Hahaha, this will be my first ever fan fiction about Dynasty Warriors. The pairings are...! Huehuehue... Zhang Liao/Cai Wenji. Why do I make a Cai Wenji/Zhang Liao fic? Because Man, I saw a lot of fan art and shizzle on pixiv. But I never actually found a fiction about them, that does not please ze Author. Well anyway, let's get to the story~! Oh, and at some point there would be adorable male/male or often called as Yaoi, but no yaoi scene Lol just some reference and mentioning to it :P You had been warned. And also this is an extremely long one shot xD I am planning to make it into a multi-chapter story, but there are no original plot, just some fluffy and funny (if you think it is) moment for you readers to enjoy :P But I am still going to make it into a multi chapter fic anyway xD Oh, and some slight OOC'ness in here xD
Title: It's My Secret
Date Added: December 6, 2013
Pairings: Zhang Liao/Cai Wenji
Type: Two shot
Ratings: T - for some sexual reference and some cusses xD
Disclaimer: I don't think I need disclaimer on this one but just to be safe~ I DON'T OWN DYNASTY WARRIORS TwT ! (Sorry guys noob writer, I'm so used to reading anime fan fiction that I had to put a disclaimer just for safety).
Summary: He was certain that he was in love with a certain songstress as he reflects on his own feelings for her, as the time went on, one day, an invitation to a party change the life around Wei as the young woman that he observed from afar was right beside him. Will he have the courage to confess of his affection to her or he will kept it a secret in forever silence?
(Summaries are supposed to be short so there ya go xD And I suck at summaries anyway xD I seriously needed a Beta Reader... but I just joined so I don't think it's possible c: )
Zhang Liao stood in the training area, his twin axes in his hands felt a little heavier as he let out a deep sigh. His thoughts were troubled these days, besides the upcoming battle, another issue invaded his thoughts. An issue that he thought he would never have to think about. Emotions and love. He knew that it wasn't in his place to think about her, she was one of the women that he could never have; not even as little as sharing an embrace or holding hand with such a delicate flower. Literally, she was to be by their Lord's side to accompany and to bring peace to their troubled ruler, besides those, he knew he could never be with her. She was to join the war when it came upon her since she had no choice. He was a general that was born and live for war. She was pure with no stain of bloodshed on her skin, he didn't even know how long since his hands were scarred and dirtied by the blood of many anymore. Swiftly, he swung his axes with all his might, chopping up the practice dummy into pieces as he let out his frustration. She was right there, but each time she got closer to him the farther he had to put his distance to her. They seemed so close, but it's so far away until he can finally reached her.
"My Lord? Are you alright?" He stopped straight in his track when a sweet and concerned voice came out from behind him. A voice that he couldn't get off his minds for months. Slowly, he turned his head around and he felt his stomach did a flip when her kind eyes twinkled in the sunlight and she smiled warmly at him. He couldn't resist the lovely expression on her face for the corner of his lips curved up slightly in a smallest of smile. When he retracted his axes and swung it to the side, he quickly bowed to the young woman. Forgetting what he was thinking about before her arrival.
"Lady Cai Wenji...! I-I thank you for your concerns... I was just training, my Lady." He silently gulped as she make her way to him, her footstep grew louder and louder the closer she was. Then she stopped right in front of him, he could see her tiny and... quite cute feet. He chuckled mentally at that.
His eyes widened as she bent down and looked at him with her soft hazel eyes, he could stare at it all day, but it's not right for this situation. It couldn't be helped, though. He was so distracted by her soft pink lips that stretched into a sweet and warm smile when she chuckled. They were face to face, hers was only a few inches from his and her eyes didn't wavered. Which makes it harder for him to tear his own gaze away from hers. Breaking the intense silence mood, she put her hands on his shoulder, motioning for him to stood up. He froze a little as soon when her warm hand make contact with him. But then he shook the thought away when she look like she had something to say to him.
"Lord Zhang Liao, Lord Cao Cao request your presence in the main hall." He stroke his chin as he thought about why their lord might need him and he nodded. She again smiled sweetly as she bowed to him, before she left, she looked back, making him stood up straight once again in surprise. "Would you want to accompany me to the main hall? I happened to be needed there as well." He didn't need any second to think again when the request were made and he bowed his head, a smile hidden away with the gesture.
"It would be a pleasure, my lady." She giggled as she quickly ran back over to him... Then he could swear he was almost blushing as she weaved, placed and tugged her arms into his. She then sheepishly looking up at him with those beautiful brown eyes of hers. He coughed a little to regain his composure and he look down at her, a smile on his face was evident.
"S- shall we go, My Lady?" She nodded and placed a hand on her mouth to cover a giggle that is coming up to her throat when he stuttered slightly. The two of them walked arms in arm down the hallway, they didn't say anything but it wasn't awkward at all to him, he was enjoying the moment and the silence was actually comforting as the songbird chirped around them. It was kinda romantic really, except only he thinks of it that way... They sometimes walked pass a couple of maids and Zhang Liao would sometimes scratched the back of his neck and look away with a slight rosy hue on his cheeks when the maids giggled and said something about the two of them looked cute together. His companion though didn't quite heard what the others was talking about as she just chuckled and shook her head.
"What were the women talking about My Lord? ...And why are you so flustered?" Cai Wenji added with a chuckle. She tilt her head in curiosity when he glance up to the ceiling as if he was avoiding the question, then back down to her as he chuckled nervously.
"Ah. It's... hmm... Oh we have arrived!" He quickly said as soon as the gate to the main hall was in sight. She smile and the both of them quickly ran toward the door, the question was left forgotten as he let go of her arms and bowed to her as she bowed back to him.
"Thank you for accompanying me~ It's a pleasure to walk with you My Lord. Although I wished the walk could be extended. I love taking a causal stroll around the halls." He felt a little bit flustered at her words. She sounded like she was longing for something, her tone was genuine. And his heart aches a little at the innocent sentence, knowing what it meant and... what he wanted it to be.
"As to you, My Lady." He said as he exited his own train of thought and he focus back onto reality. He was a little disappointed as they separated. It might be the last time they would ever had each other in contact such as this... But he can't blame anyone, it was his fault that he was captivated by her kind eyes,... her sweet smile,... her beautiful and silk-like hair... Snapping out of his thought, he dusted his shoulder and armor as he straightened himself, ready to go meet their lord. He turned his head to invite her to come in with him. But she was gone as he saw no sign of her. anywhere around. 'That fast?' When he pushed open the door, he raised an eyebrow when he saw all of Wei's officer was in the room. It looks like a feast was getting ready to start since the food was still untouched and it looked like some of them had just arrived like him.
"Heeeeeeey! You're finally here!" A young voice called out from behind and he chuckled because he recognized it. As soon as he heard the voice he knew whom that belong to. Li Dian. The man was so relaxed and laid back in the battlefield, and even more so at camp and home. Although he had to admit, his skill was impressive in their recent battle. He was also a quite good-looking young man. Zhang Liao smirked and rolled his eyes when Li Dian whistled to the female servants passing by. He's such a flirt...
"Huh, it seems that everyone is here...?" He asked, looking around the room. Seeing familiar faces and some not so familiar.
"YUUUUUUUP!" Li Dian said as he grinned and put and arm around Zhang Liao's shoulder, he scoff at the younger man antics and crossed his arm in front of his chest. An eyebrow perking up at the younger male.
"Where were you? Good thing the party hadn't started yet. RIIIIGHT! I thought that our Lordy send Lady Cai Wenji to retrieve ya? Did ya uh, get busy or was she lost or somethin' ?" If he was drinking something, he would surely spit everything out by now. His eyes widened as he fought the urge to stutter in his next sentence, he blinked and coughed a few times as he shook his head. Feeling a little silly that he might have react poorly at a perfectly normal question.
"You had... such a wild imagination. I was out in the training area, practicing. Unlike someone I know that really should get on with their training..." He joked as his cool came back to him with a smirk on his face.
"HEEEEY! That hurts! Well I can't miss out the party! It was our Lord's order ya know." Li Dian said managed to get a hurt expression on his face as the older warrior laughed at his pouting.
"I didn't say it was you did I?" The younger man scoff and opened his mouth to say something, but quickly shut it as he chuckled.
"TCH! Ya getting more sassy now ya know? That's good. But still I bet ya were thinking it though... ANYWAYYYYYY, want to sit next to me and Yue Jin?" With a roll of his eyes, Zhang Liao shook his head and pat the man twice on his back.
"It's fine, he's calling for you over there." Zhang Liao smiled and waved his arm at Yue Jin when the younger warrior greeted him from the distance. Li Dian grinned and walked back to sit with his friend. Youth... seeing the younger ones always reminded you of when you was young... Well he isn't not that old... Wait, is he...?
"I know that you was wondering why you are all gathering here today." A strong and powerful voice was coming from the back of the room as all chattering and talking stopped. The officers started to make their way to their seats and the mood shifted to serious business. As voice of the person in question appears, all the people knelt on their knees as they hang down their head. Their Lord and ruler sat on his throne and he smile slightly.
"Rise everyone." They did so. As they rose up, Zhang Liao noticed something. The lovely songstress wasn't here, didn't she came inside before him? He also noticed that Lady Zhen Ji, Lord Cao Cao's son's wife was also in absence. Cao Pi stood up with his head high and he cleared his throat.
"The Five Tiger General are to be seated up here." His voice boomed throughout the hall when he spoke. Zhang Liao smirked as he watched the youngster Yue Jin eagerly took his seat at his spot. Then Yu Jin was after, Xu Huang and Zhang He took their spot and Zhang Liao came in last. He received a smirk from Cao Cao, and his ears caught something that his lord said to himself; although the only word that Zhang Liao was able to catch was 'Noble'.
"As you all know, the recent battle result pleased me very much." The whole room were packed with chuckles as they all look over to their lord.
"The battle of He Fei had spurred fear and anxiousness into Wu, you all are to be thanked for it. Especially some of my most trusted officers, Yue Jin, Li Dian and Zhang Liao!" The people clapped and cheered for him and his comrades. He smiled and bowed his head to them, feeling appreciated.
"So today, a feast is a must!" Cao Cao stood up and with two clap of his hands, the door swing open and the maidens lined up with trays of exquisite wines and loads off food in their hands. Giggles were heard followed by some wolf whistle. Some generals slapped their hand on their forehead while they sighed and shook their heads, seeing some was trying to flirt with the women. Some almost laughed out loud at the sight of the 'Graceful' Zhang He, he was all over poor Xiahou Yuan as he asks countless questions and his fingers kept trailing on Yuan's stomach and chest. Xiahou Dun put a hand on his one good eye in embarrassment as he groaned. It appears that Zhang He wasn't drunk...
"Must you two do that right now?" Sighed Dun as he shook his head. A flush was evident on his face at the two people public display of affection. Cao Cao leaned on his left arm and he laughed, feeling relaxed for once.
"Let them be Dun, It is quite... amusing~" Hearing what his cousin said, Dun groaned even louder as he smack his head on the table, earning him a pat on the back by his cousin.
"General~ Your beauty is magnified ten-folds today~! Did you had a make-over for me~?" Yuan was trying his best not to smack the butterfly out of Zhang He as he chuckled nervously. He didn't want to attract attention in the public, and right now, all eyes are on them... Mostly him.
"N- NO! Are you drunk already!? But the wine just got out not a few seconds ago!"
"Perhaps it's you that are intoxicating me General~" Yuan shuddered at that. True they were close friends. Well maybe more than close friends but right here? Really? This was kinda funny at first but he didn't like public audiences. He politely pushed Zhang He away as he shook his head. Zhang He again invaded his privacy by leaning an arm on his shoulder and pinched his nose.
"Would you perhaps stop that?" Yuan groaned tiredly, feeling embarrassed by other's teasing
"Oh I couldn't possibly have, your nose are magnificent!" Yuan rolled his eyes, but he laughed. He couldn't stay mad at the guy, he was just too funny and too adorable to yelled at.
"Contain yourself, the main event is about to start." He said with a smirk on his face. Zhang He sighed dreamily as he said something about Yuan being 'More elegant than ever'. Then a thought suddenly struck the elegant man as he smack his forehead.
"The main event... THE MAIN EVENT? Oh dear~! I almost forgot about it!" He stood up and make a graceful leaped into the air and landed at the middle of the room, clapping his hand, he cleared his throat and placed a hand on his chest. One hand flew up to the air as he spoke in his best graceful tones, which makes every giggled, even Cao Cao chuckled at that.
"Attention everyone~~ We will now move on to the entertainments!" Cheers came across the room as Zhang He clap his hands, motioning for the dancers to come in and lined up. The dance began as he went back to observe his three weeks of teaching choreography. Everyone chattered and enjoy the feast as the music got louder. Then it suddenly stopped, the room was once more quiet as the lights dimmed down. The door swung open as two feminine figures stood at the gate's entrance. Gasps filled the room as the first figure walked in. It was the beautiful Zhen Ji, Cao Pi's wife. She was dressed in her new temptress outfit as her hair was tied up in a side bun. The outfit was dangerously revealing but it seems that Cao Pi didn't mind. Since it was his agreement that she was to perform a dance today. The mens in the room gulped and tugged on the collar of their shirt as she smirk. Zhen Ji look at the gate direction and smiled brightly. She wiggled a finger to motion for the woman in the shadow to come forward. The figure nodded hesitantly as they slowly approached the entrance.
Everyone spits out their drinks including Zhang Liao, his eyes widened as he violently grab on the sides of the table while leaning forward. 'Is that...?' It was. Cai Wenji shyly made her way out to Zhen Ji as they exchanged smiles to each other. Her hair wasn't in her usual braids, but instead it fans out around her shoulder and her skirt revealed a very good portion of her legs. But she stills remain her modest and charming way, that makes his grip on the table tighten as the corner of the it almost broke under his hand. The room was filled with many intense gaze and wolf whistle on the two beauty. Nodding at each other, Zhen Ji step up and cleared her throat.
"Today! Is a happy day, our recent battle feat had been a very big accomplishment to our name, and this deserves the grandest of celebration! And to celebrate..." Her voice trailed to an alluring tone as she winked at the songstress. Cai Wenji blushed and look down at her feet as Zhen Ji chuckled. "...and to celebrate, we specially rehearsed a very special performance, and bonus, Lady Cai Wenji decided to joined us~!" Applause and cheers were heard as Zhen Ji headed back to her partner.
"Are you ready for this?" Asked Zhen Ji, a genuine smile spread across her lips.
"Since we have made it this far, I guess there are no turning back! Let's do this My Lady!" Replied Cai Wenji with a nod.
"Then~!" Zhen Ji swung an arm out as she shouted, gaining the entire room attention to the two woman. "We shall begin~!" Receiving nods from the people around the room, the lights soon dimmed as the extra dancers started to enter the room.
It was in the late evening, the sun was setting down as the hue of rosy pink and bright orange shimmered across the sky. The lights in the room seemed to be focusing on the dancers and the two female as they turned around, Zhen Ji took her friend's hand into her and they pressed their cheeks against each other. Their legs crossed as Zhen Ji took the first move, hand entwining with the songstress's; she let one of her hand go to swung out to the side as her friend did the same, they were like an opposite mirror image of each other. As they danced gracefully, eyes was following each and every of their movement as they were now only focusing on the two lovely woman. The music playing was intensified as each swung and lash were executed, and it was hypnotizing.
With gentle steps, Cai Wenji giggled as Zhen Ji once again grab her arm, they rejoined each other as they did kicks and twirls, the center of the attention was all eyes on the ladies, if anyone did as much as blinking they would missed out on something! And then the exciting moment came when the both of them ran to a wall then landed back down softly as they did a split, their arms were to the sky as their dance was coming close to the end. Making a grand finishing move, Zhen Ji and Cai Wenji quickly jumped up as they wrapped their legs together, their forehead touching. Then a flash of light landed upon their figures as the both flung their body in the opposite direction, Cai Wenji did a graceful twirl in the air, with the silk fabric fanning out and framing around her, it made the woman looked like she was flying. Zhen Ji did five back flips as she did the tornado spin when she finally landed on the ground.
A triumphant smile spread across both young woman faces as the entire room filled with cheers and sound of applause. Zhen Ji hugged the songstress tightly as she laughed out loud and waved her hand to the audiences.
"You were amazing My Lady~! That was fun don't you think?" Zhen Ji giggled as she then excused herself to her husband, not before giving her friend a firm squeeze from her hug. Zhang He landed in front of Cai Wenji as he dramatically put a hand on his forehead. The songstress giggled at him and he bowed his head to her.
"Ah~ You two were so beautiful and magnificent today, even I had to admit I was jealous of your dancing skills~!" The young woman chuckled as she bowed her head back to the graceful warrior.
"Oh, I could never bested you Lord Zhang He! It was merely beginner's luck."
"Don't be so modest my Lady~! If you don't believe me ask everyone else!" After giving Cai Wenji a hug, he then turn his attention back to his 'friend' as he called out to him.
"Oh Lord Yuaaaaaaaaaann~!" Hearing the voice right behind him, Xiahou Yuan smack his forehead then excused himself from everyone to flee away from the man.
"I AM NOT HAVING MY CHEST SHAVED! NOT AGAIN!" He yelled across the room and laughter erupt from everyone.
"I had to admit, their relationship confuses me." Cao Cao shook his head and chuckled while he raised his glass of wine to his lips. The lord of Wei sighed in bliss as the content of the glass streamed down his throat. Xiahou Dun was seated right next to his cousin, assisting him with pouring him wine, conversing with him, feed him...
"Cousin, if you want me to 'feed' you then you shouldn't be so picky." Said Dun, in his hand was a pair of chopsticks with a side of Salmon in between and he grunted as he struggled to put the food in his cousin's mouth.
"How- How dare you said that I am 'picky'! You was the one to volunteer to do this, I didn't order you to do this or asked you to complain did I? And don't you love your cousin enough to stop complaining~?" He pouted as Dun struggled to control his expression. His lips trembled as he could not hold back the laugh that was getting ready to escape, but he cooled down as he realized what his cousin just said. A blush crept on his cheeks as he mumble something.
"W- Where did that come from? O- Of course I love you... B- BUT A- ANYWAY EAT THE FOOD, I know that you are our lord but I will not hesitate to shove this thing down your throat, cousin. So open up!" Cao Cao rolled his eyes as he opened his mouth. "Here comes the Red Hare~" (A/N: Yes, Red Hare because they didn't have trains back in the old days xD And it's ze fastest horse around no? ) Said Dun as he make weird noises with his lips. Cao Cao snickered and cover a hand to his mouth, he coughed awkwardly and sat back in his usual position, but the smile still didn't leave his lips. The room was now turned into a full feast party, with laughter and chatter on all side of the room. Zhen Ji and Cao Pi was together as she sat in her husband's arms, both of their faces had a small smile as they observed the people in the hall.
"You did very well tonight, my love." Cao Pi lovingly whispered in his wife ears as she giggled. The princess happily
"To be honest, I thought I didn't like her the first time I laid my eyes on her, but I eventually enjoyed dancing out there with Lady Cai and it turned out we are not so different~! " Her husband nodded as he stroked her hair tenderly.
"What do you think about Lady Cai?" Asked Cao Pi as he chuckled.
"Sweet woman, working with her was indeed easier than working with Zhang He... And well, I liked Lady Cai, she are such a kind and gentle person, but somewhat shy at times." He listened to his wife commentary and he silently nodded, placing a kiss in her hair.
"I agreed, but I will always love you better than any other woman."
"Of-course, because you're mine my love~ And I will not let you have another woman until you die."
"You know that I will do the same to you. If any man were to gaze at your marvelous beauty the wrong way, I will have his head."
The songstress watched the couple as Zhen Ji and Cao Pi acted all fluffy and sweet to each other. How she longed for someone to love someday. Of course she knew that might never happened. Lord Cao Cao wasn't exactly her lover, more like her muse, but he indeed like her very much. Sometimes when she was down he would have her in his arms, reading to her one of his famous poems as he would place a friendly kiss on her cheeks. He might be a tough person, but she got to know who he was when he was with her. She was indeed intrigued and was, in fact, very interested in him... But one day she decided to say never mind as she accidentally stumbles upon him and Xiahou Dun doing 'something' together. She immediately leave them to their business as she sighed. Her first and final attempt at falling in love again failed as she learned of his relationship with his cousin. Though she was happy for him since he deserves the best... and she got to admit that she rather enjoyed seeing their adorable daily bickering at each other, it was like live drama, in real life!
Then she remembered something, this wasn't it, the dance was only the first part of the party, there was one more thing to do. She was looking forward to it since it was her specialty. Silently, she waved for Zhen Ji. Raising an eyebrow, Zhen Ji saw the young women was trying to say something to her. All she could catch was flute, instruments, and performance...? 'Oh shi-' She thought as she said goodbye to her husband to get by Cai Wenji''s side. They had once last performance together and she was glad her friends remembered to remind her.
"Before we do anything else, there is one last thing that we wished to accomplished today~!" The empress announced as the eyes around the room was once again set on the both of them.
"You all do know what both of our specialty is correct~?"
"Ooooooooooooooooooh!" Everyone said. Zhen Ji nodded and with a wave of her hand, her flute were brought to her by a maid in seconds. With a smile, the two women began to be seated in the middle of the room, back to back with each other. Zhen Ji took the first move. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and her fingers began to play the first note of their composition.
There she was, almost like an angel among the chaotic world. Her hair draped around her shoulder as her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. The party had been going for a while now and it was almost half past nine in the night. Zhen Ji sat right next to the songstress, in Cai Wenji's delicate arms sat her zither and next to her the zither. As she began to play the song, her hand movements was ever so graceful and elegant, each time she picked up a strong note Cao Cao and the rest of the officers would have 'ah's' and 'oooooh's' among them. Zhen Ji joined in right as the tune became more and more quiet. Flute sang with the zither as the moonlight gleamed into the palace. A singer then sung a short tune. Zhang Liao closed his eyes as he concentrated on the beautiful performance. The tune was enchanting and intoxicating, it almost made him falls asleep as he leaned forward slightly, hand softly stroking his beard. He could have sworn he would get lost in the melody if not for a nearby officer nudge him in the arm. Startled, he opened his eyes and glance around, unaware of what was happening.
"What is going on?" He ask.
"Lord Zhang Liao, look, it seems that Lord Cao Cao especially loved today's performance!" He beamed as the song came to an end, both women placed their zither and flute down as they stood up and walked over to their Lord.
He was disappointed and frustrated because he was disrupted during the performance and the beautiful music was over. Sighing, he glance over to the officer as he raised his eyebrows.
"What is happening now?" He looked up to the throne that their Lord sat on. He smiled silently as the young songstress stepped up to the throne, her skirt gently glides after her, giving her an even more majestic and graceful frame...
"She would be given a cup of our Lord's personal wine, and then she could either drink it, or shared it with one of our officers."
"Oh." He smirked since he knew that she didn't know how to hold her liquor. But he highly doubted that she would ever noticed him. Zhen Ji of-course shared it with her beloved husband as the both of them once again sat in each other's arms. Poor shy Cai Wenji, she was obviously uncomfortable of drinking all of it alone, but it's either she drank all the content or sharing it with someone. And apparently she had trouble picking a partner to share the precious wine with.
"Lady Cai~! Pick me~!" Zhang He shouted as he waved to the young woman. His face flushed as he obviously was slightly drunk.
"Settle down will ya? Ya dumbass..." Xiahou Yuan smacks him at the back of his head as he pushed him back to the seat. Somehow the duo made themselves reappear in some random moment of the party, and nobody really ever noticed a thing...
"That hurt my feelings... and my HEAD General...~!"She shook her head and giggled at the two of them. Zhang Liao also shook his head and chuckled as he slowly sips on his own cup of wine. He himself had no limit in the matter of drinking so he wouldn't be too worried about getting drunk. Speaking of drunken people... It appears that their Lord had a little too much as he hiccupped loudly.
"T-take me to bed Dun~! And I *hic* am not d- drunk *hic*." People in the room snickered as they laughed out loud. Xiahou Dun face were flushed as he tried to shook the drunk Cao Cao off of his chest. The task was getting difficult as he himself was feeling a little hot and bothered, the attention the two of them was getting doesn't help the situation either...
"M- my Lord! C- COUSIN! MENGDE! Y- you're drunk talking again!" He shrieked when his Lord began to grope him in all the wrong places.
"But *hic*, don't we usually go to bed together? W-why *hic* so distance from me today?" Cao Cao whined, then with a lop-sided grin on his face, he placed a hand on Dun's cheeks. Immediately Xiahou Dun slapped it away and face palmed as their little scene didn't go unnoticed.
"J- just ignore him everybody." Laughter erupt from the room as Cao Cao pouted. He POUTED.
"I- I'm your *hic* Lord, don't you d- dare *hic* ignore me!" The quiet Yu Jin finally shook his head as he laughed. Holding up a cup of wine, he raised it and said to everyone.
"Today was a good day."
"Indeed!" Everyone said as Yu Jin took out a pad and a pen, then he started to draw something.
"My Lord? What are you doing?" Cai Wenji asked as she tilt her head. She has been sitting next to him for a couple of minutes, the two occasionally exchanged a few words. But he was a little more relaxed now than he has been since the beginning of this banquet which made her very glad. Now, Yu Jin chuckled and placed a finger on his lips.
"Shh My Lady, I'm trying to capture this glorious moment." Giggling, she nodded and left him to tend to his 'business'. He didn't want to drink too much today since he was going to practice with his men early tomorrow, so she didn't offer the wine. Zhang Liao was conversing with Xu Huang as they chuckled at their drunken lord. It's very rare to see him like this and it was pure gold if anyone happens to saw it. The young songstress frowned as in her hand still held the chalice of special wine. Noticing the two warriors, she smiled as she observe their interactions. It appears that neither of them had gotten drunk... An idea popped in her head as she slowly made her way towards them. Xu Huang noticed this and waved a hand to her as she also waved a hand back. Raising an eyebrow, Zhang Liao turned his head to see who was he waving at. He were surprised to see the songstress making her way towards him, although he was indeed happy to see the smile on her face as she bowed her head to the two general.
"Lord Zhang Liao, Lord Xu Huang..." Both of them nodded their head in acknowledgement as she sat right in front of Zhang Liao. Xu Huang then were pulled away by Xiahou Yuan to help escorting their Lord back to his chamber. Apparently he,... passed out. The party continues though. Zhang Liao once again felt a little bit nervous as he was left alone with the object of his hidden affection. She took out another empty cup as she poured halves, well, more than a half of the content in her chalice to the empty ones. Smiling sweetly at him, she held out the empty but now half full cup to him.
"May I have the honor of sharing this drink with you My Lord?" He blinked twice as he heard the offer. 'Was this really happening?' Gulping silently, he chuckled and nodded. As he reached and grab a hold of the wine, their hand accidentally touched. A bolt of electricity passed through him, but he didn't have the time to savor the touch as he quickly apologized.
"I... I'm sorry my Lady..." She chuckled and shook her head. Not feeling bothered by the accidental touch.
"It's alright My Lord." It was an awkward situation, so she instead placed the cup in his hand as she held out hers, clinking it with his as their arms intertwined. Her cups were to his lips as his was to hers. His inner Zhang Liao was screaming yes! in his head as he smiled at her. They drank all the sweet liquid as she weaved her arms out of his, her cheeks flushed slightly as she placed the cup down. He chuckled when her face looked flushed from the small drink.
"Are you drunk already My Lady?"
"N- No, it's just that I'm not used to it, my Lord." She look out at the door, then back to him as she smiled.
"It's too loud in here, I am going outside to get some air. Would you perhaps wanted to accompany me again?" He was having the same idea just a few moments before she decided to join him. Nodding, he stood up with her and the both of them left the banquet. The moon was even brighter than before as they strolled through the garden. It was relaxing as the scent of the flowers filled their nose.
"My Lord?" She broke the silence by speaking up.
"Yes, my Lady?" She giggled and tilt her head at him as she asked.
"Remember when we was walking down the hallway?"
"I... Yes." His heart skipped a beat at the question.
"What were the maids talking about my Lord?" He almost jumped. She still remembered this? Most women would have forgotten quickly, but she did memorized three hundredth of the several thousand of her father's famous poems...
"Ah, um, It's nothing important my Lady." He lied as she nodded. He felt bad that he had to lie to her but it was awkward... A giggle was heard as he raised his eyebrows.
"What's so funny My Lady?" She wiped the corner of her eyes as she sighed happily.
"Our Lord... he was acting very different today. I rather liked the new side of him." Zhang Liao chuckled. Indeed, their usual stoic and serious lord turned into a very very drunk and loud person in just a few hours into the feast.
"Indeed,... I wasn't surprised when I heard that he passed out..." She giggled and they both sat down at a nearby bench. A cold breeze passed through as the songstress shivered slightly, rubbing her hands on the sides of her arms. He tilted his head when he heard the small shivering noise of hers.
"It's... quite cold for a mid-summer night." It wasn't to him though. Maybe it's because of the obvious fact that she wore less clothes than usual... Realizing that he was staring at her, he turned his head around as he chuckled in embarrassment when he strayed into thinking inappropriate thoughts. But he'd have to admit, it was a bit cooler than the rest of the month. The winds carried the sweet scent of her hair into the air and he sighed in bliss. A yawn came out from her as the younger woman rubbed her eyes tiredly. The dancing and all of that event must have tired her out...
" *Yawn* Aren't you tired my Lord?"
"Tired? Not at all, a warrior should always had a high endurance skill. I'm not an exception. But,... are you tired my Lady?" Nodding, she scoots in closer to him as she leaned her head on his shoulder. His heart skipped a beat when she did that. And in his mind, all he think was that today was indeed the most eventful day of the year, in fact it was the most eventful day of... ever. She had no slight bit of clue what she can do to soften a man's heart, it was too much in a day for him... Taking a lung full of air, he then breathes out as he slowly moved closer to her, letting her using him as a support. Although her intentions were harmless and innocent and he was sure that she was just tired, he had to keep reminding himself of that for his brain said otherwise.
Somewhere, a mysterious figure smirked as they watched the two people. That person was exiting the place themselves, but happen to stumble across a very interesting scene. 'Interesting...' They thought.
"I am a little tired, It's the first time that I was needed for a dance performance. Usually a few songs would be enough to satisfy the ears of our Lord, but since Lord Zhang He and lady Zhen Ji insist that I should try to dance, I simply couldn't refuse."
She could have refused, but she didn't. He smiled at her kindness, to him, and to everybody. She was there, always. In the early morning, she would sat at the garden to compose a few short songs and poems, at noon, she would be in the main hall, entertaining their lord and the officers after an intense meeting, at night, they would all gather under the camp fire as Lady Zhen Ji and herself would play a peaceful song to lull the people to sleep.
And in battle, their melodies was graceful and at the same time, deadly. Somewhere there was a saying: "The unseen blade is the deadliest." But they need no blades or weapons for the enemy to be stricken with fear. Although, she still remained untouched by the fog of war even if her own hand sprayed the blood of the people onto the ground of the earth. Because he knew that she did not wanted nor chooses to do it. People with killing intentions tends to always go in it for the killing blow in the very first strike, but people like her was without the thrill or the desire to kill. She strike all of her regrets, pain and sadness into the heart of the enemy, decreasing their morale and scarred them mentally. All was needed is for someone else to slain the vulnerable and exposed soldiers. That was when people like him came in and destroy do all of the dirty work. But he didn't mind. It was what he was most familiar with.
She, of-course, with her specialized power of the muse could always finish them by herself with only one hard chord of her requiem, but she chooses not to do so as she reserves her melodies to heal the wounded and injured ally. There was a time when she almost didn't made it, and it force her hand to end the soldier's life in one swift movement. No blood was to be seen, but the fact that she killed someone must have been really hard for her to accept since she was trying to avoid this the whole time. And in those times, her songs and poems in their camp was more sorrowful than usual.
He knew that he wasn't worthy of sitting right here next to someone like her, she was a light shining bright in the darkness, while he was a mere glowing ember of a dying fire trying to keep itself from getting consumed by the darkness. But people like her is what kept his true purpose and kept him from falling into the oblivion; greed, hatred and anger are the factor that led people further into the chaos and disorder. And sometimes he and others like him could lost their ways. But as long as she was here with her beautiful, peaceful and calm harmony, they will never lose the path that they are fixated on. As he glanced up to the starry sky, he breathes in and smile at what the heaven above granted him and the world.
"You,... ah, you danced beautifully for your first time, Lady Cai Wenji..." She smiled at him as her eyes started to feel a bit heavy.
"Thank... thank you my Lord..." Her smile seemed to increase as her eyelid closed slowly.
"I... take it... that you liked what we did up there?" He liked how she used the word we instead of I and he grinned at her sleepy face. Her lips parted once more as she continued to speak. "I... noticed that... you were... watching me... " She said sleepily as her head felt heavier on his shoulder. He was speechless, she... noticed him?! He couldn't possibly express how happy he was to hear that, but he snapped out of his thoughts as he realized that the songstress was sleeping on his shoulder. Smiling softly, he hesitantly moved his hand to touch her porcelain cheeks. She smiled, making him yank back his hands as he thought she was awake. But it wasn't, she was still in her sleeping state as he tugged a strand of hair behind her ears, carefully not to wake her up. Her face was so peaceful and calm, as the winds continued to blow into her hair, he took a deep breath as he sighed, his fingers softly trail over the smooth silk-like texture of her hair as he mumbled quietly to her.
"Yes... yes I was, how could I have not... I simply could not take my eyes from you... My Lady. I liked the performance well, but the person who did it captivates me more... " He did it! HE CONFESSED! Zhang Liao did a yes motion as he grinned happily-... Right, she was asleep. His inner Zhang Liao laughed at himself as he thought he was finally confessing to the sleeping woman. Grumbling, he shook his mental image away as he once again look back up at her sleeping figure. The music already died down a few moments ago as everyone headed back to their quarter. Figuring the both of them couldn't stay out here forever, which he didn't mind, he looked around to make sure no one could see him as he picked the sleeping songstress up and carried her in his arms bridal style. The two of them began to make their way back to her quarters.
And he really thought that he did confess to her, maybe he will, but later... Right now, he have a sleeping songstress in his arms that need a soft and warm bed.
A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING. Please R & R. (Read and Review)
Guess what folks, the picture that I put on for the fic cover is actually implied most to the next chapter. I hope you guys check it out when I post it. Liaoman is the sexiest cat I ever saw huehuehue, of-course I will not take credit for what I do not own, and the next chapter would be a surprise with a picture attached at the bottom (hehehe, bottom) :3 Anyway...
The dress that I mentions pictures are here (removed the spaces):
Zhen Ji: ( LOL just go to my profile in the bottom shall have the link xD ) With/without the headpiece thingy because that's just either ok with readers or are creepy X3
Cai Wenji: ( LOL just go to my profile in the bottom shall have the link xD ) The outfit was nice and the girl somewhat reminds me of Cai Wenji... if she was less revealing of-course xD
And here is the music when the two ladies played together: Insert the dot com and slash, also if there are spaces remove it please c:
( youtube dot com/watch?v=U59dkWVUM8w&index=1&list=PLB5B0CD85A2025D44 )