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Prompt Day 14 - Confession

Summary:

Mu Qing receives a mysterious package, and no one wants to take credit for it, but Feng Xin will step in.
(mild warning for language because, Feng Xin)

Notes:

From the MXTX-Tober prompt list on Twitter! I decided to use these to write little micro/flash fictions for various characters from the book series by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. I hope you enjoy!

Work Text:

"I'll only ask once more! Who left this at my temple?!"
Mu Qing's voice echoed out along the main road of the Divine Heavens as he held something above his head - Gods of the Upper Court looked up, saw what the fuss was all about, and hurriedly decided they had business somewhere else. Only one god dared to stride forward without pause.

"Mu Qing, fucking hell. Can't you leave people in peace for one day? What are you shouting about now?!" He called, hand already on his sword hilt.

"YOU!" Mu Qing called, holding up something in one hand and pointing his finger at Feng Xin, resolute blame on his face. "You would do this, wouldn't you! You left this trash on my temple doorstep!"

"I didn't leave any trash on your doorstep, you bellowing ox! Stop disturbing people!" The few people who remained likely would have commented that Feng Xin was yelling too, but they didn't dare as they also hurried off to a safer distance.

"Oh yeah?" Mu Qing sneered, marching forward to meet Feng Xin at the base of the stairs. "Then what exactly do you call THIS?" He thrust the thing in his hand between them, forcefully enough that Feng Xin had to take a step back in order to see it properly. It was a small, brown parcel, wrapped with creases on the edges and the paper not quite lined up properly. A red thread wrapped around it and tied in a lopsided bow was all that held it on in some places. Feng Xin stared at it a moment before looking aside, his voice considerably quieter. Almost conversational.

"It's a present. Obviously."

"Obviously?" Wu Qing replied, though he drew back the package to evaluate it rather than look like he was going to toss it into the sun. "Who the hell would leave a present that looks this heinous?!"

"I don't know, maybe open it instead of yelling about how ugly it is?" Feng Xin's voice had crept up in volume, but he remained slightly subdued.

"Ugh," was Mu Qing's response, but he started unwrapping the package with slow care, as if waiting for it to explode. Feng Xin remained where he was standing as Mu Qing pulled out a delicate vase decorated in jasmine blossoms painted all around. He still looked incredulous but he held the vase carefully in both hands. He opened the lid and sniffed. "...It's my favorite blend of tea."

"Looks like," Feng Xin replied. He was quiet, shifting on his feet as Mu Qing stared at the vase now cradled in his hands.

"...Who the hell would know my favorite tea and leave it wrapped in such horrendous packaging?" He was quieter at least, but sounded deeply confused.

Feng Xin tensed, his tone terse. "Maybe someone who knew it was your birthday, you ungrateful ass?"

At this Mu Qing finally turned his gaze up to Feng Xin again. "What? What! You DID do this didn't you!"

But Feng Xin was turning on his heel. "What the fuck do you care, since it was so ugly! Throw it away if you don't want it!" Before he could get any more riled, he stomped away down the pathway, leaving Mu Qing standing with his tea.

The street had long cleared of witnesses, so no one was there to see Mu Qing as he held the vase, staring at Feng Xin's tense, retreating back, warring with his next move. He stared for a long while before he finally muttered "idiot" under his breath and headed back into his temple, slamming the door again out of habit.

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