[曦澄 | XiCheng]: The Fear Of Falling In Love [~PART 1~]

- Oh, so only Zewu-Jun can give you orders?   –  he grunted, extending his arm and the cup for more tea.

She served him, but dared not lift her eyes this time, not answering.

- What must I do to be respected in my own home, woman?!  –  he snapped, glaring at her.

- Forgive me, Master.  –  she said, pale, standing up and bowing low now. She knew that if Zewu-Jun knew she had upset his husband  –  she would be whipped.  –  Please, forgive me, I meant no disrespect. Any orders, Master?

- Ha!  –  he huffed, letting her bow down for a couple of minutes without saying anything.  –  Have the carriage ready today.  –  he said finally, so that she could stand upright again.  –  But don't tell Lan Huan... I am not supposed to even know, you know...  -  he grinned.

- Very well, Master.  –  she bowed again, grateful. The Master's mood swings were a good thing sometimes.

- I suspect it will be needed, but what do I know... I am just Zewu-Jun's stupid useless husband!   –  he puffed mockingly.

- Forgive me, Sandu Shengshou. I never meant it that way. I know that Master Lan loves and respects you very much. And we all trust his judgement, Master.  –  she bowed low again.

- Ha!  –  he eyed her up and down.  –  Prepare fresh tea and breakfast  –  the House will be fully awake soon. I suspect Wei Wuxian will soon be searching for his  precious Hanguang-Jun.  And Lan Huan will find me anywhere...  -  he said dreamily, smiling.

She bowed again, hiding a smile.

- Very well, Master.

***

He was sipping his tea thoughtfully, observing the servants cooking, all half terrified as this was the first time the Master was in the kitchen ever, working swiftly, nervous and too quiet. He very soon felt two warm palms slide over his waist and his belly, and smiled when he felt Lan Huan kneel behind him and hug him.

- Why not sleeping, my love? It is still so very early.  –  he murmured.  –  And why in the kitchen, A-Cheng?  –  he raised an eyebrow.

- I was thirsty, Zewu-Jun. And it is warm here...  –  he mumbled, blushing.

- Were you cold without me? Did you miss me, kitten?  –  Zewu-Jun whispered in his ear, but loud enough for everyone to hear. The servant girls giggled.

- Too much, husband...  -  Jiang Cheng murmured, blushing deeper.

He let his head fall back and their eyes met and Zewu-Jun leaned in to kiss him, not caring who was watching. Jiang Cheng sighed happily, nothing could compare to his husband's kisses. He was about to ask him why he had left him alone in bed so early, but changed his mind. Zewu-Jun was going to tell him when the time was right.

- Is it time for breakfast? Is my brother up?  –  he mumbled, relaxing in Lan Xichen's embrace.

- Soon. It is still early, the children are sleeping. I had some business to attend to, with my brother.  –  he said, frowning.

The housekeeper was listening carefully to the side, ready for any orders. Jiang Wanyin just nodded, leaning his head against his loved one's shoulder.

- Thank you for last night. I know that it was hard. And I am sorry I put you through it.  –  he murmured sadly.

- It had to be done. I don't regret it. I just hope both you and the baby are fine, my love?  –  Zewu-Jun caressed his belly over the clothes.  –  I was planning to discuss this with you anyway, just... you've been so sick lately, darling...  -  he muttered gently.

- Huan...

They stayed together, hugging and very still, for some time. The housekeeper wondered at this once again  –  the Masters sometimes would just stay like this, frozen in time, just... being together.  

It was almost eerie.  

Finally, Zewu-Jun turned to her and said:

- I will be discussing plans for the month at breakfast today, so join us please.

The servants gasped  –  for the second time today their boss was invited to the Masters' table. She bowed low, and said simply:

- Of course, Zewu-Jun. Would you need a bath after breakfast?

Lan Xichen turned to his husband questioningly, but Jiang Cheng just shook his head; he knew it was going to be a busy day for everyone anyway.

- No, thank you. No need. The birthday preparations are enough for now.  –  he replied.

- Sandu Shengshou has already taken care of it, Master. All is ready.  –  she bowed low, hiding a smile again.

Jiang Cheng gaped, not expecting this. Lan Xichen smiled, satisfied.

- Very good.  - Lan Xichen was not surprised at all.  -  My husband knows best, do as your Master orders, always.

- Of course, Zewu-Jun.

At that, all the servants in the kitchen bowed in respect to both Masters, and left to serve the breakfast meals in the Main Hall.