The return to the fights was quite rough in contrast to such emotions before. That damned view of many corpses, foul smell and corrupted atmosphere, he didn't miss it. But they had to go back, this was their mission in this war – to push back the invasion and chase each single noxian soldier that walked these previously harmonious lands.
It was rough because one would never get used to this. Never. Each day could be the last, lest one was lucky or skilled enough. Noxus was still on the move, destroying path through hills and woods.
Yi wasn't glad to go back but now he had someone by his side. It meant both having to look after Yasuo and having company. A fair price. He wouldn't complain anyway, this wasn't the right time and to simply have someone close was a luxury.
So they returned together in that hellish area, with the small comfort of knowing the other nearby. A last kiss before the rush, then their lives were between fate's hands.
Nothing new for him. It never changed, between looking for any ionians and fellow fighters and slaying any enemy that had the worst luck in this world.
It was still nice to notice how efficient their pause at the village had been for his condition. Exhaustion was one of their enemies and a real danger. For now Yi felt well, although gradually this would change again. Let's hope. To sleep during war time was the less enjoyable thing, impossible to truly relax because of the constant risk or awareness.
It last some time, more blood staining the family blade and more silent regrets. What truly kept him aware of time was Yasuo. Yi always made sure to look for him when he didn't see him for a while. Better safe than sorry. This soulmate link only made it easier because now he knew without explanation where to find the latter. Never too far, by luck.
Maybe it seemed like looking after a child and it could be valid indeed because of Yasuo's whimsical runs into noxian lines. No matter how far he went, Yi remained close. There was this instinct to keep a certain distance of safety. As soon as he felt the latter going fast in one direction, his reflex would be to follow, even if he wasn't planning on joining him. An ethereal leash. Never one without the other.
War was harsh on them, always fighting and risking everything. To stay there and hear over and over again the same clash of steel, the same clamor to fight and the same screams dying alone. One could lose their mind at this, if they weren't already joining the deads underneath the battle.
Among all this stream of noises and information, fears and anger, Yi remembered one thing. One time when Yasuo returned to him by himself after noticing him in his sight. To see a smile in such hell was odd but loved all the same. The spark of hope needed to continue and never give up.
This would stay forever in hsi mind, when the latter cut his way to join him. A streak of blood on his face, not his obviously but it made Yi worry all the same. Barely the time to brush his cheek with care before lips found his and made him forget horror for a second.
Joy had nothing to do in a battlefield. Love neither. It could be a distraction, keeping them from focusing on the real matter at stake.
It didn't last. Merely a peck then Yasuo was gone, breath of air after his passage.
Focus. Don't die.
No words exchanged because their link was far enough to convey any worry or assurance. What would they even say ? Please, stay alive ? Both would rather still be standing by the end of the day, of course they wouldn't die. At least, not try to.
The wind was furious but still able to be contained. Yi had seen it at work, how the latter yielded it to face his enemies. Deadly when well used. The gods knew how skilled Yasuo was, with such rare ability.
For him, it wasn't a matter. Yi was ready to face the wind when it got too strong and needed to be held back.
Moments like these stayed in his mind until they found each other. The rare times when they could rest a little, as much as war allowed.
This was part of the new things. Having a soulmate by his side meant taking care of him and making sure he wouldn't die by overconfidence. It also meant taking care of his self, especially after that one wound that cause such a fuss for nothing.
Since Yi wanted the best for the latter, he always came to take him out of the battlefield when he deemed it had been too long since latest rest. He didn't care that much about his own tired state but Yasuo needed this. The full circle came when he claimed Yi was being unfair with himself and that this soulmate link implied both had to take care of each other. So Yasuo wanted him to take some rest too.
All this led to this kind of scene, far enough from the clash of fights and the awful atmosphere following Noxus. Going back to a village each time wasn't possible, too tiring so everyone did as they could. For them, it was by finding a rather safe place in one of the woods around.
« Show me your wound. Do you feel well ? »
Once the constant risk was gone, Yi could breathe again and offer the attention required. It was well known for both that Yasuo's wound wasn't that deep but he wanted to be sure it didn't open again during the fights. This was after all the main reason of his worries.
« I'm fine. I don't feel anything, usually I'm more busy running to save my ass. »
Quiet hum. He joined Yasuo on the ground and made a gesture for him to show the bandaged part. He's not wearing enough. For his own safety and survival he should wear more resistant armor and not just for his arm. It was important.
The good news was that his wound was on the good path to recovery. Not open or anything. Good. There, Yi felt a bit better. He had been so scared about this detail increasing risk for Yasuo but it seemed that he overthought.
Still careful over the latter's skin, his hand lingered a little despite the lack of purpose there. It was done, he had checked his wound. No need to dwell there. However, Yi couldn't stop himself.
No doubt Yasuo noticed. After all, it would be difficult for him to ignore that hand gently carressing his side where skin was revealed. Yi felt himself blushing, it wasn't really the best time. Would there be one ?
Until the latter lifted his chin and kissed him urgently. Mmh. Oh patience, gone for good. Yasuo pulled him to his lap, having him sit there while he took as mission to deeped the kiss. Licking eagerly into his mouth, with the cheer eagerness so typical from their youth. Yi returned everything, strong grasp over the latter's shoulder, the other hand coming through his hair.
There, so much for holding back. Now they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Although this was war time, it was perfectly understandable to reach in such way for someone dear when next day couldn't be guarantied.
Even once the kiss was broken, only to leave this gentleness after affection, they were helpless. Careful hands over each other in the same way someone would treat a splendid weapon, with deep care and genuine reverence. There was no risk to harm each other yet thye remained very cautious in any move. As if it would break the spell.
For inflicting such pain in the battlefield, their hands were now unable to give anything but love. Check they were still alive, still breathing. Yasuo's hand settled over his chest and despite the heavy armor, that gesture was welcomed for the meaning given.
In return, Yi craddled the latter's face and gazed softly at him. Precious. Mine. How short to get feelings but he wasn't complaining. Yasuo was too easy to get fond of and he gave too many reasons to be loved. Even as suicidal as his tactics could seem.
Following the urge, he kissed him slowly. Relish the time together, it might run out soon. A hint of tongue and chaste passion made it even better. Yasuo was so sweet right now, hands settling over hips as he relished the instant.
Time stretched for an eternity and half, a real delight. However Yi wouldn't forget so quickly, as good as this attention felt. He needs to rest.
Parting slightly, he murmured to him : « You need to rest, at least a little. »
« I know, I know. Let's sleep then. » As if words had an impact, Yasuo yawned softly, accidently getting cuter than before.
« You sleep. I'll be watching around. »
This was his worry speaking, he couldn't let go so easily.
« No, there is no need. We're safe. Plus you know if there is someone in a mile we'll hear them coming. »
Oh so tempting to stay right there, when Yasuo opened his arms to him. He wasn't wrong, they made sure to be far enough from the area of the fights and Yi was always a light sleeper. It wasn't for nothing that he survived all this time already.
A chasted peck took him out of his inner debate, sighing his defeat.
« Alright then. »
Yi moved from their previous position to go instead by his side, back to that large rock they found as possible hiding spot. Without waiting Yasuo came closer and rested against him, snuggled in that small comfort he could find despite the armor. It was still fine, he welcomed him and kept a protective arm around his soulmate.
Paying attention to everythign around, he kept his other hand over the handle of his blade, just in case. Yasuo did the same although he also liked to seek contact in this peaceful moment.
« Good night. » Then a last kiss asked. Yi gave it gladly, always happy to find gentleness in this cruel world.
« Good night, Yasuo. »
It wasn't to properly talk a 'good night', they both knew they wouldn't get a lot of sleep and it would have to do till next time. Still, they continued this habit not to lose their sanity because of war.
One day all this would be over and they would be able to share an actual bed and wish each other goodnight in the most perfect peace.
