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Shi Wudu hadn’t known that Pei Ming had a residence in the mortal realm until he’d received the fateful message that morning.
It wasn’t uncommon for Pei Ming to invite him to his palace or hot springs, simply for company, as he said. But this invitation was one Shi Wudu had never received from him before.
That morning, the sun shone over the Heavenly Capital, its glow lighting up the palaces that littered the streets. Shi Wudu had been finishing his immaculate hair – his hairpiece was always the last to be placed – when Pei Ming’s lyrical voice rang in his private array.
‘Shui Shi-Xiong, won’t you come and visit your favorite tumor? It’s rather lonely here without any lovely woman to keep me company. Ah… I suppose that’s not very convincing. Hm… How about this? You can judge my shabby little house in the mortal realm! You’d love that. Meet me there, you’ll know the place.’
Shi Wudu had almost let his hairpiece slide, nearly letting it fall from his hair. Pei Ming. Pei Ming invited him to his residence in the Mortal Realm.
Of course, Shi Wudu had responsibilities that needed to be tended to. He had prayers to answer, junior officials to… keep out of trouble, and a rather rambunctious Shi-Qingxuan to take care of! Shi Wudu was a busy man, he had not the time to visit Pei Ming for no reason to speak of!
But… he’d never been able to turn the man down. And he was in need of a break… perhaps it couldn’t hurt. He’d only be there a few hours, what was the harm?
Shi Wudu sighed – resigned to his own weak heart – and looked himself over in the mirror.
He looked as elegant as ever, the exquisite pins and hairpieces holding his hair up matched perfectly with his glamorous robes and refined eyeliner.
Satisfied with his appearance, Shi Wudu made his way out of his chambers, and through the halls of his palace.
He kept his face expressionless, internally debating where exactly Pei Ming’s residence might be.
The two had faced many enemies together in the mortal realm and Pei Ming – being the man he was – had never failed to make light conversation on the landscape around them. And, of course, any “lovely” ladies they might pass on their way.
Shi Wudu wracked his mind for any particular memories he had of Pei Ming’s comments, searching for any clues.
There had been many times, many days. So many instances.
There was that eternally autumn forest in the North that Pei Ming had made such lavish comments about, going on about it for far too long. Of course, he’d looked captivated by the beauty in the moment. Shi Wudu remembered the expression well.
And then… there was that lake. Its waters had been a shining aquamarine, glimmering in the light. Crystalline, Pei Ming had called it, shining as if jeweled. Being the Water Master, Shi Wudu knew to appreciate the water, but he hadn’t taken any note of its beauty until Pei Ming had commented on it.
His light and playful voice had turned awed and he’d stared at the water like it was the whole horizon. Shi Wudu had never seen such an expression on his face.
There.
Shi Wudu would start there.
. . .
Having made his way to the Mortal Realm, Shi Wudu’s boots hit the earth. Now, the only thing left was to find out if that really was where Pei Ming had meant.
Traversing the forest he knew surrounded that lake, Shi Wudu lamented the tear of the trees and roots on his embossed robes. The forest was thick, the trees close together, and it was filled with shrubbery hanging vines, and roots.
Shi Wudu felt grubby just walking through it, dodging low-hanging branches and nearly tripping over roots a few too many times for comfort. Pei Ming would have to treat him to a nice bath or a perfect cup of tea if he wished to be spared Shi Wudu’s scorn. The man would pay for making Shi Wudu trek through this twisted maze of muddied earth…
As sure as he was of this, all thoughts emptied from his mind as he saw what lay before him in the man-made clearing.
A small, or… small by his standards, the house sat near the shoreline. It had a small little garden with dainty pink flowers littering it. Was he in the right place? He had never known Pei Ming to be so… modest. Or into gardening. That seemed more like a fantasy than anything else.
Without thinking, Shi Wudu found himself crouching before the flowers. They were a pretty light pink, their petals small and layered, in full bloom. Feeling the softness of the flowers beneath his fingers, he realized they were Camellias.
He stood quickly, belatedly realizing he hadn’t even confirmed this was Pei Ming’s place. If it wasn’t, he was just fiddling with some stranger’s flowers. How embarrassing.
With an odd jolt in his step, Shi Wudu made his way to the door. The light clicking of stones under his feet and the quiet sway of the wind were the only sounds accompanying his three knocks on the door.
On the other side of the door, he heard the clinking of glass and the shuffling of feet as someone made their way to the door. That door swung open, revealing the man in the doorway.
Tall, dark-haired, fuchsia-eyed Pei Ming. Standing there with a coy grin on his face, his usual robes and armor exchanged for more casual attire, he looked almost… mortal. Almost.
Pei Ming had the presence of a god, a presence he could not hide. At least, not from Shi Wudu.
The two stared at each other for a long moment before Pei Ming broke the silence.
“Well? I know I’m truly mesmerizing, but do come in.”
His playful voice never failed to spark a certain feeling in Shi Wudu’s gut, a feeling he couldn’t place. But what did it matter, the man just had that effect on everyone.
With a scoff on his lips, Shi Wudu stepped through the door, entering the homely little house. Pei Ming stepped side, giving Shi Wudu a moment to take in the view.
The room – a lounge, it seemed – was perfectly warm, with a light breeze coming in from an open window. The room was filled with golden light spilling in through the numerous windows that decorated its walls. The seating looked plushy and fit Pei Ming so well, maximalist to his core. The little table alongside the seating had a tea set placed so perfectly in the middle.
Shi Wudu’s legs carried him forward without him realizing, his hands tracing along the warmth of the teapot. It was lined with depictions of numerous flowers of many shapes and sizes, colors, and hues.
Behind him, Pei Ming chuckled and approached, his steps heavy but measured, sounding clear throughout the room.
“I know how you like your tea, figured I’d have to take out the nicest tea set I have, to keep up to your standards.”
He idly ran a hand through his hair, looking sheepish as he took a seat, motioning for Shi Wudu to sit down across from him.
Shi Wudu did but promptly spoke up, refusing to stay quiet after hearing such an accusation.
“I am the guest here, far be it from me to criticize your choice of a tea set.”
Amusement flickered in Pei Ming’s eyes and he poured them both tea into the small cups on either side of the set, sliding Shi Wudu’s across the table to him.
“Well… since you’ve suddenly taken an interest in being a good guest, try the tea. I’d just love to hear your feedback.”
Shi Wudu ignored the other man’s mocking tone and raised the ceramic to his lips, taking a slow sip of the tea, taking in its flavor.
It had a light feeling, a citrusy taste lingering on his tongue as he placed the cup down with a clink.
“It is… refreshing.”
Shi Wudu’s monotone voice seemed not to bother Pei Ming in the slightest. He abruptly lit up, his boisterous laughter filling the hall. Shi Wudu found himself momentarily entranced by the sound, and how… unrestrained it was. A warm feeling burrowed deep in his chest, rising as Pei Ming spoke.
“Well! That’s as close to praise as I’ll ever get from you, huh? Must mean I’m improving.”
Shi Wudu nodded idly, his mind still so absorbed in the other man’s laugh. He regained his bearings, calmly continuing.
“So… what is this place? What’re you doing in a quaint little home like this?”
Pei Ming stilled a little, his eyes turned down to his cup, a minute smile gracing his features as he sipped his tea. The unpigmented cup contrasted so perfectly with the flowers painted on it and with his hands gently holding it to his lips.
When he finally lowered the glass and met Shi Wudu’s crystalline eyes with his own honeyed eyes, his lyrical voice struck a cord within Shi Wudu.
“Is a man not allowed to have hobbies? It’s just a little passion project if you will.”
He laughed, his soft voice turning boisterous again.
“Besides, the ladies love a mysterious man! I have all the charm now.”
Shi Wudu happened to rather firmly believe that Pei Ming had all the charm he needed, but he voiced none of such thoughts. Instead, he spoke else.
“Yes, I’m sure being an odd man who lives in the woods will make all the women fall head over heels to be stuck with you.”
Pei Ming chuckled and shot back his retort almost immediately.
“Oh, what would you know? Last I checked, you’ve been single for how many years…? Since I’ve known you.”
Shi Wudu fought down the urge to roll his eyes.
“I have no interest in mortal affairs, unlike someone here. Honestly, it’s quite the miracle we don’t have twenty different Xuan Ji’s running around, trying to tear you limb from limb.”
Pei Ming spun his teacup in his hands, the light glinting off of it casting a small rainbow on the wall behind Shi Wudu.
“O, I just know you would spare me no mercy, dear Shui Shi-Xiong.”
His voice was so melodramatic it almost made Shi Wudu spit out his tea, the idiot, and his theatrics. Bringing his hand to his forehead as if to faint, looking so mock-up distressed it was laughable. Then Pei Ming grinned, flashing his pearly teeth at him, and winked, and Shi Wudu nearly spit out his tea.
Oh, this was getting horrendous. He was getting all worked up over some mindless theatrics. He tsked plainly and voiced his distaste.
“Of course not. You reap what you sow, Pei-xiong. It’d be your own fault.”
Pei Ming made a face of faux distress and brought a hand to his chest, faking such distaste.
“Ah, Shui Shi-Xiong, always so cruel.”
The two bantered back and forth after that. Pei Ming making mindless jokes and jabs while Shi Wudu bit back in equal force. The two sat and chatted idly until their tea turned cold and the conversation lulled.
Shi Wudu, suddenly remembering he had only meant to stay for a few hours, abruptly looked to the sky out the window. Of course. It had been a lot more than just a few hours.
He stood abruptly, readying himself to leave. However, Pei Ming stood too.
“Leaving already?”
Shi Wudu nodded stiffly, his neck cricked. He didn’t necessarily want to leave, he simply had duties to attend to.
“A shame, you still owe me a dance.”
“What?”
“You know, that bet we made on Ling Wen. You owe me a dance.”
Shi Wudu remembered, he had simply hoped Pei Ming would’ve forgotten by now.
“Isn’t this an unsuitable place for a dance?”
Pei Ming chuckled, his lyrical voice carrying so sweetly over to his laugh, melting Shi Wudu’s resolve. The fuchsia-eyed man strode over to what Shi Wudu recognized as one of his spiritual devices. A rather useless one, if you asked him. Merely a record player.
Pei Ming’s hands snapped a few things into place and a slow tune began to be emitted from the record player. He reached out to Shi Wudu, his hand outstretched.
“Don’t be such a killjoy, Shui Shi-Xiong. There’s never a wrong time to dance.”
Shi Wudu disagreed but Pei Ming could be so persuasive. Maybe Shi Wudu had just always been weak for him. Best not to dwell on such things…
Shi Wudu scoffed but took his hand. It was rough and calloused. Pei Ming was a soldier, after all.
Truth be told, Shi Wudu had tried to learn to dance when he was younger, thinking it was a good skill to have. It was one of the few he hadn’t stuck with. He’d never been able to grasp just how to move his feet, just where to put his hands.
His nervousness must’ve shown through, heaven knows how. But Pei Ming laughed and clasped his hand, the other winding tightly around his waist, his palm holding his back.
“It won’t be a real dance, Shui Shi-Xiong. Just for fun. I’ll lead.”
Shi Wudu found himself unable to meet Pei Ming’s eyes as he led him through the dance at a slow, easy pace. The slightly chilled breeze from the window fluttered the other man’s hair, messing it up in such a way that…
Never mind, he decided to focus on the music instead.
It was slow and melodic. Low in pitch and calm and steady. Of course, this was the song Pei Ming had picked. It fit him so well. Steady as stone, warm as the sun.
As Pei Ming led him through the motions, holding Shi Wudu close and so gently spinning the both of them in a messed up and unsynchronized dance around the lounge, Shi Wudu found himself leaning a little into the other’s embrace.
For once, not smiling took some real effort.
The soft music wound around him, just as comfortably as Pei Ming’s arms.
The man in question’s hushed voice slipped into the content atmosphere.
“I know it’s not a proper dance, but… at least tell me I’m doing well.”
Shi Wudu laughed. A genuine, tinkling laugh. Like a waterfall spilling across the rocks.
“I will admit… this is not so bad.”
Pei Ming’s hands tightened around him just as the song ended, his warm, citrine, and honeyed eyes meeting Shi Wudu’s sapphire eyes.
A grin broke the surface of Pei Ming’s voice, his eyes upturned to crescents.
“Lovely. I’d hate to let you down.”
Shi Wudu felt a pang deep in his heart at Pei Ming’s hesitant, maybe even insecure tone. How could Pei Ming – Pei Ming – The god of love , ever disappoint anyone in a dance? Especially when he knew just what to do to make every touch feel so right...
He basked in Pei Ming’s summery hold, his own mask of indifference melting.
He smiled faintly, letting affection slide into his voice.
“Like that would ever happen.”
The two stared at each other for a long moment before Pei Ming’s quickened voice rang through the almost silence.
“Stay the night.”
Shi Wudu closed his eyes, falling completely into the other man’s open embrace, no longer having the will to deny himself this sort of… affection? Pleasure? How do people usually phrase these things…? He felt Pei Ming’s calloused hands meet his waist and he revered the warmth they afforded.
Shi Wudu let his arms slide around the other man’s neck, his hands shakily gripping the other’s collar.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He tilted his head to the side and closed the distance.
. . .
Hours later, Shi Wudu was still wrapped up in Pei Ming’s close hold.
The silvery light of the moon spilled into the room through the open-curtained windows, bathing the room in its heavenly light.
Shi Wudu’s eyes silently traced the room.
He admired the warm simplicity of it, how Pei Ming had managed to make this place feel like home illuded him. He found himself momentarily watching the White Roses Pei Ming had placed in delicate little vases on either bedside table, watching them sway in the gentle breeze from the semi-open windows. Truly, Pei Ming’s home was rather choked with flowers. Though, he did not mind.
Shi Wudu’s eyes had long grown heavy, but he couldn’t rest. Rather, he didn’t want to. He still was not entirely sure this wasn’t a dream, a dream he didn’t want to wake up from.
Pei Ming’s arms entwined tighter around Shi Wudu’s torso, one calloused palm on his abdomen, one on his chest. The man’s hushed voice felt so dreamlike in the moon-bathed atmosphere of the room.
“What’s got you tied in knots? Don’t tell me it's your “Duties to attend to”.”
Shi Wudu’s breath hitched a little and he leaned back a little into Pei Ming’s embrace, his back to Pei Ming’s chest as the other man held him so close. The silky sheets only adding to the dozy comfort.
It had been a long time since they’d last been like this, and last time was out of necessity anyway. It had meant nothing. But this time… Pei Ming was neither holding him out of necessity nor fear. And Shi Wudu didn’t mind, which made things even worse.
Completely forgetting to respond to Pei Ming, Shi Wudu felt himself lost in the undercurrent of his thoughts.
He abruptly felt a light, chaste kiss pressed to the side of his neck, the soft feeling forcing the air from his lungs and dragging him back to the present. He felt Pei Ming smile against his neck, the man’s dark hair spilling over Shi Wudu’s shoulder and glimmering just a little in the lustrous moonlight. He whispered lowly in Shi Wudu’s ear.
“You can rest, you know. I’m not going anywhere.”
The stupid flirt pulled a deep red flower from thin air, placing the Chrysanthemum on the pillow, next to Shi Wudu’s head. Shi Wudu found his sleep-addled self mesmerized by the action, the warm hand on his back adding to his drowsy state.
As Pei Ming began to pull his hand back from placing the flower, Shi Wudu reached forward and intertwined their fingers, his cerulean eyes meeting Pei Ming’s once more as his heavy eyes finally closed.
Pei Ming, watching as sleep finally took Shi Wudu, shook off his surprise and twisted his fingers to intertwine his fingers with Shi Wudu’s in turn.
His gaze raked over the sleeping man, his silken hair splayed out around his head like a halo, making him look even more heavenly. The other man’s face, so relaxed in sleep, had such a soft expression. Pei Ming thought he could feel his heart melting in his chest.
He held Shi Wudu’s back firmly, pressing the two closer together in the darkness of the moonlight-swaddled room.
“Rest well, my Bái Méiguī.”
He gently let his head fall back on the pillows, allowing sleep to take him.
Overall Notes:
- The meanings for the flower language I used can be found through this link if you’d like to know the meanings of the specific flowers I chose for the scenes and the title.
- Bái Méiguī(白玫瑰) means “White Rose”