He will leave soon.

Was it so strange to wish for time to go slower ? Under normal circumstances it would be alright but right now it was war. In no way this was correct to wish, Yi was aware of it. Yet he longed to keep Yasuo in his reach while he could. Soon time would run out.

It will happen. Nothing can change that. Plus it was a genuine reason that pushed the latter to leave. He had to go back to his village and take responsibility for his duty. Yi was the first to understand that commitment but it ached little by little to think that at some point they would be separated for some time.

How much ? Impossible to know, only time would tell them. He wasn't really fond of that because in these troubled time, anything could happen. A small incident, a decision too harsh, anything.

Yi didn't like it to say the least. The only good side was that Yasuo would be a bit safer than in the battlefield running after noxians. Small relief. However the unknown wasn't so hopeful. There wasn't even a way to be sure they would see each other, no wonder for how long they would be away. He wanted to believe but so far destiny had made everything difficult.

The most likely would be to return to Yasuo once the war over but it didn't seem ready to end soon. Unless there was a big turn in the fights. Something was meant to happen, no doubt. Till then, Yi would count each day until he could find his soulmate. Not even gone and already missed…

Was it normal to feel so much in love already ? Finding one's soulmate could make everything seem fast but it was too good to relent. He left to fight a war and found love in the battlefield. Even if trying he wouldn't get to that level of luck. Unhoped for. All that time sighing to find his soulmate and indeed it merely took him to break the first rule and go outside the village.

No regrets. If he was given the choice, he would go for it again. No matter how much it hurt to break the rule and run to war. Speaking of, it reminded him he would have to go back at some point. Maybe not as soon as Yasuo but it was unavoidable. Maybe once the war is over. It was too early and he wasn't ready to face their wrath.

What would they do ? Kill me ? No. Yet he was sure the elders would find a good punishment for 'fleeing' the village. Would they even accept him home ? Thinking about it, that could make a good sanction. Heavy in meaning and harsh enough to make him realize his error. Not an error but a choice. Yi would never refuse to face his responsibility, it was part of his decision, no matter how painful this was going to be.

Quiet wondering in the rare silent times during the day. This was how he kept himself sane, by thinking of what he would do later, once it was over. The war wouldn't go on forever, it would end one day. Till then he got to busy his mind, not to guilt himself to death over corpses. Be it by his blade or another fellow's weapon, these soldiers had to die

A thoughtful look in Yasuo's general direction from time to time helped too. This was for his worry. Soon his soulmate would be gone and he almost wished he could stay a little longer. To risk getting killed during the fights ? No, if he could dream then he would ask for the end of the war, Yasuo free of his duty and himself free of the village's rule – to then maybe find a place to stay at the latter's village.

All this would be wonderful but so unlikely to happen. To find his soulmate was already enough blessing for his lifetime, Yi didn't dare to hope for more. Maybe just a little bit, some peace together.

Despair was everywhere around, the low exhaustion making this unbearable by the day. Hope was all they had and Yi would cling to it.

Soon he would say goodbye to Yasuo but it meant having him in a safer situation. If everything went well. Still better than to have nightmares about to finding him in time in the battlefield.

By each new day his heart tore a bit more. No matter how strong their embraces were in the early morning. Each time he could just think about the last time shared before separation. Yasuo obviously felt the same, clinging to him with such emotions, it made him speechless.

Better hope for the best and think ahead about their future reunion.

Until that day happened.

Yasuo had still tried to make it as painless as possible, even though it could hardly be called such. Indeed, their paths would part after a last night together in a safe place. At least it wouldn't be rushed nor weighed by exhaustion. Just to imagine waking up in the wildness and know that it was the last time before a while.

No, at least they got a night to hold each other tightly and kiss until they fell asleep. Safe, far from the horrible noises of war. Yi remembered it so well, tears happened at some point yet in a rather small amount. They would find each other again, it was a promise. They wouldn't die meanwhile.

The worst thing to happen. Unvoiced yet so clear in their minds. Shy touches in the privacy of darkness, swearing to be reunited as soon as possible.

Yi remembered his mark being kissed, many many times. Last attention provided, as if it could further their link. He did the same for Yasuo, lingering over the mark that already fulfilled its purpose.

An oath.

Morning arrived too soon and Yi met it with a heavy heart. Why be so sad ? In the best case, they would meet again in maybe a few months. Really, difficult to know when all this would be over. They just hoped, this was all they had.

That morning, both of them sitting in this kind bubble of safety, he gave what he could. His heart, his words. The only thing he didn't expect was Yasuo's request. A souvenir. Himself kept that piece of scarf, it was still a part of his soulmate. In exchange, Yi cut a strand of his hair and gave it. Nothing special, he thought, but it made the latter so happy. Kept safely, his own souvenir.

Then it was time. They prefered to say goodbye before daytime, if that could reduce the risk of bad encounters for Yasuo.

On the stone steps of the monastery, they wished each other good luck.

At first merely lacing their hands together then needing more, they hugged to finally surrender and kiss. Appreciate it, in case it was indeed the last one. At least this was a proper goodbye, if anything bad happened afterward. Yi muffled any bad thoughts as he could, focusing on the lively feeling of his soulmate in his arms.

They couldn't let go. A few more desperate kisses, each one meant to be the last but they couldn't resolve themselves to be the one parting.

Until they had to. It was time.

Yi didn't mean to but tears trailed down his cheeks. He wasn't even that powerless, helpless. It seemed too big reaction for this, like his body decided this on its own. Maybe their link was crying, since Yasuo was reduced to a similar struggle.

Barely a few tears yet it felt too much. Tension let out. Nothing could hold it back, like a reflex. It was different than that night's tears.

After a quiet shared laugh for this unexpected reaction, Yasuo leaned closer to give him a peck. The urge to linger was obvious, so painful. He didn't though and parted instead. This had to be done.

Their grasp went loose then he walked away. Turning back every two seconds, as if to check Yi was still here.

Far, far away. Gentle waving. Until he was out of sight. Then his heart cried a bit more.