Just Listen to Your Heart

Author's Note: It is Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week and while I am starting a new aro-led novel over on my patreon page, I am going to make last year's aro short story public for everyone! 😊

Please keep in mind that aromanticism is a spectrum so if you are aro or know somebody who is aro and feel like what's described in this story doesn't fit your experiences, that's because it is inspired by my own experiences and feelings and might just not overlap with yours. I just hope that this story can spread some awareness that aromanticism exists as a romantic orientation and show one point of view of how it can be to start and maintain a relationship as an aro person.

I hope you'll enjoy the story and I always love to hear your thoughts on the story and, of course, on the topic as well. I wish all of you a happy aro week! 🥰

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The uniform footsteps of the soldiers and the sound of hooves hitting the ground in a regular manner rang out from behind the walls of the capital city. The people rushed out onto the streets and their balconies, craning their necks to be able to catch a glimpse of their Xian country's heroes even a moment sooner.

The guards on duty opened the gates and with the sun glinting on his armor, Sang Yu rode into the city. A few scratches marred the surface of the golden plates and the dust of the road clung to his boots but it couldn't detract from his majestic bearing.

The people cheered for him, as well as for his Generals and soldiers following him into the city.

Sang Yu gave them a smile, pausing a small ways from the gates. He motioned for the people to quiet down and his mellow voice rang out in the street that was holding its breath. "The war has been won. Our Xian kingdom has once again been victorious. Today, everyone will be able to celebrate."

His people cheered again, some of the women nearby throwing flowers from the balconies while the ones further away waved their colorful handkerchiefs, making the street seem like a forest in spring.

Sang Yu waved at them and then spurred on his horse. His black hair danced in the breeze and the dark cloak billowed behind him. Yes, everyone should celebrate their victory. As for him ... There was only one way he wanted to celebrate.

He sped up the road, urging his horse to go faster. He didn't look at the people at the side of the road and didn't listen to the ones calling out from above. He only fixed his gaze on the palace that could be seen in the distance.

The gates finally came into view and with them the person that stood in front of them. He had his hands folded in front of his body while he looked down the street. There was a focused expression on his face as if he was intently listening for the cheering from the edge of the city and the sound of hooves that slowly got closer.

Their gazes met and a smile lit up his face. He stepped forward, waiting for Sang Yu to reach him.

With a light yell, Sang Yu urged on his horse for the last time before stopping in front of his husband. "Ru Shen."

Ru Shen lowered his head and bowed. "Welcome back, my Lord."

Sang Yu got down from the horse and reached out, taking Ru Shen's hand. "Your Lord has returned victorious. Shouldn't you give him a reward?" He gazed at him with narrowed eyes, a peculiar glint showing in them.

Ru Shen couldn't help but smile. "Is my Lord sure that he wants to be handed his reward here?" He glanced at the men that had followed Sang Yu before he looked back at him.

"Well, for now, collecting the interest might be enough." Sang Yu raised Ru Shen's hand to his mouth and lightly brushed his lips against the soft skin. "How have you been holding up?"