The sunlight sneaking through the gap in the curtains was an unwelcome reminder that Lin Liqin needed to get up. It hadn't been long since he'd fallen asleep, but the day was moving along at its own pace with little care. Slowly, he extracted himself from the pile of bodies strewn across his bed, doing his best not to wake them.
A sense of accomplishment helps him shake off the last bits of fatigue as he takes in the sheer number of people present. It is easily the biggest group him and Tsubame have been entangled with so far. The bed that had seemed all together too large when they'd first saw it now seems almost inadequate to the task as arms and legs drape over the edges, exhausted from the previous night's 'festivities'.
He circles the bed before stopping at one of the arms peeking out from beneath a sheet. Kneeling down, he begins to lightly massage the fingers and palm before kissing the wrist. His newly grown stubble tickles the tender flesh as his lips trace every contour on their way up the limb. Rounding the crook of her elbow elicits a soft giggle from Tsubame as her head emerges from beneath the sheet.
Carefully, Lin Liqin helps her free herself from the tangled mass of limbs. Tsubame takes a moment to survey their latest conquest before turning back to face him with the same self-fulfilled look that he's wearing. Her hand makes its way into his and she gently pulls him toward the bath. The massive size of it is still awe inspiring even after a week's stay. The baths, plural, taken together are easily large enough to fit the already oversized bed chamber.
The two gravitate towards their preferred alcove as they grab the items they'll need. Tsubame sets out two stools along with soap and scrub cloths while Lin Liqin fills a bucket with warm water. When he returns she's already patiently waiting for him to help her bathe. They used to fight over who'd go first, but Lin Liqin was oddly insistent that it be her and now Tsubame has learned to indulge in his pampering.
Lin Liqin meticulously scrubs every inch of her. His attention to detail leaves Tsubame feeling giddy as he varies the pressure and speed with which he scrubs her to accommodate sensitive areas others wouldn't have even noticed, such as the easily irritated area at the nape of her neck or the backs of her knees that are oddly ticklish.
Perhaps they hadn't been as quiet as they'd thought, or it was the sound of running water, but others begin to make their way into the baths. However, their presence barely even registers as the two stay focused entirely on one another. Soon it was Lin Liqin's turn to be washed and Tsubame shows just as much dedication to the task as he had.
Lin Liqin gave a slight flinch as her hands passed over the scar tissue just above his hip where his lightning technique had pierced through his flank. The area is extra sensitive, something Tsubame was keen to exploit. Some nights, when it was just the two of them, she would massage the area, bringing him to the cusp of both ecstasy and agony.
After they finished bathing, even as others were coming and going, they continued grooming each other. Lin Liqin combed Tsubame's hair with a fine jade comb, one he'd gifted her a few years ago. When he finished he put her hair up in a loose bun, the jade comb doubling as a hair piece to hold it in place.
Next Tsubame turns her attention to his budding facial hair. Reaching out, a dagger flashes into existence within her grasp, drawing a few glances due to its sudden appearance and the green crystal material it's made from in equal measure. With her free hand she applies lotion to his face before gently resting the edge of the blade against his skin. With steady, practiced motions she removes the whiskers revealing Lin Liqin's incredibly soft features and fair skin. Several of the women in the bath can't stop themselves from glancing at his fresh face, a mixture of envy and desire playing behind their eyes.
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Leaving the bath, the couple stopped by the suite's closet to retrieve their clothes. Lin Liqin passes Tsubame her rich red jiaoling youren[1] with dark purple accents before donning his own jiaoling youren made from light blue silk with luminous white accents. As they make their way out of the room and down the hall Lin Liqin's outfit gives passerbys the impression of a midday sky with a few drifting clouds. Meanwhile, Tsubame's evokes thoughts of a swaying flame surrounded by dancing shadows in the dead of night.
Eventually they arrive at one of the estate's small sitting rooms, a room the size of most homes in the Qin province. It is still early and the staff is busy preparing to serve breakfast. Despite the early hour there are already a few guests awaiting their meals, including a woman with a deep scar running along her cheek to the corner of her mouth. Despite the permanent smirk carved into her features, Lin Liqiu manages to direct a frown at the two as they saunter over to her table arm in arm.
As he sat down across from her Lin Liqin said with mock concern, “Dear sister, it is far too early for you to be so upset. Come, tell your big brother which of these miserable miscreants has soured your mood. Point them out and I'll teach them a lesson!” Lin Liqin waved his fist for emphasis appearing ready to take on any challenger.
Lin Liqin's faux chivalry nearly broke Lin Liqiu, but she managed to fight back a laugh and instead doubled down on a scowl. “What big brother? All I see is the miserable miscreant that kept me awake all night! My room was on the other end of this wing and I could still hear what you two were getting up to last night. So, brother, how do you plan to teach yourself a lesson? Will you slap your own face?” Lin Liqiu said with as much righteous fury as she could muster, which wasn't much. It was always hard for her to stay mad at her brother and even harder now that he was always with Tsubame.
Right on cue Tsubame stepped in, “You could have joined us last night Qiu. There were a couple ladies there that would have welcomed your attention.”
“I prefer to keep my entanglements private,” Lin Liqiu sighed.
“Privacy is important to us too. Last night's gathering was strictly invite only,” Lin Liqin agreed without a hint of sarcasm.
“Of course it was. And I'm sure the fact half the waitstaff are struggling to walk properly had nothing to do with you,” Lin Liqiu gestured to the attendants scurrying about the sitting room for emphasis.
As Lin Liqin glanced around the room he recognized more than a few faces and caught several sheepish glances. With a mischievous grin he admitted, “They were invited to the room too... when we ordered our mid coital snack.”
“It's important to stay hydrated and keep your energy up when engaging in prolonged strenuous activities after all,” Tsubame added.
Lin Liqiu couldn't help but sigh again as she shook her head, “It was foolish of me to ever think you'd rein in some of my brother's bad habits.”
“There's nothing bad about him. I wouldn't change a thing.”
“I wouldn't change anything about you either, I think you're perfect love. There's no one I'd rather have by my side.”
As the two gazed into each other's eyes lovingly Lin Liqiu gave yet another sigh, causing Tsubame to giggle while Lin Liqin said, “Don't fret dear sister, you won't have to put up with our antics much longer. It's been a week now, the celebration should be winding down and the young miss should be returning from her meeting with the Ku Qin elders today.”
Author's Notes:
[1] Jiaoling Youren are traditional Chinese robes that wrap around the body and have a “y” shaped collar