« I keep what I asked. I want to know more about you. »
In this otherwise calm moment, Yasuo's word echoed slightly in the room where they stayed. It was a bit later after their meal, even though they were completely out of a respectable rhythm. Night had fallen a long ago, before they woke up. So out of it, they had nothing to do but take more rest since there was a lot to wait for Yasuo's recovery. Yi would wait as much as needed, prefering not to put the latter's life at risk by getting back to the fights too early.
They were back in that same room furnished with several beds although no one went here except them. Maybe there weren't a lot of fighters coming by this village.
This time, Yasuo didn't even pretend to take this slow, going directly to lie in Yi's bed. That was a sign difficult to miss. I don't mind. It was enjoyable to have his soulmate so close.
Careful, he held Yasuo to his body while making sure not to touch the sensitive area. He had seen several times that it hurt him, even though most of these occasions were because the latter forgot for a time. Habits were his enemy for now.
Right then, Yasuo looked at him curiously, mix of determination and anticipation. That one needed to sleep yet he seemed far too awake for this.
Maybe not the best time to talk. Would there be one at some point ? Yi doubted it. They could talk now, if really Yasuo wanted to and didn't risk to fall asleep mid sentence.
« If you're not too tired, we can talk a bit. »
Yasuo nodded eagerly, clearly he wouldn't give up on this idea before sleep. It made Yi sigh softly, a little endeared to see someone so stubborn.
« Alright, alright. Ask away, what do you want to know ? »
He would make sure later to ask too, because this curiosity wasn't one-sided. Both of them had a life before meeting the other, two decades seeking their other half.
It didn't take long for Yasuo to ask him, obvious attention on him : « Where do you come from ? I guess you're not from any of the villages near mine but hell, Ionia is huge to explore. »
Indeed good question. It reminded Yi of the distance crossed to join the fights. Noxus had invaded the land on several points but the greatest fights were on the main island, with its highest point at the Placidium of Navori.
« From another island. Bahrl. However it's not the only reason we haven't met earlier. Are you from here ? »
Wide gaze from the latter, amazed. To see such interest for knowledge was sweet, Yi wanted to answer as much as he could.
« Damn, you come from far away. Yup, I'm from this island though I walked a lot since I left to fight. »
For all their conversation Yasuo held him dearly. Sometimes he shifted slightly the embrace, carressing a bit but he never broke it. It was fine, a mirror of their quiet talk from one heart to another.
« Hey, you say there was another reason we couldn't meet ? »
Yi looked away for a time, this wasn't the easiest topic. How to explain to an outsider how the village worked ? Also, it reminded him of all this time his people tried to convince him to give up on his soulmate. Not supposed to leave the village, etc. He was going to earn such horrible punishment at his return.
« Our village is hidden in the mountains. No one can leave it, this is one of the main rules. We live and die there. »
Now the mood had taken a serious hit, Yi wasn't sure this was a good idea. Anyway, Yasuo wanted to know more about him and this was part of his life.
Gazing back at the latter, he found there a puzzled expression.
« But you're here. Something bad happened ? Noxus ? » Yasuo tried to make some sense out of this but it seemed difficult without the facts.
« Not the way you think. Noxus attacked Bahrl too but not our village because it's too difficult to find. If I'm here, it's because I broke the rule and left to fight. My people refused to put the village at risk in this war, Ionia isn't of their concerns. »
Small silence received his answer. It was still strange for Yi to 'tell his story', even to another fellow warrior. Everyone had a story to tell, his wasn't so special but it still explained part of him. He would skip some part on purpose, Yasuo had no need to know a few things. Like his parents's opinion on his soulmate. Although Yi could guess he wouldn't feel insulted too much, just annoyed for a time. But the topic remained personal.
« I did the same. » A bit sudden, breaking silence.
« What ? »
« I'm elder Souma's bodyguard so I'm supposed to stay in town to protect him. But I wanted to fight so errrrrr I kinda deserted my duty. Just for the time of the war, I swear ! I'll go back once it's over. »
Oh. Indeed they made the same choice. His situation may differ from Yasuo's but in the end he chose to fight instead of staying back. It seemed that all was made for the best, they shared the same goal and determination.
« You don't have to justify yourself, you did what you thought best. Even though I think you're too zealous, be careful out there. »
« Thanks. I know they gonna screw me so much once I come back. It's funny, you didn't seem the type to go against rules. Discipline, all that stuff. » Yasuo chuckled in their embrace, visibly unbothered by the previously serious mood.
« Rules are there for a reason. Yet you're not wrong, I still regret going against the village's will. You're not the only one who'll be screwed back home. »
« Between that and Noxus, I don't know what I prefer. »
As quick he closed distance – as if they weren't already – to snuggle against Yi. Soft urge indeed. He let Yasuo do as he wished, it wasn't bothering. Maybe he's sleepy.
« Indeed. Yasuo, you can sleep if really you need to. Don't hurt yourself by staying awake. »
« Nah, I want to talk a bit more. Please. » Yes he wanted this but he wasn't as loud as before, probably getting on sleepy time already.
« Alright, as you wish. What do you want to know ? »
It wouldn't last long, Yi could tell. He was still tired even after all they got for rest and lying in bed wasn't making it easier.
« Do you got any brother or sister ? Am just curious. »
Oh that small smile, really really cute to see. Exactly the kind of thing that made Yi more comfortable in this future relationship.
« I don't. My parents only had a son, me. »
« Oh…Sorry. » Half drowsy, half sad.
Yi could tell the latter was genuinely sorry for him, even if there was no need for this.
« It's alright, there are others of my age in the village. Is it safe to guess you have siblings ? »
It made sense to see such joy from Yasuo as he asked about it, even muffled by his state. Almost a question he wished to be asked. It made Yi smile in return, glad for this lighter mood and the sleepy embrace.
« Yes…Yone, big bro. I think you'll like him. They always told me to be more like him, serious, quiet. »
To hear such affection for family was nice. Yi was so touched to imagine the possibility, after the war. Maybe to meet Yasuo's family indeed. Such faith in a good future was sweet, he wanted to believe it too.