Work Text:
"Do you regret it?" Fan didn't know what to say. The echo of his voice still ringing in his ears while the rain continues to cast down like an angry god damning his soul once more with the memories of a lost love. "I missed you you know? It was lonely there. Waiting."
Xie's laughter in his head was familiar. Heart-breakingly familiar that he takes a shaky breath. His chest tight and heavy while he covers his face with his hands. The rain bringing a coldness in his body that made every inch of him tremble in sorrow. He can still feel it- the arms of someone a bit smaller than him wrap around his shoulders, the exhale of a warm breath against his ear while Xie nuzzles their heads together.
"Come to bed. You're exhausted." Xie would whisper and he would let himself get pulled. Would- should- could- but even if he wished for it. He can't have it. "Fan'er, come on. Working tirelessly through the night will not do you any good." Xie's hands would then put themselves over his cheeks and force him to look at him.
Xie's bright dark eyes sparkling with mirth while he would protest. "I'm an adult Xie'er. I can manage on my own." He would bicker in response to which Xie would snort, not particularly believing him at all. Oh how Fan wishes to go back to those simpler times. Before the early signs of rain began to torment him. Where rainy days were easier with someone by his side, holding him tightly while he recites poems from his book and the other playing the flute with a smile.
"Come on Fan'er. Let me handle the rest."
Maybe it was the exhaustion getting to him but if he can just... close his eyes. He can imagine Xie there again. Beside him, pulling on his sleeves to get his attention and- everything will be okay. If Xie was there, everything will be okay.
"That's it Fan'er. I'm here. I have you."