To Love & To Loathe (Jingliu X Fem Reader)

Chapter 4: Closeness

The scene slowly transitioned to a flashback of a slightly younger version of Jingliu, busy analyzing reports and studying various combat tactics at her office. The sound of footsteps outside could be heard, but she pays no mind to them for she was focused on her work.

"Mentor..!"

Jingliu's expression of intense focus suddenly changes into a look of surprise the moment she feels Y/n's arms around her. She hadn't expected the girl to suddenly appear, much less to cling onto her the way she's now doing. The sudden gesture catches her off guard, but it also gives her an unexpected feeling of warmth inside as she wraps her arms around her lover and holding her close to her.

"Yes, Y/n?"

"...Mentor, you and the other High-Cloud Quintet seemed to be busier than the usual. Is it because of the Denizens of Abundance?"

Jingliu smiles softly as she feels Y/n's body against hers and she squeezes her tightly in response to her lover's sudden embrace.

"Correct. With their recent activities in gathering the resources around us and establishing various strongholds in several regions, it feels like they're planning to wage a large-scale war against us. What concerns me the most, though, is the fact that they're also planning to use their mara-struck forces to fight in this war."

Y/n nods,"Hey mentor, why did you let Jing Yuan join the High-Cloud Quintet but didn't invited me where I'm just literally a few years younger than him anyway..?"

Jingliu remained silent for several seconds, taking time to formulate her answer. She wasn't sure how to tell her lover the reason why she didn't invite her to join the High-Cloud Quintet.

"Because I was worried about you. I didn't want you to risk your life fighting a war against the Denizens of Abundance, especially when they're all much experience and stronger than you."

Y/n sighed,"Mentor, are saying you're afraid that I'll be stricken with mara if I fight them off?"

Jingliu slowly nods her head in response, keeping her eyes on the ground.

"That is exactly what I'm afraid of, yes. I know you're strong and have the potential to be just as strong as me and the other High-Cloud Quintet members. But I guess it's just my own paranoia that is keeping me from seeing past that."

"I just have this constant fear of the mara taking over your body, transforming you into one of those mara-struck you see wandering mindlessly on the streets."

"...."

There were several moments of silence in between the two, as Jingliu tried to remain silent and composed. Despite having such a strong bond with her lover, Jingliu was still having a hard time voicing out her reasons and thoughts. Finally, she managed to gather enough courage to speak her heart.

"Look, I'm aware of your aspirations and ambitions. I know that you want to be able to fight by my side and help me protect the Luofu. Just please understand my hesitation and fear, okay?"

Y/n just hummed before placing herself on Jingliu's lap.

"So you do care for me about me that much, hmm?~"

Jingliu couldn't help but chuckle at the sudden action of her lover, even with her collected demeanor, she failed to maintain it as her smile was plastered on her face. The way the girl climbed into her lap just reminded her of a naughty little cat, making her want to pet her and spoil her with kisses.

"Of course I do, Y/n. I love you more than anything, so of course it's only natural that I want to protect you as much as I can."

She then sighed and started scratching her lover's hair.