Temple of Truth

Chapter 26

Wu Xi glanced behind him, looking at the person that stood there. Zhang, like a unmoving statue in between the rubble of what had once been part of the ancient temple structure. A perfect sculpture of the fleeting ghost.

Like he belonged there, had been part of this place since the beginning, and even the collapse of the once grand temple couldn't even scratch him. He was so still that Wu Xi couldn't even see him breathing.

Of course, Wu Xi knew that his brain was spewing nonsense again. Zhang had been standing like this since he had put his attention on this graving. Wu Xi turned his head back to the stone in front of him again. He didn't want to stare back at Zhang, who was still observing him. Probably waiting for him to say a bit about this graving.

Instead of doing so Wu Xi just concentrated on the stone again, slowly taking breathing in – and out. Everything would be fine as long as Zhang was with him, he consoled himself. Trying to wrap himself into the warm protectedness of Zhangs presence. Everything is going to be all right.

Wu Xi was sure he would at least make it out alive. He had always managed anyhow. And the only time Wu Xi wasn't able to escape with his own strength was when he had been out without Zhang or even Fatty. But he had still survived that journey.

Wu Xi glanced back once again. Only a short one, to ascertain himself, that Zhang was still standing there. He looked back almost instantly – after he had seen him still standing there. Wu Xi went back to staring at the stone in front of him.

Then he could feel a sudden weight on his right shoulder.

"Wu Xi"

Zhang had stepped closer, asking for his attention, with the deep gentle voice Wu Xi yearned to hear more often. The weight on his shoulder being his hand. He could feel a slight pressure, as if Zhang was tying to tell him not to worry.

"You're anxious."

If he hadn't known Zhang for this long, Wu Xi wouldn't have noticed the question, that was hidden behind his words. Had he really been that fidgety? Wu Xi couldn't help but smile allowing himself, to sink into Zhangs touch – just for a bit longer. Just that one touch made him feel perfectly save.

He basked in the warmth for a few more seconds, then gently brushed Zhangs hand off. He knew that he would feel the invasive cold beforehand, but it still made him want the warmth back so he covered the area with his own hand.

It didn't feel right. It helped a bit but Wu Xi could still feel the cold.

Wu Xi stood up, and almost stumbled trying to get some distance between him and Zhang. Staying this close to him would be dangerous. Especially if he needed a clear head. This closeness would keep him awake thinking and dreaming about Zhang, and he knew that he needed the rest, the sleep in order to survive.