The quilt surrounding him was soft, and the pillow beneath his head was comfortable. Even without opening his eyes, Xin Lin knew he wasn't in his bed in the servants quarters. His bed wasn't this comfortable. He turned over to find a more comfortable position. It didn't matter, Wangye had saved him, he had no need to worry about what ifs. His mind started to drift away again.
“Xin Lin.” A deep masculine voice called him from the depths of sleep.
“Mn,” a hand touched his shoulder and Xin Lin swatted it away without opening his eyes.
“A-Lin, Lin-er, it's time to wake.” Despite its insistence the voice was gentle and a little pampering.
“No, don’ wanna.” Xin Lin’s sleep laden voice came out nasally and muffled by the pillow he buried himself in. He was comfortable here, he had no need to wake up. The fly should stop buzzing.
“I’ll kiss you if you don't open your eyes,” this time the voice had leaned in and whispered such words in his ears. Xin Lin felt a tingle in his spine and opened his bleary eyes to see who it was. At first he had thought it was Su-ge, but now that he thought of it, the voice didn't match.
And indeed truth is stranger than fiction.
It was Wangye!
“W-wangye, why are you here?” Xin Lin sat up in surprise, ah he almost thought that creep had returned!
“Can I not be here?” Jing Shu quirked an eyebrow, and held back a chuckle. Xin Lin’s bed hair was so cute!
Xin-hair-sticking-up-Lin: “Ah no, of course! Wangye can be here! I was just wondering why you would want to?” He was a bit uncertain and confused.
Jing Shu sighed, ai, in light of past events it wasn't impossible that Xin Lin forgot. “Did you already forget what I had said to you that day? I may not be the most reliable, but I meant what I said.”
Xin Lin scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, thinking of all the times he had spoken to Wangye. Thinking back, the last time they had spoken was just before he got—he brushed those unpleasant thoughts aside, he wouldn't think of it for now. Wangye had said-said that he would woo him…
Xin Lin’s cheeks flushed crimson, then they turned white.
It was all Wangye’s fault!
If he hadn't brought Xin Lin to that stupid forest then that creep would have never found him!
Clenching his fist he punched at Wangye’s chest, hitting as hard as he could. “It's all your fault! I-I hate you! Why did you leave me there alone?! I was so s-scared!” His eyes became watery, it was f**king traumatizing okay?!
Jing Shu let Xin Lin hit him, and it actually quite hurt, but he felt it was the only way he could repay his beloved. After Xin Lin had stopped hitting and sat there sniffling, his nose wrinkled in anger, it was only then that Jing Shu wrapped his arms around him.
“I’m sorry, it's all my fault.” Jing Shu agreed with Xin Lin’s claims, he hadn't thought any differently. This was also the only way he could think to pacify this cutie. Jing Shu was in a bind, how could Xin Lin be so cute while also making his heart ache so bad?
Despite all his earlier bluster, Xin Lin felt vindicated and found himself snuggling up in the other’s embrace. He buried his face in Wangye’s chest and breathed. It was funny how he could still be angry at him while seeking comfort in his arms.
“I don't forgive you.” His voice was once again muffled, this time by Wangye’s robes.
Jing Shu felt a strange tickle on his chest from the little one’s breath. He nearly squealed in excitement, but held himself back at the last moment. Really, what face would he have left if he actually squealed? The only outward indication of his feelings was his arms squeezing very tight around his beloved.
Xin Lin smacked him. Ai! He would suffocate if that continued!
They sat like that quietly for a while, embracing each other. Jing Shu wanted so bad to kiss Xin Lin, but he knew it wasn't yet possible. Xin Lin wasn't ready, he hadn't even accepted Jing Shu’s confession yet.
"Wangye, you can't ever leave me alone again. Or I really won't ever forgive you." Xin Lin sat up to look in Jing Shu's startled eyes, his heart was beating rapidly in his chest, cheeks colored.
Jing Shu’s face showed his surprise, was this Xin Lin’s way of saying he accepted his love? Jing Shu had thought to woo his beloved, but he felt like he was the one being wooed instead. Because this kind of artless seduction… it was torture!
“I won't, if you want me, I will always be with you.” If so Jing Shu would not pass up this chance. He leaned in and kissed that soft cheek, just a peck.
“Ah!” Xin Lin shrieked in surprise and nearly fell off the bed. What was this guy kissing him for?! His neck and ears were now flushed too.
Catching him, Jing Shu smiled happily, chuckling a bit at the other’s reaction.
“Don't laugh!” Xin Lin once again swatted at him, annoyed. This man has the nerve to laugh!
“Sorry, I didn't mean it.” He placated the little one. Seeing that cute reaction, Jing Shu felt a warmth in his heart. He was quite cute when he was angry. Jing Shu's smile became more bright.
Xin Lin was awe-struck for a moment before he turned his face away. Seeing that smile that made Wangye so much more good looking than his usual stern face, it made his heart beat so loud he was worried Wangye would hear it! But, he really liked it, Xin Lin peeked at that handsome face again.
Seeing that shy and adorable casting-glances-his-way action, Jing Shu felt his heart near bursting! Ah! Stop before he has a heart attack from cuteness overload! Jing Shu, still smiling, leaned closer to Xin Lin, he felt his happiness build up and start spilling out.
Xin Lin held his eyes, hands hiding his lower face. He couldn't look away.
"Lin-er, I really love you." Jing Shu saw his beloved once again blush, and he chuckled and kissed the other’s hand right where Xin Lin's mouth would be if his hand wasn't there.
It was a soft, tender and lingering kiss. Jing Shu was reluctant to stop. In reality he wanted to steal those pink, alluring lips. He wanted to take Xin Lin in his arms and kiss him senseless.
His desire must've shown in his face because Xin Lin suddenly turned his face away and mumbled: "W-what are you looking at?"
"Hm, I'm looking at the most beautiful person in the world." Ah he had gotten so sappy, but he really couldn't deny the truth, could he?
In response Xin Lin gave a half-hearted slap to his bicep and said something really quietly, like a mosquito. Jing Shu couldn't quite catch it.
"What did you say?" He nudged Xin Lin slightly, but the other just shook his head.
“Please tell me?” He tried for an innocent and honest request, he was really curious!
“I-I think I l-like you too—”1Why are you so shy?∠( ᐛ 」∠)_ it was still quiet, but this time Jing Shu could hear it with his incredible hearing. He was also listening intently for it.
Just hearing those few words, Jing Shu couldn't take it any more. He directly laughed out loud, a happy and bright, satisfied laugh. It was the greatest feeling when his beloved said he liked him too. He wanted to sing, only he was very bad at singing so he didn't.
Xin Lin gazed at him, and felt that Wangye really did look much more handsome with a smile. But when he laughed so happily like this, it was another thing entirely. It was enough to make him feel like he was walking on clouds. He found himself smiling a bit.
“I really do love you. So, so much.” Jing Shu bopped his nose against Xin Lin’s, he felt so happy.
“You, don't say that so much, embarrassing.” With red cheeks, Xin Lin couldn't help but smile wider. This man, ah, what was he going to do with him?
“Then what should I say? I like you, I need you, don’t ever leave me? You’re my everything?” Jing Shu pinched the other’s cheek as he teased him mercilessly.
“Ai! Stop it! You—” he couldn't think of anything to say in retort, so he just ended up with a strangled sound and huffed.
Inside Jing Shu was fangirling about him, who was crossing his arms and pouting, lower lip stuck out. “Lin-er,” he tried, but Xin Lin just turned away.
“Lin-er ah, are you still angry? What can I do to make you feel better? To make it up to you?” He asked this not because of the teasing, but because he still felt guilty and responsible about putting his beloved in danger.
Xin Lin lowered his head and uncrossed his arms, moving to fiddle with his fingers in his lap. “I-I don’t know… I was scared. I never thought— I never thought something like that would happen to me here, of all places. I feel… felt unsafe. It's different being with you now, I— it's as if, you make me feel protected.” He knew he was rambling, but he could only hope Wangye understood.
And indeed, it seemed he did.
“I’m sorry, I was negligent. I hadn't paid attention to how my actions affected you. If I had taken proper precautions, none of this would have happened. It's my fault. Forgive me?” He was glad to know that his beloved felt safe around him, but at the same time he really had been too irresponsible. Even if love was known for turning men into fools, it shouldn't stop them from doing their utmost for their beloved.
“I forgive you, there's no way I wouldn't.” Xin Lin stared at his nails, finding them incredibly interesting.
“Then look at me, meet my eyes,” Jing Shu felt ashamed when Xin Lin made no move to do as he asked. He truly didn't deserve forgiveness.
“I understand.” Was all he said, because, what more could he say?
Xin Lin’s head shot up in a panic. “Th-that's not what I mean! Uh, it's just,” his heart stuttered when he met those dark and sad eyes. He really needed to say it out? “I’m not ready, I'm still—” he took a deep breath and his eyes darted to the side, “scared.”
Jing Shu felt his heart clench, this was all his fault.
“I promise, no matter if the sky falls and heaven’s wrath rains down, no matter if hell opens up and all its demons pour out, no matter if all men turn against us, I will protect you. I will keep you from all harm, even to my dying breath.” Jing Shu stated with so much conviction and fervor that Xin Lin couldn't help but believe him, awe-inspired.
“I believe you,” a small smile played at his lips, “but that doesn't mean I’ll just let you do anything you want! Ah, if you want to die, you can't involve me. And if you really do die on my behalf, ahaha,” he wagged his finger naughtily at Wangye, smirking. “I’ll drag you back from death kicking and screaming.” Now that he had found this bit of happiness, he wasn't willing to let it go. Even if his feelings were confusing at the moment, he wouldn't just give it up.
Jing Shu chuckled and once again wrapped his arms around his beloved, and this time Xin Lin hugged him back. “Good,” was his reply.
It was some time before either of them moved.
“I’m hungry,” Xin Lin mumbled into the embrace.
"I'll get one of the servants to bring you food." As Jing Shu made to get up Xin Lin tightened his arms, not letting him go. He chuckled, "Or I could just shout at them."
cutie chapter
Thank you!
I'm glad you liked it!
this chapter is so sweet, i think it gave me diabetes lol. thank you for the chapter (and spoiling us today) ~
Aw! I enjoyed doing it!
You're welcome!