[ Luo Binghe has made his way back to the other world, and this time, he has a plan.
He remembers very clearly what happened when this world's Shen Qingqiu rejected him. At the time it hadn't made sense; if the two of them were exactly the same, why did Shen Qingqiu suddenly seemed to realize that it was not the Luo Binghe he knew?
It was only later that he finally connected it to the strange scar he'd noticed on his other self's chest. The other Luo Binghe, incompetent as he was, should have been able to heal an injury like that without any difficulty whatsoever. That was what had made it stick out in his mind, and it was only after ruminating on it for several days that he realizes that that scar, or its absence, must have been what Shen Qingqiu had noticed. For whatever reason, the other Luo Binghe must have deliberately kept that scar.
So he stabbed himself with a sword, sliced into this world with Xin Mo again, and waited for an opportunity to strike. Tonight, it has. He's managed to set up a disruption to distract the other Luo Binghe (who better to know how to delay him for a night than himself?), and now he enters the bamboo hut in his place. ]
Shizun, I've returned.
[ He keeps his tone cheerful, in that way that he observed the other Luo Binghe treating Shen Qingqiu.
[ Should he hate the fact his heart beats a touch faster when he hears his lover's voice? His husband, that word he sometimes lapses into using without realising, much to certain regrets held by his waist. It's taken time to get to this point, and while he hasn't precisely planned the evening, the simmering confidence regarding particular intimacies hasn't faded.
It probably is fucking stupid that his heart beats faster, but there's something about Binghe, the smiles he means, the way he calls out to him, their mutual affection and esteem, many more reasons he doesn't need to linger over considering that has him turning toward him, an easy, subdued smile pulling at the corner of his lips. ]
Binghe.
[ He moves forward without hesitation, something natural and usual for the both of them, lifting a hand to cradle the side of Binghe's face. There's not enough of a height difference between them to matter most times, but right now, he nonchalantly shifts onto the balls of his feet and presses a kiss to Binghe's forehead, perfectly over his seal. Nothing too lingering, but more deliberate than an absent brush of lips to skin.
He remembers the absurdity of the first time he'd done this, and the many absurdities and painful things which followed, only to these days even out into a kind of happiness he wouldn't have expected for himself in this life. Or the kind of springtime activities he's been involved with... he's not as shameless as his husband, but he doesn't need to be. He just needs to be shameless enough.
With the faintest hint of red highlighting his face, he brushes a thumb over Binghe's cheek, stepping just that much closer to be standing chest to chest, his other arm slinging around Binghe's waist, palm pressing against the small of his back. ]
[ In the time since he last came to this place, it seems that the relationship between this Shen Qingqiu and the other Luo Binghe has certainly gotten more intimate. Luo Binghe accepts the kiss to his forehead even as it reminds him how the mark seared the first time his demonic powers awakened, right before Shen Qingqiu shoved him into the Endless Abyss. He pushes down his anger. Now is not the time for it.
He wraps his arms around Shen Qingqiu's body in return, easily drawing the man against him. Despite the fact that he's never held another man besides Shen Qingqiu it's easy enough to fit the two of them together. With a thin waist and long legs his shape could pass for a woman's, and Luo Binghe knows how to handle women of all different sorts. ]
Shizun.
[ He can feign affection in spades, and he does so, lacing the title with adoration before lifting his head enough to capture Shen Qingqiu's lips in a kiss.
He lets one hand slide up to cradle the base of Shen Qingqiu's head, holding him in place so he can escalate the kiss as far as he wants to. His other hand starts to explore and rub, seeking out spots around Shen Qingqiu's waist that he expects to get good reactions from him.
Much like with a woman, he expects he won't be able to fit inside without plenty of foreplay. And he does intend to get inside this time. This time Shen Qingqiu won't notice the difference, and the other Luo Binghe won't show up to interrupt them just as things are getting good. ]
[ All is full of love, as far as Shen Qingqiu is concerned. He doesn't resist being pulled close, doesn't fight the way their forms mold to accept each other, hard planes covered by soft fabric a pleasant, familiar pressure. He only chuckles when Binghe's hand starts wandering, pulling back against the hand cradling his head to fix his willful disciple with a warm gaze. He covers Binghe's wandering hand with his own, canting his head to the side and casually running his other hand along Binghe's side. ]
Binghe. Let me take care of you.
[ He doesn't hold back from kissing him again, but this is... loving. Heated beneath it all, but the pouring of affection from Shen Qingqiu to Luo Binghe is without reservation, just as the way his hand curves over Binghe's rounded buttocks (what a waist indeed) cannot be mistaken for anything other than the caress it is. He shifts forward a touch, generating some friction for the express purpose of knowing there's enough he can't ignore with Binghe in order to help him last, but tonight, yes, tonight he's finally ready. Taking up Binghe's offer from before, all the practice and patience and the slow confidence that sex didn't have to hurt, that all leads to now, where he's squeezing his husband's backside, kneading that muscle while pulling him closer like that, bringing that errant hand from before up and between them, lacing his fingers with his husband's. ]
Tonight, you're in my care.
[ He says, voice lower and heady with a warmth borne of love and arousal and anticipation in unequal measures, his dark eyes gone darker when he pulls his head back again to state those words a hairsbreadth away from Binghe's beautiful lips. ]
[ Luo Binghe tries to read the cues carefully. If he wants to seduce this Shen Qingqiu under the guise of being the other Luo Binghe, he needs to act enough like him to not give himself away again. It's partially following his instincts, partially remembering how he acted back when he was still inexperienced in bedroom matters, and partially determining what Shen Qingqiu is expecting.
He gives a slow nod and presses his hips forward, returning the friction that Shen Qingqiu gave him. There's a hint of frustration that he seems to be expected to let Shen Qingqiu take control of this experience, but he betrays none of that. Luo Binghe instead lets a loving smile slowly bloom on his face and he gives a very slight squeeze to Shen Qingqiu's hand. ]
Alright. Shizun can take care of me.
[ He pulls Shen Qingqiu's face back against his, pressing a heavy kiss to his lips. He's not allowed to use his hand to touch, apparently, but if Shen Qingqiu can arouse himself enough then it doesn't matter. Luo Binghe can focus on his lips and let Shen Qingqiu instead be the one to touch where he wants to get himself in the mood. ]
[ He meets a heavy kiss with a heavy one of his own, but it's Shen Qingqiu who casually slips his tongue into Binghe's mouth, tasting him, teasing him, plundering what's willing as much as he's long since enjoyed being tasted, teased, and plundered in turn, and he has firm control of the embarrassment that made his own desire so difficult to handle earlier in this tumultous relationship.
Love heals, and helps, when experience lacked, and there are so many ways he wants to show he cares without having to find the words. Words are hard, even now, and Shen Qingqiu hasn't found it in him to quite find the right words when so many of his have ended up being double edged over the years in spite of intention.
Still with laced fingers, still kneading his backside, he shifts them backward, step by step, providing both some tantalising friction with how he moves just so, but moreover, bringing his husband to the edge of their bed. He doesn't break their kissing until he feels the resistance of the bed through Binghe's body, pulling his head back and licking his lips and swallowing with a distinct, alluring air. Heavy lidded eyes take in Luo Binghe's beautiful face, a surge of affection, lust, and pride all mixed together as the butterflies that shouldn't have still been caught in his chest at this point in their relationship fluttered their wings, and he nudges Binghe to sit. He wants to take his time undressing him, using his lips and teeth and hands to leave their gentle, felt marks across him, lavish the same attention and desire and love he feels time and again from Luo Binghe on Luo Binghe this time. Not halfway, but all the way, and so it is that if he convinces his Binghe to sit, he'll use one knee to push his way between Binghe's legs, naturally drawing closer. All to lean in, reclaiming his hands and undoing Binghe's beautiful mane of hair and raking his fingers through it, a flush visible on his face as he leans down, resting their foreheads together for a moment.
Sweet talk. It's so intensely intimidating, but it's more effective than any dirty talk that Shen Qingqiu couldn't have managed anyway, and so the words come with some effort, but full sincerity: ]
So beautiful.
[ Everything about him. Handsome, too, but beautiful in a way that has nothing to do with gender, and everything to do with the vibrancy of this man, this half demon lord, his strength, and his fabricated weaknesses right alongside his genuine faults.
Shen Qingqiu finds all of him, flawed and imperfect, absolutely, stunningly beautiful. And he'll show him, tonight, that means every last centimeter of him is as wanted, and loved, as Binghe seems to fear can never fully be true. ]
[ Perhaps only because it's Shen Qingqiu, the deepened kiss feels like a challenge--as if to mock, or to dominate what he can never overcome in any other way--but he mentally talks himself down from that. To this Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe (or at least, the Luo Binghe he believes he is dealing with) is not an enemy to compete against. He is the singular wife that the other Luo Binghe has taken, and he spreads his legs for him like any of his own wives would. Some of those wives get eager, enthusiastic in their attempts to claim the most of his attention, making these little plays at taking control before obediently settling underneath him. This is no different, even if it's the scum villain Shen Qingqiu doing the playing.
Luo Binghe gives a small bite in return as part of the kiss. Not taking the tongue off as crosses his mind, but because he remembers his young and incompetent self making that mistake for years before he was guided out of it by some of his more delicate bed mates. Still, it's a carefully-controlled move, enough to give a twinge of pain to quickly fade, nothing that should discourage Shen Qingqiu from continuing.
When Shen Qingqiu moves them Luo Binghe cooperates, nipping again as Shen Qingqiu gives a particularly pleasing rub against him. It's simultaneously easy and frustrating to submit as Shen Qingqiu directs him, and the contrast is what's most difficult for him to handle. As a lover, he's taken many people over the years--no men, but all sorts of women, including the kind who preferred to take charge of foreplay. But as the ruler of the three realms and a disgraced disciple of Qing Jing Peak, he has slowly pursued, captured, and torn Shen Qingqiu apart limb by limb, relishing his fear the whole time. He cannot let himself get swallowed up by either impulse: neither to let his guard down and fully indulge without a care, nor to pursue further revenge on this man who brought him so much suffering.
When that knee settles between his legs he pulls Shen Qingqiu against himself, rubbing a bit against it in a subtle reminder of where this is going to go in the end. No matter how Shen Qingqiu takes the lead now, in the end his body will warm Luo Binghe's pillar as countless women have done already. He tips his head up and lets his eyes close, long enough that it looks like his guard is down when it isn't, before opening them again and staring into Shen Qingqiu's eyes.
He's seen those eyes full of loathing, anger, fear. Never any emotions like this. ]
And yet not nearly as beautiful as you are. [ The sweet nothings tumble from his lips like snowflakes to the ground, beauty wasted on dirt, deposited carelessly without thought some place where they'd melt and disappear.
He places his hands on the edges of Shen Qingqiu's robes on his neck, just barely touching fingertips to the skin there. Luo Binghe lets his hands slowly slide down, leaving skin behind as they trace the elaborate fabric until his hands settle on the man's belt. He isn't sure if Shen Qingqiu will allow him to do this just yet after denying him the earlier touching, but it's not the sort of thing he'd expect the other Luo Binghe to ask before starting on so he doesn't either before he begins loosening it. ]
[ There's laughter rumbling in his chest, a low chuckle that drives away the first impulse to remind Binghe to be gentle; he's been a much better kisser these days than when they'd first fallen into each other, all teeth and hunger and no nuance in how to pursue the pleasure he was seeking. Painful lessons for them both in different ways, but patience teaching ones, too. Ones that bring them here, tonight, and Binghe being the one who says such ridiculous things that simply are not true to anyone but Binghe.
It's an endearing, frustrating, at times very hot trait, but tonight, it's one more sweetness on his tongue, slowly dissolving and entering his bloodstream. ]
Mm, that silver tongue of yours.
[ A gentle, teasing chide, for an argument they've both put forth and lost when pitted against each other. His hands caress and stroke down, nimble fingers teasing at the folded lapel of his inner robe, only breaking off in their rise back toward his shoulders and slipping his outer robe down off them when there's a familiar tug at his waistband.
He presses two traveling kisses to Binghe's cheek, nuzzling against his temple as he spoke in a low voice: ]
Patience, Binghe. Tonight, I'm taking care of you.
[ Just one hand to gently and firmly check Binghe's hands where they're loosening his belt. Followed by that hand skating along Binghe's arm, back toward his body, and then caressing down in a smooth motion that strokes over that heavenly pillar with a practiced pressure, ending with a nail-raking stroke across one inner thigh. ]
Let me.
[ He says, nipping at Binghe's ear, then tracing the shell of it apologetically with his tongue. That was all Binghe's fault, teaching Shen Qingqiu of his own ear's sensitivities, grinding down that embarrassment into another show of desire and affection.
He doesn't waste time sliding Binghe's outer robe off his shoulders, encouraging him to move his arms lest they end up trapped against his sides as he works through his layers. The waistband and its ornaments are next, but as one hand makes familiar work of tugging loose and unwinding fabric with carefully measured strength (see, one could do all this without destroying clothing, Luo Binghe, take exhaustive note), his lips found Binghe's again, his nails raking through hair and across scalp so that he can coax Binghe into tipping his head back, to giving Qingqiu that better angle to press a hot, lingering, open mouthed kiss down on his lips. Once he has that belt loosened and cast aside, shifting forward and providing that friction for Binghe that excites Shen Qingqiu in turn, his strong, slender fingers find their way to his layered collars after stroking down the side of his neck, brushing over his adams apple. That strong pulse underneath his traveling fingers, the inhalations he can feel with his fingertips, all heady, all beautiful.
They're alive, and together, in every sense of the word.
His fingers slip under one robe's edge, tugging and loosening, still separated from skin by another layer of fabric. But closer, so much closer, and his kisses shift, turning into a press of lips and a nip at Binghe's jaw, to a suckling at the skin of his neck just above his collar; strong enough to leave marks, but only fleetingly, without Binghe deciding otherwise. It's a game of its own, seeing how long his love marks last on a man whose body heals almost instantly. All these kisses while clever fingers continue divesting his layers of their close hold to his body, and the hand that had been in his hair finds its way free, stroking over his shoulder and arm, then in, to his chest, and around his side. Pulling Binghe close right before he breaks suction on his love mark, pressing a lighter kiss down over the temporarily reddened skin. ]
[ He expected to be stopped, so there's no anger when it happens. Instead he puts on a feigned hint of a pout, but allows Shen Qingqiu to guide his hands away. He responds a little bit more to everything than he would, not with the measured control of someone experienced but someone a little too eager, a little too excited for whatever he got. He's mindful not to overact, but the way his hips jerk forwards slightly as that touch stimulates his inner thigh is far more than he would have done naturally.
He gasps slightly at that bite, indulging for a moment in the idea of turning and biting himself, and taking a good chunk of skin from Shen Qingqiu's ear as he does it. It lets the smile on his face be a little more natural as he cooperates with Shen Qingqiu's efforts to disrobe him little by little. It's annoying more to be so submissive to Shen Qingqiu's directions than any slowness of it, but he's swallowed more than enough bile to fool others and get what he wants that even this is something he can smile through. Even if he's submitting to the kiss, he pushes his tongue forward to have at least some control of it: partially because it's what he thinks his weaker self would do, but partially to let off a hint of steam.
The nip and suction has him considering, but for the moment, Luo Binghe allows the mark to remain on his skin. He's keeping a much larger scar for tonight, so why not add a bit more? He wonders if it's the sort of thing his other self bothers with, but if not, it's easy enough to explain with more pretty words.
Once they're close, he wraps his arms around Shen Qingqiu and holds him against him. ]
Shizun... [ He puts that pout into his voice, and one hand reaches up to start playing with the collar on the back of Shen Qingqiu's robes. ] I want to take off your clothes, too.
[ He presses his lips in and then his teeth, to leave his own mark on Shen Qingqiu's neck. ]
[ Shen Qingqiu chuckles, breathing in with a sharp little note when teeth meet flesh, his fingers digging into Luo Binghe's skin before nails raking, carefully, over not yet fully exposed skin. ]
Patience. [ he says, and he tips his head back a touch so he can meet Binghe's gaze, eye to eye. ] I'm taking care of you tonight. I'll undress for you, Binghe.
[ Followed by clever hands making short of their remaining work, sliding layers off Luo Binghe and leaving them to start pooling as they would. His hands caress and skim over skin he loves more preciously than his own, marked by so little of what's been carved into it over the years. The one scar that shows, over his heart, hurts his heart in turn.
His head lowers, pressing a kiss to that scar. Caressing Binghe's arms, then sliding around his torso, an awkward but fleeting and important embrace. He's horribly embarrassed, flushed red, when he says: ]
Watch me. Just watch.
[ Stepping back to start disrobing, keeping his eyes on his husband's face in spite of how excruciatingly embarrassed he is. He's faced this. He's acknowledged this.
And he feels... powerfully great, in ways, standing before him now and revealing himself, layer by layer, pale skin exposed in thin expanses. ]
[ It's not uncertainty, but there's a moment's pause in Luo Binghe's mind as Shen Qingqiu's attention turns to the scar over his chest. He's certain he's replicated it with as much skill as he's able. But this is the moment to see if Shen Qingqiu would possibly notice... and he doesn't, even with such attention paid. The moment passes as if there weren't anything to it, and Luo Binghe moves on with it as if nothing were amiss.
Shen Qingqiu has most certainly gotten bolder since last time.
He listens to the order, as much as the idea makes his stomach turn. Luo Binghe stands still, idle but not awkward, awaiting but not uncertain. With sharpness borne of anger more than lust and yet disguised as the latter, he watches Shen Qingqiu step back and begin.
Though far from what he would consider "skilled", the show that Shen Qingqiu gives him isn't nearly as clumsy as he had expected it would be. There's no need to hold down any derisive laughter, and he manages to coax himself to further arousal rather easily, as if this sight itself were one so appealing that it would bring his pillar to the point of demanding attention. He doesn't let Shen Qingqiu even get as far as stripping completely before he tightens his hands into fists and speaks up. ]
Shizun...
[ He fakes the dryness in his throat and then swallows in an act of steadying it. ]
Please, Shizun, let me touch you.
[ The begging sounds ridiculous coming from his own mouth, but isn't that the sort of person the other Luo Binghe is? ]
Of course, it was a rather typical day on Qing Jing Peak, Shizun was away taking care of things a Peak Lord is responsible for, and Binghe was left behind, as a green disciple was no help for such things. Instead, he had an important duty, a task that no one else could be allowed to take. Something only he was given as his own!
Housekeeping.
Even Ming Fan would be chased away if he tried to come into the bamboo cottage and clean. These duties were left to Binghe who got to live in the little side room. Of course, he did not brag of this privilege. That would be unbecoming and look badly on Shizun's generous and gentle nature. But, he took great pride in this role and would make sure to not disappoint. This cottage would be spotless every day. All things in their proper place and food always at the ready!
He twirled a little holding a broom in his hand and an apron tied around him.
It was then that he heard what felt like a rip through what he could only say was reality itself. How he heard a feeling he couldn't say. It was very unnerving though! It felt like it was right on top of him... or, in the other room?
He ran over to the other room a serious expression on his face ready to face whatever threat was entering Shizun's house unannounced!
"Who dares!?" though he tried to sound threatening it was a bit hard, no one would take such a young green man seriously, at this point, especially in an apron holding a broom instead of his sword.
Luo Binghe had intended to cut his way into the world of the other Luo Binghe once again. Yet Xin Mo had wavered despite his absolute control over it, and the slice had gone slightly awry. At the time he'd barely noted it: the destination still seemed to be correct, after all.
He didn't recognize the voice at first, but the figure itself was unmistakable. Luo Binghe froze, the passage he'd taken here already sealed up behind him, as he took in the sight. A broom, and an apron... but unmistakably, himself of years ago.
"... What are you doing here?"
Perhaps an odd question under the circumstances, but one he had to ask as Luo Binghe tried to make sense of what was happening.
"What are you doing here? Breaking into Shizun's home!" He quickly added correcting himself, "Breaking into Qing Jing Peak!"
After all, this man was clearly a demon. But, he was a powerful demon, and Luo Binghe really had no way to stop him from doing what he wanted. But, he also had to try. Or, at least wait for Shizun to return!
He actually wasn't sure what to do the more he thought about it, and his face betrayed him. He was young, inexperienced, and had no means to hide his feelings. He was overwhelmed.
His eyes narrow slightly, and his gaze flicks around the space. Shen Qingqiu never did make changes to this room; ever the immortal master, it remained the same until the day Luo Binghe burned it down, and it remained the same in the other world where it did not meet such a fate.
This world, perhaps, or yet another.
Luo Binghe recognized the expression on this child's face. He'd seen that expression reflected back at him many times, and each time he cursed it. How much of his cruel Shizun's faults did he blame himself for as a child? There were surely fewer stars in the sky. He had thought he had left that expression behind long ago.
"Your Shizun..." He paused there for a moment, spending some time to decide how to end the sentence. "When will he be back?"
He frowned. He shouldn't say. Clearly this was meant as a trick!
But... at the same time, this man had not attacked him or threatened him yet. Maybe he was not inharently evil? Had Shizun not already taught him this lesson.
Still, to suddenly come in like this!
"This deciple is unsure," should he treat them like a guest or an intruder? It was clear on his face that he was debating this. But finally he seemed to choose one over the other. "If you do not mean harm, and would like to wait... this diciple can bring you tea."
Of course this man could not be allowed to leave the cottage even if he was being treated as a guest!
How many times had he made tea, only to have it thrown to the side, or worse, onto his own body? How many times has this child suffered in silence as liquid scalded his head and shoulders already? How many times more will he suffer that before he's finally thrown into almost certain death?
Luo Binghe's gaze narrowed.
"No tea." A quick pause, then, "You do not need to be wasting your time cleaning here. Go spend time with your disciple sisters. I will deal with your Shizun for you."
He couldn't help but look off to the side as if the most annoying thing had been suggested. Go spend time with his disciple sisters? Why? He would only end up in trouble or bothered with something tedious.
Instead, he stared at this man closer, rather suspicious. What sot of phrasing was 'deal with'?
"This disciple is not wasting any time," since no one had told him to do anything in the first place. He took it all on his own since no one could possibly take care of Shizun's things properly! "Instead, what brings you here? What purpose do you have with Shizun?"
The words could have come across as condescending, but there was a genuine note of concern in Luo Binghe's voice as he said it. A child who had not yet been thrown into the Endless Abyss would have some resentment, but not the overwhelming hatred that the older Luo Binghe possesses.
"You should be spending your youth plucking flowers, not sweeping floors."
The words are already out before he realizes that he isn't sure how old this Luo Binghe is. Perhaps he's not quite at the age where he should be plucking flowers, but he's certainly old enough to start cultivating a garden.
Now he really did frown. Not his concern? Of course it was!
"This disciple is happy to clean the cottage! Who else would do it? Shixiong will just mess it up, this one can make everything to Shizun's preference, and only this one can make his meals!" and then he will be patted on the head for his good work and given some sort of praise.
"Make his...?" halfway through the question it clicks, "... meals."
He'd assumed this was his younger self, forced to clean the bamboo cottage for the sake of some punishment to keep him isolated, away from his disciple sisters or his cultivation training. But he had never cooked for Shen Qingqiu, not even once. Even if he had been afraid of leaving out of risk of angering Shen Qingqiu, he would not have refused with such enthusiasm.
His destination was not wrong, only the time of arrival. This was the younger self of the other Luo Binghe.
What did he think? How could he put it all into words? There was so much, so much that could not properly be described.
"He is a kind and generous man, intelligent and refined. Fair and just, and capable. He is the smartest man in Cang Qiong Mountain," in his opinion. "There is no one his equal! Shizun even has helped me with special lessons to catch up with everyone else since my situation is unique." What other master would put such attention to someone falling behind?
"He has even given this disciple a room here," and he indicates where he gets to live, in the side room of the cottage. "No other disciple gets to share a living space with Shizun, so of course this one must keep it all perfect!"
Every bit of praise was like a small knife digging into scars that had never fully healed. It was the idolizing praise of a disciple who truly believed in the goodness of such a despicable person.
"Will he be 'kind' or 'fair' when he betrays you? When he casts you away to die, will you still call him 'just'?!"
"He can and he will!" Luo Binghe's fist clenches enough to break skin. And even though he has the option to heal it immediately, he lets the frustration out in the form of drops of blood falling to the floor. Adding to the things this young disciple needs to attend to.
"Luo Binghe, you have too much faith in your Shizun. He is not the man you think he is."
"How would you know what sort of man he is!?" how can he not have faith? Who tended to his master day and night? Who lived just in the other room? How could he not know him? How could he not have faith in him? "Two years this disciple has been the closest to Shizun, who else could he possibly be?"
Luo Binghe flexes his hand, already healed now. Some of the anger dissolves from his face, replaced with hints of sorrow as deep as the abyss that this child will no doubt one day soon be thrown into.
"You don't recognize me, do you?"
If he learns of his fate sooner, will that change anything? Will that help him? To be ready for such an awful betrayal, beyond the pale of even forcing him into combat with a demon coated in deadly poison...
"Have we met before?" He was quite certain he would have remembered meeting a demon before, especially one that seemed so hostile about his master!
Of course he is young and can't see how the man before him is simply his older self. Perhaps if he were looking at them both in the mirror he could place it. But as is? No.
He walks over and crouches down slightly to get the two of them at eye level, then slowly puts his hand on Luo Binghe's head.
"... I suppose not. And the day we truly do meet shall be the worst day of your life."
Does he try to save this child from his fate? The Luo Binghe who whines "Shizun" all the time, ignores all his wives, and dotes on Shen Qingqiu was still thrown into the Endless Abyss. How could he just accept that? How did he come back to Qing Jing Peak, not to raze it but to lie in bed beside the man who had driven a blade through his heart? Did he just forget all that pain? How could he? How could he?
The words sounded like a threat, and yet, the gesture was anything but. It was confusing and he wasn't sure how to take it. This man seemed... sad.
"What do you know of this disciple's future? Things will definitely only improve from here," because he had already gone through so much, he had already suffered. Now, now through hard work and diligence, he could live happily. He had a place he belonged, he had his disciple brothers and sisters. He had his Shizun. Sure, there were things that were scary, and missions that were difficult, but things had always worked out!
"Far more than you do, and far less than you will. Your future is not nearly as bright as you believe it to be. Your Shizun is not the man you think he is."
In the end, perhaps it wouldn't change anything. But if he could put even a little distance between them now... surely, it will hurt that much less later.
"How dare you make such a claim, here in Shizun's cottage!" such bald-faced lies! "Who are you to say you know more? Show proof of this supposed deception."
It's easy as a heavenly demon who has honed his skill over years and years. All it takes is a slight pressure on the younger Luo Binghe's mind to send him into an unconscious state where he stands. A moment later, this Luo Binghe lets his own consciousness slip, activating his dreamscape to pull the two of them in.
The two of them are standing on the edge of a forest, clamor and confusion around them. Though it's at night, the sky is a flickering bright red with fire and demonic energy. Before the two of them, the Luo Binghe of the dream is already struggling in battle with the Black Moon Rhinoceros Python, with the edge of the Endless Abyss gaping on the other side of the clearing. The Shen Qingqiu of the dream seems to be paying Luo Binghe and his fight little mind, instead putting his attention into handling the various female disciples passed out on the ground.
There is a moment before he falls, an awareness of what is happening, and an attempt to stop it, but he's far too unskilled in that and lacking the power of an awakened state there's little he can do other than fall into the dream.
He does not recognize the scene, but he definitely recognizes Shen Qingqiu, and the figure of himself is not so much older than he would not see the resemblance. Though, he doesn't understand what is going on. He also did not understand the expression of his Shizun's face. There was something off about it, but he couldn't quite place it.
Colder?
"You have taken me to a dream," and he was powerless here.
"I have." Luo Binghe does not turn his gaze towards the younger self that he pulled into the dreamscape. Nor does he turn to the Shen Qingqiu leaving his disciple alone to struggle, knowing full well how much he would want to destroy the man even if he's only a projection. He keeps his gaze trained on the Luo Binghe of the dream: himself, more than even the one beside him is. "You demanded answers, and you shall have them."
Luo Binghe fights on valiantly, even as he's clearly having trouble. It only takes watching him for a little while for it to become obvious that he's prioritizing protecting the other disciples and Shen Qingqiu over his own safety. Yet despite his best efforts, it doesn't take long before he's suddenly knocked to the side.
"--Shizun!"
The Black Moon Rhinoceros Python charges Shen Qingqiu, who looks up at it with a look of disdain. He starts to rise to his feet, but Luo Binghe has already thrown himself between the two of them.
Shen Qingqiu's expression is unreadable as the demon collides with Luo Binghe, but this time, the young man isn't sent flying. A strange red and dark glow starts to emit from his body, and a moment later, Luo Binghe screams. It's not the scream that one would expect from a battle such as this; it comes from a pain that's much deeper. The demon, previously pushing at Luo Binghe easily, seems to suddenly be having trouble holding its footing.
As the two of them watch, the screams of the Luo Binghe in the dream grow louder, then louder still as the energy continues to swirl and build around him.
Suddenly in a flash, the Black Moon Rhinoceros Python is not pushed back but severed cleanly in two, the work done by Luo Binghe's blade and yet not. The two halves collapse to the ground followed soon by Luo Binghe's sword... or rather, the shards of it, followed soon by the hilt as he drops it and presses his hands to his head. It takes a few more seconds before his screams finally quiet down. With unsteady steps, Luo Binghe slowly turns around to look at the man behind him.
"Shi... zun..."
Tear streaks stand out against the dirt on his face as he stares with an upset and bewildered expression, but the most obvious features on his face right now are a pair of glowing eyes and a bright red seal on his forehead.
A seal that exactly matches the one on Luo Binghe's own forehead.
The Shen Qingqiu of the dream stares at his disciple with an expression of unspeakable disgust.
"That is not shizun!" it was less a declaration and more a desperate scream. "This has nothing to do with me!"
If this had been his dream it would have gone sideways at this point, unstable and full of turmoil. But, it wasn't. So instead, he was just a lost upset boy trapped in a nightmare.
He lets the dream continue for a moment longer. Just long enough for Shen Qingqiu to suddenly let out a roar,
"Luo Binghe...!"
But that's where he ends it. This child has already seen enough, perhaps too much. At least for now, he doesn't have to watch himself getting thrown into that wretched place. He's already seen the expression of a man who wants nothing more than for him to crumble and die on the spot. How he goes about achieving that is only salt on the wounds at this point.
Abruptly the forest and the clearing are both gone, and they're back in the bamboo hut. Luo Binghe quickly shifts his grip to hold the child's shoulder, supporting him in case he doesn't recover himself quickly enough to remain standing.
It did take him a moment to recover, it was no easy for him to go from waking to dreams to waking again. It was a skill he would not master for quite a long time.
When he was fully aware he quickly removed himself and backed away. He understood what was being said, and, he did not have a reason to doubt this man. There was only one Dream Demon after all....
Still.
"My Shizun does not have such an expression on his face."
"Even if you say such a thing, Shizun does not deem all demons evil. Even if this disciple were to awaken as one, Shizun definitely will not forsake him!" his faith was too strong and his loyalty too unwavering. No matter what, he would never stop believing in his master, and would not be able to remove himself from him.
Even if he was thrown away. He would definitely crawl back out and demand answers! There might be something more too it... if he could talk to him....
This Binghe in front of him, a supposed future version of himself, simply did not have enough faith! Or, something else. After all, he very much knew there was no way his Shizun would ever look at him with such a face. Something was wrong.
The pain shows on his face for a moment, the pain of betrayal torn open all over again, a wound that never healed. Can he really blame this child? After all, such strong faith in his shizun... was truly admirable, and foolish.
He puts his hand back on Luo Binghe's shoulder, gentle this time.
"You are a good disciple, with a good heart. Your shizun deserves better than you. I promise you, I'm only trying to look out for you. I do not wish to see you hurt any more than you do."
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He remembers very clearly what happened when this world's Shen Qingqiu rejected him. At the time it hadn't made sense; if the two of them were exactly the same, why did Shen Qingqiu suddenly seemed to realize that it was not the Luo Binghe he knew?
It was only later that he finally connected it to the strange scar he'd noticed on his other self's chest. The other Luo Binghe, incompetent as he was, should have been able to heal an injury like that without any difficulty whatsoever. That was what had made it stick out in his mind, and it was only after ruminating on it for several days that he realizes that that scar, or its absence, must have been what Shen Qingqiu had noticed. For whatever reason, the other Luo Binghe must have deliberately kept that scar.
So he stabbed himself with a sword, sliced into this world with Xin Mo again, and waited for an opportunity to strike. Tonight, it has. He's managed to set up a disruption to distract the other Luo Binghe (who better to know how to delay him for a night than himself?), and now he enters the bamboo hut in his place. ]
Shizun, I've returned.
[ He keeps his tone cheerful, in that way that he observed the other Luo Binghe treating Shen Qingqiu.
Tonight, he was certainly going to succeed. ]
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It probably is fucking stupid that his heart beats faster, but there's something about Binghe, the smiles he means, the way he calls out to him, their mutual affection and esteem, many more reasons he doesn't need to linger over considering that has him turning toward him, an easy, subdued smile pulling at the corner of his lips. ]
Binghe.
[ He moves forward without hesitation, something natural and usual for the both of them, lifting a hand to cradle the side of Binghe's face. There's not enough of a height difference between them to matter most times, but right now, he nonchalantly shifts onto the balls of his feet and presses a kiss to Binghe's forehead, perfectly over his seal. Nothing too lingering, but more deliberate than an absent brush of lips to skin.
He remembers the absurdity of the first time he'd done this, and the many absurdities and painful things which followed, only to these days even out into a kind of happiness he wouldn't have expected for himself in this life. Or the kind of springtime activities he's been involved with... he's not as shameless as his husband, but he doesn't need to be. He just needs to be shameless enough.
With the faintest hint of red highlighting his face, he brushes a thumb over Binghe's cheek, stepping just that much closer to be standing chest to chest, his other arm slinging around Binghe's waist, palm pressing against the small of his back. ]
Welcome home.
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He wraps his arms around Shen Qingqiu's body in return, easily drawing the man against him. Despite the fact that he's never held another man besides Shen Qingqiu it's easy enough to fit the two of them together. With a thin waist and long legs his shape could pass for a woman's, and Luo Binghe knows how to handle women of all different sorts. ]
Shizun.
[ He can feign affection in spades, and he does so, lacing the title with adoration before lifting his head enough to capture Shen Qingqiu's lips in a kiss.
He lets one hand slide up to cradle the base of Shen Qingqiu's head, holding him in place so he can escalate the kiss as far as he wants to. His other hand starts to explore and rub, seeking out spots around Shen Qingqiu's waist that he expects to get good reactions from him.
Much like with a woman, he expects he won't be able to fit inside without plenty of foreplay. And he does intend to get inside this time. This time Shen Qingqiu won't notice the difference, and the other Luo Binghe won't show up to interrupt them just as things are getting good. ]
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Binghe. Let me take care of you.
[ He doesn't hold back from kissing him again, but this is... loving. Heated beneath it all, but the pouring of affection from Shen Qingqiu to Luo Binghe is without reservation, just as the way his hand curves over Binghe's rounded buttocks (what a waist indeed) cannot be mistaken for anything other than the caress it is. He shifts forward a touch, generating some friction for the express purpose of knowing there's enough he can't ignore with Binghe in order to help him last, but tonight, yes, tonight he's finally ready. Taking up Binghe's offer from before, all the practice and patience and the slow confidence that sex didn't have to hurt, that all leads to now, where he's squeezing his husband's backside, kneading that muscle while pulling him closer like that, bringing that errant hand from before up and between them, lacing his fingers with his husband's. ]
Tonight, you're in my care.
[ He says, voice lower and heady with a warmth borne of love and arousal and anticipation in unequal measures, his dark eyes gone darker when he pulls his head back again to state those words a hairsbreadth away from Binghe's beautiful lips. ]
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[ Luo Binghe tries to read the cues carefully. If he wants to seduce this Shen Qingqiu under the guise of being the other Luo Binghe, he needs to act enough like him to not give himself away again. It's partially following his instincts, partially remembering how he acted back when he was still inexperienced in bedroom matters, and partially determining what Shen Qingqiu is expecting.
He gives a slow nod and presses his hips forward, returning the friction that Shen Qingqiu gave him. There's a hint of frustration that he seems to be expected to let Shen Qingqiu take control of this experience, but he betrays none of that. Luo Binghe instead lets a loving smile slowly bloom on his face and he gives a very slight squeeze to Shen Qingqiu's hand. ]
Alright. Shizun can take care of me.
[ He pulls Shen Qingqiu's face back against his, pressing a heavy kiss to his lips. He's not allowed to use his hand to touch, apparently, but if Shen Qingqiu can arouse himself enough then it doesn't matter. Luo Binghe can focus on his lips and let Shen Qingqiu instead be the one to touch where he wants to get himself in the mood. ]
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Love heals, and helps, when experience lacked, and there are so many ways he wants to show he cares without having to find the words. Words are hard, even now, and Shen Qingqiu hasn't found it in him to quite find the right words when so many of his have ended up being double edged over the years in spite of intention.
Still with laced fingers, still kneading his backside, he shifts them backward, step by step, providing both some tantalising friction with how he moves just so, but moreover, bringing his husband to the edge of their bed. He doesn't break their kissing until he feels the resistance of the bed through Binghe's body, pulling his head back and licking his lips and swallowing with a distinct, alluring air. Heavy lidded eyes take in Luo Binghe's beautiful face, a surge of affection, lust, and pride all mixed together as the butterflies that shouldn't have still been caught in his chest at this point in their relationship fluttered their wings, and he nudges Binghe to sit. He wants to take his time undressing him, using his lips and teeth and hands to leave their gentle, felt marks across him, lavish the same attention and desire and love he feels time and again from Luo Binghe on Luo Binghe this time. Not halfway, but all the way, and so it is that if he convinces his Binghe to sit, he'll use one knee to push his way between Binghe's legs, naturally drawing closer. All to lean in, reclaiming his hands and undoing Binghe's beautiful mane of hair and raking his fingers through it, a flush visible on his face as he leans down, resting their foreheads together for a moment.
Sweet talk. It's so intensely intimidating, but it's more effective than any dirty talk that Shen Qingqiu couldn't have managed anyway, and so the words come with some effort, but full sincerity: ]
So beautiful.
[ Everything about him. Handsome, too, but beautiful in a way that has nothing to do with gender, and everything to do with the vibrancy of this man, this half demon lord, his strength, and his fabricated weaknesses right alongside his genuine faults.
Shen Qingqiu finds all of him, flawed and imperfect, absolutely, stunningly beautiful. And he'll show him, tonight, that means every last centimeter of him is as wanted, and loved, as Binghe seems to fear can never fully be true. ]
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Luo Binghe gives a small bite in return as part of the kiss. Not taking the tongue off as crosses his mind, but because he remembers his young and incompetent self making that mistake for years before he was guided out of it by some of his more delicate bed mates. Still, it's a carefully-controlled move, enough to give a twinge of pain to quickly fade, nothing that should discourage Shen Qingqiu from continuing.
When Shen Qingqiu moves them Luo Binghe cooperates, nipping again as Shen Qingqiu gives a particularly pleasing rub against him. It's simultaneously easy and frustrating to submit as Shen Qingqiu directs him, and the contrast is what's most difficult for him to handle. As a lover, he's taken many people over the years--no men, but all sorts of women, including the kind who preferred to take charge of foreplay. But as the ruler of the three realms and a disgraced disciple of Qing Jing Peak, he has slowly pursued, captured, and torn Shen Qingqiu apart limb by limb, relishing his fear the whole time. He cannot let himself get swallowed up by either impulse: neither to let his guard down and fully indulge without a care, nor to pursue further revenge on this man who brought him so much suffering.
When that knee settles between his legs he pulls Shen Qingqiu against himself, rubbing a bit against it in a subtle reminder of where this is going to go in the end. No matter how Shen Qingqiu takes the lead now, in the end his body will warm Luo Binghe's pillar as countless women have done already. He tips his head up and lets his eyes close, long enough that it looks like his guard is down when it isn't, before opening them again and staring into Shen Qingqiu's eyes.
He's seen those eyes full of loathing, anger, fear. Never any emotions like this. ]
And yet not nearly as beautiful as you are. [ The sweet nothings tumble from his lips like snowflakes to the ground, beauty wasted on dirt, deposited carelessly without thought some place where they'd melt and disappear.
He places his hands on the edges of Shen Qingqiu's robes on his neck, just barely touching fingertips to the skin there. Luo Binghe lets his hands slowly slide down, leaving skin behind as they trace the elaborate fabric until his hands settle on the man's belt. He isn't sure if Shen Qingqiu will allow him to do this just yet after denying him the earlier touching, but it's not the sort of thing he'd expect the other Luo Binghe to ask before starting on so he doesn't either before he begins loosening it. ]
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It's an endearing, frustrating, at times very hot trait, but tonight, it's one more sweetness on his tongue, slowly dissolving and entering his bloodstream. ]
Mm, that silver tongue of yours.
[ A gentle, teasing chide, for an argument they've both put forth and lost when pitted against each other. His hands caress and stroke down, nimble fingers teasing at the folded lapel of his inner robe, only breaking off in their rise back toward his shoulders and slipping his outer robe down off them when there's a familiar tug at his waistband.
He presses two traveling kisses to Binghe's cheek, nuzzling against his temple as he spoke in a low voice: ]
Patience, Binghe. Tonight, I'm taking care of you.
[ Just one hand to gently and firmly check Binghe's hands where they're loosening his belt. Followed by that hand skating along Binghe's arm, back toward his body, and then caressing down in a smooth motion that strokes over that heavenly pillar with a practiced pressure, ending with a nail-raking stroke across one inner thigh. ]
Let me.
[ He says, nipping at Binghe's ear, then tracing the shell of it apologetically with his tongue. That was all Binghe's fault, teaching Shen Qingqiu of his own ear's sensitivities, grinding down that embarrassment into another show of desire and affection.
He doesn't waste time sliding Binghe's outer robe off his shoulders, encouraging him to move his arms lest they end up trapped against his sides as he works through his layers. The waistband and its ornaments are next, but as one hand makes familiar work of tugging loose and unwinding fabric with carefully measured strength (see, one could do all this without destroying clothing, Luo Binghe, take exhaustive note), his lips found Binghe's again, his nails raking through hair and across scalp so that he can coax Binghe into tipping his head back, to giving Qingqiu that better angle to press a hot, lingering, open mouthed kiss down on his lips. Once he has that belt loosened and cast aside, shifting forward and providing that friction for Binghe that excites Shen Qingqiu in turn, his strong, slender fingers find their way to his layered collars after stroking down the side of his neck, brushing over his adams apple. That strong pulse underneath his traveling fingers, the inhalations he can feel with his fingertips, all heady, all beautiful.
They're alive, and together, in every sense of the word.
His fingers slip under one robe's edge, tugging and loosening, still separated from skin by another layer of fabric. But closer, so much closer, and his kisses shift, turning into a press of lips and a nip at Binghe's jaw, to a suckling at the skin of his neck just above his collar; strong enough to leave marks, but only fleetingly, without Binghe deciding otherwise. It's a game of its own, seeing how long his love marks last on a man whose body heals almost instantly. All these kisses while clever fingers continue divesting his layers of their close hold to his body, and the hand that had been in his hair finds its way free, stroking over his shoulder and arm, then in, to his chest, and around his side. Pulling Binghe close right before he breaks suction on his love mark, pressing a lighter kiss down over the temporarily reddened skin. ]
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He gasps slightly at that bite, indulging for a moment in the idea of turning and biting himself, and taking a good chunk of skin from Shen Qingqiu's ear as he does it. It lets the smile on his face be a little more natural as he cooperates with Shen Qingqiu's efforts to disrobe him little by little. It's annoying more to be so submissive to Shen Qingqiu's directions than any slowness of it, but he's swallowed more than enough bile to fool others and get what he wants that even this is something he can smile through. Even if he's submitting to the kiss, he pushes his tongue forward to have at least some control of it: partially because it's what he thinks his weaker self would do, but partially to let off a hint of steam.
The nip and suction has him considering, but for the moment, Luo Binghe allows the mark to remain on his skin. He's keeping a much larger scar for tonight, so why not add a bit more? He wonders if it's the sort of thing his other self bothers with, but if not, it's easy enough to explain with more pretty words.
Once they're close, he wraps his arms around Shen Qingqiu and holds him against him. ]
Shizun... [ He puts that pout into his voice, and one hand reaches up to start playing with the collar on the back of Shen Qingqiu's robes. ] I want to take off your clothes, too.
[ He presses his lips in and then his teeth, to leave his own mark on Shen Qingqiu's neck. ]
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Patience. [ he says, and he tips his head back a touch so he can meet Binghe's gaze, eye to eye. ] I'm taking care of you tonight. I'll undress for you, Binghe.
[ Followed by clever hands making short of their remaining work, sliding layers off Luo Binghe and leaving them to start pooling as they would. His hands caress and skim over skin he loves more preciously than his own, marked by so little of what's been carved into it over the years. The one scar that shows, over his heart, hurts his heart in turn.
His head lowers, pressing a kiss to that scar. Caressing Binghe's arms, then sliding around his torso, an awkward but fleeting and important embrace. He's horribly embarrassed, flushed red, when he says: ]
Watch me. Just watch.
[ Stepping back to start disrobing, keeping his eyes on his husband's face in spite of how excruciatingly embarrassed he is. He's faced this. He's acknowledged this.
And he feels... powerfully great, in ways, standing before him now and revealing himself, layer by layer, pale skin exposed in thin expanses. ]
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Shen Qingqiu has most certainly gotten bolder since last time.
He listens to the order, as much as the idea makes his stomach turn. Luo Binghe stands still, idle but not awkward, awaiting but not uncertain. With sharpness borne of anger more than lust and yet disguised as the latter, he watches Shen Qingqiu step back and begin.
Though far from what he would consider "skilled", the show that Shen Qingqiu gives him isn't nearly as clumsy as he had expected it would be. There's no need to hold down any derisive laughter, and he manages to coax himself to further arousal rather easily, as if this sight itself were one so appealing that it would bring his pillar to the point of demanding attention. He doesn't let Shen Qingqiu even get as far as stripping completely before he tightens his hands into fists and speaks up. ]
Shizun...
[ He fakes the dryness in his throat and then swallows in an act of steadying it. ]
Please, Shizun, let me touch you.
[ The begging sounds ridiculous coming from his own mouth, but isn't that the sort of person the other Luo Binghe is? ]
STUFF!
Housekeeping.
Even Ming Fan would be chased away if he tried to come into the bamboo cottage and clean. These duties were left to Binghe who got to live in the little side room. Of course, he did not brag of this privilege. That would be unbecoming and look badly on Shizun's generous and gentle nature. But, he took great pride in this role and would make sure to not disappoint. This cottage would be spotless every day. All things in their proper place and food always at the ready!
He twirled a little holding a broom in his hand and an apron tied around him.
It was then that he heard what felt like a rip through what he could only say was reality itself. How he heard a feeling he couldn't say. It was very unnerving though! It felt like it was right on top of him... or, in the other room?
He ran over to the other room a serious expression on his face ready to face whatever threat was entering Shizun's house unannounced!
"Who dares!?" though he tried to sound threatening it was a bit hard, no one would take such a young green man seriously, at this point, especially in an apron holding a broom instead of his sword.
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Luo Binghe had intended to cut his way into the world of the other Luo Binghe once again. Yet Xin Mo had wavered despite his absolute control over it, and the slice had gone slightly awry. At the time he'd barely noted it: the destination still seemed to be correct, after all.
He didn't recognize the voice at first, but the figure itself was unmistakable. Luo Binghe froze, the passage he'd taken here already sealed up behind him, as he took in the sight. A broom, and an apron... but unmistakably, himself of years ago.
"... What are you doing here?"
Perhaps an odd question under the circumstances, but one he had to ask as Luo Binghe tried to make sense of what was happening.
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After all, this man was clearly a demon. But, he was a powerful demon, and Luo Binghe really had no way to stop him from doing what he wanted. But, he also had to try. Or, at least wait for Shizun to return!
He actually wasn't sure what to do the more he thought about it, and his face betrayed him. He was young, inexperienced, and had no means to hide his feelings. He was overwhelmed.
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This world, perhaps, or yet another.
Luo Binghe recognized the expression on this child's face. He'd seen that expression reflected back at him many times, and each time he cursed it. How much of his cruel Shizun's faults did he blame himself for as a child? There were surely fewer stars in the sky. He had thought he had left that expression behind long ago.
"Your Shizun..." He paused there for a moment, spending some time to decide how to end the sentence. "When will he be back?"
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But... at the same time, this man had not attacked him or threatened him yet. Maybe he was not inharently evil? Had Shizun not already taught him this lesson.
Still, to suddenly come in like this!
"This deciple is unsure," should he treat them like a guest or an intruder? It was clear on his face that he was debating this. But finally he seemed to choose one over the other. "If you do not mean harm, and would like to wait... this diciple can bring you tea."
Of course this man could not be allowed to leave the cottage even if he was being treated as a guest!
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How many times had he made tea, only to have it thrown to the side, or worse, onto his own body? How many times has this child suffered in silence as liquid scalded his head and shoulders already? How many times more will he suffer that before he's finally thrown into almost certain death?
Luo Binghe's gaze narrowed.
"No tea." A quick pause, then, "You do not need to be wasting your time cleaning here. Go spend time with your disciple sisters. I will deal with your Shizun for you."
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Instead, he stared at this man closer, rather suspicious. What sot of phrasing was 'deal with'?
"This disciple is not wasting any time," since no one had told him to do anything in the first place. He took it all on his own since no one could possibly take care of Shizun's things properly! "Instead, what brings you here? What purpose do you have with Shizun?"
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The words could have come across as condescending, but there was a genuine note of concern in Luo Binghe's voice as he said it. A child who had not yet been thrown into the Endless Abyss would have some resentment, but not the overwhelming hatred that the older Luo Binghe possesses.
"You should be spending your youth plucking flowers, not sweeping floors."
The words are already out before he realizes that he isn't sure how old this Luo Binghe is. Perhaps he's not quite at the age where he should be plucking flowers, but he's certainly old enough to start cultivating a garden.
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"This disciple is happy to clean the cottage! Who else would do it? Shixiong will just mess it up, this one can make everything to Shizun's preference, and only this one can make his meals!" and then he will be patted on the head for his good work and given some sort of praise.
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He'd assumed this was his younger self, forced to clean the bamboo cottage for the sake of some punishment to keep him isolated, away from his disciple sisters or his cultivation training. But he had never cooked for Shen Qingqiu, not even once. Even if he had been afraid of leaving out of risk of angering Shen Qingqiu, he would not have refused with such enthusiasm.
His destination was not wrong, only the time of arrival. This was the younger self of the other Luo Binghe.
"You. What do you think of your Shizun?"
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"He is a kind and generous man, intelligent and refined. Fair and just, and capable. He is the smartest man in Cang Qiong Mountain," in his opinion. "There is no one his equal! Shizun even has helped me with special lessons to catch up with everyone else since my situation is unique." What other master would put such attention to someone falling behind?
"He has even given this disciple a room here," and he indicates where he gets to live, in the side room of the cottage. "No other disciple gets to share a living space with Shizun, so of course this one must keep it all perfect!"
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"Will he be 'kind' or 'fair' when he betrays you? When he casts you away to die, will you still call him 'just'?!"
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It was also completely impossible for him to accept that possibility.
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"Luo Binghe, you have too much faith in your Shizun. He is not the man you think he is."
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"You don't recognize me, do you?"
If he learns of his fate sooner, will that change anything? Will that help him? To be ready for such an awful betrayal, beyond the pale of even forcing him into combat with a demon coated in deadly poison...
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Of course he is young and can't see how the man before him is simply his older self. Perhaps if he were looking at them both in the mirror he could place it. But as is? No.
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"... I suppose not. And the day we truly do meet shall be the worst day of your life."
Does he try to save this child from his fate? The Luo Binghe who whines "Shizun" all the time, ignores all his wives, and dotes on Shen Qingqiu was still thrown into the Endless Abyss. How could he just accept that? How did he come back to Qing Jing Peak, not to raze it but to lie in bed beside the man who had driven a blade through his heart? Did he just forget all that pain? How could he? How could he?
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"What do you know of this disciple's future? Things will definitely only improve from here," because he had already gone through so much, he had already suffered. Now, now through hard work and diligence, he could live happily. He had a place he belonged, he had his disciple brothers and sisters. He had his Shizun. Sure, there were things that were scary, and missions that were difficult, but things had always worked out!
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In the end, perhaps it wouldn't change anything. But if he could put even a little distance between them now... surely, it will hurt that much less later.
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It's easy as a heavenly demon who has honed his skill over years and years. All it takes is a slight pressure on the younger Luo Binghe's mind to send him into an unconscious state where he stands. A moment later, this Luo Binghe lets his own consciousness slip, activating his dreamscape to pull the two of them in.
The two of them are standing on the edge of a forest, clamor and confusion around them. Though it's at night, the sky is a flickering bright red with fire and demonic energy. Before the two of them, the Luo Binghe of the dream is already struggling in battle with the Black Moon Rhinoceros Python, with the edge of the Endless Abyss gaping on the other side of the clearing. The Shen Qingqiu of the dream seems to be paying Luo Binghe and his fight little mind, instead putting his attention into handling the various female disciples passed out on the ground.
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He does not recognize the scene, but he definitely recognizes Shen Qingqiu, and the figure of himself is not so much older than he would not see the resemblance. Though, he doesn't understand what is going on. He also did not understand the expression of his Shizun's face. There was something off about it, but he couldn't quite place it.
Colder?
"You have taken me to a dream," and he was powerless here.
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Luo Binghe fights on valiantly, even as he's clearly having trouble. It only takes watching him for a little while for it to become obvious that he's prioritizing protecting the other disciples and Shen Qingqiu over his own safety. Yet despite his best efforts, it doesn't take long before he's suddenly knocked to the side.
"--Shizun!"
The Black Moon Rhinoceros Python charges Shen Qingqiu, who looks up at it with a look of disdain. He starts to rise to his feet, but Luo Binghe has already thrown himself between the two of them.
Shen Qingqiu's expression is unreadable as the demon collides with Luo Binghe, but this time, the young man isn't sent flying. A strange red and dark glow starts to emit from his body, and a moment later, Luo Binghe screams. It's not the scream that one would expect from a battle such as this; it comes from a pain that's much deeper. The demon, previously pushing at Luo Binghe easily, seems to suddenly be having trouble holding its footing.
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No... he had not seen that look in about two years.
Either way, this was not the Shizun he knew every day.
But, there was something in him that stirred at the images. A deep fear he didn't want to admit to.
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Suddenly in a flash, the Black Moon Rhinoceros Python is not pushed back but severed cleanly in two, the work done by Luo Binghe's blade and yet not. The two halves collapse to the ground followed soon by Luo Binghe's sword... or rather, the shards of it, followed soon by the hilt as he drops it and presses his hands to his head. It takes a few more seconds before his screams finally quiet down. With unsteady steps, Luo Binghe slowly turns around to look at the man behind him.
"Shi... zun..."
Tear streaks stand out against the dirt on his face as he stares with an upset and bewildered expression, but the most obvious features on his face right now are a pair of glowing eyes and a bright red seal on his forehead.
A seal that exactly matches the one on Luo Binghe's own forehead.
The Shen Qingqiu of the dream stares at his disciple with an expression of unspeakable disgust.
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If this had been his dream it would have gone sideways at this point, unstable and full of turmoil. But, it wasn't. So instead, he was just a lost upset boy trapped in a nightmare.
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He lets the dream continue for a moment longer. Just long enough for Shen Qingqiu to suddenly let out a roar,
"Luo Binghe...!"
But that's where he ends it. This child has already seen enough, perhaps too much. At least for now, he doesn't have to watch himself getting thrown into that wretched place. He's already seen the expression of a man who wants nothing more than for him to crumble and die on the spot. How he goes about achieving that is only salt on the wounds at this point.
Abruptly the forest and the clearing are both gone, and they're back in the bamboo hut. Luo Binghe quickly shifts his grip to hold the child's shoulder, supporting him in case he doesn't recover himself quickly enough to remain standing.
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When he was fully aware he quickly removed himself and backed away. He understood what was being said, and, he did not have a reason to doubt this man. There was only one Dream Demon after all....
Still.
"My Shizun does not have such an expression on his face."
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His gaze flicks to the boy's forehead, that will almost certainly soon bear that same seal.
"You, too, will awaken some day. And on that day you, too, will almost certainly be cast off."
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"Even if you say such a thing, Shizun does not deem all demons evil. Even if this disciple were to awaken as one, Shizun definitely will not forsake him!" his faith was too strong and his loyalty too unwavering. No matter what, he would never stop believing in his master, and would not be able to remove himself from him.
Even if he was thrown away. He would definitely crawl back out and demand answers! There might be something more too it... if he could talk to him....
This Binghe in front of him, a supposed future version of himself, simply did not have enough faith! Or, something else. After all, he very much knew there was no way his Shizun would ever look at him with such a face. Something was wrong.
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He puts his hand back on Luo Binghe's shoulder, gentle this time.
"You are a good disciple, with a good heart. Your shizun deserves better than you. I promise you, I'm only trying to look out for you. I do not wish to see you hurt any more than you do."