« Yasuo ? »

A little worried. Before the latter was quiet like this but right now his grasp over Yi got weaker. So he asked lowly, to check on him.

Time went by, just like them in this now untouched land. No answer. Oh no. So Yasuo had indeed passed out, or fallen asleep. Knowing the extent of his wounds and lack of sleep, it was rather the first option. In any case, Yi wasn't glad, far from it. Not like panick but he deeply disliked to know his barely found soulmate was in such condition.

« We're almost here, courage. » Said in a breath, even as Yasuo wouldn't be able to hear him.

More than ever he had to fight his exhaustion and body limits, or it could bring them more troubles. Already to carry the latter wasn't so easy, not after all he had to do during the war but he could take it.

At the limit of breathless, Yi made his way to the village he knew not far. They would have some peace here. Just to imagine a bed and proper rest, it motivated him a little more. Until then, he would suffer little by little. Good thing he wasn't wounded, unlike Yasuo.

Yasuo… Completely out of context but he lingered on that name. Now he knew, that special someone had a name. Yi focused on that instead, to forget even for a time his own body screaming for a break.

A name to he would grow to love, if they had time for that. This was how it was supposed to go, wasn't it ? To fall in love and stay as close as possible. Years ago when he was thinking about it, Yi didn't know how he would react. It was strange to hear he would meet his soulmate then they would fall in love with each other. Quickly or not ? Adults never gave a proper answer to this.

Now he saw his soulmate, it was still very fresh yet he could honestly imagine loving this man. Maybe destiny played its part, maybe they were meant to meet because they were supposed to enjoy each other's company. Giving this too much thoughts was difficult right now, Yi gave up. But his grasp over the latter remained strong, part of him already ready to accept him.

Taking himself out of this wondering, he managed to find the village afar, on the side of a hill. Another good news for the day, they would make it out alive, together.

Last big effort, he ran fast to the near gates.

« We did it, Yasuo. »

Coming back to one of the free villages and cities always gave a feeling of comfort. Both because it meant being safe, even for a short time and because of the welcome. Not everyone could fight this war although a big part of the population still left to defend the lands. The ones who stayed for diverse reasons made sure to help their lands the way they could, so it was by taking care of any refugees, warriors, anyone that stopped by.

Since the beginning of the conflict they organized little by little and each village had something to give and to help. Any wounded could get help indeed and the starved would find food.

So it led Yi here, in one of the few houses changed to welcome fighters and wounded. Gladly welcomed in this village he knew for a few weeks or so. Quickly he took Yasuo somewhere calm so he could take care of his wound. There were a few villagers present to help with any injury but he wanted to take this in charge himself. No need to bother them. Also, he wouldn't let Yasuo away for him yet.

The latter was still uncouncious as he had him to lie down in a bed, like his whole body had proceeded to a proper shut down to stop him from doing more reckless thing. Survival instinct.

Yi lost no time and got to work. The armor was in the way, he started by taking it off. Sneakily a thought came on how he was already undressing his soulmate but he took care to kick it down as quick. This is different. Not so urgent but to treat the wound was important so Yasuo could have a full recovery. Nonetheless, Yi decided just to bare his upper body, no need for more since he was just wounded on his side.

That metal part on his left shoulder was quite bothering so he took it off too. The only thing he didn't expect was to notice words inked over skin. Oh. Before even reading it, Yi knew. It warmed him slightly just below the nape. Instinct caused him to reach gently, take a quick look despite having already a task at hands.

It was true. All of it. There he read the first thing he told Yasuo in a rather stupid urge. Not what he wanted to tell him, he had been thinking a little about it but it was too late. In fact, finding his soulmate wounded against a tree and doing as if he was merely taking abreak, it would make anyone react.

He couldn't take his gaze off the mark, careful hand carressing slowly. And Yasuo had grown up with a fond remark over skin. I'm sorry. It wasn't so dramatic but Yi admitted it wasn't the best mark to have. Then he remembered his own words and in the end Yasuo did deserve these words too.

Small sigh in that quiet room, getting emotional over his passed out soulmate. Idiot. Then Yi was cut in his not so short observation by one of the villagers bringing him some water as he asked, to clean the wound. A rather young boy, probably too much to be able to fight.

« Oh, thank you. »

« It's nothing. Tell us if you need something else. » The vitality of youth, clear in his voice. Anyway he didn't stay long, leaving the room as quick with hasty steps. Mere presence of a few seconds.

All the same it took Yi out of whatever soft thoughts he had, slightly taken by surprise. He recovered as soon as the boy left, though possibly red came shyly to his cheeks. Nothing too deep, just a reminder of what he newly discovered.

Resolute not to get carried away, he focused on his 'mission' and unwrapped the improvised bandage. Don't think about it. Not now. Yet the thought stayed at the back of his mind, for it only made their link stronger.

Discipline was needed, he cast everything off and cleaned the wound as he could after putting that bit of scarf away. It wasn't even fully stained, maybe he would be able to clean it later. Remember, it's blood. Nothing worse to take off.

After some time it was done, the wound properly bandaged and no worry for his condition. Without a doubt Yasuo would sleep – or stay uncouncious – like this for quite a long time so it was fine. Yi let himself relax a little, his soulmate would live. It wasn't doubted before but there was a calmign side to know he had done all he could to keep him healthy. The latter didn't budge once, too far away. Not even a noise. But he noticed after some time that Yasuo would hold his hand if he entwined with his. Mere reflex but soft nonetheless.

It wasn't long before exhaustion caught up with him too. So much effort for the day, plus that long walk with a dead weight – no matter how nice Yasuo was – didn't help. Yi needed to sleep and all came back as soon as he was done taking care of the latter.

So powerful need to rest, he couldn't even fight it. Before he fully realized it, he had leaned on Yasuo's bed and fell asleep right there.