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Through self-reflection, one can gain a better understanding of oneself, and with due diligence, change themselves for the better.
To change for the worse, that is born from those with wicked minds.
Speaking with other people, one may come to learn things about themselves that were hidden to them not only because of naivety or ignorance, but because some aspects can only be seen from an outside perspective.
Another form of reflection is when an image is replicated on the surface of another—like a mirror, or a body of water.
The quality of the reflection is dependent on the quality of the surface. Is the surface perfectly smooth? Are there any imperfections such as dirt or oil that impedes your ability to see your reflection clearly?
You had no way of knowing what you looked like without outside help.
Somehow, it was poetic that in order to know how you looked, you had to reach out for help. Would you enlist the help of an inanimate object like a mirror? Perhaps you’ll ask this of another person who can paint an image to your likeness.
No matter how closely they may recreate your image, there will inevitably be some personality left behind by the artist. Are they more in touch with their emotional side? Are they more literal? Are they spontaneous or calculated?
These traits will find their way into art by the way one colors, draw their lines, etc.
Liu Qingge came to realize that there was another method of viewing your reflection through another person, though brief. If you paid close enough attention, you could see your reflection in the eyes of another.
Though he was sure it was a trick of the eyes, he could have sworn he saw hesitation and unease in his reflection that was reflecting off Shen Qingqiu’s eyes. He’d been known for having a face that rarely deviated away from the usual scowl on his face.
Did he always look this way around Shen Qingqiu, or was it that Shen Qingqiu’s extensive knowledge allowed him to see through that deep façade (called his face) he hid behind and could accurately display them in his eyes?
The reflection he saw in Shen Qingqiu’s eyes were brief as it’d disappear every time he blinked.
He never cared for how he looked, but he came to appreciate his image framed by Shen Qingqiu’s eyes.
-
If Liu Qingge had to equate Shen Qingqiu to anything, he’d say that Shen Qingqiu was like the surface of the water.
It was delicate, without imperfection, it wasn’t constant, but above all else, it was immortal so long as water existed.
This man before him hid behind the face of chilled emotions, seemingly uncaring, but frighteningly passionate underneath.
Much like how the surface of the ocean may look stunningly beautiful and calm, but underneath those chilly depths rage a battle between ocean monsters.
Unless your name was Shen Qingqiu, no one could hazard a guess as to what the man was thinking. Forever a mystery to any who wondered what thoughts held him captive in a mental maze every time they caught him staring off into the distance with a dazed look.
It was not often, but Liu Qingge caught his dazed look a handful of times, and each time was when Shen Qingqiu was left alone for a period.
What fathomless mysteries is he contemplating?
To what far reaches of the universe is his mind capable of traveling to?
If he asked, would Shen Qingqiu be able to explain his thoughts to him? Would he wish to?
That, he didn’t know, but Liu Qingge knew one thing.
Though the ocean was a powerful and cruel mistress, she was also beautiful and a provider of life.
The duality of the ocean matched the lofty Shen Qingqiu who his disparaged enemies but kept loved ones close.
Shen Qingqiu held no reserves over killing demons for the sake of those who he held dear, but he’d sooner break himself than to allow his loved ones to perish in front of him.
Even if he constantly threatened to one day kill him, Shen Qingqiu saved him from certain death.
Does that not show how unfathomable he is as a person? Just like the ocean.
The Ocean isn’t weak, and by that extension, Shen Qingqiu wasn’t either… but Liu Qingge couldn’t help but feel he was as fragile as the surface.
With a single touch, it ripples and quakes, disrupting its reflection.
-
Eyes nervously fluttered closed as Shen Qingqiu allowed for Liu Qingge to approach.
Foreheads touched, allowing the transfer of heat between two bodies of warmth. Liu Qingge could see Shen Qingqiu’s face up close, admiring the gentle lines of his face, the long lashes of his eyes, or the impossibly clear skin befitting of an immortal cultivator void of any impurity.
Could he do this?
Slowly, he raised a hand, trying to cup Shen Qingqiu’s delicate cheek with his hand.
It shook with unease as he tried to put the lightest and most tender touch on Shen Qingqiu’s cheek. It’s as though he feared a touch remotely more powerful would cause Shen Qingqiu to phase out of existence, like the surface reflection on water.
Against his rough hands, Shen Qingqiu’s skin was smooth and soft, like his warm heart.
Shen Qingqiu seemed to lean in towards Liu Qingge’s hand, as if telling him it’s okay to use more force. He won’t disappear.
It’s fine.
Unconsciously, he wet his lips in anxiousness. He was the mighty Lord of Bai Zhan Peak, able to destroy countless of demons who stood before him!
However, in front of this man, Shen Qingqiu, he was nothing but a man who wished to see his image reflected in the other’s eyes.
He’d do anything to see that, even if it meant he was downgraded from peak lord, to an over-glorified transportation service.
Liu Qingge was but a normal man when he stood next to Shen Qingqiu, but he didn’t mind. It was comforting to be able to stay by someone’s side without the pretense of his title hanging heavy in the air like a poised sword ready to attack for any offense.
Those eyelids hiding Shen Qingqiu’s eyes trembled, “Liu-Shidi…?”
How long will you keep him waiting? That’s what his voice seemed to ask.
Both men were flushed deep red, hearts beating quickly in their chests. Liu Qingge could feel his heartbeat at the tips of his fingers. At first, another beat would disrupt his own rhythm, but this intruding beat slowly came to match his own.
Two hearts beat as one, as if confirming their feelings for each other.
With this, Liu Qingge stopped losing himself staring at Shen Qingqiu. Unconsciously holding his breath, he brought his lips to touch Shen Qingqiu’s.
A chaste kiss it was, as he pulled away immediately to see Shen Qingqiu slowly open his eyes to reveal those reflective irises that he loved gazing at.
He watched as a delicate smile tugged at the corner of Shen Qingqiu’s lips. The fan Shen Qingqiu carried with him like it was an extension of his arm touched those very lips he’d just claimed.
“That was much too quick, don’t you think, Liu-shidi?” Shen Qingqiu teased as he jokingly touched Liu Qingge’s lips with the fan.
An impish indirect kiss, perhaps?
Nay, Liu Qingge took it as a challenge.
“You dare to challenge Bai Zhan’s Peak lord to a match?” He haughtily fired back in response, calling him out. He mustered the courage to kiss you, and you skimp out on him by giving him an indirect kiss a la fan?
No, you get over here and kiss him yourself, SHIXIONG.
“Why don’t you teach me how to do it properly, Shen-shixiong?” How’s that for a return fire?
-
Liu Qingge didn’t know how his eyes reflected Shen Qingqiu, but if the eyes are truly a reflection of the soul, he had an idea of what the other man could see.
Shen Qingqiu was a man with a heart bigger than anyone else.
Pure and strong, but also insecure and weak.
If it was possible to see love, maybe Shen Qingqiu could see it in the way Liu Qingge's eyes soften every time Shen Qingqiu smiles at him.
Maybe... just maybe, Shen Qingqiu will notice that and smile for him more?
That would be nice.