Word Count: 2,301


s i g n s


I don't exactly know how it happened, but I was suckered into helping Gan Ning with his physical therapy on a daily basis. Maybe it was because the nurses looked pretty mortified at the thought of trying to hold up the pirate themselves, or maybe some sick, twisted part of me actually liked helping him. Or maybe I was just a doormat. Whatever it was, I spent every day of the next six weeks in the infirmary.

I had to admit, I was pretty impressed by how quickly Gan Ning recovered. What surprised me even more, though, was how well he and I actually got along. Whenever I'd come in, he'd have this stupid smile on his face. At first I thought it was just him feeling cocky that he'd managed to get me to do this for so long, but later I realized it was a genuine smile. I didn't think the pirate could manage one.

Creepier yet, I kind of started to like him. Not in the "I want to date him" kind of way (like hell if it would ever be that), but the "I can finally stomach being around you" kind of way. I never thought I'd get there, considering nothing had really changed about our situation: he still murdered my father and I still wanted some sort of revenge. But for the time being, things were pretty nice. Even my weird little situation with Lu Xun started to slow down (I still think it had something to do with me using the word "friends" that one time)…

Lu Meng decided to celebrate our "good behavior"—Gan Ning's and my own, that is—by having a small feast ordered to the infirmary. Even though the pirate was able to walk around and spar, the doctors still wanted him to stay there to keep an eye on him. I couldn't blame them, though; trusting a pirate to look after his health was like asking a drunk for directions: heavens only knew what would happen.

So, there I was, sitting around a makeshift table beside the bed of my father's murderer, trapped between Lu Meng and Lu Xun. Gan Ning had just finished one of his extravagant—and highly exaggerated—stories, leaving Lu Meng in stitches and a too-naive-to-get-the-joke-at-the-end Lu Xun baffled. I smiled politely as I took another long drink of the mysterious wine in my glass. It tasted like grape…and some other fruit I couldn't put my finger on. I was just lowering the glass from my lips when a splitting pain shot across my skull. Unconsciously, I raised a hand to my forehead—as if it would help.

"Is everything all right, Master Ling Tong?" Lu Xun asked, puppy-dog eyes in full action.

"Heh, princess just can't hold his liquor," Gan Ning shot. My eyes glared in his direction; I thought he'd finally retired that stupid nickname. "Might want to slow down there, pal."

I grimaced, massaging my fingertips into my temples. It's not like I've even had a lot to drink yet… Maybe it's just from stress. After all, how enjoyable can it really be to eat dinner with a man who's lusting after you and another who seems to have a thing for you? Not to mention Lu Meng, who seems to be three sheets to the wind all ready…

"I'm fine," I finally said, lowering my hand. Not like the pain had subsided or anything.

"As I was getting at earlier," Lu Meng said, tentatively changing the subject. Maybe he wasn't as drunk as I thought. "Our lord wants to launch a joint attack with Shu against Wei at Chibi. We're supposed to march in a few days."

"According to the doctors," Lu Xun chimed in, "you should be more than able to join us, Master Gan Ning. Since your physical therapy went so well, you'll be able to help us lead the front lines at Chibi. It'll be a good chance for you to finally stretch your legs."

"All right!" Gan Ning's eyes lit up; I don't think I'd ever seen him so excited. "'Bout damn time, too. I'm sick of waiting around."

"You too, Ling Tong," Lu Meng added, nodding in my direction. Instinctively, I glanced down at my cast-free arm. "So long as it doesn't cause you too much pain, you'll be able to help out as well."

I nodded. The pain radiating from my skull was starting to make it a chore to pay attention. And had it always been so cold in here?

"So, what's the game plan, then? Not that it really interests me," Gan Ning said, arrogantly flippant as always. I rolled my eyes.

"Lord Zhou Yu has worked out a strategy with Lord Zhuge Liang," Lu Xun informed. "We're supposed to go over the battle plans tomorrow afternoon."

"Eh," the pirate shrugged, finishing off the drink in his hand. I silently prayed he wouldn't get drunk enough to go into another embarrassing confession. "Like I said, doesn't really interest me. So long as I can go out there and kick some ass the way I like, I'm not complaining."

Lu Xun gave a patient smile. "We'll put that into consideration tomorrow."

The skinny strategist kept talking after that, but I had to admit, I tuned him out. What with the searing pain in my skull and the sudden drop in temperature (was it really just me?), I was easily distracted. Lifting a hand, I pressed the back of it against my forehead. Damn, it was hot…

I wasn't getting sick, was I?

"You okay there, Ling Tong?"

"Eh?" I blinked, meeting two worried gazes and Gan Ning's what-the-hell's-wrong-with-you-now stare. "Uh…what?"

"You're whiter than a ghost," Lu Meng continued; his eyebrows furrowed with concern. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Perhaps we should call it a night," Lu Xun offered. I actually felt a little grateful for his suggestion. "It is getting late, and we have much to prepare for tomorrow."

Gan Ning snorted. "There'll be plenty of time to sleep when we're all dead."

"And you'll be there soon if you keep pushing yourself—and drinking all that liquor," Lu Meng said, swiping the bottle from the pirate's hand as he rose. "Get some rest."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, old man," Gan Ning mumbled.

I followed Lu Xun out of the infirmary, all ready a little tired of the "old man/brazen pirate" spiel they did. Or maybe I was just cranky because I felt weird. We waited outside the door; Lu Xun stood patiently as I leaned against a nearby wall, feeling rather weak. What the hell was going on with my body?

"Go—" the kid started, changing his mind mid-word. "Master Ling Tong, if you aren't feeling well, please don't push yourself too hard."

"Gongji," I said with a weak smile, knowing that was what he intended to say. "And I'm fine, really. I think I just drank too much."

Thankfully Lu Meng emerged from the infirmary, stopping Lu Xun from saying whatever else was on the tip of his tongue. "Well, let's get going, then."

I wandered behind the two as we made our way through the castle, as our rooms were all located within the same wing. They were both heavily engaged in some strategy talk—I didn't really catch anything of it. A weird, twisting feeling was gripping my stomach as I walked; the walls began to sway a little.

Damn it, I think I'm really sick… I cursed myself. Unconsciously, I lifted a hand to my forehead. I was sweating? But I was cold… Must be a fever, then.

The feeling in my stomach suddenly intensified as we stepped through the corridor connecting to my room. I stopped, steadying myself against the wall and clutching my stomach. Bile started to work its way up my throat as the floor beneath me swayed.

Goddamn it…

"Master Ling Tong?" Lu Xun's voice barely registered. "What's wrong?"

"Sick," I blurted. It was all I managed to say before I bolted to the door of my room and slamming it behind me. I darted over to the empty wash bowl beside my bed and vomited.

And I continued this for the rest of the night.


The sun peering over the horizon only succeeding in making me feel worse—if that was even physically possible. I was sitting out on the balcony, slumped against the railing. I'd only stopped vomiting a few hours earlier and was finally able to relax a bit. Getting any actual rest didn't happen last night: every hour I was up and emptying my stomach of what little contents it had left (if there was anything it all, really).

My throat burned. My eyes burned. My forehead burned.

I felt like death.

Eating breakfast wasn't even an option: no way in hell was I about to consume something that I'd probably end up seeing again a few minutes later. Grabbing the railing, I slowly got to my feet, the urge to vomit rising with the motion.

For the love of… Will this please go away soon?

Maybe I could walk it off… Besides, I was feeling extremely stiff from sitting so awkwardly all night. And I doubted anyone would really be up, considering how early it was. So, taking advantage of the small window of not feeling the urge to throw up, I staggered over to the door and peered out: the coast was clear.

Slipping into the corridor, I kept my eyes peeled for anyone who might interrupt my quick walk. I was grateful I'd been right about no one being up at such an early hour. I managed to wander around for a bit before returning to the same corridor to my room (I would have kept walking a little longer if my head hadn't felt so light). And just as I was rounding the corner, I saw him coming down the hall.

The odds of Gan Ning being up and about at this hour and by my room had to be extremely, extremely slim.

Yet it still happened.

Why is my life such a bad joke?

"Hey there," he called, giving a weird half-smile. "Glad to see you're alive. Thought you might've kicked the bucket after your dramatic little show last night."

"Surprised to see you up at this hour," I shot as I neared him—ignoring his comment. Ah, hell, why did he have to stop by my door? He didn't know it was mine, did he? To try and piss me off?

Gan Ning snorted. "Yeah?" His expression faltered as I neared him; I panicked a little. "Somethin' wrong? You don't look good."

Now it was my turn to snort. "Thanks."

"Not like that, idiot."

My face felt a little hot—and I don't think it was because of a fever.

The pirate took a step forward as the hall started to sway. Oh, not now. Of all times, not now…

I tried to make my leaning against the wall for support as casual as possible, though tripping over my own foot didn't help. I reached for the wall as a pair of hands grabbed my waist, holding me up.

"Whoa there," Gan Ning said, his breath ghosting over my neck—which succeeded in giving me goosebumps.

I pushed him away in my sudden embarrassment. "Let go," I snarled, falling back against the wall. My whole body burned, but no spot as much as where he'd touched me. I really was sick.

"Don't get snippy with me," the pirate said. His voice was unusually low—or did my hearing just wack out?—as he stepped over toward me, trapping me against the wall. His brow was furrowed as he placed his hands on my hips.

Oh,dear gods

"Your breath smells horrible." He scrunched up his nose.

"Don't get so close to me, then," I countered; anger once again acting to cover up my embarrassment. I wasn't about to tell him I'd been throwing up several hours ago—he didn't need any more reason to badger me. "Yours doesn't smell so fresh, either."

He chuckled. I could have sworn I felt the vibrations in my chest, even though we weren't touching. His face had gotten so close to my own I could see the subtle lines in his lips.

Wait, why the hell was I looking there, anyway?

"What are you doing?" I asked as he inched his face even closer. My heart was pounding; I prayed he wouldn't hear it. And as if I wasn't feeling lightheaded enough all ready—having him so close made me feel like I couldn't even think if I wanted to. And that weirded me out.

Gan Ning gave a brief chuckle. "I wish you could see how you look right now. Face flushed, half-lidded eyes, breathless…" He paused. I could have sworn my heart stopped. "Looks like you're waiting for something to happen."

"Get away from me," I snapped, my tone much less demanding than it should have been. I wanted to push him off, but part of me was reluctant to touch his bare chest again.

The pirate squeezed my hips. Several memories from the night he was drunk flashed through my mind. I swallowed hard.

"You always do this," he said—whispered. "I hate it. But I kind of like it, too."

My blood ran cold.

"That face of yers. I hate it. But it's kinda beautiful."

"I hate the way you walk But it's sexy. But I hate it."

Oh, dear merciful heavens…

"Get away from me," I said again. My knees felt like they were about to buckle. And how did it seem like he was taller than me right now? I brought my hands up to his chest to push him away; he almost seemed to purr at the touch.

And then Gan Ning kissed me.


A/N: Wahaha~ Cliff-hanger ending much? x3 I really couldn't help myself here. ^-^

What will happen next? Will Ling Tong give into Gan Ning? Will Lu Xun walk in? Guess we'll have to wait for the next chapter~

I'd like to take the time to give a special thanks to my reviewers, including: Vovo, Megumi Kei, Animelover6000, Somniyo, and Niouyuki. I honestly can't thank you all enough for leaving your comments and reviews for me! Every time I see I have a new one I get this silly smile on my face :) You're all the reason I keep this story going, so thank you!

Do you guys think I should make my chapters a little longer? I feel like they might be a bit on the short side…

Thanks for reading, everyone! Chapter 8 will be up soon~