Shen Nianzu roamed his eyes all over his lover's face, a sharp ache prickling at the most tender part of his heart.
Jin Jiuchi appeared… worse for wear.
His usually bright eyes were more subdued, his lips tightly pursed, and the lines of his jaws were tense. When he gazed down at Shen Nianzu like this, there was a faint sense of oppression, which reminded Shen Nianzu of the first time he'd met the man's black-eyed counterpart.
But the image shattered once Jin Jiuchi reached out and stroked his cheek, trying to wipe away the smudge of dirt and blood to no avail. His movement was so gentle, so were his eyes, as if he was afraid that his rough callouses would hurt Shen Nianzu more. This was still the lover he knew best.
"Are you tired? Would you like to bathe?" he inquired softly. "I can draw water for you if you want."
Shen Nianzu couldn't help it; he chuckled. "You can even do that here?"
"Hm-mm, anything for Nian'er."
