epilepis (ao3)
Zhao Yunlan jerked awake.
Quickly he asked Da Qing about Shen Wei's whereabouts and whether he is alright. Da Qing scrunched his face and looked at him funny.
"Old Zhao, who's Shen Wei?"
----
Shen Wei went back to Dixing first. After all the proper preparations and armed with the knowledge on how to utilize the holy relics, Zhao Yunlan leads the SID team to follow after the Dark-Robed Ambassador. In the fight that ensues, activation of the holy tools triggered and returned Zhao Yunlan memories as Kun Lun. With no time to reminisce, they continued their battle with the Dixing rebels, lead by Ye Zun.
Somehow, against all odds, they won. The holy relics suspended in mid-air in Dixing, powerful enough to vaporise Ye Zun, and all his followers corrupted by his influence. However, the danger hasn't passed yet, since the holy relics keep vibrating and letting out a loud ringing sound. Suddenly, a thick smoke burst out from the relics and engulfed them all.
***
Zhao Yunlan jerked awake. Breathing heavily, he found that he is on the couch at the SID station. He scanned his surroundings, and saw that all SID members are accounted for. He felt a rousing panic when he couldn't spot Shen Wei.
Quickly he asked Da Qing about Shen Wei's whereabouts and whether he is alright. Da Qing scrunched his face and looked at him funny.
"Old Zhao, who's Shen Wei?"
***
Not only Da Qing, all the SID members have never heard of Shen Wei. It seems only he retained his memories, and not only memories of this life, also when he was Kun Lun.
Zhao Yunlan is still shaken, but they have a case. It is at Dragon University.
A normal, human case.
As they are investigating, Zhao Yunlan heard Da Qing calling his name, asking if he wants to ask any questions to the professor he is talking to. Zhao Yunlan looked up from the corpse and froze when he saw Shen Wei. Shen Wei just looks at him innocently and tilts his head. There is no sign of recognition in his eyes. Ah, so this time it is Shen Wei's turn not to remember. Zhao Yunlan is relieved. At last, Shen Wei gets a reprieve from 10,000 years of suffering and loneliness.
Zhao Yunlan decided to leave him alone and not drag him into his dangerous life. He wished for Shen Wei to be free from him.
Zhao Yunlan's eyes stung and he quickly turned and looked away. He waved his hand above his shoulder towards Da Qing, signalling he doesn't need to speak to Shen Wei. He vaguely heard Da Qing apologize to the Professor for his boss' rudeness, but he did not pay attention as he need to leave quickly.
He can't breathe.
***
When he entered his apartment, it was a mess. Of course, since Shen Wei never came to clean his house in this universe. He threw himself onto the bed and closed his eyes. He feels tired.
He sat up and rummage around in his drawers for some lollipop. He is surprised when his hand hit a wooden box. He took it out and narrowed his eyes. He never own a box like this, how did it came here?
Curious, he opened the box and his heart stopped. Inside, beautifully arranged, are Shen Wei's handkerchief, medication oil bottle and pendant. Slowly, Zhao Yunlan relaxed and smiled wistfully. His treasures.
He was interrupted from his musing by the doorbell. Assuming it is Da Qing, he opened the door to tell him off since he is not in the mood to entertain visitors tonight. Instead, he found Shen Wei standing at his doorstep. Shen Wei also seems surprised by the circumstances from the way his eyes widen.
More resolute with his plan of not seeing anyone tonight, especially the person in front of him, he mumbles his apologies and started to close the door. He flinched when Shen Wei suddenly grabs his door, stopping it in its tracks. Shen Wei seems ruffled, and he explained that he just moved in next door and still hasn't unpack. He just wanted to borrow the kettle since he needs his tea to sleep at night.
However reluctant Zhao Yunlan is to let Shen Wei enter, he relented, thinking that the faster he gives what Shen Wei wants, the quicker he'll leave. Zhao Yunlan turned towards the kitchen and cursed his luck when he realized he has to search for his kettle among his dirty dishes and then have to clean it. Shen Wei's sudden visit is taking longer than he liked.
No matter how much Zhao Yunlan tries to ignore it, he is still hyper aware of Shen Wei's presence. Every step and every breath he heard from Shen Wei is too much. Shen Wei's proximity is starting to choke him and he felt dizzy due to lack of oxygen.
***
While waiting, Shen Wei surveyed the messy room until he reached the desk drawer next to the bed. It seems the only organized thing in this room are the items in the wooden box on the drawer. He looked down at the items and smile gently. He glanced at Zhao Yunlan from under his lashes and let out a cheeky smile.
"The handkerchief looks similar to mine. You didn't strike me as someone who uses a handkerchief though?"
He saw Zhao Yunlan's shoulders stiffen, and then starts to tremble. Shen Wei's playfulness start to turn to worry when he didn't receive an answer. Shen Wei walked up to Zhao Yunlan and touched his shoulder.
"Chief Zhao?"
Shen Wei was shocked to see tears streaming down Zhao Yunlan's face and try to reach out to him but it seems Zhao Yunlan is adamant to push him out of his home, out of his life.
"Sorry, Prof Shen, now is really not a good time..."
"Yunlan! Yunlan! It's me! Stop pushing me!"
Zhao Yunlan froze as they reach the door. His eyes are wide with hope, but also doubt.
"Shen Wei...you remember?" Zhao Yunlan breathlessly whisper.
Shen Wei gave a fond smile, and nodded.
Zhao Yunlan lost the strength in his legs and dropped to the floor. Alarmed, Shen Wei followed him to the ground.
Zhao Yunlan was relieved, but still dumbfounded.
"That was a cruel prank, Shen Wei!"
"Well, you acted like you are still blind back when I heal you, so..." Shen Wei shrugged, sitting in front of him.
Zhao Yunlan's shoulders start to shake, then he laughed, and laughed. Shen Wei was slow to join in, but in the end they are laughing together. When they have settled down, Zhao Yunlan wiped the tears from his eyes and let out a deep breath.
He turned to Shen Wei who looked back at him inquisitively.
Zhao Yunlan smiled and said softly, " I thought I lost you."
Shen Wei smirked.
"For that to happen, Fate has to be a very, very, very lousy scriptwriter."
