Chapter Text
Wen Ning placed his palm flat against the smooth scales of Zhuzhi-lang’s shimmering green tail. The snake demon was half-shifted into his serpentine form for ease of movement. Why walk long distances when one could slither? It wasn’t something he tended to do in polite company, or any company really, but Wen Ning had proven the exception to many rules.
“Does A-Ning like what he sees?” Zhuzhi-lang’s voice was even and measured, a contrast to the frantic beating of his heart. He was well aware by now that Wen Ning didn’t find his scales and other inhuman features repulsive but the urge to hide those parts of himself was still exceedingly difficult to tamp down on.
Wen Ning nodded, eyes wide. “Your tail looks strong. Would you ever spar with me like this?”
“I…uh, would not be opposed.” Zhuzhi-lang was taken aback. His A-Ning had the delightful habit of saying the exact opposite of what he expected. “Though, to be honest, this is more of an in-between state. I’m not sure I’ll put up the fight you’re imagining.”
“Zhuzhi-lang is being humble.”
“Mn. A little.” Zhuzhi-lang cleared his throat, feeling bashful. Luckily, the sweet warmth that accompanied being seen through seemed to outweigh the embarrassment. “Let’s discuss this later. If we don’t get going soon, I fear we’ll arrive too late. I don’t want to make a bad first impression.”
Wen Ning worked his stiff lips into a smile. “It’s a night hunt.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“The sun rose not a shichen ago.”
“But you like to be there early,” Zhuzhi-lang stated with confidence. Wen Ning spoke of his young cousin often and with pride; though he trusted Lan Sizhui’s ability to defend himself, Wen Ning tended to veer towards overprotection. Part of that involved checking out the chosen area before night hunts. Just to make sure there would be no unforeseen complications: creatures that would prove too difficult for Lan Sizhui and his friends to deal with. Today would mark the first time Zhuzhi-lang accompanied him and the mere idea of impeding Wen Ning’s routine was unacceptable.
“And besides,” Zhuzhi-lang added, “I’m eager to meet your friends.”
Wen Ning ducked his head. “Th-they’re excited too.”
“Oh. Well, I'll try not to disappoint.”
“Never! You could never!”
Zhuzhi-lang sincerely hoped that was the case. Wen Ning had assured him that neither his cousin nor his friends would blink twice at Zhuzhi-lang’s appearance but the black scarf he often covered the bottom half of his face with was stored neatly in his sleeve on the off chance that he got shy. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Wen Ning’s word but he was far too used to humans reacting to his body with disgust and fear. Better safe than sorry.
The comforting press of Wen Ning’s hand lifted from Zhuzhi-lang’s tail until the barely there touch of his fingertips was the only thing connecting them.
Ah, right. In order to continue on, Wen Ning would have to stop touching him.
Hm.
Perhaps Zhuzhi-lang could shift into his full snake form and Wen Ning could ride on his head. Then they would be touching the whole time. Zhuzhi-lang opened his mouth to make that suggestion but he noticed that Wen Ning still hadn’t fully removed his hand.
At the questioning rise of Zhuzhi-lang's brows, Wen Ning cleared his eternally hoarse throat. "I – I was thinking… If Zhuzhi-lang is amenable…"
"Yes," Zhuzhi-lang said immediately.
"You…don't even know what I want to ask.”
“But I know you. I can’t imagine there’s anything you could ask of me that I wouldn’t give.”
Wen Ning’s fingers twitched and Zhuzhi-lang came to the stark realization that his words might have been too much. But it was how he truly felt so he didn’t dare take it back.
“Um.” Zhuzhi-lang’s cheeks grew warm; he rubbed at them self-consciously. “Sorry, I – what were you going to ask me?”
Wen Ning stayed quiet but the light pressure of his fingertips left Zhuzhi-lang’s tail. Zhuzhi-lang had to deal with a mere moment of disappointment before a familiar palm covered the back of his hand, pulling it gently from his face.
“I thought about asking if you wished to continue your…body heat experiment,” Wen Ning finally said. “But it was an excuse. Really I just…I didn’t want to stop touching you.”
Zhuzhi-lang couldn’t hold back the smile that lit up his face. He held Wen Ning’s hand close to his chest.
“Me either,” Zhuzhi-lang exclaimed. “Touching you, I mean. Not myself. I wouldn’t do that here.”
Wen Ning laughed, a short breathy croak that seemed to surprise the fierce corpse every time it happened. He leaned in to press a happy kiss to the scales dotting Zhuzhi-lang’s cheekbone.
Dry lips lingered on cool scales. Zhuzhi-lang turned slightly; the corner of his mouth brushed against Wen Ning’s and he took the initiative to deepen the kiss. He figured opportunities for intimacy would be few and far between once they met up with the others. Better to savor the chance while he had it.