« We're sorry, Yi. »
That was quite cruel to say about a child's mark. Why apologize for something like this ? In his youth, Yi didn't really understood the fuss about that. Yes, he had 'bad' words as mark but it wasn't meant to be mean. Hell, he even came to love these words after some years.
But that memory stayed, engraved just like this mark below his nape. His parents...were sorry, for him. Probably they would have hated to have that kind of mark and wished their son to at least have a nice sentence to cherish. Things were this way, nothing could change this unless his soulmate died.
Sometimes he came to think his parents would rather it was the case. To discover one day his mark was gone. He had been so sad about it, the mere idea to read nothing when he looked for the mirror in their houses. Who would wish for a kid to lose his soulmate ? Just because the mark wasn't pretty or seemed to indicate a 'lower' soul ?
Someone from outside. Maybe the reason why they didn't like his soulmate from the start. Because it meant their son would find a way outside the Wuju village. Maybe by love for him, to wish him the best. But protection was quick to become unbearable. To deny his soulmate came to deny his mark, to deny his mark came to deny part of him. Oh all this was so difficult, to respect and love his parents yet they couldn't extend that care to his soulmate.
Now Yi knew who was soulmate. Not fully, to a complete point of understanding but he saw the man hidden behind these criticized words he bore all his life. Indeed his parents wouldn't like Yasuo, unless they reached beyond appearances. To check this, they would have to meet but Yi wasn't sure this was going to happen soon. Probably once the war was over and they'd be free to go back home. If we survive.
In all honesty, Yi doubted him or Yasuo would perish during the war. Unless there was a tragic incident, he would be there to look after his soulmate and vice versa. No one would be able to give a single cut to Yasuo, not before dealing with him first.
Was it strange now, to care so much about a man met in the battlefield ? He had a valid reason and explanation. So he would do his best, for Ionia and for Yasuo.
Why such thoughts again ? Ah yes, his mark. The source of so much troubles yet also small hopes. How many nights did he spend looking in the mirror, struggling to catch a glimpse of these words ? No need to be sorry for him, he was thankful to have someone.
That same person that asked to the mark and fell into a pit of embarrassment behind him. Yi felt it too, for being uncovered in such way but mostly because it meant everything for them. No he wasn't ashamed of his mark, no matter what everyone might say. It was a proof of love. Yet why was he shivering ?
When he looked behind him, it was clear Yasuo regretted his words. Maybe not to a drastic point but he must have felt responsible for what he read there. What so many read there, to go quiet afterward. It's fine.
Still, his cheeks burned under that deep blush, one that matched the latter. Really, what a pair they made. Under such vulnerable setting, Yi tried to calm down and rubbed his mark, focusing on the presence close to him. Now he looked in front of him, it was a lot to reveal himself. He didn't know if the fact that Yasuo was his soulmate helped or not.
Is it enough ?
Not that he truly minded but being under such attention was draining. Before he could voice his increasing discomfort from the lack of reaction, Yi registered new contact. Warm, over his back. A hand, without a doubt. It was flat over his back, not far from his mark.
Tense, Yi held his breath without knowing it and released it after he realized. Why feel like this ? It was just Yasuo, probably observing the very words he gave him.
Now he felt his other hand, barely brushing his body way lower, close to his spine. Then it moved around his mark too, showing the focus of the instant.
Overall, it was really nice to feel. Yasuo's hands were warm against his skin, a little rough due to sword practice yet careful as he could be. Yi felt his thumb rubbing gently, although it wasn't nearly close to the mark itself. This was the moment he took away his own hand and closed his eyes as to relish contact.
Exhale. It was still strange to be the center of such attention, when it remained on his back. His mark.
Almost lost in what he felt and his thoughts, Yi still heard the latter speak rather quietly :
« I'm sorry, for that one. It wasn't the best thing I ever said. » Controled yet it was obvious Yasuo could have said more about his shame.
« It's alright, I love it anyway. It led me to you. » His truth, that he would never forget.
The purpose of a mark wasn't to be pretty or bold. It was to fulfil its destiny and help two souls to be reunited. And it worked, they had found each other.
Silence answered him. Yi let him do, it was understandable to feel like this. Chances were Yasuo would carry a tad of guilt for some time but it would fade away little by little. Soon they would joke about it, because that was all it was. Light words, that accomplished its only mission.
These thoughts were interrupted suddenly, as Yasuo moved his hands elsewhere. Slowly he came to embrace Yi from behind, arm around his chest. Beyond that new contact, it was something else that caught Yi's attention. New warmth, almost difficult to detect before he came too aware of it.
Lips, over his mark. Light brush, a few pecks given there. Each of them felt like electric shock.
Another shiver ran his spine, from both the light touch and the meaning given to this gesture. Yi's heart raced again, risking to betray him since the latter's palm rested over his chest. Yet he couldn't help but enjoy this moment, as surprised as he was.
Yasuo didn't stop there, holding him close while he kissed his mark, over and over again. So close, he could feel his whole – half clothed – body pressed to him. Soft noises, so faint and lovely to hear. Yi let go, held what he could reach from the latter.
« Thank you... » Ripped from his chest, a little painful as his memories came up. It was something to be loved as soulmate, it gave him great comfort.
To return this feeling, he took Yasuo's hand and left there a peck. All he could manage as gratitude.