Motu Proprio (The King and the Neko) - Volume HaiYin

A Welcome

"Boys, go to sleep," Bai Han Qi's clipped tone brooked no argument, and the boys promptly shut their eyes, even if they didn't really like the imposed naptime.

As soon as they heard the elder walk away, the boys were quick to open their eyes and continued where they left off, Bai Luoyin grabbing a fistful of Gu Hai's hair while Gu Hai did his best to shove Bai Luoyin but the pull on his hair made that difficult. Not being able to do more than pull and shove, they also started using their teeth and legs in the fight, while trying not to make a sound lest Papa Bai comes back to check on them.

Seven-year olds get cranky between after luncheon and naptime. Bai Luoyin and Gu Hai were arguing over something innocuous, as usual, which prompted Bai Han Qi to hurry them along to Bai Luoyin's room for sleep. He'd had to pry his son off the First Prince a couple times before they reached his room on the upper floor. He can't exactly do the same to Gu Hai, who is the First Prince, even without his Palace Guard hovering at the top of the stairs, and the boy knew it enough to be egging on a very frustrated Bai Luoyin.

Bai Han Qi could only shake his head when he checked in on them after washing the dishes, both sound asleep but with his son's fist still curled into Gu Hai's hair, and the First Prince having a fistful of Bai Luoyin's tunic in his. He's only thankful he had a few moments of peace that afternoon before one of them woke up from the nap and came downstairs.

He chuckled as he looked up to find the First Prince rubbing his face awake and trying to smooth down his sleep-fight rumpled hair. "Ah, Your Highness, already up, I see. Had a good nap?"

Gu Hai only scowled, and pouted at him, even as he approached the dining table where Papa Bai was preparing for the evening batch of noodles he and Bai Luoyin would be peddling later.

"Alright, alright," Bai Han Qi amended. "Wipe that frown off your face, Da Hai. And wipe the sleep from your face, too. Go on." After two years of having the First Prince visiting, he knew Gu Hai didn't like to be called by his title, not by him, nor Xiao Yin. So they'd compromised on calling him Da Hai, seeing as how it pleased the boy to no end.

Bai Han Qi gave a fond sigh when a wet washcloth was thrust into his view instead. He took it, and started wiping Gu Hai's face with it, the boy standing still as Papa Bai carefully wiped the dregs of sleep from the boy's eyes and the side of his mouth. His heart went out to the boy so wanting of familial care he'd make a regular trip to the edges of The Wardship to visit his only friend in the whole of Wanqiang.

"There, all done, and you look good again," Bai Han Qi teased Gu Hai as he pinched the boy's nose and tucked back a lock of wayward hair. Goodness knows he could only do so without Xiao Yin around, otherwise Gu Hai would be embarrassed. "Do you want a bowl of noodles before you go?" At the boy's nod, he added. "Go up and wake Xiao Yin, then, let's all have a snack together."

Gu Hai promptly followed the command, already used to being bossed around while in the Bai home. Bai Han Qi had to look up, though, as he thought he heard a scuffle upstairs, though it quieted immediately and the boys shortly came down after. He decided to ignore Gu Hai's rumpled again hair, seeing as both boys were in high spirits chasing each other down the stairs. "Careful!" was his only admonishment as the boys rushed to their chairs.

All four of them sat down for the noodle soup snack, Gu Hai's guard included, who helped Bai Han Qi prepare as Gu Hai was upstairs waking up Bai Luoyin. They would need to leave soon, as Gu Hai should be within the Palace walls before the evening came.

"Papa Bai," Gu Hai spoke after a mouthful of soup. "Can Yin Zi come to the Palace tomorrow?" he asked, causing Bai Luoyin to eagerly look up at Bai Han Qi.

Before Bai Han Qi could answer, the guard cleared his throat. "Your Highness, apologies. The Palace is preparing for an arrival, and tomorrow you are required to be with the Emperor."