Ying Lei/Bai Jiu
Ying Lei placed a cup of tea in front of Bai Jiu, a fragrant and soothing cup that would calm his young boyfriend's excitement at this late hour. They often sat outside in the backyard, near Bai Jiu's peach tree, gazing at the stars, simply chatting, and spending time together. This time, however, Bai Jiu was overly excited, for he had finally tasted the true power of his ancestral blood, even older than that of the other gods. The Divine Tree was an ancestral entity, a protector, a source of life, a guardian of the memory of events long-lost after the creation of the world. It was the source of primordial energy that gave rise to the gods, a source of wisdom that held immense, almost unfathomable power.
Bai Jiu had never felt so alive in his entire life, because after finally gaining access to the power of the Divine Tree, there was no turning back. The energy flowed through his veins, pure and vibrant, as if it were waiting for him to use it. He had also gained an understanding he hadn't previously possessed, something that only deepened his comprehension of healing—of how the earth itself offers energy from its core, from the soil, and from the cosmos itself. It was like a completely different world opening up before his mind. Pure and brimming with possibilities.
If he cultivated this newfound knowledge while applying it, he could grow stronger in a very short time and be of greater help to others. He could be more than just a healer with knowledge; he could put up a good fight against the demons that were approaching and help his unit defeat them. He felt as if he were being reborn, thanks to a power that had always been within him, but which he hadn't been able to comprehend, as he did now.
"Ying Lei... I swear I can become incredibly strong if I cultivate this energy correctly. It was amazing, wasn't it? Did you see how I used the energy of the Nine Stars on the ground to summon those white roots? I was so surprised that I could summon such power, but what was most astonishing was that I knew how to use it instinctively, as if it had been waiting for me for a long time. I felt my core warming up, not dangerously, but as if it was truly awakening..." Bai Jiu explained enthusiastically as Ying Lei smiled at him, happy that he was so confident after having been disappointed in himself, for not achieving anything on his first attempt.
"You were incredible, Xiao Jiu! I was impressed and shocked when I saw you summon the roots of the Divine Tree. How did you even do it?" Ying Lei asked beside him, happily absorbing everything Bai Jiu wanted to share.
"To be honest, I have no idea, but I think I wasn't the only one who did something impressive. Your shields were so strong, like mountains withstanding a storm of demonic energy, and the Commander, guided by Wen Xiao's sudden insight... it was mind-blowing. The combination of their attacks were so precise and powerful it was hard to believe. And Xiao Zhuo Ge! He was like a god himself, with those blasting attacks, not to mention his brother and his golden dragon! We were like powerhouses..." Bai Jiu laughed so joyfully, that Ying Lei's heart beat faster, not only because of the contagious happiness, but also because seeing him like that made him seem more beautiful into his eyes.
"You're absolutely right! We were badasses, powered by the stars!" Ying Lei joined in his enthusiasm and took a sip of his own tea to see if Bai Jiu would follow suit, but unfortunately, the young man was too euphoric to even notice the teacup in front of him.
"Ying Lei, how about we go to the cultivation room, and meditate for a few hours? By morning, I might be up to par with you all..." Bai Jiu suggested, and Ying Lei was a little lost, as to how to calm him down. They could cultivate, yes, but that meant Bai Jiu wasn't going to get the rest he'd hoped for. It was already quite late.
"Xiao Jiu, how about we have some tea? It's warm and sweet, and it can serve as a way to celebrate your true awakening, since wine isn't an option." Bai Jiu then looked at the beautiful teacup in front of him and smiled shyly at Ying Lei, blushing slightly.
"Ah, I'm sorry... I was so happy. I've never had so much control in my life, and believe me, there were times when having this power would have made my life so much easier, and maybe my mother wouldn't have died..." Hearing his cheerful tone turn more melancholic, Ying Lei approached him and placed a hand on his.
"It's quite tragic that you have to go through such a heartbreaking experience at such a young age, but if there's one thing that's certain, aside from death for us humans, it's that we can't change the past, no matter how much we might wish for it..."
"I know... It's just a wishful thinking. I've already accepted what happened back then, and I even met Xiao Zhuo Ge, and now he's like an older brother to me. But, you know... Sometimes I miss her a little, especially when I'm happy, and I wonder if she had the peace she deserved in the afterlife, and maybe... maybe she's proud of me too..." Ying Lei's heart broke at that very moment. As he looked at Bai Jiu, holding back tears, and not knowing how to comfort him, he hugged him tightly.
"Of course she's proud of you, Xiao Jiu, because I am too, as are all our friends. That includes your father. You've accomplished so much at such a young age. Remember that, Fan Ying, even had to make an exception to bring you into our special god's unit. What's more amazing than that? There's nothing about you that isn't a source of pride. You even saved Xiao Zhuo Ge, so never think you're less than anyone else, because you're not. Besides, why would I ever fall in love with you if you didn't deserve it?" Ying Lei added that last question, gently pushing him to look at her, blushing under her intense gaze.
"Ying Lei... we'll soon be entering the demon world..." Bai Jiu whispered, blushing.
"Yes, what about it? Are you scared?" Ying Lei asked, even if he doubted it, seen how confident he had grown after their training.
"Ah, no... but you see... we'll be very busy fighting things left and right, and well... there won't be time for anything other than surviving and moving forward until we reach the Crystal Valley." The young healer blushed even more, and Ying Lei began to get the hint.
"That's right, then... is there anything you'd like us to do before we cross the threshold into the demon world?" His question was direct, as he didn't want to make a mistake and guess something wrong. However, when Bai Jiu's blush intensified to Yichen's level, which was an answer in itself, Ying Lei smiled at what he thought he wanted. He was always too shy when trying to ask for it.
"Are you going to make me say it? Come on, Ying Lei, spare me the embarrassment... don't start bullying me now." Ying Lei burst out laughing, and Bai Jiu pouted, looking away, totally melting down in his own embarrassment.
"Stop laughing!" he whined, but Ying Lei, still trembling with laughter, simply pulled him closer and squeezed him gently.
"You want for us to kiss? Let's make a deal, Xiao Jiu. Drink your tea, and we'll kiss for as long as you want," Ying Lei offered, feeling Bai Jiu's heat rising.
"Why? Did you drug my tea or something?" Bai Jiu pushed him a little, to look at him suspiciously, but seeing that Ying Lei was about to laugh again, he dismissed that crazy idea.
"It's a calming tea, to help you relax and rest, as you've earned," Ying Lei replied.
"But I feel rested..." Bai Jiu protested.
"That's because you still have the Divine Tree's energy running wild in your meridians, and if you keep this up, you'll be exhausted, when you need to focus for the next training session. I understand that you're very excited to prove to yourself and others, that you can do more than just heal, but resting is also part of becoming stronger." Bai Jiu blushed even more, because, of course, Ying Lei was absolutely right.
"I'm sorry... as a healer, I know you're right. Okay..." Bai Jiu took the cup and, after blowing on the still-warm liquid, drank it slowly so as not to burn his throat. Ying Lei did the same with his own tea.
They drank in silence for a few minutes, which calmed Bai Jiu's internal energy a bit. When he finished the last drop, Bai Jiu turned to Ying Lei, still sitting very close to him, and, putting his arms around him, pulled him close and kissed him.
Although they had kissed several times before, Bai Jiu found it difficult to make the first move, not only because he was shy, but also because Ying Lei was taller than him, and if he wanted to kiss him, he had to grab him by the neck or stand on tiptoes to gain a few inches, which was more hilarious than romantic.
So, he mustered up the courage to kiss him when they were at the same height, sitting like this, close to each other and in private, even though they were technically at the back yard table. Even so, kissing Ying Lei always made him feel comfortable and safe.
Ying Lei was the kind of man who always gave himself completely, always willing, who treated him with gentleness and affection. His kisses were sweet, sweeter than the tea he had just drunk, and he loved them dearly. There were moments when the kisses intensified, but Ying Lei always maintained control, aware that he was still very young, despite being legally an adult in their chaotic world, always in need of young demon hunter to survive a world with demons at their doors.
However, this time, more than sweetness, Bai Jiu sensed a hint of something more raw. Ying Lei was struggling with himself, deciding whether to maintain the sweetness or succumb to the love that threatened to consume him, at a time when their connection was far from dormant. So he made the decision for Ying Lei, and deepened their kisses, himself. He loved Ying Lei so much, that he wanted to give him at least something that he would also enjoy, as an older man. Because four years were nothing compared to the thousands of years that Zhu Yan had over Yichen.
"Bai Jiu..." Ying Lei hesitated, already out of breath, and even his eyes showed signs of something unexpectedly ethereal, a golden touch, and some faint brownish marks, like symbols running down his neck. After all, he was an expert in spells, and his body also held many secrets that his blood had not yet awakened.
"Ying Lei, just for a moment... let your feelings open up to mine... here, under the constellation that binds us, let's be honest with ourselves..."
"You're still too young..." Ying Lei protested weakly, but Bai Jiu simply caressed his face adoringly.
"Ying Lei, I understand why you hesitate every time we kiss, and I love you very much for that, but if you want a passionate kiss or two, there's nothing wrong with that either..."
"But..." He placed a finger over Ying Lei's still wet and swallowed lips.
"No buts... we could die in the demon world, so it's fine for you... for us both, to enjoy what we have now." Ying Lei smiled.
"My beloved Xiao Jiu, you're very wise." Ying Lei smiled softly at him.
"Of course, after all, I am a descendant of a Divine Tree..." Bai Jiu said proudly, and Ying Lei pulled him close again and kissed him with true passion this time.
A few meters away, as a gentle breeze rustled through the peach tree branches, some blossoms fell and their petals scattered across the back yard. The fragrance was lovely, and the white petals looked like snow falling on two young lovers, sharing a special moment of love and acceptance. And Bai Jiu loved his wonderful, sunshine boyfriend even more.
AN: Ah, they are soooo cuttteee!! 🥰🤭💖 Hope you like this lovely moment and until next time, please take care.