1.9

Splash, splash, splash!

"A-Jia, don't swim too fast. You're going to make yourself tired. I don't want you to suddenly drown," Wen Ning reminded the sugar glider as he places his head back at the large wooden square bathtub. He sighed pleasantly, as he submerged himself in the warm water, finally able to relieve the ache in his tired bones. He has been walking all day and his feet deserve some rest. What better way than a warm bath during the winter night.

A-Jia was swimming around from one side to the other using a thing he called 'floaty' so he could swim while keeping itself afloat. The creature had suddenly conjured it up from his portal pocket that by now, doesn't surprise Wen Ning anymore with the amount of medicine Wen Ning had asked it to keep in that unlimited space. The floaty reminded Wen Ning of a fried cake Lan Jingyi loved to eat when he goes to town and buy some to bring back to the sect. It was round and had a hole in the middle. Hmm, he should find some when he goes to town again.

"Okay master," A-Jia says as he swims vigorously across the water. How can such a small body, packed that much energy? He gives a fond look to A-Jia before unconsciously rubbing his belly. The baby kicked back and Wen Ning gives small taps to it with his finger as a sign of greeting back the kicks this child has given him.

Speaking of the child, he will be nearing eight months in a few days. At first, there was some hesitation in the doctor's part to accept him as an apprentice due to his pregnancy stage right now but Wen Ning was able to convince Doctor Jian that he would just help around with easy stuff like bandaging soldiers, giving medicines and observing Doctor Jian in his work. He did promise his father not to overdo it. The important part is after the birth but none of that now, he just wants to kick back and soaked himself into relaxation. Just by himself.

"It's too cold!"

He spoke too soon.

Wen Ning looks at the bathroom door and there stood Sun Junjie, naked in all his glory except for a towel wrapped around his waist. He had both his hands at his waist and was grinning as he sees Wen Ning in the bath. "Yujin! I hope I wasn't disturbing you," Sun Junjie says as he walks closer and dips his foot to test the water before entering into the water, satisfaction in his face to finally being warm. He whistles cheekily as he looks at Wen Ning, his eyes appreciating the view in front of him. Wen Ning quickly took a wet towel and covered his private parts, blushing from being stared at intensively by Sun Junjie.

"What are you doing here?" Wen Ning warily asked. Sun Junjie lifts a brow from that question. "Umm, taking a bath," "I can see that but why are you in THIS bathroom when there is one near Liu Li Feng's room?" Wen Ning is this close to splashing Sun Junjie's face if he doesn't stop staring at him.

Wen Ning doesn't need to. Sun Junjie splashes his face a couple of times and pushes his hair back making Wen Ning able to see his whole face. The warmth in Sun Junjie's cheeks from the hot water and the dazed look in his eyes makes Wen Ning feel embarrassed. Seeing how red Wen Ning was, Sun Junjie slyly smiles at him. "Because I wanted to take a bath with you. I want to spend more time with you Yujin," his voices out, no lies can be heard from his words. Such a charmer.

Sun Junjie is an attractive man; from his lean and chiselled body, due to his training as a soldier and his flirtatious and friendly personality, Wen Ning isn't surprised that Liu Li Feng easily fell in love with this man. If Wen Ning wasn't doing his job, he would have gotten a crush on this man too but that is not all. His similarities in looks and personality to Wei Wuxian also doesn't help Wen Ning from burning these feelings he has for his master.

"Why are you suddenly sad now?" Wen Ning felt fingers moving his wet bangs, making his view clear. Knowing whose fingers they are, Wen Ning just glances at Sun Junjie who magically appears by his side. He was sitting so close to Wen Ning that Wen Ning could see Sun Junjie's light grey eyes with purple hues around the iris. Those eyes looked so beautiful compare to Wen Ning's lacklustre ones, which were also grey but a darker shade that looked almost black. Only if one looks closer that they can see the grey in his eyes. He kind of feels dejected now thinking about it.

Suddenly, his cheeks were squished and turned to face an upset Sun Junjie. Sun Junjie pouts at him and clicks his tongue. "Stop it! Whatever you're thinking, just stop looking so sad," Sun Junjie scolds him before taking back his hands but not before brushing his thumb on Wen Ning's cheek. Wen Ning huffs out and gives a little splash to Sun Junjie, making him spluttered in surprise. "Don't come any closer. The water is hot enough without you adding more heat to it," Wen Ning says, while he turns forward and closes his eyes. He gives a sigh while he makes himself comfortable.

Silence surrounds the room and it went on for a few minutes until it made Wen Ning nervous since Sun Junjie wasn't the type to stay quiet. He begrudgingly opens his eyes and yep, the man is still looking at him. This is harassment to the next level. "What is it now?" he tiredly says. Sun Junjie seems to realise that he has been staring at Wen Ning longer than he expected and flush in embarrassment. He looks away, red in the face and stutters an apology but Sun Junjie can't help but put his head to Wen Ning's shoulder, cuddling closer despite the heat and their nakedness. Yes, definitely not awkward.

Wen Ning lets it be and continue to enjoy his bath. "Sorry, it's just you're so pretty Yujin. I can't stop looking at you," Sun Junjie softly says, seeming afraid if Wen Ning took his words the wrong way. He doesn't want Bai Yujin to hate him. Wen Ning softly laughs. "You should get yourself checked. I look like a cow," he jokingly says but Sun Junjie grips his hand when he hears this. Wen Ning doesn't realise when had Sun Junjie held his hand. "No, no. Yujin is so pretty. You're practically glowing. Don't say you're not because Li Feng wouldn't have marked you up like that if he didn't also think so," with his other hand, Sun Junjie brushes the new marks Liu Li Feng had placed on the right side of his neck with a tender look on his face.

Wen Ning blushes redly. What is wrong with Liu Li Feng and Sun Junjie to suddenly act like this to him? These two shouldn't have wanted anything to do with him but they have been acting very strangely and too affectionately with him that even A-Jia is confused too. These hugs, touches and sudden kiss marks, why are the two acting this way?

"What do you want from me Sun Junjie? I have already accepted the fact that the two of you are in a relationship and I don't care. The most important thing for me is that you two not make a huge scandal out of this so that our reputation is still intact and this child here will not be bullied just because of their parent's problem. You have Liu Li Feng, what more do you want from me?" Wen Ning says, frustration in his voice as he grits his teeth. He pulls his hand from Sun Junjie, surprising the man.

Sun Junjie tensed when hearing Yujin's sharp tone. He wanted to take back that hand and gently explain to Yujin that there was nothing he wanted but Yujin's attention. But he knew Yujin wouldn't accept his reasoning and would just leave when he says that. He needs to tread carefully. He doesn't want Yujin to avoid him. So he looks downwards and gives a long exhale. They needed to talk like two grown adults. He wished Li Feng could be here but that would only make things worse.

"The first time I saw you was at the wedding. I was hiding in the corner and crying because Li Feng was marrying you. I knew he had a fiancee but I couldn't help myself. I love him and it took me by surprise that he loves me too. So I took what I could get, even if it means I become his secret lover because of my selfishness to keep loving him, even if I knew what I was doing was wrong and knowing I would be hurting someone, hurting you," Sun Junjie trembles as he talks and Wen Ning couldn't help but feel helpless.

There was nothing wrong with falling in love but the circumstances made everything difficult for these two. Bai Yujin was just an unfortunate bystander who so happened to be caught into this love triangle because he too was in love. Bai Yujin, this lovable fool, stayed by his husband side despite rumours and feeling unloved because he just wanted his husband to love him. He only realised he lost because he has seen these two with his own eyes and accepted his fate. This kind soul, even when he was angry, still had it in his heart to forgive them. Bai Yujin didn't deserve to die.

So Wen Ning knew, he at least has to grant Bai Yujin's wishes and he will complete it, even if he had to do it the hard way.

Wen Ning gently held Sun Junjie's hand and gives it a soft grip, urging the man to continue.

Sun Junjie's eyes turn glassy with Yujin's action. He chokes a bit, trying to hold in his tears. He doesn't deserve to cry in front of Yujin, he doesn't.

"I actually erase your face from my memory because I didn't want to feel bad. It was our problem and I didn't want you to get involved with me, so I stayed away from you. But then I saw you again. You stood there with my bow and arrow and kept shooting bullseye one after another, you were just so…breathtaking. So free and happy, so beautiful," Sun Junjie looks at Yujin, his eyes wanting the other to look at him but Yujin sat there impassively, eyes still looking forward. But Sun Junjie didn't falter, he couldn't rush this, baby steps.

"Bai Yujin, that time I saw you playing archery, I consider that my first time actually seeing you and I knew that from then on, you were going to be part of my life and I want that so much Yujin. I want the three of us to be together in whatever form and shape you want," Sun Junjie declares this firmly, no hesitation in his part. Yujin was quiet and unexpressive. Sun Junjie was worried if he oversteps. Stupid! Why would Yujin want to be around his husband's lover? Sun Junjie, you damn idiot!

But then he hears the sound of laughter beside him. He quickly turns towards Yujin and sees him laughing softly. Yujin looks at him fondly with that beautiful smile of his and Sun Junjie can't help but smile back.

"You only know me for a day and you're already this clingy. You are going to regret this one day you know," Wen Ning jokes.

"No, I won't! I, I just know. This might sound crazy; I have only gotten to know you today but it feels like I have known you longer than that. It's like you're the missing piece that I have been searching and I finally feel complete after I found you,"

"…You are so weird,"

"Call me weird but I know what I feel and I'll prove it to you however long it takes!" he looks at Wen Ning seriously that Wen Ning felt wrong if he denied this person when they were so passionately convincing him. He decided that no harm is done if he accepted this. His plan wouldn't deter much.

"Fine, for now, let us get to know each other. Nothing wrong with being friends but that's between you and me. I still expect to be separated from Liu Li Feng,"

"Yujin, can't you rethink that. Li Feng cares about-"

"Nope, that's final. If he wants to make me stay, he has to be the one to convince me, not you," Wen Ning sternly says which Sun Junjie reluctantly nods.

"Can…I hug you?" Sun Junjie bashfully says, eyes glancing back and forth and his cheeks tint with red, not from the hot water.

Wen Ning can't help find this person adorable with the way he just wanted to be accepted by him. Sun Junjie might act outgoing and unreserved but deep inside, he was an insecure young man who seeks acceptance from others and just wanted to be loved.

He really can't win against this person. "You never needed permission before to hug me, why now?" Wen Ning snorts, eyes challenging as Sun Junjie grins brightly and promptly tackles him, taking care not to be too hard because Sun Junjie doesn't want to hurt the baby.

Wen Ning returned the hug and ignore the nakedness between them. Yes, DEFINITELY not awkward hugging a naked man. Sun Junjie seems to not care and gives Wen Ning a tight hug as he nuzzles himself to Wen Ning's neck. Wen Ning touches Sun Junjie's hair since that was the only safe place he could touch at the moment.

Wen Ning felt something tickle his neck until he felt pain on it. "Ouch! What are you doing?" Wen Ning pushed him away and was greeted with a pout. "Not fair! Why does Li Feng get to be called that by you when he leaves you marks and I get called by my full name? Yujin, call me Junjie please~" he whines as he went back to Wen Ning's neck and proceeds to give small nibbles to his skin. What is with these two and biting?! He is not something to be bitten on! "Fine, fine stop! Ouch! Junjie will you stop? That hurts!" Wen Ning scolded as he finally was able to push Sun Junjie off him. The man doesn't seem concerned by Wen Ning's anger as he looks in satisfaction at the work he has done. "Now you have both of our marks," he proudly says with a grin.

Wen Ning looks at this ridiculous man and gives a big splash to his face.

"Hey!"

*****

"Damn it, I look like someone mauled me," Wen Ning murmurs to himself as he checks his neck with the small mirror. His neck was littered with small red marks that would make people questioned his decency. He'll have to wear a robe that covers until his neck so that no one looks at him funny. He doesn't want to answer any of it. He tightens his bath robe, trying to cover it up and still, you could see the bright red.

A-Jia calls them hickeys while it giggles at Wen Ning. Nope! Not going to treat them as such. These are just stupid bites given by stupid men with stupid reasons to be placed on him. Not hickeys! Perverted A-Jia.

He gives a small glare to the man who had just put those brand-new marks on him. Said man is struggling with his hair as he tries to make a bun but the strands of hair keep falling. He hears a curse for the fifth time by Sun Junjie and Wen Ning took pity on him, walking towards and taking the hair accessory from Sun Junjie's hand.

"Let me help," Wen Ning carefully twist Sun Junjie's hair into a bun.

Sun Junjie sighs in relief, he was struggling with his hair for quite some time and was glad someone is helping him with it. He wasn't good with using accessories especially this gift by Liu Li Feng. Usually, he leaves it to Liu Li Feng to have his hair styled. He never really cared much about his appearance. Yujin seems to be someone who is put together and looks like he takes care of others. He soaks in Yujin's rare attention that is solely focused on his hair. Being pamper by Yujin is surely a bliss.

Wen Ning finishes the bun and places the hair accessory on top of it. He notices that the accessory was the same one Liu Li Feng had bought in the town market during that outing. The beautiful golden comb hairpiece with small ember jewels embedded into it. Wen Ning gently touches it, mesmerised with the simple design and beauty. Sun Junjie was truly loved by Liu Li Feng.

That reminds Wen Ning that he too needs something to pull his hair up. Maybe he should sneak to the market and buy one for himself. He should have done so from the beginning when he bought the ribbon for Liu Li Feng and the other one. Well, at least he has a reason to go back.

Wen Ning takes a strand of hair and puts it behind Sun Junjie's ear and he sees it. His fingers brushing across that area and he thinks he is imagining it but no, it was still there. 'If this is true, does that mean…,' Wen Ning looks at Sun Junjie who is happily humming, waiting for Wen Ning to finish. Wen Ning gives it a last look before returning back to his task.

"There, all finish," Wen Ning takes back his fingers and pats Sun Junjie on the shoulder while he makes a move to dry out his long hair.

Sun Junjie looks at Yujin, seeing how adorable the ger was drying his hair. He seems to also be struggling with his long hair. Sun Junjie skips towards Yujin and takes the towel. He gently squeezes Yujin's hair so that the remaining moisture of Yujin's long and beautiful ebony hair got absorb. He took notice of Yujin's exposed nape and had to take a moment since he was tempted to put a big mark on that milky skin. He coughs a bit and finishes the rest, trying hard to not imagine any dirty thoughts.

This is all Li Feng's fault! Coming back dazed and looking so happy, suddenly attacking him with kisses when he asked why. He found out at the end that Li Feng gave Yujin love marks and Sun Junjie felt so jealous. He wanted to give some too! Telling Sun Junjie they needed to talk but still kissing him while retelling how cute a blushing Yujin was. That isn't fair! He wished he stayed longer to see. Ahhhh, Yujin~

Hmm, where was he? Oh, the talk! So, Li Feng had confessed to him that he had suddenly grown feelings for Yujin and he was afraid to tell him about it. Li Feng felt as if he had betrayed Sun Junjie's love but the more he spent time with Yujin, the more he fell for his wife. Hearing these words, Sun Junjie expected himself to feel jealous and hurt but there was this feeling of relieve and hope.

Both of them felt that Yujin was the complete piece to their life and something within them felt like they knew Yujin from somewhere before but they couldn't put a finger on it. The only thing they knew was that Yujin was meant to be with them and Sun Junjie was ready to fight with Li Feng just so he could have Yujin in his life but now, knowing that Li Feng wanted Yujin too, doesn't this make it easier for them. If both Liu Li Feng and Sun Junjie wanted Bai Yujin, there was no need for them to choose.

Of course, they have to take it slow. They didn't want Yujin to be frightened by them and think that they were taking advantage of him. They had to be mindful and be considerate of Yujin's feelings especially with the baby coming soon. If Sun Junjie wanted this to work, everyone has to be on board especially Yujin. If Yujin wasn't comfortable and wanted to stay friends, Sun Junjie will respect that. He wants this to work and he will try to make it work.

"Umm, Junjie, I think it's dry now,"

Sun Junjie stops his hands and sees Yujin looking at him, worry in his eyes. He quickly takes the towel away from Yujin's hair and nearly cooed when he sees how fluffed up Yujin's hair was. "Sorry Yujin, I was…umm, daydreaming?" "I can see that. That's okay, thank you Junjie. We should probably go, we have been here long enough," Yujin says as he folds his dirty clothes and puts it in the basket for the servants to pick up. Realising the time, Sun Junjie quickly folds his haphazardly as he quickly goes to Yujin who is waiting for him at the door. They walked along the corridor until they reach two different pathways. They stood there for the moment in silence; one nervously wanting to spend time more with the person at his side and one oblivious to the internal conflict of the other.

Wen Ning plays with the ends of his hair as he awkwardly stands there beside Sun Junjie who keeps glancing at him. He seems to want something from Wen Ning but with the accomplishment of today's events and the exhaustion he feels from meeting his eccentric brother-in-law, Wen Ning just wants to lay in bed and sleep. He really is tired.

Sun Junjie fidgets around, trying to find an excuse until he sees Bai Yujin playing with his hair. "Yujin, would you like me to comb your hair?" he excitedly says, happy to find a reasonable excuse.

Wen Ning looks at Sun Junjie in surprise and looks at the state of his hair. It looked frizzy and in need of a combing but he was too tired. Usually, Rou Mei would be the one caring for his hair; combing it and adding hair oil (hibiscus oil young master!) to the ends. He usually got scold by Rou Mei if he neglected on taking care of his hair and sometimes, he wished he could cut it short just to make his life easier. When he was a corpse, hair care was the last thing in his mind. Now, he just lets Rou Mei do whatever she wants with his hair. He really is spoiled by her.

"Thank you Junjie but maybe next time, okay. Today has really been quite eventful," Wen Ning tiredly laughs. Sun Junjie seems to realise what he had said and felt dejected but he smiles to Wen Ning when he sees Wen Ning not annoyed with him. "Alright, next time then," he then surprises Wen Ning with a hug, nuzzling to him for a bit before letting go. Sun Junjie blushes a bit and grins cheekily to Wen Ning.

Wen Ning smiles back and gives a slight bow. He says his goodbye to Sun Junjie and begins to walk back to his room but pauses in his step. He looks back and sees Sun Junjie watching him with a flush as he was caught again staring. Sun Junjie scratches the back of his neck in embarrassment as Wen Ning chuckles at him. "Junjie, next time tell Liu Li Feng to buy a string so you can put your hair up easier. It's much easier than a hair comb accessory but if you want to wear it around the mansion, I can help you with it. Alright then, goodnight Junjie. Please tell Liu Li Feng goodnight for me too," Wen Ning waves goodbye and makes his way down the hall leaving a stunt Sun Junjie.

Sun Junjie plays with the sleeves of his bath robe and walks back to Liu Li Feng's room opposite of Bai Yujin's. He kept his head down even until he reached the room.

Liu Li Feng was greeted with a pouting Sun Junjie whose eyes were blazing with disappointment at him. Even when they were in bed, Sun Junjie was unusually quiet that it worried him. After he asks again since Sun Junjie was not responding to his question, he got hit by a pillow to the face.

"You heartless idiot!" Sun Junjie angrily shouts at him, huffing and turning his back to Liu Li Feng as he puts another pillow in the middle of their bed, separating them. Liu Li Feng blinks in confusion as he takes it all in. Two things are thrown in his face in a day.

And he still doesn't know what he did wrong.