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The weather was rather unpleasant when Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe spent their time together at an old wooden shed they had found during a mission. The stay at this shed was not planned beforehand but they had no other choice, due to heavy rain beginning to fall and trying to avoid soaking all of their clothes with the cold water falling from the clouds.
Why is this happening now? The sun was shining so brightly when we set out… how long will this rain keep on pouring?!
Shen Qingqiu’s expression was very obviously one of annoyance, it was no surprise that Luo Binghe had noticed it and began to question him.
“Ah- is Shizun okay? You must be cold, I will give you my robe! Forgive this disciple for not noticing it sooner!”
Luo Binghe quickly pulled one side of his robe off his shoulder but before he had the chance to take off the other side as well, his arm was grabbed by a slim, soft hand.
“Stop it, this master is fine. You need it yourself.”
But did he really? I’m sure this little bit of cold wouldn’t actually affect him at all. Even so, it doesn’t feel right to take his robe away from him during such weather conditions.
Luo Binghe grabbed the hand that was still holding onto his arm and cupped it with his own.
“I don’t! I’ll gladly give it away if it means that Shizun will be more comfortable!”
Hah- Luo Binghe. You worrying so deeply for me really is quite adorable. It seems that you don’t understand that this master isn’t made out of sugar, though!
“I don’t want it, it wouldn’t make me happy at all! Put it on again properly and I’ll feel better.”
Luo Binghe stared at him with big eyes that looked like he was thoroughly thinking about something.
Don’t ponder over my words for so long, just listen to what I tell you!
A few more seconds flew by and Luo Binghe finally decided to release Shen Qingqiu’s hand. Shen Qingqiu also decided to let go of the demon’s arm and put it on his own lap, while his other hand was holding up his fan as usual. Luo Binghe pulled up his robe completely again, looking a little dissatisfied. The silence from before had returned.
Next to the wooden shed was a river and its water was now flowing aggressively, making quite a bit of noise. Trees were moving, leaves hitting each other and making loud rustling sounds. On top of that, there was rain hitting the old roof and hard floor outside. Maybe it wasn’t so quiet after all and there was just an uncomfortable atmosphere lingering.
It hasn’t been long since Shen Qingqiu found out about Luo Binghe’s feelings towards him and even though this discovery didn’t bother him much, he didn’t know how to properly deal with it.
How do you deal with someone admitting their love for you, especially when it’s happening for the first time in your life!
Truthfully, he was afraid of doing something wrong and hurting Binghe’s feelings on accident. He has gone through a lot of trouble already, there didn’t need to be another issue added to this long list of depressing and traumatic events in his life! So Shen Qingqiu just tried to act as he always did.
The life of a protagonist can be so difficult.
Shen Qingqiu let out a long sigh.
“I have a feeling that we are going to be stuck here for quite some time.”
He shifted his gaze towards Luo Binghe who didn’t seem upset about this whole situation at all. Looking a bit closer at Binghe’s expression, you can even notice the corners of his mouth forming into a subtle grin.
“It’s okay, Shizun” he said, “if you feel tired, you can lie down and rest. I will make sure nothing will bother you!”
I’m sure you will, but I’m not worried about that! I want to go back to the bamboo house and sleep there. Where am I even supposed to lie down here? This whole shed is empty, with only a few bugs crawling on the wooden tiles and shabby walls occasionally. What if one crawls up my ears or robes while I’m sleeping?!
It was as if Luo Binghe could read Shen Qingqiu’s thoughts.
“Ah- there really isn’t anything comfortable around, is there?”
Luo Binghe looked around a little until his eyes landed on Shen Qingqiu and he looked like he was thinking carefully about what words he was going to use in his next sentences.
“Forgive me for what I’m about to suggest, Shizun… but how about you lie down my lap? It isn’t nearly as comfortable as your bed, of course, but it is nevertheless more pleasant than the hard floor. I will also be able to make sure that no bugs or dirt will be able to get onto Shizun!”
While Luo Binghe said those words with quite the confidence and sincerity, all that could be gathered from Shen Qingqiu’s face was shock.
Luo Binghe, are you doing this out of concern for me or is it for your own pleasure?! This is way too embarrassing, even if it’s just the two of us.
“Shush now, there’s no need for that! When did I even mention being tired? You really shouldn’t underestimate your master too much…”
“I’m not underestimating Shizun, but all humans require enough sleep to ensure good health! Shizun will be strong even with a weakened state, however, I want to avoid any sort of discomfort.”
You say you’re not underestimating me but are telling me that one night of sleeplessness is going to inconvenience me to the point of discomfort so openly. Something is not adding up!
Shen Qingqiu took in a deep breath and sighed.
It is useless to argue with Binghe when he has set his mind on something.
“Fine. I will lie down but you shall promise me to never talk about this again. Ever.”
“I promise, Shizun!”
Binghe’s eyes looked like they were glowing from content as he was sitting down on the cold floor, seemingly trying to find a comfortable position. Once he was all set, he reached out to Shen Qingqiu’s hand.
“Is this okay?“
Shen Qingqiu looked down at his former disciple and couldn’t help the subtle blush appearing on his pale cheeks.
Who would’ve thought a demon as strong as him could look so… cute.
Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat after collecting his thoughts again.
“Yes, this is fine. Please, do tell me if I cause you any discomfort from lying down.”
After saying this, Shen Qingqiu crouched down and positioned his head onto Binghe’s thigh, along with one of his hands while the other one was crossed over his own stomach.
…
This is just as strange as I imagined it would be. Though I cannot complain, it is rather relaxing. From all this muscle on his body, I would’ve expected his thighs to be hard as rock!
A few minutes had passed, rain still falling down rapidly onto the roof of the shed, when Shen Qingqiu felt a hand gently grab a strand of his long hair. Binghe was brushing through it with his fingers over and over again. This action suddenly swept aside any kind of resistance Shen Qingqiu had for staying awake and his eyelids slowly closed as he dozed off into sleep.
When Shen Qingqiu woke up, it was quiet outside and the sun was shining right onto his face. He turned slightly to see Luo Binghe’s face above him, eyes closed.
I wonder when he actually managed to fall asleep… Knowing him, he was probably awake for most of the night to ‘keep guard’. Is he even comfortable? How can someone fall asleep like this?
Shortly after, Shen Qingqiu lifted himself up from Luo Binghe’s body and sat up next to him. It didn’t take long for Luo Binghe to notice the sudden lack of warmth and awaken as well.
“You’re awake, Shizun! Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you… but doesn’t your back hurt from sitting up all night?”
“Am I worrying Shizun? There’s no need, this disciple is okay.”
Luo Binghe had a bright smile on his face ever since opening his eyes. He will surely cherish this night for a long time.
“Hah… now that we took a rest, let’s continue where we left off. The mission has still not been dealt with and we’ve lost plenty of time already due to the unpleasant timing from Mother Nature.”
Without much being said afterwards, both of them got up and made their way out through the door that they got in yesterday.
The shed was empty again.