Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Temple Retreat

(Art by SerinityAInfernoArt, Characters: Huang Weimin and Mei Liling

Welcome Back, readers! Don't forget to check out both original novels this AU derives from and show some love! Things are starting to heat up, so stay tuned~)

"Sega, I am proud of you for completing your community service," Bai Yusheng hummed, peeking coyly across Saalah to the tall man who ascended the mountain with them. A single red arch was looming in the distance, and from this altitude there was a bit more of a chill in the air. Naki had spent the night with Sega and Aiden the night before, and they had been surprised to see Bai Yusheng appear before them dressed in all their proper and ornate robes. Even now, they fluttered a lovely fan before their face, giving their normally sweet air a hint of mystique and coquettish charm. 

"I am still in shock and awe that even after ringing your bell so thoroughly the other night you still insisted I go through with my hours. Does servicing you not count?" Sega flipped his ponytail back, his arms crossing over his chest. On his hips were his elegant blades, both just as handsome and overly extravagant as the man who wielded them. 

"I hold honesty and integrity highly, Sega. I would hold Saalah to the same standards."

"And they have," Saalah recalled, scratching at his cheek as he smiled fondly. 

"Oh? You dared to defy your Cactus's orders? Pray tell, what kind of mischief did you get up to?" Sega rose a brow but Naki shoved him with a huff. 

"Give it a rest! You've been extra all morning. Just because I gave Aiden a kiss before you doesn't mean you can-" Naki was cut off with a yelp as Sega pinched his ear. 

"Kiss? You were dry humping him right next to me, you devious little rabbit! You act like you don't want my attention until it's diverted away from you. How quick your tide changes." Naki pouted, side stepping behind Aiden, putting his big, imposing body between them. 

"Shut up! Why is your mouth always so dirty! Gege, do you have soap at the temple that we can wash his mouth out with?" Naki scrunched his nose and Sega was about to comment when a light but firm tap on his shoulder drew his attention to the petite beauty that had moved around Saalah. 

"Enough, both of you. We are almost to the temple. This is a day for relaxation. Be mindful of the other disciples and residents here," Bai Yusheng chided, drawing their fan back. "To answer your question, Sega, Saalah and Li Jun got caught up training with their swords and were late for classes. Both of them were assigned community service by me. My fiance, too, is held to the standards of the rest of the student body." 

They reached the arch, and as they passed under their was a shimmer in the air, a barrier that sought deep into the soul and deemed all worthy to pass. Sega shuddered and straightened ramrod straight as he passed beneath it as if he had gotten a sudden chill, whipping around to look at the air that looked like it rippled. "What was that, Bai Yusheng? It felt like icy fingers grasping where they should not grasp! You did not warn me that your door would assault me in such a manner!" 

Bai Yusheng chuckled, stepping over to soothe his ruffled coat, their hands gentle as they straightened his collar and stroked over tense shoulders gently. "It is simply defensive magicks. It seeks to repel anything with ill intent. If it had deemed you unworthy or a danger it would not have let you pass. It was just seeking out your intentions." 

Sega bristled, but those tender hands made it hard to stay too fussy. "Well tell your door to be more respectful of boundaries! Worthy or unworthy... sounds pretentious to me..." Sega huffed as slender fingers twirled and brushed through his ponytail.