Work Text:
Liu Qingge sometimes wonders why he finds it difficult to say no to Shen Qingqiu. He has no problem with putting his foot down — sometimes literally to plant it in a monster’s face when he feels like it — but his resolve weakens whenever it comes to Shen Qingqiu. Be it dragging him along on quests that would’ve been finished in half a tick had his shixiong allowed him to solve every problem with Cheng Luan or his fists, or simple excursions down the mountain when his demon husband is away, all Shen Qingqiu had to do was ask and the word ‘no’ seemed to disappear from Liu Qingge’s vocabulary.
Not that he particularly minds the company of the Qing Jing Peak Lord.
In fact, he actually enjoys spending his downtime with Shen Qingqiu, which is saying a lot because all the other Peak Lords know he isn’t one to take leisurely breaks. ‘Bai Zhan’s War God has no days off!’ or as that Shang-shixiong said one time.
However, this time Liu Qingge is less enthusiastic about the outing with Shen Qingqiu for one reason: Luo Binghe is travelling with them.
Liu Qingge is trying his hardest to be civil, for Shen Qingqiu’s sake because he knows how much his shixiong is looking forward to this trip. He’d been talking about it for the whole year since he heard about the existence of the Festival of Lanterns that even the birds would be able to sing about his plans. It’s just the fact that Luo Binghe is present that makes Liu Qingge somewhat uncomfortable.
His relationship with Luo Binghe has progressed past the phase where they would be at each other’s throats. They’ve even gotten to the point where they would see each other regularly, mostly to practice swordplay as there was nobody else equally matched in a fight than the two of them. He enjoyed those fights as it gave him a good workout but also a chance to examine Luo Binghe’s fighting style should he decide to betray the sect again, but otherwise he would never consider Luo Binghe as a travel companion. Suffice to say, the sight of him made Liu Qingge on edge, his muscles wound up in preparation for a fight.
Unlike his shishu, Luo Binghe is a picture of relaxation, staring serenely out the window at the scenery outside while the carriage rattles along. Every line of his posture speaks of being at ease with his surroundings, even with Liu Qingge watching him warily out the corner of his eye.
“Would you like some snacks?” asks Shen Qingqiu, breaking the silence among the three of them. “Luo Binghe made some mung bean cakes for the three of us to share.”
Liu Qingge can’t help raising a skeptical eyebrow at Shen Qingqiu’s husband, who glances their way. According to Shang Qinghua, Luo Binghe would only ever prepare food for his husband and no one else. So why would he make enough for the three of them to eat?
Liu Qingge narrows his eyes at the mung bean cakes. They don’t appear suspicious; in fact they look appetizing and remind Liu Qingge a bit of the ones he used to have in his childhood. He glances up at Luo Binghe and catches a strangely anxious expression on his face.
“If Shishu does not like mung bean cakes,” begins Luo Binghe, “then I can prepare something else when we arrive —”
“No need for that,” Liu Qingge cuts in. “I’ll … Thank you,” he says. “They look wonderful.” To his mild surprise, Luo Binghe’s cheeks turn pink at the compliment. How strange.
The three of them enjoy the mung bean cakes together with Shen Qingqiu striking up small talk between them to break the ice. Liu Qingge feels rather out of place in this sort of setting; he doesn’t talk much but when he does, people often find him too blunt. Shen Qingqiu is the only person he knows, besides his sister, who isn’t put off by this.
As for Luo Binghe, the only communication they do is through swordfighting and the occasional exchange about each other’s techniques. But talking about how nice the weather is today or how his disciple Yang Yixuan is managing his unruly peers at Bai Zhan Peak? Liu Qingge would rather go back to the time when he and Luo Binghe would’ve fought to the death over Shen Qingqiu’s corpse than this.
Sensing his discomfort, Shen Qingqiu quickly switches the topic. “Binghe has been telling me how much he admires your sword techniques,” he says, and this comment snatches Liu Qingge’s wavering attention.
“Not just his techniques, Shizun,” says Luo Binghe before turning to Liu Qingge. For the strangest reason, he looks almost abashed that Shen Qingqiu even brought such a topic up. “I think Shishu’s form is very aggressive but … there is something beautiful about how bold you can be in a fight,” he explains.
Liu Qingge raises an eyebrow. He isn’t sure what to make of this comment from Luo Binghe. Perhaps he had yet to learn to fully trust Luo Binghe because he can’t help the bubbling suspicion at hearing such words from him. Was this some sort of trick? Or is this another new development in his sparring methods with Liu Qingge?
(After all, he always mentioned wanting to try something new the next time they spar together.)
At the silence drawn out by Liu Qingge’s hesitation to accept his compliment, Luo Binghe says, “It is true, I really admire Liu-shishu’s form.” Then he turns away, pink dusting his cheeks.
Liu Qingge frowns at this odd behavior but he can’t deny that his heart fluttered a little. He isn’t one who thrives off compliments but the fact that Luo Binghe, the one person who he has yet to beat in a swordfight, thinks his form is impressive …
Despite having the lower half of his face obscured by his fan, the way Shen Qingqiu’s eyes crinkle at the corners doesn’t go unnoticed by Liu Qingge.
They arrive at their destination by sunset. It’s a harbor city by the name of Caiyi, located west of Tian Gong mountain range where Cang Qiong Sect resided. Although the sun is descending below the horizon, the last of its dying rays painting the sky with soft hues of pink, orange and gold, the city is still bustling with activity.
They arrive at the inn where they will be staying for the next two days. Shen Qingqiu seems to be in a good mood, humming a tune under his breath with a pleasant smile on his face. Liu Qingge, on the other hand, scans the crowd in the parlor around them as if expecting danger to spring out from the corner of his sight.
Luo Binghe finds this stark contrast in behavior between the two somewhat endearing.
Usually he can be found next to Shen Qingqiu, sticking as close to his husband as possible like an inner robe, but this evening Luo Binghe stays by Liu Qingge’s side. At first, his shishu seems almost uncomfortable but while they wait for Shen Qingqiu to speak with the inn owner, the tension in his shoulders eventually relaxes.
“Why are you not by his side?” asks Liu Qingge. He sits across Luo Binghe in one of the chairs in the reception area, his back straight unlike Luo Binghe’s languid posture on the seat. Like a proud warrior worthy of the title of Bai Zhan’s War God.
Luo Binghe hesitates. His heart races, almost like the first time he fought crossed swords with Liu Qingge, without the burning jealousy that spurred him to guard Shen Qingqiu’s corpse with his life. Instead, the seeping warmth in his chest comes from being in Liu Qingge’s vicinity.
“I thought it’d be best if Shizun handles this,” he says. It’s not a complete lie, since his husband insisted on handling most of the matters of their trip here, although Luo Binghe is glad for the opportunity to be close to Liu Qingge in a casual setting. He pays too much attention to the etched designs of the low table in front of them but as always, he feels like Liu Qingge can see right through him with that piercing gaze of his.
Heat rises to his cheeks. If Liu Qingge can sense why he’s here, then surely there’s no need to take it slow anymore, right? He looks up at Liu Qingge and then glances away, his cheeks burning even more.
Liu Qingge is an intense man and the gravity of his aura too strong for Luo Binghe to resist its pull. The sour animosity he used to have towards Liu Qingge while under the influence of Xin Mo has long faded. Though the time he spent for the past few months was only limited to sparring and the occasional exchange of small talk, Luo Binghe’s feelings towards the Bai Zhan Peak Lord have grown a little too strong to be simple admiration.
It began with Luo Binghe finding himself hoping he could spend a little more time with Liu Qingge after they sparred to asking Shen Qingqiu if he could accompany them on missions. He cherished each passing moment he spent around Liu Qingge, spent every of them watching Liu QIngge closely, even when they weren’t doing anything. There was something about his shishu that only made him want to be around him more.
Luo Binghe told himself it was only natural for him to gravitate towards an exceptional fighter like Liu Qingge. After all, demons loved strength. But humans loved beauty and Liu Qingge was beautiful too. Not in the same way as his husband Shen Qingqiu was but Luo Binghe’s eyes couldn’t help be drawn towards Liu Qingge every time he saw him. He couldn’t help but look at Liu Qingge.
If Liu Qingge wasn’t born a fighter, Luo Binghe would’ve assumed he’d be a dancer. There was a hypnotizing rhythm to his movements, how he was light but quick on his feet to not only evade attacks but to counter them with powerful blows of his own. But beyond his fighting style, he had the lean and lithe build of a dancer and he was undoubtedly attractive in a striking way.
(Luo Binghe especially liked that beauty mark below Liu Qingge’s left eye).
The tipping point of his feelings was when Liu Qingge ‘praised’ him one afternoon after their usual sparring sessions. Although his shishu said “That was an interesting move you pulled earlier'' which might have sounded unremarkable to others, it was as much of a compliment Luo Binghe could ever receive from him. He could not stop thinking about it.
That was when Luo Binghe started trying new moves to surprise Liu Qingge in hopes of receiving his shishu’s approval.
The realization that his feelings towards Liu Qingge took its time to dawn on Luo Binghe but by the time it did, Luo Binghe was torn. How could he feel this way towards another person when he was already married to Shen Qingqiu, the most wonderful man in the world?
However when he confessed as much to Shen Qingqiu and expected the worst, his husband laughed gently at him. To his surprise, shizun felt the same way about Liu Qingge. “Not that I don’t feel satisfied with our marriage,” said Shen Qingqiu, “but don’t you think it’d be nice if Liu Qingge could join us?”
“Join us? How?” Luo Binghe frowned. “Is that possible?”
Shen Qingqiu paused. “I’m sure it is. But we must make sure Liu Qingge is alright with us.”
In the present, Liu Qingge arches an eyebrow at Luo Binghes’s silence. He doesn’t usually mind it, since they communicate better nonverbally anyway (or at least that’s what Luo Binghe likes to tell himself), but for some reason Liu Qingge seems suspicious about it. He opens his mouth to say something but Shen Qingqiu returns to them with an apologetic expression.
“I’ve secured us a place to stay here,” he says, “but the owner said they don’t have extra rooms this week because of the Festival of Lights.” He offers a sheepish smile in Liu Qingge’s direction before continuing, “Many apologies but Liu-shidi will have to share with us.” Before Liu Qingge can react, he adds, “It’s one of the grander suites they have that comes with separate bedrooms.”
“That would be alright,” says Liu Qingge. He has an odd expression on his face and Luo Binghe wonders if he truly saw the subtle hint of red coloring Liu Qingge’s cheeks. “I … I do not mind.”
Shen Qingqiu smiles. “Wonderful!” he says, perhaps a little too eagerly and Luo Binghe shoots him a look. Thankfully, Liu Qingge doesn’t think twice about Shen Qingqiu’s tone or the way Luo Binghe looked at his husband, instead rises from his seat.
A part of Luo Binghe relaxes a little. It wouldn’t be fun if Liu Qingge caught on too soon. After all, everything needs to be perfect for when they see the lanterns.
Liu Qingge is none the wiser about what both Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe has in store for him. This, of course, only makes it harder for Shen Qingqiu to contain his excitement to the point that he almost couldn’t fall asleep the night before.
(The unfortunate part was that he couldn’t even burn off that excess energy with his husband out of respect for Liu Qingge. But they did take a midnight walk together, which did help a bit.)
“You seem very excited this morning, shixiong,” Liu Qingge remarks at breakfast over a bowl of congee. A bowl of congee Luo Binghe made, since his husband was always insistent on preparing meals for him. At least Liu Qingge is less hesitant about eating Luo Binghe’s food now. Though he maintains his usual steady, no-nonsense expression Shen Qingqiu doesn’t miss the gleam of surprise in his eyes.
Nothing in this world could ever compare to Luo Binghe’s congee, Shen Qingqiu smiles inwardly to himself. Luo Binghe and his one congee recipe to rule them all.
“Of course I would be,” says Shen Qingqiu after a long sip of his tea. “We are seeing the lanterns tonight, after all.”
As he sits across Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe glances at him, his eyes gleaming with conspiratorial excitement. Shen Qingqiu can’t help the small grin tugging at the corners of his lips; truly, they were the worst at planning surprises. If they can’t act naturally for the whole day, even someone as oblivious as Liu Qingge would eventually catch on.
Shen Qingqiu clears his throat. “Binghe and I were planning to go on sightseeing around the city. I assume you will be joining us, yes?”
Liu Qingge snorts. “Surely, the two of you would not require a chaperone for that.”
Both Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe exchange glances. “Er, it’s because we think you're a wonderful company,” blurts out Shen Qingqiu. He can almost hear Luo Binghe hiss with apprehension even though his husband hasn’t visibly reacted to what he said.
On the other hand, Liu Qingge arches an eyebrow at his statement. Shen Qingqiu’s heart flutters; it was one of his favorite reactions from Liu-shidi. Shen Qingqiu clears his throat, flicking his fan open and turning his gaze away.
“Most people say otherwise,” states Liu Qingge in a matter-of-factly tone. “I do not doubt Shixiong …” He glances at Luo Binghe, who jumps slightly at the attention. Liu Qingge’s eyes sweep over him slowly, taking note of every minute detail of him.
Luo Binghe turns redder by the second before he eventually cracks. “I truly do enjoy Liu-shishu’s company. But … if Liu-shishu won’t join us then ...”
Shen Qingqiu recognizes that tone; it’s the same one he uses on Shen Qingqiu when he’s trying to act cute so that he could convince his husband into agreeing with him. Thankfully, he hasn’t shifted his hand so the smile on his face remains hidden behind his fan.
No one could resist Luo Binghe when he used his charm on you like that. It’s part of his protagonist package!
To Shen Qingqiu’s delight, Liu Qingge’s expression wavers a little then all at once. Red tints Liu Qingge’s cheeks. For a moment he looks almost as if he wanted to say something before he abruptly turns away. Shen Qingqiu has to bite his lip to contain his excitement; he didn’t think he’d be able to witness Luo Binghe’s charm getting to Liu Qingge that easily!
“V-very well then. I shall accompany the two of you,” says Liu Qingge jarringly. “But I will stay out of the way —”
“No, that’s alright.” Shen Qingqiu clears his throat. “Think of this as an … outing with friends,” he suggests.
Liu Qingge stares at him for so long that Shen Qingqiu is almost convinced that he must’ve sprouted a third arm before his shidi echoes, “Friends.” A bead of sweat breaks out on Shen Qingqiu’s forehead. Did Liu Qingge catch on with their plans already?
But a pensive expression settles on Liu Qingge’s face. “Then I shall think of it that way,” he says. “Friends,” he murmurs again under his breath and leaves the dining area with the strangest look in his eyes.
Shen Qingqiu glances at his husband, hoping for some explanation but like him, Luo Binghe is just as clueless.
Friends.
Liu Qingge couldn’t stop thinking about that word Shen Qingqiu said this morning. For as long as he could remember since joining Bai Zhan as a disciple, he couldn’t recall anyone ever calling him a friend of theirs. Beyond being their disciple brother, Liu Qingge had always been one of them, another person to compete with or beat up, until he rose above the ranks to the position of Peak Lord.
But even then, it was lonely as a Peak Lord. His Peak specialized in war and had the greatest fighting strength but what was brawn compared to the brains of Qing Jing or the elegance of Xian Shu, or even the ability to coordinate logistics of An Ding. Even if their battle prowess was favored, what use was it when the mountains where Cang Qiong Sect was located was at peace?
Due to his upbringing at the peak, Liu Qingge was considered somewhat unapproachable among the Peak Lords, even scorned by Shen Qingqiu until the Qing Jing Peak Lord had an unfortunate accident while in seclusion at Ling Xi caves. Then Shen Qingqiu began to act oddly in a way Liu Qingge couldn’t comprehend why but at the same time never bothered to question too much.
Shen Qingqiu was nice to him, and it had been a long time since Liu Qingge was spoken to as if he were someone whose company and opinion was appreciated instead of someone to be avoided at most times.
Then, there was Luo Binghe. Although he was the furthest person Liu Qingge would regard as friendly, seeing as how they crossed swords countless times during the five years Shen Qingqiu was dead, he wasn’t that bad. Of course, they still communicated best in a fight, either synergizing with each other well when facing a large beast or keeping up with each other’s pace when facing each other, Liu Qingge didn’t mind his presence as much as he thought he did.
In fact, this entire day out in Caiyi city made him realize that he appreciated their company a lot. He thought they might make him uncomfortable with their display of affection towards each other but instead they’ve been giving him quite a lot of attention. Shen Qingqiu was going out his way to make sure Liu Qingge was enjoying himself and Luo Binghe was even talking to him about things unrelated to fighting.
It was … nice. It filled Liu Qingge’s chest with warmth.
“Shidi?” Shen Qinqgiu’s drawl breaks into Liu Qingge’s train of thought. He looks up to see both Shen Qingqiu and his husband watching him. “Are you alright?” asks Shen Qingqiu. “You were spacing out for a bit.”
Liu Qingge nods. He doesn’t usually lose himself in his thoughts as it was dangerous for your attention to shift from your external surroundings; threats could be lurking around the corner, after all. “Is there anything else Shixiong and Luo Binghe would like to see in this city?” he asks.
So far, he’d been letting them lead him along through the city past the streets. Now the three of them are resting on a terrace overlooking the city, with a pleasant view of the ocean ahead in the horizon. It seemed like a nice place to enjoy the cool weather today had it not been for the crowd in the area.
Shen Qingqiu shakes his head. “I think we’ve been to enough places,” he says before peering at Liu Qingge over his fan. “But I suppose Shidi has probably grown weary of walking around in circles?”
“Not at all,” says Liu Qingge.
Luo Binghe shoots him a curious look. “That is good to hear then,” he says with a smile and for some reason, Liu Qingge’s heart skips a beat. It’s such a gentle and fond expression, one that Liu Qingge is taken aback to see directed at him. Liu Qingge turns away, his cheeks heating up.
“But I think it’s best if we return to the inn to rest,” says Luo Binghe as he stands up. “The festival will start later in the evening.”
The distant cry of a seagull draws Liu Qingge’s attention back to the horizon. It’s been a long time since he came to the seaside, the last time was with his family. He quite liked the docks they visited earlier where there were less tourists and a couple of quieter spots.
He glances back at Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu, who’ve been very accommodating towards him this whole trip. Even if they didn’t appear so, perhaps they’d like some time alone together. Besides, the lantern festival later was an affair for lovers to enjoy, not with the company of a ‘friend’ or a disciple brother you somehow managed to drag along.
“I’ll stay out for a bit longer,” he says, getting up from the stone bench he was sitting on. Liu Qingge’s heart twists a little when he earns identical looks of surprise from Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe. He’s not one to make excuses, in fact he’s honest to the point of bluntness, but a white lie dances at the tip of his tongue.
The surprise mirrored on both Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe’s expression flickers to concern the longer Liu Qingge hesitates. Finally, he says, “I just want some time to think.” It’s not a complete lie but at least there’s some amount of truth to it.
Fortunately, Shen Qingqiu doesn’t question it. Instead, his features soften as he places a hand on Liu Qingge’s shoulder. Gestures like this come easy for Shen Qinqgiu and may not mean anything aside from brotherly fondness but to Liu Qingge, it never fails to make his pulse skip. That, and how close Luo Binghe is standing beside him, not touching him but merely regarding him with gentle concern.
When had these two cared so much for Liu Qingge?
“We’ll see you later then, shishu.”
Shen Qingqiu notices that since their tour around the city this morning, the energy around Liu Qingge has become somewhat subdued. He isn’t certain if this is a good or bad thing, since on one hand Liu Qingge seems a lot calmer but on the other hand it was a bit worrying.
Did they somehow break his shidi or something? That would be really bad.
He glances across the table at Luo Binghe and finds his own concern mirrored in his husband’s face. Then they look at Liu Qingge, only to startle when they find him staring at them in askance.
“Why are you two looking at me like that?” he asks, chopsticks hovering over his ricebowl. “Is there something you’d like to say?”
OK, never mind. Liu Qingge was fine . Shen Qingqiu was probably worrying about nothing, except … Liu Qingge sounds less prickly than usual.
Perhaps he hadn’t been imagining things.
Shen Qingqiu clears his throat and reaches for his cup of tea. He takes a long and thoughtful sip of it, discreetly studying Liu Qingge out the corner of his eye.
While Liu Qingge was out this afternoon, he and Luo Binghe talked about how they’d confess to Liu Qingge. They initially agreed on doing that when they attended the festival itself; Shen Qingqiu proposed that they do so when they were releasing the lanterns but it was Luo Binghe who suggested they go for something more dramatic but practical, in a sense.
“Shidi,” Shen Qingqiu begins, putting down his cup. “How do you feel about boat rides?”
Luo Binghe had actually rented a boat for the three of them earlier on the way back to the inn. (Where he had gotten such a romantic but cheesy idea, Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t know but he had a suspicion who might’ve influenced him to have such thoughts.)
Liu Qingge arches an eyebrow. “I do not mind it,” he replies. His gaze shifts to Luo Binghe, who suddenly develops an interest in picking every grain of rice from his bowl. Shen Qingqiu holds his breath as Liu Qingge’s eyes narrow. “Is this another outing … as friends?” he asks cautiously.
Cautiously ! Shen Qingqiu wants to scream. He wants to smother Liu Qingge with kisses. This was truly too much! Shen Qingqiu doubts that he’d be able to keep this charade that this entire trip to Caiyi was a roadtrip with friends.
He coughs delicately behind his sleeve. “... Yes,” he says and his voice cracks audibly. Luo Binghe shoots him a frantic look out the corner of his eyes before clearing his own throat.
“We’d be happy for Liu-shishu to join us,” clarifies Luo Binghe.
“Very well then,” says Liu Qingge with a nod.
Once dinner is over and the dishes have been cleared, the three of them leave the inn to make their way down to the docks where the festival will take place. Since they’ve scouted the area earlier today, Liu Qingge walks ahead of them with Luo Binghe trailing behind him.
Though Shen Qingqiu is used to Liu Qingge sometimes taking the lead to scan their surroundings, he’s pleased to note that Liu Qingge appears relaxed beside Luo Binghe, his hands crossed behind his back and out of reach from Cheng Luan, not a single line of tension in his posture. He strains his ears a little to catch their conversation over the din of the crowd around them and to his amusement, the two of them are recounting about the monsters they’ve fought together previously. Shen Qingqiu even notices a hint of a smile curling the corner of Liu Qingge’s mouth.
They’re getting along so well that Shen Qingqiu might actually shed a tear. Or two. Or more than two.
He hides the lower half of his face with a fan in case one of them looks over at him and notices the goofy smile on his face.
They find the boat they rented docked to the quieter part of the harbor. Luo Binghe steps into the boat first before turning to offer a hand to his shishu. Liu Qingge hesitates, and in the glow of lanterns nearby, Shen Qingqiu can barely make out the pink bloom across his cheeks before Liu Qingge accepts Luo Binghe’s hand.
Shen Qingqiu joins them shortly, the fan still over his face because he’s certain if he moves it away, his expression might ruin the surprise. The boat gently rocks under their combined weight. From his qiankun pouch, Shen Qingqiu produces three paper lanterns they bought today. They wrote their wishes on the lanterns earlier this afternoon but Shen Qinqgiu suspects there might be some charm on it that prevents them from reading others’ wishes as he can only see his own wish.
As Shen Qingqiu is content with his life and what he has, his wish is simple: Please let this date end well . Luo Binghe might’ve written the same but he never asked for the fear of jinxing it. He passes Liu Qingge his lantern but can’t help arching his eyebrows when he catches Liu Qingge making what looks like an abashed expression at it.
What did he write?
Luo Binghe rows the boat until the noise of the city becomes a pleasant hum in the background. From where they are, the people gathering at the docks seem very distant, their silhouettes outlined by the combined light of their lanterns. There aren’t many people in their vicinity, just a few lonely boats with lovers onboard here and there.
Shen Qingqiu lights up their lanterns for them. It’s endearing how Liu Qingge stops to stare in wonder at their lanterns, the wonder in his eyes accentuated by the soft flickering glow of the lanterns. Liu Qingge catches Shen Qingqiu watching him and he quickly turns away, embarrassed.
Too cute . Shen Qingqiu wants to give him a kiss so badly. He might actually give him a kiss if he keeps this up.
Someone from the harbor lets go of their lantern. It floats upwards when more lanterns join its ascent. Soon, everyone releases the lanterns until the view resembles hundreds of fireflies soaring towards the sky.
Luo Binghe is the first among the three of them to let his lantern go. Then Shen Qingqiu and lastly Liu Qingge.
The silence among them is comfortable, filled with amazement and wonder, as they watch their lanterns glide away and upwards, joining the rest of the lanterns.
Liu Qingge watches it all with a serene expression. He looks beautiful tonight, his striking features made soft by the glow of the lanterns all around them. He’s too mesmerized by the scene of hundreds of lanterns to notice Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu gazing at him.
Perhaps now would be the time to confess, Shen Qingqiu thinks. He glances over at Luo Binghe but he doesn’t need to open his mouth to know that his husband is thinking of the same thing. But before either of them can utter a word, Liu Qingge turns back to the both of them.
“Shixiong, Luo Binghe,” says Liu Qingge with some hesitation. “Thank you for inviting me. I … I’m certain both of you know very well that not many enjoy my company. But I appreciate that the two of you have brought me here to witness this festival as … as friends.”
Shen Qinqgiu cringes inwardly. Although he’s heartened that Liu Qingge enjoyed their trip so far, they probably have to tell him why he’s here on this trip. “Actually,” he begins carefully, ignoring the twisting in his gut at the sound of his voice, “that’s not really why we invited you.”
Liu Qingge’s eyebrows knit together.
“Husband and I were —” Luo Binghe breaks off. He glances at Shen Qingqiu nervously when his husband gives him an encouraging nod, before turning back to Liu Qingge. “Actually, Husband and I really like you.”
Liu Qingge frowns even more.
“We like you as in we both would like to pursue you. Not literally,” clarifies Shen Qingqiu when he senses Liu Qingge stiffening, “but romantically. Oh, I’m sure you understand —”
“Me?” Although Liu Qingge’s frown is frightening to behold, giving one the impression that you’ve somehow pissed him off, his voice is light with surprise. He turns away, and Shen Qingqiu is certain if they had more light, they’d have made out the way his cheeks turned pink. “But is it even … Don’t I have to pick one?”
Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe exchange looks before smiling at Liu Qingge.
“Not necessarily,” answers Shen Qingqiu while Luo Binghe replies, “We’d be happy if you’d pick us both.”
Liu Qingge doesn’t move for quite some time. Shen Qingqiu is almost convinced that the universe must be glitching or something before his lips part. “ Oh ,” he whispers.
“You don’t have to decide now if you’re not ready,” adds Shen Qingqiu in case Liu Qingge is feeling overwhelmed. After all, the three of them are on a boat and there’s nowhere he could run (unless he decides to swim to shore).
“Shizun and I just wanted you to know,” says Luo Binghe. “But if Shishu would prefer to return to the inn now, then —”
“Then,” says Liu Qingge, his voice effectively cutting off both Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe, “if it’s alright with the two of you, then allow me to … to ... —” He breaks off, flustered. “I’d like you both, if both of you would have me.”
Shen Qingqiu is the first to cave in; he leans forward to press a kiss to Liu Qingge’s cheek, right over that beauty mark of his. As soon as his lips touch Liu Qingge, his shidi stiffens with surprise before relaxing. Shen Qingqiu can feel him smile.
Luo Binghe joins in, but his approach is slow and careful as if he doesn’t want to scare Liu Qingge away. But Shen Qingqiu catches the glint in Liu Qingge’s eyes as his shidi leans towards Luo Binghe. Neither of them have thought their movements through because they end up bumping into each other on the lips but Shen Qingqiu’s heart only expands with fondness at the sight.
They take turns exchanging kisses with one another. Shen Qingqiu had been worried about how Liu Qingge would react to him and his husband but now all he can think of is how much he wants Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge now. How much he wants Luo Binghe’s arms around him and Liu Qingge’s lips on his. How much he wants to hear Luo Binghe’s soft growls and Liu Qingge’s tiny whines.
“We should … head back to the inn,” he suggests, panting when he draws away from Liu Qingge. “Might be more comfortable and safer than in a boat.”
Suffice to say, they make it back to their rooms in record time.