Late Bloomer Brings The Light

Chapter 21

The sound of thunder rumbles in the distance, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the world outside. Jiang Ying stirs, a frown forming on his face as he unconsciously tightens his grip on the blanket. Sensing his discomfort, Xie Yun reaches out a hand to gently rub his back and pull him closer. Jiang Ying hums and lets himself be pulled so that his chest is touching Xie Yun's. They exhale at the same time, wrapping their arms tightly around each other.

"Xie Yun," Jiang Ying breathes out. In response, the alpha holds him closer, inhaling deeply. Pressed against him like this, Jiang Ying can feel Xie Yun's heart beating rapidly in his chest, so he runs his fingers through Xie Yun's hair. "You feel so warm and safe."

Xie Yun exhales shakily and continues to caress Jiang Ying's back. "Sleep," he murmurs, nuzzling Jiang Ying's hairline.

"Hey, are you smelling me?" Jiang Ying mumbles. "I'm not judging you. I just... I don't smell as good as you do."

Xie Yun chuckles softly, the sound vibrating against Jiang Ying's ear. "Probably," he replies, his voice low and husky.

"You weren't supposed to agree with me!" Jiang Ying whines.

"Hush!" Xie Yun whispers. "Don't disturb the others."

"You're so mean," Jiang Ying whispers back. "You call me smelly and then don't even let me complain about it... Well, you're no good either! I lied to you. You smell like..." He pauses and pushes his face into Xie Yun's neck, breathing in deeply. Xie Yun waits patiently for him to finish his insult, but, unfortunately, there is nothing to insult. Xie Yun smells just as good as he did during their ride on Bichen. "Augh, I can't even bring myself to slander you," Jiang Ying sighs. "You smell like sandalwood. And maybe a little sweat."

Xie Yun chuckles. "Well, I suppose sandalwood and sweat aren't the worst combination. It's good... manly... and sexy!"

Jiang Ying rolls his eyes and slaps Xie Yun on the arm. "Oh please, don't get too full of yourself. I'm sleepy. Good night!" He twists his fingers in Xie Yun's hair and buries his face in Xie Yun's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. "Keep me warm and safe, okay?"

"Mhm." Xie Yun smiles and closes his eyes, feeling content and at peace with Jiang Ying in his arms.

Throughout the night, the room is bathed in a soft, dim light from the occasional flash of lightning, casting shadows that dance across the walls. As morning breaks, the storm outside has passed, leaving behind birds chirping happily and the gentle sound of raindrops dripping from the eaves. Jiang Ying stirs in his sleep again, not because he wants to wake up, but because Xie Yun is extricating himself from his sleepy grasp and getting off the bed.

"No!" Jiang Ying whines, making grabby hands at Xie Yun. "Please stay. I'll get cold... Or you'll get cold..." In his attempt, something slips out of Xie Yun's sleeve and falls to the floor with a soft thud.

Curious, Jiang Ying reaches down to pick it up, his fingers brushing against the transparent purple petals of the lotus, which glimmer in the dim light. He inspects it closely and recognizes that it is the lotus comb he begged Xie Yun to buy for him that day at the market. With a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Jiang Ying looks up at Xie Yun, his heart feeling warm and full. "I know you care too much about me. Thank you."

Xie Yun nods, a soft expression in his eyes as he takes the lotus comb from Jiang Ying's hand and carefully places it in his hair, securing it in place. "Care is not the right word," he whispers, his voice barely above a breath.