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"Always so sticky." Shizun says fondly as he pats Luo Binghe's hair.
But is it really so fond? Luo Binghe's not so sure. Shizun never initiates their affection, always simply returning it. Maybe Shizun would prefer if he were less sticky? Perhaps he can let Shizun decide on how much affection he wants instead of constantly taking his Shizun's affection like the greedy beast he is. Luo Binghe vows to only let Shizun initiate affection starting tomorrow. For now he snuggles further into his Shizun's arms like the desperate, grasping monster he knows he is.
_____
Shen Qingqiu wakes up slowly, warm and comfortable. He smells breakfast being cooked. He lazes in bed and waits for Binghe to come get him when the food's ready. Sure enough his husband gracefully walks in and speaks. "Shizun breakfast has been prepared." This is all part of his perfect morning routine. He waits for the next part, the part where his husband pets down his hair and gives him his good morning kiss. Binghe doesn't move from the doorway today though, he simply turns and leaves Shen Qingqiu to get out of bed. Odd. Shen Qingqiu pointedly does not pout as he gets up and heads to breakfast. Breakfast at least is normal, filled with detectible food and engaging conversation.
After Binghe cleans up their breakfast Shen Qingqiu prepares himself for Binghe to whine about having to leave for his meeting in the demon realm. He's ready to encourage him to go do his duties. He's primed for a long while of his husband hanging off of him and filling his eyes with crocodile tears. None of this happens. Binghe simply announces his leave and wishes Shen Qingqiu a good day. No complaints. No tears. Not even a hug or kiss goodbye. Very odd. Shen Qingqiu is worried but hopeful that his sticky Binghe will be back to normal by the time he gets home later.
Binghe is not better when he gets home. All Shen Qingqiu gets is a greeting before Binghe rushes off to get started on dinner. He must be upset with him for some reason. Shen Qingqiu thinks back to yesterday to try and find any reason for Binghe to be suddenly so incredibly upset with him but comes up empty handed. If he's not mad at him then what's the problem? Shen Qingqiu thinks back to Proud Immortal Demon Way. He remembers all the wives who'd been cast aside never to be seen again. Always replaced with someone new. Was his ever faithful husband finally losing interest in him? Was he also going to be tossed aside for someone new? He knew he could never fully fade into the background as he was Binghe's first spouse but that didn't mean Binghe couldn't take a second wife. Then a third. Then a fourth. Then- No. No no no. That couldn't happen. But what could he do to stop it? Become like one of those pathetic women who couldn't accept their fate and instead chose to debase themselves trying endlessly to win their uninterested husband's favor back? He simply didn't have the face for something like that. No, not at all.
_____
Luo Binghe has kept at it. For three days and three nights he has avoided touching Shizun at all. In return Shizun has also not touched him. He lays beside Shizun in their bed with what feels like a massive chasm between them. Suddenly as he stares at his Shizun's back he bursts into tears. They fall hot and wet down his cheeks in rapid rivulets. Before he can stop it a horrible sob tears from his throat.
Shizun visibly jolts and whips around. "Binghe? What's wrong?" He asks in a startled voice. When Luo Binghe doesn't reply Shen Qingqiu scoots forward and wraps his arms around shaking shoulders. Luo Binghe cries even harder but Shizun simply makes soft shushing sounds as he gently pets his curls. "Tell me what's wrong?"
Luo Binghe takes in a shaky breath and manages to get out through his sobs, "Shizun doesn't even want to touch me. It's been days."
"Oh Binghe. Is that what this is about? When Binghe wants affection he takes it so of course this master would assume that if he's not seeking affection it's because he doesn't want it. I-" Shizun's voice cracks. "I thought you'd lost interest in me. That you were going to find someone new."
"Shizun I would never. I just- Shizun never touches first." Luo Binghe trails off.
"This master- This husband will make an effort to show Binghe that he is wanted and cared for more." Shizun promises, though he turns his face away ears turning pink.
"This husband will make sure Shizun never doubts his place as my one and only again."