The first thing Guiying registered was pain.
Not sharp, just present, the deep settled ache of a body that had been thoroughly used and was making its feelings known.
His lower back especially, then shoulders and inner thighs.
Places he hadn't thought about in years suddenly had very loud opinions about the previous night.
He laid still for a moment, taking stock.
Bite marks riddled his neck, collarbone and somewhere on his waist that he distinctly remembered happening and was choosing not to think about too carefully.
The sheets were soft against his skin and the room was bright with morning light coming through the curtains and he had absolutely no idea what time it was.
He opened his eyes slowly.
Liuxian was beside the bed, setting something on the nightstand with the quiet efficiency of someone who had been awake for a while.
