Work Text:
Deja Vu
"Two bundles of lemongrass… a new batch of incense, some wheat, flowers…" Maomao listed as she looked through her shopping bag.
She was out on her own day, the brat was left at the Verdigris House for now for his lessons. It's not often she can safely leave the kid to do tasks, so this was a rare chance for her.
Still… it was very quiet now, it reminded her of before her life got turned in all directions. She wouldn't necessarily call it "upside down", but it's been twisted. Back when she had to go shopping alone because her adopted father's strength wasn't suited for long, winding trips like this anymore. How long has it been since then?
Maomao took a breath, opting to lean against the wall of a building to rest for a moment.
How strange… getting all nostalgic like this…
Maomao was about to move again when something grabbed her arm. She quickly whipped her head around as a hand grabbed her wrist making her drop her bag. Another moment flashed by her eyes as a hand roughly clamped over her mouth.
She let out a startled yelp as she was pinned against a large body, one arm wrapping around her body, as the other remained clamped over her mouth.
"Go! Go! Go!" A voice whispered urgently.
Maomao felt herself get pulled back.
Not again… Maomao groaned internally, wondering if it would be worth it to struggle. It's not like she had a lot of physical strength.
While Maomao was deciding if she would just relinquish herself to her fate, again, she saw a shadow fly by.
"What the he-!" The voice was startled before there was a shout and a dull thud hitting the ground.
Maomao felt herself get spun around as whoever was holding her began to panic.
Please don't snap my neck… Maomao thought, the iron tight grip on her mouth concerned her with how much jerking around her would-be kidnapper was doing.
It didn't take long before another thud echoed and Maomao was dropped to the ground with an unceremonious grunt.
"That was close…" Maomao said quietly, "Who-"
She let out another yelp as a pair of hands grabbed her shoulders, a masked face suddenly in front of her. If not for those distinctly beautiful eyes, she might was mistaken him for another random weirdo.
"Are you okay?!"
"Master Jinshi? What are you doing here?" Maomao asked plainly.
"Answer my question first please, are you hurt anywhere?" Jinshi asked as his eyes glanced all over her in a rapid motion.
"I am fine, I didn't even get hit or anything. Just some attempted grab and go." Maomao said, she glanced at the two unconscious men. They didn't even have rope on them like the first time this happened. Did they really just plan on dragging her the whole way?
Jinshi's loud sigh brought her back for a moment.
"Why does this keep happening?" Jinshi muttered.
"I would honestly like to know myself." Maomao sighed, "Now my question, what brings you to the pleasure district?"
"I was just looking for you." Jinshi said, helping her stand. "You weren't at the Verdigris House, so one of your sisters teaching Chou-u told me you went shopping."
"Joka? I see, did you need me for something, Master Jinshi?" Maomao asked, folding her hands as she normally did.
Jinshi let out another sigh, "There is no urgent need. I just, wanted to see you. It's been awhile since we last talked."
Before either could speak again, another voice echoed in the alley.
"Master Jinshi!" Gaoshun shouted as he caught up to them. "Are you both alright?"
"We're fine, but have some guards take care of these men." Jinshi said, "We'll be heading back to the Verdigris House."
Gaoshun shook his head lightly, "Of course, but be careful. Just because you're not the Crowned Prince anymore, that doesn't mean you can go running off like that."
"I understand." Jinshi said, as he dragged Maomao out of the alley, his grip was similar to the one he had on her during the garden party.
"Ah, Master Jinshi, wait." Maomao said as she glanced at the entrance to the alley.
"What is it?"
"My groceries…"
Jinshi was heavily debating whether having Maomao remain in the pleasure district is a good idea again.
Maomao walked over and poured him some tea as they sat in the apothecary shop at the back of the Verdigris House.
"Thanks for getting me out of that bind." Maomao said as she set a small snack on the table. "I definitely had a sense of deja vu during the ordeal."
"Deja vu?" Jinshi asked before thinking.
"Yeah, it's oddly reminiscent of when I first got kidnapped." Maomao sighed, "Not that it matters anymore."
"Why did those men grab you?" Jinshi asked.
Maomao looked off to the side, "Who knows… I had my freckles on today, and my route around the district hasn't changed very much. So who knows? Maybe my luck is just bad today."
"I really don't like how casual you sound about all this…." Jinshi frowned.
"Well, it's not the first time." Maomao said as she took a sip from her cup. "My initial capture and selling to the Rear Palace… the whole incident with Shisui… now this. At this point, I'm used to it."
Jinshi internally winced, how can she be so calm about this? He knows the answer, but it doesn't make it any less worrying.
He's promised himself several times that he'd protect her, but now, she still gets in trouble whether she likes it or not. He's been unable to uphold that small promise.
"Master Jinshi, your tea is getting cold." Maomao said as she took another sip, "Is it not to your liking?"
"I… it's nothing, it's fine." Jinshi said, quickly drinking the tea, which only made Maomao raise an eyebrow.
"Alright." Maomao said.
The two drank in silence for a bit, Jinshi getting lost in his thoughts.
This keeps happening, their luck will eventually run out. If that happens, and Maomao actually gets captured by people who would harm her… What could he do? He can't let this keep happening. Maomao may be used to it, but it doesn't change the danger.
"Should I make sure there's an escort?" Jinshi mumbled.
"Excuse me?" Maomao blinked.
"Ah," Jinshi didn't realize how said that out loud. "I uh… I was just debating on whether you should have an attendant, an escort of sorts, to go with you on shopping trips and the like."
"But Chou-u already had a guard watching over him, is a second one really necessary?" Maomao asked.
"Not for Chou-u, for you." Jinshi said, "Just to make sure something like this… doesn't happen again."
Maomao frowned, "So you are worried about my near kidnapping today?"
"Obviously!" Jinshi suddenly exclaimed, "I can't… I can't keep letting this happen. Who knows what might've happened if they made off with you. If I hadn't managed to spot you and…"
Maomao frowned, "I'm sorry for worrying you, Master Jinshi."
Jinshi blinked, confused.
Maomao looked at her tea, "My adoptive father doesn't show it, but he doesn't need to. Not to mention my sisters, and even the old hag. Everyone worries about me, even though I don't intend to cause this kind of trouble. I see you are now part of that group too." Maomao said, "It is unfortunate I keep running into trouble, but I guess it's only a matter of time before it finds me again. I can never escape it seems, even if I want to."
"Maomao…"
"What is it?"
"Just know… you don't have you face your troubles alone." Jinshi said.
"Where is that coming from?"
Jinshi sighed, "Just… take note of it. I am glad you're alright. I wouldn't want any harm to come to you. I will save you if I need to, just like today."
"You've already saved me quite a few times now, haven't you?" Maomao asked with a soft smile, "In that case, I suppose I should propose the same."
"Huh?" Jinshi said, only for Maomao's smile the brighten a bit more.
"If you end up in trouble, I'll be sure to drag you out of it, with Master Gaoshun's help, of course." Maomao said.
Jinshi smiled, "I look forward to it."
Maomao didn't say anything in return, but sat back down.
Jinshi didn't know what to make of the aura of the small room now. Before it was mildly tense and awkward, but now it was warmer. Comforting almost. This was why he enjoyed visiting her.
Jinshi took a sip of his tea again.
"Just don't expect me go carry you, you're way too heavy." Maomao said.
Jinshi chuckled, "Noted."