Chapter Text
Shen Jiu let his guard down for maybe two seconds and got kidnapped.
He had gotten distracted by someone crying out for help, and felt a sharp prick in the side of his neck. His muscles went limp, his fan fell out of his hand and he fell, arms catching him and easing his body to the ground. A face that looked exactly like his appeared in his vision, a sheepish look on the owner's face.
"Sorry about this," he said, reaching out.
Shen Jiu wished he could do anything - even if it was flinching or tensing in fear, at least he'd be able to react. Instead he was helpless as the person reached out and closed his eyes.
Shen Jiu felt himself get picked up, and then he was being carried away, still unable to do anything. He didn't know for how long he was carried, but after a while he was set down on a bed, his eyes opened again.
"Hello," his kidnapper said smiling down at him. "Sorry again about this."
Shen Jiu stared at him, unable to do anything else as he was robbed of his clothes, changed into soft green silk robes, but fewer layers than he was comfortable with while his kidnapper dressed into his robes and hair crown, leaving Shen Jiu's hair loose and unbound.
Why? He wanted to ask. But his mouth wouldn't work.
"Trust me," the man said, looking down at Shen Jiu like a reflection who allowed himself to feel emotions that made him vulnerable. "This is for the best."
Then he was gone.