Chapter Text
Honestly, he couldn’t believe this was his life. Three days ago he was just a prince that loved the arts and lived freely. Well, it wasn’t like this marriage would hold him back. They could still travel. But how lucky could he have gotten to have met such a man? Mo Xuanyu was insanely beautiful but he was also funny, caring, and passionate in his own way about the things that mattered to him. Nie Huaisang couldn’t help but feel grateful now to the elders for goading his brother into having him wed. Not that he’d give the tiniest bit to Elder Yanbin. That man was the worst.
Nie Huaisang didn’t want to let that of bag be in his thoughts any longer so he pushed them back. He brought himself to the present where they are standing in front of the doors hand and hand going into the dinning hall. A small smile formed on his lips as he turned to look at Mo Xuanyu. The man looked radiant in the robes he made. The veil was still on him and running like a waterfall down his back from his headpiece.
He felt a swell of adoration and want in his chest just from looking at him. Mo Xuanyu had done so well during their wedding despite confessing last minute that he was worried. Nie Huaisang could feel the slight shake in the other. He grinned happily, “Are you ready?”
Mo Xuanyu took a breath, looking a tad sick, but nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he murmured. He knew that there were people who loved and cared for him just beyond these doors, but he also knew his father could be in there. The other Jin that hated him, that had tried to end his life. Would they spoil tonight? He prayed they’d keep their peace.
“Let’s go, Huaisang,” he said before he could talk himself out of it and reached forward to push on the door.
“Alright.” Nie Huaisang replied as he nodded to the disciples to open the door and announce them. As they stepped into the room everyone was there from the wedding including the Jins. He felt another tremor in Mo Xuanyu’s hand and he squeezed it lightly. The grip was firm and meant to be grounding. Nie Huaisang leaned in. “Don’t worry about the Jins. Just enjoy this moment. I’m excited to taste that peking duck you made for us.” Nie Huaisang said trying to reassure him that everything was going to be okay.
He got a stiff nod and Mo Xuanyu refused to look at anyone, just the table where they’d be sat. He let Nie Huaisang lead him to his seat and breathed out, taking strength from the fact his father had kept his mouth shut, as had Madam Jin. The only murmuring over on that side was purely from his nephew who was shaking a bag of candies.
“I’m okay,” he whispered when Nie Huaisang joined him at his side and accepted a cup of wine from a passing servant.
“Good but if you aren’t. Tell me and I’ll announce us retiring early.” Nie huaisang responded, giving him a warm smile as the servants started putting the dishes down on the table that Mo Xuanyu made.
Mo Xuanyu nodded, but was determined to see it all through at least to dessert. Seeing how well the peking duck looked only affirmed that conviction and he sent a grateful smile towards Jiang Yanli for finishing the dish.
She smiled back and winked, making his ears go as red as his veil. It didn’t help that Nie Huaisang was openly gaping at the food.
“Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks,” Mo Xuanyu commented as he started to shred the meat with his chopsticks. It fell away without much prompting, moist and rich with spice, and his own mouth watered. He grabbed a bite of it and blew on the steam, but turned to his husband with it instead of eating it himself. “Here, husband. I’ll let you be the judge.”
Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened as Mo Xuanyu promptly turned to offer him a bite. It took him a moment to register what the other was doing. The act was something he’d been day dreaming and it was becoming a reality. Unable to resist the smell of the delicious food and his adorable husband hand feeding him, he licked his lips then leaned forward accepting the bite. His eyes closed as he ate the offered bite. The moan he tried to stifle came out anyways, just softer than what it’d originally would have been. He had nothing bad to say. The peking duck was perfect.
He slowly opened his eyes as a smile blossomed on his face. “It’s just as I thought it would be. Perfect. Just like I thought it would be.” Nie Husaisang paused for a moment, lifting his own chopsticks, and grabbing a bit of the spiced pork for Mo Xuanyu. “How do the fruits of your labor taste?” he asked, offering Mo Xuanyu a bite in return.
Mo Xuanyu laughed, eyes crinkling in delight, and leaned forward to take the bite. He closed his eyes to savor it. “Better than what I’m used to,” he decided and grabbed more of the duck for Nie Huaisang. He wasn’t sure why feeding the man was suddenly fun, but it was clear Nie Huaisang was happy about it so he wouldn’t argue.
Nie Huaisang couldn’t help but feel joyful and a dash spoiled as his husband continued to feed him like this. The food was so good and he loved it even more that Mo Xuanyu had made the food himself. That he’d given such care as to how much spice to put into everything. Nie Huaisang’s heart swelled with happiness. He smiled brightly, loving that their wedding feast was going perfectly.
“We’ll have to play with the reciepe till we get it the way you like it at home.” Nie Huaisang replied, practically giddy as Mo Xuanyu continued to let him feed him too.
Mo Xuanyu nodded around his bite and grabbed some of the pork for Huaisang next. “And you’ll have to tell me if you like the lemon tarts, or if I need to change anything so I can make them the way you like.”
“Of course but I don’t think there will be anything that needs changing. They were the best ones I’ve ever tasted. Why mess with perfection?” Nie Huaisang flirted as he offered Mo Xuanyu a sweet carrot.
Mo Xuanyu took the bite and blushed, shaking his head in amusement. “You had my eggtart, not the lemon tart. They’re very different tastes, husband.”
“Well, I’ll just have to have both then...you know...to compare.” Nie Huaisang teased, loving the smile and the blush on his cheeks.
“Young Master Wei warned me you had a sweet tooth,” Mo Xuanyu said. “Good thing I’ve always got something sweet on me for A-Ling. I’ll have to start carrying extra.”
Oh, you have no idea. Nie Huaisang thought while watching how happy Mo Xuanyu talked about A-Ling. “Yes, you should.” Nie Huaisang replied, glancing over at Wei Wuxian who was practically in Lan Wangji’s lap watching them with a gleeful expression.
Mo Xuanyu followed his gaze and smiled. “He looks like a fox spirit, sprawled and smiling like that.”
“He probably was in a past life.” Nie Huaisang chuckled, feeding him another bite of the spicy pork.
Mo Xuanyu smiled and chewed, considering him from under his lashes. “I think you were a bird,” he admitted softly. “In your past life.”
“I...think you were a stallion.” Nie Huaisan replied, reaching up to adjust Mo Xuanyu’s bangs.
“I do like horses,” Mo Xuanyu blushed, but smiled at him. “I almost asked Captain Fei if I could take Blackwing with me, but they need all the good war horses they have and she’s one of the best.”
Nie Huaisang considered what Mo Xuanyu had said. There would be more colts in the summer. If Mo Xuanyu really wanted to leave Blackwing then he could, and he could let him pick one out for himself. He let his hand drift down over one of Mo Xuanyu’s. “That’s generous of you, husband, to let them keep Blackwing, but if you like we can request for her to be brought with us. Or if it pleases you, we do have some colts that’d be born at the first of the summer.If you don’t want to wait for them we do have some that need to be trained.” Nie Huaisang offered.
“You’d let me have one?” Mo Xuanyu asked, blinking in surprise. “Aren’t horses too valuable...?” to give to me, was how he was going to finish that and flushed in shame.
“ Let you... husband, they are all yours. Yes, they are valuable but our family has our own private stables. I meant that if you wanted to take one specifically under your care. But if you want to train them all. That will be your choice.” Nie Huaisang replied, eyes widened. He blinked.
“...what?” Mo Xuanyu asked, slightly worried.
Nie Huaisang’s face fell a bit at the look on the man’s face. That tone had him worried. Did he really think that Nie Huasiang would leave him destitute within their marriage? That he’d be...that’s when it clicked. Of course that snake hadn’t told him the terms of the marriage contract. Nie Huasiang flushed in shame.
“Xuanyu, I feel rather foolish at the moment. I thought you knew...but now I know you don’t. Our marriage contract makes us equals. That means what is mine is also yours . So the colts being born are from my mares at the stables. Da-ge and Yao-ge’s haven’t been bred yet.” Nie Huaisang explained. He swallowed afterwards, reminding himself to show Mo Xuanyu a copy of the marriage contract. “Yao-ge will want to go to Lotus Pier in the fall for ones for popo if she wants one.” They’d have given Madam Mo their own mother’s horses but Nie Mingjue had gifted them to Meng Yao a year after he’d joined their sect.
“...oh,” Mo Xuanyu breathed out, trying to wrap his head around that. “So I… could actually train my own?” The idea of having his own was stunning. Horses were a commodity very few could afford and here Nie Huaisang was just… giving him one? “Are you sure?”
“Yes, you can train your own horse. Now, if you need any help Nie Biyu can help. She is our current stable master.” Nie Huaisang answered with a nod and reached out to gently intertwine their hands. “And of course. If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have agreed.”
“...thank you,” Mo Xuanyu said, letting his hand be tangled in Nie Huaisang’s. It still felt strange, being touched so freely, but if anyone had the right, it was this man. “I would like that then. Very much.”
“Good, then it’s decided.” Nie Huaisang responded, grinning happily at the fact that Mo Xuanyu didn’t pull away from him. His thumb gently rubbing a circle on the other’s hand. He was going to ask Mo Xuanyu about something but stopped when the servants started bringing the desserts and clearing the main course dishes. “Ooo.” He cooed cheerfully as he leaned in, “we’ll soon find out which one is better.”
Mo Xuanyu huffed a laugh at his eager face. “Between eggtarts and lemon tarts?” he asked, then thought a moment. “The mulberry cakes.”
“I’ll have to try those too.” Nie Huaisang mused, eyes briefly glancing down to Mo Xuanyu’s lips, and immediately back up. He bit his bottom lip to reprimand himself as reached for his wine glass.
“I’m sure you’ll sample it all, given how varied your sweet tooth is,” Meng Yao commented behind him before settling a full plate down between them. It held one of each of the desserts. “You both doing fine?” he asked softer, more protective, and his eyes momentarily flickered to where Jin Guangshan was seated.
“I’m fine,” Mo Xuanyu said, refusing to follow his gaze, and slid the plate closer to himself so he could get a bite for Huaisang. “Thank you, Master Meng.”
Nie Huaisang certainly did not make a small croaking sound at Meng Yao’s sudden appearance. He flushed at the statement about his sweet tooth. That meant his gawking was noticeable to others. And probably to Mo Xuanyu. “Yes, I guess you’re right.” Nie Huaisang responded, reaching for one of the lemon cakes and mulberry cakes.
“...and I’m fine too.” Nie Huaisang added after Mo Xuanyu.
Before he could grab a sweet, Mo Xuanyu already had a bite ready for him. Meng Yao gave Nie Huaisang a knowing smile before moving back to Nie Mingjue’s right side.
“Eggtart,” Mo Xuanyu prompted him when Nie Huaisang just sat there.
Nie Huaisang smiled brightly and leaned in accepting the bite. He pointedly ignored Meng Yao’s teasing look and just enjoyed this moment with his husband. If his married life had this in abundance he would be a happy husband. He kept his eyes open this time savoring the bite and was thrilled at the taste. Oh, yes! He thought.
“That was so good.” Nie Huaisang commented, delighted at the look of happiness in Mo Xuanyu’s eyes at his approval.
“I’m glad,” Mo Xuanyu told him before getting a bite of the lemon tart, which was going to be the true test. He offered the piece, trying not to look worried.
Nie Huaisang saw the slight shake to Mo Xuanyu’s hand as he held the lemon tart bite. He lifted his hand up to Mo Xuanyu’s, gently holding it firm before leaning in taking the bite. Nie Huaisang didn’t close his eyes for this one. He kept them focused on Mo Xuanyu’s. So the man could see the instant joy and approval because heaven’s yes it tasted like a slice that’d been sent from there.
“I could eat this the rest of my life.” He praised the dessert. It was the perfect blend of sugar, lemon, and vanilla.
Mo Xuanyu blushed, licking his lips. “Well that… I am your husband,” he reminded him. “That can be arranged.”
“Then...yes, please, arrange it.” Nie Huaisang grinned cheekily, reaching for a mulberry cake and breaking off a bite for Mo Xuanyu. He held up the bite with one hand beneath it to catch anything from dripping.
Mo Xuanyu took the bite, flushing darker, and closed his eyes at the taste. He smiled, grateful that they’d turned out well.
“I will,” he assured the man, gently taking his hand to wipe it off with a kerchief.
And the sweet gesture set the mood for the rest of the evening as they ate. The two of them feeding one another and talking about small things. After dessert there was entertainment in the form of followed by the gifts from different sects. Jin sect, since they were hosting the event had their most beautiful dancers perform a dance in honor of the new marriage. Their marriage gifts from the Jins was a sword with a golden hilt that had pearls and rubies on it for Nie Huaisang and a large golden mirror for Mo Xuanyu. It was meant to be insulting, Nie Huaisang knew but he whispered in Mo Xuanyu’s ear that they’d melt the thing down the moment they got it Qinghe for something more useful, making Mo Xuanyu flush beautifully.
The next performance was from the Lan sect. Nie Huaisang thought for sure that Lan Xichen would have played but no. It was actually Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji who played together. It was a beautiful song that had Nie Huaisang leaning into Mo Xuanyu. He used his other hand to lightly fidget with their intertwined hands on his thigh. The gift that followed from Lan Sect was a jade pendant from Lan Xichen to Mo Xuanyu. For them both, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian got them a book of poetry and a scroll in Lan Wangji’s elegant writing of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s song for them.
Afterwards, the Jiang sect performed a dance routine using their water cultivation which was always a treat. It was performed by Jiang Cheng’s spiders and Mo Xuanyu had been the most excited for this performance. Nie Huaisang couldn’t help but grin as he watched how his husband was on the edge of his seat admiring. He’d gently rubbed his hand up and down Mo Xuanyu’s back then. At first he was tense but then Mo Xuanyu must have gotten comfortable because by the end of the performance he was back to being calm. The gifts from Jiang Cheng had been a brand new bow for Mo Xuanyu. Nie Huaisang could have sworn that his husband was going to cry tears of joy as he carefully traced the feather and scale design. Nie Huaisang’s gift was a set of brushes with wooden handles that had a dragon scale design on them. They were light weight and designed to hook to his belt like he liked when he was working outside.
It was during Baling Sect’s sword fight performance that Nie Huaisang felt Mo Xuanyu lean into him. The man’s head came to rest against his shoulder making Nie Huaisang look down to check on him. He huffed lightly with a smile. Mo Xuanyu looked so tired. Nie Huaisang understood it though. Mo Xuanyu wasn’t used to parties like this lasting this long. He leaned down whispering low, so that it was just the two of them that could hear.
“Xuanyu?” Nie Huaisang called, his hand gently squeezing Mo Xuanyu’s hand, “Are you ready to go?”
“Not yet,” Mo Xuanyu did his best to keep his eyes open and bit down a yawn. He straightened, realizing he was leaning on Nie Huaisang and grabbed his cup of wine, hoping it would wake him up just enough to make it through the rest of the performance. “After this.”
“Are you sure? It will not offend, Sect Leader Ouyang if we left.” Nie Huaisang asked as he leaned forward so that their shoulders touched again. He smiled at his husband’s attempt to keep himself awake.
“I can make it.” And he would. As the performance closed, he knocked back his drink and clapped, truly awed by their skill. But Nie Huaisang was very right and he needed to go. The last few days had exhausted him, mentally and physically, and his body that was already bruised was aching from sitting so long. He wasn’t used to this. Wondered if he ever would be.
“I need to leave,” he said the moment the gifts were handed over. “I can’t keep my eyes open.”
“Of course.” Nie Huaisang smiled, warmly towards him. Then he looked over at Da-ge who’d been waiting for the two to call it a night. Nie Mingjue stood up before the next sect could start. He thanked them on behalf of the imperial family for the fantastic performances and generous gifts, but the newlyweds would be retiring for the night.
“Xuanyu.” Nie Huaisang called softly, holding out his arm for support. He’d noticed that the man was a little wobbly on his feet. He could tell that sleep and wine weren’t a good mix for Mo Xuanyu. Nie Huaisang, however, has a much higher tolerance.
Mo Xuanyu took his arm gratefully and did his best not to lean too much as they walked from the hall. The coolness of the night was a blessed relief and he sighed into it.
“Sorry,” he said as they neared the guest wing, listing a little sideways before catching himself on his husband.
Nie Huaisang didn’t realize how hot the hall had been till he was outside with Mo Xuanyu. He too let out a heavy sigh and breathed in the cool night air.
“For what? Being exhausted on our wedding day? You’ve been up since the crack of dawn in the kitchens and I think the Yao’s were trying to put us all to sleep with their poetry.” Nie Huaisang asked, brow curving in amusement, as he moved his arm to wrap around his waist to give him better support as they walked closer to their rooms.
Mo Xuanyu hissed a little as his body was jostled, but nodded. “I’m not… used to parties,” he admitted, eyes worried as they looked at Nie Huaisang. “Will that be a problem?”
Nie Huaisang didn’t miss the sudden flinch or the soft hiss that Mo Xuanyu let out when he’d brought him closer to him. So there were still bruises beneath the silk. He’d tend to his husband when they got back to the room. Tonight, they’d share a room so Jin Guangshan couldn’t claim that the wedding was a sham.
“No, it will not be a problem. We don’t have many at home but the welcome parties are long when we visit Lotus Pier.” Nie Huaisang explained as the two guards opened the door to Nie Huaisang’s rooms.
Mo Xuanyu tensed a little as he was maneuvered towards the bed, trying to breathe through a sudden wave of anxiety he was too tired to fight. Gods, this was his wedding night. And here he was, about to pass out because he sat down? Pathetic.
“If… if we’re going to be up a little while,” he started, delicate and nervous, “perhaps a bath? I think the water will wake me up better for you.”
Nie Huaisang tilted his head, brows furrowing a bit as he thought about Mo Xuanyu’s words. Had he spoken them out loud about wanting to heal his bruises before they both got a good night's rest. He may be attracted to Mo Xuanyu but that didn’t mean that the other felt the same way. So, he was more than happy to just sleep and watch over him.
“How do you like your water? Are there any scents you don’t like?” Nie Huaisang asked, kneeling at Mo Xuanyu’s feet, helping him out of his boots and socks before standing back up to drop the socks into a basket.
“I like honey and chrysanthemum if you have it, and hot water, please,” Mo Xuanyu said honestly, shivering at the sight of such a man tending him. Though the thought of spending a night with him was terrifying, he couldn’t deny the man was gorgeous. He could do much worse than a kind hand to guide him.
“I think I do. If not. I’ll step out for only a moment to Yao-ge’s room. I know that he keeps his oils separated.” Nie Huaisang smiled, storing that information away. “Give me just a moment.” Then he walked over behind the divider into his bathing room. On the vanity he opened his chest that carries his oils and found half a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum. He set it aside on the vanity before starting to fill the tub. He made sure that it was hot enough that there would be enough for steam to help soothe as Mo Xuanyu bathed.
Mo Xuanyu used the time to breathe then stood, urging his hands not to shake as he unpinned and pulled off his veil. He gently settled the fabric onto the bed then went for his sash in a way he hoped looked more alluring then anxious and painful.
‘Thank you, Huaisang,” he said in his calmest voice and let his first layer of robes drop pointedly to the floor.
Nie Huaisang got up testing the water to make sure it wasn’t Nie Mingjue worthy and stood up dropping a few drops of the oil in the water. Then used his qi to spread the oil thoroughly. He sighed satisfied at his work and walked back into his room. He’d just walked around the divider hearing Mo Xuanyu thank him for something...and he froze at the sight of his husband dropping his outer robe to the floor. The silk had slipped easily leaving him in the white silk robe beneath and the golden chiffon inner robe on him.
His mouth dropped open and he was pretty sure that he was going to have a nose bleed. The man wasn’t even showing anything except his neck, wrists, and ankles. Gods, I can’t even make fun of Jiang Cheng any more for the times he witnesses Lan Xichen wear his hair up. Nie Huaisang thought but then he noticed the bruise peeking past the collar of the robes Mo Xuanyu still wore. He also saw the way he held himself was stiff like he was in pain. And the sight of pain made all the feelings of desire to be snuffed out. It also let him know that no he hadn’t spoken his thoughts about the bath. Mo Xuanyu had that he’d wanted to have sex with him, and to be perfectly honest he did, but not right now. Not when they don’t know each other and Mo Xuanyu was in pain.
“I’m...uh… flattered..?” Nie Huaisang stumbled then winced at his word choice. “...Let me start over. I thought in the hallway I spoke out loud that I wanted to run you bath because I know you’re in pain. Afterwards, I was going to help you put an oil on your bruises to help them fade quicker then uh...get some sleep? As in laying in the bed and resting.”
Mo Xuanyu blinked at him but stopped his hands where they were going for his next layer. “...so you don’t want to…?” he trailed off, not sure if he wanted a yes or no. it was true, he’d never been taken to bed by a lover before and that the idea of it now was scaring him, but he couldn’t deny his own curiosity of how it all worked and how beautiful the man he married truly was. Still, getting a nod, he felt some relief, even as his body reacted to the sudden untensing with pain. He winced and turned his head away, heavy as it was with the braided crown his mother had set in for him, and rubbed the back of his neck to soothe some of the ache building there.
“If you’re sure… then that sounds… nice?” he offered, unable to look at him in fear of dying of embarrassment on the spot. He carefully unfolded his drawing of the birds and set it over the veil on the bed, then let the next robe fall to the floor.
Nie Huaisang let out an inaudible sigh of relief when Mo Xuanyu stopped himself from untying the robe. He knew that he’d made the right choice when the other let go of the facade of being alright with have sex tonight. It was obvious that he wasn’t ready. “Yes, I’m sure. I would prefer that when...if..we ever decide on the moment for us that we both want it to happen. Not just because it’s expected. I’m willing to wait.” Nie Huaisang answered, truthfully with a thin smile but it faded when he noticed him rubbing his neck. He looked up seeing that his hair was braided in the nie style hair crown. He found himself speechless for a moment but regained the ability after Mo Xuanyu dropped this robe leaving him in the thin golden chiffon inner robe.
Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened.The man wearing the braids probably didn’t understand just what those braids meant but Nie Huaisang did. It made his heart start pounding again because now he’d get to do something he’d been dreaming of since the moment the man had put on those first set of robes. He’d get to touch those lovely blackish-brown locks.
.
“Why don’t you go get into the bath and if you like while you soak, I can take those braids out.” Nie Huaisang offered, really hoping the other didn’t say no.
“I’d like that,” Mo Xuanyu said, honestly relieved. It’d taken ages for his mother to put them in and he was genuinely lost on how even to begin unraveling them. With a firm plan, he let the last of his robes fall without shame and stepped towards the bath, wincing as his hip jostled. The bruise there had gotten worse after the attempt by the assassin who had kicked it. He moved past Nie Huaisang without daring to meet his eye, though actually being naked in his presence while knowing nothing was going to happen was oddly simple. He supposed it was because he was a soldier and used to communal bathing and dressing. Any given day, he’d had over fifty persons watching him dress and undress, even bathe. Having just one was a thrill, but not one he’d shy from.
He lowered himself into the bath with a relieved groan and smiled at the smell of the oils. “Thank you, Huaisang,” he said again, far more earnestly, and leaned back against the edge of the tub, letting his braids dangle down the side.
Nie Huaisang let out a heavy breath the moment he heard the water sloshing from his very naked husband getting in the tub. The moment Mo Xuanyu had dropped the robe he’d clenched his hands and willed the blush not show. He assumed either it worked or his husband was too tired to notice. He was about to turn around to follow the man in when he heard the man moan in relief and stopped again. He felt a slight dampness to his nose and reached up to see a small splotch of red.
Nie Huaisang wiped his nose with his sleeve and sent a wave of his qi to stop the nose bleed. You’re a horrible husband . Nie Huaisang thought to himself as he made his mind think of the bruises. Then he took off his own outer robe, laying it on the rack leaving him in his own white layer with a mulberry chiffon inner robe. He went over to a chest pulling out a dark green muslin inner robe that would be light and breathable beneath the comforter for Mo Xuanyu.
“You’re welcome, Xuanyu.” Nie Huaisang replied as he stepped around the divider to hang up the inner robe for Mo Xuanyu. He gave the man a thin smile avoiding looking past the surface of the water as he passed him to grab the stool to sit behind Mo Xuanyu. Once on the stool he started unraveling the crown gently so as to not yank the hair from Mo Xuanyu’s scalp.
Mo Xuanyu closed his eyes against the feeling. It had always been calming, fingers in his hair. His mother had doted on him since he was small and his earliest memory was her petting his hair and singing. Huaisang’s touch was new, more bold, but still nice. He relaxed into it instantly.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” he said as he felt the braids loosen one at a time. “Your braids. I noticed all the Nie wear them… are they symbolic at all? Or just the fashion?”
Nie Huaisang stilled for a moment before getting back to unraveling the braids. He smiled fondly from his memories about the different braids. “Our braids are symbolic, Xuanyu. From the children to the elederly there are different styles that are worn. Da-ge and Yao-ge wear war braids. Each rope stands for a battle participated in. Yao-ge wears three before it spirals into a headpiece that Da-ge had made for him for being at his side during Sunshot. Da-ge’s hair trinkets are tokens of wars that he’s one. The one of the right stands for Sunshot. If you notice, it has our beast wrapped around a sun on it. My braids represent being the head of the family. Your’s today stand for marriage, being married into our sect.” Nie Huaisang explained letting the pins drop into his lap.
Mo Xuanyu took that in quietly, then turned his face a little to see him better. “And what will my braids be in the morning?” he asked. “As your husband, do I get to wear them too?”
“Yes, You will get to wear them. That is if your poor neck feels up to the task.” He chuckled, smiling fondly. “If you do choose too, then the style I’ll put in your hair is what we call braids of devotion , they are for married couples.” Nie Huaisang sat the last pin down and started to take out the ringlets and ribbons. “How would you like your hair? Ponytail, half down, all down and off to the side?”
“I… don’t know. I’ve never styled my hair other than to braid it back for battle,” Mo Xuanyu told him, flushing a little. “What do you think would look best?”
Nie Huaisang honestly didn’t know which answer to give off the top of his head. He could see his husband looking elegant and beautiful with each one. But he wasn’t about to say that out loud even though it would have been the truth! So he gave his question more thought. The style would have to be practical. The bun might be too much for him since the one he wore tonight was top heavy. Then until he gets used to wearing them maybe he should knock out the high top ponytail. A low ponytail then? All the way down days that he can’t take the weight.
“How about a low ponytail? I’ll keep it light so you can get used to the weight of the braids. The lightest braid is all the way down.” Nie Huaisang answered.
“Sounds fine,” Mo Xuanyu told him. “I’ll wear whatever you wish me to wear since i don’t know your tradition or what will work for me best.”
“Yes and no. Yes, I’ll make sure your braids are correct and No, you’ll choose from the style that is comfortable to you. I won’t mind if you prefer another.” Nie Huaisang responded, finally getting all the ringlets. Now, all he has is the ties. He paused and decided to unravel the braids as he let the ties out. It would make it easier.
Mo Xuanyu watched him curiously, peering over the edge of the tub. His hair had a natural curl to it and it became ever apparent as the weaves were released. He peeked up at his husband’s concentrated face and smiled. “Alright, but you’re going to have to show me my choices at least.”
“I will, promise.” Nie Huaisang chuckled watching the man peer over to see what the braids had done to his beautiful hair. It was just as soft as he imagined with the taste he’s had pushing the man’s bangs out of his face. “Do you want to wash your hair tonight or wait till the morning?”
“I’ll wash it now. It takes a long time to dry,” Mo Xuanyu told him and moved off the side of the tub to dunk under the water. After a few seconds, he resurfaced and pushed his hair out of his face, then wiped his eyes.
Nie Huaisang laughed as the hair he’d been combing his fingers through slipped through his grip like a panel silk coming undone. Though the laughter died as Mo Xuanyu quickly resurfaced. It was like out of those tales he’d heard in Lotus Pier about water nymphs. And he needed some fresh air and to be around a lot less naked husband for a moment. He gathered up the pins, ringlets, and ties.
“I left you a robe there. The towel is here.” Nie Huaisang said, grabbing the towel and placing it on the stool.
“Thank you, Huaisang,” Mo Xuanyu said, watching him leave curiously. It was rather hasty, so he wondered if the man had forgotten something. Shrugging to himself he dunked under the water again and scrubbed out his hair when he bobbed back up, softly humming to himself as he washed.
Nie Huaisang let out a heavy breath as he tried to push the image of Mo Xuanyu out his mind. Once he felt the heat on his cheeks leave and the sloshing of water like the man wasn’t about to come strutting into the room. Nie Huaisang started picking up the discarded robes and neatly folding them. Then he took off his own robes leaving only his golden chiffon robe on. He pulled out a fresh robe from his chest that was a light grey, setting it on the chaise. He’d take a quick bath once Mo Xuanyu came out. He was working on his own braides sitting on the foot of the bed when he heard the padding of bare feet coming his way.
“I have another question,” Mo Xuanyu said, tying the sash of the robe. His hair had been wrung out and now lay in a curly mess over one shoulder. He watched Nie Huaisang undo his own hair in interest. “Is it my job to do your braids for you as your husband? Or do we do our own?”
Nie Huaisang smiled seeing his hair over his shoulder. He’d help him get the tangles out if he wanted. His own hair was fine enough that it didn’t tangle like that. “You can braid my hair as long as it pleases you to do so. It’s not a requirement. But I’d like the honor of doing your braids.”
“You may,” Mo Xuanyu said easily and moved up behind him. He bit his lip before catching Nie Huaisang’s hand and stopping him from pulling out another braid. “Let me,” he said softly and carefully began pulling the braid apart.
Nie Huaisand smiled at being given permission. Then he felt the warmth coming from Mo Xuanyu when he stood behind him. “Thank you, Xuanyu.” Nie Huaisang said while lowering his hands back to his lap. He enjoyed the feel of those skilled hands working to unravel the braid. It’d been years since someone else had touched his hair and he could barely remember the last time he’d allowed Da-ge. Nie Huaisang loved the feel of the weight being lifted and waves that’d been left in his hair from wearing them all day.
Mo Xuanyu marveled at the softness and gently combed through the waves with his fingers, careful not to pull or snag any of the loops. He smiled throughout, feeling more relaxed than he had all night, and took his time with the rest of the braids. They were small and well made, obviously a usual pattern, and he wondered what it would be like to have such skilled hands make braids in his own hair. It made something in his stomach flip.
“There,” he said softly and smoothed a hand from the crown of Nie Huaisang’s head to the nape, his fingers trailing all the way down to where it rested at the low of the man’s back. Swallowing a bit, he pulled back and set the bundle of ties on the side table. “Are you going to bathe?”
“Yes. I won’t be long though. Do you want me to braid or help you comb it before we get started on the salve for the bruises?” Nie Huaisang asked as he turned to look at him.
“I can just meditate for the bruises,” Mo Xuanyu assured him, giving him a smile. “But I won’t say no to the braid.”
“Meditation won’t work on the really bad ones, and I won’t have you getting stiff and hurting more in the morning.” Nie Huaisang responded, tone soft, as he picked up his robe to go bathe but also the comb. He handed Mo Xuanyu the comb. “If you want to start on your hair. I’ll finish it when I get out of my bath.”
Mo Xuanyu nodded and sat on the bed to start on it, watching him go with assessing eyes. The man was a bit of an enigma, which he knew was only the case because he was unused to kindness. He could sense his husband was holding back, but for what he had no idea, and hoped one day there would no longer be a barrier.
But he had time. Nothing but time. And, if Nie Huaisang was to be trusted, the freedom to get there. So he’d do his best to trust it and hope, and spent the time combing out his hair and listening to his husband splash around. He smiled catching a few soft noises on the other side of the divider.
Nie Huaisang sank into the warm water and let out a relief sigh. He was the one that designed the robes but they still felt heavy after eight plus hours in them. It was freeing to just be in water without anything else. The water was good and so was the oils that Mo Xuanyu preferred. Instead of cleaning the tub to put in his usual patchouli, he’d kept it the same. It was nice and comforting actually. He stretched out his legs for a bit letting out little moans of happiness as the hot water soothed his muscles. Then he submerged himself not caring that water was warmer than what he usually had it. When he resurfaced he swiped the water away and leaned against the tub side for a moment.
He decided to get out when he thought about how late that it was. Nie Huaisang was sure that Mo Xuanyu was hiding just how exhausted he was. So, he got out ringing his hair out and putting it in a quick basic braid.
“Are you ready for me?” Nie Huaisang asked as he stepped around the divider in the light grey inner robe.
Mo Xuanyu blinked, having nearly fallen asleep combing through his hair. “Uh, yeah,” he stumbled a bit then yawned, unable to hold it in anymore. He set the comb on the side table and smiled at him. “How do you want me?”
Nie Huaisang thought about it because his husband was a good four inches taller than him. He didn’t want him on the floor but that’d be the best position. His second option would be to have him stay on the chase but then he would be on his knees on the bed. Nie Huaisang gave it some consideration but decided on not having him on the floor. “I want you to stay as you are and I’ll move behind you.” Nie Huaisang answered, picking up a tie from the table where they’d collectively put their’s together.
“Alright.” It was definitely an easy command to follow and his eyes drifted shut again as he shifted into a lotus position. If he fell asleep sitting up, at least this way he wouldn’t fall on his face.
Nie Huaisang huffed happily as he started to comb the hair again just to make sure there wasn’t any knots. Thankfully there wasn’t any and he was able to start braiding. It was just a simple sleeping braid that Nie Mingjue had taught to him as a kid. He’d like to roll in his sleep then. He didn’t know how Mo Xuanyu slept but he hoped that this would be a good fit for him just in case.
“Is this too tight? I still have time to loosen it, and don’t say no just because I am the one braiding. If it’s too tight it could rip out the roots of your hair, Xuanyu.” Nie Huaisang asked him, leaning over his shoulder to look at him.
“Hm?” Mo Xuanyu hmmed out, a beat too late, and struggled to get his eyes open. He squinted at Nie Huaisang and yawned. “Oh… no, it’s fine,” he promised, rubbing his eyes on his sleeve.
“Okay, thank you for letting me know.” Nie Huaisang responded, moving back to finish the last half of the braid. “Don’t think those adorable yawns are going to get you out of the salve. I’m serious. Just the larger bruises I promise.” He’d keep his word tonight but the smaller ones weren’t gone then he was going to put the salve on them too when he got Mo Xuanyu back home.
“I know,” Mo Xuanyu blushed and did his best to shake himself off. It didn’t work as well as he’d wanted. “How do you want me for the salve?”
“Move to the bed and lean back a little so that I can properly see the ones on your chest. That means that I’ll need you to loosen your sash until we get to the one on your hip. Don’t pretend it isn’t there either.” Nie Huaisang instructed, with a little bit of scolding. He only did it because he knew that a soldier's training taught them to withstand the pain. Nie Mingjue did it all the time. He still had no idea how Meng Yao got Nie Mingjue to go to take the baths with the healing oils.
When he finished with the braid, Nie Huaisang moved it over Mo Xuanyu’s shoulder for inspection while he got off the bed. He grabbed his oil that he needed from the chest in the bathing area.
“Do you like the braid?” He asked, seeing Mo Xuanyu running his fingers over the braid.
“I love it,” Mo Xuanyu told him softly, then reached down to loosen his sash as instructed. He shrugged out of the top half of the robe, baring his torso to him and moved to lay down on his stomach so Nie Huaisang could get the bruise from his shoulder wound first.
Nie Huaisang smiled thankful that the man just laid down because that was going to make it easier for him to tackle the one that's on Mo Xuanyu’s hip. That bruise was the largest and frankly ugly. He slightly felt guilty wondering what the Lan healer actually did about it. He leaned forward pushing that thought out and dipped his fingers into the salve taking some of it out. “It’s going to be cold but then it’s going to warm up with my pressing it in, okay?”
“Mn,” Mo Xuanyu hummed, sounding close to falling asleep. The wine was finally doing its full job and his brain was starting to turn into a fuzzy puddle. He wondered if he could get through at least half a night without night terrors waking him. This warm and soft and content… he truly hoped so.
He barely flinched feeling the cold, as lost as he was, and the pain did nothing from keeping him from dozing. He was too used to pain and falling asleep hurting that it’d long lost its sway. By the time Nie Huaisang had started rubbing over the whole bruise, his breath had evened out in sleep.
Nie Huaisang moved to sit alongside him on the bed after getting the confirmation that he needed. He knew how important it was to let someone know what was being done to them, especially a soldier. He worked his fingers into the salve and sent pulses of his qi into it to make it stronger when he applied it. Mo Xuanyu’s core wasn’t developed like Nie Mingjue’s, of whom the salve was originally crafted for.
He’d just started kneading Mo Xuanyu’s shoulder when he felt the man fall asleep. He chuckled and wondered how the man was going to fair at Wei Wuxian’s parties in Lotus Pier when they gathered for the summer festival. He let that thought go as he realized that it would be the perfect opportunity to snag those two medium sized bruises too.
Nie Huaisang felt a pang of guilt at having to wake the man but he needed to get his chest and hip. He leaned over speaking softly, “Xuanyu, I’m going to turn you over alright?”
Mo Xuanyu tensed a moment as he was pulled out of sleep, but relaxed feeling a bed under him and Nie Huaisang above. He breathed out slow and nodded, then shuffled onto his back. It wasn’t graceful, more a sprawl, and he looked up at his husband hooded, dark eyes. “Mm.”
And wasn’t that a tempting sight? Except Nie Huaisang was the perfect gentlemen chanting bruises in his mind as he got some of the salve and applied to Mo Xuanyu’s chest. He spread it out evenly then worked it into the bruise in the center of his chest. “Thank you.” Nie Huaisang commented and smiled fondly when those hooded eyes started drooping again.
“Mm,” Mo Xuanyu seemed incapable of making words and stuck to low noises, though he offered up a small smile at him, crooked with exhaustion.
The pang of regret came back when he finished with the bruise in the center of his chest, and the medium sized on his ribcage that Mo Xuanyu didn’t seem to register him applying it to. So he considered that a small nicety. So if the man rolled in his sleep he wouldn’t feel the sharp pain.
Nie Huaisang let out a small sigh as he finally moved to untie the sash so that he could get to the bruise on the man’s hip. To be respectful he only uncovered what he needed to observe how to approach applying the salve. He decided that he would apply a thick layer in the center and let it sit. It would hurt because it would get cold fast and stay that way till he worked the salve but at least he could do the edges. Then when he went to work out the center he’d channel more qi into it. So that it would be reduced to a small pain, not the raging one that was hindering Mo Xuanyu’s movements.
“Xuanyu, I’m going to need you to wake up. I don’t want you to hit me and you’re going to want to out of reflex.” Nie Huaisang called, his tone firmer. He’d seen a few times that Meng Yao almost got hit by Nie Mingjue with bruises this big. So, he didn’t doubt a soldier would protect their bodies even when sleeping.
Mo Xuanyu went tense again, having not fallen back to sleep, but didn’t have the heart to tell Nie Huaisang he wouldn’t fight back. That had been beaten out of him long ago. Fighting in a battlefield or in the midst of a night terror was one thing, but aware of calm reality?
He lifted his hands over his head and gripped the pillow more for Nie Huaisang’s sake than his own, humming again, though he didn’t relax. “Mn… won’t. Promise.”
“Okay…” Nie Huaisang replied with a drop of doubt in his tone. Pain can make things unpredictable when trying to heal them. But he moved closer and at the ugliest and darkest spot he put a thick coating over it and quickly moved back seeing a twitch in Mo Xuanyu’s thigh.
But his leg did not come up. In fact he started to tremble as though his body were trying to curl into a fetal position and Mo Xuanyu was forcibly keeping it from happening. Which he was. A low whimper shuddered through him and his eyes were tightly closed, bracing. Still, as promised, he did not hit or kick Nie Huaisang.
“I’m sorry, Xuanyu.” Nie Huaisang apologized but continued one working more of the salve on the surrounding area. Then he sat the jar down and quickly kneaded the salve into the skin so that he could get to the center. He hated to feel the man trembling beneath his hands as he worked, but it needed to be done. It would be a long ride back home with their wedding entourage.
Finally, he was able to get the center and when he did he channeled a sizable level of qi into Mo Xuanyu’s tender flesh to heal and soothe the pain he was experiencing. Nie Huaisang winced when he heard the second whimper.
There were tears on Mo Xuanyu’s lashes, but the rush of qi had him breathing out in relief. Still shaking, he looked up at Nie Huaisang and gave him a little nod to let him know he’d be alright. It hurt, oh how it hurt, but it was the ache of a settled wound, bone deep and rattling. He’d had worse and survived. He’d be fine.
Gods, he felt like an ass. He looked down to see his husband looking up at him with tears in his eyes. It would be their first night together and he’s done this but the voice in the back of his head told him it was worth it still. It needed to be done for the other’s own good. If he’d let this continue to blacken Mo Xuanyu might have become immoble for several days. Still it didn’t stop him from wishing he’d had a better way.
“Do you think you can sit up? I can help you if you need it.” Nie Huaisang asked as he finished kneading the last of the salve into his hip. His qi having accelerated the healing in the lighter areas of the bruise.
In answer, Mo Xuanyu sat up gingerly, a tad pale and far too sober all of a sudden. “Are you done?” he asked, licking his lips.
“Your face if you’re up to it. The cosmetics your mother applied came off in the bath. I can see them clearly now. But If you want we can wait till morning.” Nie Huaisang answered, scooting back to give him space so that he wasn’t on top of the man now that he was upright.
Mo Xuanyu tucked back into the robe and tied the sash before leaning into him. “Let’s get it done,” he murmured, shivering a little. His body screamed in exhaustion but the pain had found a way to wake him after all. He sighed in defeat and closed his eyes, waiting for Nie Huaisang to continue.
“Right.’ Nie Huaisang responded with a short nod even though Mo Xuanyu closed his eyes as he did it. He grabbed the salve and was glad that he’d added Mo Xuanyu’s bangs into the braid. It allowed for him to properly see the bruises. He swiftly but efficiently added the thin layer to his face.
“All done.” Nie Huaisang said, leaning back away from him. He smiled thinly before putting the lid on the jar standing up to take it back to his oil chest.
‘Thank you, Huaisang,” Mo Xuanyu said softly and slid from the bed as well, making a face at the feeling of all the salve. Still, he gave Nie Huaisang a small smile. “I’ve said that a lot today.”
“You’re welcome and it’s alright…” Nie Huaisang trailed off at the end seeing him smile and glad that he infused the qi because the one on his forehead was starting to already heal. He looked away though to the tea set. “...one day you’ll know that it’s not needed. Would you like some tea? It might help after I’ve just ….to help you sleep. It’s lavender.” He offered.
“Thank you, but no,” Mo Xuanyu grimaced and further stepped from the bed. “I don’t think tea is going to help.” He cast the warm mattress and blankets a look of regret then sighed. “And I won’t be sleeping with you either.”
Nie Huaisang sighed inwardly. He wasn’t sleepy. He was to sober from what happened earlier that he wasn’t sleeping any time soon. He glanced over to the area he’d turned into his little workshop. He’d probably sketch the rest of the night away.
“I didn’t assume you would. I’ll be over behind that divider.” Nie Huasaing responded, tone firm. “I haven’t slept in that bed since I got here and I don’t plan on starting. So, go rest, even if it’s just to rest your body. I won’t do anything to you. I’ll be in there if you need anything.”
“Wait, Huaisang,” Mo Xuanyu called as he stepped off, a spike of fear in the words. “I didn’t mean…” He trailed off and sighed, looking back at the bed, this time in shame. “I know you won't do anything to me. And thank you. I’ll… try to rest. But if you hear screaming… just. Just be careful how you wake me, alright?”
Nie Huaisang blinked in surprise. That hadn’t been what he thought the man would say and his response had only meant to reassure him that he wouldn’t do anything to him in his sleep. The real reason was something he was intimate with. His brother did it from time to time but so did Meng Yao. On those nights, the man would go into da-ge’s office and be there till just before Da-ge woke up to hide that he’d worked through the night.
Nie Huaisang recognized the look of shame and he slowly approached him, taking one of Mo Xuanyu’s hands. Hoping that it would give his husband a little bit of comfort. “I understand and I will make sure to wake you properly.” Nie Huaisang smiled thinly.
Mo Xuanyu slowly turned Nie Huaisang’s hand over and lifted it, meeting it halfway with his lips. “Thank you,” he murmured.
Nie Huaisang closed his eyes at the kiss. “You’re welcome.” He chuckled, opening his eyes again.
He got a bashful smile before Mo Xuanyu returned to the bed, though he looked over his shoulder to give him a sweet, if tired, look. “Goodnight husband.”
“Goodnight, husband.” Nie Huaisang muttered as he watched his husband finally slip into the bed. Then he slipped behind the divider to sketch his beautiful husband.
Mo Xuanyu, laying amidst the softest sheets he’d ever felt, breathed and tried to get comfortable with the spots of salve. When he did, he strained his ears to hear Nie Huaisang and found the slight, occasional scrapings of an inkstone particularly soothing. Was he drawing? Painting? Would it be more birds, he wondered, or perhaps mulberry leaves?
He smiled at the thought that he could see it tomorrow, that he’d be allowed. For tonight marked the start of the rest of his life, he only had to embrace it.
He would try, at least. For Nie Huaisang and for his mother, for Jin Ling and all that loved him, he would try. And if it took the rest of his life to accept freedom, well, what did that matter? Nie Huaisang already had the rest of his life and the knowledge he was truly no longer in this alone helped him close his eyes and, finally, dream.