Work Text:
Shen Qingqiu pushed Luo Binghe’s face away with his hand, a charming flush stark against his fair complexion. He could feel the curve of a smirk beneath his palm and that only made him push harder.
“You-!” Shen Qingqiu’s voice held a shrill tone. “Ridiculous! Shameless!”
Luo Binghe held Shen Qingqiu’s waist, keeping the struggling immortal from going too far, and pressed a loving kiss on the palm over his mouth. Shen Qingqiu retracted his hand as if burned. Luo Binghe took the chance and swooped in, planting his lips on those cherry cheeks.
“My husband is so cute when he is embarrassed,” he cooed, rubbing their cheeks together. He then starts planting kisses all over Shen Qingqiu’s face. “So adorable and beautiful and gorgeous and intelligent and-.”
“Stop!” Shen Qingqiu’s eyes were wet, and he looked as though he would collapse if it weren’t for Luo Binghe’s arm. “Don’t say anymore!”
“Yes! Please, just stop talking I beg you!”
Shang Qinghua was sitting in front of them looking like the personification of misery. He had been sent on behalf of Mobei-jun to inform Luo Binghe about some stupid demons that thought they could usurp the Demon Emperor. It was a simple task of delivering information.
So why did he have to sit here and watch this shameless couple flirting?!
Don’t get him wrong, Shang Qinghua was glad that the plot got derailed and Shen Qingqiu was able to avoid his fate. He had always felt guilty toward his Shixiong due to the character assassination he had committed as the author.
But that didn’t mean he wanted to see their love being rubbed into his face! He was here doing his best just to survive and they were enjoying their lives to the fullest! Wasn’t he the author? It wasn’t fair. He wanted his own partner, too!
Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widened as if just remembering that Shang Qinghua was there (rude) and quickly composed himself. He shifted so that his body was facing toward the other man. Shang Qinghua thought to himself that it didn’t matter what position he was in, Shen Qingqiu was still very much flustered and sitting on Luo Binghe’s lap.
Speaking of the Demon Emperor, he was sending an impressive glare at Shang Qinghua for interrupting them.
“Shang-Shidi, apologies for my husband’s behavior,” Shen Qingqiu said, coughing into his fist. Luo Binghe’s glare turned into a besotted grin. It made Shang Qinghua sick. “Thank you for your report. Keep us updated on the situation.”
“Tell Mobei-jun that I want to speak with him later. There have been some issues in the South that I need his assistance with.”
Shang Qinghua took that for the obvious dismissal it was and scrambled up from his chair. He gave a sloppy bow before booking it out of there. As much as he was fond of his children, there was only so much he could take before he snapped.
~
“Shizun,” Luo Binghe called, rushing forward and wrapping his arms around Shen Qingqiu. His frame covered the scholar’s body like a blanket. The spicy scent of incense and musk filled Shen Qingqiu’s senses. “I’ve finished with the meeting. I managed to deal with that meddlesome Elder Tian and secure their loyalty.”
Shen Qingqiu looked up to see those shining puppy eyes begging for praise. With a fond sigh, he gave in. “Good job.” He raised his hand to give those fluffy curls a few pats. “You’ve done well. My husband is so smart.”
Shen Qingqiu’s voice was low so that only he could hear. Luo Binghe preferred it this way. He liked the way Shen Qingqiu would curl in on himself, eyes fluttering shyly and acting so cute. He loved the way his heart would beat as though it would jump out of his chest and the way he felt invincible whenever Shen Qingqiu praised him.
Luo Binghe always knew that what he wanted, what he needed, was acknowledgment and praise from Shen Qingqiu. He had known ever since that fateful day all those years ago when he was just an orphan boy on his knees in awe of the beautiful immortal before him. What he didn’t know, though, was how much he would enjoy praising Shen Qingqiu back.
It was an early discovery, one that he had made after Shen Qingqiu had begun to trust him. Luo Binghe had felt brave enough to be honest. It started with small things such as telling Shen Qingqiu that he was powerful. He was surprised by how violently the scholar had reacted, all harsh words and hissing.
But all Luo Binghe could focus on was the way Shen Qingqiu’s entire face burned red.
After that, it became his favorite thing to do. He would shower compliments and praise on Shen Qingqiu to see more of those adorable reactions. It helped that they were all his genuine feelings. It made him happy to know that he wasn’t the only one affected. Shen Qingqiu was just as clumsy as he was.
Even now, after years of their marriage, Shen Qingqiu was still a flustered mess in his arms. Luo Binghe couldn’t resist and pressed a chaste kiss on those pink lips. He was rewarded with a light slap to his arm.
“What are you doing?” Shen Qingqiu hissed, but he didn’t pull away from Luo Binghe. “We’re in the middle of the hall. Anyone could see us!”
“And what’s wrong with showing love to my husband? Besides, the only one watching right now is Liu Mingyan. Everyone else has learned to avoid us when we’re together.”
Shen Qingqiu glanced out of the corner of his eye to see the younger Liu sibling was indeed there, hiding behind one of the pillars, and staring at them with sparkling eyes. A shudder ran down his spine.
“That is somehow even worse.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to chase away the migraine. “You do realize she is the one who has been spreading erotica about us, right?”
Luo Binghe hummed, leaning his cheek on top of Shen Qingqiu’s head. “I do. It’s obvious that she isn’t too knowledgeable about what she’s talking about, especially considering her relationship with Sha Hualing, but she does have an imaginative mind.”
Shen Qingqiu’s eyes narrowed. “… If you use her books for inspiration in the bedroom, then you’re sleeping on the floor.” Shen Qingqiu slipped under Luo Binghe’s arm and stormed away.
“Ah, wait, husband! I was only joking!”
The palace servants watched as their Emperor chased after his irritated husband before averting their eyes. How long were they planning to stay in this honeymoon period? The first year was understandable, but they were tired of watching this lovey-dovey act every single day!