qingfang had simply never fucked a man? Ah--

Shen Jiu shifts, pushing Mu Qingfang onto his back, adjusting their positions so the other was leaning back against pillows, sitting up and his hands move, his hands are on Shen Jiu’s waist, large and so smooth despite callouses. Shen Jiu shudders at the thought of more than two fingers from this man spreading him open, and Shen Jiu takes his precious time stroking Mu Qingfang’s cock, listening to the way his shidi gasped for air, moaning between a wet kiss and Shen Jiu sinks down onto the others erection.

The burn was pleasant. The stretch despite his earlier prep has Shen Jiu cumming again, and his head throws back, a throaty groan ripping from his lips. It felt good, but he--

wanted more--

He wanted to push past the overstimulation, and he does. Rocking down, thighs burning as he lifted himself up and kept falling onto the thick cock twitching inside him. Mu Qingfang’s hands never left his waist, but his shidi’s mouth pressed pleasantly at his neck, they kissed until Shen Jiu was whining, a low keen sound as his hands cupped Mu Qingfang’s cheeks, and he begged for more.

“Qingfa...nnnn-- ma-making me do all the work… s-so cruel.” Shen Jiu hisses, biting down against Mu Qingfang’s shoulder. The other man makes a sound, akin to a growl, and those hands gripped at his hips tighter, enough to leave a pleasant ache as he lifted Shen Jiu up and yanked him down.

The thrust up into him--

Shen Jiu screams. “Qingfang--! Again-- again--”

Mu Qingfang huffs, “aren’t you a greedy thing?”

“Y-yes, yes, f-for M-mu-shidi--” Shen Jiu babbles, uncaring of how filthy and wanton he sounded. Not when Mu Qingfang was thoroughly rutting up into him, each thrust slamming into his prostate with enough force it left him unable to move. He felt like--

--he was being used so--

--good.

Shen Jiu wanted--

He kisses Mu Qingfang the next time his orgasm hits. The kiss is more gentle than the prior ones, Mu Qingfang cums with a sigh, rocking up into him slowly, even when Shen Jiu whines at the sensation. He… felt full.

Mu Qingfang pants against his shoulder, “Shen-shixiong…”

Shen Jiu felt no need to… push him away. He would’ve sat up, slipped the others cock out of him and got ready for a bath. But Xiu Ya is back, sending a warm, affectionate sensation down his spine, coddling him, murmuring he did a good job…

“Qingqiu.” Shen Jiu swallows thickly, voice hoarse. “...We had sex… Qingfang should… call me Qingqiu now.”

“...Qingqiu.” Mu Qingfang smiles faintly.

“Stay.” Shen Jiu whispers, and Xiu Ya is pleased. It sends love and passion to him in such thick waves, that Shen Jiu felt he … he was being good. Mu Qingfang blinks at him startled.

“Oh?”

“...Your shixiong requests… that Qingfang stay for tea.” Shen Jiu slumps against the other, lazily nuzzling into the lord's shoulder, “...and for a bath.”

You’re so cute. Xiu Ya coos.

Shen Jiu flushed.

There was no way he was cute! But Mu Qingfang… does agree to stay.

And Shen Jiu has this idea that maybe… Xiu Ya was right.

Chapter Text

Mu Qingfang treats Shen Qingqiu kindly.

Even when there’s this thought of Shen Qingqiu being a bit unhinged, that he was shoving Xiu Ya into his ass on a weekly basis, Mu Qingfang never once says anything about it. About how he might be a bit too attached to his sword, but he’s a man who sees things. Shen Qingqiu never asked for it, but he sought out companionship, beneath his snarky words and hiss of frustrations. Mu Qingfang didn’t mind that behavior, he found it endearing. Shen Qingqiu was smart and talented and didn’t often speak to him the same way he spoke to Liu Qingge or even Yue Qingyuan.

...and… after that day.

Mu Qingfang could say he was a tad bit blessed? If that was the right word for it. He… really enjoyed that day. A lot more than he thought he should. In fact, he was pretty sure if he ever brought it up to Shen Qingqiu, he might get stabbed, the way Shen Qingqiu looked so entirely flustered the morning after. But through the night he had clung to Mu Qingfang, and some part of him had qi deviated from sheer cuteness.

He woke up, with a face full of Shen Qingqiu’s hair, the other on his chest, snoring lightly and the blankets tangled between their legs.

It had been the greatest morning of his life.

...That was two weeks ago, and since then, Shen Qingqiu hadn’t returned to ask for anything else besides medicine or for a nice cup of tea. They talked about anything but that day, and he didn’t mind it, maybe some part of him was aching for more, but he never pressed for it. Shen Qingqiu deserved to be courted before regularly being--

Mu Qingfang nearly drops a bottle, at the thought.

The thought of having Shen Qingqiu, shaking and bright red, in his bed--

No! No! Bad thoughts.

But he was so cute and felt so nice around his--

“Shidi looks distracted.”

Ah. Speak of the devil and he comes.

Shen Qingqiu was dressed in his peak colors, the robes clinging tight to his frame-- or perhaps, in Mu Qingfang’s eyes, they were tighter than usual. His waist lither than he once recalled-- Shen Qingqiu had been so small in his hands, had fit so easily---

Why was he just--

This was unbecoming of a Peak Lord.

To stare another Peak Lord down, to want him in ways that Mu Qingfang really shouldn’t-- but more than sex, to kiss him until Shen Qingqiu couldn’t breathe, to take him out for a nice dinner, to enjoy each other's company.

That itself made him feel hot.

Shen Qingqiu raised his brows, “Qingfang-shidi?”

“Forgive this shidi.” Mu Qingfang manages to not stutter, “he is a bit distracted by--” He looks at the bottle in his hand, it was just another container full of a thicker, medicinal balm. What was it for again? Why couldn’t he think?! “...This.” He finished lamely.

“Ah.” Shen Qingqiu shifted, leaning over the counter that separated them. Mu Qingfang could smell the sweet aroma of lavender from bath oils and the faint scent of bamboo that clung stubbornly to Shen Qingqiu’s clothing. “Seems to be… very interesting, Qingfang-shidi.”

“It is.”

There’s a lull in the conversation.

Mu Qingfang blamed himself for being so awkward.

He exhales and places the container down.

It was then he realized, they were very much alone. In fact, the room had been full of his many students, and now? They were gone. It was only Shen Qingqiu who stood before him, fingers tapping at Xiu Ya. Mu Qingfang felt his heartbeat quicken.

“What’s--?”

“Qingfang is always surrounded by his disciples. Your shixiong realized if he wanted to speak with you, he would have to get Qingfang alone.”

Ah? Ah? AH?!

Mu Qingfang opened his mouth. Shut it. Then cleared his throat. He opened his mouth again, then found that nothing was coming out. Shen Qingqiu grins. He was gentle as he pushed aside the items on the counter.

Oh.

Oh god.

Mu Qingfang knew what was happening, but what-- when did Shen Qingqiu become so forward?! He bit at his tongue, then exhaled shakily.

“Qingqiu, the door--”

“Locked.”

Holy shit.

“You’re quite…” Mu Qingfang started up, “ah… uh…” Words are dying on his throat, as Shen Qingqiu lifted himself onto the counter, his sword gently placed against the countertop, his eyes dark, and --- ah shit, he was-- his hand was on Mu Qingfang’s shoulder, and he was-- they were kissing.

“I’m quite what?”

“...A…” Words were failing. Failing him as he was kissed again by Shen Qingqiu. Those hands firm at his shoulders, sliding up through his hair, tugging it free from its crown. “Eager?” He settled for.

“Eager?” Shen Qingqiu laughs. “Qingfang, perhaps this one just wanted to have a special visit with his favorite healer.”

    That was terrible, that wasn’t supposed to make Mu Qingfang’s body light up in heat. He leans into the next kiss, more demanding, and if he pushes the sword to the side as he’s caged between Shen Qingqiu’s legs, it’s only so he can fumble for another jar, one of oils, to push up Shen Qingqiu’s legs, to get under his clothing and push an already slicked finger inside--

He’s already stretched.

“Oh.” Mu Qingfang moans the other’s entrance was wet with lubricant, Shen Qingqiu’s hole taking in two fingers easily before he pushes in a third. It has the other moaning loudly, his hips rocking down against the fingers. “Qingqiu--”

“Mn--?” Shen Qingqiu tilts his head, there’s a slyness to his gaze, the way his mouth curves into a grin that has Mu Qingfang shuddering. “This one got ready for his shidi, aren’t you happy?”

Mu Qingfang’s ducking his head, kissing at those parted lips. “Of course.” He exhales, nuzzling at the other’s cheek once they’ve parted, pulling his fingers away. This was happening all too fast, but there’s something strange in the way they're doing this. Like a pull, and he’s eager for it. That spark of energy that comes from releasing inside Shen Qingqiu. He shifts, to pull out his already aching cock from its confines, sliding lubricant over the head and base, shuddering at the action-- and when he pushes in, Shen Qingqiu makes a sound of utter delight.

“Is my Shidi proud of me?” Shen Qingqiu asks gently, even when he sounds breathless, eyes fluttering shut at the first thrust.

“Yes.” Mu Qingfang picks up his pace, knowing they won’t have all the time to just go slow, to drag it out over the afternoon, but Shen Qingqiu doesn’t complain, he squeezes around his cock, murmurs out something-- Xiu Ya-- and he nearly grabs the sword to throw it across the room, but when Shen Qingqiu speaks again, it’s Qingfang.

He moans it over and over, cries out happily when Mu Qingfang shifts his hips, thrusting forward, gripping at Shen Qingqiu’s thighs and pounding in until he too was left panting, gasping out as he kept -- heat spiraling in his stomach, down to his groin, and he shudders into an orgasm, grunting out Shen Qingqiu’s name.

Shen Qingqiu makes a face, “I haven’t--!”

“I got it.” Mu Qingfang laughs, voice rough as he reached down and rubbed at Shen Qingqiu’s erection, until the other whines and cums with a plea of his name. They settle into breathing against one another, Shen Qingqiu tilted his head and kissed him sweetly, before hissing out:

“Next time, I want to cum first.”

Spoiled. Mu Qingfang thinks.

Very spoiled.

He agrees anyway.

                   “I can’t believe you had me say those things.” Shen Jiu hisses the moment they’re alone, fan held up to hide his face as he leaves Qian Cao Peak. “He looked like he wanted to laugh!”

But it worked.

“I’m not a whore, Xiu Ya!” Shen Jiu says in response, voice cool, but there’s a tremor, heat that spills in after when he waves his fan. Shen Yuan goes silent.

If you don’t want to do it again, that’s fine. I don’t want to force you into anything.

Shen Jiu doesn’t respond for a moment, but, “no, I do. It’s… embarrassing! Shameless! I can’t believe it…”

Look, I was more offended when he about threw me.

“You would’ve deserved it!”

What?! All I said was that you should call him daddy--

“No!”

It was a joke, you have a huge praise kink--

“Shut up.”

          The bamboo house was a disaster when they left and remained once when they returned. Shen Yuan wanted to clean up, but also, not really? He tried suggesting it to Shen Jiu, but the man just grumbled and ignored him. It was usually cleaned up and neat, but… earlier--

They had been relaxing, or Shen Yuan was, Shen Jiu was doing paperwork. The only sounds were the gentle sounds of writing and the occasional groan when Shen Jiu stretched out his wrists.

Do you know what’s funny?

“You sitting there and doing nothing?”

I’m a sword.

“That doesn’t stop you from being-- touchy--” Shen Jiu grumbled, hissing out another word that sounded like an idiot, as he placed his brush down. “Always touching.”

They bickered after that until Shen Yuan calmly said that maybe Shen Jiu needed a dick up his ass-- the man was so angry when he felt pent up and full of tension, and honestly, he hadn’t been going to Brothels lately, but he seemed more twitchy after the ordeal with Mu Qingfang.

One thing lead to another, and Shen Yuan suggested that he go buy one if he was that desperate and Shen Jiu, petty and angry, said: “Fuck you, I will! Bet it could do me better than you!” And thus, an hour after, they had bought a dildo-- a jade, small, phallic-shaped item that Shen Jiu sat looking at in horror.

“Why do I listen to you?” Shen Jiu asked, huffing, as he shifted, adjusting his robes, slipping out of everything, “I can’t believe I listened to you.”

You did and I’m honestly surprised too.

Neither man said anything about the pillar sitting at the bed.

        Which is where Shen Jiu sat now, staring at the thing.

Shen Yuan wasn’t going to push his luck and say anything about it, it had taken a lot of coaxing, gentle assurances, to tell Shen Jiu it was okay to seek out Mu Qingfang. But now, it seemed Shen Jiu was twitchy and needy again. Shen Yuan wished, as always, for a fucking body, as he used his energy to rub Shen Jiu’s back.

You don’t have to use it.

“I don’t plan to!”

Then don’t, sheesh--

“....I was…” Shen Jiu cleared his throat. “...I want him to use it on me.”

Shen Yuan goes silent. Whoa. Then: What about me?!

“I enjoy the way you do it without using anything.” Shen Jiu says, moving to put it away, “feels… intimate.”

Shen Yuan doesn’t say anything.

He was pretty sure he just died a little, from embarrassment.

Chapter Text

The toy isn’t large, but the girth is wide.

Shen Yuan doesn’t say anything about it, but he knows very well just how much Shen Jiu finds himself staring at it. And it doesn’t take him long to realize it’s a sinking feeling of regret before he gently assures Shen Jiu they don’t have to do anything with the toy, and Shen Yuan was very much fine with just touching and assuring his Master that everything was okay with just what they did. He realizes that Shen Jiu seemed to be a bit eager for approval? It was odd, in a way, but then he realizes that he too was eager for someone's gentle assurances and likes the conversations they had together. It was always so reassuring? Knowing that he wasn’t really alone? Even if Shen Yuan kind of feeling alone?

   Either way, he had someone with him, and that’s pretty much all that mattered. Shen Jiu was a decently nice guy to be around too! Shen Yuan would not say he was really in love, even though he said he was because admitting he was in love made him super shy but in the end, he really thought maybe they could spend more personal time together-- like-- well...

…

He was making it super complicated.

But sex was one thing. Sex was fine and dandy, and the connection they had together was pretty intense and it felt like Shen Yuan was getting stronger every time they had sex. But, but--

… the attempt of dating his Master was the hard bit.

That’s what he’s been trying to do.

Just date his Master.

And like, it wasn’t that he sucked at wooing-- it was more like, what could they do as a sword and master? That was a huge factor. He also sucked at flirting, because anything he said was somewhat flirty, Shen Jiu furrowed his brows and made a comment about him being weird. But there was a flush on his cheeks, so maybe he was winning? The closest to actual dates were the times they got to sit and just eat together, talking silently. Shen Jiu relaxed, leaning into the table, and his fingers flicking against Shen Yuan-- Xiu Ya? He was kinda into being called that-- as they spoke.

      And yeah, just like that, Shen Yuan is also somewhat reminded of the fact that-- huh-- Shen Jiu is still a peak lord, and he’s still supposed to be doing things like paperwork, and he was the head strategist of Cang Qiong, and his many meetings with Yue Qingyuan were evident of that. And those meetings, as Shen Yuan sits through one of those, is so. Fucking. Awkward.

Shen Yuan is reminded that this is the same guy who was turning away whenever Shen Jiu said mean shit, or when he was cruel to the disciples he was supposed to be nice to-- and Shen Yuan had to take up that part and found himself scolding Shen Jiu often about it. Because, hello! Don’t be mean to the kids who looked up to you! Shen Jiu usually got silent afterward, but then he started just-- being calmer and maybe a bit nicer around his students, so Shen Yuan called it a win. As long as the disciples were not being scolded or hissed at for no reason, everything was fine.

      But again, meetings with Yue Qingyuan, bordered on somewhat uncomfortable. Because the guy kept doing this look. This weird, longing… i’m in love with you senpai please im pining look. And Shen Jiu wasn’t even a senpai, nor was he noticed the looks. Unless he was, and he was just ignoring it?

He’s so into you, it’s kind of funny.

Shen Jiu jostled him.

Oh, wow, so mature. I could get motion sickness.

Shen Jiu coughed into his sleeve, “shut the fuck up.”

Yue Qingyuan shut up.

“Not-- not you.” Shen Jiu spits, but says nothing else when he realizes that admitting it would make Yue Qingyuan ten times more concerned. Shen Yuan wants to laugh about it, and he finds himself cackling between their shared connection. Shen Jiu shifted in his seat, “it was… nothing, Zhangmen-Shixiong.”

Yue Qingyuan’s gaze snapped down to Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan wondered if he had a face, what expression would he have?

...Probably one that screamed, don’t hit me.

Shen Jiu, who noticed the look Shen Yuan was receiving, rolled his eyes. “What? Is shixiong also concerned about this one's attachment to his sword?”

“It has been…” Yue Qingyuan fidgeted, “strange.”

“How so?” Shen Jiu demanded, “it is not strange. Your Shidi is doing nothing with his sword that would require you to be worried.”

“Has Mu-shidi--”

“Don’t talk to me about Qingfang!” Shen Jiu snaps.

Bro. Shen Yuan about shrieks, you just called him Qingfang in front of the same guy who looks like he would die for you!

Yue Qingyuan blinks as if startled upon what he heard. “Ah. You two have gotten much closer since he visited you, then?”

…

Shen Jiu’s face, even if Shen Yuan pleaded with him not to, had gone from pale to bright red in a second. He stands, nearly knocking over his tea, and spits out: “It’s none of your concern, Qi-ge!”

…

Qi-ge?

“Xiao Jiu…” Yue Qingyuan breathes. “...Qi-ge… didn’t--”

You just opened a can of worms, babe.

    It must’ve made the situation worse, calling him babe, because Shen Jiu’s face turned a darker shade of red. He swallowed thickly and turned his head. “Zhangmen-shixiong… this shidi is… taking his leave.”

     That meeting wasn’t as bad as the other ones.

“Shut up.”

I’m serious! It wasn’t!

“You-- you--! Stop talking when I’m dealing with him! Don’t call me those names!”

Like babe? Honey? Sugar muffin?

“Especially sugar muffin!” Shen Jiu’s voice cracks, and he laughs. It’s a sweet sound, when he sinks into his bed, rubbing his face. “I can’t believe it. I called him Qi-ge.”

There must’ve been some story about it, right? To why Shen Jiu was calling Yue Qingyuan Qi-ge, right? Maybe they were some childhood friends, he didn’t know. He just-- Shen Yuan felt bad, but also, not really. Anytime the two were talking, it was so awkward and tense… he didn’t like it.

          As of now, he was content with just, spreading out his own energy, to envelope Shen Jiu in a tight hug. He keeps hugging, until Shen Jiu is more relaxed than stressed, until the man is softly breathing out and Shen Yuan manages, succeeds in pressing what felt to be a kiss onto Shen Jiu’s forehead. He smiles, the Peak Lord’s expression turning into something entirely soft as he flips onto his back and tugs at his robes. He continued to strip down until he was in his final layer and fully relaxed into his bedsheets.

You feel good?

“You broke the good mood.”

You’re a dick.

“Why don’t you--” Shen Jiu waved his hand, “help me relieve stress.”

So you’re actually stressed?

Shen Yuan doesn’t say much after that, and he indicates the jade pillar that lays hidden under the bed. And Shen Jiu shifts, moves to grab it and… just holds it. He holds it, flushes bright red and tangles his fingers in his outer robes. He exhales and turns to stare at Xiu Ya.

“...I can’t.”

It’s okay. Shen Yuan gently assures, rubbing a palm? over Shen Jiu’s hip. He trails lower, to simply rub and squeeze until Shen Jiu is further relaxed atop his bed. He stretches out, and drops the pillar onto the bed but doesn’t make any move to grab it when Shen Yuan just… massaged his thighs. Why don’t we just sleep?

“Mn.”

Close your eyes. And think about all the things you like… such as… Qingfang.

“You’re a shit.”

Yue Qingyuan.

“I do not like him!”

Bro, he’s so in love with you, it’s kind of creepy. And you? You’re such a tsundere, I wouldn’t be shocked--

“Do you want to see what it’s like to be melted down for a pair of earrings?”

Wow.

“Yeah. Shut up.”

Wow. I’m so offended.

“Xiu Ya!"

MY FEELINGS ARE HURT. EARRINGS? I’ll be made into EARRINGS?!

Shen Jiu groans, grabbing a pillow and promptly turning away as he settles for bed. Shen Yuan complains until he hears the soft, soothing breathing of his Master who had passed out in his ranting.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu is weird.

Okay, scratch that, Shen Yuan made him weird. Or, he thinks he made his Master weird. Ever since they started their relationship-- as if it was anything too sexual-- Shen Jiu had begun to relax more. Shen Yuan wondered why, was it because he was having sex, so maybe it meany Shen Jiu had a stick up his ass for years…? Or… was it because it wasn’t just Shen Yuan. Mu Qingfang comes along, and brings out more than just sensual desire. Shen Jiu gets a friend to talk too after the sex, someone to discuss peak activities without the strain of being insulted or looked at with distrust. It’s almost as if Shen Jiu just wanted someone to talk to.

What are you doing?

“Meditating.” Shen Jiu responded, eyes closed. He’s sitting upright, hands held in an angle as blue light formed between his palms. It’s somewhat warm, inviting. Shen Yuan was drawn to it, at his side against Shen Jiu’s waist, he felt like if he could surge forward with his form of spiritual energy, they would connect more than they had before. They would’ve entered the spiritual caves, but Shen Jiu had been hesitant at the thought, mentioning something about Yue Qingyuan once following him there. Shen Yuan didn’t bother to dig into the story, so he left his master to sulk briefly before perking up. They settled into cultivation within the Bamboo House, slamming a seal over the door that would block any noise and not allow anyone in.

It was the best thing to do.

This way, no one would bother them!

And Shen Yuan was not going to seduce his master! Nope, not today. Nuh uh. He was going to be a good sword, and sit here, looking pretty.

For a good few minutes.

...ah, he was getting bored and Shen Jiu was so focused on cultivating, that he really just wanted to roll away-- as if he could. Shen Yuan wished he wasn’t just some sword, Like, usual, of course, wishing he didn’t have any of this terrible… armless… body…

“What are you doing?”

What?

“I’m not an idiot. I can feel you being impatient.”

It’s boring.

“Mn.”

Why don’t we go out and kill something?!

“You aren’t bloodthirsty, don’t act like it.”

I don’t know, after you threatened to melt me down…

“You’re a lying shit.”

Please… I love you.

“Then stop talking, and let me cultivate in peace.”

        Shen Yuan grew quiet. The rest of Shen Jiu’s cultivation, he was in and out of what he would refer to as sleep, relaxing against his Master’s side when the immortal cultivator suddenly stopped, a hand gripping at the base of Xiu Ya.

….Huh?

“Something is wrong.”

...What?

“I’ve…” Shen Jiu hesitated. “Perhaps I need to see Mu Qingfang.”

Wait, what’s wrong? Why do you need to see him?

Shen Jiu gripped him tighter, exhaling shakily. “Nothing is wrong.”

Huh…

“....Nothing is wrong.” Shen Jiu repeats, more surprised than uncomfortable. He repeats this, over and over again. His voice growing steady, his eyes widening before his hands fall lax against Xiu Ya, and he stands, pacing about the room. “This… is quite strange.”

I’m confused…

“Doesn’t matter.”

…

“Lately, my cultivation has been better than usual.” Shen Jiu explained, with a roll of his eyes. “I expected it to be nothing more than a coincidence… Thus, I need to see Qingfang, to make sure it’s not just…”

...Your own body playing tricks?

“Good things do not come easily for trash like me.”

That comment stung Shen Yuan in a strange way. The thought of Shen Jiu seeing himself as trash… it was somewhat jarring. Shen Jiu didn’t make any other comment about it, only moving forward from his spot as if there was nothing wrong, placing a hand at the door where the seal began to shine, before pausing.

“Xiu Ya.”

Yeah?

“You’re very quiet.”

...You complain so much about me talking…

“I guess I should melt you down as a pair of earrings.”

What did I do now?!

“Nothing.” Shen Jiu’s voice is teasing, faint. The touch against Shen Yuan’s hilt was light, gingerly rubbing up and down. It’s almost… arousing? For a sword? Shen Yuan feels like he’s tingling, especially when Shen Jiu grips the base of the hilt, rubbing his thumb against the cool steel… Shen Yuan didn’t know what he had felt… a spiraling of energy, spilling hot into his -- ah… core?-- Shen Yuan felt like… like…

...he was coming.

      He felt like the only thing that mattered was how sweetly Shen Jiu was touching him, rubbing him quickly. He never gets unsheathed fully, only the barest of the touches at his base. Shen Jiu was good at teasing him, laughing a sound of content when Shen Yuan finally did…. ah… cum? It was such a delightful feeling, he was left momentarily stunned.

Holy shit.

Shen Jiu patted him. “Easy, hm?”

...Are you calling me easy?

“I’m just saying it’s easy to appease you.”

Are you going to see Qingfang?

“Why are you saying his name?”

There’s a long silence.

Shen Yuan said: But… if you’re with him, doesn’t that mean I’m with him?

“Do…” Shen Jiu hesitated. “Do you think he likes me enough?”

Yeah? He’s nice. I think you’re great enough to love.

“Don’t start being so shameless.”

    Shameless was giving your sword a handjob! Sword job? Sheath… job? Or was it a hiltjob? Shen Yuan didn’t know! It was sort of cute to be touched like that, without his master acting all weird about it… even then, the sword noticed that the other man was not bothering to open the door, and only went back to sealing it, and settling back down to mediate, his eyes falling shut and his mouth, set into a faint little smile. He looks peaceful and cute.

Are you okay? I thought you wanted to go see him… Changed your mind?

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

He was.

Chapter Text

The rumors that Shen Jiu fucks, spreads fast.

So fast, that Shen Yuan is left mind blown over how easy it seemed to be to accept that the cold, peerless peak lord never talked about it, but somehow-- somehow, everyone else knew! Shen Yuan has the sinking feeling disciples were like annoying little fuckers that loved talking about Shen Jiu. And, who wouldn’t?! Shen Jiu, the cold peak lord, Shen Jiu, the man with the prettiest face, the perkiest bottom, and the loveliest temper. Then again, Shen Yuan was a sword whose favorite pastime was actually watching his master do his daily duties, or meditating, or bathing and sleeping. Shen Yuan doesn’t mind just vibing with the man, especially when said man was spitting venom, hurling insults into the air when he caught wind of those rumors.

“I’ll flog the little shit who started those rumors--”

Oh? And then what?

    “I have no time for your depravity.” Shen Jiu snaps, he grabs at the sword, trembling. His energy is wild, a flickering flame that threatened to grow the moment Shen Yuan reached out for it. It’s nearly blinding, a near indicator of a qi deviation, and Shen Yuan panics. His Master had always been prone to qi deviations, but he thought after the other managing to surpass a bottleneck with no issues, it wouldn’t matter as much. Yet, here he was, shaking and breathing heavily, fingers reaching up to press at his fingers. There’s blood dripping from his nose, his cheeks are flushing red and he looks like he might vomit and Shen Yuan surges forward with his energy. It’s doesn’t fix it right away, because he was still just a damn fucking sword, he couldn’t help balance out his Master’s energy when he was an extension of it. He didn’t have his own yet, he wanted a body, he wanted to be able to protect Shen Jiu, to hold him, to help him with this-- this-- qi deviation.

Find Mu Qingfang, now!

He spits the words out as fast as he could, but Shen Jiu hesitates. Sways in his spot, as he breathes in raggedly, and he falls forward, eyes fluttering shut. His body slams into the floor, as he convulses, spilling blood from his nose and mouth. He hacks it up, hissing around pain and moaning out for someone.

Xiu Ya.

Shen Yuan could only watch, with growing horror, as his master experiences a qi deviation.

    They don’t talk about it. Once Shen Jiu is ‘back’. He’s shaking, of course, but there’s no blood on his face, and he drinks tea with his shoulders raised high, curled comfortably onto a chair. His feet are bare, cute toes peeking from his clothing as he breathes in the calming scent of the chamomile tea. Shen Yuan wants to reach out, but he’s afraid. He’s ashamed. He hadn’t been able to do anything, and even if they don’t talk about it, Shen Yuan will blame himself. Shen Jiu sighs happily, as he sips his tea, lashes closing.

“Tea is so good” He comments, a bait to get Shen Yuan to respond. He doesn’t. Shen Jiu frowned. “What’s going on with you?”

I’m… tired.

“You’re tired?” Shen Jiu scoffs, the cup rising to his lips. “Right.”

I am! W-when you get tired, I get tired and… you know.

      It only reminds him that Shen Jiu is so fragile. That any moment Shen Jiu could die, and Shen Yuan would shatter because he was so deeply connected to the man. He was nothing but a metal object, one that could do nothing. There’s resentment bubbling up, a foreign feeling because he’s just not used to it. Shen Jiu doesn’t usually get angry, and when he did it was more like a slow, boiling burn. One that would take days, if not a month, before it finally bubbled over and he would explode. Shen Jiu’s reaction to his anger is a simple hm, a raise of a brow as he stands, moving over to the stand Shen Yuan was on. He reaches out, fingers warm from the teacup, gliding the tips over the sheath, before he sighs.

“What’s going on with you?”

Like I said! I’m tired!

“You’re angry.”

He was.

Shen Yuan would still deny it. It’s the only way he could keep himself from feeling too much at once. But at least Shen Jiu’s touch is enough. At least it’s comforting, and being brought close to his master’s chest makes him feel so much. He wanted to wrap arms around Shen Jiu, he wanted to hug back, he wanted to touch his Master’s hair and actually kiss the man and he hated-- hated, hated being--

…useless.

              They’re not talking, but Shen Jiu talks to Mu Qingfang. The two get along well, Shen Yuan notes. Besides sex, they’re both avid gossipers. Shen Jiu knows enough about the peaks because he was so close to Yue Qingyuan, despite the tense relationship between the two, and Mu Qingfang heard a lot from ‘patients’. Shen Yuan would scream about patient confidentially, but he doubt Mu Qingfang wouldn’t know, Shen Jiu wouldn’t, and it wasn’t like the healer would hear him anyways. Sulking as he usually did, Shen Yuan is pleased when Shen Jiu idly pats him. Mu Qingfang is used to it by now, but he still gives Shen Yuan a weird look before he regards the other peak lord with a sweet expression.

They’re gossiping about fucking Liu Qingge.

Shen Yuan found it hilarious.

Shen Jiu kept complaining about how Liu Qingge could go beat the shit out of his disciples, but if he whipped them for being disobedient, his disciple’s would cry to the sect leader. “It’s so dumb.” He spits, waving a hand. “He has the nerve to judge me as well, yet he’s never at his peak!”

Mu Qingfang laughs. “Don’t be so harsh towards Liu-shixiong.”

“He’s cruel to me.” Shen Jiu mutters, shoulder’s dropping. Mu Qingfang’s words had no venom, but it still stung. Shen Yuan sent a wave of affection towards his master, bluntly stating:

Maybe you need to suck his dick.

Shen Jiu jolts, knee knocking into the table, spilling tea all over the table.