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Miserable eyes stared out into the perfect, clear, blue sky. The artificial fluffy clouds of the Xianzhou Luofu floating peacefully without a care in the world. Your brows creased with concern as you leaned against the window, staring down at the bustling streets of the Exalting Sanctum, sighing for the nth time that day. The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped you out of your thoughts, perking up at the familiar voice.
“How is he?” You turned around as you stood up from the window sill, exhaustedly dragging yourself up to stare at the young boy who stood a few feet from you, staring at you with concern.
“Has he woken up? What did Lady Bailu say-“ You were interrupted, Yanqing quickly hurrying to steady you as you staggered forward, heaving a series of dry, almost painful coughs. You clung to Yanqing for support as you stared at him eagerly, biting your lip with anxiety.
“The General is… fine.” He replied, watching carefully as your shoulders sagged with relief, letting out a soft sigh as all tension seemed to leave your body. Finally allowing yourself to relax, you lean against the young lieutenant, your head hanging with an almost sense of shame. “Mx. [Name]… you should- you need to rest!” Yanqing exclaimed, nearly toppling over as you leaned against him, “You haven’t been properly taking care of yourself, the General would be devastated if he knew what you were doing!” His bright blue eyes stared up at you almost pleadingly, his feet dragging on the floor as he pulled you to your bedroom. The room neatly organised as though it had not been occupied for days if not weeks.
“Rest? Yanqing- I was absolutely useless during this whole mess- I was able to do nothing- I let Jing Yuan go out and do something stupid again! That-…” You broke out into another fit of dry coughs, Yanqing quickly helping you onto your bed before scurrying off to get you a cup of tea, leaving you to simmer with your thoughts.
“Rest, huh..?” Falling back onto the bed, your eyes dropped exhaustedly, your fingers gripping at the sheets with frustration. What right did you have to rest when you were able to do nothing? When Jing Yuan- when everyone on the Luofu were fighting, you were confined to your bed unable to do anything but pray to the Aeons for their safety. What right did you have to rest when Jing Yuan had faced off against a terrifying Emanator of destruction?
As you turned to your side, you noticed that Jing Yuan’s scent lingered on your sheets, your eyes crinkling as salty tears welling up, blurring your vision as you stared at the photograph on your dresser. Your stomach curled up, nausea clawed at your throat as you squeezed your eyes shut. Because of your poor, Yanqing’s already busy schedule was even more jam packed, because of you-
The sound of familiar footsteps echoing through the room had you snapping up, your eyes widening as you stared at the broad figure standing at the door. Long luscious, fluffy hair framed a perfectly chiselled face adorned with gem like eyes that glimmered with a mischievous.
“Jing Yuan!” You let out a cry as you stumbled up, almost tripping on the duvets as you scurried to him, Jing Yuan yelping in surprise, almost dropping the tray of snacks and tea he was carrying. “You- you should be resting!” His free hand wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as your fingers roamed his body — trying to find any sore spots.
He ignored your words, grinning softly, the familiar sounds of finches chirping at the window echoed through the room as you stared up at him. “I missed you, Darling,” Jing Yuan whispered sweetly as he gently guided you back to bed, “I heard from Yanqing you weren’t taking care of yourself?” His brow raised, his voice tinged with an almost disapproval, watching with narrowed eyes as your breath seemed to hitch with guilt. Your head turned away from him as your fingers dug softly into him, scared to let him go from your grip.
“I.. I have been eating.” Your voice was shaky and uneven, face downcast as you stared out the window, the afternoon sun shining through the blinds. “I- I should’ve done more to help-“ You were quickly silenced with a kiss, your eyes widening for a moment before they fluttered shut.
“[Name]… you know some fruit is not considered a proper meal.” Jing Yuan replied firmly, his kind lips turned into a frown as he placed the tray down on the bed beside the two of you. Picking up an already filled teacup, he held it to your lips, tilting your head up as he watched you carefully drink the warm, soothing liquid. You wilted as he sighed with what sounded like disappointment, lifting the duvets he crawled under, pulling you with him as he curled around you. His comforting, near intoxicating scent filled your senses as he held you, his heart beating slowly against your ear.
He stared down at you with softened eyes, his voice rumbling in his chest as he spoke soothing words, “Yanqing was worried about the both of us.. how about next time-“ You quickly interrupted him, covering his mouth with your hand as you shook your head frantically.
“No! No.. no next time. Promise me… Jing Yuan, promise me there won’t be a next time.”
He chuckled, your stomach doing flips as the sweet sound entered your ears, filling your brain with filthy, mushy rot that made your heartbeat in your ears. Glimmering eyes stared down at you almost bitterly, pulling you closer so he could bury his face into your hair.
“No promises, Dear. Now let's nap, okay?”
His strong arms seemed to tighten around you even more, trying to take away the bitter feeling he left behind. Your eyes drooping as you were lured into the safety of his arms, missing the feeling too much to care about his words, missing it so much you would allow yourself to live in your fantasy for just a little longer.
“I love you.” Your eyes fluttered shut, your chest moving up and down gently as you quickly fell into a slumber, your words left unreplied as he stared down at you before slowly drifting off.