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So many scents filled the air; herbs, sandalwood incense, the perfumed soap she used to wash her hair… their love.
Jinshi inhaled deeply, committing the precious combination to memory. He can hardly believe they've finally gotten here, after so many years, so many trials, so many obstacles. He sighed deeply, so worth it.
They were lying on their sides, her in front of him, his front cuddled against her back, carved together in a perfect fit. She was using his upper arm as a pillow, he curved the rest of his arm around her chest, holding her snuggly. With his free hand, he brushed the hair off her face. She sighed in her sleep with a contentment that sounded like a purr. Smiling to himself, he hugged her tight.
Today had been a blur. He recalled how stunning she looked in her red wedding robes. How happy he felt when he saw she was wearing both of the hair sticks he had given her. Throughout the ceremony he had been both giddy and nervous. ‘Ughhh’ he groaned at the thought. Had he looked like an idiot? Hopefully he hid it. Maomao, as usual, had been her cat-like self; calm, composed, utterly in control…
Beautiful
There had been many congratulations from guests, most sincere, some… less so. He reflexively pulled her closer. Nothing and no one would ever come between them again. Not if he had any power over it. Silently he prayed to The Heavens and their ancestors, a humble plea to let their trials be over, to let this moment of peace and happiness last the rest of their lives.
He willed the negative thoughts from his mind. Best to focus on the guests who wished them well, their family and friends. His older brother looked so proud, he probably thought Jinshi would never marry. His mother, dignified as always, greeting guests. Gaoshun and the Ma Clan, alternating between being guests and being guards. Lakan beaming at Maomao while she ignored him. Luomen and the rest of the La Clan trying to keep Lakan under control. Gyokuyou and Lihua looking radiant and their children were so excited. Maomao’s ever supportive friends Yao, En-en, Changsha and Yo were all there. Grams, The Three Princesses and her surprise guest Xiaolan also came. They hardly recognized Xiaolan, it had been so long. However, once she spoke there was no doubt who she was. She was still as vibrant and positive as she had always been.
Jinshi was most surprised by his own guests, Lady Ah-duo and Suiren. They had both cried, he couldn't believe it, still couldn't believe it. He’d never seen either of them shed more than a single tear in the past. Suiren practically raised him herself, so he could see why she might… but Ah-duo? Maybe she was just the type to get emotional at weddings or maybe she was comparing them to what could have been for herself? It was puzzling.
What else should he try to commit to memory after such a long day? The red poppies, known for symbolizing passionate deep love and loyalty until death, decorated the venue. He remembered those clearly, especially the one in Maomao’s hair. It was currently in a small vase of water on their bedside table. The traditional sharing of a goblet of wine. Sharing was a bit of a stretch since he only had one swallow before Maomao chugged the rest. The Tea Ceremony, bowing to their families and The Heavens, socializing and feasting, it was all a blur. Before they knew it, it was over.
Time is funny that way. During the carriage ride home, he had longed to reach their destination quickly, yet when they arrived, he wished it had taken longer. Alone together for the first time that day, he felt his happiness transform into a hunger. The beast he’d been suppressing demanded release. He kissed her with reckless abandon and she responded in kind. When he exited the carriage, he made no attempt to fix or hide his disheveled clothing. Instead he turned to his bride, threw her unceremoniously over his shoulder and made for the front door. Only after she pounded his back, while they both laughed, and she admonished him for treating the woman he claimed to love like a sack of rice, did he relent. Easily shifting her small, light frame into a more dignified, bridal style carry. He reassured her, it’s not just a claim, his love for her is true and always will be.
Always
He didn't put her down until they reached their bed chamber. Trying to remove clothes while kissing, not wanting to break apart. It was comical. They were a mess of excitement, nerves, passion, and clumsiness… the first time. The second time was completely different. Their nerves and lust subsided, replaced by desire, tenderness, and affection. It was so much better. This was making love. He pulled her close as the memory flooded his mind.
He heard what it was like, knew what to expect, but to experience it for himself… No words would do it justice. It was beyond pleasurable, beyond romantic. When their bodies joined, it felt as if their souls melted together into one. In the euphoria that followed, his entire world shrank to the bed they shared. Only the two of them existed; hearts racing, panting, warm breath mingling, sweaty flesh pressed together. How do poets and artists capture moments like that? He understood now why they struggled to.
Jinshi inhaled the scents in the room again. Then he buried his nose against Maomao’s flesh, breathing in her aroma alone. His lips lightly brushed against her skin. Softly, he kissed her neck, her shoulder, being careful not to disturb her sleep. Once again, he felt giddy, no longer from nervousness, probably just exhaustion… probably. Could it be caused by something else this time? Something he’s never known before?
Bliss
Smiling at the thought, hugging Maomao tight, his eyelids grew heavy. Bathed in warmth, Jinshi finally drifted off to sleep.