Taming a fox

The fox is exposed

Luo An woke up alone the next day. He sat up, his eyes still glued shut. When he finally opened them, the first thing he thought about was searching for Qin Yaozu. He jumped off of the bed, immediately falling to his knees. His legs felt incredibly weak but he ended up pushing through it. 
     The fox slipped out of the door, searching for his "owner". Many disciples noticed him, some of them unable to help the urge to pet the fox's red fur. Luo An wasn't gonna be difficult so every time someone came over to him, he just let them. Eventually, he bumped into the sect leader. Qin Shihong wasn't really sure why his son got himself a pet right after finding out his previous one died, but he was happy that he wasn't sad and moved on. He crouched down, gently rubbing the fox behind the ears. "You're looking for A-Xu, aren't you? He'll be back in a few hours," he said. "He had to go take care of something so I can take care of you in the meantime." Luo An didn't show even the slightest sign of resistance. This was a great opportunity to get to know his possible future husband's father. 
     Qin Shihong took the fox with him to Niu Hall. He still had work to do but it wouldn't hurt to let this little furry creature accompany him. Not long after settling down and instructing the fox to stay still and not cause trouble, a visitor arrived. 
     Luo An was focused mainly on watching the sect leader but he couldn't stop himself from taking a peek at the person that arrived. He froze completely the second his eyes landed on the person who was none other than the emperor. He was covered in cold sweat from head to toe as he watched the man greet Qin Shihong and start a conversation with him. Every word spoken between them didn't make it to Luo An's ears at all. The time seemed to completely slow down as his ears begin to ring. 
     Why is he here?
     Luo An was in a daze, failing to notice that the emperor left as fast as he arrived. Qin Shihong knew that something was off so he made everyone leave the room before crouching down, petting the fox. "I knew my suspicions were correct," he said as he stood up. "So you're back, Luo An." The fox was caught by a surprise, immediately snapping out of it. The sect leader didn't look angry in any way which seemed strange. "My apologies for having you go through this, I just needed to make sure," he explained. "A-Xu seemed to be in a good mood after bringing you here which was shocking as he was gloomy ever since your death. I figured that you may not be just an ordinary fox."
     After a while of hesitation, Luo An turned to his human for, facing Qin Shihong. "Sect leader is very sharp," he said with a smile. "Hopefully this doesn't bring much trouble." Qin Shihong returned the smile as he replied: "Everyone thinks you're dead. It shouldn't put anyone in danger as long as it stays that way." Luo An nodded in understanding. "My son seems very happy when you're around," Qin Shihong continued. "He was always rather quiet and distant, but all those years ago, when he brought you here, something seemed to change. While he spent a lot of time with A-Li, he was never even close to being like the way he was with you. Before I was hoping that since she is a nice girl, the two of them could get married," he paused for a moment. "I see they aren't meant to be now." 
     Luo An listened without saying a word but his heart seemed to jump upon hearing this explanation.
     "Are you implying.." 
     "You're a better match for him." 
Those words were like a spark that lit up a fire inside of Luo An. He did have some feelings for him and after last night, he suspected it might be mutual but hearing it like this made him happy. Qin Yaozu was perfect in every way. 
     Qin Shihong watched Luo An's reaction. Something told him that he agreed with what he said so he was pleased with himself. "I won't force you into anything," he added. "If you want to marry him, you can. If you do not, I won't be angry. Either way, you'll be kept safe here." Luo An nodded again, blush painting his cheeks. "Thank you, sect leader. I appreciate it." Qin Shihong patted him on the shoulder before heading to leave the Niu Hall. "You don't have to hide your identity to any of the disciples," he said as he turned his head to look back. "Whatever happens here, stays here." Luo An bowed towards him expressing his gratitude. 

Qin Yaozu returned after a few hours, heading to his house to check on his fox, only to bump into him on the way. "What are you doing outside?!" he asked, panicked. Luo An, who was carrying a bowl of congee in each hand just smiled and replied leisurely: "You're father is very smart, you know? He saw right through me." This didn't seem to surprise Qin Yaozu at all as he only let out a sigh and grabbed the bowls from Luo An's hands before resuming his walk to his house. Luo An followed right after, grabbing onto his arm and holding onto it the whole way there. They walked inside side by side. Qin Yaozu set the bowls down and made Luo An sit down to talk to him. "How did he find out?" he asked. Luo An smirked, looking mischievously at him. "You like me, that's how." Qin Yaozu's ears turned red. "What do you mean by that? How did that help him figure this out?" 
     Not denying it?
Luo An smirk seemed to get even wider as he moved closer. "You missed me a lot, didn't you? Apparently you were so upset that he figured out the second I got back, just because of the way you act." Even though this was a poor explanation, it did make sense. Qin Yaozu sighed and before Luo An could continue teasing, he pulled him into his lap. "So what if it like that? Does it bother you?" Luo An was caught by a surprise but he immediately replied: "I didn't say that! I.." Before he could finish, his lips were captured by Qin Yaozu's. He kissed him hungrily, leaving him breathless once he pulled away. "I do like you quite a lot," Qin Yaozu whispered. "There's not a single day that I don't regret losing you for so long."
     Luo An's heart skipped a beat, his face turned red. "Don't tell me you feel that bad! It wasn't even your fault!" Qin Yaozu sighed, gently brushing his lips against Luo An's neck before hiding his face. "No matter how much you say it, I'll always feel bad. It's painful to know what I've done to you.. It's painful to see your neck still have a mark that reminds me of it." Luo An froze. There was indeed a scar around his neck that seemed to never fade, even after his death, but he didn't expect for it to be so noticeable. Before a single word left his mouth, he was once again left speechless as he felt warm lips kiss said scar.
     "I'm sorry."
There was no point in arguing. Qin Yaozu felt very bad for what he did so he wouldn't let Luo An convince him to forget it. All he could do was embrace him tightly, keeping him close. Maybe one day, he'll be able to forgive himself.