Also, Shan Xianyan is not unaware that Nuo Fang masturbates almost every other night and assumes the increase is because of the Omega scents. Shan Xianyan understands because he's tempted himself many nights to indulge but he has a bit more self-control because he can sense that Wu Shenxin is not unaware of the nightly activities of his roommates. It's no secret that after some nights, when Nuo Fang doesn't realize how loud he is, Wu Shenxin can't look him in the eye the next day.
When Shan Xianyan can't take it anymore, he tries to socialize with Liu Zuan. “Hey, what are you reading?”
“Poetry. Get back to work.” His answer to Shan Xianyan is blunt and he doesn't look away from his book.
“What kind of poetry?”
That makes Liu Zuan stop to stare at him with a side-eye but he doesn't respond. Shan Xianyan props his head up with his hand on the table and says, “I like poetry sometimes. Depends on the author though. Sometimes the language is too flowery and the message gets lost-”
Liu Zuan interrupts with, “Didn't I tell you not to talk to me?”
Shan Xianyan pouts and teases, “That's bold of you to say to an Alpha, Omega.”
That seems to be what does it because Liu Zuan puts the book down and demands, “Don't you dare refer to me as that.”
Shan Xianyan pushes, wondering if he can spur him on more. “What? You are one. Why shouldn't I call you that, little Omega-” He suddenly finds his voice is gone as Liu Zuan casts a silencing spell. Every time he tries to open his mouth to speak, he can't. He suddenly regrets pushing the man's patience. He tries to mime what he wants to say but then remembers the paper. He starts writing what he wants to say.
At first, Liu Zuan ignores his messages until Shan Xianyan literally balls one up and throws it in Liu Zuan's lap. Liu Zuan resigns himself to unfurl the message and read it. It says 'I'm sorry, please take the spell off'. After he reads it, he tosses it aside and says, “Get to work, Shan Shui.”
Shan Xianyan is a little surprised to be addressed by his birth name but doesn't protest. He actually considers it a small victory so he rewards Liu Zuan by doing what he's told for about forty-five minutes. He gets bored enough that he tries to get Liu Zuan's attention again. The man ignores him so he draws a portrait of Liu Zuan. Shan Xianyan is decent at drawing so he gets it to look very similar to the Omega. When he finishes drawing, he taps Liu Zuan's shoulder to make him look at the drawing.
At first, the Omega is annoyed by the touch but then blinks in surprise at the portrait. In fact, he takes it from Shan Xianyan's hands to get a closer look. After staring at it for several moments, Liu Zuan puts it on the table and asks, “What are you playing at?”
Shan Xianyan writes another message on a piece of paper and Liu Zuan reads it. It says 'I promise I won't just call you Omega again. As long as I actually work on copying the rules, will you let me talk to you?'
They stare at each other for a while as Liu Zuan considers it. Against all odds, Liu Zuan's scent becomes neutral and he removes the silencing spell with the wave of a hand. Shan Xianyan practically grins and says, “Thank you!”
After that, Shan Xianyan works out a system where he talks to Liu Zuan every ten to fifteen minutes of copying rules. It helps keep Liu Zuan from getting too annoyed and giving Shan Xianyan a break from his copying to gain the trust of the Omega. He asks an assortment of questions and says things about himself; what his favorite color is, does he like animals, that he hates cats, that he misses spicy food because the Anxiang Valley food is always mild, etc. Sometimes, Liu Zuan will answer and other times he'll just hum and that's it. By the end of the first day of copying rules, Shan Xianyan learns Liu Zuan claims he doesn't have a favorite color and he likes horses.
As the days pass, he discovers Liu Zuan is less antagonistic as he was when they first met. His scent remains neutral and he seems to be tolerating Shan Xianyan's presence. Days turn into weeks, the days get colder, and Shan Xianyan finds that he's eager to see Liu Zuan at the end of the day. He can almost say the copying of the rules brought them closer as friends. He almost wishes he could spend longer copying the rules each day because he really likes being in Liu Zuan's presence.
Telling Nuo Fang about his time with Liu Zuan, Shan Xianyan asks, “Is it bad I want to spend more time with him? He's so interesting to talk to even if he doesn't say much. I feel like I'm being listened to.”
Nuo Fang adjusts his robes to block out the cooling weather and responds, “It's not bad but I'm surprised you're taking an interest in befriending an Omega. I thought you were higher than that. Higher in standards to befriend Omegas.” The last sentence is in a mocking tone. Nuo Fang himself isn't a person to place himself higher than an Omega but he knows Shan Xianyan used to do that.
Shan Xianyan argues, “I've changed! Omegas are fun to be around. I think our sect has robbed us of their charms by making them feel the need to hide their scents and fear us. I realize why this sect has the rules about keeping Alphas out of their housing area. They want their Omegas to feel safe and accepted. I think we should ask Madame Yang and Uncle Nuo if they can make rules so we can help our own Omegas.”
“... It's not a bad idea,” agrees Nuo Fang.
“Exactly-” Shan Xianyan starts to say but is interrupted.
“I'm sorry I can't focus lately... I think my first rut is soon,” Nuo Fang admits.
Shan Xianyan is speechless for a moment as he considers how he should respond to that. He has to ask, “Which Omega catches your fancy to trigger your rut?”
Nuo Fang blushes and admits, “I honestly don't want to say... Especially because the person I have feelings for is actually a Beta right now.”
Shan Xianyan is confused but then it suddenly makes sense and doesn't at the same time. So, he asks, “How can Shenxin make you have a rut? He's a Beta... or, I think he is.”
Biting his lip, Nuo Fang admits, “He's different. For some reason, I can smell his Omega scent but no one else can. He won't tell me but I think his brother put him on suppressants to keep him from presenting as Omega... We've kissed. He acts like an Omega but he doesn't smell like one to anyone else except me. What am I supposed to do?”
Shan Xianyan isn't sure what to do but he's supportive. He's surprised Nuo Fang is a cutsleeve, attracted to men or is at least interested in another man right now, but considers the entire situation. He wouldn't be surprised if Wu Xinshi, the older brother of Wu Shenxin, is trying to keep his brother from presenting as Omega with suppressants because the JinmaoWu sect is notorious for being awful to Omegas. He heard horror stories in the past of Omegas being killed for being their dynamic in that sect and can see that Wu Shenxin pretending to be a Beta wouldn't be uncommon. Regardless, suppressants won't stop a first rut or heat. If Nuo Fang is expecting a rut, Wu Shenxin is close to his own heat as well and they all are roommates. This means Shan Xianyan might need to somehow hide what's going on. If the LianyuLiu sect knows the truth about Wu Shenxin, they'll make him move into the Omega housing area during his heat and his secret will be revealed to all the clans. Shan Xianyan only sees one option.
“When your rut comes and his heat comes, I will lie for the two of you.” Nuo Fang stares at Shan Xianyan for the offer and he continues, “I'll say you're very ill and can't come to class... but that means we need a Liu disciple on our side that is also willing to vouch for you. The old prude isn't going to believe me alone. Are there any other people who know this secret?”
Nuo Fang seems reluctant to admit it but says, “... Liu Zhaoxian knows.”
Ah, so Liu Zhaoxian knows. It isn't a surprise because the man is very perceptive. Shan Xianyan says, “I'll ask him then.”
They both seem to be in agreement and carry on with their day. With Liu Zuan's company and now Nuo Fang's confession, Shan Xianyan feels like there's a lot on his plate this autumn.
◆◆◆
Shan Xianyan doesn't know how he managed it but he found Liu Zhaoxian by himself one day, meditating. He wasn't sure how to ask the question. It'
s been a week since Nuo Fang's confession and the cusp of winter approaches. It's easy to lie that Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin are ill but getting people to believe him is hard. It doesn't help that Nuo Fang is getting territorial with his pre-rut setting in and Wu Shenxin is nesting in their living quarters. Shan Xianyan is no expert on mating but he knows he has no desire to be around those two when they actually go into their mating cycles and start fucking like rabbits.
Just as Shan Xianyan approaches, considering how to get his attention, Liu Zhaoxian opens his eyes from meditating and looks at him in curiosity. Shan Xianyan is tongue-tied at first because the closer he gets a whiff of something he doesn't expect. Coming off Liu Zhaoxian is his strong peony scent with the undertones of heat setting in; he's in pre-heat but it's obvious because he doesn't use suppressants.
“Young Master Shan,” addresses Liu Zhaoxian. “What brings you to me?”
“Um, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor but you seem... busy.” Shan Xianyan is trying not to bring up that he's going into heat and Shan Xianyan's own Alpha is chomping at the bit to do something about it.
Liu Zhaoxian gives a soft smile and says, “Don't worry about my condition. It's my own fault for falling for an Alpha that already has a mate.” He pauses before he asks, “What can I do for you?”
Shan Xianyan explains that Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin are going into their first mating cycles and need a Liu disciple to vouch for them so they aren't separated during the time. Shan Xianyan heard that going through a first mating cycle alone is one of the most miserable feelings so he wishes to spare his friends from that.
Liu Zhaoxian seems to be listening and is concerned. But the answer Liu Zhaoxian gives him is an unexpected one. “I can't do that for those two... Because Nuo Yaoren is the cause of my upcoming heat. I'm embarrassed to say this but I am too jealous of Wu Shenxin to be of any help.”
Shan Xianyan is shocked and realizes the full extent of the drama going on at Anxiang Valley. He knew Liu Zhaoxian and Nuo Fang were friends but romantically involved while Nuo Fang is also with Wu Shenxin? How scandalous. He asks, “Does Wu Shenxin know you and Nuo Fang are seeing each other?”
“Yes...” Shan Xianyan is surprised at that and isn't prepared for the next part. “I-I can't help them because I can't be with them... I don't want to cause them any trouble. There's no way I can spend my heat with them without raising suspicion with my father. It's not like they need me anyway. Two is company but three is a crowd, Young Master Shan.” The sadness in Liu Zhaoxian's eyes makes Shan Xianyan's Alpha want to comfort him but he knows he shouldn't touch Nuo Fang's Omega.
Shan Xianyan is deep in thought. There needs to be a way to solve this. There has to be a way so Nuo Fang, Wu Shenxin, and Liu Zhaoxian can get together and spend a mating cycle together. There needs to be a way to create an excuse for why the three would be stuck together for a week. Suddenly, he has a realization.
“Young Master, I think I have a solution to this problem. I'm pretty sure that Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin will let you join them but I need to know where Liu Zuan is.”
◆◆◆
Asking Liu Zuan for help was not the best decision but everything did work out. Shan Xianyan tried to convince Liu Zuan, after explaining the situation, to lie to Liu Zhashi that Nuo Fang, Wu Shenxin, and Liu Zhaoxian would be sick so they can be quarantined together. That way, Shan Xianyan can be put in charge of caring for them and keep their secret relationship under wraps. However, nothing went as planned. Instead, Liu Zuan directly told Liu Zhashi the situation. Liu Zuan is apparently unable to lie so he tried a different tactic; being honest and hope for compromise.
The situation is now that Nuo Fang is to be quarantined in the Alpha housing area with Shan Xianyan taking care of him while Wu Shenxin and Liu Zhaoxian are be housed together and taken care of by the other Omegas. Neither parties are happy with the situation but neither of them blames Liu Zuan for being unable to lie and thinking old man Liu Zhashi would be reasonable. Turned out that Liu Zhashi was very disappointed that his son allowed himself to go into heat outside of marriage and disappointed in his students for starting petty drama related to mating. At least, he's not punishing them beyond keeping the Alpha separated from his Omegas. Turns out polygamy isn't disallowed in Anxiang Valley but spending mating cycles outside of marriage is still a hard 'no'.
Liu Zhashi allows lessons to be canceled for a week since three students are in their mating cycles after all. At least, Liu Zhashi is keeping it quiet that Wu Shenxin is an Omega as well, seeming to understand his reasoning for pretending to be Beta for so long. Shan Xianyan is assigned to care for Nuo Fang and Liu Zuan is to care for his brother and Wu Shenxin. The first two days of the mating cycle are miserable. As Shan Xianyan learns, all Nuo Fang can do while in rut is pace back and forth in their room while muttering about needing his Omegas. He's easily agitated, can't seem to keep his clothes on because his body is too warm, and his scent assaults Shan Xianyan's nose to the point it's making his own Alpha irritated to be around him. Nuo Fang refuses to eat except in the evenings when he's feeling the worst of his rut. Shan Xianyan is woken at night by him talking in his sleep about needing his Omegas again. Shan Xianyan wonders if Liu Zuan is having the same problems with the said Omegas.
On the third day, when a fresh coat of snow has blanketed Anxiang Valley, Shan Xianyan can't take Nuo Fang's pacing and muttering anymore. He throws clothes at Nuo Fang and says, “Go to them.”
Nuo Fang blinks at him in surprise before saying, “You'll get punished for letting me leave.”
“I can't stand being in the same room as you anymore. I'm this fucking close to beating the shit out of you because my own Alpha can't take your shit anymore.” Shan Xianyan is honest because he's on his last nerves. “Get the fuck out. Go fuck your Omegas. I don't care. I'll take the punishment afterward.”
Nuo Fang gives him a relieved gaze like he's been given the best gift of his life. “Bless you, Shan Xianyan.”
“Get the fuck out, you heard me,” says Shan Xianyan again and Nuo Fang gets into a presentable state of dress before running out the door so fast it almost gives Shan Xianyan whiplash. He watches Nuo Fang sprint towards the Omega housing area and realizes he's really going to be punished for this. Both he and Nuo Fang.
◆◆◆
Thirty hits to the back for Shan Xianyan for letting Nuo Fang go to the Omega housing area. Liu Zuan received twenty hits for letting Nuo Fang in with the Omegas. When Nuo Fang, Wu Shenxin, and Liu Zhaoxian finish their mating cycle, they also receive punishment for breaking the premarital sex rules. Nuo Fang is punished by making him shovel snow from all the walkways in Anxiang Valley in nothing but a paper-thin robe, Wu Shenxin is ordered the copy the sect rules five times with ten blows to the back, and Liu Zhaoxian is ordered to copy the sect rules five times while reciting them to a clan official. Nuo Fang almost gets frostbite twice during the two weeks of shoveling snow.
The beatings are so bad for Shan Xianyan and Liu Zuan that their injuries last for weeks. While Nuo Fang is freezing his ass off trying to last his punishment (not to mention a letter is sent to his parents about the incident), Shan Xianyan and Liu Zuan are helping each other nurse their wounds. Some Omegas are allowed to be in the Alpha housing area as they please, for some reason that is unknown to Shan Xianyan. So, Liu Zuan visits Shan Xianyan in his living quarters during the days they don't have lessons.
As the chilliest stretch of winter is upon them, Shan Xianyan is naked from the waist up to let Liu Zuan rub his back of the lingering bruises from the punishment. Liu Zuan's fingers seem to work magic because Shan Xianyan is completely relaxed.
“Thank you for this, Liu Zuan.” Shan Xianyan almost is mumbling because it feels so good.
“Mmmn.” Liu Zuan quietly keeps rubbing his back. Shan Xianyan feels his qi flow change under the touch, directing the pain so it's more of a dull ache rather than a deep throb. Suddenly, Liu Zuan's thumb rubs deep into a sensitive spot and Shan Xianyan can't stop the gr
owl in his throat. It hurt and his Alpha is on guard until Liu Zuan backs away and he smells distress from the Omega. Shan Xianyan calms himself and apologizes, “Sorry, that really hurt.”
“I'm sorry. I was trying to get rid of a knot in the muscle.”
“... Be more careful. I can rub your back next,” offers Shan Xianyan.
“... Sure.” Liu Zuan seems reluctant but agrees. Liu Zuan manages to work out the knot before they trade places. At first, Liu Zuan seems shy to shed his clothes in front of Shan Xianyan. Shan Xianyan turns so he has some privacy before Liu Zuan actually starts to work his robes off so his back is exposed.
When Shan Xianyan turns, he swallows at the sight before him. Liu Zuan's bruised skin is smooth-looking and his cheeks are flushed with embarrassment. The look in Liu Zuan's eyes screams of vulnerability. Shan Xianyan can hear his inner Alpha push thoughts of 'protect him' and 'care for him'. He swears he is not a cutsleeve but he understands why his inner Alpha's instincts are kicking in seeing an Omega be vulnerable around him. At least his thoughts are pure so far. He smells nervousness in Liu Zuan's scent and his own scent responds with one of calming and soothing tones.
Scents of Sandalwood and Rain Page 2