Work Text:
18 years old
"Shizun, this lowly disciple cannot let you freeze in this cave."
"I'm fine, Mo Ran. Worry about yourse-"
"Therefore, I have come up with a plan to keep you warm. This disciple knows that he is not worthy, but I have no other choice. I must hold Shizun close to keep him from getting sick."
The tip of Chu Wanning's ears turn red, his face twisting into an expression that can only be described as anger. But Mo Ran has watched him enough to know that it was merely a mask for his embarrassment. Cute!
"Who taught you to start making excuses like this!? Clingy boy, others will think that I spoil you because of how sticky you are!"
"This lowly disciple does not deserve his Shizun's kindness at all. But if this disciple is spoiled, then it must only be because his Shizun allows it."
"You-!"
"Shizun, we should stay silent now. We need to conserve our energy until the rain passes."
Despite his protests, Chu Wanning lets Mo Ran hold him close anyway. This disciple of his is still young and clingy— he might as well indulge Mo Ran until he grows out of this behavior.
22 years old
Mo Ran did not, in fact, grow out of his stickiness.
"But Shizun, how can this disciple sleep at night knowing you'll be alone in that mission? Surely I should come with you!"
Mo Ran's tone is almost whiny, sounding like a child who doesn't want to part with his favorite toy.
Chu Wanning sighs as he packs his items, getting ready to leave. "It's a simple task, I can do it by myself. It won't take more than 24 hours so stop making a fuss."
"If it's simple then let Mengmeng do it! He can handle it!"
"He accompanied Shi Mingjing to an event in Guyue'ye. You were there when they left."
"More the reason to let me come with you, then! You wouldn't leave this poor disciple all alone, would you? My Shizun isn't cruel like that..."
Chu Wanning shakes his head and pinches the bridge of his nose in disbelief. "You seem to have forgotten that you should be on bed rest for the remainder of this week. You could've accompanied me if you weren't so careless the other day."
"But Shizun-!"
"No, you will not come with me. That's final. Be good and go back to your room— your uncle will be checking on you tomorrow morning."
Mo Ran's shoulders slump, accepting his defeat.
"Then... can this disciple hold Shizun for a bit before he leaves? For 10 minutes? Maybe 15?"
Once again, Chu Wanning's ears turn red as he lets out a small huff "I suppose I can allow it if it means getting you to stop whining. Come."
Mo Ran grins and excitedly wraps his arms around Chu Wanning, his entire demeanor changing as if he was never sulking in the first place.
Chu Wanning clicks his tongue but still moves to pull Mo Ran closer. "Such a clingy boy at your big age; what would the other disciples think?"
Mo Ran only laughs and tightens his hold. "Don't care. Plus, it's Shizun's fault for being soft and irresistible"
"You-!"
That day, Chu Wanning leaves hours later than expected. He should've known that Mo Ran's "for a bit" wouldn't only last for a few minutes.
25 years old
Chu Wanning has long grown accustomed to Mo Ran's sudden touches. So when his sticky disciple appeared out of nowhere and clung to his arm, he paid it no mind.
"Wanning! Wanning! Mengmeng is making fun of me again! Are my new robes really that tacky? You like it, right?"
Xue Meng followed after him, pointing at Mo Ran with a frown on his face. "You dog! Stop bothering Shizun! Can't you see he's busy!?"
Mo Ran moves closer to Chu Wanning in response. "But Wanning is perfectly capable of finishing his meal while I stick to him, right? Does Wanning want me to leave?"
Chu Wanning continues to eat, unfazed by the bickering happening in front of him. From an outsider's perspective, it simply looks like a master ignoring his disciple's whines; but Mo Ran knows better. Despite the lack of response, he knows that his Wanning likes the proximity— knows that he craves it, even if he rarely admits it.
"See? Now go sit with Shi Mei or something, Mengmeng. I want alone time with my Wanning!"
As Xue Meng storms off in annoyance, the corners of Chu Wanning's lips slightly turned up— happy to be basking in Mo Ran's affection. Though the smile was subtle and easy to miss, it still catches Mo Ran's attention. For now, he decides to lean his head on Chu Wanning's shoulder, silently intertwining their fingers in the process. He can spare his sweet baobei from his teasing today.
32 years old
Despite the pitter patter of raindrops outside of the Red Lotus Pavillion, Chu Wanning feels warm. With his back against Mo Ran's chest, he feels safe, comfortable, and so, so warm. How can he get any work done this morning if his husband makes it impossible for him to get up from his arms?
"Baobei..."
Mo Ran's voice, still heavily laced with sleep, makes Chu Wanning's cheeks turn red. 'How embarrassing, getting so flustered as if I haven't been married to this shameless man for years.'
"Don't you think we should sleep for a little bit longer, hm? It's always good to sleep in when it's raining..." Mo Ran mumbles, pulling Chu Wanning closer to him and leaving kisses on his nape.
Chu Wanning shudders, every inch of his skin sensitive to Mo Ran's affections. He tries to conceal his shaky voice. "We... have to get all of our duties done today since we'll be going down the peak tomorrow, remember?"
Mo Ran smiles against Chu Wanning's neck, slipping his hands under his husband's robes in an attempt to feel closer than they already are.
"I promise we'll get everything done before the sun sets. So let's stay like this for a little longer, baobei."
Chu Wanning shifts, carefully doing so in order to keep Mo Ran's arms from letting him go. Turning to his other side, he faces his husband and wraps his limbs around him, allowing them to be closer than ever. He doesn't want to be the only one who's being held so gently— he wants to hold his beloved, too; to return the endless warmth he receives from him.
With a teasing smile, Chu Wanning asks "Will your a little longer take less than 3 hours, this time?"
Mo Ran only chuckles, drunk on love, drunk on every single thing that Chu Wanning has to offer.
"No promises."
Perhaps it's too late for Mo Ran to grow out of his neediness. But no matter, Chu Wanning would gladly be needed— would gladly love and be loved by him in every lifetime. He supposes that he, himself, is a little needy too, after all.