Work Text:
✧
It was an exhausting day for everyone as per usual. Everyday was the same routine, it was tedious, everyone was preparing for The Royal Crown Prince's Birthday for tomorrow. His and Her Majesties had always prepared birthday bashes and extravagant celebrations for their son, thus, everyone always had to work especially hard with preparations.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing were no exception, they had spent all week brainstorming for a special gift they could give to their bestest friend. It was difficult to give a gift to The Crown Prince- ! He practically had everything he could ask for and more. Rooms full of weaponry, the most luxurious robes and armory, racks of silver and gold- Everything.
Feng Xin had suggested that they'd just reveal their relationship to his highness as a gift, to which his reasoning was; that his highness always wanted them to get along, wouldn't he be extremely ecstatic to hear that they were together?
Mu Qing only rolled his eyes at that and told Feng Xin that it was inappropriate information to tell on someone else's special day and that they should be focusing on Xie Lian, not them. So instead, they planned to sneak out later that night and would go look for possible gifts for Xie Lian.
Mu Qing had heard about this rare garden somewhere, it was said to grow crystalline chrysanthemums- Beautiful. He suggested it and Feng Xin just agreed, knowing it was a heartfelt enough gift to give.
The plan was simple; Sneak out, go to this absolutely breathtaking garden, then pluck enough flowers to make a bouquet, and return back to the pavilion unnoticed. Simple.
✧
As the day ended and everyone had returned to their chambers to get rest, Feng Xin and Mu Qing snuck out.
Mu Qing was in his room, making his bed while waiting for Feng Xin. Suddenly, he heard something hit his window. It was weird since his chamber was on the second floor, he thought. So he approached the window and checked to see what it was. Another sound, but this time Mu Qing saw what made the noise-, a pebble. Someone had thrown a pebble on his window.
He thought it was probably Zhu An or another one of the servants who loved to mock him, so when he finally reached the window, ready to face the culprit, it was actually his b-b-boyfriend, Feng Xin.
Feng Xin saw Mu Qing and flashed a wide, toothy grin. Mu Qing rolled his eyes, although he found it actually kind of endearing. He opened the window, why was Feng Xin throwing rocks at his window? They had agreed that Feng Xin would pick Mu Qing up.
"Why the hell are you throwing rocks at my window when you would've just knocked on my door?" Mu Qing asked, exasperated.
"That stupid fucker, Zhu An got suspicious and asked me why I kept visiting the servant's quarters almost every night. He's probably spying on me, keeping watch of the halls." He explained.
Feng Xin made sure to visit Mu Qing as much as possible, so he'd sneak into his chambers every time he got the chance to. One of the servants, Zhu An, had caught Feng Xin and started spreading rumors that Feng Xin was dating one of the female servants. Feng Xin denied, but ever since then, Zhu An and the others would keep watch of the quarters and who would come in and out.
Mu Qing nodded, "So they started moderating who was leaving and entering? That's stupid, that's none of their business, so why should they care?" How was Mu Qing going to sneak out now that they'd spy on the hallways? Mu Qing was going to report this to His Highness for sure.
Mu Qing couldn't leave since they'd all think that Feng Xin had stopped coming because he had noticed the servants watching him, and if Mu Qing was the one who was leaving and sneaking out, they would figure out about their relationship.
Feng Xin stood there under Mu Qing's window with his arms out, almost like he was expecting to catch something. Mu Qing raised a brow, "What are you doing with your arms out like that? You look stupid." He had an inkling of what Feng Xin's idea was, and he did not like it.
Feng Xin tilted his head and extended his arms further "Isn't it obvious? Jump, I'll catch you."
Mu Qing was right about what Feng Xin's idea was and he winced, it was a stupid idea. He didn't want to be caught by Feng Xin Damsel-in-distress-style, it was disgusting. "Are you ill in the head? I'm not going to potentially kill myself nor be caught by you like some helpless maiden."
"For fuck's sake Mu Qing! You could practically be a damsel considering how much of a drama queen you are! Just jump, it's not that hard!" Feng Xin yelled
"It's not everyday someone just randomly jumps off their window! Maybe you just find it easy because you do it often and hit your head on the ground, probably explains why you're stupid." Mu Qing scoffs
Feng Xin facepalmed "Fucking- Mu Qing, you're wasting time! Do you want to give a gift to his highness or not?!" It was driving him insane how unreasonable Mu Qing was! It wasn't like Feng Xin would treat him like a maiden, no. He respected Mu Qing for being a man just like him. He was fully aware that Mu Qing was strong and capable just like him! It was just this once he'd catch Mu Qing, and it was for a good reason!
Mu Qing was glowering at Feng Xin, he wouldn't budge. It was frustrating. "And what if you fail to catch me and I end up dying?!" Mu Qing doubted that Feng Xin would catch him. His life was something he valued dearly even if it was bad. He wouldn't trade it unless the situation was so dire that it was necessary for him to die. And he hated the thought of him being carried by Feng Xin, even if it was just for a split second.
In the end, he finally agreed. He could only hope and pray Feng Xin would catch him- (Even though Feng Xin was literally trained to save and to protect, it was no doubt that he'd catch Mu Qing.)
And so, he took a deep breath and carefully stepped back, "You better catch me, Feng Xin or else I'm coming back as a malicious, devastation-ranked ghost to haunt you!" He yelled as he ran and leapt off out the window.
Feng Xin saw the falling Mu Qing under the moonlight and gods, he was beautiful. It was as if time was stuck in slow motion just so he could savor the beautiful image of Mu Qing falling toward him. His inky hair flowing with the wind, he's never seen the other look so free.
Mu Qing fell in Feng Xin's arms in a bridal-carry position, Feng Xin jokingly flexed his muscles "Hey princess, I guess you could say 'You fell for me'?" He waggled his brows and smirked. Mu Qing scrunched his nose up in disgust and hit Feng Xin's chest "Disgusting. Put me down already, you heathen."
Feng Xin chuckled and changed the carrying position so he was hoisting the other man up by his waist and spun him around before setting him down.
“So, where to?” Feng Xin asked as he slung an arm around Mu Qing’s waist. Mu Qing made a small squeak and flinched a bit at the gesture. He was still getting used to Feng Xin’s touches, as they only established their relationship about a week ago.
“From what I recall, the garden should be in the forest on Mount Dafan- near the Heavenly Maiden’s temple.” Mu Qing replied, somehow the mention of the Heavenly Maiden made Feng Xin shudder.
“Don’t know why but that statue freaks me out. I don't know if it’s because of the folktales or the fact that the statue itself of the lady looks terrifying to me. Who the fuck has 6 arms comin’ out from random parts of your body?!”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes and let out an amused scoff “Out of everything in this world, you choose to be terrified of a statue of a goddess. How manly of you, Feng Xin.”
Feng Xin furrowed his brows and scoffed “Whatever, let’s just go.”
A hand still rested on Mu Qing’s waist, they both made their way to the forest where the crystal garden was located. Around half a shichen later, they finally reached Mount Dafan.
“We’re here.” Mu Qing deadpanned, Feng Xin only whistled in acknowledgement “Do you know your way ‘round this forest?” He asked
Mu Qing shook his head no “No, but this mountain is famous for many cultivation clans’ night hunts, so expect many spiritual arrays, nets, and landmarks. I’m sure we won’t be stranded in it. And if we do, the chances of encountering a fellow cultivator is high.”
Feng Xin nodded “Well, alright. Let’s go then?”
✧
“Holy shit, Mu Qing!! We’re fucking lost and this is all your fault!!” Feng Xin exclaimed, “There could be high-ranking ghosts in here!!” He was evidently worried for both of their lives, but mostly for Mu Qing’s. He also thought about; If he died right now, both His Highness and Mu Qing would have nobody to protect them, and that Feng Xin had failed his promise to die protecting His Highness.
Mu Qing was silently panicking, he was trying to stay calm, “I’m sure there’ll be landmarks visible in the morning, plus, we can fight off the ghosts if they do have intentions to harm us. You have your longbow, right?” He looked at Feng Xin’s longbow which was always slung behind his back.
Feng Xin was still worried and had a big frown plastered on his face. “And what if it’s a devastation?! What are we going to do?! Mu Qing, what the fuck happens if you die?! Don’t you value your life? Once His Highness finds out that we’re not there during his special day, he’d be upset.”
Mu Qing noticed that Feng Xin was not worried about himself, but rather him and His Highness. His expression softened and tried to reassure the latter, “Hey, it’s okay. I promise, plus, The Heavenly Maiden’s temple should be around here somewhere, we could stay in it for the night, and maybe by tomorrow morning when a worshiper enters the temple, we can ask help from them to get out. This isn’t the worst situation.”
Thankfully, that calmed Feng Xin down by a bit. Mu Qing’s lips curled into a smile, a rare, barely-visible, genuine smile. “Let’s go to the temple and rest there for the night.”
Feng Xin nodded and put his arm around Mu Qing’s shoulder in a protective manner. “Right, let’s go. Wouldn’t want anything to hurt you.”
The Heavenly Maiden’s temple was, least to say, gorgeous. The roof was glass, and the walls of the temple were filled with beautiful lanterns and intricate paintings. The statue of the maiden itself was meticulously carved and was stunning, (Feng Xin however, would disagree with that one.)
They put incense and offerings on the altar and asked for permission and protection for the night.
The floor was a bit dusty. It was cold, rock-hard jade. Mu Qing didn’t mind as resting on uncomfortable places wasn’t new to him, so he sat down on the floor, ready to rest.
Feng Xin, on the other hand, furrowed his brows and scrunched his nose “You’re sleeping like that?” He asked, to which Mu Qing rolled his eyes and nodded “How else are we supposed to sleep? The floor will do, it’s not as bad as others have, some sleep directly on rocks and mud.”
Feng Xin shook his head in disbelief and started stripping off his outer robes to lay them down on the hard floor as a makeshift mat. His robes were luxurious and expensive, Mu Qing’s eyes widened and started scolding the other “Are you stupid? You’re dirtying your robes for nothing.”
Feng Xin chuckled, “It’s not for nothing, it’s to make sure the love of my life could have at least a bit of comfort . Here, lay down on it.”
Mu Qing felt blood rush to his cheeks as he sighed, as if trying to sound disappointed or annoyed “You’re unbelievable.” He patted the spot next to him. He had never slept with Feng Xin before (Literally), so maybe today would be a first for them.
Feng Xin sat down next to Mu Qing and put an arm on his waist. Despite them being together, they actually haven’t done anything extremely intimate, only limiting to touches and affirmation. They haven’t shared their first kiss, haven’t slept in the same bed together, haven’t borrowed clothes from each other, none.
Feng Xin understood Mu Qing wanted to take things slow, and so, he made sure not to rush. The only remote couple-ly thing they’ve done was just to hold each other and talk privately every night inside Mu Qing’s chambers.
Feng Xin hummed, subconsciously carding his hair through Mu Qing’s hair. Mu Qing leaned on Feng Xin. They were stargazing through the glass roof of the temple. “Stop humming, you’re so off-tune.” Mu Qing deadpanned.
Feng Xin scoffed “Are you tone-deaf? No it isn’t.”
Mu Qing poked Feng Xin “You’re the one who’s tone-deaf here, actually. Stop that.” He starts humming the same song as Feng Xin but this time on-tune. Feng Xin goes silent, listening to Mu Qing humming.
“It’s the same tune,” Feng Xin defended himself “I don’t know what’s wrong with your ears but it’s the same thing I hummed earlier!”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “No, it’s not. How dare you say I hummed the song in the same way you hummed earlier!” He scoffed and flicked Feng Xin’s forehead
Feng Xin started chuckling and hugged Mu Qing tight, almost squeezing the leaner man, teasing him. Mu Qing squirmed out of Feng Xin’s grasp “Idiot- I can’t breathe, are you trying to kill me?!”
Feng Xin smirked and started singing purposely off-tune songs. Mu Qing winced and tried to cover his ears, but Feng Xin’s hold was strong “Shut up, shut up, shut up shut up, gods-dammit!!”
He loosened his grip, “Sorry, ‘Qing.” he apologized in between fits of laughter. Mu Qing scowled. “I hate you, why do I even put up with you?”
Soft laughter and banter filled the air. Nothing else mattered in the world, just them together. As the night grew deeper, the sky was painted with showers of meteorites and stars. They both were in awe, stargazing
Mu Qing suddenly wondered, “Do you ever just wonder how many stars there are?” He turned to Feng Xin, whose expression was in a rare state of fondness and tranquil, the crease in between his brows were for once nowhere to be seen.
Feng Xin shrugged, “Maybe when I was younger I’ve thought about it, but I guess not really.” He turned to Mu Qing “Why do you ask? Would you like to know?”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes at how ridiculous Feng Xin was, “Idiot, I knew you were stupid, but not that stupid, although I should’ve known.” He stares back up at the sky and leans his head on Feng Xin’s shoulder “There are probably trillions or even more in the universe.”
Feng Xin hummed, “If you knew how many stars were there exactly , how would you react?” he asked, to which Mu Qing looked like he was in deep thought about. “If I’ll be honest.. I’d be ecstatic, I’ve always wanted to know about what lies in the sky, other than well-, The Heavenly Realm.”
“I’d count every single star just to see you smile.” Feng Xin whispered under his breath. He sounded fond and earnest, yet a bit humorous at the same time.
“Would you now?” He challenged, and Feng Xin looked up to the sky and started counting.
Mu Qing felt his blood rush to his face. He knew the idea was silly and Feng Xin was just, well; being Feng Xin , but there was something so beautiful about that statement that made his stomach do flips and somersaults.
The thought of someone loving him so much and valuing his happiness that he’d do the most tedious and silly things just to see him smile was beautiful.
He rolled his eyes and said dryly “Wow, saving the world one star at a time.”
Feng Xin nodded and said proudly “Exactly, I’m saving the world by making him happy because you’re my world.”
Mu Qing was convinced there was smoke coming out of his ears by now. That was so stupid and cheesy, why was he getting butterflies?! “Get your cliche, cheesy ass out of here, idiot.”
Feng Xin laughed and pulled Mu Qing, he then began to continue counting every meteor that fell from the sky.
He snuggled closer to Feng Xin and whispered, “A’Xin, kiss me.” Feng Xin’s eyes widened as he froze. Mu Qing was ready to kiss? Feng Xin turned to look at Mu Qing “A’Qing, are you sure?”
Mu Qing nodded “Yes, I want you to kiss me, damn it.” He huffed jokingly as he flashed a grin. A smile was a rare thing to receive from Mu Qing, the smallest, barely visible smile was already such a prized thing to earn. But this, this was a grin. Feng Xin felt his heart flutter at that.
He smiled back at Mu Qing and cupped his cheek, his gaze slowly trailing down to the others lips “May I?” he asked, and Mu Qing nodded.
As Feng Xin leaned in, Mu Qing closed his eyes, excitement and nervousness running through his body as he anticipated the feeling of the other's lips on his.
He felt a soft, gentle graze on his lips, and his mind went wild. His heart was leaping, it felt like it was going to burst at any moment. He clutched Feng Xin’s robes tightly, as if he was his life line. He wanted to savor every second of this moment.
Feng Xin tangled his fingers through Mu Qing’s hair, his other hand on the latter’s waist. He wanted to make sure the kiss was both passionate and tender; loving and soft. And he executed it just perfectly.
Under the stars, bathed in moonlight, they had shared their first kiss.
Mu Qing melted under the kiss, he wanted to both cry and jump with joy at the same time. He let out a soft hum, it was like his wildest dreams were coming to life.
Once they separated for air, they both fluttered their eyes open, cold obsidian meeting warm sunlight. Both their expressions were plastered with pure bliss, as they basked in the love and contentment in silence.
Feng Xin leaned both their foreheads on each other’s as he moved his hand on Mu Qing’s cheek, down to his chin. His thumb softly grazing the other’s lower lip.
Mu Qing was still a bit dazed, he was still out of breath. He couldn’t help but smile when he felt a thumb brushing over his lower lip. He shut his eyes, trying to savor every moment of this. The intimacy, the vulnerability, Feng Xin, Love. Everything.
“Feng Xin...” Mu Qing whispered, his voice filled with fondness, love and vulnerability. And Feng Xin only replied with as equal amount of love “Mu Qing...”
“I don’t want to ever lose you.” Mu Qing was close to crying, a stray teardrop rolling down his cheek and Feng Xin wiped it away. “You won’t lose me, and I would do everything I could to never lose you.”
✧
They ended up falling asleep in each other’s arms that night. Despite the cold, hard floor, they still found comfort through it.
Feng Xin would subconsciously pepper Mu Qing kisses throughout the night and Mu Qing would reply by mumbling sleepily.
peck. ”...Xin?” Peck again “Mn, idiot...”
”I love you, A’Qing.”
“. . .”
”L... Love y... you too, Feng Xin.”
✧
As the early rays of sunlight showered the temple, Mu Qing slowly stirred awake.
He was still hugging the other man, his arm on his shoulder, and the latter’s arm lazily slung around on his waist. Feng Xin was softly snoring, Mu Qing chuckled a bit. He found it both endearing and hilarious. Feng Xin was also drooling on Mu Qing's arm a bit, it was disgusting.
“Feng Xin, you disgusting brute. You’re drooling all over me!” He shook Feng Xin awake
“Hm..? A’Qing..?” Feng Xin yawned, stretching as he slowly fluttered open his eyelids
“You’re drooling, it’s disgusting.” Mu Qing gets up, sitting down and stretching. “It’s His Highness’s birthday today and we’ve yet to find him a gift! Wake up, you stupid-“
Suddenly, a familiar voice chirps up “Feng Xin, Mu Qing.” It was Xie Lian. And He had caught Feng Xin and Mu Qing cuddling at a temple in the middle of the forest.
Feng Xin flinched, jolting awake “Ha.. Y-Your Highness! H-Happy birthday?” He flashed a nervous grin, scratching the back of his neck “Um... Y-You found us.”
Mu Qing was flushed, there was steam coming out of his ears “H-Happy birthday, Your Highness...”
Xie Lian was grinning widely “Thank you, you two!! I was looking for you all morning- actually all dawn-, I got a bit excited.” He then examined the two, who were cuddling before, but now distancing themselves as far from each other as they can.
”Congratulations you two! This is the best birthday gift ever!” He exclaimed, running toward the two to pull them into a group hug.
Feng Xin was squashed in the middle, he laughed and wrapped an arm around Mu Qing’s waist, and an arm on Xie Lian’s shoulder
“We were supposed to give you a proper, physical gift, Your Highness, but we got lost in the forest last night.” Mu Qing explained, a bit embarrassed but also relieved that Xie Lian didn't mind that they were together and approved of their relationship, even going as far to say that it was the best ‘gift’ he has ever received.
Feng Xin nodded “Yeah, this asshole said we wouldn’t get lost. But, we did!” He playfully pinched Mu Qing on the waist, and Mu Qing retaliated with a flick on the forehead.
Xie Lian giggled “Ah, some things just don’t change. And don’t be so coy, really. I really appreciate this. I’ve always wanted you two to get along, and now that you two are getting along- and even courting, Is the best thing ever!”
Once they left the temple and back to Mount Taicang, the trio fell into a moment of laughter, joy and happiness.