Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Shang Qinghua waits at the entrance of their home as usual. He’s dressed impeccably in dark blue colors, with his hair held in a low ponytail (Mobei-Jun seems to like pulling up his hair when he’s mounting him, so he just makes it easier for him and less painful for himself).

               His two little girls are wearing as well the same colors of their father alpha’s family, they are 2 and 6. ‘’You’ll wrinkle your coat’’ he kneels down and smooths the lines on her clothes with his palms. Her daughter it’s too busy chewing a toy but doesn’t get fuzzy at all at his daddy’s administrations.

               ‘’Daddy! My coat is wrinkly too!’’ her eldest immediately says. Shang Qinghua can’t fight a smile this time.

               He may not started this life as he thought, but it was not as bad as it could have been if another alpha had marked him. Besides, his daughters were beautiful, and lovely. ‘’I know, I know, give me a minute’’ he says patiently.

               He can’t say he doesn’t love Mobei-Jun but he can’t admit a hundred percent he is not resentful. On the other hand, what he loves the most on this miserable life are them. He just need to take a look at these childish faces, full of glee and innocence. They were worth living, even when every morning at opening his eyes he acknowledges he was property.

               He stands up immediately as soon as the doors are opened and Mobei-Jun cross the umbral of their home with a heavy expression on his face. It doesn’t necessarily means it was a bad day, sometimes it was just a day. ‘’Greetings, father!’’ His daughters chirped happily, almost forgetting to bow before running straight to the alpha.

               And there is it, the reason why he can’t always lose himself in resentfulness. The discreet smile adorning his owner’s features. He brings the younger one to his arms, and holds the hand of the eldest. ‘’Have you behaved today?’’ his voice is deep and pleasant, it sends the omega a shiver of submission immediately, and he closes his legs more tightly.

               ‘’Yes! Daddy and A-Li accompanied me to classes’’ Shang Qinghua closed his eyes in a wince taking a breath in. He is not allowed to leave the palace, and he’s even for forbidding from going from wondering alone or beyond the rooms he’s usually locked in.

               ‘’…Did he?’’ he says slowly, his hands continue caressing their daughters heads but his eyes are glued on Shang Qinghua’s nervous face. ‘’How strange, I was not notified about your unexpected expedition?’’

               ‘’It was very brief, my king. Never left the carriage and the guards were always with me’’ He tries not to bite his tongue while hurrying to explain himself.

               ‘’This will be discussed over in private, later’’

               ‘’…It’s daddy in trouble?’’ her eldest daughter asks when he sees the tension building up in the room. ‘’I asked daddy to accompany me…’’

               ‘Not at all my dear. Why don’t you go with your sister to the dining room?’’ Shang Qinghua looks like He’s about to follow them too, not looking forward the avoidable talk between him and his lord husband. ‘’Go, share these gifts with her’’ He deposits some small boxes on her hands before gently nudging them in the opposite direction.

               He looks so… soft, parenthood has definitely brought him a look of kindness that wasn’t there before, huh? ‘’You left the palace. Why?’’ He goes straight to the point, and his tone is cautious, perhaps he had learned a thing or two about how to treat humans but his demon nature was still sharp and dangerous.

               ‘’…Our Eldest wanted me to take her to classes, today they were outdoors. That’s all’’

               ‘’Do not use my children as an excuse for your disobedience. You are the adult, not her’’

Shang Qinghua bites his inner cheek nervously. Fine, he did want to have some fresh air for once. He’s been locked up here for years since Luo Binghe took over the demon and human realm. He hadn’t seen either what occurred to Shen Qingqiu. One day they were escaping together from the human realm, with the possibility of returning to their original worlds, only with a different body. Needless to say, they were not successful.

               ‘’I was not trying to escape’’ He said, it’s impossible. If the system itself couldn’t help them to get out of there and decided to shut herself down permanently, he wouldn’t be able to escape now on his own, not alone. ‘’I was only fulfilling my daughter’s wish.

               However, his king is not stupid and can see through his lies easily, he knows him as the palm of his hand. ‘’If you insist’’ Mobei-Jun can’t help but to feel frustrated. ‘’You’ll be locked in my chambers for the next twelve months. No visits’’

               ‘’Pardon? My king?’’ He pales at the mention of his punishment. ‘’Our daughters….’’

               ‘’I’ll rather not have them around a traitor. Who knows what they could end up learning their mother’s ways’’ There is a thin layer of sweat on his neck. He doesn’t like one bit the course of this conversation. He gulps and pulls his sleeves, anxiety creeping up his chest.

               ‘’I am… not allowed to see my children?’’ they are everything Shang Qinghua has. His friends were either killed or held captive by other great commanders. His husband and children were his entire life and now he was taking half of it.

               ‘’Seeing them is a privilege you don’t seem to respect nor deserve’’.

               ‘’My King, please, please, whip me, burn me, do as you please, whatever torture you decide, I’ll endure, but I beg you, do not take them away from me, I love them!’’ He goes to his knees immediately, tightening his hold over Mobei-Jun’s robes. ‘’Please, everything but this’’

               Mobei-Jun looks at his omega down. Ah, fuck. He hates those pretty brown eyes filled with tears if these are not from pleasurable pain. He has him wrapped in his little finger, and that’s why he is so strict with him, he’s weak whenever he’s around him. When he doesn’t answer, he finally releases a quiet sob, pressing his left cheek against his thigh.

Shang Qinghua knows he’s a cruel person, and wouldn’t touch his heart at all, especially not when it’s about him. ‘’Please, please’’ he keeps pleading. Mobei-Jun has wiped from existence entire cities, whether it is painful or not, he doesn’t care, he will do the indescribable to fulfill his Emperor’s orders.

               ‘’Go to our chambers and reflect on your actions and behavior’’ He wants to fight but he’s well aware his tears had never worked on him. Still, he cannot help but sob, looking down before giving a last respectful bow and leaving the room.

Ah, ah. What is he going to do with this Omega of his? He thinks with some tiredness, but above all, with a sting burning inside his chest.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Shang Qinghua rejected the dinner brought to his king’s chambers and was only buried on the heavy furs, curling into himself, dejected about the punishment he had been inflicted with. It was fair but it wasn’t fair at the same time.

               He knew this world, or so he thought he did since there were so many changes, what he thought was law ended up becoming in something never crossed his mind. Like his own marriage with Mobei-Jun and the way he treated him. He should be grateful, a voice in his mind says, not all the omegas have the same privileges to be cared for and protected in the same way his husband did because he knew that if Mobei-Jun didn’t give a shit for him, he would have sent him long a go to the dungeons, or simply used him a couple of times before disposing of him.

               If Mobei-Jun didn’t love him, he wouldn’t name the children Shang Qinghua gave him as official heirs of the crown. He knows there must be a concept of love somewhere on Mobei-Jun, despite his cruelty, rape, and violence. They come from different worlds, were different races, and what’s wrong in Shang Qinghua’s eyes, it’s common and acceptable in Mobei-Jun’s.

               This punishment couldn’t be compared to the ones other omegas suffered. They get decapitated or are given to the beasts where they got repeatedly raped before getting eaten. Shang Qinghua will get locked in the King’s personal chambers for the next year, sure, but food will not lack on his table, and no torture will be perpetrated on him.

               Of course, it’s painful to be taken from his daughters, his reason to live in this wretched world, sure, but still, something far more horrible could happen to him as a punishment. Here no harm will touch him, and perfectly knows it will be the same about his daughters, his king takes care of them severely, regardless of the fact they were half-breed.

               He closes his eyes immediately and slows down his breathing as soon as the doors are opened and hear his lord husband stepping in. Good thing he’s on the corner of the giant bed, because he is not in the mood of moving over and letting Mobei-Jun know he’s awake. ‘’You didn’t eat’’ the demon reproaches him. Humans should eat around two or three times a day, and since Shang Qinghua’s spiritual power is sealed, he couldn’t practice inedia. He must eat.

               The human doesn’t make even a sound of acknowledgment. His wishes for speaking to his husband were nonexisting at this moment. He was under his full control, and he took away the only good thing he had in his life, his children. He is not very happy.

               He eyes the food placed on the table and his expression darkens. ‘’Get up and finish this’’.

               Shang Qinghua stubbornly keeps breathing slowly and gentle, pretending to be asleep if that made Mobei-Jun stop talking. ‘’I can tell by your heartbeat that you are awake. Get. Up’’. To prove he is not joking, he pulls Shang Qinghua through their bond, and the omega chokes immediately at the burning yet intangible hold on his neck.

               ‘’Fuck you!’’ Shang Qinghua whispers furiously in a language thank god his king is not able to understand.

               ‘’what did you say?’’ Mobei-Jun asks him, grimly but right now Shang Qinghua is frustrated and hurting so he doesn’t care if he has another punishment anymore.

               ‘’I said good evening My King in my mother language’’ He says with a forced smile as he forces himself to bow again in welcome.

               He is not sure if Mobei-Jun believed one of his words but at lease, he could take some of his frustration out of his chest after a long time. ‘’Eat’’. He’s tempting his luck enough for today, so his disobedience is not in the equation. It is never in the equation, and he always follows the rules he’s subjected to as if they were sacred scripts. His husband is just being a controling ass.

               With no options left, Shang Qinghua sits down at the small table and while he knows the food will be nice, it is always nice as it has been cooked by humans (because it is cooked by humans, Mobei-Jun especially kidnapped several women and men to keep on his castle as his husband’s personal chefs), this time his stomach protests at the smell.

               He refreshes his throat first with a glass of wine but can’t say he’s relaxed, Mobei-Jun remains there not far from him, watching him closely as if he was studying each and every one of his movements. ‘’Did you tuck them to bed?’’ his husband hums vaguely. In the end, Mobei-Jun may not be the mate Shang Qinghua wanted or needed, but he was a good father.

               Eventually, as he finishes his meal, Mobei-Jun decides to stop staring at him for a moment, and almost immediately after he hears the rustle of the clothes, and Shang Qinghua sighs. Oh boy. His hips are still hurting from this morning, and can’t help but wince, he knows what’s coming. His body is well-trained and educated, and automatically he undresses before his lord husband rips his clothes. Shang Qinghua doesn’t want to lose this outfit too, it’s kind of his favorite because it’s made of some particular silk that are were only manufactured in one of the hundred villages Luo Binghe burnt, a few years ago.

               He must be taken a few seconds too long to get on the bed because Mobei-Jun quickly pulls one of his arms, pushing him to the bed and making him adopt his favorite position himself when Shang Qinghua is too slow.

               The omega takes a deep breath, with his face pressed against the mattress, and embraces himself for the pain of the penetration. It is not that bad most of the time, it’s just that today Mobei-Jun is rougher, and Shang Qinghua is not thrilled about being screwed for the next two and a half hours without rest.

               Mobei-Jun will never get tired of this sight. His claimed omega lying on furs from beasts he hunted himself, spread open and still reddened from the last mounting he gave him, just a few hours ago. It’s an inviting sight. He can’t help but let his fingers linger around the lips, the omega shudders lightly before composing himself.

               His husband is not exactly an explorer. He takes what he wants, rough and insisting, and doesn’t take much care of foreplay or something that’s not driving himself home. Shang Qinghua feels strange when he felt his fingers wandering around, not exactly unpleasant but definitely he is not feeling specifically willing today after their fight.

               All thoughts are pushed away when finally Mobei-Jun pushes himself on his body. For a brief moment Shang Qinghua forgets how to breathe. He’s big, and thick, it stretches him too much, again, he breathes in an out as his body allows him, there isn’t a moment for him to be spared, almost immediately Mobei-Jun begins.

               Tonight, he’s much rougher than any other day, using his anger as fuel until he rides out his insecurities. Shang Qinghua can’t leave. He’s done everything for him. Killed in his name. Destroyed his enemies and all who had ever wronged him or insulted him. He keeps him safeguarded, fulfilling all his wishes.

               Still, it seemed it was not enough. Mobei-Jun was not enough, and as soon as he gets distracted and tricked, Shang Qinghua is ready to flee away, taking his daughters in the process, so he must take them away first.

…

Ming Fan, different from the Queen and Empress, lived in a much more modest residence. Is still considered a palace, only smaller but still luxurious, located in the human realm, not far from the 12 Peaks used to stand once, tall, and strong, though at this time, there are only ashes and memories left.

               In this new reign, his family was forgiven and allowed to continue doing the exportation business, of course, this was at the expense of Ming Fan’s freedom. When the war was officially won, Ming Fan was lost, unsure of what would happen, not only to him but to his family in this new order. ‘’Am I to be married?’’ Ming Fan’s world sank at that moment, marriage was on his mind, not in these circumstances.

               ‘’Yes, to one of the most important Generals from Junshang’s army,’’ his father informed him, his expression and tone were severe, fitting for a situation as grave as they were facing. ‘’Humans are no longer governors of this world, foolish boy. Be grateful we haven’t been annihilated with the rest of humankind. Junshang is merciful’’.

               Without further explanations, goodbyes at all, Ming Fan was forced to wear red robes and then driven to his new residence, his family declined the invitation, afraid of being present with such a large number of demons who were invited to their son’s wedding. Ming Fan felt like he was a box of spices, shipped from one place to another as if he was part of their family business, a product more that was sold off.

               ‘’Oh, for what motives my bride is spilling tears so soon on this bright day? No, no, my love, keep those, our wedding night hasn’t started yet!’’ Ming Fan’s heart felt a tug when he recognized that sweet voice immediately, and looked through the veil, there she was, no one else but Ning Yingying herself.

               He had been after her all their childhood and teenage years, however, Ming Fan always thought her eyes were set on someone else, on Luo Binghe to be precise, great was his surprise when turned out to be the other way around all this time!

               Ming Fan, different from many other omegas in the world, could say he had his happy ending, well, at least the closest to what he had in mind. ‘’My lady, this time, could we try…?’’ Ning Yingying is not at home all the time, to the sadness of both and yet the relief of the young man.

               ‘’As much as I love hearing you, there are moments where I would like you to be in silence’’, with that, his wife pushed a piece of silk cloth to his mouth, she’s already claimed her rightful place between his husband’s legs.

               He can feel she’s eager after two weeks of traveling, and that’s nice to know, it means she’s faithful and her lust is only satiated at home. Ming Fan pleas through the cloth as he feels her entering his body with not exactly much care, again, she’s rather impatient today, and usually he wouldn’t have any issue, besides the fact she’s using…

               Ming Fan came from a very conservative household, that’s to say, he was never taught much about intimate relationships, and was only threatened and told to only let himself be touched by his wife or husband. Whatever his alpha has to says, it’s the utter truth and he must obey without second thoughts.

               That’s why he can’t say much when his wife decides to use the other entrance of his body and not the first one, as he thinks, should be used because that’s the entrance where babies comes from, right? And well, while Ning Yingying doesn’t come from an old family name or carries any titles besides the ones she has won during war, there should be an heir.

               The sudden stretch stings so bad, poor Ming Fan immediately arches and rolls his body to the side, trying to get away from his wife, and mostly does good work, until he’s almost immediately caught again and pushed against the bed, with her arm wrapped around his shoulders. ‘’Ow, that’s a pity. I really wanted to see your face when you came’’. Do not let her fool you. She was  sweet and gentle when she was a little girl, she even looked fragile, Ming Fan fell in love with her quickly, but that pretty little girl has very little to do with the alpha she is now. ‘’don’t resist my love, I don’t want to be cruel tonight…’’ But if you don’t obey me, I’ll gladly will’’.

…

True to his word, Shang Qinghua is not allowed to see his daughters the next morning. The food is brought at the same hour he always has breakfast, but this time he’s alone in the room, covered in vicious bites, blueprints ,and unable to stand, his back, hips and lower parts of his body are in pain and fire. He can’t even lift a finger if he tried. His breathing is even but slowed down.

               He hated this sometimes and wished he could be in heat, this way Mobei-Jun will do whatever he wanted, as he wished, but at least Shang Qinghua could either enjoy it or pass out in the act. ‘’…Fucking shit, why me?’’ His legs are shaky and for a moment, he almost falls back to the bed.

               Naked, feeling vulnerable and stripped from all dignity, Shang Qinghua leans against the wall, unsure if he should go back to sleep and perhaps cry a little, or if he should take a shower and be decent for the rest of the day, until his king returned home, fuck him, and then the cycle would start again, and again.

               He missed home so much right now, he was a little confused for a moment, unsure if home meant his old original world or the home he made with Shen Qingqiu back at their peaks. Who would have thought? His number 1 hater became his best friend.

               Ah!

There were so close. The portal was open, they were ready to go. Two people could use the portal at the same time every week, so they had made an agenda and scheduled the entire sect in pairs, all masters and disciples who wanted to have a clean defeat with no blood, were welcomed to escape together.

               Shang Qinghua and Sheng Qingqiu would be the first ones since they needed to prepare everything for their arrival because they knew perfectly well the place they were going, of course they never reveled it was their old home.

               So everything was settled, until…

               Shang Qinghua closes his eyes painfully when he feels the old aching in his heart. It doesn’t matter now, does it? What is done, is done, he can’t undo anything anymore, and as much as it hurts him, he couldn’t save himself, then he wouldn’t save Shen Qingqiu and their family.

               He gives a look to the food resting on the same table he had dinner last night, and again, discomfort in his stomach is present, with a heavy heart, the omega lets his body fall on the bed. His head is pulsing, he feels heavy, exhausted and sore.

               When finally, finally, he would have some rest for the first time today, there is a cursed sound that makes his head turn around immediately. ‘’System?!’’

               Doesn’t know if he’s happy or terrified when he sees the blue screen in blank for the next minutes. Nah. He must be dreaming, this is not real, Mobei-Jun must have fucked his brains out too much, and now it’s upside down. That’s not real, so he will close his eyes again and have a few hours of sleep before he gets up and has a nice, warm bath.

               He tries, For the next 30 minutes Shang Qinghua tries to pretend he’s knocked out, but when he opens his eyes again, the blue screen is there. Is not blank anymore, but at the same time is not system that’s speaking, is a message:

               Cucumber bro: HELP.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 3

His servants found him staring at the wall for the following hours. He hasn’t eaten a thing, nor drank a drop of water, he’s still breathing but seems to be in a trance, with his eyes lost and his expression aghast. They had no idea what to do, they tried by calling his name, fearfully but firmly, and after they were yelling in his ear Shang Qinghua did not move an inch.

               This was not real, is it? The system was down, he still couldn’t hear her voice though. So it is gone, that shit decided to shut herself where they needed her the most. How dare she? Returning after what feels like a hundred years? Bitch.

               The message continues to be displayed on the wall, and he’s trying to convince himself not to panic because he knows Shen Yuan needs help, because he’s trapped with Luo Binghe, and that man ended up being a worse psycho than they thought. He was dangerous, and obsessive and was not interested in how much pain was he inflicting on Shen Yuan, as long as he could stop him from leaving and chaining to this world.

               He’s suffering, and Shang Qingqua can’t do shit to stop it, because he’s useless and trapped as well. He couldn’t do anything to stop the annihilation of the twelve peaks, couldn’t do anything to save their disciples, and today he was certain he couldn’t do anything to do anything to save his best friend.

               He knew who Luo Binghe was, he created and designed him, knew what class of tortures he enjoyed, and how much he hated Shen Qingqiu. He could not help him, because, against the protagonist, no one could do anything, not even Mobei-Jun, if he was one of the strongest characters in this world-building.

               Shang Qinghua felt a knot in his throat, and his lower lip trembling slightly. No matter what he tries, it isn’t going to work, This was his fate, slaved by Mobei-Jun or dying, and none of those options could help Shen Qingqiu.

               The realization of how useless he was hit him hard. ‘’Shang Qinghua!’’ That was his lord husband’s voice the one yelling at him and shaking him roughly, to the point where he could feel a heaviness on his head, and he wondered if it was his brain being shaken too. He felt nauseous. ‘’Look at me!’’ It earned it a hard slap on his right cheek when he didn’t obey at the first command, it was not punishment this time, it was Mobei-Jun panicking at the lack of response. He has never seen his omega in this state of desperation.

               Did he take it too far? Was taking their daughters away a punishment Shang Qinghua could not handle? Did he cross the line?

               Shang Qinghua looked at him but his eyes were empty, and continued spilling thick tears, his breathing was uneven, his expression was… painful. ‘’I wanna go home’’ Shang Qinghua sobbed. ‘’I wanna go home, eat instant noodles, and write stupid stuff’’. He even missed hearing the harsh reviews, it’s okay, he won’t complain this time. ‘’I wanna go home, I wanna go home!’’ Shang Qinghua repeats and trashes immediately when Mobei-Jun holds him tightly by his forearms. ‘’I hate it here! I wanna go home!’’

               On the other hand, the alpha was left speechless, his lips were pressed together in a tight line. Shang Qinghua wanted to leave him, just as the rest of the world, and it hurt him, he had to keep him tied to him with a short leash because he couldn't make him stay out of his own free will, and that hurt much harder than he thought it would.

               Nevermind, seeing Shang Qinghua in this distraught episode was what hurt the most, especially knowing he was the cause of it. The omega kept fighting his hold but quickly ran out of energy, still, Shang Qinghua’s breathing was heavy but slower.

               Mobei-Jun thought seriously about whether he should hit his head to send him to a dreamless state, whatever could calm him down. ‘’I hate it’’ Shang Qinghua whispered tiredly against the alpha’s shoulder. ‘’I hate you’’.

               Mobei-Jun stiffened, his hand frozen and resting against the omega’s back, in his stupid attempt to comfort him. The words open an old wound, as if Shang Qinghua was pouring salt all over it. ‘’What did you say?’’ he asked, his voice did not break at all but it lacked its usual force.

               Shang Qinghua did not answer him back, it seemed he either fell asleep or passed out. The alpha swallowed back a sigh of frustration, and angrily passed an arm around his shoulders and behind his knees to lift him up. ‘’Your Majesty!’’ He was called immediately by a servant, Mobei-Jun did not even understand why all the servitude was still here after he was called out of panic. When he’s about to tell them to get the hell out of his chambers, they continue calling him and pointing to the bed where his spouse was seated. ‘’He’s bleeding!’’

…

Shang Qinghua is not sure if he woke up a few hours later, if still nighttime, or if the sun had come out, his eyes still felt heavy and blinked slowly, he’s pretty much they are swollen. ‘’Daddy! You awake!’’

               Oh. Shang Qinghua’s heart skips a beat when he sees his daughter climbing on the bed, both eager to wrap their sticky hands around his father. The omega immediately welcomes them with open arms, bringing them closer to them. Perhaps he hasn’t seen them only for a day, but that’s like an entire year on his heart. ‘’My princesses…’’ He says and tries very hard not to let his voice betray him as he smothers them with kisses. ‘’You are back’’.

               Mobei-Jun sees them through the small gap of the door, unable to bring himself into the room too. ‘’His Highness should not be disturbed or distressed for the following months’’ the healers mentioned.

               ‘’How far is he?’’ Mobei-Jun asked absently hours ago after the healer was called to attend Shang Qinghuan’s melt down.

               ‘’He should be starting his second month’’ It matches with Shang Qinghua’s last heat, which of course they shared, he doesn’t miss any of them, when these rarely occur. ‘’I also recommend no sexual activity for at least the next four weeks, and in case of sexual contact performed, please make sure these are as gentle and careful as possible’’.

               The alpha closes the door silently, leaving his mate and pups to enjoy breakfast time together. He made sure to get them the noodles he wanted so much, if he wanted instantly, he only had to ask.

               Mobei-Jun feels… strange, and it’s just another word for guilty. If he had known they were expecting, he would never have put his mate through this emotional distress, and especially not to the several knots he forced his body to go through. When he feels cornered, his first instinct is to mark Shang Qinghua, to fuck him into oblivion, and that should be fine, it Shang Qinghua was a demon and share the same resilience and strength as him, but he doesn’t, he’s a human.

               And just a few nights he almost…

               The alpha turns around in the opposite direction, for the entire week, Shang Qinghua will wonder where is his alpha but will not have the courage to say it aloud.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Luo Binghe stares as Shen Qingqiu’s sleeping form. Ever since he brought him here, things had been worsening, to be precise, Shen Qingqui’s mental state. He refuses to acknowledge him by his name and most of the time he calls him the usurper, saying his little white lotus of a disciple would have never done any of the atrocious crimes he had in his empire.

               This is equally heartwarming but frustrating, clearly, his shizun is upset because he thinks he’s someone else than Luo Binghe (spoiler, HE IS Luo Binghe), and he’s being loyal and very protective of him, however, at the same time his shizun continuous rejecting his advances and turning feral every time Luo Binghe pushes his boundaries, which happens daily.

               In the beginning, again, he genuinely thought he would eventually submit when his heat came, this way he could put a mark on his neck and a baby in his belly if possible. There was no better way to control him by tying both of them together strongly with those elements; he thought it would be the best solution.

               It worked for his general with Ming Fan, for his King with Shang Qinghua. Why couldn’t it work for his shizun and him?

               He’s been sleeping for five days straight, after a particularly harsh episode in which Shen Qingqiu attempted to his own life after trying to kill Luo Binghe. Needless to say, he failed. Shizun is in a very weakened state, doesn’t eat or drink, and only sleeps because Luo Binghe forces him to but even then there is no rest for him and he knows it but what else is he supposed to do? He’s terrified he may die one of these days.

               Luo Binghe is doing all he has at hand to keep that from happening, it is difficult, like trying to cover the sun with his own hands; to bring back to life a rose that’s already withered. ‘’I’m still your Binghe’’ the alpha whispered against Shen Qingqiu’s shoulder. ‘’I’ve changed to the world, not to you’’.

               Shen Qingqiu in turn, stirs in his sleep, frowning and immediately sighing in displeasure at the touch and yet unable to wake up, or refusing to get back to conscious to see a stranger waiting his loving disciples’s face.

…

Shang Qinghua’s daughters have been sleeping with him on his bed the entire week. His little princesses were marveled by the fact they were now allowed to spend more time with their daddy, and happily climbed under the furs and sheets, one at each side of him.

               It was nice but Shang Qinghua knew it wouldn’t last long. His heart was afflicted with worry and anxiety that he hid it very well. It felt like a peace before the storm, eventually something will happen that would change it all, he could feel it, otherwise, his lord husband would be here, with him.

               Today more than anything Shang Qinghua felt so frustrated for being locked up here, unable to see what was happening outside in the real world. ‘’sad?’’ his eldest daughter asked, cuddling next to him in bed. He felt her cold little hand patting his check; the omega leaned against her touch, gently rubbing his youngest’s back as he nursed her; he rolled to his to face her.

               ‘’No love, not sad’’ he was depressed. ‘’Carrying babies is exhausting’’ that was not a lie. As soon as he finished speaking, his eldest daughter immediately reached out to her sibling, taking her away from their father’s gentle and warmth grasp, the toddler was quick in letting out a wail as soon as she was forced to release his mother’s nipple. ‘’Noo! Give her back’’ Shang Qinghua sit down, stretching her arms to comfort his baby.

               ‘’No, she’s exhausting?’’ wasn’t those her father’s words? ‘’Lets throw her away’’ Her words are lacking any heat or venom.

               Shang Qinghua sighed, exasperate and yet fond. ‘’Carrying your sister is not what’s exhausting me’’ he says, with the baby back in her arms.

               ‘’Are you sure?’’ she narrowed her eyes as if she could detect her father’s lies. ‘’Have father bred you again?’’ Shang Qinghua’s cheek are immediately assaulted by a dark red, and quietly curse Mobei-Jun for this. She was too young to know the talk of the bees and the flowers! And still, his king had no issues sitting her down since a young age and explaining what omegas were made for. ‘’

               ‘’Yes…, he has. There is a new little one in the way’’. Again. He couldn’t help by sigh out of tiredness. This would mean morning sickness, a hell of pain in childbirth and a hundred more of uncomforting symptoms he would be forced to deal with; he’s pretty sure this won’t be the last time he would go through. A year later after giving birth this one, he’ll be bred again, and again and again until Mobei-Jun got bored or he died of complications in one of those pregnancies and deliveries. ‘’Does it upset you?’’

               ‘’A little’’ she admits, snuggling against him again. ‘’I love her’’ she says as she caressed her little sister’s hair. ‘’But more babies will mean less attention to me’’ she purses her lips, unhappily.

               ‘’Ow…!’’ Shang Qinghua couldn’t help but giggling against his hand. ‘’Aren’t you a silly one?’’

               ‘’Not silly!’’ now it was her turn to have her cheeks tainted in an embarrassing red. ‘’I am princess! Princesses cannot be silly!’’

               ‘’…Sure, sure, my little silly princess’’ she inflated her cheeks, offended but somehow placated when her father left a kiss on her forehead.

               …

Luo Binghe dips his hands in a bowl of darkened water. Shen Qingqiu woke up today, and was not happy to see him at his side, he tried to clawed his eyes out, to bit him and hurt him as much as he could, for good or bad, he was in such weakened state that the harm he done to him was not great, painful, sure, but not grave.

               He only makes sure to clean the blood away but does not make any effort to heal it. It’s a reminder that his shizun is still alive, and if this was the only caress he could give him, then he would treasure it forever, he’ll make sure it could leave a scar, to comfort himself when eventually Shen Qingqiu was thrown away into a dreamless state, which happens often than not.

               Speaking of such… ‘’I’ll serve dinner in a moment’’ he tells Shen Qingqiu in a soft tone, concerned of detonating a new episode.

               ‘’Shove it in your fucking ass’’. His shizun answers back, though his voice is barely audible and hoarse, it was dripping malice and anger. ‘’Hope you eat it and choke on it. Bastard’’.

               ‘’You don’t mean it’’ Luo Binghe said, hurt. ‘’You don’t. You love me, you said it before, you will be taking care of me, protecting me of anything that could harm me’’.

               ‘’Fuck you! You don’t deserve anything! Usurper! Murderer! Rapist!’’ Shen Qingqiu would have stand up if only he would have the enough strength, and of course, if only he wouldn’t be tied to the bed with such heavy chains that he was not able to lift.

               ‘’…You said you would protect me’’. Shen Qingqiu shakes his head hysterically as he cried out of desperation.

               ‘’I would never, never, that promise was not for you’’ it was for the real Binghe, the innocent, defenseless child that only wanted a home, a home Shen Qingqiu failed to give him. ‘’My boy would have never done half of what you have done. He was a good, kind boy! And you…!’’ Shen Qingqiu pulls the chains, breaking his own skin, frustrated when it turns difficult to continue speaking; Luo Binghe quickly comes to his side, raising a hand gently. ‘’Don’t touch me! Get your hands off, stop it!’’ He tries to avoid his touch but he fails.

               ‘’Please go to sleep, shizun’’ he says, covering Shen Qingqiu eyes. ‘’I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready’’ a couple of seconds later, Shen Qingqiu lays lax and calm in bed.

               Luo Binghe stays still next to his side, unsure of what he could do to bring peace and sanity back to his masters mind. Killing all the Lord peaks and disciples was not the greatest idea, huh? With each killing, it was like stabbing Shen Qingqiu’s mind himself, and if he only have realized before…

               He was driven by jealousy and anger, not thinking straight, unsure, scared of losing shizun to a place where he could not reach; he shouldn’t have done it and specially wouldn’t have made him watch every single and gory death. It was… cruel. Too cruel and heartless. That broke him and to this day Luo Binghe had not been able to find all the pieces and put them together.

               …

Shang Qinghua wakes early this time, earlier than her daughters, who he carefully leaves in bed, covered by a thick wool blanket before dressing himself in one of Mobei-Jun’s nightrobes, he knows that would please him because his an alpha, and alphas are fucking basic. ‘’Where’s my husband?’’ he asks harshly to one of the guards, he has little sympathy for his servants, aware that none of them are to be trusted since he would never be thought as a person but as the king’s plaything, regardless of any title and position, he was an omega human.

               ‘’He was requested not to be disturbed’’.

               ‘’That was not my question’’ Shang Qinghua hisses out in a low tone, his children were sleeping not far from them. ‘’where is he? I need to speak to him, immediately’’. Mobei-Jun had been avoiding ever since his crisis.

               ‘’His Grace is not in the castle and has not provided an estimated hour return’’

               ‘’Where is he?’’ he insisted. He had been kept blind and deaf ever since Luo Binghe caught them before they were able to runaway from this miserable world.

               ‘’He was summoned by our Emperor. That’s all we know’’. But Shang Qinghua knew perfectly he was lying. He bit his tongue and tried to go past the guard, only to be denied exit. ‘’His Grace left clear instructions of not allowing any visitors besides the princesses. That includes not leaving the royal chambers under any circumstancesunless your lives are in danger, the punishment continues’’.

               Shang Qinghua stood in his place, breathing slow and angrily, his hands made fists at each side of his body.  ‘’I see’’ he had not changed at all. Shang Qinghua was not sure why he felt so disappointed about it, what else was he expecting? That somehow he was important enough in Mobei-Jun’s life to make such a change in the alpha? ‘’Get out’’ he said, doing an effort to remain calm.

               ‘’I had been instructed…’’

               ‘’I said get out! Guard my door from the other side, I don’t want to see you!’’ The guard sees the change on the scent, a distressed one, as he sees the kings’s omega holding his lower belly, as if he was either feeling pain or containing himself. ‘’Out!’’

               If this baby was lost because of him, his death was certain but he knew it wouldn’t be a quick and painless one.

               With a deep bow and mumbled apology, the guard leaves the room, closing the door quietly; Shang Qinghua’s knees are wobbly and before he falls, he lowers himself to the floor, crumbling. With his forehead touching the ground he felt his eyes stung.

               The world had gone to hell.

               His friends and disciples were all erased from existence.              

               And the only person that was still alive asking for help, could not be helped and rescued because Shang Qinghua himself was in the same condition. No, no, that would be an insult to Mobei-Jun, regardless of their relationship, he knew he was treated… well, like royalty.

               Sheng Qinqiu may not be having the same luck, he swallowed down a furious scream. No matter what, he was a useless man.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu opens his empty eyes slowly, his head is spinning and he feels dizzy already. Fuck. He really hopes he is not pregnant this time, the usurper’s seed is strong and has been able to dodge getting bred when his heat or his rut arrives. If he gets bred, he’ll make sure to lose the child, his body will reject the embryo a few weeks, recognizing it as a virus or an infection, something that his body will make sure to get rid of.

               He’ll never care for one of those little beasts from that monster that calls himself his disciple. No, no, his little lotus would never dare to do any of the atrocities this so-called Luo Binghe has done. This man is just a monster, a beast. Couldn’t be compared to his sweet boy. ‘’Piece of shit’’ Shen Qingqiu curses under his breath when he has the strength to move around the bed, the chains still limiting his mobility, but at least he’s able to sit.

               His head feels heavy, and his vision has some black spots, a dizziness assaults him, and he truly believes for a moment he may vomit the little food he’s been able to eat by force. Still, he remains frozen in the same position for the next few minutes, trying to calm down the nauseas. He feels disoriented, he’s in and out, hardly having an entire day of consciousness, often drugged and passed out.

               Thankfully, the usurper is nowhere to be seen, thankfully, because Shen Qingqiu does not have the energy to deal with him, and we won’t be able to stop his advances, though he’ll bite until the end, whatever it takes to keep him away from him. Not always working because when he’s in heat, he fights in the beginning but then his body welcomes the alpha, which is a natural thing to do, despite he’ll hate the world the morning after.

               He needs to die, whether slowly or quickly, it does not matter, as long as the result is the same: getting away from this beast. Shen Qingqiu cannot bear the idea of being touched by a brute that wears his little boy’s face. It’s insulting, for him and for Luo Binghe, like pouring salt in a wound that hasn’t stopped bleeding and will never heal.            

…

Shang Qinghua wakes up earlier than usual. Well, to be fair, he had not been able to sleep. His daughters are playing in his bed, often calling him to play with them, however, the omega isn't looking at them right now. His children are precious, are the light in this hell, however, right now he did not want them near. Like he said, he loves them, today is not a good day. Before he received the text, his life was tolerable and Shang Qinghua had set up his mind to live like a prisoned pet, however, his world crumbled when he knew someone needed him, someone thought of him and saw a possible savior to a world he created. How could he sit down and pretend nothing was wrong?

               Since they learned about their third child, his alpha has been absent, which was frustrating. They have problems; the last thing his king should do is to present his royal ass-face to his queen and not for something stupid like an apology. Demons don’t do that, wouldn’t even recognize when they make a mistake, and Shang Qinghua has not hoped in receiving one.

                However, the message left by the shell that once was the system was slowly consuming his nerves. Shang Qinghua was aware of how controlling and obsessive Luo Binghe was; he could only imagine the hell Shen Qingqiu may be going through right now. He bites his wrists unconsciously at the idea.

               He knows he won’t be able to do much. He’s a monarch only by name, a consort for breeding and raising the true king’s heirs, he holds no real power. Why would Luo Binghe listen to him in any case? He would surely look at him like the dirt of his shoe. He walked around the room, thinking and thinking. He needs to get hold of his husband, needs to find a way to convince him to bring him near his friend, one way or another. ‘’At least help me with this!’’ He whispered furiously to the system. ‘’You let him send that message, the very least you could do is give me a hint or what can I do next!’’

The system, however, remains silent. It has been silent for years and only displays the blue screen with Shen Qingqiu’s text when called. As time passes, he more or less has an idea or what he could his husband’s attention, but he cannot do such a thing with his daughters in the room.  ‘’Your Excellency, do you feel unwell?’’ One of the maids asks him in a neutral tone. ‘’Let me call the healers’’. She says again, Shang Qinghua pulls her back by the collar, earning a gasp from the young attendant. After all, their queen was a gentle and softspoken person, rarely reason his voice, much less would he ever be displaying such abrupt reaction.

‘’Don’t call them’’.

‘’Your Excellency…!’’

‘’I said no’’. He speaks more firmer, which again, is a surprise. ‘’Take my eldest to her classes and take my youngest for a snack. I need some space’’. He says, breathing deeply and finding the nearest place to sit down.

His maid looks unsure but otherwise obeys.

Think, Shang Qinghua, think. There must be a way to get Mobei-Jun listen to him. ‘’Where the fuck did I leave that?’’ He looks over for the knife he hide from his last meal, and flips the room over. He isn’t to kill himself to blackmail the servitude to bring their king over, though the idea does not seem that bad. He should try that, though right now Shang Qinghua is not thinking straight.

There is only one person in this world who considered his friend, and said friend was in the verge of death. He could not go. His daughters will be well taken care of. They were alphas, born to slave the rest of the world after all. ‘’And this one…’’ he caresses his belly apologetic. ‘’I’m sorry love, if you don’t make it, please understand me’’. If Shang Qinghua couldn’t decide the conception of this child, at least he could decide the end.  ‘’There you were!’’

He finds it in the last drawer; he remembers a few tricks he hadn’t used, for what for? If he had thought there was no purpose left, no reason to try to escape, but if this really works, if somehow he could manage to find his friend and leave this place, if he could take his daughters…

Mobei-Jun will never change, and Shang Qinghua has tried but his royal husband has built thick barriers around him, shutting him down whenever it wasn’t about fucking.

Quickly, he craves a seal on his skin, deep enough to draw blood but not to bleed ou,t and when’s ready, it takes him a few moments to remember the spell but when he does, he takes a last breath. This seal's name is ‘’Heart call’’, and as you can expect, it’ll help Shang Qinghua to materialize to where his heart wanted the most, and that was no one else than Shen Qingqiu, a friend in need.

The disadvantage of course, is that it needs a lot of spiritual energy, which Shang Qinghua has none, his veins were contained the moment he was captured by Mobei-Jun, however, he still has a soul. This could either not work at all, or indeed consume part of his soul, it may shorten his lifespan, it may kill him and his unborn baby, this felt like his was his responsibility nonetheless. Mobei-Jun took an important role in the massacre and enslavement of the world. He may not able to save the world with this, but one instead of zero made all the difference to him.

People are starting to call his name and bang at the door. Probably that useless maid did not shut her mouth as he told her to. He nervously look around, growing anxious and nervous. If they open that door, if they tell Mobei-Jun about this, he’d be dead. Well, probably not ‘’dead-dead’’ but he’s gonna be so pissed and there isn’t need to give him another reason to hurt him, he was already on thin ice since their last incident.

Come on idiot, focus, focus.

He needed to slow down his breathing and worries, to push them away and concentrate in what his heart was desperately needing; eventually, when the door is pending from a couple hinges and he’s sure as fuck they are able to see him but Shang Qinghua has his eyes closed. He knows that if he sees them, he’s going to freak out and fail.

It is painful, like a needle tips poking around his heart it earns a few grunts and sobs but Shang Qinghua remains strong. He doesn’t know what’s the next step in case this even work or if he’s going to fry off his organs, but if there was something that was clear, is that he needed to get out of here, hopefully not forever, because his daughters were all to him, however, another day in his prison would make him go crazy.

All the servants and maids were panickily trying to get inside the room and stop their queen from this madness. If a strand from his hair was missing, they’ll were thrown in the chambers of torture. The punishment for losing his life cannot be compared to death.

…

Mobei-Jun knows he’s doing wrong though he isn’t sure what exactly. Previously, omegas didn’t reach the titles of royalty. Omegas were kept around for breeding purposes, once the baby was born, the omega was often executed and their names were never brought again. Himself does not know if the person who birthed him was an omega male or a female. It was the tradition.

He knew he’d be ending said tradition upon meeting Shang Qinghua. He may be human, but when times come, he’d let him drink the youthful potion to reach immortality since cultivation was no longer an option. Shang Qinghua will accompany him to the end of time. If he dies, Mobei-Jun will bring him down too. There was simply not a way where he could picture himself with his side empty.

And yet, there he was, in his carriage, with his right side empty.

He feels he has taken a few steps in the right direction, and suddenly, he notices the path in front him has enlarged, and he is unable to reach his goal. How can he fix this? How can he return his omega’s bright eyes again? He’s different than his father. He made him a queen, he let their daughters nature from him, allowed him to see them grow up.

Why does Shang Qinghua look at him with a broken soul if he’s given an honorable position that had never been given to any other omega in the world?

He can preserve Shang Qinghua’s body intact through the years but his soul will eventually start rotting inside his chest, looking at Mobei-Jun with a fear that would start turning into resentment, in case it hasn’t already. That wasn’t what he wanted for them. He misses his silly smile, the adorable dimples fitting perfectly. The way his eyes widened, tilting his head as he watched him curiously whenever he didn’t understand something. Any other demon would be honored to have the opportunities Shang Qinghua.

Shang Qinghua was no other demon though, wasn’t he? He’s a human. A kind, stupid and fragile human. More delicate than a flower. Flowers can regrow; humans, once withered, usually die.

He exhaled deeply.

Shang Qinghua, Shang Qinghua. Queen of my heart and sins, what do you seek from me? What can I do to rectify the harm I have caused you?

Mobei-Jun feels his burning down; he, the king of all north, frozen regions, was burning because of an omega, a human, to add salt to the wound. An omega he thought he had rescued from the new order and given him a fortress to feel safe and have their offspring. Turns out Shang Qinghua has not built a single nest in all these years. Not when he was pregnant, not when he was giving birth, and certainly not when he fed their children.

‘’Shit!’’

Mobei-Jun immediately turns to his right, the once empty seat is now occupied, by Shang Qinghua himself no less.

They look at each other for several seconds. Were they dreaming? Were each other a vision? Shang Qinghua thought all courage he had reunited ended up to be an illusion; perhaps he was still at the castle having a nightmare because there was no way in hell the seal had brought him here. On the other hand, Mobei-Jun was stunned in his seat, Slowly, he lifted his hand, reaching Shang Qinghua's cheek to verify. His skin is soft and warm, just as this morning.

Yes, he was real, and yes, he was trying to escape from him. ‘’Why?’’ Mobei-Jun asked. Placing his hand behind his neck, he held him, not yet squeezing it.

‘’Why?’’ He repeated in a whisper. That’s correct. Why he’s here? He shouldn’t. This is the wrong location. Mobei-Jun shouldn’t be the one his heart wanted. And this isn’t about love or any romantic shit that did not exist. This isn’t about the mark carved in his neck violently before their wedding night. ‘’Why?! You have the nerve to ask me that?!’’ He pushed his hand away, the knife still securely in his other hand, behind his back.

Mobei-Jun frowns at the outburst and allows him to slap his hand away, aware Shang Qinghua couldn’t leave the carriage, it wouldn’t open unless Mobei-Jun wanted. ‘’You’re too nervous. Calm down’’ The healer said Shang Qinghua couldn’t be under any stress, mentally and physically. ‘’It is dangerous’’.

‘’Do you want me to calm down, huh? What else does his majesty wants? I can bend over if you want too’’.

‘’Enough!’’

He can tolerate Shang Qinghua’s behavior. He’s unstable, upset. Omegas are sometimes, and recently he had been punished, and yet Mobei-Jun had given in and let her see his daughters, under domiciliary arrest. Carrying a life isn’t easy, he’s a mere human, with another demon, royal heir in his belly. He gets it, it is tough. ‘’Careful how you speak to me. I’m not only your alpha. I’m your king’’. Disrespect, however, was something else.

‘’When have you ever been careful when speaking to me?’’ Shang Qinghua knew he had fucked up. The worst thing that could happen is his husband finding out about his little sneak out. If he didn’t like when he left for the gardens, the gardens of their own fucking home, what would he think about a teletransportation incorrectly executed? If he’s going to be put to death, the least he could do is poor it all out. ‘’When have you ever cared?’’

Mobei-Jun’s hand closes around his hair and pulls him firmly closer to him, until they are facing each other with only a few inches of distance. ‘’Look around, at our home and daughters and let me know when I hadn’t cared about you’’ How could his omega not see this?

‘’I see it, I had seen that prison the last seven years’’

‘’Prison?’’ The word burns his mouth, leaving a bitter taste behind. ‘’

‘’Let go’’ Shang Qinghua pushes himself up but his alpha doesn’t undo the grasp from his hair, his weapon still out of sight.

‘’I granted you a home, a family. I slaughtered to get to your peak. Your scent lingered, captivating alphas, demons, and humans alike. Do you remember? I think not. You were in heat, holding hands with him. Two alphas, and two omegas alone in a room. They wanted you, idiot. Even the ones you were kindly protecting’’.

‘’Let go…’’ Shang Qinghua knows he’s not telling the true, thus, why bother listening to him? ‘’You murdered my family!’’

‘’I saved you!’’ Mobei-Jun’s composure was going down the hill. He was always so collected, spilling his violence gracefully and quickly, but Shang Qinghua does things to him that would put to shame a long lineage of royal demons. ‘’Your stupidity puts you on in a dangerous position’’. He’s sure both him and the empress would end up marked right then, next to each other.

‘’Save me from my own disciples? Even the ones who were not old enough to carry a sword?’’

Mobei-Jun falters, cautiously breathing through his nose. ‘’I had explicit instructions’’. It isn’t that he cared about those children. There is no remorse, it happened in the blink of an eye, and most of them did not register what happened before their heads detached from their bodies, however, he knew it would be upsetting for him.

‘’Get off! Stop touching me!’’ Shang Qinghua suddenly yells. Who knows how many of his disciples of his were killed with those hands.

Mobei-Jun is furious, however, loosens his grasp over him and stays in his place. If he thinks he can pull off the same trick to escape from his castle again, he's mistaken. ‘’You’re bleeding’’ he notices and sees him trying to hide his arm behind his back. Mobei-Jun narrows his eyes. ‘’We need to get you home and have you healed. You’re losing blood. It can be dangerous for the child’’.

‘’Take me to Luo Binghe’’

Shang Qinghua and him never, ever speak about the emperor. They acknowledge his existence as the most powerful warrior in any dimension, celestial, human, and demon realm, that’s it. Neither of them brought him up for conversation, and Shang Qinghua would certainly not be calling him by his name, Mobei-Jun doesn’t, and he’s considered one of the closest people to him, if not the closest. ‘’You’re dizzy for the blood loss, you don’t understand what you are saying’’.

‘’I am not. Take me to him, I need to speak to him about something’’.

‘’About what?’’

‘’Shen Qingqiu, my friend. He’s alive. I know, and he needs help. Take me to him’’.

"Did you sustain any head injuries on your way here?’’ or was Shang Qinghua being a fucking idiot?

‘’He needs help!’’ Shang Qinghua repeated. ‘’I know, he sent me a message, he needs me’’. Shang Qinghua blurts out. He feels he has seen an open door that’s closing inch by inch. ‘’Take me to him!’’

‘’I’ll overlook the incident of today’’. Mobei-Jun decided. Shang Qinghua is clearly not in his right mind. Maybe this is his fault, for his deliberate absence that could have sent a wrong warning sign through their bond and triggered this maniac episode. ‘’Give me your hand, let me stop the bleeding’’.

‘’Please’’ Shang Qinghua begs, trying to make his voice softer. ‘’Please, he is my only living friend, I cannot lose him too’’.

Mobei-Jun doesn’t understand at all. Why was the empress so important to his queen at such an intimate level? He has looked into both of their history. They come from different cities. They were not closed, not as disciples, not as peak lords, until a few years. What was so special about that other man? ‘’Do not call him that. Don’t speak about him. Sit down and be quiet while I cure you’’ Mobei-Jun doesn’t want to succumb to his insecurities and dumb jealousy. Both of them were omegas, marked ones. He takes his hands and notices they are not empty. ‘’Were you planning to assassinate me with this?’’

Disappointment showers him. His omega, the one he had saved, marked, and cared for almost a decade, had decided to ambush him with a silly cutlery knife? It’s stupid, a pathetic attempt that would give no results before a secondhand embarrassment. ‘’This wouldn’t even penetrate my skin’’ And Shang Qinghua knows that. What was he doing?

‘’I know’’ Shang Qinghua gulps. ‘’Mine will’’.

Shang Qinghua is considered a weak warrior. Liu Qingge would knock him out with a single blow, eyes closed and an arm tied behind his back surely. However, in his desperate attempt to do something for the first time in his life, he focused all his energy in that one hand and aims for his own neck. The knife was dull and not very sharp, so he needed all his strength and speed to pierce it. He succeeds, and part of the handle goes in.

Mobei-Jun’s eyes widened, horrified. Shang Qinghua’s knees were giving up, his energy was failing him, and this time, it was him who allowed Mobei-Jun to hold him. ‘’Don’t'' He stops Mobei-Jun in the attack when he saw the instinct int he demon of pulling the knife out for a second, it was not him the one desperate. ''will bleed out’’.  Thankfully, he was able to avoid his vocal cords, but his words came out watery, spilling some blood right on Mobei-Jun’s face by accident.

The hands of the powerful Mobei-Jun’s are trembling, the fear assaulting him for the first time in ages. Gently, he takes a hold on the back of his neck, and tries to arrange his body in a more comfortable position, he feels the tip of the knife at the other end, poking his hand. This was Mobei-Jun's heartbreaking reminder: Humans’ lives were a fresh and brief breeze of spring.

‘’Shen Qingqiu’’ he ordered.

…

If he could travel back in time, he would. Luo Binghe’s recoils internally, pulling his heart as he curses himself. It was a stupid move. He burnt the bridge that connected him to his shizun to the ground. His once gentle smiles and kind eyes were now gone, replaced by hatred, resentment and anger, and it was all because of his own doing.

Desperately, he sees his empress withering each passing year, his body rejecting Luo Binghe’s touching, his attempts for breeding even with the mark on his neck. His kisses. He shouldn’t have killed them all. He shouldn’t.

Such a stupid move.

Shizun was such a loving creature. Looking the good of everyone’s hearts, no matter how dark these were. He’d look through the pain and rage and try to understand. Did not fight fire with fire. However, Luo Binghe had pushed and pushed until he broke him through and through, and the result was atrocious.

Shen Qingqiu is not eating. Hadn’t had any sunlight in years. ‘’My celestial lord a servant has the audacity to call him, to come so close to his empress quarters. The fury is evident in his expression, and looks at the pest with anger and disgust.

‘’Go, Oh celestial lord, you are being summoned. Go on’’ His shizun mocks him, laughing bitterly. ‘’There is nothing celestial about you. Wretched demon’’.

His shizun’s words are like a stab to his heart and soul. He prefers to be skinned and burn alive than hearing such venom dripping from that beautiful mouth that once praised him and said words of comfort to him. Now, it became a deadly weapon, shooting words as sharp as arrows that went through Luo Binghe’s skin and ripped him apart. ‘’What? Does it hurt? That’s good to know. Hope you suffer more my celestial lord. I wish nothing but pain and disgrace to your life’’.

Luo Binghe gulped and forced himself to look away. He deserved this, he put him to so much pain and distress that even the kindhearted nature of his precious shizun would be twisted. Taking big steps, he goes to the insolent, slamming the door open before closing it again, unable to deal with the frustration. ‘’What the hell it’s so important that you dared to come to my personal chambers?!’’

The servant quickly bows, kneeling, with his forehead touching the ground as he trembles. ‘’This lowly servant apologizes!’ The more Luo Binghe hears, the more he wants to rip his gut open and pour his insides out. ‘’Mobei-Jun is at the north wing requesting your presence!’’

‘’What nonsense are you saying? He just left!’’

‘’Please forgive my Mighty Emperor! This is the message I was entrusted to deliver, I ignore the motives!’’

‘’Useless!’’

Luo Binghe backslaps him with such force he breaks the servant’s neck, carrying such frustration that he needed an outlet. Even dead, he wouldn’t leave an unknown corpse near his shizun. Still furious, he drags the body with him.

Fuck, he hated this.

Chapter Text

Mobei-Jun has no idea how it came to this. In what world would he be taking orders from an omega, his queen, no less, and yet here he is, raising his voice in public while his gaze fixes on the bleeding wound at his omega’s neck, one he was forbidden to touch. When did things get so messed up that he now has his pregnant omega glaring at him while he’s trying to keep him from bleeding out?.

‘’Shang Qinghua…’’

‘’No’’ He will not accept a postponement of this visit, will not accept an alternative solution to his request. He wants to see Shen Qingqiu, and he wants to see him now.

Mobei-Jun clenched his jaw. There was no way he could convince him now and he isn’t sure what enrages him more, the fact he’s going against his orders and demands, or the fact he’s doing this over someone else. Shang Qinghua has never fought him this hard, no with this anger, not even when it was about their daughters. Why is he fighting with tooth and nail to see another man now?

The thought sets something awful and bitter in his chest. If only that former peak lord wasn’t the empress, Mobei-Jun would have executed him long time ago. ‘’He won’t like this’’. Hell, Mobei-Jun didn’t like this himself. ‘The Demon Lord is not in the best of tempers to receive anyone right now.”. He’s perpetually ill-tempered, not unstable, exactly, but far from pleased by unexpected visits. Especially ones requesting an audience with his wife.

‘’I don’t give a fuck!’’ Shang Qinghua hisses, wincing from the pain around his throat, the taste of blood so vivid in his mouth that swallowing is gross , ‘’If you’re afraid of him just say so. I can face him myself. I don’t need you’’.

‘’You’re overstepping, Shang Qinghua!’’ So? What if he has his tongue loose? Fuck him, fuck Luo Binghe, fucking this damn stupid system who allowed to screw them all omegas on this fucking world. ‘’Stay still!’’ The knife was still there after all.

The tall and heavy doors are slammed open. Shang Qinghua doesn’t know if he has even heard someone playing a trumpet before making a royal announcement, or if he maybe is losing a little too dizzy and his mind is playing games.

‘’His Majesty the great and only Junshang the mag….!’’

‘’’Shut up!’’  Luo Binghe commands, fed up with everything. This castle, the rejection of his shizun, his choices…

As Mobei-Jun expected, Luo Binghe is not in a good mood right now, judging by his tone of voice, or maybe because he just sliced his own herald in half. Dark blood spills all over the place, and he glances at Shang Qinghua, in case the smell of rotten flesh makes him faint.

‘’… Junshang’’ Mobei-Jun calls in a neutral tone, nodding.

He isn’t afraid to face him in battle. He may not be able to defeat him, but he’ll be able to take a couple of limbs with him, maiming him for life, that’s for sure. He has a contingency plan hidden up his sleeve in case Luo Binghe ever felt entitled to fuck any omega he wanted (if he set his eyes on Shang Qinghua). Thankfully, that never happened. But what worries him now is that he cannot begin a battle, not with his mate in the same room.

‘’What’s the meaning of this? Why have I been disturbed? Our affairs had been already settled’’. He was on his way, why did he turn around and decided to annoy him any further?

Mobei-Jun has no answer, not sure of what to say, how to justify his queen is right here today next to him. ‘’Shen Qingqiu’’ Unfortunately, Shang Qinghua takes advantage of the brief silence. ‘’Please, Junshang, allow me to have an audience with Shen Qingqiu’’.

Mobei-Jun knows that name shouldn’t even be spoken aloud. It’s a sacred name. He’s seen people tortured and killed on the spot for having the arrogance to utter it. He immediately pulls Shang Qinghua by the elbow, stepping in front of him to keep some distance between these two idiots.

Whatever Luo Binghe decides to do, Mobei-Jun is ready to strike back. He knows it’s a lost battle, but he’ll buy enough time for Shang Qinghua to escape, get back home, grab their daughters, and disappear somewhere Luo Binghe could never reach them.
“…What did you just say?”

‘’I said I want to see Shen Qingqiu.” His voice shakes, with frustration and fear. “He sent me a message; he wants to see me!”

Mobei-Jun waits for the first move, for hell to break loose. Like he thought, no matter what happens next, he’ll take it. Nevertheless, Luo Binghe’s hardened face seems to crack for a moment. “He… he what? How? What are you saying? You dare to lie to me!” His eyes redden, energy sparks around him—and Shang Qinghua would have been terrified, if he hadn’t remembered who created Luo Binghe: himself.

Shang Qinghua had sat down and written every single trauma of  this man. His hobbies, his lines, his fighting style. Every dream and fear, every sweet memory, it all came from Shang Qinghua’s mind. Of course, the man in front of him is no longer the same Luo Binghe Shang Qinghua once created. This one is half-known, half-unknown territory. But for Shen Qingqiu, Shang Qinghua is ready to face anything.

“Shen Qingqiu and I were connected. We are not related by kinship, but we’re brothers in everything but blood. I’m the only brother left you didn’t murder. That connection was broken when you started killing us, but he has called me again!”

Shut that bloody mouth of yours.

Luo Binghe was going to kill them. There was no doubt. Mobei-Jun was already sliding down an ice sword under his sleeve. Fuck it, if he wanted to have any advantage, he needed to attack first, otherwise…

 ‘’Has he… spoken to you?’’ He asked, slowly, looking away, his hand over his hilt, not so aggressive but thoughtful, eager for some hope that the horrors he committed could somehow be undone.

‘’Sort of…’’ Okay, so he isn’t snapping his neck in two. That must be something, he thinks. ‘’He communicated with me, asked for help’’.

‘’What else did he say…? Did he… say anything about me?’’ The mood shifted right away. Luo Binghe’s temper passed from being this tyrant-blood-thirsty protagonist, to a mere teenager asking about his crush.

‘’…’’ Shang Qinghua was at loss of words for the first seconds before gathering himself together and clearing his throat (which, by the way, is a mistake, you shouldn’t do that with a slit throat; it hurts). ‘’The connection was weakened; we were not able to speak further…’’.

Mobei-Jun in the other hand, hasn’t retrieved his weapon back to his sleeve, still attentive but more confused than anything else. He looks at the emperor and then to his queen. What the hell is happening right now? He wondered. ‘’ Junshang, I apologize, my omega has not been himself lately. Had a head trauma not long ago, it could have affected him’’.

“Besides you smacking my face, I’ve had no head trauma. I am speaking the truth, Your Highness.” Shang Qinghua rebuttal comes almost automatically. If there was anything worse than slavery, it was being taken for insane, that was insulting.  “Please, Junshang” Shang Qinghua slaps away Mobei-Jun’s hand as he tries to pull him back to his side. The gesture earns a warning growl from Mobei-Jun, but Shang Qinghua doesn’t care. “Please, allow me an audience with him. He’s suffering, I know it. If I could speak for him, even just for a moment…” Shang Qinghua wants to drop to his knees, but Mobei-Jun manages to hold him upright. Sadly, Shang Qinghua has no strength left.

‘’Granted’’

Mobei-Jun tightens his hold over his queen when the permission is given, still half-convinced he misheard and what Luo Binghe truly ordered was an execution. ‘’But I must oversee your interaction. Try anything, and I’ll have your head decorating the walls of my castle. Do you understand?’’

“Yes, Your Mighty, All-Powerful Divinity! Thank you, thank you!”
If he could smirk at his husband, he would. But Shang Qinghua is far too relieved and grateful to even taste his own luck.

“The knife!” Mobei-Jun insists one more time. Shang Qinghua tries to shake him off, but any movement is exhausting. He hasn’t lost enough blood to endanger himself or the baby, the worst part was performing the Heart Spell itself.

“You’re so bossy sometimes!” Shang Qinghua groans. Luo Binghe is already walking away, clearly expecting them to follow, and Shang Qinghua wants to hurry before he changes his mind. “Here!”

He pulls the knife from his neck carelessly. Mobei-Jun almost has a heart attack, immediately pressing his hand against the wound to stop the bleeding.

Shang Qinghua, on the other hand, just pushes his hand away and quickly smears a dark greenish paste over the cut. Mobei-Jun can’t even form the words What the fuck did you just do? so Shang Qinghua explains: “It’ll stop the bleeding by closing the tissue within the hour.”

He had planned this, the whole time, Mobei-Jun stays in his place, face twisted in displeasure. “You must think I’m an idiot if you believe I didn’t have a backup plan. Do you?” Shang Qinghua sounds… disappointed.

“I do.” Mobei-Jun sighs inwardly. “These days, I think the only fool here is me.”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Shen Qingqiu stares at the ceiling as usual whenever he isn’t bickering or tormenting Luo Binghe. It isn’t common for him to be awake at this hour anyway. “Go fuck yourself,” he snaps on instinct when he hears faint footsteps on the other side of the door. “Can’t I be granted a few moments of peace in this wretched hell for once?!” He yells so loud his throat stings and his chest rattles, pouring all his heart into it until his head buzzes.

‘’Mmm…. Jesus, man, calm down’’ That voice. Those words… The tone, the way of talking. It was like someone splashed icy water right on his face. Shen Qingqiu gasps for breath as if life itself has been shoved back into his body.

“No… no, you’re not here. You’re dead.” Shen Qingqiu recoils on the bed, rolling to his side, unable to look directly at the source. Surely it must be an illusion conjured by that filthy beast to crawl into his head and break him further,  to mindfuck him too.

But that language, that way of talking, the tone. Couldn’t be faked, Luo Binghe wouldn’t know, even if he had access to his memories, wouldn’t be able to use that information, because he had no idea how to use it in a context that makes sense. Slowly, he turns around again, shaking and hears that language Shen Qingqiu knows Luo Binghe never understood. ‘’Luo Binghe let me in for a moment, I think he’s desperate’’.

‘’You’re real! You are not an illusion, they didn’t…!’’ His voice drips hope and relief, again, he attempts to sit down but the chains weigh him down. ‘’How that fucker let you in!  Come here, do something!’’

Shang Qinghua almost smiles, walking a little hurried but not yet running. ‘’Geez, hold on’’. Between his pregnancy and his wound Shang Qinghua was not exactly the definition of quick. ‘’I’m here, I’m here’’ He said, because he supposed that was the only thing that could actually put him at ease.

He helps Shen Qingqiu sit on the bed, the chains just long enough to allow it. Shen Qingqiu looks at him, eyes glistening, lip trembling, before letting out a wail. Not elegant crying, not dignified at all. Shang Qinghua might have expected that from the character Shen Qingqiu, but this isn’t Shen Qingqiu’s character. This isn’t a character at all.

This is his friend, Shen Yuan.

. ‘’I thought you were dead!’’ Shen Yuan sobbed, heartbroken, shaking uncontrollably. ‘’I thought I was truly alone in this fucked-up world’’.

hang Qinghua scoots closer, slowly, heavily, breathing too fast before finally wrapping his arms around Shen Yuan’s slender frame.

“I’m sorry, bro,” he says, trying to sound like his soul isn’t being ripped out of his chest. His hand rubs soothing circles on Shen Yuan’s back. “I’m sorry for creating this cursed world. I wish I could take it all back.”

‘’It isn’t your fault; you are as fucked as me’’

‘’Literally, haha’’

It was meant to lighten the mood, maybe pull a laugh out of his friend,  you know? To make him forget where they were and how they landed here, but it only ended up making Shen Yuan sob harder. “They’re hurting you too.” His lament is so raw it finally breaks Shang Qinghua. “It’s not fair. It’s not fair!”

“Shhh… It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m okay.” He tries to comfort him. Neither of them is okay. Both are trapped in trauma, stripped of freedom and safety, but it wouldn’t help Shen Yuan to fall apart.

Shen Yuan cries in his arms for a long time, only quieting slightly when Shang Qinghua manages to lie beside him, never breaking the embrace, even rocking him gently whenever his sobbing threatens to rise again

Meanwhile, Luo Binghe was able to see everything through a reflection seal, wary, His gaze is sharp, looking  for any hint of inappropriate touching but found none. Only his immense anger, envy and jealousy.

For years, Luo Binghe has tried to comfort his shizun in countless ways, apologized for countless atrocities, but nothing ever worked. Yet Shang Qinghua only has to exist and his shizun breaks down into sobs, actively seeking comfort like a child, walls crumbling instantly.

‘’What language are they speaking?’ Luo Binghe demanded to know, voice cold, his eyes never leaving the reflection seal, almost not blinking.

‘’I do not know’’ Mobei-Jun isn’t doing any better. He was too consuming slowly into jealousy. ‘“Shang Qinghua has never spoken to me in that language.’’. But there he was, speaking so freely to one of his ‘’brothers’’. Talking so intimately

“I see.”

Luo Binghe recalls the few times he caught his shizun slipping into that tongue when he thought no one was listening. He’d asked, but Shen Qingqiu only smiled warmly, patted his head, telling him it was nothing, however, right now it seemed far from nothing. He spoke it… fluently, heartly.

‘’Bring him tomorrow morning’’. It was an order.

‘’Junshang, my mate is pregnant, was wounded on the way here, I cannot bring him so early, he needs to rest’’.

‘’Then stay here, let my royal healers see him, I need him here tomorrow morning’’

‘’For what?’’

Luo Binghe can’t help but rolls his eyes. What? Does he truly believe he would set his eyes on such insipid creature? He has good taste, and his sight will fall on a being of such category.

‘’Your mate’s presence seems… soothing and improving mine’s’’.

This is the calmest his shizun has been, by his own, without sedatives.  He’s been sleeping often, yes, however, this was the first time Shen Qingqiu is truly resting. In the arms of a brother he trusts. It was tearing Luo Binghe apart, but he had no other choice but to swallow his pride, even if it was burning his insides, because seeing his shizun’s tearstained but peaceful, beautiful face is… worth it.