Paint Me Blue

What Is This About?

Disclaimer: This is a YinWar AU inspired by the Chinese crime series Under The Skin, featuring Tan Jianci and Jin Shi Jia. While this AU may echo some plot elements from the series used as references, it's a unique creative work, and I do not claim ownership of the original plot or characters.

Date started: 10/27/2024

Title: Paint Me Blue

Characters:

War

A talented painter on the cusp of fame, War's art is known for its lifelike quality, capturing the essence of each subject with an intensity that borders on magical. His rise in popularity has been steady and well-earned, with a distinctive style that has caught the eye of the mainstream. Despite his success, War remains humble and deeply affectionate, especially toward Yin. Optimistic and loyal, he believes in supporting his loved ones wholeheartedly, and his devotion to Yin is unwavering, even when challenged.

Yin
A new police officer known more for his clumsiness than his accomplishments, Yin is diligent and hopeful but struggles with self-doubt. Under the guidance of his patient mentor, Officer Su Lin, Yin is trying to find his footing in a world that often feels beyond his reach. He adores War, but as War's fame rises, Yin's insecurities grow, filling him with quiet jealousy and fear of inadequacy. Despite his good intentions, Yin's lack of confidence begins to unravel his relationships, especially as tragedy strikes, testing him in ways he never expected.

***
War and Yin's relationship began like a dream. War's artistry was flourishing, his unique brushstrokes bringing every human portrait to life, earning him a growing reputation. Meanwhile, Yin was starting his journey as a police officer under the patient guidance of his senior partner, Officer Su Lin. Despite Yin's clumsiness and lack of recognition, he admired Su Lin's mentorship and wanted to prove himself worthy.

But as War's fame grew, so did Yin's insecurities. The long hours apart and seeing War's success in stark contrast to his own struggles wore down his confidence. War, ever optimistic, would try to lift him up, promising Yin that he was enough and that he'd always stand by him. Still, their worlds felt like they were growing farther apart.

The breaking point came when Officer Su Lin was found murdered, leaving the force in shock. When Yin learned that a sketch of Su Lin by War had been found with the body, everything came crashing down. War explained that he'd drawn it for a mysterious woman he'd met at an exhibit, unaware of any dark intentions. Yet when called upon to help identify her, War found himself unable to remember her face, a fact Yin couldn't understand, much less accept when War was supposedly that 'good'.

As they argued, Yin's pain turned to resentment, disbelief clouding his love. War tried to apologize, begging for a chance to recall the woman's face and prove his innocence. But Yin, heartbroken and exhausted, could only respond, "You know what, War, I think we should break up."

War was left in silence, the love he'd promised to hold onto slipping away, leaving them both shattered.

War and Yin's paths diverged completely after that night. Yin, who had always been the clumsy rookie, threw himself into his work with a new intensity, determined to prove himself.

Over the next five years, he transformed into a respected officer, one his colleagues looked up to a far cry from the insecure partner he'd once been. His mentor's tragic death had fueled his dedication, and reaching this level of respect brought him a sense of pride. Yet, with every milestone he reached, Yin found himself haunted by memories of War, resurfacing when he least expected.

In the months following their breakup, Yin had blocked every reminder of War from his life. He didn't keep track of War's career or exhibitions, telling himself that cutting him off completely would make it easier.

When he eventually unblocked their mutual friends, Yin learned that War's promising career had come to an abrupt end. War had stopped exhibiting his work altogether, stepping away from the art scene without a trace. Rumors floated around, speculating about his whereabouts, but nobody seemed to know where he had gone or why. Yin convinced himself it was for the best, it meant neither of them had to relive the pain.

That peace was shattered one morning at the station when the chief announced a new forensic composite artist. According to the chief, this artist was top-notch, an international graduate with glowing recommendations and an exceptional track record. Yin barely paid attention, his mind wandering until he heard the familiar voice echoing down the hallway.

He looked up, and his heart dropped. War stood there, older and more reserved, but unmistakably the same man Yin had once loved. The years had changed them both, and yet the past hung between them, unspoken but powerful. War met his gaze with a calm, unreadable expression, one that told Yin he, too, had felt the weight of everything left unresolved.

In that moment, Yin realized the past wasn't as buried as he'd hoped.

Forensic sketch artist, huh." Yin scoffed as he approached War, who was busy unpacking his things. The bitterness over his mentor's unsolved murder resurfaced, ignited by the sight of War. "So, can you draw Officer Lin's murderer now that you're back?" His voice dripped with mockery, but something in him sparked alive seeing War again.

War carried his box to the nearest table without meeting Yin's gaze. "No," he replied evenly. "I still don't remember the woman's face."

Yin scoffed again, derisively. "Then I don't think I can trust your work, Mr. Ratsameerat."

War turned slowly to face him, his expression as cold and detached as Yin had ever seen. The light of optimism and warmth War once held was gone, replaced by a coldness that made him seem almost like a stranger. War had lost weight, his appearance gaunt and worn.

"Honestly, I'd be surprised if you felt any different, Officer Wong." He said like he was talking to a man he had just met.

The two men stared each other down, the space between them charged with tension. The warmth they once shared, the love and promises whispered in quieter days, had been replaced by animosity and unspoken resentment. Each man stood rigid, unwilling to look away or give an inch, their past connection buried under the weight of betrayal and hurt.

Two former lovers, now driven by bitterness and betrayal, are forced to work together to uncover the truth behind every murders. But with resentment simmering and unresolved wounds festering, can they put aside their animosity, or will their painful history cloud the path to justice?