Mei Nianqing

Mh... I just want Huahua.

Silly boy. *He huffs, shaking his head.*

I was worried about you, not a potential baby. You and Juhua are all I need.

Mn, I hope not.

Are you sure its just a period?

*He leans down to nuzzle Mu Qing's head - ah, his beloved.*

...does he now?

*He sounds a bit shy - sue him, he's just as paranoid as Mu Qing.*

And you... approve?

*He pets Mu Qing's head - wah, he missed just existing with his beloved.*

Do you have medicine to counteract the pain?

What hurts? Are you sick?

*He puts the water down and sits down on the bed, nudging his sad wife to lay his head in Nianqing's lap.*

*He comes back soon enough, bringing water.*

How are you feeling?

Can't a man miss his daughter?

*Off he goes, cleaning peepaw time*

*And doesn't that sound familiar?*

I think you underestimate A-Qing's capacity to worry... *he huffs.*

But yes. I am Mei Nianqing, your son's husband. Do forgive my rude manners, madam Mu.

That you can't.

*He'll press a small kiss to Mu Qing's forehead - his mouth tastes... not kissable.*

Go lay down, love.

Yes, because you getting sick again and making the mess worse is worse than me doing something for a change. *He huffs.* Don't be silly.

...let me clean up and get you something to drink, then I'll lay down with you.

*Concerned peepaw noises.*

You need to lay down, A-Qing. And tell me where you felt sick so I can clean that up...

-ah, madam Mu.

*She's so young, referring to her as mother-in-law would feel weird.*

Be careful. Your son will be very cross with me if you bump into something and hurt yourself.

One thing at a time, love. Let's get you clean and healed first.
Do you want me to get medicine for you?

...stop flattering me for a moment. *He grumbles, flushing.*

You're beautiful. Being a god suits you. I will not have my beloved wife degrading himself.

That we do.

*He notices Mu Qing's gaze and quickly shrugs off his own outer robe, covering his wife's body with it.*

A-Qing, look at me.

*He frowns, shaking his head.*

What in my words made you think I'm on anyone's side but yours?

*He lifts the towel, rubbing away a bit of mud from Mu Qing's cheek.*

I'm here now with you, am I not? *He glares at nothing, scoffing.* Dianxia can rot for all I care. All that talk of doing good..tsk.

*He leans in to kiss Mu Qing's cheek as the other winces, murmuring apologies.*

No one deserves to be stabbed by someone they trust. Maybe you were both wrong, maybe you were both right - the world is not so black and white.

I'm not certain. I didn't see much of the happenings.

*Having cleaned the area around the wound, he carefully wraps it.*

It's not important now, A-Qing. Don't beat yourself up over it.

*He turns back to look at Jun Wu, then nods after a moment.*

Take care or your family, my Highness.

Sweet boy. I'm glad you have him.

*He's gently cleaning of the blood and mud, careful not to hurt Mu Qing even more.*

We both need you, love. Stay with us.

Mh...
We'll get out of your hair, Your Highness.

It's alright. You came home - I'm already proud of you.

*He takes Mu Qing into the bathroom, sitting him down on a towel while he got another one wet to clean Mu Qing.*

Juhua is sleeping. She was looking for you, you know?

Huahua... *he hugs his daughter ever closer.*

She needs her father. I need my wife.

a close up of a white cat looking at the camera with a serious look on its face . ALT: a close up of a white cat looking at the camera with a serious look on its face .

//

I know, my heart. I know you did. Shh, this husband will take care of you now. *He murmurs, pressing their foreheads together.*

Lean on me, A-Qing? I'll take you to the bathroom, we need to clean you up. Don't fall asleep yet, stay with me.

And what, pray that he comes home? *He huffs, grimacing. His eyes are getting teary.*

Curse the heavens. Curse the gods. Curse them for doing this to me again.

A-Qing!

*He runs up to Mu Qing, hugging him tightly.*

You're alive, heavens above, I...

*He steps back, cradling Mu Qing's face in his hands, quickly looking over him.*

You're wounded...

...do you know where he is?

*He's shaking a little, holding Juhua close.*

Your Highness, I need to find him...