Chapter Text
The tension wasn’t new.
It had been simmering beneath the surface ever since Mu Qing had first allowed himself to stay longer at Puqi Shrine than necessary. Ever since Feng Xin had stopped glaring at him and started noticing how he bit his lip when flustered. Ever since Hua Cheng’s teasing turned from venom to velvet.
And ever since Xie Lian had looked at him one quiet night and simply said, “You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore.”
-----------------
Tonight, the air was heavy with the scent of summer rain. A storm had passed, and the shrine was lit with warm candlelight. The four of them had shared tea, laughter, and moments that lingered too long—hands brushing, glances held, silences that said too much.
Mu Qing stood stiffly by the window, trying to pretend he wasn’t aware of the way three pairs of eyes followed his every movement.
“You’re always running off,” Feng Xin said gruffly. “Why not just admit you like being here?”
“I— It’s not like that,” Mu Qing said, flustered. “You all gang up on me constantly.”
“Do we?” Hua Cheng murmured, suddenly behind him. His voice was a low whisper at Mu Qing’s neck. “Or do you just like being cornered?”
Mu Qing’s breath hitched.
Before he could retort, Xie Lian stepped closer, fingers brushing Mu Qing’s wrist. “You don’t have to act so strong here,” he said softly. “You’ve done more than enough.”
Mu Qing opened his mouth to deny it—but Feng Xin was already at his side, large hand resting against his lower back, grounding and firm.
“You can let go,” Feng Xin said. “Just this once. Let us take care of you.”
---------------------
It was overwhelming. Being wanted, like this. Not out of obligation or rivalry, but devotion. Xie Lian’s kisses were reverent; Feng Xin’s touch, possessive and gentle. And Hua Cheng—his every word was laced with worship, as if Mu Qing was something rare and precious.
As they guided him down to soft silks spread across the shrine floor, Mu Qing’s usual sharp tongue failed him.
“Y-You’re all ridiculous,” he muttered, already breathless.
“And you’re beautiful,” Xie Lian whispered against his skin.
“Perfect like this,” Hua Cheng added, trailing his fingers lower.
“Always wanted you,” Feng Xin growled, voice hoarse.
--------------------
Later, wrapped in limbs and warmth, Mu Qing lay in the center of it all—flushed, exhausted, but at peace. His pride had melted somewhere between Hua Cheng’s biting kisses, Xie Lian’s soft murmurs, and Feng Xin’s quiet devotion.
He hated to admit it aloud, but in the safety of their shared silence, Mu Qing finally allowed the truth to settle in his chest like a blessing:
He was loved. Entirely. Equally.
And he didn’t have to fight it anymore.