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The Mid-Autumn Festival was a time of annual celebration, families reuniting, courtship, and all sorts of crafts. It wasn't an understatement to say that it was one of the most thrilling times of the year.
That is, if you could attend in the first place.
The festivities were loud and bright, livening up the night sky, yet all of it went unheard and ignored by Wangshu Manor. It wasn't that the attendants, residents, and slaves were against the Mid-Autumn Festival, it was simply that their master, Murong Lian, found it unnecessary and irritating. Therefore, the people under him had to follow suit, not that slaves were typically allowed to go to the festival regardless.
The slaves were given small rooms, if you could call it that, with nothing more than a chair and a bed. Gu Mang never complained though, it wasn't as if he hadn't faced worse.
Hearing the noisy crickets chirping from outside the window, Gu Mang tossed and turned in his run-down, unkempt bed. Ever since returning to Wangshu Manor, he'd had frequent insomnia, and unfortunately never got much sleep. Most nights he spent staring aimlessly out the window of his room into the surrounding forest, as if expecting, hoping, for something… or someone. He buried his face further into his mattress and sighed, wanting to cover his head with the raggedy blanket.
Tap.
Gu Mang's eyes fluttered open at the sound, which came from his window. His room wasn't on the ground level of the Manor, so what could have so coincidentally made that sound? Did an insect fly against it?
Tap.
Upon hearing the noise again, Gu Mang was intrigued. He leisurely pulled the rag off of himself before climbing to his feet with a slight wobble. He trudged over to his window with fatigued eyes, and reached to open it and investigate.
Shidi?!
Sure enough, standing in the grass under his window with a calm expression, was Mo Xi, who had no doubt climbed over the wall to get there. Gu Mang nearly choked on air at the sight, before he opened his mouth to whisper-shout at his shidi.
“Mo Xi?? I was joking about climbing over the wall! What the fuck are you doing here?!” He rasped from above him, trying to sound as quiet as possible. Mo Xi looked up at him with a soft expression, seemingly contemplating something, whatever it was, it gave a slight flush to his pale cheeks.
“I was hoping shixiong would indulge me.” He replied slowly, fidgeting with his glove as he spoke.
“Hm? What are you talking about? And why are you here so late at night?” Gu Mang inquired as he bombarded him with questions. Mo Xi didn't seem to mind though, as if he were much more focused on something else.
“...The festival.” He mumbled, way too quietly for Gu Mang to hear.
“Hm?”
“It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
“Yeah, it is. What about it?” At this, Mo Xi seemed to tense, his face flushing a few shades darker as he gripped the side of his coat with his thumb and forefinger. He looked back up at Gu Mang, who's currently loose hair was swaying soundly in the wind as he peeked out the window to speak with him. Mo Xi gathered the courage and dignity he had into his voice as he finally popped the question.
“Will you…would you like to come with me? To the festival I mean.” He asked in a small voice, clearly still at a loss for how to convey his emotions and intentions to people. Gu Mang’s eyes widened, before he shifted back into his breezy demeanor. With a slightly sorrowful smile, he replied softly.
“Princess, you know I can't do that. I'm a slave, remember? And this is my cage.”
Mo Xi winced slightly at the fast rejection, but he seemed to have been in a rather unyielding mood that night, as he quickly responded back with a reassurance.
“No one will know, I'll bring you back before sunrise.” Mo Xi said as he placed a hand over his heart as if in a promise. Gu Mang felt an unbearable ache in his heart, his Mo Xi had come all this way, even broken rules for him, and Gu Mang could do nothing but oppose.
“I-...I'm sorry, Shaozhu will-”
“Murong Lian sleeps in, he won't call for you before dawn.” Mo Xi cut in before Gu Mang could finish, already predicting what he would say. Gu Mang was starting to feel more and more as his heart quickened its beating, he swiftly tried to school it down with his usual nonchalance the best he could.
“Oh? So does my shidi mean to steal me away for the night? Quite the scandal for the illustrious heir of the Mo Clan.”
“If that's what you want to call it, then yes.”
“...”
Gu Mang had intended to tease and embarrass Mo Xi into an adorably flushed rage so that he would give up and leave. How was he supposed to know that he would be the one to have blood rushing to his cheeks? He humphed to himself before retorting.
“Shameless! Doesn't our dear Mo-Gongzi understand that this is completely forbidden?” Gu Mang questioned, resting his head in his hand as he leaned against the windowsill.
“Are you coming with me or not?” Mo Xi countered, clearly trying not to think about the rules he was breaking despite being the goody-two-shoes of the nation. Gu Mang blinked at him, he stared for a long time with no response, before looking around and furrowing his brows in defeat. In hindsight, Gu Mang knew he should've refused. But they were so young, their love trying to flourish even under the smallest amount of water. He couldn't help but feel an intense thrill over sneaking off in the dead of night with his lover.
“...If I get in trouble, it's your fault.”
“I won't let him lay a hand on you.” Mo Xi replied, completely serious. Gu Mang tried his best to ignore that comment, before looking around at the ground below, and then behind him at the closed door of his room. He definitely wouldn't be able to sneak out through the door.
“Uhm…How do you plan for me to, y'know, leave?” Gu Mang muttered helplessly as he surveyed his surroundings. He watched as Mo Xi thought for a moment, then slowly lifted his arms out wide in front of himself.
“Jump.”
Gu Mang didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that.
“Are you crazy?! I'm all the way up here! I might as well just break my own leg to spare myself the surprise!” He complained, looking down at Mo Xi with a frown.
“I'll catch you.” Mo Xi replied as if it was common knowledge.
“But-!”
“Do you trust me?”
Gu Mang felt a jolt at those words, and he lowered his head a little from the embarrassment of his mind. Is there anyone I trust more than you? He didn't think so. Without responding, he grumbled something under his breath before climbing onto the ledge of the window. Mo Xi, watching intently, saw his actions and steeled himself for the impact. When Gu Mang gained the courage to jump from the ledge, he only felt himself fall for a split second before arms came around him. Mo Xi had leapt up with qinggong and scooped him out of the air, landing back on his feet seamlessly.
Gu Mang felt weightless in the arms of his beloved, and couldn't school the loving gaze he gave Mo Xi, before shaking his head vigorously and hopping out of his hold.
“Hmph, not bad, shidi. Where do we go from here?” Gu Mang asked, looking around at his surroundings. Mo Xi seemed a bit confused at this, quirking an eyebrow.
“You…don't know where the festival is held?”
“I've never been, how would I know?” At this, Mo Xi raised both brows, before returning to his usual calm expression. Not before Gu Mang noticed, however. He huffed out a chuckle, looking at Mo Xi with a stupid grin.
“Shidi, you didn't think I'd been to one, did you? Of course I haven't, slaves aren't allowed at the festivals, dummy.” He laughed, reaching up to flick Mo Xi on the forehead. Mo Xi’s expression hardened into a scowl, before he flicked his sleeves and turned away.
“Then I suppose I'll be your guide for your first time.” He murmured out, crossing his arms. Gu Mang couldn't help but giggle a little bit as he had to hold himself back from teasing about the slightly suggestive wording. While Gu Mang was thinking about this however, his arms came to hug himself in a shiver as a cold wind passed through the air. Of course, he was only wearing a thin inner robe since he was just in bed. By this time of year, it wasn't cold enough for snow, but it definitely wasn't ‘warm’ either.
Mo Xi noticed this as well, he looked up and down at Gu Mang’s lacking attire, then down at his own clothing. Mo Xi looked away as if embarrassed, before reaching up and unhooking his outermost coat and wrapping it around the shivering man in front of him. Gu Mang's lashes opened from where they were shut tightly, as the lower half of his face felt a thick yet soft fur against it. He looked down at the cloak he'd been covered in, before reaching and holding it closed with his hands.
“Well aren't you a gentleman.” Gu Mang laughed.
“Keep the hood up. No one will look so closely as to recognize you.” Mo Xi replied, ignoring Gu Mang's comment. Gu Mang wasted no more time as he reached out and lifted the hood over his head. So warm. The coat shielded him completely from the chill of night, and he couldn't stop himself from sinking his face into the soft wolf’s fur lining. The coat itself was from a material that could retain either heat or cold, yet it was warm with Mo Xi’s body heat, which made it all the more cozy. The tips of Gu Mang's ears turned to a slight crimson as he noticed that the cloak was also rich in his princess’s scent. With every inhale he could catch the faint hints of honey and jasmine that had seeped into the fabric.
Gu Mang is cut out of his thoughts when he sees a hand extended to him, Mo Xi gazed at him with a softness that made his heart melt. Gu Mang stared back for a moment before giving a slight smile as he placed his hand in Mo Xi’s.
“Lead the way, Princess.”
And so, two young lovers snuck out into the night, deciding that just for one night, they'd leave their responsibilities behind.
…
The festival was loud and crowded, but it gave off a kind and welcoming air. Gu Mang watched as children chased after each other down the streets, laughing and playing without worry for anything else. Merchants and customers chatted merrily with one another, and it seemed there wasn't a single person without a smile donning their face. Mo Xi and Gu Mang walked side by side, using their long robes to cover their clasped hands.
Gu Mang looked around himself with intrigue and concealed excitement. Despite never complaining, as a child, he was always saddened at hearing the sparks of fireworks in the distance, yet never being able to see them for himself. Now however, he could take in his surroundings as something he was allowed to experience, even if only for tonight. Gu Mang's eyes were drawn to a section of stalls to the side of the street with the most attraction from the public. When he looked to see what was being sold, the handwritten sign hanging overhead read ‘Mooncakes on Sale!’
Mo Xi noticed the stall as well and turned to Gu Mang with a face of interest.
“Do you like Mooncakes?” He questioned, motioning to the stall with a hand gesture.
“I've…never had one.” Gu Mang replied in a small voice, covering it up with a slight chuckle. Mo Xi stared at him for a moment, before making up his mind and walking over to the stall with calm strides.
“Hey! Don't leave me alone in the middle of the street!” Gu Mang reprimanded in an aggressive whisper, so quiet it went entirely unheard by his little shidi.
The crowd for the Mooncakes would've taken a normal person at least 10 minutes to wait through, however, Mo Xi wasn't an average citizen. The second he stepped up to the crowd, people made a clear path for him out of respect. Upon seeing a sudden clearing made in his line, the merchant looked up from his workings to fumble at the sight of the heir of the Mo Clan standing so casually in front of him.
“Oh-! Mo-Gongzi! You scared the shit out of me! What brings the young master to this humble stall of mine?” At the time, Mo Xi hadn't yet been bestowed the title of Xihe-Jun, so everyone who greeted him simply referred to him as Young Master Mo.
“Just one, please.” He requested in a low voice. The people around him looked at each other with slight bewilderment, since when did Mo Xi eat common street food? The Merchant blinked at him for a moment, before scrambling to fulfill the task, wrapping a plump little Mooncake in a paper napkin and handing it to him.
“Free of Charge for the Young Master, happy Mid-Autumn Festival!” He stammered.
“No need. I can pay.” Mo Xi replied in a firm tone, before taking out his qiankun pouch to pay the merchant a few cowries. With a flick of his sleeves, he turned away and let the crowd fill back in to resume their extended wait. Mo Xi came to find Gu Mang standing exactly where he'd left him, looking dead at him with a clearly abashed frown.
“You don't need to buy things for me, y'know. Being here at all is enough.” He scolded, feeling like he was being spoiled. Mo Xi paid it no mind, only handing over the Mooncake with his gloved hand.
“Money isn't an issue.” He replied without much thought. Gu Mang let out a sigh before looking at the pastry that had been gifted to him. He took it into his hands to examine the outside. The Mooncake bore an appetizing golden brown exterior complete with the Chinese character for ‘harmony’ imprinted on the top. It gave off a faint steam, having been freshly made, and its aroma was calming to the body. Gu Mang eyed it in his hand and blew on it.
“...Are you going to eat it?”
“I'm getting there!”
Not wanting to be stared at any longer, Gu Mang took a large bite of the pastry. The flavor of salty sweet erupted in his mouth as the exterior of savory egg mixed with the taste of the mildly sweet lotus seed paste filling. The exterior was soft and a little crispy, whilst the interior was dense with flavor and made for a nice chewy crunch. Gu Mang was pleasantly surprised by the unassuming little baked goods. It wasn't mind-blowing or anything, yet after living mostly off of leftovers and military rations, aside from his own cooking, it was a nice treat. Gu Mang chewed in silence, trying to ignore the slight flush on his cheeks as he knew he was being observed for a reaction.
“It's good.” He finally got out, after swallowing down his bite of food. Mo Xi seemed to relax at this, and turned to survey the rest of the festival with his narrowed eyes. He then turned back to the smaller man and spoke in a quiet voice.
“Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?”
Gu Mang thought for a moment, before his face lit up with a slight excitement.
“Oh, oh! I know! Where's the wine they always have at the festival?” He asked with a smile, looking up at Mo Xi for guidance.
“Cassia wine?”
“Mhm!”
Mo Xi made a slight humming sound as he thought about it for a moment, then led Gu Mang over to a stall farther down the street. Gu Mang, his mood a little lightened, walked right up to the stall beside Mo Xi and stuck two fingers out with a smile.
“Could we get two cups, jiejie?” He spoke in a cheery tone to the lady behind the counter, who smiled in response.
“Sure thing! We're selling it off extra cheap for the festival!” She explained, before pouring two moderately sized cups of the fragrant wine. Gu Mang was about to check his pocket, but he didn't need to speak before Mo Xi handed the lady a couple cowries as payment. She bowed in thanks and wished them a happy festival before turning to the next set of customers that had come for a beverage.
“The people here are much more courteous than I had assumed.” Gu Mang commented as he walked alongside Mo Xi down the street, taking in all of the bright lanterns hanging from the eaves of buildings and stalls.
“Mn, it's a time of national celebration, everybody is usually fairly welcoming.” Mo Xi replied, keeping an eye to make sure his shixiong stayed inconspicuous.
Gu Mang looked down at the cup in his hand, the wine was a deep amber color and smelled of freshly picked fruit. He smiled and turned to Mo Xi, before clanking his cup against his.
“Cheers!”
“...Cheers.”
Gu Mang threw his head back and downed the wine in a gulp, it was rich with the flavor of apricots and peaches, tasting of sweet osmanthus flowers without being too dense in the alcohol taste. It ran smoothly down his throat and warmed his body from the inside, causing him to relax a little more. Gu Mang let out a hearty exhale after finishing his cup, a grin on his face at finally trying the wine he'd heard so much about.
“God that's good! Hits the spot perfectly!” He exclaimed merrily. Mo Xi's throat rolled as he finished the last sip of his as well, before humming in silent agreement. Gu Mang loved pretty much all alcohol, but he was much more taken to the sweeter variety, as he had a hatred of all things bitter, especially medicine.
“Did you want more?”
“Nah, too much more and I'd get drunk, which would be hard to explain to Shaozhu.”
Mo Xi's eyes darkened at the mention of Murong Lian, his hatred for that man truly knew no bounds. The thought of that asshole owning Gu Mang filled him with an unbearable rage. Mo Xi impulsively grabbed Gu Mang's hand to lead him down the street and further into the festival, further away from him.
Gu Mang laughed at the sudden treatment and took the time to observe what every station was selling, all kinds of things were being sold either at a cut price or at a raised one. His eyes passed by stalls selling things such as Joss paper, tanghulu, bracelets, and other trinkets. Some sold animal shaped lanterns to the cheery little kids that would pass by, who would then turn to their parents with their best puppy dog eyes in hopes of getting one. Gu Mang gave a soft smile at the sight, thinking it cute to be so carefree.
His eyes then landed on a certain stall and stopped. It was a humble little station selling what looked to be hand-crafted hairpins. All of which were made from carved wood and bore engraved patterns and decorations. He was about to look back at Mo Xi, but it seemed as though he had stared at the stall for too long, long enough to where his shidi had noticed. With a glance to where Gu Mang's gaze had been locked, Mo Xi came to an abrupt halt from where he had previously been yanking Gu Mang through the festival, causing him to bump into Mo Xi’s back.
“Mo Xi-! What are you doing?” He called out to him before watching with a sudden sense of embarrassment as Mo Xi sauntered over to the stall to observe the pins more closely.
“Hey!! Don't go buying everything, it's embarrassing!”
The merchant behind the counter quickly livened up at the sight of him, and started to greet him.
“Mo-Gongzi! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Do any of these humble one’s hair pins strike your fancy?” The merchant spoke in a welcoming tone. Mo Xi threw out a calm greeting in response before looking down at the selection, he turned to Gu Mang for guidance after a moment, who humphed and crossed his arms, trying to save himself some face and not seem like some kind of maiden being spoiled on her honeymoon. Mo Xi didn't seem to mind however, and after a couple minutes of observation, he pointed to one of the pins, qiankun pouch in hand.
“This one, please.” He requested.
“Of course, what a lovely choice! I'll get that out for you right away.” The merchant replied, already fetching something to wrap the pin in as Mo Xi fished in his pouch for payment. As Gu Mang gazed on, he felt as if steam was rising from his ears, and he hid his flushed face in the fur of Mo Xi’s coat. The two of them walked away from the stall and came to stand out of the main walkway of the festival and behind one of the buildings. Mo Xi then took out the pin from its wrapping and looked at Gu Mang for a minute before handing it over with his gaze in a different direction. Gu Mang hesitated before taking it into his hands to observe it.
The hairpin was a deep rosewood and was engraved with patterns of winding vines layered on top of small animals etched into the wood, leading up to the top of the pin which was carved into a striking dragon. A small charm hung off of it, it was made of jade and had been chipped into the shape of a turtle. It clearly had been far from the cheapest option. Gu Mang blinked as he turned it around in his hand, a slight softness gracing his features and an indescribable feeling bubbling in his chest. Gu Mang then reached up to lower his hood, and turned his back to Mo Xi, holding out the pin to the person behind him. He took a moment before speaking and his voice was slightly raspy.
“...Help me put it on?”
Mo Xi seemed a bit startled by this, and his ears notably flushed an adorable pink. After a moment, he nodded, humming a sound of understanding. Gu Mang's hair had been down at the time, outside of its usual ponytail due to him having been pulled from bed. It pooled over his shoulders in long and shiny strands, his bangs framing his face in a tasteful manner. Gu Mang felt as Mo Xi's gloved hands reached to gather his hair, feeling a slight shiver when his hands brushed against his nape. Mo Xi took his time putting up Gu Mang's hair, treating it as if it were precious silk that would break apart in his hands. He winded Gu Mang’s soft curls around the hairpin, before securing it into an appealing yet slightly messy bun. Despite a couple of strands being loose or sticking out, it fit Gu Mang perfectly.
“Done.”
Gu Mang reached up after hearing Mo Xi's words to feel his hair, his fingers running across the wood of the pin. During the time it took for Mo Xi to do his hair, a warm rosiness had made itself clear on Gu Mang's ears and cheeks. He turned his head to Mo Xi, and stared for a little too long, before gathering his bearings and speaking in his usual go-lucky tone.
“How do I look? Is your shixiong as handsome as ever?” He teased with a dumb grin on his face, the charm at the end of his hairpin jingling with every movement of his head. Mo Xi took a moment to reply, seeming to look him up and down, before his face flushed to match Gu Mang's.
“...Mn.”
They both stand there for a moment, eyes locking. Neither of them knew what to say, it was both incredibly awkward and incredibly addictive. They both looked as if they wanted to say or do something, but they weren't sure what. Thankfully, a voice rang out from the festival that cut their silence in half.
“BaoBao, stay close to Mommy! We're going to miss the fireworks!” A mother called to her child, clearly trying to scold them in a gentle manner. Gu Mang perked upon hearing this, and he turned to look at the crowd of people moving towards a clearing in the nearby treeline. The one thing that Gu Mang had been able to hear of the festival, growing up as a slave, was the boom of the fireworks in the sky. Was he able to see them? No, but he could remember himself as a child trying his best to find a place to observe them without being caught. The memory caused the corners of his lips to quirk up in fondness. He gave an exhale before abruptly shoving Mo Xi from behind in the direction of the clearing.
“Let's go see the fireworks, princess!” He blurted out, Mo Xi let out a surprised cry at being manhandled, before scowling at him and begrudgingly allowing himself to be dragged off.
The treeline the crowd had headed to led to a grassy clearing that was decorated with numerous lanterns and signs, ribbons and bows donning the foliage. Light from nearby dragon dancers cast a glow on the field, and the babbling river in the middle of it was lit up with lanterns and offerings passing smoothly down. The plain of grass was clearly being used as a picnic spot, and the newcomers had come to get a clear view of the fireworks.
Gu Mang eyed the area and sighed, it was packed with people and families, and there were practically no free spaces where he wouldn't have to fear seeming conspicuous. He was about to surrender himself to the reality of watching the fireworks from the market when Mo Xi took his hand. He gave a confused hum but let him lead the way. Mo Xi led him into the surrounding trees, to which Gu Mang was even more intrigued, before pushing some branches away to reveal a small clearing separate from the main one everyone was piled in. It was free of people and gave a beautiful view of the sky, yet it was small enough to only accommodate a couple groups of people. The sound of the river was even louder as it connected to the clearing and off into the distance, the light of the lanterns in it far away. Gu Mang's lashes lifted as he watched in awe. He turned to Mo Xi with an amazed expression.
“How did you know this was here?” He questioned, genuinely curious. Mo Xi looked away for a moment, his hand fidgeting against his clothing as he was seemingly coming up with something to say.
“I…looked around the area yesterday. They said that clearing was going to be where most people watched the fireworks, but I figured it would be too open and crowded for you to watch comfortably. So I looked around for an alternative.” Mo Xi explained in a small yet low voice. Gu Mang's brows raised and he felt as though he would melt at any point. Mo Xi had planned all of this out without even having confirmation that Gu Mang would accept. He couldn't help but feel an undeniable love stir in his heart. Mo Xi walked ahead and took out a folded up cloth from his qiankun pouch, before laying it out on the grass like a picnic blanket. He looked back at Gu Mang, and despite looking a little abashed and anxious, he motioned for Gu Mang to follow. He did so in small steps and plopped onto the blanket next to Mo Xi, pulling the coat around himself to get comfortable.
Clearly they had perfect timing, because the second they got settled, a spark was shot into the air. Gu Mang watched as it blasted high into the sky, before crackling and exploding into a mandala of beautiful colors. He kept his gaze on it as the sparks glittered to the ground below, and eventually winked out. He watched with wide eyes at the gorgeous sight he had been denied his whole life, and was startled when a burrage of them were lit and flung into the sky to burst into color. The crackling sound of them drowned out the amazed gasps and giggles of the people in the nearby clearing. Gu Mang felt as if time had stopped for a moment, the wind in his hair and the rustle of leaves becoming all too noticeable. All he could do was gaze mesmerized at the sight before him, and the person who brought him there. Gu Mang's eyes went half lidded, and he spoke without even realizing it.
“It's beautiful.”
Mo Xi turned his head to look at Gu Mang, whose face bore a complicated mixture of emotions. He took in the sight of his shixiong with tender eyes, and before he knew it, he was inching his hand over to Gu Mang's. When he felt Mo Xi’s fingers brush against his, Gu Mang was snapped out of his daze. He turned to look at the man beside him. After only a moment, a soft smile formed on his features, and he too moved his hand to Mo Xi's, where their fingers interlaced against the soft cloth. They watched the rest of the firework show together with Gu Mang's head against Mo Xi’s shoulder as he pointed at the fireworks that appealed to him the most. Mo Xi nodded his head to every word Gu Mang spoke, and listened to him with rapt attention. By the time the show was over, they had huddled close under the endless sky of stars above them.
“Y'know, shidi…”
“Hm?”
“When I first met you, I never would've guessed you to be so sappy.” Gu Mang teased after the booming of the fireworks had faded away. Mo Xi glanced at him with a sheepish expression, leaning away to save himself the dignity. Gu Mang was going to tease further, but a thought sprang to his mind, one he didn't want to overlook.
“Oh! Shidi!”
“Yes?”
Gu Mang smiled and got to his feet dusting off the grass that had managed to stick to his robes. He then turned to Mo Xi and held out his hand to help him up, motioning to the river that ran in front of them.
“Light a lantern with me.” Mo Xi, who had sat up and gotten to his feet as well, gave a slightly surprised expression before flushing.
“...Ok.”
They both made their way over to the river before turning to each other when they reached it. Neither of them had a lantern on them, but they didn't need to. Gu Mang and Mo Xi both lifted their hands and placed them against each other's. After a moment, a faint glow started to form between their hands that then erupted into a wave of color. The light materialized itself into a cute little lantern that sparkled red and blue. Holding the floating lantern in their hands, Gu Mang and Mo Xi lifted their heads to gaze at each other. It felt like an eternity passed before one of them spoke.
“Would you like to do the honors, or should I?” Gu Mang huffed out a light chuckle. Mo Xi shook his head to motion with their hands together.
“Together.” He replied.
The two of them lowered the lantern slowly, bending down as they let it wade into the waters, before being carried off by the current of the river to mingle with all of the other lanterns further down. Gu Mang followed the little lantern as it made its journey down the path, before turning back to face Mo Xi with a smile.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Princess.” He spoke out in a soft tone, to which Mo Xi blinked, and replied in a low voice.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.”
A gust of wind blew through the clearing at that moment, rustling the trees and stirring the birds. The two of them were locked in each other's gaze with not a moment of reprieve. It felt as if the other was getting closer and closer, and they only knew it was real when they found themselves chest to chest. Gu Mang ran his hand down Mo Xi's arm, which had made its way to Gu Mang's waist at some point along the way. Gu Mang's hands came to rest on Mo Xi's shoulders, and he felt himself being pulled close by his shidi. There was no time to even register it by the time they were kissing. It just happened, one minute they were gazing with overwhelming fondness at each other, and the next their lips were pressed together in a passionate touch.
Gu Mang's arms came to wrap around Mo Xi's neck, and Mo Xi's grip on the other's waist tightened. The two of them felt as if they were dumb teenagers sneaking off to makeout behind the academy, and they were so addicted to it. As they continued to be entwined with each other, they had to restrain themselves from going further with everything in them. Time passed like a dream, and Gu Mang hadn't been so happy in months, maybe even years. However, the more time that passed, the quicker it came to morning. Gu Mang needed to be brought back soon.
As much as they loathed to leave the others embrace, they still managed to pick themselves up and head back. By the time they had once again reached Wangshu Manor, it was pitch black outside, and Mo Xi carried a palm torch to light their way. They had been out for a long while, so there was likely only a couple hours of the night left before dawn. Gu Mang, with his face hidden in Mo Xi’s cloak, led them back to his window in quiet footsteps. When they got there, Mo Xi easily jumped in with Gu Mang through the open window using qinggong. They both stepped onto the creaky floorboards of Gu Mang’s room with a small thud, although not loud enough to alert anyone. Mo Xi scanned the room with a frown, one day, he was seriously going to kill that unbearable Murong Lian.
Gu Mang walked further into his room, before turning his head to Mo Xi with his back still facing him. Gu Mang couldn't help the emotions he was feeling right now, he couldn't have been happier to go to the festival with his beloved, yet he loathed that it was over.
“...Thank you.” He stammered out in a quiet voice, to which Mo Xi turned to him and hummed out a response that asked for elaboration.
“For taking me to see the festival, I mean. Thank you, Mo Xi.” Gu Mang explained, before he felt his ears heat up with the rest of his face. Mo Xi stared back at him for a moment before turning his gaze to the floor. He threw out a casual comment about how there was no need for thank yous. Yet after a moment, mumbled something under his breath. Gu Mang raised an eyebrow.
“What was that?”
Mo Xi took a moment to respond, but it wasn't long before he looked up at Gu Mang with a sudden sense of determination and fierceness.
“One day,” He started, pausing in between his sentences. “I'll take you, and I won't bring you back.”
A silence overtook the little room where the two of them stood, and Gu Mang blinked at him, registering what was just said. As it finally processed in his brain, it seemed as if his entire face and neck flushed a deep crimson, as if they were about to start dripping blood. He wanted to scold him, to say something that would turn the situation less embarrassing, something that would school the butterflies in his stomach, but there was nothing. He couldn't force any words of reprimand from his throat, he could only stare blankly and with a sparkle in his eye. With no solution, Gu Mang's brows furrowed in mortification, before he walked right up to Mo Xi. He didn't know what he was doing until he had hopped up to plant a soft kiss on Mo Xi's cheek, stepping away to give his goodbyes.
“...You should start heading back, the Mo Manor is pretty far from here.” He whispered to Mo Xi, who took a sharp inhale shortly after. Mo Xi then stepped back, and turned to the window, back facing Gu Mang. His head however, was turned so his eye could still be fixed on Gu Mang.
“Goodnight, shixiong.” He said slowly. Gu Mang gave a faint smile in response.
“Goodnight, shidi.”
With that, Mo Xi carefully fled back out of the window, and disappeared off into the endless night. Gu Mang watched as he left, following his silhouette up until he was swallowed by the shadows. After closing the window with a small click, Gu Mang stood there for a moment, before moving to plop into his bed. He reached up and felt for the hairpin, which was still securing his hair in a bun, and gently pulled it out. Staring at the pin in his hand, Gu Mang could feel himself go heartsore. Only after thinking himself warmer than usual, did he realize he was still wearing Mo Xi's coat. He'd have to give it back the next time he comes to see him so Murong Lian doesn't find it.
But it wasn't next time yet.
That night, Gu Mang lay in his raggedy bed, curled up under his shidi's coat to keep warm with the hairpin hugged to his chest. And for the first time in months, he slept soundly.