Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and art used in the story. OOC and AU.

Finding happiness

The air surrounding the Si Ji sect was abundant in spiritual energy, creating a serene environment for cultivation. It resonated with golden cores allowing cultivators to progress faster and become stronger with less effort. It didn't mean instructors went easy on their students. On the contrary, the training was extensive, including music and various spiritual tools to provide Si Ji Sect's disciples with a broad spectrum of skills and capabilities. The Founders wanted to ensure their safety and give them every advantage possible in case sects would come looking for trouble. As a Leader, Wei Ying was incredibly proud of their progress and achievements, but now he finally had someone to share it with. He glanced down at their interlocked fingers, looking for reassurance that history won't repeat itself. He wished to stay by his side, but what if he was wrong to trust again? Bai Jue was no longer restricted by the seal, free to return home. Was he still here because he felt indebted?

Wei Ying was afraid to admit that the fear of losing him was suffocating. With each meeting, his interest in his nameless stalker increased. He tried to escape from it, but fate had different plans. He became curious and wished to learn more about him but also needed to protect himself from another Lan Wangji. He wanted to believe that Bai Jue was different, but part of him wished to stay alone – safe behind the thick walls he built around himself. It made him wonder what Bai Jue would do if Wei Ying told him he was free to leave. Would he stay?

It didn't escape his attention how lost in thoughts Wei Ying was. His steps were steady, leading them through paved paths and stone stairs as they climbed the mountain, but his mind wasn't there. Bai Jue noticed it started happening more often during the last two weeks. Sometimes he would look anxious, and his silver eyes would cloud with turbulent emotions. At first, he thought it was related to their bond and the sudden emotions it sparked, but the nagging feeling it was something else wouldn't leave his mind.

Before the incident on the lake, all their meetings would end the same, with Wei Ying pushing him away. Was there a reason for it? Did something happen to him in the past? Bai Jue realised how little they knew about each other. It seemed like fate bound them together against their will. It forced Wei Ying to keep him alive at the cost of his own life. Did he regret it?

Soon, they found themselves in front of a house built on the platform on the surface of a small lake. The surrounding forest created a secluded area, perfect for someone who wished to escape and spend his life alone. It made him wonder why the leader of a successful sect chose to live in isolation. What was Wei Ying running away from?

"There is only one bedroom," Wei Ying finally broke the awkward silence.

Bai Jue glanced at him. His voice was missing the usual teasing or energetic notes. It felt lost like its owner. Was it because Wei Ying didn't want him here? Unwittingly, he let his grip on Wei Ying's slender hand loosen. The last two weeks felt like a dream. They would spend days travelling to Lingjian while worshipping each other at night. But now, the thing that tied them together was gone. Were they also gone?

If you don't try to stop someone, it shouldn't hurt as they leave, right? At least that's what he wanted to believe in when comforting warmth left his hand. Wei Ying wasn't ready to name this growing inside him feeling nor admit how much he needed him. As if life without him was still possible. It was scary how important Bai Jue became in such a short time. Since Wei Ying realised their bond and the red string of fate showed up on his finger, he grew more anxious. Things he long left behind returned to haunt him like a reoccurring nightmare.

He wanted nothing more than to stay by his side a bit longer. Find out the reason why his silver eyes would dim with worry sometimes. Learn more about the person who never judged or rejected him for who he was. A demon king's son... a mistake abandoned by his own father. Was it naïve to believe someone could develop feelings for him? Probably, but he could still remember how relieved Wei Ying looked when he woke up from a coma. How hard he tried to keep him alive. Maybe it wasn't all just a dream?

"It's not like it bothered us before," he finally said, wrapping his hands around slender waist and looking into turbulent silver eyes.

"No, it didn't."

"Do you have a reason to worry about now?" Bai Jue asked cautiously, holding his breath.

"What? No!" Wei Ying protested immediately. "It's just... never mind," he waved him off and slid the door open, inviting him inside.

Moments like this reminded him that they had just met a couple of months ago. Things escalated quickly between them as they gave in to lust and physical compatibility. Was it enough? No, he wanted to know more about Wei Ying. He wished to understand him. Since he wasn't dying anymore, they could finally focus on their relationship and discover what they were to each other. But how does one start something like this?

"What are you doing?" Bai Jue asked, shifting his attention towards the noise from an adjacent room.

"Dinner."

Bai Jue paled while his stomach threatened to abandon him. With a look of utter terror, he walked into the kitchen. It was small but clean and well equipped. Perfect for a household of one, but Wei Ying was no longer alone. Fearing another deadly food poisoning, he pulled Wei Ying into an embrace and kissed him softly. The latter seemed surprised but responded immediately. As the kiss progressed, Bai Jue swiftly walked them outside the kitchen and pulled away. "Do you see this line?" asked, pointing at the archway.

"Huh?"

"You are not allowed to cross it for the rest of our lives!"

"The... what?!"

"Your cooking should come with a fatal warning," he explained. The sheer memory of the ferocious-looking concoction which set his mouth on fire sent a nasty shiver down his spine.

Wei Ying stared at him in utter shock and confusion. Did Bai Jue just say the rest of their lives? Was he planning to stay with him despite being free? Deep inside, it made him happy, relieved. He would love to have more time to get to know him better, but this was his kitchen. "You have to be kidding me! My cooking is excellent!"

"I nearly died last time," Bai Jue deadpanned, gently pushing him on the soft cushion by the table. "Besides, your diet needs more variety than chilli. From now on, all your protests are rejected!"

"There is nothing wrong with chilli," Wei Ying huffed, leaning on the table and tilting his head up. He swallowed hard. Dark brown eyes looked at him with unyielding conviction and incredible warmth. As if they tried to reassure him, this time would be different... that Bai Jue would choose him over anything else. "Fine, do whatever you want."

"I'm glad you see the reason."

"It's not like you gave me a choice," he murmured, gazing into the kitchen. He may not know him for long, but Bai Jue was one stubborn bastard. Once he set his mind on something, nothing would convince him otherwise. Unwittingly, Wei Ying smiled. Having someone to care for him like this felt nice and comforting. It made him lower his guard and forced his plagued with anxiety mind to deal with his problems. He stood up silently and leaned on the arch frame, watching him chop vegetables. It felt right to have him here. 'The rest of our lives, hm? Did you really mean it?'

A sliding window stretched over one bedroom wall with a large low bed underneath, allowing calming moonlight inside. Yet the atmosphere inside was far from calm. Trying to escape their worries and anxiety, they seemed to mutually agree on blowing off the steam in the bed.

They moved at the same time, initiating the kiss. Slow and savoury but very stimulating. Their fingers moved slowly, layer by layer until nothing was left as they claimed each other unhurriedly. Sometimes it would be a battle for dominance, sometimes willing submission. This time it felt different. They were no longer overshadowed by the risk of losing each other, but were they really? Each touch, caress, and kiss seemed to be searching for something. A reaffirmation of their commitment to each other.

"Wei Ying?"

"Hmm?" he hummed in answer, lifting his head from the hard nipple he played with. Silver met dark brown with unspoken emotion twirling behind lust.

"Is there something on your mind?"

Wei Ying sighed, then rose up, straddling his lover. "What makes you think that?"

Part of him wanted to let go and get lost in pleasure, but the other part knew it was impossible for now. The anxiety was eating him up from the inside. What was this thing between them? The thing neither of them would openly name it. He was used to the rejection, but the idea of Wei Ying pushing him away was paralysing. Bai Jue sat up and buried his face in his partner's neck and black hair, inhaling the calming aroma of cedars. "I may not know you for long, but I can tell when you aren't all here."

Unwittingly, Wei Ying leaned into the embrace, absorbing the comforting warmth of his skin. Before he realised it, the most dreaded question left his lips. "Are you sure you want to stay here?"

His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Wei Ying with confusion. He wasn't sure where this question came from, but his lover's expression told him it was important. "If you are here, there is nowhere else I would rather be."

"Are you sure?"

"Mm, there is so much more I want to know about you. Like, why would you think I don't want to be here?"

Something deep inside told him, to be honest, that Bai Jue would understand him. Over the last two weeks, his mind was a mess. He was torn between growing love for his soulmate and needing to protect himself. Combined with the overuse of demonic energy, it took a massive toll on him, allowing old demons to return. "I'm sick of feeling not enough...."

Bai Jue gently grabbed Wei Ying's face and forced him to look at him. "You are more than enough to me," he said, kissing him softly. "I don't know what makes you feel otherwise, but I'm not going anywhere."

"The seal is gone. You are free to do what you want."

"Well, I choose to stay here. Do you have a problem with that?"

Wei Ying leaned his forehead on Bai Jue's shoulder to avoid the questioning gaze of dark eyes. "No... it's just... nevermind."

"Too late. I already mind it," he replied, tightening hold on Wei Ying's slender waist. It was the first time Bai Jue saw him so vulnerable.

"I don't want you to regret it later."

"I could say the same, you know? I never met someone who willingly would involve themselves with a cursed demon."

He finally understood why he was so drawn to him, and Bai Jue's presence was so comforting. They were the same. Two souls, rejected by others, who found solace in each other. It made him realise he was overthinking it again, letting the past take the best of him. It was okay for him to fall in love and be loved. Wei Ying smiled as a massive weight was lifted from his shoulders. "You wouldn't leave me alone. I literally had no choice."

"Well, you could let me drown."

"I couldn't," he replied, bringing their foreheads together. "Cursed or not, you are my demon."

"Always," he replied softly before their lips joined in a sensual kiss.

The kiss naturally deepened, reigniting their passion for each other. Once their minds were clear of worry, they gave in to unrestrained lust. The intensity of the kiss left them panting for breath, their eyes darkened with pleasure. A soft groan escaped Bai Jue's lips when Wei Ying bit his earlobe, marking the beginning of the hot trail down his neck and torso towards his abdomen. He barely noticed a wicked smile reflected in shining silver eyes before his manhood disappeared into a tempting mouth, turning his mind into a blank slate. Sinful tongue twirled around, teasing covered in precum tip, making him see fireworks. Then the pace increased, driving him past his limits. Unable to resist, entangled in messy black hair, fingers pressed his lover's head down, earning him an amused smirk.

Suddenly, Wei Ying lifted his head and gazed straight at him. "You look like you want me so badly. You can't stand it."

Bai Jue pulled him close and kissed him hard. "I always want you so badly. I can't stand it."

His eyebrow cocked teasingly. "The question is, how do you want me...."

"I want all of you."

A hot whisper tickled his neck, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. It didn't matter how long they knew each other. He could no longer live without him... without his addictive lips on his skin. "You already have all of me."

After switching many times, the exhaustion finally took over, and they fell asleep in each other's arms under a crimson red blanket, unbothered by night robes. This is how Wen Qing found them the following day. Worried about their threateningly low demonic energy, she came to check them. She knocked at the door and called Wei Ying several times, but the cottage remained silent. Fearing something had happened, she apologised for the intrusion and entered. Yesterday's leftovers were still on the table, but her Didi was nowhere to be seen. Finally, she slid the bedroom door open, and a warm smile lit her face.

Wei Ying's head rested on Bai Jue's shoulder with his arm slung across his lover's perfectly chiselled chest. While the other's arm was wrapped around her Didi, keeping him close. She could tell their legs were entangled from the shape under the blanket. But what caught her attention the most was Wei Ying's peaceful and relaxed face. The overbearing loneliness always visible behind his playfulness was gone. Wen Qing smiled and closed the door. Just this once, she could let them sleep longer.

As days passed, their lives blended together in harmony. It was impossible to see one without the other, especially during the two weeks of rest from the Sect Leader's duties. Their relationship began like a hurricane that swept them off their feet. It felt right to take things slower now. Sect members often found them at the top of the waterfall engrossed in long conversations and osmanthus wine.

First, he noticed a blissful feeling of waking up and falling asleep by his soulmate's side. Then the way his bit cheeky smile would brighten his day. The loving gaze of his dark brown eyes would always disperse his worries. Wei Ying had never experienced something like this before. It made him realise that he confused attraction and gratitude with love. They were alone in Xuanwu Cave for days with a life threat hanging over them. It was the only time, Wangji wasn't openly hostile to him. Unlike others, Lan Wangji never looked at him through the prism of Madam Yu's lies about his parents. He saw him as an equal cultivator. As a result, Wei Ying was drawn to him and mistook physical attraction for love. He was young and naïve back then. Amused by his own silliness, Wei Ying let out a soft chuckle.

"What is it?"

For a moment, Wei Ying was lost in a tranquil water flow cascading down the cliffs, then he moved his hand and interlocked their fingers. "I was just thinking about... it's so stupid when I look back at it now, but it messed me up for a long time."

"Maybe it wasn't so stupid then?"

"Maybe..." he trailed off, took a sip of wine, and then passed the bottle to his companion.

Bai Jue could sense his uneasiness. They would talk about everything but Wei Ying's past before his time in the cultivation cave. He suspected something had happened to him, something that scarred him for life. He wished to be there for him, to help him overcome everything. He wanted to support the person he loved more than life itself. But what did Wei Ying want? "I'm here if you want to talk about it."

He always appreciated his silent support. The fact that Bai Jue never pushed him to relive his nightmares. Maybe because he had his own share of demons. A shared pain that brought them together, something they should overcome together to gain a future. His silver eyes rested on the full moon. All his turbulent emotions were gone, leaving its calming glow. "Back then, I never thought I could have something like this."

"Something like this?"

Wei Ying looked at him with a gentle smile. His voice was soft yet full of unspoken feelings. "You."

Bai Jue smiled back. It was the same for him. Before coming to this world and meeting Wie Ying, he never thought true happiness existed. That there was someone who would accept him as he was. His hand rested on Wei Ying's nape, pulling him into a slow kiss. A silent reassurance he would still be here despite his past.

His body dropped to the soft grass, shifting his attention to the starry sky above him. Ever since he was a little boy, alone on the streets, it would provide him with much-needed comfort. He didn't even realise when the words started to flow smoothly like a waterfall below them. He could only feel the warmth of the hand surrounding his. The past no longer felt like a nightmare. It was a distant memory he could finally share with him. "For a long time, they made me believe I was nothing more than a mistake that should have died on the streets. Then I was a vile demon. A stain on their righteous and pristine image," he added, his voice oozing with sarcasm. "They wished me gone, so I disappeared, taking Dafan Wen with me. They kept saying I saved them, but the truth is they saved me. They gave me a reason to stay afloat. Qing-Jie wouldn't give up on me no matter how bad it was... but I couldn't outrun myself. I didn't know why I should be alive."

"Do you still think like this?"

The anxiousness in Bai Jue's voice pulled all the strings, but unlike in the past, it wasn't a bad feeling. It made him happy. To have someone besides his family care about him was like a dream come true. In a swift motion, Wei Ying straddled his soulmate and looked straight into his dark eyes. "No, my life no longer belongs to me. Can you imagine that a nameless stalker dropped out of the sky and stole it from me?"

"Somehow, I can."

"Stop looking so pleased with yourself, nameless stalker!"

"I can't," replied, leaning his forehead on Wei Ying's. "The person I love more than anything just admitted they belong to me."

Part of him always knew it. The way Bai Jue looked at him or smiled was different from anyone else. His face would always change as he walked into the room as if he was the most important person. Even his slightest touch offered unyielding love but hearing him say it was completely different. It was like a sudden burst of sunshine on a rainy day. "Before I met you, I didn't think that true, everlasting love existed," whispered into a slow and romantic kiss.

Wei Ying kept walking circles in his office without noticing a dangerously twitching eyebrow. His mind was fully occupied by the sudden disappearances of his Didi. A short investigation proved that Wen Ning wasn't anywhere near Lingjian, but where was he? Wei Ying groaned with frustration, ignoring the murderous gaze of dark brown eyes. What was he missing? It started a half year ago after he invented the transportation gate. Unlike talisman, it didn't require much energy, but the user could only travel between two previously set points. One gate was here, second was in Qinghe... in Huaisang private quarters. Wei Ying's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I swear, if your part of the paperwork is not finished by lunchtime, I will ensure you won't walk for a week."

Wei Ying stopped abruptly and looked at his partner with different excitement. "Tempting offer, but we need to go to Qinghe now."

"Huh?"

"We need to save my innocent Didi from an erotica-driven carnivore."

"Huaisang? I'm not sure if I follow," Bai Jue replied, giving up on his part of the work. After more than a year together, he got used to Wei Ying's sudden shifts in attention. Most of the time, he found it adorable.

"Did you notice how often A-Sang visits us but never spends time with us?"

"Yeah... he is obviously here for A-Ning."

"Wait, you knew?"

Bai Jue sighed. "Of course, they are literally inseparable."

"How come you didn't tell me?" Wei Ying asked with utter disappointment.

"They aren't hiding with it," he replied, walking around the desk and pulling him closer. "You are stretched too thin and overworked to notice."

"I'm..."

"Whom do you think you are trying to argue with? Last few days, you dropped dead as soon as your head touched the pillow. Not to mention our dinner time shifted to somewhere in the middle of the night."

Wei Ying froze. He was so busy recently with a still rapidly growing sect and his experiment that everything else in his life suffered. "I'm sorry, I will sort it out... I just need more time."

"I'm this close to kidnapping you," Bai Jue said, making an inch wide space between his fingers. "You have plans for the sect, don't you?"

"I will tell you if you promise to follow up with kidnapping. I could use a break with just two of us."

He didn't have to be told twice. Bai Jue grabbed Wei Ying's wrist and dragged him outside the Sect Leader's office, straight back to their house. All protests and questions were ignored. He was patient for a long time, allowing him to find a work-life balance. Unfortunately, Wei Ying was only drowning deeper in his responsibilities, side projects and their relationship. No matter how busy he was, Wei Ying always found time for them. Bai Jue appreciated it, especially when he was also occupied with training and demonic cultivation classes. With a cheeky smile, he tossed Wei Ying on the bed, pinned him to the mattress, and kissed him senseless.

"What happened to paperwork done before lunch?" Wei Ying whispered, brushing over his ear.

"Screw paperwork," hissed, leaving a trail of sensual bites on his lover's neck.

"Paperwork? I would prefer you or me."

His eyebrow cocked, and a teasing smirk spread over his face. "Both, definitely both."

"I like that."

"Of course you do," replied, then kissed him tenderly and stood up.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" Wei Ying instantly protested. "Take responsibility for it!"

Bai Jue turned around with a gentle expression. "I will, later. Now be nice and take a nap while I will pack us for a short trip."

"I hate you!"

"I love you too."

It was a warm summer night with a large moon hung low in the sky and stars shining brightly, illuminating the silent forest. Their steps were unhurried, fingers tightly interlocked. Neither of them could remember when last time they had so much undisturbed time together.

"Are you going to tell me where we are going?"

"Nope, you have been kidnapped, so I don't know, just tremble in fear and follow me."

Wei Ying glared at him. "I.do.not.tremble.in.fear."

Bai Jue leaned closer, his lips gently brushed over his ear. "I guess I will have to find a different way to make you tremble."

Finally, they walked into a small clearing with several maple trees and a natural hot spring. Silver eyes widened in surprise. The steam was clearly visible in the darkness of the night, betraying the perfect temperature of the water. Located a fair distance from the nearest town, the whole area was tranquil and relaxing. This was precisely what he needed.

"Is there a reason we are here in the middle of the night?" he asked without taking his eyes from his well-tone physique. A short towel wrapped around his waist and steam worked up Wei Ying's vivid imagination.

As soon as Bai Jue slid into the hot spring, he was pulled onto Wei Ying's lap and kissed hard. Not that he minded, but they came here to rest.

A week ago, Wen Qing told him that his soulmate's body showed signs of severe fatigue. It reminded him that even Immortals have limits, but he wasn't surprised. Wei Ying would be busy till late and leave bed at dawn. Getting him to rest was a miracle, hence the kidnapping. A few days in a picturesque town with multiple hot springs should help him recover.

Using every ounce of self-control, he pulled away. "Yes, you can rest undisturbed."

"I'm fine."

"No, you are not," he said sternly. "Did you forget that your life belongs to me? I decided to take care of it since you are too busy."

"I don't know what I would do without you," Wei Ying replied, snuggling into his chest.

"You are never going to find out," Bai Jue replied, kissing the top of his head. "What is your plan for the sect?"

"I want to organise it into three different divisions and assign each a leader. It will shift a major part of my responsibilities, freeing a massive chunk of my time."

"You mentioned something before about education and cultivation. Where did the third one come from?"

"I want to open a new section for non-cultivators or low aptitude disciples. Qing-Jie, with few doctors, provides medical care for the sect and Lingjian. It's too much for them, but what if she could train more people? Disciples with strong cores are rarely interested in healing. It will solve many problems if we offer the same condition to anyone with potential. I'm sure many people would like to learn medicine but don't have the possibility. Plans for the new compound are almost ready. Our supplies and finances will handle ten to fifteen new disciples in the healing division."

"That's actually a brilliant idea."

"I know, right?" he replied with a cheeky grin. "Since I worked so hard recently, do I deserve a reward?"

Bai Jue sighed. "You are the most incapable of resting person I ever met."

"Possibly," murmured, while his fingertips trailed down Bai Jue's spine, sending a pleasant shiver through his body.

Wei Ying's lips travelled from a spot behind the ear to sensitive skin near the nape of Bai Jue's skin, and he started to suck at it. In response, Bai Jue tilted his head, giving him better access. Each caress and kiss set them on fire as their eagerly explored each other's mouths. Their bodies were pressed together so tightly they could feel their racing hearts. Soon the forest was full of soft moans and anticipation for whatever the rest of the night had in store.