[[[忘羡 | WangXian 1]] : The Second Kiss That Came Too Soon

[34.] Strip for me.

Setting up camp was tedious because they had done it thousand times in the past, but they were together and free, so both boys enjoyed it. The shelter was not pretty, but good enough in case of a storm. Lan Zhan was rationing the food and unpacking, and Wei Ying ran down the hill, to stand at the shores of the lake, enjoying the view – the burning colors of evening were settling and the water surface looked like molten honey.

- It is so pretty here, Lan Zhan!  –  he exclaimed.

Lan Zhan smiled to himself. He knew that late summer colors would appeal to Wei Ying. And he seriously wanted to practice meditation here – the place was secluded and – if the birds went away – really quiet.

- We will rest today, but tomorrow early we start with practice, brat. So enjoy it while it lasts. – he shouted out to Wei Ying, who, upon hearing this, raised a fist and waved it at Lan Zhan, frowning.

- Must you always ruin everything, LAN ZHAN???  –  he shouted now.

The Lan boy laughed. Angry Wei Ying had always been really cute.


**

After a simple dinner they enjoyed after the long journey, they were both lying down flat on their backs, gazing at the stars, when Lan Zhan suddenly said:

- Sometimes I feel my heart so full of love for you that I could propose to you... I want us to spend our lives together, Wei Ying.

He surprised himself with those words; looking at the stars inspired thoughts of the mutability of the world in his mind, and he thought about how little time they had in their lifetimes to be together...he wanted to spend his being happy, and this meant only one thing – being with his loved one. And suddenly his mouth was articulating this thought – and he couldn't stop himself from pronouncing the words.

Wei Ying propped himself on an elbow so that he could face his partner – and Lan Zhan did the same now. He was expecting a joke, and braced himself for some mockery.

Wei Ying heard the words, and at first thought that Lan Zhan was joking, or maybe this was just another Shizun trick of his. But then he was most surprised to hear himself say:

- If you did it right now, Lan Zhan, I would accept.

Lan Zhan's eyes opened wide and he forgot to breathe. The two boys were literally within an arm's reach away from each other, but they weren't touching; they just stared into each other's eyes, silently, under the starlight.

The fire crackling was the only sound in the night, until Lan Zhan said, very quietly:

 - Will you be mine tonight?

 - Yes. I love you.

Lan Zhan stood up, and helped Wei Ying up too. Then he said coarsely:

 - Please, strip for me...

Wei Ying's eyes were full of desire – how could his words affect him so? Lan Zhan hadn't even touched him, and he was craving for him with his heart and soul. He shook his head and started to untie and unbuckle.

- Slowly. Please.  –  Lan Zhan whispered, watching his every move.