INARTICULATION (MLM/MxM/M4M ORIGINAL)

16: Somethin' Stupid

The child had matured well. To be deprived of emotions such as love and lust was to forge a man with character as solid as the gates of each of the Three Realms.

MEMENTO MORI

Wen Jingyi next awoke with less pain than he had fallen asleep bearing. He lay on a surface that was neither hot or cold, nor hard or soft. Opening his eyes came to be more painful than moving his arms, as a great blinding light obstructed his view.

A hand moved to touch his, gently holding it and guiding it back down to rest at his side.

"Take it easy, Jingyi."

Xun Jie had moved his hand over Wen Jingyi's eyes, covering them while also pushing his hair to uncover his feverishly hot forehead.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you. I should have known things wouldn't be easy with those of Dong Nan."

Silence followed. Wen Jingyi could hardly make out what he was saying, and only reached out toward Xun Jie with his other hand.

"I missed you."

Xun Jie was stunned. His rambling stopped and he only looked down at Wen Jingyi's expression.

"You should rest. Would you like to move somewhere shady?"

Wen Jingyi nodded, soon feeling arms slowly reach underneath his neck and at the bend of his knees before being lifted in Xun Jie's hold. His head was cradled against Xun Jie's chest, his skin still warm from the heat of his body. It was comfortable, and Wen Jingyi closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax. He felt Xun Jie's heartbeat against his cheek and his chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm. He would have fallen asleep if he hadn't been set down so soon.

Wen Jingyi felt a cool breeze grace his face as Xun Jie carried him to a shady spot. he could hear the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, a peaceful backdrop that eased his tense and pensive mind. Xun Jie gently laid Wen Jingyi down on a soft grassy patch, carefully propping his body against a thick tree trunk.

"I'll fetch some water to cool you down," Xun Jie said, his voice filled with concern. He quickly disappeared from Wen Jingyi's sight, leaving him to relax in the shade under the tree.

As Wen Jingyi lay there, his mind began to wander. He thought about the events that had led him to this moment-the dangers he had faced, the hardships endured, and the unwavering support of Xun Jie. They had been through so much together, and the bond between them had only grown stronger.

After some time, Xun Jie returned with a damp cloth, seemingly torn from his own robes. He knelt by Wen Jingyi's side, gently dabbing the cloth on his forehead and neck, providing a soothing relief from the heat that had consumed him.

"I'm here for you, Jingyi," Xun Jie whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "Just rest and let your body heal. I'll take care of everything."

Wen Jingyi couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Xun Jie's unwavering support. Even in his weakened state, he found solace in knowing that he wasn't alone. He closed his eyes and allowed the calmness of the surroundings to nearly lull him into a peaceful slumber.

Then he went and spoiled it all by saying something stupid.

"I love you."

It was an awful thought that he struggled to keep to himself. Wen Jingyi gasped at his own words before looking to Xun Jie for his reaction. There on his face, he saw wide, pearly dark-blue eyes and pink dust on his cheeks.

"I'm sorry. I've misread everything, haven't I?" His throat felt tight, and his heart ached as he spoke. "Please forget I said anything."

Wen Jingyi's heart pounded in his chest as he anxiously waited for Xun Jie's response. The silence felt deafening, and he couldn't help but regret his impulsive confession. Thoughts raced through his mind as he began to question whether he had just ruined everything.