Work Text:
The absolute darkness that started to surround him was something difficult to get used to. It was terrible, he thought. The sight of dirty walls and bloody bars, and of course Hoolays hovering over him like vultures over their prey was a mirage piercing his mind before his sense of sight gave in completely. As a war medic, he had sometimes imagined this kind of scenario, somehow for the last past few years, he had hopes. He truly believed that the light that surrounded Her face like a halo would never let him stray into darkness. And now he was dying here, alone. He couldn’t even manage a smile.
Perhaps his destiny was being fulfilled at this very moment. Oh, how noble that sounds, a medic hero who had done everything he could and had fallen in battle. And yet, he felt useless. His breathing was getting even more shallow, and the cacophony in his ears was complemented by the sounds of drops falling on the stone slabs. He had a brief thought, maybe he should leave Feixiao a note, in which he would’ve apologized for his foolishness, and his future absence at the flower arbor that was their special spot. But now fatigue paralyzed his arms, legs and chest, making him shiver in the depths of the prison.
I know I shouldn’t have ask. I don’t even know which Aeon I could, but please, hear my humble prayers. Lead Feixiao home after every battle, do it for eternity. Please take care of her like I couldn’t.
** ** ** ** ** **
Another unbearable and suffocating feeling has appeared.
Jiaoqiu felt as if he was alive, but no stimulus could confirm it. He was staring into a distant void that reminded him of nothing he had ever experienced before. Perhaps he regained consciousness as a soul travelling far above the Xianzhou Alliance ships, but every breath causing the searing pain in his esophagus suggested that the afterlife he spoke of to his comrades to soothe their war-weary hearts, could not be such agony.
Rustling of the bedding and the steady clatter of solid leather boots brought him back to earth. He frowned and directed all his strength into his left hand.
- General Feixiao, is that you? – he tried to find her in the fog that obscured his vision. Oh for now he was certain. He is alive, and he even managed to get his beloved General cry.
Of course, she tried to sound unfazed, but the vibrating sounds of her words and warm drops on his hands has betrayed her completely.
- You don’t even know how ironic you looked, surrounded by medics, Jiaoqiu – she placed her hand on his, stroking it gently and caressing his sore skin, stretched and burned like the parchment on which he used to write prescriptions and recommendations.
- Believe me, I would also be surprised in your place. This is how I feel when you don’t listen to my wise words, probably.
- Oh, Jiaoqiu – she put her second hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat. The muscles in her face that had been strained for hours gave away, allowing her to finally smile gently. – Believe me, it’s hard to believe that I ever looked so hopeless on your medical couch. His hand moved up, searching for her face. Feixiao didn’t even try to resist. She brought her cheek closer to his pale palm, and oh, for all Aeons. He wanted to feel it for eternity. Her warm, but delicate skin felt like silk on his fingertips. - I was told that you may have a long recovery time, and… - Feixiao held her breath. – Unfortunately, your visual nerves could not be saved.
- I was ready for it, Fei.
- I know. And it pisses me off immensely – she dug her nails into his palm. – But this is not the time for disagreements, Qiu. I trust you in every situation, and I couldn’t prevent it.. but I just don’t want to imagine what would happen if you…
- Would you mind lying down next to me?
Feixiao hesitated at first, because Jiaoqiu had never been so bold. She was the one who always shut him up when he was stressed about her condition. Now she had to let him do the same.
She slid carefully on his mattress and placed his arm on her shoulder. Now he felt her light breath on his cheek. It soothed every kind of pain he had in himself. Her ears, which rose nervously from time to time gently tickled his head. He couldn’t have been more calm for now. Feixiao was fine, safe and sound, just as he prayed while being on the verge of death.
- I was so afraid, you know? – she mumbled in half sleep. He suspected that her steadfastness in keeping watch kept her for resting during his coma.
– It was a completely different kind of fear I had ever felt. And I don’t want to feel that ever again. Jiaoqiu just sighed and hugged her tighter. This delicate words squeezed his heart. The aching body warmed up slowly. Firstly, he tried place a hand on her forehead, but that action came out a little clumsy. But it didn’t matter in that moment. His fingertips moved lower, tracing the curve on her spiky nose, until his thumb finally stopped at her lips, which curved into a delicate smile at his gentle gesture.
- My oath to you is clear, General Feixiao. I wouldn’t dare to bother you again like that ever again. I promise.
- So – her face moved closer to his, making her thumb the only thing separating their mouths.
– Can you seal that promise, my dear medician?
He just laughed softly, feeling her playful tone. For a brief moment, he felt like in that old legend that is often repeated by couples wandering the streets of the Xianzhou. Lovers will always find a way to return to each other’s arms in the evening. The kiss they shared was short but delicate, like the flower petals he often observed on his balcony. Feixiao never really paid any attention to them, but he cherished them carefully, stating that, in some ways they are very similar to his beloved. His chapped lips tried their best to show the devotion she wanted to feel. And, of course, they did not fail her at all.
- I’m so glad to be home, Fei.