There's Something I Have To Tell You (Rise of the Phoenixes)

Chapter 1

Ning Yi watched transfixed, as Zhiwei fanned the coals heating what he knew was the medication that would cure him of this illness. His heart melted at how she concentrated on what she was doing. She had insisted that she be the one to prepare the medicine for him, while the doctor prepared the medicine for all the other infected people within the Chang Residence and anyone who had been infected nearby.

He glanced away as he saw her head turn toward him, but he couldn't help the small grin that stretched his lips. He tried to focus on the official matters in front of him, even as his eyes watered, and his throat itched. Patience, he thought to himself. Unable to stifle the itch any longer, he coughed a few times. His mind froze before looking up at Zhiwei.

Zhiwei's head snapped toward him at the sound of his coughing. The sight of him bundled in a blanket and in such discomfort made her heart ache. She turned back to the kettle she was heating, willing it with her mind to boil faster. She looked at Ning Yi who was coughing again, concern written all over her face. Her worry receded a little, noticing that trademark play-acting pity pout he always sported. She couldn't help but smile at his antics. Trying to get my attention, she thought. He definitely has it.

They shared a smile. He knew she knew.

A while more of stolen glances, and a servant brought a simple dinner for them. They ate in silence, Ning Yi stealing glances at Zhiwei, while the woman continued to tend to the medicine preparation.

After eating, Ning Yi declared he would go stretch his legs.

Zhiwei nodded. "I'll bring it out to you. It's almost ready."

"Thank you," Ning Yi said hoarsely, his voice laced with appreciation. He shed his blanket and left the room slowly, casting a backward glance her way as she stirred the medicine.

He strolled down the hall of the Chang Residence, just until he could see the courtyard as dusk fell. He tried to stifle a cough again but couldn't.

Zhiwei's muted footsteps came down the hall behind him.

He heard her put a tray down but did not turn around until he felt her wrap a blanket around him from behind. He exhaled at the heady feeling of her arms wrapping around him tight. He could feel her lips press into his shoulder through the layers of clothing. He couldn't help but smile. He felt bereft as soon as she let go to bring the tray of medicine. He reached out, intent on grabbing the bowl and downing it straight like a bitter wine.

"I'll do it," she whispered.

Ning Yi gazed in wonder at her as she slowly gathered a spoonful of the liquid. He backed up a little, reluctant to have her feed him.

She mimed for him to open wide.

Ning Yi smirked, unable to deny her, even if the medicine did not smell that pleasant. He let her spoon it into his mouth. He shut his eyes and sighed against the disgusting bitter taste in his mouth.

"Is it bitter?" she asked worriedly. It was supposed to be, but she hated that frustrated crease in Ning Yi's brow. She couldn't help the urge to just make it go away.

Ning Yi didn't reply, only trying to reach for the bowl again.

He was met again with Zhiwei's refusal, and thus he let her continue to ladle the medicine into his mouth. He locked eyes with her, and he couldn't help but smile as she made faces at him until she had managed to get all the medicine into his mouth and down his throat.

He sighed again as she put the bowl down.

"You should rest," she told him, tugging at the edges of the blanket she had put around him. Her fingers pressed against his chest as she did so.