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When has this become his life? Shang Qinghua would dearly love to know.
“Shen-shixiong, can this shidi do anything for you?” Sang Qinghua inquires, wanting to add more, ask if perhaps Shen Qingqiu has any paperwork for him, or some other bullshit reason for why the Qing Jing Peak Lord is just straight up vibing in his office; kneeling on the floor, fanning himself idly as a teacup steams in front of him on the low table Shang Qinghua had been forced to put out for him, but he doesn’t trust himself not to word vomit continuously once he gets started.
This is not the first time this has happened, and it will likely not be the last, but he’s tempted to at least give the other man a clear out, instead of having him just hang around for no reason.
Shen Qingqiu narrows his shapely eyes at him. “Is this Shixiong’s presence so abhorrent to you that you wish to toss him out immediately?” His demeanor, somewhat relaxed from how he normally is, straightens and goes tense.
Sensing blood in the water and not wanting to risk his life, Shang Qinghua lets out a squeak. “No, no!” He waves his hands in the air frantically. “Of course, this lowly one is deeply pleased by the visit!! He just wasn’t expecting it.” Because Shen Qingqiu never calls ahead, just shows up whenever he feels like it. Shang Qinghua fidgets with his fingers, casting around for an excuse that won’t offend his prickly marital sibling, his eyes darting around the room wildly. “He just wishes he had something more to offer his shixiong than simply tea.”
All at once, the tenseness that Shen Qingqiu had been holding releases, and internally, Shang Qinghua breathes a sigh of relief. One crisis averted. But with the Scum Villain, there’s always more to come, so he’s still on guard as Shen Qingqiu gestures at him to come closer.
“The tea is good,” Shen Qingqiu dismisses, his voice curt and hardly complimentary, even though Shang Qinghua knows for a fact that it’s a tea that Shen Qingqiu favors. “Sit down.”
Swallowing thickly, Shang Qinghua goes to kneel before Shen Qingqiu with the small table between them. When Shen Qingqiu’s thin eyebrows begin to furrow with displeasure, he suppresses a sigh and does what is probably a horribly unattractive shuffle until the furrow evens out, and he’s left sitting at more of an angle with the other man, his knee almost brushing Shen Qingqiu’s expensive-looking robes.
Clicking his tongue, Shen Qingqiu reaches out and, used to this behavior by now, Shang Qinghua heroically doesn’t flinch as the Scum Villain himself actually begins straightening Shang Qinghua’s robes and fussing with his hair. “Don’t call yourself lowly. Aren’t you a Peak Lord? Talking badly about yourself reflects badly upon all of us.” Cold fingers wrap around his chin, making him let out a tiny eep, and he’s forced to stare into Shen Qingqiu’s lovely porcelain face. “Don’t you feel ashamed? Value yourself more.”
Perhaps from anyone else, the statement would be uplifting, but coming from Shen Qingqiu, it just sounds bitchy and judgmental. Shang Qinghua makes some vague noise of what he hopes will be taken as agreement. His skin itches where Shen Qingqiu is still holding him, his dark eyes darting all over Shang Qinghua’s face. For some reason, it makes his stomach drop, and he begins to feel nervous, wanting to fidget, but every small movement makes Shen Qingqiu tighten his hold. The other Peak Lord gives a little hum, and the tension in the air makes Shang Qinghua want to cry, before Shen Qingqiu tilts his head just the tiniest amount and…
A knock at the door has Shang Qinghua whipping his head around, luckily freeing himself from Shen Qingqiu’s grip and whatever the fuck the growing tension in the room was coming from. “C-come in!” he calls, grateful for the interruption, and his head discipline comes in promptly.
He's very aware of Shen Qingqiu's attention as she greets them both and leaves an abhorrent amount of additional paperwork on his desk, saying it's from Xian Shu Peak before bowing and exiting quickly. Luckily, the Scum Villain seems to be finished as well, and leaves shortly after, with a thoughtful look on his face that Shang Qinghua doesn't like, but doesn't feel like investigating further, satisfied to have left the encounter behind him.
The thing is, it’s not like Shang Qinghua ever expected this to happen (and no, don't ask him what this even means) when he’d accidentally spilled the beans about how Yue Qingyuan hadn’t actually abandoned Shen Qingqiu. In his defense, he was coming off not sleeping for almost a week (even for a cultivator, that little sleep is still pretty bad), and high-strung with stress, so after dealing with Shen Qingqiu's snippy attitude, something inside him broke.
Honestly, Shang Qinghua is still unsure what happened or how that conversation with Shen Qingqiu went. He barely remembers anything about it. Just that sometime afterward, the two martial brothers had worked some things out, and while their relationship isn’t completely healed, it’s definitely better than it was, enough so that everyone has noticed that their Peak Lord meetings are a lot less fraught.
And now, for some reason, Shen Qingqiu seems to have gotten it into his head that he and Shang Qinghua are… ??? Shang Qinghua really isn’t sure. Not friends, or even co-workers. Toddlers, in the stage of side-by-side play? In many ways, his shixiong is much like a cat, wandering in without any warning to demand attention before slinking off with a hiss.
This wouldn’t be a problem on its own (though Shang Qinghua doesn’t necessarily enjoy being forced to stop what he’s doing to cater to a prissy baby, but when has he ever gotten what he wants?), but it also comes with its own kind of favoritism that is becoming noticeable.
Re: All the Peaks now do their paperwork correctly and turn it in on time. Even Bai Zhan Peak.
And that’s what gets Shang Qinghua to gather what little courage he has and make a trip to Qing Jing Peak.
Knocking on the door makes him kinda want to sprint right back down the path he just came from, and pretend like he’d never tried this honestly stupid idea, Airplane, what were you thinking—but before he can get his shaking knees working long enough to carry him away, the door opens, and instantly, he drops into a bow.
“Shen-shixiong!” Shang Qinghua says, voice high-pitched with his nerves. “This shidi has brought a gift! He hopes he isn’t interrupting! If he is, of course he’ll leave right away, ahaha…” Please, please make this a bad time! Shang Qinghua pleads in his mind, already cursing his hasty decision-making. Clearly, it’s faulty because why the hell had he thought this would be a good idea?!
Piercing eyes rake over his mildly shaking form before an elegant chin motions him inside. “Shang-shidi, please come in.”
Ah well. Perhaps he was feeling a tad too hopeful. Trying to gather his courage, he follows.
It doesn’t take long for Shen Qingqiu to get them situated with some tea, sitting in his small receiving area. Shang Qinghua honestly doubts it's used for visitors, probably its only use is when the man accepts disciples.
He looks around a bit before clearing his throat and digging into his sleeve, where he withdraws a small bundle. “This shidi heard that down in town, there has been a shortage of birth control and pain medicine. While our Sect helps out where it can, he is aware that some establishments can be… overlooked, in the process of parceling out aid. He wanted to offer these to his shixiong so that they might be given out to those in need.”
There’s a long pause, and Shang Qinghua is really wishing a truck would magically appear and run him over. Impractical? Maybe. Does he really hope the System could make that happen and put him out of his misery? Most definitely.
He’s still holding the wrapped bundle out, and before he can lower his arm, Shen Qingqiu takes it from him, putting it into his lap. He taps a few fingers against the fabric, as if in thought.
“This is for the Warm Red Pavilion,” he deduces.
“Yes,” Shang Qinghua agrees, because it is.
Shen Qingqiu gives him a sneer. “Perhaps this is all a ploy, so that Shang-shidi can use the excuse to judge this master’s choices.”
Before he can think better of it, Shang Qinghua snorts with disbelief. “Fat chance at that,” he says, almost under his breath. He flinches once he realizes what he’s done. Eyes flying wide, Shang Qinghua opens his mouth to quickly take it back, but Shen Qingqiu cuts him off before he gets a chance.
“No, won’t Shidi continue?”
Shang Qinghua wiggles a little in place before he releases a deep sigh and falls back on his palms, crossing his legs so he can be more comfortable on the floor. He decides he’ll be honest, just this once, and maybe Shen Qingqiu won’t want anything to do with him anymore after, which would be pretty preferable, all things considered.
“Look, I don’t care that you go there, alright? It’s your business. To be honest, I wish I had the balls to go to a brothel. Being a virgin sucks.” Even though he knows that Shen Qingqiu doesn't go there for sex, he also knows that if he values his life, Shang Qinghua should not mention that ever.
And he values his life, very, very much.
Shen Qingqiu’s eyes flash with some emotion that Shang Qinghua can’t name. “So why don’t you?”
He shrugs, bouncing one of his knees. He’s sure his bad posture is pissing Shen Qingqiu off; one of his eyebrows is twitching. “I’d be too painfully awkward about the whole thing. And I know they would be super kind and nice about it, but it also kinda rubs me the wrong way that they’re just forced to be there, you know? Like, who wants to get paid to have sex with this?” He gestures to himself, half-heartedly. “When they don’t get the option to opt out.”
Shang Qinghua’s knee jiggles harder as he waits for Shen Qingqiu’s response. The man has taken out his fan and started fanning himself idly, his eyes watching Shang Qinghua coolly; the gaze calculated.
“This master will take your gift. Thanking Shidi for the thought.”
Shang Qinghua smiles, pleased that apparently whatever he said wasn’t a total disaster. “Awesome! So, I’m sure you’re super busy, so I’ll just—”
“Hold on.” Shen Qingqiu’s sharp tone makes Shang Qinghua plant his ass so fast from the half-rise he’d attempted, he hadn't even realized he was back to sitting before he’s blinking at the Scum Villain who gives him a little smirk. “Shang-shidi hasn’t even finished a single cup of tea. Surely, he can spend a little more time here.”
“O-oh, yeah, sure,” Shang Qinghua agrees, stumbling over his words. Wow, but is that smirk sexy. Hello?? Operator, there’s been a murder???
“Out of curiosity, who would Shang-shidi be tempted to visit in a brothel, if he ever went? Man or woman?” Shen Qingqiu taps his now folded fan against his lips, and Shang Qinghua is aware he’s staring shamelessly and a little distracted—because again, sexy—so he gives a knee-jerk answer.
“Either, I’m not picky. As long as they’re my type, I’d be down for whatever.”
Shen Qingqiu purses his lips, narrowing his eyes. “And Shidi’s type is…?” he says, obviously wanting Shang Qinghua to finish the sentence.
“Taller than me, can listen to me blather, and a little mean to everyone, me included. But also someone who can protect me; I’m a bit of a coward, as Shixiong is well-aware. Hiding behind someone stronger than me is like, top goals. Watching someone win a fight with brains or brawn is hot.” He wrinkles his nose. “So again, not really the vibe that I’ll probably get in a brothel, right?”
Something about Shen Qingqiu's posture relaxes, though Shang Qinghua can't really put his finger on what actually changes, as he puts down his fan and pours himself another cup of tea with a thoughtful noise. “No, definitely not the type one would find in a brothel. Seems like Shidi will have to look elsewhere for his preferred partner.”
“Yeah, well, that's not gonna happen, but I’m not worried about it. What about you—”
“Drink your tea,” Shen Qingqiu orders briskly, abruptly changing the subject, and Shang Qinghua hurries to obey.
By the time he leaves, Shen Qingqiu has roped him into weekly visits at the Bamboo House.
Seriously, Shang Qinghua is still not sure what the fuck is going on, but okay, whatever, he’ll take it. At least this means that Shen Qingqiu is less likely to show up at his Leisure House.
And maybe it’s a little nice to watch the Scum Villain smirk at him, especially when Shang Qinghua, almost, but not quite, makes the man huff a laugh.
So, life goes on. Shang Qinghua becomes something like friends with Shen Qingqiu; they hang out every week, and the Scum Villain is, on occasion, somewhat nice to him. Shang Qinghua brings him little gifts because he's not above bribery, and Shen Qingqiu will return the favor with something much higher in quality and value, because he's a competitive asshole who can't help but want to be better than everyone else.
All things considered, life is pretty good!
That doesn't explain how he ended up pinned against a wall, with Shen Qingqiu's mouth on his, though.
He thinks he gives an awkward squeak, palms pressed against Shen Qingqiu's chest, his eyes wide as he takes in the super zoomed in view of Shen Qingqiu's closed eyes. He's got a nice forehead. Is that a weird thought? It feels like a weird thought.
The moment doesn't last long, frozen as Shang Qinghua is, and when Shen Qingqiu pulls away, his thin lips are already twisted into a frown.
"What's wrong?" Shen Qingqiu demands. "You're not kissing back." He seems put out about that. Shang Qinghua makes a noise, and it sounds like a dying dog.
"I-I wasn't expecting it?" Shang Qinghua offers. Shen Qingqiu is taller than him, and he's got both hands over Shang Qinghua's shoulders, caging him in. Wait... is this a kabedon!?! Like in a shoujo manga? Holy shit!? His heart rate skyrockets.
Shen Qingqiu scoffs, rolling his eyes. "We're courting. It was bound to happen eventually."
"We are?!" Shang Qinghua practically screeches. "Since when!?"
Like shutters snapping shut, Shen Qingqiu's expression closes off. He takes a step back, taking away his body heat, and Shang Qinghua feels a chill go through him without the additional warmth.
For the first time, Shang Qinghua watches Shen Qingqiu attempt to find words, mouth opening and closing with false starts. Then, his face scrunches with displeasure, and he bites out, each word sounding like it leaves a bitter aftertaste, "My apologies, then, Shidi. For the misunderstanding." He turns to leave, and Shang Qinghua just barely manages to grab onto his arm.
"Wait, wait. Don't storm off. I didn't say I minded, I was just surprised!" Shang Qinghua gets Shen Qingqiu to face him again with some fussing, though the other man refuses to look him in the eyes, glaring a hole into the wall instead.
And looking at him, at the way his shoulders curl into himself, looking so small and ready to be hurt, Shang Qinghua feels his heart break a little. He still doesn't understand quite how they got here, courting apparently??—but he knows this character. He knows how much it would have taken a prideful man like Shen Qingqiu to make the first move, and if he doesn't salvage this somehow, he knows whatever niceties they've had up until this point will disappear forever.
"I think you're super pretty," Shang Qinghua blurts. "Like, distractingly so. I know that people probably say that a lot, or think it a lot at you, and that you know it, but uh, yeah. It's true. But more than that, you're super smart and resourceful. I've always thought you were kind of a tragic character, able to claw your way to the top, no matter what it took, and yet no one bothered to recognize your talents once you got there. It's sad; they should. You don't make it easy, but that shouldn't be an excuse. Also, uh. I think about kissing you a lot. Can we do it again?"
Shen Qingqiu finally meets his eyes, blinking a few times with confusion before he huffs his little, almost-laugh. "You're an idiot," he says, but he takes half a step closer. Shang Qinghua, feeling brave, wraps a loose arm around his waist, making it an easy hold to break out of. When Shen Qingqiu doesn't pull away—feeling more and more confident with every moment that passes—he puts a little more pressure into it, until Shen Qingqiu is once more pressed up against him. There's an emotion swimming in those dark eyes that Shang Qinghua still can't name, but he thinks it's something good.
"Yeah," Shang Qinghua agrees a bit breathlessly, because he's a little starstruck, and then he swoops in for another kiss. They swap kisses back and forth; occasionally, Shen Qingqiu will pull away to berate him.
"What did you think all the visits were for?"
Kiss, kiss.
"I dunno, you just wanting to hang out?"
More kissing. Shang Qinghua is pretty positive he could get used to this. He doesn't dare let his hands wander too much, but Shen Qingqiu's got a grip on his hair that'll probably make it look like a rat's nest by the time they're done.
"You gave me gifts."
Shang Qinghua groans at the sharp tug at his hair, pleasure shooting through him.
"You like gifts. You gave me gifts."
Shen Qingqiu is kissing and nipping along Shang Qinghua's jawline. "Yes, because we're courting, you idiot." To prove his point, Shen Qingqiu bites a little harder, but jokes on him, Shang Qinghua is into that.
"Okay," Shang Qinghua says, pushing at Shen Qingqiu until they're both looking at each other. The Scum Villain's face is flushed, and Shang Qinghua feels a little faint with giddiness at the sight. "Okay, we're courting. I'm like, super onboard. We should keep doing that, but with more kissing."
And this time, it's not a smirk that spreads across Shen Qingqiu's face, but a smile. A real smile.
Greedily, Shang Qinghua drinks in the sight before pressing closer to kiss it right from his smiling lips.
