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It’s started with small deliberate touches and the way Xi Ping always stood or sat a little bit closer than appropriate. Zhi Xiu decided to let him be, it’s not like they never have skin-to-skin contact, he thought. In fact, the six months of feeding him spiritual energy many years prior made Zhi Xiu quite used to it. Familiar temperature, familiar smooth, pampered hands that only have minor calluses from plucking the qin’s strings. Compared to his disciple’s smart mouth that always causes headaches for anyone in close proximity with him, this has less damage.
Days gone by, not getting any significant response, the rascal started to get bolder. He slowly went further by increasing both the amount and duration of the touches, sometimes he even dared to lean on him. And again, Zhi Xiu let him be. He knows how it feels to be a child beloved by all. Maybe he just missed his family. So what, if he wants to act a little more spoiled? This kid goes through so much, he could at least have this. At the very least, he knows not to do this in public. He successfully dispelled the worry that sprouted in his heart.
At some point, the touches started to get ambiguous, along with frequent blatant staring toward his master’s face, and actions that were seemingly innocent but a bit too intimate. The scoundrel never tried to hide it, as if he tried to announce something by it. What is he trying to achieve? Zhi Xiu mused. He knew that his disciple might have realized his master’s not-so-proper fondness toward him long ago. The brat was too sensitive for his own good. But then again, Zhi Xiu himself never acted upon it. He never planned to change their master-disciple relationship into anything more. The feelings weren't mutual, to begin with. He is well aware that after everything, he might also be included in the small remainder of the ‘family and friends’ category whom Xi Ping wanted to protect. Nothing more.
But, the question is: Why now? Both he and Xi Ping have lived with the knowledge of those emotions without any problem until now. What had provoked him? Did he unintentionally rub this brat’s fur in the wrong direction? Is it something he said? Zhi Xiu tried hard to remember but he found nothing. It seemed that his memory had become worse and worse. Watching Xi Ping strode over with his usual careless manner, he pushed those thoughts away. If he wanted to say something important, he would say it. There was no need to think too much.
“Shifu! I brought osmanthus sugar dumplings.” Xi Ping exclaimed as he put a bowl on the table between them.
Seeing only one bowl and one spoon, Zhi Xiu asked him, “Where’s yours?”
“I already ate, hehe.”
Zhi Xiu continued to eat in silence while Xi Ping started to chatter about his day. His ramblings mostly revolve around trivialities in Luwu, updates on Zhao Qindan, Wei Chengxiang, and so on. He talked non-stop until a few moments after Zhi Xiu finished his dumplings. Then, he started to stare at Zhi Xiu with a mild and meaningful smile. There he goes again, Zhi Xiu paused. He had bad premonitions before, but nothing prepared him for what he was about to hear.
“Shifu, can I have a kiss?” said Xi Ping coquettishly as he tapped his right cheek using his index finger.
“...”
After contemplating in silence for a few minutes, he decided not to bring both of them to Rosy Cloud Peak to get checked. But, he can’t find the right words to say in this situation either.
“Shifu?”
Zhi Xiu took a deep breath, then he muttered slowly, “Shiyong, I think we need to talk.”
“Talk? Are you going to pretend that you forgot about it again?”
…wait a minute.
“It’s just a little kiss. Why are you so reluctant? Shouldn't this be a normal thing to do when we are together?”
…wait a minute!!!
“We are… what?”
Xi Ping's expression turned grim. He gave Zhi Xiu a downcast look akin to sad animal cubs. Zhi Xiu couldn’t bear to see it and glanced sideways. Is this a new kind of prank? There’s no way I’d confess, unless… But, how can I forget something as big as this?! Even with thoughts moving faster than heavenly lightning, he was still having a hard time finding rationality.
“Shiyong, what are—”
“Shifu.” Xi Ping caught Zhi Xiu’s hands and the latter’s entire body froze up. “I asked you months ago and you agreed.”
“...”
“It’s okay if you forgot, please remember it well from now on.”
The older man’s heart lurched at the sight of his pout, “I’m sorry…”
“If you’re sorry can I kiss you instead?”
Zhi Xiu looked away again, did a quick deliberation, then nodded lightly. I'm going to regret this. The pretty boy’s face lights up at once.
He resigned to his fate as Xi Ping covered his face with both hands, undoubtedly not going to kiss one of his cheeks or his forehead. He closed his eyes as Xi Ping's visage gradually got blurry from the close distance. He felt warm breaths against his face. Unexpectedly, nothing touched his lips. Xi Ping gave a light peck on the tip of his nose. He opened his eyes when he heard chuckles. His face was released.
“Why do you look like that, shifu? Feeling shy?”
Ignoring his useless disciple’s teasing, he embraced him. Xi Ping’s shoulder tensed in surprise, but then he reciprocated by putting his arms around his master. They might not be aware of it, but at that time, both of them have the same smile on their face.
***
Years have passed, nothing changed much with Zhi Xiu, but Xi Ping did get cheekier.
“Shifu! I’m going somewhere. Do you want me to bring something on the way back?”
“No, come closer. There’s something in your hair.”
“What is it? …Oh! It’s one of your leaves.”
“...”
Seeing Zhi Xiu's unimpressed look, he pushed his luck further, “Shifu, kiss?”
“No way, scram.”
“Alright. See you later!”
“Yeah, just come back quickly.”
Xi Ping's smile bloomed as soon as he turned his back. Zhi Xiu wasn't stupid, less than a day after Xi Ping told him that sweet little lie, he immediately acted awkwardly. Though, he accepted it rather easily and never made any attempts to break this lie. He kept letting Xi Ping do whatever he wanted, he even took the initiative sometimes. Actually, he made this lie to get back at his shifu for being so naggy, telling him to get married when his shifu himself has apparent feelings toward him. This result is not what he predicted. Initially, he thought his shifu would reprimand him. But, that's not important anymore. They have gone so far, doesn't this mean the lie has become reality? Now, he needs to finish up as soon as possible, so he could quickly go back to the worrywart at home.