"Don't you need to accompany your junior brother?" Nie Shiyun teased, remembering how Zhai Bairong had guiltily distanced himself from Duan Mingyu earlier that afternoon.
As he spoke, his hand had already slipped beneath the layers of Zhai Bairong’s robes.
"He has those two with him now, he won't..."
Zhai Bairong hadn't expected Nie Shiyun to start right there at the door instead of moving to the bed. He wanted to suggest going inside, but he was also anxious to clear his name. Ignoring Nie Shiyun's wandering hands, he hurriedly added, "Don't misunderstand. This past year, I haven't... I haven't done anything with him again."
"Truly?"
"Of course it's true...!"
"Then, you haven't done *this* either?"
Nie Shiyun carelessly loosened Zhai Bairong’s belt. Although Zhai Bairong was still draped in his raven-black cloak, it had been pulled loose, allowing their warm palms to meet.
Seeing the blatant grin on Nie Shiyun’s face, Zhai Bairong knew the other man wasn't truly misunderstanding, but he couldn't help but answer seriously: "No... mm... I haven't touched him in the slightest."
Seeing him respond so earnestly despite the distraction, Nie Shiyun felt a surge of heat in his heart. He had only intended to tease him, but now he found himself unable to stop.
Nie Shiyun buried his face in the crook of Zhai Bairong’s neck, kissing him while both hands explored. Zhai Bairong tilted his head back slightly, pushing him gently. "Let's go inside."
"I can't wait. Right here."
Nie Shiyun leaned close to Zhai Bairong’s ear, his hot breath hitting the lobe. His voice seemed to vibrate right through him.
"H-here is a bit too..." Zhai Bairong hesitated. Although there was a barrier around the courtyard that outsiders couldn't penetrate, the door was right behind him...
"Is it not okay?" Nie Shiyun frowned slightly. "I heard people from the Yingyue Sect saying that Fellow Daoist Zhai is at his little junior brother's beck and call for everything..."
Zhai Bairong’s brows furrowed as he asked sharply, "Who said that?"
"How should I know? I don't recognize every disciple in your sect."
"There... there were reasons for that," Zhai Bairong’s tone softened as he struggled. "Shiyun, you must believe me..."
Hearing him call his name so softly, Nie Shiyun decided he’d had enough fun. He laughed, kissing the other’s cheek, and whispered, "I know. I haven't had a chance to speak with you alone before this—I've missed you since we left Flower City."
"Mm..."
Looking back, Zhai Bairong realized Nie Shiyun’s attitude at their parting had been a bit off, as if he knew Zhai Bairong wouldn't be able to return easily.
But now was certainly not the time to ask. Nie Shiyun had been quite aggressive when facing Duan Mingyu’s group earlier, but now that they were alone, he was uncharacteristically gentle. Even if eighty percent of it was likely an act to gain sympathy, Zhai Bairong’s heart still melted with guilt and affection. He didn't know how to explain himself further.
Seeing Zhai Bairong turn his head to initiate a kiss, Nie Shiyun understood his thoughts perfectly. He said nothing, only smiling as he met him halfway.
Most cultivators in the cultivation world didn't place much importance on carnal matters. However, after living together in Flower City for so long, day and night, they had unexpectedly developed genuine feelings. Not to mention, they had been forced to part just as their affection was deepening. Reunited now, they realized through their kiss that they had missed each other far more than they had imagined.
"...Mgh."
Hearing Zhai Bairong’s heavy breathing and feeling his arms wrap around him—no longer urging him to go inside—Nie Shiyun knew he had given his silent consent to this unusual location. He immediately pressed him tighter against the door.
Zhai Bairong had just been thinking he had much to say to Nie Shiyun, but he was soon enticed into forgetting his words. He set them aside for now, thinking that the night was still long; it wouldn't be too late to speak later.
The wooden door behind him soon began to rattle. Fortunately, there was a barrier outside. Across the courtyard, nothing could be seen or heard from the house except for the faint glow of candlelight. It was profoundly quiet.
