Archive of Our Own ^beta

Staring right at her mirror, Rover tugged at her blazer once again. There was something about the outfit that wasn’t right, something about it that she didn’t like but she just couldn’t figure out what it was. First, she thought it was the pants she was wearing that weren’t correctly ironed so she changed them but then her blazer no longer matched so she changed that but that made the color of her blouse look out of place so Rover changed it…Rover changed her outfit a million times and tried on a million different accessories but she just couldn’t figure it out. Knowing how important this night was to both Changli and Jinhsi Rover wanted to look perfect. She’d barely gotten the chance to see Changli recently given how often she’d locked herself away with Jinhsi and apparently Sanhua too to prepare everything.

Once again, Rover ran a hand through her hair again, ruffling her bangs to see if her hair or makeup was the issue but as expected even that didn’t amount to much. Everything about her outfit made her look stiff, so she decided on trying to undo a few buttons on her blouse…it allowed the clothes to be a little loose against her skin as well as of course show off more skin. She wasn’t sure it was the best idea she’d ever had but it didn’t make her feel slightly more comfortable than a minute ago.

Now all that was left was…

“Find the right shoes.”

Unfortunately, Rover was just barely given the chance to turn around towards her closet before she got swiftly distracted by a bird screaming nearby her window. Although, screaming may not be the correct word neither was singing as the bird was simply trying to grasp Rover’s attention. And it took less than a second for Rover to understand why it wanted her attention when she noticed the letter in its mouth. It was very obviously Changli’s trusted bird and the letter probably also came from her. Rover quickly made her way over to the window and took the letter for the bird’s mouth. She also gave it a treat - the ones Changli had given her and said to used to reward her bird for a while completed the task. She opened up the folded letter which revealed only a few lines of neatly written characters - from the numerous riddles Rover had had to deal with she could easily tell it was Changli’s calligraphy.

Rover,

I hope you still remember that you are meant to meet me at my hour at 6pm sharp so we may appear together at the ceremony. It is a date you promised me.

Though the content of the letter was very straightforward, lacking its usual riddles, Rover was grateful for the reminder and the fact that Changli had written her address at the very bottom of the letter. Changli lived in the center of Jinzhou not too far away from the room Jinhsi had given Rover…However, Rover did still need to walk all the way over there and if she wanted to be on time then she also needed to leave now . All the time she’d spent worrying about her outfit was playing against her now when she rushed to her closest and grabbed the first pair of heels she thought might suit her outfit, the heels were thankfully not too high and somewhat comfortable - as comfortable as high heels could get. Rover made sure to grab her communication device and her keys as she dashed out of her room.

She just had to hope she’d get to Changli’s place on time.

As the thermometer rang for the third time tonight Changli looked at the numbers written on the screen. She let out a deep sigh as she noticed they were identical to the two other times; the numbers weren’t a mistake as she’d hoped. As a Resonator who’s Forte made her natural body temperature naturally higher than most mortals it had always been a little tricky for her to take her temperature…Anytime Changli tried to take her temperature, no matter what, the thermometer always told her she had a fever…Over the years, on her own, Changli had had to learn what she could consider normal, what was a fever and what was alarming. Her current temperature was…well, it was right in between a fever and alarming. And somehow, Changli wasn’t even a tiny bit surprised, she just turned off the thermometer as if it was nothing and stared at herself in the mirror.

She clenched her fists frustrated with no one other than herself. Tonight was important, she’d prepared herself such a stunning outfit for the occasion, she’d promised Jinhsi she’d attend, she’d even Rover a date.

Of all nights, where the consequences of Changli overexerting herself by using her Forte could show up, it had to be tonight…

It wasn’t the first time Changli had gotten such a fever and she also doubted it would be the last. She knew she needed rest; it was always the best solution but tonight wasn’t an option. Tonight, she’d have to push through. She turned on the faucet in front of her, testing the water to make sure it was as freezing cold as it could get before she threw some onto her face. Changli was both trying to wake herself up and ground herself. She, thankfully, hadn’t done her makeup yet and still had plenty of time before Rover was meant to show up. She’s already slipped into her dress for the night and her shoes were set by the door for later so really all she had left to do was apply her makeup and then quickly fix her hair.

And then…then she just had to get through the night.

“Tomorrow I’ll rest…” Changli whispered out loud as if whilst she was looking at herself in the mirror she was also making a promise to herself of some sort. 

Whether she wanted to or not Changli did have to rest otherwise her health would only worsen and the last thing she needed or wanted was anyone worrying about her.

The thermometer was still set right next to Changli’s makeup brushes and as she picked one up she could literally swear she saw the number that had pretty much been burnt into her mind.

She pretended everything was fine…

Even if nothing was…

At 6pm sharp Rover was in fact not at Changli’s place. And neither of them were surprised by that fact. Changli stood in front of her place, she peacefully waited for her Rover to show up even if the air around her felt so unbelievably cold. Every extra second that she stood outside without Rover she was more and more tempted to go back inside where it was warmer and where she could grab a jacket. She had a feeling it was just an effect of her fever, she tried to put a hand to her forehead, attempting to see if she felt any warmer than earlier but…it was nearly impossible to tell since her hand was equally as warm.

“Do you have a headache?” A small voice rang out from behind her. Rover’s voice.

Finally, she was here and instinctively Changli put down her hand as she also forced herself to smile as if everything was fine.

Changli let out an exasperated sigh as she started mocking: “I’ve been waiting on you for ages . I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me despite my letter.”

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Rover quickly apologized, extending her hand to help Changli get up.

“So long as we’re not late, I guess I can forgive you.”

For some unexplained reason Rover didn’t understand Changli didn't take her offered hand and pushed herself up on her mischievous grin that only grew as she looked Rover up and down.

“You’re quite handsome tonight,” She spoke, her eyes settling on a beautiful necklace Rover was wearing that went down her chest and very obviously showed off how she’d united some of the buttons of her blouse. “and bold .”

Changli chuckled as she tugged at the collar of the blouse to adjust it a little bit. She didn’t mind this look on the Rover. If anything, she thought it suited Rover. She looked handsome yet with her blouse showing off her cleavage, her beautiful accessories and the heels the outfit still had a feminine side to it which Changli liked. And it wasn’t as if Rover didn’t also get to enjoy Changli’s outfit. That smile Rover tried to hide told Changli everything she needed to know alongside the fact Rover was not so discreetly inspecting her from head to toe memorizing every detail. From how long the dress was, to the slit on the side that started from her mid-tight, to how the dress in general suited Changli perfectly, Rover was probably observing everything. Knowing her too she probably appreciated how the color of their outfits complemented one another, Rover’s suit was a deep navy blue whereas Changli’s was a rich velvet coloured dress.

“I was debating what to do with the buttons.” Rover hesitantly admitted, not sure if her wording was the best considering how she’d left them.

“Oh? And tell me why did you choose to leave them like that?”

Rover laughed awkwardly as she thought of how to explain the rather silly situation to Changli. “I uh…ran out of time. I didn’t know what to do with my outfit then I got your message and just left everything as it was.”

Dropping a silence ‘oh’ Changli slowly nodded her head before she started laughing. Of everything she had expected Rover to say that had certainly not been it but somehow, she was also not surprised this was the first big event Rover attended in Jinzhou it was only normal that she was a little uncertain as to what to wear. This kind of an outfit…was certainly a first for Rover but Changli hoped it wouldn't be the last time. She reassured Rover that the outfit looked just fine on her before pointing out that if they didn’t want to be late they should probably get going. She was particularly careful when speaking, keeping her arms crossed before her chest as she walked away without Rover.

She was almost too lucky that she could play everything off as her just teasing and the Rover wouldn’t suspect anything. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she’d pulled such tricks out of her sleeve to hide what was truly going on. Changli herself had lost count of how many times she’d lied to Jinhsi about being alright when everything was falling apart...

As expected of Jinzhou and its magistrate the whole of the building was decorated with beautiful golden lanterns lighting up the whole of the building as if it were still day outside. Beautiful light blue ribbons were spiraled along the whole of the staircases and with the added fairy lights it was impossible for anyone to get lost when trying to find the entrance. Both Changli and Rover made their way up the stairs greeting every guard they saw that was on duty until they found the one they were looking for. Sanhua.

“I thought Jinhsi said you weren’t on duty tonight?” Changli started the conversation easily for the three.

“I am not. Lady Jinhsi invited me as a guest therefore I will protect her.”

Well, that explained why she was talking with other guards and was dressed in such a tight suit that made her look like a bodyguard more than an actual guest. 

“That sounds exactly like…”

“Do you know where our beloved Jinhsi is?” Changli interrupted. Sanhua wouldn't change her ways no matter what comment was thrown her way. “You and I promised her we’d be by her side until the start of the ceremony.”

Sanhua quickly nodded her head both to signal she knew where Jinhsi was and that she remembered their plans. “Follow me. She was speaking with a few employees earlier but should be free now.”

“Perfect.”

Changli responded with a smile as she gestured for Rover to go ahead of her and follow Sanhua. She didn’t hesitate to shush her date when Rover dared to make a comment about how Sanhua had left Jinhsi alone.

“What?” Rover mouthed as Changli just laughed and shook her head in disbelief.

“How is Jinhsi, Sanhua?”

If Changli wanted an honest answer this was the one and only time where she’d be able to get it. Every year when this ceremony came rolling around and Changli asked Jinhsi how she felt the younger woman every single time without fail told her that she was fine. And although Jinhsi wouldn’t tell Sanhua much either, Sanhua did have a keen eye when it came to observing others. Changli also knew that Sanhua would answer her question with utmost honesty given that at the end of the day all she was doing was looking out for Jinhsi’s best interest. 

“She is nervous,” Looking straight ahead Jinhsi’s most loyal guard replied. “earlier she was fidgeting with the bracelet you gave her, twisting it around as if she’d hurt her wrist. When I asked her about it, she told me it helped her answer everyone's questions.”

Changli chuckled lightly, that did sound exactly like her Jinhsi. “However, she is well prepared for tonight.”

Agreeing, all Sanhua did was nod her head, she preferred to keep her lips tightly sealed to not let her own opinions slip. Even if she wasn’t on duty, old habits die hard and staying cold and formal was just easier. She brought Changli and Rover to Jinhsi, only speaking when she was spoken to despite everything. When she arrived before the room in which Jinhsi was staying until the ceremony, she paused briefly before knocking.

“Who is it?” Jinhsi’s voice on the other side rang out and not even Changli could detect a trace of nervousness or worry in that voice.

“Jinhsi it’s Changli and Rover.” Changli answered for Sanhua. “Sanhua brough us-”

Before Changli finished her sentence, the door went flying open and Sanhua - who was still in front of the other two - greeted Jinhsi as she did every time, noting how Jinhsi instantly smiled when she saw all of them.

“Sanhua, thank you.” She mumbled with a sigh of relief.

“I’m just doing my job, my lady.” Sanhua quickly moved out of the way gesturing for Changli and Rover to go in before she averted her attention to Jinhsi. “Would you rather me guard the door or return to guard outside?”

“Oh, please come inside,” Jinhsi insisted. “you aren’t on duty right now and I don’t want you even trying to act as a guard.”

“But I-” Sanhua opened and closed her mouth as if she was about to say something, perhaps she had been about to contradict her lady.

Whether she was on duty or not, her main role was to protect Jinhsi. No matter the circumstances, protecting Jinhsi always just felt right, it’s what Sanhua had known for so long…but the Magistrate’s orders were the Magistrate’s order, Sanhua wouldn’t dare argue against them. She took a decisive step forward, if anything did happen Sanhua would be by Jinhsi’s side, she was still perfectly capable of protecting Jinhsi.

“How are you feeling, Jinhsi?” Changli already knew the answer but it was the easiest way to start off a conversation.

“Fine.” 

Jinhsi responded plainly as she sat down with Sanhua by her side yet that smile that she’d been wearing that grew dim instantly said otherwise. Changli silently tilted her head to the side, her eyes pitifully looking at Jinhsi, all she wanted to do was reach over and grab Jinhsi’s hand, even if they separated by quite a distance all Changli wanted to do was comfort her beloved Jinhsi…even if she knew she couldn’t. There were too many reasons as to why now of all moments she couldn’t and wouldn’t stress Jinhsi out anymore than she already was.

“You will do just fine.” Since she couldn’t touch Jinhsi, Changli was forced to settle on using her words. Though, no words could ever summarize all the work Jinhsi had put in and how prepared she was for the ceremony Changli did try to find a way to reassure her. “Every year, you worry about this ceremony and every year it goes well…You’ve been preparing for months.”

“...I know.” Jinhsi nodded, taking in a deep breath. 

“Besides,” Before Jinhsi could even think of drowning herself in more worry, Changli spoke up once again. She sat comfortably in her chair, crossing one leg over the other whilst she kept her arms before her chest. “no matter how well tonight will go. You have our trip next week to look forward to.”

“Wh- What trip?” It was the first Jinhsi had heard of this trip.

“The one we go on every year after the ceremony?” Changli responded almost as confused as Jinhsi. “How did you forget?”

“Lady Jinhsi if you would rather we can-”

“That is not happening, Sanhua~”

Changli gently reminded though her words were incredibly direct. She was just trying to remind Sanhua of everything they’d previously discussed in relation to this trip - one Jinhsi was never allowed to help plan since she had other things to worry about.

“But if-”

Sanhua barely managed to argue two words before Jinhsi intervened. She called out Sanhua for being so formal when they were just between each other and Sanhua was meant to not be on duty then she snapped back at Changli that she did remember the trip. Though, maybe, she shouldn’t have been so defensive given that Changli’s smile grew so mischievously dangerous as she started quizzing Jinhsi on it. Jinhsi didn’t understand the point of being quizzed when she had more important things to focus on but that was exactly why Changli was quizzing her.

Rover, on the other hand, stayed back, leaning into her chair as she watched the whole of the conversation unfold from a distance. If anything, she was currently actually an imposter. She was supposed to go meet up with Chixia and Yangyang whilst Changli went to meet up with Jinhsi and Sanhua but plans had changed and both Chixia and Yangyang got caught up with work. Rover was still going to meet them but not at their originally agreed time. They’d told her that the second they arrived they were going to contact her but until then Rover was a spectator, which she didn’t mind at all. If anything, she actually enjoyed getting to see this different side of both Jinhsi and Sanhua when they weren’t on duty.

Jinhsi was more carefree when she wasn’t on duty, obviously able to relax around her trusted Sanhua and Changli and though Sanhua was still rather cold there was a small constant smile at the corner of her lip that told Rover she was enjoying herself.

“Ah, sorry.” Out of nowhere, Rover’s communicator rang. Chixia and Yangyang were here. “I have to go but Jinhsi good luck, pleasure to see you again Sanhua and Changli will meet up after?”

Changli hummed along in confirmation as they waved her off. They watched her practically try to run away but pause to close the door as lightly as she could, probably trying to not disturb others yet the second the door closed they heard the sound of Rover’s heels clicking against the floor as she ran.

“You know this is her first Jinzhou event she will witness. We wouldn’t want to disappoint.” Changli teased with a wink.

“Don’t stress her out like that!” Sanhua snapped back with no hesitation. She didn’t even consider the fact that Changli may just be teasing her beloved Jinhsi to lighten the mood.

Changli couldn’t help but laugh in response. She very clearly was enjoying herself and the fact she managed to make the wrong person panic.

“It’s alright, Sanhua.” Jinhsi reassured laying her hand atop of Sanhua’s hand which caused the poor thing to go bright red.

“I was only kidding.” She admitted for Sanhua’s case more than anyone else. “Rover will likely be impressed no matter what Jinhsi does. Every year Jinhsi you worry about the ceremony and every year it always goes flawlessly.”

“But I…”

“You’ll be fine~” Changli jumped in again but she stared at Sanhua whilst she said it trying to get her to say anything to encourage Jinhsi.

The knight in literal shining armor took the hint and tried to encourage Jinhsi. She wasn’t the best with her words and she wasn’t sure what it was that Changli expected her to say so she settled for a promise to stay by Jinhsi’s side during the whole of the night. And before Jinhsi could even argue that Sanhua was not on duty Sanhua added that she was sticking by Jinhsi for other reasons. Sanhua didn’t elaborate on them, of course.

Everything felt like it was suffocating her, everything felt both too warm and too cold, everything was too close to her from how her dress was sticking to her skin to the people nearby all lost in conversation and enjoying the evening. Changli couldn’t handle it anymore. She kept her hands close to her chest - almost hugging herself - so she didn’t freeze but it did nothing. Whilst she had been with either Rover, Jinhsi or Sanhua all the symptoms of her fever had been tolerable because they distracted her and made her feel so at ease but now…now it was all too much.

She kept smiling as if she was okay, two people had asked to see her and she kept nodding at whatever they said even if she wasn’t actually concentrating and they barely even paid attention to her. She finally found a chance to excuse herself and the second she’d given her proper goodbyes her eyes had started scavenging the whole of the room to find Rover. There was an unbelievable amount of people who were attending the ceremony tonight and of all the nights where Rover could have decided on wearing dark colors she thought tonight was a good idea. Changli couldn’t see her anywhere in the crowd but she did see a young woman with short fiery hair. From such a distance she couldn’t tell who it was, she hoped it was Chixia and that Rover would still be with her. She let out a weak sigh as she finally got closer and recognized it was Rover whose back was turned away from her.

“Rover,” Changli mumbled, touching her arm for a few seconds just to grab her attention. She regretted it almost instantly when she saw Rover grab her arm when she saw her turn around and looked stunned at Changli. “sorry, I just wanted to tell you I’m going outside.”

“Are you-?”

Rover couldn’t even finish her question before Changli had disappeared. It was as if she’d turned into ashes right then and there in front of Rover. Rover tried to look around, she tried to make sense of where Changli had gone but she couldn’t so she turned back to her companions and told them that Changli wanted to see her outside. Yangyang, obviously noticing Rover was suddenly very distracted, asked if everything was alright.

“I am…” But she had no way of knowing if Changli was. “If I don’t come back it’s because I’m staying with Changli.”

“Okay!” Chixia replied with far too much enthusiasm.

She was quite eager to kick Rover away as she looped her and Yangyang’s arms together insisting one second that everything was okay and dragging Yangyang away from Rover the next. Rover wanted to mouth a ‘thank you’ to Chixia but her friend never looked back at her and Rover had no time to lose. She spun around and the second she saw a sign that ‘exit’ she ran towards it in hopes she could find even the slightest clues as to where her Changli had gone missing…

The temperature inside versus outside the building were two different things. Inside even with a blazer Rover felt comfortable yet outside her first instinct had been to remove it to not die of heat. It surprised Rover but somehow also only made her more determined to find Changli. She ran down the stairs, constantly looking around trying to spot Changli desperately in the same way she had back when they were in the Sonoro Sphere. Sanhua, unfortunately, was no longer being let out of Jinhsi’s sight and therefore wasn’t at her so-called post meaning that Rover couldn’t rely on her for any information. There were other guards, of course but Rover wasn’t familiar with any of them and she didn’t dare disturb them.

The more steps Rover descended without spotting Changli the more she started worrying. She ran a hand through her bangs wondering where in the world she had gone, Rover would have assumed that she couldn’t have gotten away far but as time passed-

By some miracle she finally, finally spotted a silhouette of someone sitting on a bench. She wasn’t sure if it was Changli but she still took her chance and kept running. Her feet were going to kill her later for the amount of running she was doing in these heels but Rover could be less than bothered to care.

“Changli?” She whispered to not startle the person. Being so much closer to the silhouette now she had a good feeling that it was indeed Changli.

“Yes?” The beautiful woman snapped her head towards the voice after a few seconds. She smiled delicately when she saw it was only Rover. “I thought I told you I was fine?”

“Well, you left so quickly that I just wanted to make sure…”

Changli chuckled lightly. “I’m fine Rover, I just needed some air. You should go back.”

For a few brief moments, Rover debated asking Changli if that was the truth. The woman was so quick, too quick, to dismiss Rover, she was sitting alone, in the darkness…It was unlike her from what all of her friends had been telling her. Usually, Changli was apparently the first one to be socializing with everyone, getting to know the guest or helping them out in any way she could. Rover had no idea if that was the truth or not but one thing was for sure…that very Changli everyone had described wasn’t present tonight. A much colder and more tired Changli was.

“Your touch earlier…”

“Ah yes sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Rover shook her head, signaling that it was no big deal.

Touching Rover had been a silly mistake that held such grave consequences. Changli knew how to control her Forte, she spent years trying to master it so she didn’t hurt anyone let alone someone as important as Rover. Out of pure habit she looked down at her left hand - the one that would forever be tainted red - she debated despite the fact that it was just the two of them, that no prying eyes or ears were nearby, if telling Rover the truth would be the best thing. Despite everything, she couldn’t bring herself to burden someone with the very thing that caused her so much pain.

“You’re warmer than usual.” Rover’s distant voice rang in Changli’s ears. She felt Rover pressing their hands together. Whatever she had just said…it hadn’t been a question. “Earlier you kept quite a distance from me and you did the same thing with Jinhsi. Then when you touched me it was burning but that…Changli you’re shivering.”

Ever since they’d met by Changli’s place, since Changli hadn’t taken Rover’s hand Rover had had a gut feeling that something was wrong and it seemed she was correct. Even though Changli was determined to stay silent, lost in her own thoughts, Rover rushed to remove her blazer and throw it on top of the poor woman’s shoulder. She heard Changli laugh somberly as the weight of the blazer got settled onto her; however, she didn’t rush to remove it, all she did was clutch onto it. She had been taken completely off guard, she hadn’t even said anything, explained anything yet Rover had guessed it all. She knew Rover’s eyes were fixated on her and she also knew she had to think of something to say and had to think of a way to get herself out of the situation quickly . The last thing she wanted for tonight was to ruin it for Jinhsi or Rover, no matter what it took from her she would keep herself together. She took a deep breath before she chose to bear that mischievous, unreadable, smile and look Rover in the eyes. With everything she could muster Changli coated her voice with its usual tease.

“I thought I’d told you that my Forte causes me to have a higher temperature than others?

“Even then you are warmer than usual.”

Silently, all Changli did was nod her head before she tried to push herself up from where she was sitting. She had to create some distance between her and Rover despite everything that her body screamed at her. It felt like she didn’t have a choice given that she didn’t want to risk hurting Rover…again.

Rover did ask her to sit back down but Changli kept walking away slowly, making her way back to the main room. She knew Rover was stubborn, she knew that woman would run after her, Changli knew she would grab her wrist to stop her in her tracks and somehow, she didn’t try to stop Rover.

She had no will or strength to fight Rover not tonight and not on this. She forced herself to turn around slowly and looked Rover in the eyes. “You know no matter what you say I will not be missing tonight.”

Rover nodded her head all too easily. “Just let me check if you have a fever.”

Changli let her head fall to the side with a discouraged sigh. Checking was useless, she’d already done it countless times at home, she already knew the answer to the question ‘do you have a fever but for some reason she wasn’t even sure she understood she let Rover check. Rover’s hand was so cold against her forehead, it felt almost comforting compared to Changli’s own hand and the fact she was freezing. She smiled watching Rover flip her hand trying to make sense of it even if it was impossible.

“I can tell you directly that I do have a fever, I checked before.”

“Then you should be resting.”

Changli shook her head, instantly refusing the idea. She brushed away Rover’s hand preparing herself to turn away again when Rover insinuated that they should at least rest outside a bit but Changli just shook her head once more.

“The ceremony will start soon and I’d rather overclock again than miss it.”

“What?” Oh the shook on Rover’s face was painful to look at. Those eyes were so wide, her mouth fallen to the ground and not in a good sense. “That is not something to joke about, Changli.”

It was something that Changli shouldn’t have said, something that slipped from her too loose tongue before she had the chance to think . Somehow, she’d forgotten that her words had an effect on another and she’d forgotten that she was in front of someone who cared a little bit too much about her to ignore such comments. She almost instantly regretted her word choice but she had to play it off, she had to smile through all of the pain, chuckling lightly as if to tell Rover it was nothing more than a joke. The way Rover’s eyes went narrow told her that she didn’t believe her. Those usually soft eyes were so far from reassuring right now as they looked Changli up and down.

“I’ll be fine.”

Changli had been through so much worse, right?

She was only an instant away from reaching over to caress Rover’s cheek, to tell her that she was used to this but her touch was too warm to risk it. So instead, she slipped her arms into the blazer - effectively, stealing the blazer the night though Rover surely wouldn’t mind. Rover did separate her lips to comment but chose to smile instead with a small nod of her head saying she approved of the new look. She also shot a quick glance at her watch then turned it around to show Changli the time.

“We have half an hour before the ceremony. Can you take ten minutes to sit outside with me? If you need water or need me to get Jinhsi I will-”

“No. No, the last thing you are doing is getting her .” Just the idea alone of Jinhsi rushing to make sure she was okay was enough to make her refuse it instantly.  “It’s not in her best interest to know about this and she wouldn’t understand anyways.”

Somehow, once again Changli’s word choice did nothing but shock Rover. The way she looked at Changli so curiously as they sat back down was as clear as the day that had left hours ago. She wasn’t sure she understood what Changli could possibly mean by that until Changli started explaining that most people assumed that Changli’s body temperature was higher because of her Forte…they didn’t actually know or need to know anything else about her. Barely anyone knew just how strong her Forte was let alone how it kept taking her life or how she was alive because of it. Rover was an exception to all rules.

“Jinhsi doesn’t know anything?”

“It’s not in her best interest to know…” Changli repeated. “Besides, it’s not something I can change so, unfortunately, the best thing to do is accept it.

“Changli…”

At the mention of her name, Changli shifts her gaze towards Rover, smiling gentilly, she was completely unphased by the serious situation or the question that laid on Rover’s lips. It was a question that most would be too afraid to ask, a question Rover isn’t even sure she should ask. She’s not sure she wants to know Changli’s response if Changli even decided on giving her a sincere answer.

“Time is ticking and the ceremony will begin soon…”

Changli was well aware that the longer she stayed the more time she gave Rover to come up with another question. She didn’t mind the previous question per say nor did she mind talking about her Forte or all the consequences that arise from it, she was just not…used to talking about it…she wasn’t used to letting anyone know how she truly felt. However, when Rover didn’t give her a definitive answer Changli knows it is because she wants to say something else. With a sly smile she tells Rover that she may ask any question she wants. A chance no one had ever been given. No one had ever earned nor cared to have such a chance.

“How do you…uh feel in regards to your condition?” So hesitantly Rover started speaking. “Based on what you told Fuling I feel like you’ve related to her but now look at your situation differently.”

“My, my this is really turning into an interrogation. Worried about me, are we?” She replied, going right back to teasing Rover as if she hadn’t given Rover the permission to ask the question.

“Changli…” All Rover has to do is say her name. Her tone was slightly harsher than necessary because she cares and does worry.

“Well, in the past, I have felt helpless…I’ve also shed plenty of tears…and there…well, I’ve come to peace with my situation now.” As she spoke, Changli also tilted her head upwards, perhaps trying to stop tears from even threatening to fall. “There isn’t much of anything I can do so…so long as I can protect others…I’m satisfied.”

Satisfied…Not contente or happy because it wasn’t the life Changli chose for herself nor the one the young Changli wanted. It’s a life Changli said she had been given no choice but to accept.

Hence, those words hung bitterly in the air. Rover wasn’t sure what she should say after hearing them…It wasn’t the first time she’d heard Changli blatantly admit that her own life didn’t mean anything to her. Time and time again whether because of her Forte or because she wished to protect others…Rover had noticed it too many times.

It was almost as if Changli lived for others instead of for herself…it was also the complete opposite to how she was when she was younger. Young Changli only wished for a way to survive, she isolated herself from everyone to not hurt them as she also looked forward to a tomorrow where she could help others and be happy…that tomorrow somehow never arrived.

Rover really just couldn’t find any way to respond to Changli; everything she thought of saying just felt wrong since nothing Rover could do or say would heal what had already killed Changli. The only thing Rover could bring herself to do in the situation was to lay her hand atop of Changli’s left one, brushing her thumb against the bare skin as they stayed sitting in silence, a mutual understanding hugging the both of them.

“Someone once told me…That there are people who care about me…that they want to see me live and be happy.” Changli spoke as she turned her head towards Rover, smiling once more. “I’m just taking her advice…If you were wondering why I’m answering all of your questions so honestly.”

“I- I was.” Rover admitted, a little embarrassed that Changli had managed to read her thoughts so easily. “I’m sure that person cares a lot about you.” 

She mumbled recalling how the person Changli was mentioning was her, recalling how she had said those very words to Fuling but had indirectly directed them towards Changli. Somehow, just knowing that Changli did in fact hear her back then…it warmed her heart.

“She does.” Changli answered with a light chuckle. She moved Rover’s hand so instead she could intertwine their fingers together. “And she means more to me than she knows.”

Without another word, just looking at the city Changli laid her head onto Rover’s shoulder. They’d have to go back to the ceremony soon but for now they were comfortable together, just the two of them…

The ceremony, of course, went off without a hitch. Just like Changli had planned and expected. Jinhsi had been perfect from start to finish. From the way she’d gone up to the microphone of the stage so gracefully to her speech where she’d never once stuttered and that she’d delivered flawlessly to the moment where the ceremony ended and Jinhsi bid her goodbyes to the crowd. Everyone had given her a well-deserved standing ovation and cheered her on. During the whole time of the ceremony, Changli couldn’t help but smile. Words could not express just how proud she was of her Jinhsi and how far she’d come during all these years performing the same ceremony over and over again.

The second the ceremony was over and the lights - that had been dimmed to set a calmer ambiance - returned, most of the crowd rushed towards the exit. The night for most of the guests was just beginning but Changli and Rover chose to stay seated calmly. Once the ground was gone it was going to make it easier to find Jinhsi anyway. Yet with the lights back on and as the noise settled down Rover finally noticed how much pain Changli was in. As the night progressed, it became harder and harder for her to hide it. She was still wearing Rover’s blazer, clutching her head to try once again to find out if her fever had improved or worsened but it was as futile as ever.

“Changli…” Realizing her name had been called she quickly looked up to Rover. Despite their conversation earlier, she still chose to hide evidence of how she felt only mere seconds ago. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Her voice was far too weak and tired for that to be the truth. “We should go find Jinhsi.”

“Can I check if you have a fever again?”

Compared to earlier, Rover didn’t hesitate with her question as she understood the situation. When Changli had been sitting on the bench alone Rover had no idea what was going on…she could only try to make sense of the situation. And although Changli seemed to hesitate for a moment or two, maybe already aware of the answer, she quickly decided on nodding her head. So just like earlier, Rover laid the back of her hand onto Changli’s forehead. Though it was difficult for Rover to know if anything had changed and Changli had purposely not brought her thermometer with her if Rover had to guess-

“Your fever has gotten worse…”

“I know…” Changli mumbled weakly. “but the evening is just beginning.”

“I don’t care,” Rover reminded with a stern, such a stern tone. “your health is far more important.”

The words came without warning and Changli’s eyes went wide when she heard them. She quickly looked downwards, laughing to conceal her reaction before just as quickly she looked back at Rover, she tilted her head to the side and with a delicate, appreciative smile spoke.

“I know…” She repeated but this time her voice sounded a little defeated…Saying Changli didn’t like how her health seemed to be dictating everything felt like an understatement. Her health chose how and when she could use her Forte, how and when she would suffer the consequences of using her Forte as well as how and when she’ll have to pay the ultimate price for having such a power…

“Come here.” Rover insisted as she got up and extended her hand for Changli to grab. She didn’t explain why she was extending her hand and she didn’t need to, Changli understood. She took Rover’s hand without hesitating and let herself be pulled up, she let herself be enveloped by those delicate arms. “Let me bring you home and take care of you?”

It was asked as a question instead of a plain statement because despite it all Rover knew that Changli was probably used to this and that she may want to be left alone. Of course, Rover did hope that after what had happened this evening and also everything that they’d been through Changli would give her a chance.

“And what would you even do?”

“Anything you want or need me to do.”

She replied easily. She felt Changli’s arm squeezing round her just a little tighter because of them though the tired woman still chose to remain silent. Once again, it was just the two of them together and alone…

“Fine,” After a few minutes, Changli finally gave her verdict. She also pulled herself away from Rover’s hug. “but I must speak to Jinhsi first.”

“Of course.” 

Rover wasn’t even surprised that Changli still worried about Jinhsi more than herself. She’d expected it and grabbed Changli’s hand before the other woman could protest. They were going to find Jinhsi together and whilst they walked around, Rover was determined to show Changli that it was okay for them to be so close, she wanted to prove to Changli that her Forte wasn’t going to hurt her.

It, unsurprisingly, wasn’t very difficult to find Jinhsi. No matter what she did she was still the Magistrate of Jinzhou and also the star of tonight’s ceremony - she was incredibly easy to find. And as she saw Changli and Rover approaching she smiled like a little child.

“Let me talk to her alone.” Changli pleaded as she let go of Rover’s hand. She turned her head back just like that very time when she left Rover to go burn the Sonoro Sphere. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

Only this time, Rover confidently nodded her head pointing to a wall where she’d go wait for Changli.

“Jinhsi,” By the time Changli arrived by the younger one’s side she could no longer contain her proud smile. She wanted to pull Jinhsi into an embrace like she used to but she made a point not to. Her fever was only worsening, meaning Changli in general is warmer…touching Jinhsi would give everything away. “you were outstanding.”

“I couldn’t have done it without everyone.” The usual humble answer Jinhsi always threw Changli’s way.

“I told you; you had nothing to worry about earlier and I was correct.” Changli answered with a subtle mischievous grin. Her Jinhsi really worried far too much for her own good.

“Thank you, my teacher.”

Changli shook her head, specifying that there is no need to thank her. “Rover and I will take our leave for the night but I wanted to come see you before to share my congratulations.”

“You're both leaving? Are you okay? Is Rover. okay?”

As best as she managed whilst still smiling Changli nodded her head. “We’re both fine, rest assured. Rover has an early morning tomorrow and has asked me to be her wayfinder once more.”

“I see.” Though Jinhsi was visibly a little disappointed that she wouldn’t get to spend more time with Changli she did understand the so-called situation that was nothing more than a lie. “I wish you both good luck on your trip tomorrow and thank you for coming. Your presence…means a lot.”

“I’ll always be there when you need me.” There hadn’t been a single ceremony since Changli had become Jinhsi’s mentor that she’d missed. “Spend the night with Sanhua, will you? If you don't, I fear she may be lurking in the shadows acting as if she was on duty the whole night.”

“Oh, I know.” Jinhsi answered as a subtle laugh escaped from her throat. They both look at the same dark alley at the same time where Sanhua had decided to hide herself. She was well hidden; they must both had to admit it; she was just not hidden well enough for the two people who were too used to her tactics.

Laughing together, Changli wished Jinhsi a good rest of her evening before she waved her goodbye and returned to Rover. Her fake smile of being okay disappeared within an instant as she arrived by Rover’s side but that genuine one signaling that she was proud of Jinhsi stayed, no matter what. 

“Are you okay?” Rover asked once again as she took Changli’s hand and they both got prepared to leave.

“...I am.” Changli managed to respond. She was the one who guided the both of them back to her place just like she guided them both to Mt. Firmament.

And when they got back to Changli’s place they both removed their shoes, placing them where they belonged before Rover asked Changli how she may be of assistance. Changli, as Rover had expected, tried to brush her away by insinuating that she’d already done more than enough.

“Are you sure?”

“My, do you always believe I’m lying?” Changli teased.

“Not always but you’ve been putting on a brave face for the whole of the evening and are still wearing it now so yes.”

Changli laughed at the idea that Rover knew her so well, she also found it sweet. She reluctantly asked Rover to prepare her a few things whilst she went to take a quick shower to shed the worries of the night and try to cool herself down. Then she crawled into her very comfortable bed and signaled for Rover to come with her. Rover was about to argue that she shouldn’t overstep but Changli reminded her that these were her crystal-clear instructions so Rover did as told. Once she sat down comfortably and Changli was done throwing her arm around so they could cuddle, Rover set a cold wet towel that Changli had asked her to prepare earlier onto her forehead. Rover hoped that even if Changli was trying to wrap herself in about a million blankets the towel would help break her fever…

“Is it too cold or warm?” Rover questioned just to make sure.

“It’s fine.” Changli breathed deeply leaning into Rover a little more. “You know…this brings back so many memories…”

“What?” Rover didn’t remember having ever cuddled this way with Changli.

“I used to do this with Jinhsi all the time,” She started explaining. “Whenever she was exhausted, overwhelmed or stressed and needed or wanted me I kept her close to me like this and sang a lullaby only known to her and I.”

“Like the one you sang to me on the boat to Mt. Firmament?”

“That was a different one but yes just like that. It always helped calm her down and she usually fell asleep in my arms after them...”

Rover pondered if that was what her Changli wanted her to do, Changli only shrugged her shoulders instead of giving a direct answer. She didn’t care what Rover did so long as she stayed by Changli’s side so that is what Rover would do…She hugged Changli tighter, whispering sweet nothings to her because sometimes all one needed was a hug.

They stayed like that until Rover decided it may be best to remove the towel from Changli’s head - it wasn’t very cold now anyways.

“Shhh…” Rover calmed as she felt Changli flinching against her touch. “Just close your eyes...I’m not going anywhere.”

Maybe in the morning, Changli would feel better or maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe she would be thankful Rover was there or maybe she’d wish to never speak about it again but regardless of her decision Rover would be there for her.