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A fire was burning away in the main throne room. The sight of the flames burning away cast light around the room, creating shadows that crawled their way along the floor and up the walls. Heat building up and warming up all those present within. Earlier, a dining table had been brought in. Long enough to seat more than twenty guests in total. Seated on either side of the table.
There was no one at either end of the table though. A seat sat empty at the far end, closest to the large doors that opened out to the steps leading to the throne room. On the other end there was no chair. Past that spot and up a smaller number of stairs, was Lou Binghe's throne. Long enough that he could lean his arm against one of the arm rests, and stretch his body out lengthways so his boots knocked the leg at the other end of the throne.
Looking particularly unenthusiastic. He hadn't bothered to rise all evening, doing the bare minimum to even acknowledge the guests who'd travelled to attend the feast tonight. Food and drink was plentiful. No one in attendance was left wanting for anything. Entertainment came in the presence of dancers and musicians, creating an atmosphere of jolly and warmth.
Though it was obvious that some of the elders were displeased with his callous display. None had the power to oppose him, not even to question him. They were instead forced to sit and seethe as they sipped away at their cups of wine. Drinking themselves dizzy as they muttered amongst themselves. The younger ones had risen from their own seats to mingle and move about.
It wasn't a celebration exactly. They were gathering to reaffirm times and connections for the upcoming battles. Having to appear as a united front against the never ending list of enemies who hoped to see the demons defeated. Throne usurped and replaced by another race. As loathe as they are to come together, it unfortunately is quite necessary in times such as these.
Before they were set to discuss things, Binghe had been instructed to hold them a banquet. Mobei-jun explained that it would help to lighten up the atmosphere. New bonds could be formed tonight and encourage better dialogue the following day. When they were set to actually lay out the situation and formulate plans. Bitter and weak relationships wouldn't do them any good if they were set to collaborate.
Usually, this was something Binghe could grit his teeth and bare. Putting on a show wasn't something he was unaccustomed to doing, and despite his lack of any real participation, the way the night was going proved he knew how to host. It was just that something had been bothering him since earlier. His mind remained distracted, away from the goings on around him.
Dutifully standing by his side, just behind the throne, Mobei-jun was watching over the proceedings with clear eyes. He wasn't one to drink or entertain himself with much. Though Binghe is aware that he's squirreled away that young Peak Lord somewhere. Not that it's any of his business. Whatever Mobei-jun does in his own time is his business, Binghe can trust him with that much.
Since he brought that cultivator to his side though, he's become noticeably more conversational, "Are you still fighting?"
The question wasn't something Mobei-jun would ever have spoken aloud, even just a few months prior. There's something about him that this Shang Qinghua has brought out that surprised Binghe to some degree. In a good mood, he'd probably be entertained by this. Just how influenced and whipped a cold man like Mobei-jun could become. In this moment though, he didn't have it in him.
"Why bother asking." Binghe snarked, "He's not here, is he?"
As the room's warmth was encouraged by the open fire crackling away. It kept out the chill that fell around them outside. Snow had begun to lightly fall from the sky, with biting winds blowing it about. The coats of those visiting had been hung up by the entrance to the throne room. Everyone had complained about the cold as they first came in and all but rushed towards the available heat.
Outside, nighttime approached as the sun continued its descent. Sinking further down as it took away its remaining light. With the weather as it was, the clouds had already covered across most of the sky. It had been a dreadful day. Dark and dreary as the rain had started in the early hours of the morning. The sounds of staff all rushing around could be heard.
Soft shoes slipping across the floor as they went here and there. Trying to protect as much as they could from the rain, as they prepared for the banquet their lord was holding. The chefs had made sure to produce a variety of warm meals. Fried shrimp and eel had been enjoyed by the guests. Along with dishes of steamed crab with black vinegar and steamed perch with scallion oil.
Containers of rice dishes had also been produced. Dumplings and soups served to those eager to eat their fill. Binghe had lost count of the amount of things that had been brought out to eat. He hadn't felt inclined to grab anything for himself. It was only thanks to Sha Hualing, who'd been lazing about on the step down from the throne, that Binghe had eaten anything so far as she'd grabbed him a thing or two.
"Where is he, if you don't mind me prying?"
Conversation had lulled between them for only a moment when Mobei-jun had spoken up again. As their conversation went on, even Sha Hualing herself got curious. Always eager to gossip and chat away. Pulling herself up gracefully, she eagerly made her way over to the throne with light movements. Her jewellery jingling away as she, in a few simple steps, appeared on the other side of Binghe.
A sheer red coat sat across her shoulders. Made of a light material, her body temperature usually ran too hot to need anything to warm herself up with. Dressing more for style then practice reasons. Her outfit crisscrossed at the waist and wrapped around her hips, covering herself up just enough. Red as always, with gold accents left dangling from where it's tied at her hip.
The loose material of her top wrapped around her chest and was tied at the front. The ends of the material dangling down and reaching her exposed naval. Bands of gold wrapped around her biceps. Hair decorations keeping her hair out of her face for the most part, although loose pieces of hair managed to fall out. She was grinning at Binghe when he laid eyes on her.
It was customary for omegas to show off their bodies in such a way. Their purpose was to attract the attention of potential mates. To show themselves off, so that if they caught someone's eye, they could be approached and courted. Omegas had the right to decline invitations, many of them enjoyed the game of denying those who had the eager audacity to approach them like they were easy.
But it was something they prided themselves in. Getting themselves ready each day, and appreciating the vision of themselves they could gaze upon in the shimmering reflection of a mirror. Sha Hualing didn't quite fancy the idea of getting herself a mate, but she enjoyed having people approach her. When they did, it meant that she could challenge them to an exchange of strength. Nobody who fell easily to her hands could even qualify as a potential mate.
Such a wide spread practise made it unsurprising to see omegas so exposed. Even in public spaces, there was nothing to be shocked about if your eyes caught sight of exposed skin and entrancing figures. But, there being nothing to comment on about these things, only stretched so far as to address omegas who dressed that way by their own choice.
Which is why Shen Jiu wasn't surprised to hear the too-loud whispers coming from an open doorway. Giggling bursting from one of the two young women, hurriedly trying to stifle her sounds behind a dainty hand. They weren't trying too hard for their voices to go unheard though. Shen Jiu could hear their conversation just fine as he moved down the outside corridor.
He walked much the same as he always had on Cang Qiong Mountain. Though much has changed, his ability to carry himself in public never wavered. It wasn't the first time he'd had to endure people talking about him. Uncaring of whether or not he heard them. What was he even meant to say in this situation, he certainly couldn't deny what they were saying about him.
More or less the truth. Though their words were unkind, their eyes flitting to him in an attempt to be discreet and not outright gawk at him, they weren't making up fantasies or lies. The further away he walked, the less of their conversation he could overhear. Even with his back to them, as they stood in that open doorway to a private guests room, he could still feel their eyes on him.
"I heard the emperor makes him wear those clothes."
One of the visiting beta servants gasped loudly, "My aunt told me that the emperor saw it as a fitting punishment, a humiliation."
"Must've done something to piss the emperor off."
"How he's fallen from grace. I heard he used to be so prim and proper, but look at him now!"
The cold wind rustled through the fabrics hanging off of him. Blowing in the wind that was wrapping around the palace, keeping the chill close. There wasn't much for the air to move about. His body was barely covered, and the cold air bit away at his exposed skin. His back was straight and proud nonetheless. Feet bare on the cold, frozen ground spread out before him.
He was going towards one of the courtyards out the back of the palace. Somewhere people don't frequent often. The grass crunched underfoot, having frozen over just enough to feel uncomfortable. Wet, cold feelings of ice and chill lingered on Shen Jiu's skin, but he didn't slow his pace at all. Continuing on even as snow fell on top of his shoulders, caught in his hair and his lashes.
Blinking it away as best he could, Shen Jiu walked until he approached a lone tree. There wasn't much out here besides the tree. A loan pond devoid of fish sat half drained, what water remained within had begun to freeze over. Besides the wind picking up, howling as it blew through the palace grounds, it was quiet out there. The space was invitingly calm.
Nobody knew Shen Jiu was out there, not even Binghe who responded to Mobei-jun's probing question, "He told me not to look for him."
When Shen Jiu had lived on Cang Qiong Mountain. Referred to by the name Shen Qingqiu. He'd dressed himself from head to toe in thick layers of robes, covering from high up on his neck and hung down heavy enough to reach the ground at his feet. Right down to the ends of his wrists. Nothing but his face and his hands were ever exposed, it left much to the imagination.
Many omegas practised similar ways of dressing in an attempt to hide their status. It wasn't quite something Shen Jiu hid, the other Peak Lords had all been more than aware of his status. Most people just assumed with the haughty way he acted, and the aura of aloofness that clung to ever practised manner of his, that he was a high born, well to do alpha male.
For those who didn't know him, but had perhaps seen him in passing in the past. This looked like a fall from grace to them. Shen Qingqiu, exposed as an omega and now forced to wear revealing outfits. Allowing all those around him to see him in ways he wouldn't have allowed in the past. To witness the expanse of pale, jade like skin and the figure that was so long hidden under layers of robes.
Binghe had never shared with anyone, not even his right hand advisers beside him, why he'd done this. Like the young beta servant had suggested, many chalked it up to Binghe's desire to humiliate. All those in the demon realm knew varying versions of Binghe's story. Some knew that Shen Qingqiu played a role, others speculated as to the extent of Shen Qingqiu's involvement in Binghe's upbringing and development.
Leaning over the back of the throne, Sha Hualing joined in, "But he wouldn't be able to tell, if you just checked, right?"
"That one," Mobei-jun started, a certain tone to his voice that almost sounded entertained, "Always seems to be able to read Binghe. He'd be able to tell straight away if Binghe disobeyed him."
"Disobeyed." Sha Hualing said with a roll of her eyes.
Speculation and gossip were obviously going to arise amongst the different high standing families, their servants and even the more common folk of the demon realm. It didn't stop there though, even Binghe's two right hand advisors were curious. They knew the dynamic between Binghe and Shen Jiu better than anyone else. Yet, they are still left at a loss for words more often than not.
"Perhaps he just said that because you're arguing."
Nodding her head solemnly, Sha Hualing added, "He does like to send you away whenever he's upset."
"Consider that maybe he's moved since you parted, and he wants you to come to him. Seek him out."
Although they had more questions than answers when it came to the two of them. It was clear that things were always better off when they were, amicable if nothing else. When they were fighting or in disagreement, Binghe's mood could be hard to deal with. Smoothing things over between them was usually their go-to solution for making things easier on themselves too.
When they'd parted, Shen Jiu had been standing in the small bedroom Binghe had given him. Not that he's ever found sleeping in there. Other than perhaps the first night Shen Jiu arrived at the palace, Shen Jiu had taken up residence in Binghe's personal room since. His back to Binghe, faced flushed with some emotion he was actively trying to keep out of Binghe's sight.
His voice sounded hoarse from where he'd been yelling at Binghe. Body shaking as he vented all his anger out at him, voice getting louder and louder as he'd progressed in his emotions. Reaching his peak before he'd more or less entirely deflated. Unable to say anything more just when Mobei-jun had made his appearance. Letting Binghe know that he had to head over to the throne room, that visitors would be arriving.
A complicated expression had come over Binghe's face. He'd opened his mouth to say something, but without turning around Shen Jiu had seemingly sensed it. As Binghe was led out of the room, Shen Jiu had told him to stay away. Not to search for him, both on foot or using any other means. Referring to not only the blood coursing through his body, but the cuff on his ankle.
People liked to talk about that as well. The tracking cuff that Shen Jiu wore on his ankle. Binghe could locate Shen Jiu easily, using the fact that he'd tilted Shen Jiu's head back and dripped his own blood into his mouth. Opening Shen Jiu's mouth to accept it in. Unable to ever escape from Binghe's sight. But he'd also put the cuff on Shen Jiu.
Like a visible reminder. Other people could see it, unlike the blood that flowed through Shen Jiu. They knew that Binghe was keeping tabs on him, and that he'd made a public showing of his control over Shen Jiu. People liked to gossip and speculate. Voices full of curiosity as much as derision. Though not many of them had faced off against Shen Qingqiu directly, not many people were outright fond of him either.
He'd been a force to be reckoned with, when he was the Peak Lord of Qing Jing Peak. Many of them especially didn't like to know that their relatives had been injured or defeated by an omega. Seeing him in this state, for whatever reason he'd fallen into this situation, was a cause for celebration. Mocking the misfortune of someone who could be defeated by no one but Lou Binghe.
"Maybe he's waiting for you, in your bedroom?" Sha Hualing coaxed.
"It'll do you no harm to just check."
Whether or not Shen Jiu would notice Binghe had gone against his wishes and checked. Would only matter if Shen Jiu was still in a terrible mood. If he'd gotten over whatever had caused him grief earlier, then at most he'd cause Binghe a little grief himself. Though, in the occasion that he was still upset, Binghe should be able to take whatever Shen Jiu throws his way.
The restraint Binghe had endured since he walked away from Shen Jiu earlier completely dissolved. He was still lounging on the throne, letting his guests entertain themselves without his involvement. Only a few of them had tried to approach him throughout the night. Moving past the formalities of obeisance given onto Binghe when they first arrived, to try curry favour with him.
Far too distracted to even give them a moment of his time. They'd learnt soon enough, that Binghe wasn't in the mood for any of their words tonight. No matter how they flattered him, he wasn't biting to any of it. Not that he often did. Frustrated and resigned to it, it had them going back to the table to take the night for what it was. While Binghe was left to brood.
Now, with Mobei-jun and Sha Hualing in his ear. Binghe finally decided to stop laying their in ignorance. Perhaps it wouldn't do him any harm, to at least just look to where Shen Jiu was. With the mood he'd been in, maybe he planned to stay in his own bedroom tonight. At least Binghe would know not to expect him in his bedroom later, as loathe as he was to accept such a turn of events.
In all honesty, he didn't even know what they'd been fighting about. Shen Jiu had been more emotional than usual, distressed and seemingly confused. Nothing Binghe had said comforted him. Everything seemed to set him off, when Mobei-jun had come along, it had seemed like the best option. To just walk away for the moment. As the words came from Shen Jiu's mouth himself, he hadn't wanted to see Binghe.
Not quite as pessimistic as Binghe, Sha Hualing pushed as she giddily asked, "So? Is he in your bedroom?"
But, the moment Binghe went to search for Shen Jiu, he knew something was wrong. Instead of leading him towards the private bedrooms, the blood he'd placed in Shen Jiu's body took him to one of the far courtyards. All at once Binghe found himself stiffening, then sitting up properly on his throne. The comfort of warmth could distract him from the weather in here, but he hadn't forgotten how it was out there completely.
Terribly cold, especially for someone like Shen Jiu. He'd never done well with extreme temperature changes. When it became too hot, which the demon realm usually did, Shen Jiu was the first to complain. Sticky with sweat as he demanded Binghe do something about it. On the other hand, when the weather became too cold to be enjoyable, Shen Jiu would often comfort himself with warm blankets and a fire.
Something Binghe hadn't even thought to light for him before he left. Unable to sit there and beat himself up over it, without another word Binghe pushed himself up from the throne. The two at his side sent him questioning glances but didn't move to stop him. If something was wrong, nothing they could say could possibly deter Binghe from going and doing something about it.
Walking down the few short stairs and past the moving bodies of his guests. Some tried to say something as he walked by, thinking Binghe finally planned on joining them for the evening. Without a word in passing, Binghe continued on in silence until he was out of sight. The large doors at the entranceway were pushed open and then closed right behind him, not letting the cold in for longer than a second.
"Unfortunately he has business to attend to." Mobei-jun spoke with an even, professional sounding voice as he explained Binghe's departure.
Of course, the whispers came. Curiosity getting the better of them. Afterall, Binghe had left with such haste. Clearly something important had drawn his attention away as he ran to whatever had called to him. Though they didn't say the obvious out loud, most of them were thinking the same thing. Some thought it was delightful, while the older guests scoffed at his immaturity.
"All this over one omega." One of them scoffed.
It was all indeed, over just one omega. Though that hardly mattered as Binghe watched the palace staff stop and bow as he moved past them. Most of them had all been dismissed earlier. Huddling off to their rooms for the evening. Eyes lingering on his retreating form as he continued on past them all without another word. Hardly one to question him, they simply continued on with their own evening.
The sound of Binghe's shoes crunching on the ground behind him hardly startled Shen Jiu. He didn't even flinch as Binghe approached him from behind. Head tilted upward as he stood motionless below the falling snow. Eyes glazed over and lost. Barely taking in his surroundings as he loses himself to his own mind. The cold clinging to him, colouring his skin painfully.
"What is wrong with you?"
His words were spoken harshly, gritted out between clenched teeth. Rushed out of him as he finally reached Shen Jiu in the courtyard. Hand reaching out instinctively to grab for him. As his fingers came to wrap around his exposed upper arm, Binghe could feel how cold he was. Could see his Shen Jiu's skin changed underneath Binghe's grip. Grip bruising, tight as Binghe pulled him backwards until Shen Jiu's back hit Binghe's chest.
Even though his words didn't soften, he changed his words slightly, "What's wrong?"
Gaze clearing up slightly. With his head tilted back, he could make eye contact with Binghe like this. As the younger of the two of them towered over the other, his height giving him an advantage to look down on Shen Jiu. Watch as recognition and light reentered his eyes. Taking in the stiff flicker of his eyelashes. Almost having frozen over from the cold.
Wracking his brain for what could have possibly upset Shen Jiu to this disagree. As an alpha, Binghe felt utterly lost. All Binghe knew was that something had happened earlier, and that he'd found Shen Jiu hidden away in his own bedroom. That Shen Jiu had seemed more upset then he'd ever seen him before. None of the staff could explain what happened, nobody knew what'd triggered this.
Pulled to his chest, Binghe wrapped himself around Shen Jiu's body. Huddled in close and feeling ever stretch of skin, seemingly chilled to the bone. Binghe didn't stay like that for very long, prioritizing picking Shen Jiu up and bringing him in out of the cold. He wasn't shivering in Binghe's arms, he was laying utterly still. Not even fighting back against being carried.
Though his eyes seemed clearer, he was still almost blankly staring at nothing in particular. Cold forehead pressed against the long column of Binghe's heated neck, left to stare at different things in passing as they moved through the palace grounds. Binghe brushed some of the hair from Shen Jiu's face but he barely registered it, letting Binghe do as he pleased.
His bedroom came into sight, and Binghe was inside the next moment. Hastily but still with rushed gentleness, Binghe deposited Shen Jiu on his back. He bounced a little as he landed on the soft covers of Binghe's bed. Far too big for one person. The black fabric of the canopy created a familiar atmosphere for Shen Jiu. Binghe moved to start a fire off to the side, warming the room up.
As he encouraged the flame to grow larger, he could hear rustling from the bed. Someone moving themselves about. When he looked back, Shen Jiu had sat himself up and he looked moment away from sliding himself down off the bed. As if he couldn't rush away quicker. Though he didn't look desperate to flee or fearful of Binghe. There was something to his expression that left Binghe momentarily silent.
Rushing over to the bed in his next breath, Binghe pushed him further up the bed. There were enough pillows up there to completely cushion the head of the bed. Binghe's aim was to get Shen Jiu comfortable up there. When Binghe made to get back off the bed and find something warmer to put Shen Jiu in for the night. The second he began to retreat, Shen Jiu also seemed to start slipping away.
"Why are you trying to leave?" Binghe bit out, frustrated.
He couldn't understand it and he wouldn't understand it. Shen Jiu seemed intent on not saying anything. Leaving Binghe to wonder and trip over himself, confused as he tried to navigate an issue, he wasn't sure about. Battling between desires, ultimately Binghe ended back up on the bed, kneeling on the sheets by Shen Jiu's feet. His gaze trapping Shen Jiu on the bed below him.
"You don't want me here."
Was finally what Shen Jiu said. Spoken without the raw emotion from earlier, loud and all consuming. This was quieter, more resigned and withdrawn. Eyes reddened even though it didn't look like he'd shed any tears yet. Holding on to the last shreds of control, keeping his tears from falling. He looked so small laying on Binghe's bed like this, smaller than usual.
"I don't want you?" The words mirrored what Shen Jiu had said, but were being thrown back at him like a question. "What do you mean I don't want you here?"
"My-,"
Though he started to answer. Shen Jiu stopped himself, instead biting his lip. Like he didn't want anything to accidently slip from his lips. Staring up at Binghe with his back on the bed, any other person might feel something about how they've found themselves situated. Binghe, an alpha, looming over an omega on his own bed. Yet, it didn't look like Shen Jiu felt like prey at all.
Laying there as if he was completely undesired. It rang in Binghe's head once more, those few words. What could Shen Jiu have possibly meant, telling Binghe that it was Binghe who didn't want Shen Jiu here. Clearly, it had been Shen Jiu who'd kept himself away from Binghe's space. He hadn't even wanted Binghe to find him. So, how was it that he thought Binghe didn't want him.
Patting Shen Jiu's hip with a warm hand, Binghe tried to encourage Shen Jiu to speak. Eyes burning with a desire to know. Battling with himself on whether to push the issue or lean back. Waiting for Shen Jiu to take his time. A part of him knew though, that if he left this situation as it was, Shen Jiu wasn't going to overcome it and speak to him about it in his own time.
At a loss for what else to do, Binghe spoke, "Tell your alpha what's wrong."
Instinctively, Binghe had done something correct. Shen Jiu's eyes widened as Binghe spoke to him and a flush surfaced across his face. Though he didn't look happy for long, it was something Binghe noted. Worrying his lip still, Shen Jiu cautiously looked up at Binghe from his position on the bed. Still, Binghe's words finally broke through Shen Jiu's stubborn silence.
"My nest."
"Your nest?"
"Hm." Shen Jiu said with a frown, "You didn't want it here."
Though he was an omega, there weren't many omega traits that Shen Jiu showcased. Since he'd taken Shen Jiu in, whisking him away from Cang Qing Mountain, he'd never seen the man nesting. Not even once. Whether in his own bedroom or Binghe's bedroom. Shen Jiu had never entered into a heat, and his body has seemingly been almost completely unresponsive to any type of alpha suggestion.
For Shen Jiu to talk about a nest. Binghe was momentarily at a loss for words. When had Shen Jiu ever created a nest in Binghe's room, how could he not remember an event like that. It would've been monumental. Binghe wouldn't have ever let him leave it. How could he say that Binghe didn't want it here, when he would've wanted for nothing more than to see it.
"Were you nesting this morning?" Tone quieter now, filled with less pent up anger than his earlier words.
"I-," It seemed that Shen Jiu was eager to talk about his nest but was also a little unsure, "When I woke up, I could feel it. Built my nest in here. When I came back to it though, it was all gone. You didn't want me."
That explains why Shen Jiu had moved himself into his bedroom. Feeling rejected, he'd been confused of his place when Binghe had shown back up. He'd been so occupied today. Shen Jiu had spent most of it alone. He'd allowed something like this to happen while he was distracted with palace issues. Binghe couldn't believe it. How'd this all manage to happen in the worst way possible.
"Your bedroom is the first place I went to after this mornings court discussions. I hadn't been to the bedroom yet, I didn't destroy your nest. You have to know I wouldn't do that."
Conflicted, Shen Jiu said, "You don't want my nest."
"Don't say that." Binghe sounded like he was in pain even hearing those words.
Turning his head to the side, looking around with vulnerable eyes. Shen Jiu was clearly taking in the fact that this bed was completely devoid of his nest. A nest that he'd built this morning. For the first time, his instincts to nest had finally come back to him. It had been so long, Shen Jiu had been so nervous. It had broken his heart to see it gone, it'd made him feel ill.
"Please." Binghe was almost begging.
"Not a good omega." Shen Jiu's sentences were simple, his mind clearly unclear.
Binghe wasn't unfamiliar with a rejected omega. Usually, it was after a short interaction where an omega hoped to catch his attention but failed. They would be upset about it, scent souring with it. But it was never particularly bad, because it'd never gone very far in the first place. This was different though. This was a rejected omega who innately felt like he'd failed an alpha.
Internally, Shen Jiu was in agony over this. He'd felt completely lost, trying to hold it together but his instincts won out on him. Completely shutting his brain down except for running through thoughts about how he was unwanted, again. How he'd been rejected, again. That his nest wasn't something anyone wanted to be with him in, yet again. It hurt.
"They didn't want me." Shen Jiu said, though he didn't name who he was talking about, it wasn't difficult for Binghe to guess, "Now you don't want me either."
"You weren't theirs to want." His voice wasn't reassuring.
Opening his mouth to say something, Shen Jiu was cut off as Binghe spoke again, "You're only mine to want. You're my omega. You have always, only been mine."
When Shen Jiu had come to Cang Qiong Mountain. It had been obvious he was an omega, in need of a pack. He'd gone through a lot, and he was an omega who needed to be treated gently for once. All but Shang Qinghua were alphas, all of them could've helped. None of them wanted him. When they'd helped Shang Qinghua, they hadn't helped Shen Jiu. Not even a gentle word, something to accept him.
So severely rejected, Shen Jiu's body had completely shut down. Though obvious to the other Peak Lords, it'd become less obvious to other people that he was an omega. As his bodies functions had stopped. There was no need for him to act like an omega, he was an omega that nobody wanted. But finally, after all this time had passed, his body had finally sparked with hope.
Though everything had felt hopeless once again. Now, Shen Jiu couldn't help but look into Binghe's eyes and see his determination. His assurance that he had claim over Shen Jiu. His words had been rough when he spoke, and the hand that had tapped his hip slowly moved its way down Shen Jiu's thigh. Over the skin of his calf, leaving goosebumps in he wake of his fingertips.
Fingers wrapping around Shen Jiu's thin ankle, he brought his leg up with it. Draping Shen Jiu's leg across his chest, so that his ankle rested close to Binghe's face. On the ankle he'd brought up, was the cuff on his ankle. To those visiting and other people who liked to gossip, they thought of it was a form of humiliation. Perhaps it was to some degree, something so visible and claiming.
But Binghe wasn't one to hide himself away. Such a visible claim over someone, especially someone like his former Shizun. How could he have been expected to hold himself back when he'd found out about it. Straight away, sourcing one for himself. Creating it with his own hands, moulding the materials until it would fit his shizun's small ankle perfectly.
Wherever Shen Jiu went, Binghe could know. Everyone would know that Shen Jiu's existence, was at the centre of Binghe's attention. Dragging his fingers upwards to rest his fingertips lightly on the back of Shen Jiu's foot, Binghe brought his forehead to rest against the cuff. Closing his eyes for just a moment while Shen Jiu stared, wide eyed and attentive.
"You're my omega."
The way Binghe worked was complicated. There were parts of himself that were eager to hurt and humiliate. His relationship with Shen Jiu wasn't easy. Arguments and fights were plentiful. But there were also parts of Binghe that were so genuine and sincere, that it was almost embarrassing. How his brain worked when it came to his former Shizun, nobody could quite follow along.
Similarly, this is how Binghe had reasoned with himself over how he dressed Shen Jiu. They saw his exposed skin as a way of humiliating him, after he'd gone so many decades completely covered. Now he was on show for everyone to see. Binghe wanted everyone to see his omega. That was unquestionable. Because he thought his omega was one of a kind, truly without equal.
There was no reason for his Shizun to hide himself away. He could be an omega here. Everyone could know he was an omega here, dressed as omegas did. Though even Shen Jiu himself couldn't quite understand all his behaviours. A part of him had been settled by Binghe's insistence. While there was still shame, Shen Jiu hardly feeling like an adequate omega on his best days.
Being presented in the most basic, easy to understand ways as an omega. His presence undeniable, his status something that nobody could mistake. It had eased the knot that had built up in his chest, tied together feelings of rejection and humiliation. Many saw it as his omega side being used against him, but Shen Jiu had only really begun to feel accepted as an omega when Binghe had his way with him. Controlling him.
It was as if he'd spent so long trying to appease others. Forcing himself in ways to appear like a desirable omega, just to be rejected over and over again by the other Peak Lords who didn't want him. With Binghe though, he'd had his instincts brought up to the surface. Without even trying, Shen Jiu had started actually feeling like an omega. He'd become comfortable with it.
People could speak about it however they wanted. Shen Jiu was used to people speaking behind his back, both saying words of truth and words of fiction. But this was not something he'd ever let them warp his perception of. This was something important to him, he valued what had been done to him. Whether Binghe had intended it or not, this had been the outcome.
It's why it had completely shattered Shen Jiu when he felt rejected. After all of this, if he still wasn't good enough. Then there was nothing left for him to do. If Binghe, more than anyone else, wasn't pleased with him. Didn't want him. Shen Jiu couldn't even put it into words, what it did to him. Now Binghe held him close, as he reassured Shen Jiu that he wanted him, that he was his omega.
"Tomorrow." Binghe said, like it was an effort to keep talking, "I'll find out what happened to your nest, tomorrow. For now, you can create a new one. I want to see it. Please show it to me."
Head fuzzy in the moment, Shen Jiu spoke, "Nest? Here?"
"Right here, in my bed."
"Alpha?"
Like it was taking everything in him to keep it together, Binghe groaned before answer, "Your alpha is right here."
"Mm." Shen Jiu hummed and seemed pleased with that, the softest smile spreading out across his face.
"I'll help you." Binghe said as he began disrobing, pulling off clothes to give something to Shen Jiu to add to his nest, "Show me how good your nest is."