Already asleep ?

In no way Yi could judge, he was so tired by their day and the war and the night didn't help yet. He would need some more to last. With mild amusement he noticed how Yasuo fell asleep in such short time, sprawled in bed carelessly.

Just to stand was exhausting, fighting to keep his eyes open till he could relax. Yi made a last effort and lied down in his own bed, facing the latter. Funny, how they came to face each other even through hard times. It could be just a coincidence or a need for this link.

It didn't even take long for him to fall alseep. Barely to close his eyes and linger by thoughts on the calming presence of someone he had been looking for. Then done, he didn't even realize he was drifting off.

Comfortable. Yet no doubt something bothered Yi's sleep, if it woke him up. Yet there was no obvious sign as awareness came back. Maybe I got enough. Then if it was true, it potentially meant an awful amount of time went by since they moved there. No way for him to forget about the war and everything happening outside, far away. It wouldn't leave him at peace.

Before it could spiral into something worse, he curled into sleep, clinging to it for it never felt enough. Yet Yi's moves met some resistance. Confused, he shifted in bed and found indeed a very very close Yasuo there. In his bed. Wait, I don't remember that. It left him slightly shocked to have that kind of 'visit' but also for the fact that he didn't notice as quick. When... ? The question didn't matter, this was done and not once he criticized the move itself. Just that his own reaction time got so slow when it came to Yasuo, as if he was already used to him. For a man easy to wake up under war time, he couldn't believe a grown man joining him in bed didn't bother him once.

It was comforting. No way for him to deny it. Yasuo was holding him close, in a position pressed to his soulmate as for portection. And Yi felt like protecting him, this was the most logical reflex.

Little by little the initial confusion faded away, leaving instead soft warmth that couldn't be fully explained. It could be a mere reaction for contact with his soulmate. It could be his starting fluster for finding nothing wrong in that embrace. It could be love taking shape little by little. Yet Yi considered this last option, gaze lost in the room. I feel it. It's getting stronger. Whatever that really was, it invaded his thoughts and soul with little to do.

What am I doing ? How was he supposed to react ? There was no guide for this, no way to know how fast or not he should take this. Yi wanted to cherish that man, the one he was meant to find and love no matter the shape it could take. Definitely it would take the romantic direction. But was it right ? Were they going too fast ?

Again he thought about the mark he found, clear words over Yasuo's arms. His. If he followed his urges, he would be seeking cautiously his mark, kissing it gently for the literal proof of their future love. Maybe to meet was the starting point and everything was allowed from there.

Can we ?

It echoed in his mind, desperate to know if indeed he was allowed to be open on the affection he held back. So many years looking for his soulmate and now he was uselessly worrying over 'conventions', being seen as eager or anything.

When Yasuo accidently woke him up earlier, he wasn't even truly aware of their situation. He just felt it, their link, the lack of sleep and the proximity of the latter. When the young boy had interrupted them, he was so tired he didn't have to hide the short fluster following.

What was the point of all this ? He couldn't even say. Only time would tell them. But given the way Yasuo had sneaked into his bed and held him at the moment, he doubted they would last long before anything. And it wasn't even a problem so why was he overthinking ?

Just to say it and see if it felt true. I love him. It didn't sound really hollow. Yet not fully convinced, since it was so fresh. Yi never doubted their love to be but for now he didn't think it was worthy to be called such. Let it bloom at its own pace. Then he would be proud and glad to say he loved this idiot swordman.

As if called, Yasuo stirred in his sleep and clung to him till his face was pressed to Yi's chest. Alright. Do as you wish. This wasn't bothering so he let him do as he pleased.

Less than a minute later he moved again and this time he looked definitely awake, rubbing his eyes. Looking up, he put short distance and indeed met Yi's gaze. What a sweet expression to find there, slightly anticipating and hinted with obvious lack of surprise.

Like someone caught on the spot. He did it on purpose. Although Yi didn't dismiss the possibility of a sleepy – then uncouncious – initiative, it still looked like the latter knew what he did.

Again, it wasn't a matter. It maybe caused slight confusion at the beginning but it paid everything back in soft feelings afterward.

To make it clear he welcomed the move, Yi fully returned the embrace and took the latter closer. It was nice, he felt at peace with himself and Yasuo seemed even happier to be right there. Quietly hands settled on each other and this could be properly named a hug.

« I see even the space between our beds was too much. How do you feel ? » Always that touch of fondness after such move. Yi still took care to look after him though.

A deep sigh answered the comment, before Yasuo explained shortly : « Sorry, I really needed that. Mmmh I'm fine. »

« Your wound ? » Slight worry slipped because he couldn't help that.

« Doesn't even hurt. Except if I try to push on it but I'm not that stupid. »

It made them both laugh quietly, echoing in each other. Till silence came back and with it, the powerful awareness of their position. It was far from bad yet Yi still felt it, to be so close to someone he barely knew. Except their link made it feel like they knew each other for years.

Eye contact and a similar emotion touched Yasuo, barely able to hold back. It increased suddenly when he brought a hand to Yi's face, lingering over his cheek. Hyperaware, always.

Something was bound to happen, none of them was strong enough to resist. Why would they ? It was right.