I will always put you first (WangXian modern au)

7. "anything like it"

Wei Wu Xian, D23 - Yunnan Military base

Something wakes me up. I know I haven't slept for very long, but I feel terrific. How come I did not get any nightmares last night? Maybe having a panic attack earlier cleared some of it? Maybe my brain was really, truly exhausted even to conjure one up? No matter what the reason is, I am only grateful. I am awake already, so maybe I should just join the others and do today's regular shift. The following two days are off for me anyway.

With that thought, I open my eyes and try to get up. I want to reach for my phone and check the time. But I feel a strong arm holding me down, and I gasp. Captain Lan? Did I have a nightmare after all? Did I forget about it? What made him sleep here? I cringe at the thought of forcing him to take care of me like this and slowly move away.

"I thought you were going to sleep in. It's only 5.30 AM. Why are you getting up?" he sounds concerned.

"I... I woke up, and I am awake now. I don't feel tired anymore, so I think I will just take the regular shift. Um... Captain Lan... Last night... Did I get another nightmare? I am so sorry... I didn't mean to make you sleep so uncomfortably because of me... I am sorry... Maybe I will just stay at the hospital lounge from now on?" I have caught the non-stop train to the rambling station.

"Shh... " He shushes me with a finger on his lips. "You did not have a nightmare. I slept here because I wanted to. I missed you." He looks down. I notice his ears are turning pink. So, he can blush too? That's adorable. And he missed me? I like that. I like it a lot, actually.

"Um? Really? That's good. I mean, it's good that I did not have a nightmare. It's rare for me, especially being here in Yunnan. But I am so happy I did not get one. I thought maybe I got one and then forgot. That would be worse. That would be really horrible..." Still heading straight to the rambling station here.

He lets out a long sigh and gets up. "Alright, let's get ready and be on our way then. Do you think you will be able to come back after just the one regular shift today? I'd rather have you well rested before our camping tomorrow."

"Oh right! Camping tomorrow!! That will be so much fun. Yes, I will definitely try to come back on time." I chirp. I am already looking forward to our time together. "Please let there be no more episodes with me. Please." I pray fervently to whoever is listening from up there.

A shadow of doubt takes over my mind. "What if I am no good at it? I have not done anything like it before." I pout, worried. I really don't want to disappoint him or embarrass myself anymore.

"Well, there's no pressure to be good at 'anything like it'. To be honest, I don't even know if we will do 'anything like it', but if we end up doing 'anything like it', I will be with you every step of the way during our 'anything like it''. If it's easier for you not to think about 'anything like it', then please consider this as just the two of us going out on a hike and eating a picnic lunch." He is watching me so intently, trying to hide a smile.

Is he saying what I think he is saying? I can feel my face turning all kinds of colors. Is it even possible to have a conversation with this hot and sexy man that does not involve me blushing like a teenager? What? Hot and Sexy? Where did that come from? Ugh... I turn to hide my face, but I can feel the smirk on his face. It's burning my skin.

Quickly gathering my clothes, I disappear into the bathroom.

Lan Wang Ji, D23 - Yunnan Military base

He wakes up early as usual. I was hoping he would sleep in. I know he needs to rest. But then he tells me that he is awake anyway and wants to do the regular shift. I give in reluctantly.

I also remind him of our plans for camping tomorrow. He is excited, and then he pouts, worrying about not being good. The look on his face, that pout is doing dangerous things to my body. To get out of my own head (my non-addled brain is screaming a warning: gutter right ahead, approaching at100 miles per minute!) I tease him.

Oh, the expression on his beautiful face when he finally gets my innuendoes! Priceless!! I know that is what my addled brain will be replaying on an endless loop for the rest of the day today. I am not sure who was teasing whom anymore. Ah damn it, A-Xian, be mine already!

The day passes without any incidents. In between my work, I manage to pack for tomorrow's outing. As expected, my heart keeps wanting him close. I want it to be tomorrow already, or at least be tonight already. I am hoping he does not end up staying longer at the hospital. I realize it may be selfish of me to think this way. But I can't help it. When I see him come back at regular hours, I am quite delighted and relieved.

We freshen up quickly and head out to the mess hall. "It's been a while since you joined our table, Dr. Wei. Welcome back!" Jing Yi says with a broad smile. "You look like you have not eaten well at all. Do they not have a cafeteria at the hospital?" he continues eyeing Xian carefully. I can feel his scrutiny making Xian uncomfortable, but Jing Yi is oblivious. "Well, someone here did not eat well either. I can see his appetite has returned, now that you are back with us." he is now looking at my plate and me. "Was I that obvious? Really?"

Xian follows Jing Yi's gaze to my plate and then to my face. I can see him questioning me with those big, beautiful eyes. I mumble something about not being hungry to get out of the situation, but again Jing Yi completely misses the clue to shut up. "Haha! You can't lie your way out of this one, Captain! Every single time I was on drop-off duty, you came to the truck personally and asked me about Dr. Wei. I know you couldn't eat because you were worried about your beautiful roommate. Am I right?" Si Zhui is trying to stifle his laughter as Jing Yi's teasing continues.

I have to stop this before it gets out of hand. I look at Jing Yi and fix him with a death stare, "And your last wish is..." I say in a cold tone. "Sorry, sorry, sorry. No talking while eating." he fake apologizes but shuts up and focuses on his food. I can feel Xian peeking at me. I hope he does not ask me about it.

We finish the rest of our meal with not much talking and head back to our room.

"Pack a backpack with some clothes and toiletries. I will do the same. Although I am thinking we will return to base in the evening, make sure you are prepared to spend the night. Things might change when we get there. I have already packed the camping and fishing gear in my Jeep. I have also packed food, water, and other essentials. Where we are going is a camping area, so they have grilling stations, picnic tables as well as restrooms with coin-operated shower stalls. There's a river nearby where we can fish." I explain things to him. Although I'd like it to be a complete surprise, I know he will feel better knowing what to expect. I have witnessed the anxiousness in his eyes.

He nods. The anxiousness in his eyes returns briefly. I hold him close and talk to him gently, "Hey, relax. You can totally be yourself. It'll be fun," and then try to tease him out of it, "You deal with other people's lives at work, and you are totally cool with all that pressure. Yet you are worried about spending a normal day with your friend in a safe little park?" Teasing has worked with him before. I see it working now. He huffs and pulls away, "Who says I am worried? I am not worried. Not even a bit." he crosses his arms. He resembles a cute little bunny, and all I want to do is smother that face with kisses. In reality, all I do is chuckle and move away.

After packing and finishing our nighttime routine, we both go to bed. We sleep in separate beds tonight. I feel like A-Xian would like his space. And if he needs me, I will be here.

He does need me. In the middle of the night, I wake up. He is crying and tossing about. Like he wants to break free. I have to do something and do it quickly. Without thinking too much, I slide next to him under his blanket and hold him close. "Shh... It's just a bad dream. Let it go. I am here. Right here." I coo into his ears softly and rub his back. Slowly he ceases his movements, and I can feel his breathing slow down. With his face tucked under my chin, we both fall asleep.

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