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He couldn't sleep.
No matter how much he tossed and turned, no matter how many positions he changed and how many pillows he threw, Nezha just couldn't sleep.
Now, he wasn't an insomniac or anything. He never had any trouble going to sleep. The only weird thing about his sleeping is that he slept lightly and could wake up easily. That condition had only worsened after everything, considering a few nights ago, when he jolted from his sleep just because a twig broke outside of his window. The nightmares were prominent too, but Ao Bing was always there for him, curling up around him in dragon form or just laying beside him, his breathing lulling Nezha right back to sleep.
That couldn't be the issue. Ao Bing had gone to see his father and the dragon clan just that morning. He missed them, and he was worried about their new situation, so he went to see how they were adapting. He promised Nezha he'd be back before the week ended. And that was okay. Nezha wasn't clingy. And his sleeplessness was because of something else. Maybe he ate too much that night.
As he turned for what felt like the billionth time, his thoughts went back to Ao Bing. Sure, his presence was comforting to Nezha, they were the half of each other's soul after all; being with Ao Bing was as easy to him as breathing. And, sure, he always made falling back to sleep easy, but it was never this hard to fall asleep in the first place!
He genuinely felt like he was losing his mind.
It wasn't until the crack of dawn that he finally managed to get some rest, though he was promptly awoken by his master mere minutes later. This is fine. Nezha could handle this.
Nezha couldn't handle this at all.
In the past four days, the amount of sleep he got was probably around three hours. The uneasiness had continued, making it practically impossible to sleep through. Which was weird because whenever he felt bad or sad or guilty he could sleep the bad thoughts away. During punishments, he could sleep for days on end, and then would wake up energized and ready to spread chaos.
This wasn't like him at all. Now he was groggy during training and would mostly sleep instead of meditate. Every time his master caught him, he'd wake him abruptly, which mostly ended up in them arguing with each other. It was when Nezha didn't have the energy even to argue when Taiyi got concerned.
His father often showed concern too. Well, his father was always concerned over his son ever since his mother died. And, of course, his mother's death was frequent during his nightmares. Even now that he wasn't sleeping, his mind would go back to those moments in the cauldron and tiredly loop around them.
Which led to another major thought Nezha had during the night; Ao Bing was out there, traveling probably hundreds of miles by himself to find the dragon clan. And, it's not that Nezha didn't trust his friend or his martial prowess, but times are changing fast. Who knows what heaven will be up to next, and knowing their abilities, they might try to ambush them. What if they hurt Ao Bing while he was on his way back? They were thousands. If they wanted to they could probably immobilize the dragon and then-
Nezha growled and turned to look up at the ceiling of his bedroom. It was roughly patched up, but mostly salvaged during the repairs. It was definitely in better condition compared to the rest of the pass. He counted the cracks on the ceiling, trying to save his mind from spiraling again.
He had those thoughts often. About their upcoming challenges and battles concerning heaven. Because this wasn't over yet, they would have to face them again and again, until justice was served. But he didn't want to lose anymore loved ones in the process. He didn't want to lose Ao Bing.
Nezha knew he had grown increasingly protective over his dear friend. He didn't know how much he'd be able to handle his loss, if he'd be able to continue without his support and the steady thrum of his spiritual energy, pounding like his heartbeat and mixing with his own, creating a symphony that is known from the very start of the universe.
He threw off the covers and got off of his bed. It was nearing dawn and Nezha knew he wouldn't get any sleep at all. His mind was wondering to places he didn't like. He needed some fresh air.
He no longer had his fire wheels —that scum of an immortal had stolen his weapons— so he leisurely walked towards the only place he has known peace.
Passing through the central area of Chentang Pass, it had an eeire atmosphere to it; especially to Nezha, who had lived to see it bustling with people going around for their work, it was definitely jarring to see it completely deserted now. The few burnt bodies that remained were especially gut wrenching, hitting Nezha with an overwhelming guilt that made his heart drop to his stomach.
This was a really bad fucking week in general. Nezha was at that point of sleep deprivation that he wanted to randomly lash out to anything and anyone, often grumpily stomping away from his master (or maybe that was just something he did in general).
He eventually reached the beach where he first met Ao Bing. It was peaceful; a light, cold breeze, indicating the coming of fall hit him. The beach itself was lit from the rising sun, shining behind Nezha who sat down to look at the open sea.
The colors reminded him of his dear friend. The darkness of the sea blending with the gradually increasing light, creating endless hues of blue and purple. Cerulean like his eyes and horns, light blue like his scales, and every color in between falling like a waterfall in his hair. His skin soft and pale just like the clouds overhead, with light pink dusting his cheeks and plump lips. And they were smiling at him. He was-
-here?
Ao Bing emerged from the sea, drops of salt water following him and swiftly leaving his changing form, obeying to his command. He had made his journey back in his dragon form, so he stretched his human limbs above his head.
He was glad to see his father and fellow dragons were okay and adapting well to their new habitat. Most of them were overjoyed to be back in water and away from their underground purgatory, while some felt safe enough to start repopulating again. Ao Bing was so glad to know new members of his people would soon be joining the world. As their beloved family prince, who had helped gain their freedom, he was asked to touch and 'transfer some of his good luck' onto the eggs. He did so happily, of course.
His father was also elated to see him. Though he was at first hesitant regarding his son's choice of 'following his heart', he was glad to see him be okay and happy. Ao Bing's heart longed to see justice be brought to the world, for both humans and demons. Ao Bing's heart longed for Nezha.
It was with that thought that they parted ways again, Ao Guang making his son promise once more to stay safe and ask for help should he ever need it in the future.
Now that he was back, the warm breeze encompassed his form and the familiar earthly scent soothed his senses. His muscles were aching from the day-long journey, but he was glad to be home and couldn't wait to nap near the warmth of a campfire. Preferably one made by Nezha.
Speaking of which— Ao Bing looked around at the beach and was surprised to be met with the boy himself. The closer he got to his friend however, the more concerned he grew; his amber eyes seemed dull and his naturally dark eyes were even darker, appearing nearly sunken.
The dragon immediately sprinted to Nezha's side. Did something happen while he was away? Had someone attacked Chentang Pass, taking the opportunity while he was away?
The moment Ao Bing grabbed his shoulders to demand for answers, Nezha slumped forward into the other's chest.
Ao Bing was taken aback from the action. "Nezha, what's wrong?"
Nezha didn't reply immediately, staying in the other's arms. Ao Bing in answer held him closer and patted his back —which was a bit awkward considering Nezha's taller stature— and waited for him to say something.
"Let's just... go home." he eventually said in a small voice.
Ao Bing rarely saw this level of vulnerability come from the other. Touched by Nezha's words urging him to go home —as if it was theirs—, Ao Bing switched into his dragon form once again and, while trying not to jostle him too much, placed him on his back and gracefully flew towards the Li manor.
Nezha was gently laid on the bed, Ao Bing making sure to pull away the covers before so he could tuck him in. Before he was able to do so however, Nezha reached out and grabbed Ao Bing by the front of his robes.
After quickly checking that everything in Chentang pass was fine from above, Ao Bing figured that Nezha had been training hard the past few days and was just more tired than usual. And that was okay —sure, Ao Bing was a little disappointed that he wouldn't get to have the other to himself all day, but he deserved the rest.
He was caught off guard and was dragged onto the bed as well; Nezha's dead weight pulling him down and on top of him. "Nezha?" Ao Bing tried to awkwardly manuever out of his hold and in a more appropriate position, but Nezha's more muscled arms held him down against his chest. Ao Bing could feel his ears turning red.
"Nezha, come on, you need to sleep-" a harder shove this time momentarily freed him, before Nezha encircled both arms around his neck and flopped down once more, the dragon falling in the other's embrace with a yelp. He could get out of the hold if he really wanted to, but not without hurting the other.
The demon whined, twisting his torso so they were both sideways. Ao Bing sighed, he wouldn't be let go so easily.
Nezha let a pleased sigh and nuzzled his face further into Ao Bing's neck. Instinctively, Ao Bing tried to move away, the contact tickling his throat. Nezha only grumbled and pulled the both of them further up the bed.
This was odd. Sure, they cuddled when they slept almost constantly, but usually Ao Bing had more freedom during it. This was desperate, as if Nezha was afraid that his friend would vanish again if he let go.
Ao Bing softened a little at that thought. He loosened his hold and threw the covers on top of them. He was still dressed in his outer robes and salt clung onto every inch of him, but he could take care of that once he had comforted his friend. "It's okay, I'm here now." Ao Bing whispered in the dark of the room, petting the unruly hair that tickled his face.
Nezha stirred a bit at that; "This isn't a dream, right?". Ao Bing paused.
"No, it isn't. I've been gone for only five days, is everything alright?"
Nezha took a second to answer that. "No. I mean- nothing bad happened, it's just," Nezha looked up, Ao Bing patiently waited for him to continue.
Staring into familiar blue eyes, every concern in Nezha's mind dissipated. They all seemed so small and trivial now, he couldn't remember why he was concerned in the first place.
Ao Bing, sensing his struggle, shushed him and cuddled closer again. He placed his forehead on the other's, connecting their marks together, and closed his eyes; "I'm here for you. You can tell me whatever you need. I'm here." he repeated like a mantra, hoping to calm his friend down.
Nezha felt a plethora of emotions; relief, happiness, guilt. But most of all, he was tired. He was so, so emotionally drained by everything, that Ao Bing's short absence made him almost fall apart. It couldn't be healthy latching onto his best friend like that, but he just needed a moment of rest. The thought of being selfish to one of the most important people to him weighed heavily on his conscience.
"I'm sorry." he said eventually in a small voice.
Ao Bing was taken aback by the apology. Nezha had a tendency to be more open and vulnerable towards him, but it was never like this; tangled together in bed, feeling his breath on his throat, holding onto each other so intimately.
"You have nothing to apologize for. You are my closest person, Nezha. You've saved me so many times. I chose to stay with you so that we can face everything together, to be on each other's side, and I'm not leaving any time soon."
Nezha was touched by Ao Bing's honesty. He pulled back, only to curl even further into their cuddle. In this position, Ao Bing felt a silent tear fall on his collarbone, but spoke nothing of it.
That morning was silent, but their souls were alight with their newfound closeness. They both slept peacefully in each other's embrace until later on in the day, since no one had the heart to wake them up.