Work Text:
It had all started with an offhand comment. One that Shen Wei seemed to barely consider worth muttering, but he was stressed to hide nothing from Zhao Yunlan now out of fear of losing the other. He would not have guessed those words would mean anything to anyone. Zhao Yunlan had nodded, acting impassively but Lin Jing could tell the small glint in his friend's eye that gave away when he was planning something. And Lin Jing didn't know what the plan might be, but he had to be involved.
"He's still alive. Changed, but still around. He's useless now."
So dismissive of the one that was Shen Wei's only family. Of a brother that had fought for their people and what he believed in to be just, yet Shen Wei only fought for himself and to be free with Kunlun. Still, Lin Jing held his tongue in front of him. To Zhao Yunlan, however, talks became more common about the past. First just framed as debriefs from everything that happened, but they evolved into long and deep conversations about what Gui Mian had been fighting for and the injustice that the former system had treated the Gui with. Zhao Yunlan was a good man and awakening his godly identity hadn't changed that.
Even with all of those talks, there were things Lin Jing hadn't shared with his friend. An experience he couldn't put into words, yet couldn't stop thinking about. Those claws on his chest. That body taking him so fully. Those lips and teeth and tongue learning from his touch with a desperation that made lack of experience unimportant. Then he'd fallen asleep and woken up to see that cold, distant mask back in place as Gui Mian continued his plan.
Anyone else might have thought the time together meant nothing, but Lin Jing knew that wasn't true. He'd felt the way they connected. How they balanced each other out and experienced a pleasure like nothing else together. That connection was what had him turning around and watching, seeing how that one's energy had exploded and wondering if there was any way he could have survived. Only for Shen Wei to mention the truth months later like it was no big deal.
Soon the rush of the New Year would be upon them and the SID would be flooded with work, but for now, Lin Jing kept his routine. He sat at his desk and played games on his computer until someone yelled at him. He went to the monastery on his days off, trying to cultivate himself with a dedication he hadn’t had before. Maybe if he was stronger, he could help him. He spent time with Zhu Hong cooking together and enjoying gossiping about the growing relationship between Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng. Through it all, Gui Mian never truly left his thoughts, lingering in the background and rising to the surface at any free moment. He was out there somewhere. Alone and in such a state that Shen Wei declared him "useless."
He noticed how Zhao Yunlan would randomly leave the office with no explanation other than how he wouldn't be reachable. Once the door closed behind him, this would often spark comments from Zhu Hong about him slacking off to go fuck his husband. Lin Jing would roll his eyes at the fading hint of jealousy in his friend's tone and continue what he was doing. He didn't think too deeply of what Zhao Yunlan was up to... Maybe he should have.
The SID had scheduled their own little gathering to eat together just a few days before the proper day of New Year. Many were bustling around the office already preparing things for the dinner. Even video games had grown boring and Lin Jing had already been shooed away by Wang Zheng when he tried to help. He sighed and rested his head on the desk as he stretched his fingers and legs to relieve the ache in his joints. Then the door opened. Zhao Yunlan returned… but he wasn't alone. Lin Jing could feel this person without even picking his head up. He did so anyway, moving suddenly like he'd been shocked by Xiao Guo's baton as he stood so quickly his chair wobbled and nearly fell to the ground. His eyes had to confirm what he was feeling because he couldn't let himself hope and be wrong.
Gui Mian.
It really was Gui Mian. Standing two steps behind Zhao Yunlan. Glaring around the new SID office like it had personally offended him. His white robes had been replaced with light blue ones, still flowing beautifully around him and allowing his long white hair to stand out even more the way it spread across his shoulders and down past his knees.
Immediately, Lin Jing noticed the difference in the other. Where there had once been only three corpses, there were now soulfires that balanced the forces within him. It had worked on him too?
All Lin Jing wanted to do was move closer. To reach out and touch once more. Then that being's eyes met his and there was nothing like he remembered from their time alone together under the Huangquan. Distant. Apprehensive. But not uninterested. That stopped all the hope inside him from extinguishing. They held eye contact for a long moment before a sudden crash broke through the tense silence that had fallen over the office at the sight of the former King of the Gui.
In the doorway to the kitchen stood Guo Changcheng. A tray of tea at his feet that he had dropped the moment he walked in. Shaking like a baby fawn as if this boy hadn't lived through so much already.
"Xiao Guo! Do you want that to come out of your paycheck? Seriously, be more careful!" Zhao Yunlan immediately scolded as Chu Shuzhi stood and made his way over to the younger. The subtle protectiveness of the Zombie King as he checked his partner for any injury before ushering him out of the room would have been fun gossiping topic for later if Lin Jing had any mind left for anything other than Gui Mian.
"This is ridiculous," Gui Mian muttered so softly that Lin Jing barely heard it from where he stood across the room.
"It's New Year and I'm bringing my family to celebrate with us," Zhao Yunlan dismissed the instant Zhu Hong opened her mouth to comment as she continued to stare suspiciously at Gui Mian. "Everyone, you know my brother-in-law, Gui Mian."
"You've got to be kidding me," Zhu Hong sighed. "Why are you bringing us into your family drama? If you hid this from Professor Shen, we won't save you from him."
"Oi! Who needs you to save them?" Zhao Yunlan shot back with a scoff. "Shen Wei already knows." The shortness of such a statement gave away that even if the other knew there was a good chance Shen Wei wasn't happy about it.
Lin Jing stopped staring at Gui Mian to look at his friend. What had Zhao Yunlan gotten up to? He found Gui Mian. Had Shen Wei helped despite his disinterest in his brother? Had Zhao Yunlan not even needed his help now that he was awoken? … Why was he doing this?
Then, Zhao Yunlan caught him staring. Lin Jing expected some kind of scolding. Maybe a threat to his bonus. What he wasn't expecting was for his friend to just tilt his head slightly then smirk as if he'd won something. It made Lin Jing's brow furrow. What exactly are you up to, Zhao Yunlan?
Without a word, Zhao Yunlan turned to Gui Mian. "You can wait in my office. Shen Wei will be here soon. He just had to finish up grading some papers."
Gui Mian rolled his eyes, "Fine," then walked through the office to Zhao Yunlan's office in the back without looking at anyone and closed the door a hint too harshly behind him.
Lin Jing stared at the door for a long moment, wondering if it would open again and fighting the urge to go after the other. Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to look at the owner, coming face to face with Zhao Yunlan, who had moved closer without him noticing. It wasn't common for anyone to be able to sneak up on him.
"Are you slacking off, Lin Jing?" There was a hint of teasing in Zhao Yunlan's voice.
"I've done all my work," he answered instinctively. Their banter was always easy to fall into even with how shaken he felt seeing Gui Mian again, yet the other was so distant.
"Right," Zhao Yunlan drew out the word before chuckling to himself. "Check the inventory doc against what we have in storage, then. Since you're so efficient to be back to playing games on your computer again." He moved away with one last pat on Lin Jing's shoulder. "I'll take away your bonus and your internet if you don't get it done before team dinner tonight," he called back before walking off.
Lin Jing groaned as he sat back down. His eyes went back to the office door again. He wanted to see Gui Mian again. To talk to him. To touch him. To be seen by him, not just glanced over. But the other had barely even looked in his direction. It wasn't all in my head. I know it. He said I was fun. That he wished we had more time… now we can. But the truth of the situation was obvious. Regardless of how Gui Mian had felt in the moment, he hadn't come to find Lin Jing after everything. He tried not to let that fact sting too much and instead was grateful for probably the first and only time that Zhao Yunlan had given him extra work to distract him from the heaviness now weighing down on him.
"Amitabha, help this simple one…" Lin Jing paused, for once hesitating what to say, "May dinner go well, please." He didn't ask for more.
…
Dinner was a… strange affair. Lin Jing didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't Zhao Yunlan practically manhandling him towards a chair right next to Gui Mian with that same self-satisfied grin. Unsurprisingly, the presence of the former King of the Gui did not give an easy atmosphere. Zhao Yunlan didn't explain beyond another pointless introduction of his "brother-in-law" that gave no more understanding to his poor staff. Shen Wei sat by his husband's side without commenting or even looking in his brother's direction.
Gradually, conversation did start up. Xiao Guo shared a story about this stray dog he found. Sangzan delightfully shared his discovery of manhua and his growing interest in both old and modern illustrated stories. Over time, everyone started to relax as they enjoyed the food and topics flowed from one to another easily like a calm river… until a proverbial stone was thrown into the water.
"If I wanted any of you dead, you would have been before you even knew I existed," Gui Mian's voice suddenly cut through the chatter at the table where SID had gathered to enjoy a feast of dinner. Everyone went quiet.
Lin Jing wasn't sure how the topic came up. Their shameless boss' own ability to undercut most serious conversations? A few too many grumbles from the overprotective Zombie King? One or two sassy remarks from Zhu Hong? He couldn’t say with any certainty, but it seemed like too much comfort had grown at the sight of the former King of the Gui seemingly docile as he sat quietly and picked at his food.
Now, Shen Wei was glaring at his brother with a powerful energy flowing from him that was more like the Soul Executing Emissary and not the gentle professor or doting baobei that the department had gotten used to seeing him as.
Lin Jing didn't even think before his hand was reaching out to Gui Mian. It was like taking the other's hand was an instinct that could somehow protect him. He, a young cultivator that had impressive abilities but still was nothing compared to the ancient powers in the room, didn't hesitate to shift in his seat to face Shen Wei head on and turn so that Gui Mian was nearly sheltered behind him. It brought all of Shen Wei's focus onto him, but Lin Jing didn't waiver, staring back as if daring the other to make the first move.
Zhao Yunlan's laughter broke the tense silence. While Shen Wei and Lin Jing continued to stare each other down, the rest of the department looked around at each other. "Fair enough. I was quite the idiot before all of this, wasn't I?" Zhao Yunlan deflected by making himself the joke with practiced ease. It was a move Lin Jing had witnessed disarm countless officials that were apprehensive of the young chief of SID. "You probably could have taken me out with one swipe of your axe, couldn't you, Mianmian?"
At the name, Lin Jing could feel how Gui Mian tensed up. "Yes." He was momentarily distracted as he realized that despite having plenty of time and his grip not being strong, Gui Mian didn't try to get free from Lin Jing.
"Good thing you were so focused on destroying the world and its oppressive system against the Gui."
"It didn't matter."
"Mianmian," Zhao Yunlan scolded, but this sounded less like the friend Lin Jing knew or the boss that all of the SID was familiar with. There was a deeper tone that felt older. Wiser.
Gui Mian sighed. "The fight was good and right even if my means were… less so," he said with a slightly rehearsed feel to it.
Zhao Yunlan chuckled. "Close enough."
What is going on? Lin Jing reeled from the exchange, finally looking away from Shen Wei to look between the two. In many ways, that sentiment was nearly identical to many conversations he and Zhao Yunlan had before. What has happened between them? How many times have they had conversations like this?
Finally, Gui Mian was actually looking at him again. Staring right into his eyes when Lin Jing turned towards him. It felt like he was being studied. Like Gui Mian was searching for something in Lin Jing. He didn't look away, hoping whatever the other needed from him was there.
"So, now that you've admitted it, does that mean we can call you an idiot too?" Zhu Hong spoke up, her attitude masking the underlying anxiety at the tension in the room.
"Not if you value your bonuses at all."
"I mean… we would just be quoting you, Zhao-chu," Chu Shuzhi joined in, his own amusement stronger than any concern.
All the chatter washed over Lin Jing, but he paid it no mind. All that mattered in that moment was Gui Mian. How their hands were still touching. How those eyes hadn't looked away. Not for the first time, Lin Jing didn't hesitate to surrender under the other's attention.
The movement started out subtle. Barely there. Then, Gui Mian was nodding. Fully nodding with a confidence that Lin Jing didn't understand the meaning behind but took comfort in it nonetheless.
"It’s good to see you again," Gui Mian whispered.
Lin Jing let out a heavy sigh of relief, shaking his head as he looked down to compose himself. "Ah, Ambitabha, thank you," he muttered before looking back up. "I'm glad you're not dead."
Movement in his peripheral made Lin Jing tilt his head slightly just in time to see Xiao Guo nervously reaching across the table to place food on his and Gui Mian's plates. When they made eye contact, the younger man smiled awkwardly before pulling away and pouring more wine for Zhu Hong.
Without privacy, neither said more to each other, but Gui Mian didn't move away from Lin Jing's hand on his. Instead, they held them like that as if pinned to the table and managed to eat with only one hand without complaint or struggle. Somehow, out of all the shameless and nosy staff of SID, no one commented on the touch they shared.
As the evening drew later and later, Zhao Yunlan paid more attention to Shen Wei than the rest at the table, leaning close to whisper to him and never going more than a second or two without returning his hand to the other's skin. Shen Wei's occasional attention towards Gui Mian kept Lin Jing cautious and on edge. Then Zhao Yunlan stood, announcing in his classically annoying fashion about how his baobei needed his sleep and how he'd escort him home like a true gentleman, which earned many scoffs and snickers from the group.
"Oh, Lin Jing," Zhao Yunlan paused as he started to turn away. "Will you take care of my brother-in-law for the night? Shen Wei is much too tired to stay later, but no reason for Mianmian not to enjoy his night. Make sure he gets home safe."
"Zhao-chu," Lin Jing began, confused just what his friend was up to.
"Perfect. I knew I could count on you," Zhao Yunlan rushed to interrupt with a grin before helping Shen Wei's coat on him and tugging on his own. "Good night, everyone. Make sure you clean up or I'm cutting your bonuses!" And with that, in a flurry of chaotic movement, their chief left.
"… What a ridiculous man," Gui Mian mumbled, but it sparked laughter around the table.
"Biggest understatement maybe of all time," Zhu Hong sighed, leaning back in her chair with a glass of wine. "Welcome to the group, then I suppose. If he's dragging you to events, I suppose you're just as stuck with his nonsense as the rest of us." She raised the glass like giving a toast.
Lin Jing watched as Gui Mian's face went on an interesting journey. First, of course, was apprehension. Then there was something deeper. Closer to recognition at something within Zhu Hong. It stayed like that for a few moments as the snake yao emptied her glass and reached for the bottle to pour another. If Lin Jing wasn't watching, he might not have believed the subtle smile that graced Gui Mian's features. "As if you aren't just as insufferable as he can be?"
"A common trait of department staff," Chu Shuzhi added as he looked down at where Guo Changcheng was leaning into him, nearly passed out from the alcohol in his system with a rosiness across his cheeks. "It grows on you," he said softer as he reached a finger down to brush some hair out of the young man's face. "But it seems you already know that." The stare at their joined hands makes it clear what the Zombie King is referring to.
"So… How do you two know each other?" Sangzan asked in his usual oblivious and innocent way.
"He saved me," Lin Jing answered.
"We had sex," Gui Mian spoke at the exact same moment, making Zhu Hong choke on her wine.
"What?" she managed between coughs as she hurriedly sat up and put her glass back on the table. "When? How did– WHAT?!"
Lin Jing stuttered, looking at Gui Mian in shock, but should he be shocked?
"We had sex after I saved him. When we–" Before Gui Mian could share more, Lin Jing brought a hand up to cover his mouth. His panicked look was met by a confused one, raised eyebrow and all.
"Uh, we should start tidying up and get ready to go. We've all had busy days and should get some rest before work tomorrow."
"You have tomorrow off," Chu Shuzhi oh-so helpfully reminded him with a smirk.
Seeing Lin Jing's blush, Zhu Hong started to grin too. "Come on, Lin Jing. We just want to get to know Zhao-chu's brother-in-law… that you've had sex with."
Already, Lin Jing was shaking his head. Absolutely not. "Ambitabha, save this poor servant," he not so quietly begged as he stood and tried to urge Gui Mian to his feet as well. "Gui Mian is probably tired too. I should get him home like how Zhao-chu said."
"Why not let Gui Mian decide when he wants to leave?" Zhu Hong looked pointedly at where Lin Jing still had a hand over the other's mouth, looking very confident that this would be very entertaining.
Gui Mian stared at Lin Jing, seeing his pleading eyes and how beautiful the blush looked across his face and down his neck. He thought about where else was probably red. About where he could make more red and the marks he could leave. Looking at Lin Jing was like seeing the perfect prey that he had dreamed about for months, even though Lin Jing seemed oblivious to his hunger.
Slowly, he reached up and wrapped his hand around the other's wrist and pulled it away from his face. Lin Jing didn't resist, surrendering to him. Oh, you are still so fun. He smiled and he watched as the hope faded from the other's eyes and he braced himself to be embarrassed further.
"I want to go home now," Gui Mian said instead. The words brought Lin Jing's attention back fully on Gui Mian with the most tender relief.
Zhu Hong sighed dramatically, leaning back as if she had been personally wronged. "Lin Jing… you can't get out of this conversation forever," she warned.
"Let's go." Gui Mian kept his hold on the other's wrist and in an instant, they disappeared from the room. Lin Jing's jacket by the door, his keys on his desk, and his car in the parking lot all forgotten and unneeded by the former King of the Gui.
Chu Shuzhi just chuckled as he stood, easily hauling Guo Changcheng to his feet and picking him up like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder. "Speaking of home. I need to get this lightweight home too."
"Oi! What about cleaning up?" Zhu Hong shouted after them as they made their way to the door.
Chu Shuzhi only raised a hand and waved goodbye. The snake yao turned her attention to the cat laid out on the couch. As if sensing her stare, Da Qing cracked open one eye to look at her. "Not helping," he muttered before closing his eye again and falling back asleep.
"Ugh, everyone in this department is boring and useless," Zhu Hong ranted as she took the remaining bottle of wine in favor of simply filling her glass again.
"I'll help you clean, Zhu Hong-jie," Sangzan spoke up with a kind smile.
She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Only one good man left in this department. Wang Zheng, you're a lucky woman." The compliment made the ghosts both smile and lean against each other. "I'm gonna get answers out of Lin Jing. How can he just not share that he's had sex with THE Gui Mian? I'm his best friend!" As the ghosts started to clean, Zhu Hong continued to rant aloud and drink. No use letting good alcohol go to waste.
…
Lin Jing looked around confused as they appeared in a small room. A bed was centered against one wall. A simple dresser across from it. Side tables on either side of the bed. A simple bedroom. There were no noises of the city that he'd grown used to. It was… peacefully quiet in the way only nature in the countryside can be. "I– Where are we?"
"Home," Gui Mian answered simply as he stepped into Lin Jing space until the other's back reached a wall.
"Your home?"
"Yes."
"You brought me here."
"Are you still willing? Like you were then?"
Immediately, Lin Jing understood and an eagerness he hadn't felt before Gui Mian or since their time together returned to his body. "Yes," he said without hesitation as he relaxed against the wall.
"Good." In an instant, Gui Mian's body was on his. Claws tore away clothing until their skin could touch and their mouths met in a heated, desperate exchange. Two beings reunited, ready to connect again, this time never to part.
As clothes were discarded and the joined bodies made their way to the bed, the buzz of Lin Jing’s phone went unnoticed, along with the message from Zhao Yunlan that lit up the screen.
'Hope you have some fun with my brother-in-law tonight… again ;)'