Safety first.
At that time, many things plagued Yi's thoughts, just as many fears lurking around. Noxus was a big threat to anyone here and even if this village was rather safe, out of reach, they had to remain cautious. This nation thirsty for blood could get really inspired when it meant bringing death in these lands.
From this constant presence nearby came also worry. Yi always worried for everyone, fellow ionians met or not. However there was one person he felt most concerned about.
Yasuo.
Not once he doubted his skill and strenghts, this was obvious and he had seen it at work before. Yet he feared constantly that he would find death too soon. He was his soulmate, it was part of his duty and own selfishness that he seeked to keep him alive and healthy. To see him fall in the battlefield became an unbearable thought.
He's a danger to himself. So good he could play around the limits and search the closest fights. For honor. This meant equal risk – an early meeting with death that he didn't seem to care about. Difficult to witness for Yi but he would do, resolutely staying not far to keep an eye on this madman.
The fact that made everything difficult was Yasuo's wound. It wasn't worth the fuss, both knew it, merely a cut a bit too deep that asked to be bandaged and cleaned. Nothing tragic. Then why worry that much ?
Yi refused to let him risk his life even more than before. At full health he wouldn't be too worried, Yasuo was really able to defend himself. But a wound could make a difference. Even in itself it showed that he wasn't invincible, he could fail sometimes – though it remained extremely rare. He hated to know that, to remember when he found him down against a tree.
He could have died. If no ally had found him, there would be so little chance to survive in this wilderness. At first Yi was very glad to have this urge to look after one idiot that went missing but by now he took the full impact of the soulmate link. He could have lost him, before they could even mutually recognize each other. The seizing horror of feeling his mark disappear made him sick, as if he experienced it.
It could still happen. It only took one well aimed hit, one second of inattention, one rush of overconfidence then it was too late. Yi knew he was already falling hard for him and it meant carrying his share of worry. Nothing worse than losing a soulmate, no matter how soon or late.
Never.
So if he had to physically stop Yasuo from running into the fights before his wound was fully healed, he would do it. Without questions.
It was so hard because he knew this was unfair for the latter. When emotions got too strong sometimes, he would feel some from Yasuo. Now it meant serious anger, for being denied to serve his purpose. But one had more purpose than simply dying in this war, Yi would do his best to remind him.
Unfair for both of them. Yasuo felt like stuck and useless and Yi felt like his own parents, forbidding him to fight so soon. Still, he wouldn't falter, determined to have his soulmate fully rested and recovered.
Their argument didn't go further. After that, Yasuo remained terribly silent, gaze leaving nothing to hide in what he felt and thought. Yi made himself clear on his intentions and yet it hurt to actually feel an echo from the latter, almost pain.
The embrace went loose then he truly left just as he had arrived here. It looked a bit like a scolded kid, leaving to sulk. However Yi was aware it wasn't childish motivations here, it was a valid reason. Yasuo wanted to join the fights, it was more than legitimate and honorable. To hold him back wasn't his intention but a way to prevent worse things to happen.
Warmth was missed as quick. Well, he couldn't be mad about it. This wasn't the right time for quiet affection, not after such argument. Yi still missed it, to hold and be held.
It will be alright. I hope. There was the possibility that Yasuo would try to 'escape' and run to the fights but it was so thin, almost impossible. I don't think so. Because he wasn't stupid, he knew Yi wound follow him and take him back to the village or whatever happened. No way to run from the issue.
After lingering over the empty spot left, Yi looked back at the other warrior. She was looking in the direction Yasuo left, silent judgement over her face.
« I apologize, for this. I wasn't our intention to bring this up in your presence. »
She simply shrugged, back on what she previously did.
« No problem. Just, I guess it's not easy. I wouldn't let that one go out and kill himself in the fights but I get it when he says he wants to fight. »
Nothing could stop that sigh, looking away : « I think I understand him too. We're all risking our lives in this war yet I can't let him go, as small as his wound is. »
« Waiting a bit more won't kill him, for sure. » She paused, deep in thoughts. After maybe a good minute she spoke again, this time seeking his gaze : « How do you two know each other ? He speaks more like someone from the island but not you. »
Hmm ?
For this Yi was genuinely surprised. He didn't expect that topic, seemingly out of curiosity. He could feel this was meant to lead to another topic, future fluster to start.
« I found him in the battlefields, not so long ago. Indeed I'm from another region. »
It was coming, he knew it. This kind of question wasn't without interest or explanation.
« During the fights, huh ? I see why you're so worried. You two seem close, though. »
Of course, given the way Yasuo came and stayed – literally – close to him, it was difficult to deny a link between them.
« He's my soulmate. We just found each other. »
Better say the truth first. No one would be fooled anyway. During the times they were out and sleeping like the dead in the same bed, no doubt at least one person came to check on them and found them like this.
A stunned silence followed, with a similar expression for the latter. Not baffled but surely she didn't expect that much.
« Alright then I guess it makes sense. » Deep laugh, for a short time. « Maybe not the best time to find your second half but it shows there is still some happiness to find these days. »
The aftershock came, violently. It was peculiar to tell someone else about this, even though there was no reason. It was still a bit personal to them.
« Thank you. I'm glad to have him here. I hope you understand my opinion on his need to join the fights soon. »
« Of course. But I'm sure nothing bad will happen to him. You'll have each other's back. »
« I can't protect him from himself. »
It still weighed over his heart, the risk of losing Yasuo. He couldn't give in now. The need to protect him was strong, as much as he could.
« You can't but you can do your best. It's also on him to understand and think about his choices. »
Again the same debate. The only solution was to wait, it would give as much time for Yasuo to recover. Yi hoped he would accept it, at least for a few more days. In exchange, he was ready to stay a little more, even though he was already able to fight.
Later Yi decided to return and see where Yasuo was. He could tell he wasn't really far, somewhere in the village. Great relief. Good.
Before anything he wanted to check on him, see if he wasn't too mad at him. He would be completely legitimate in feeling so, Yi merely wanted to see how it was and maybe soothe what he could. Innerly he still craved contact.
Is this alright ?
No idea if Yasuo would ask him to stay away for a time or not. In any case he braced himself for the worst. There was probably no need to worry like this but Yi had to keep any possibility in mind.
Following this faint reflex, it led him back to the place they slept. Fine, he's still here.
Since the room was quite dim, he supposed the latter was back to sleep. It would be for the best, really. His body could peacefully heal during that time, without risk of tiny mistakes.
Quiet steps in here, until he saw indeed Yasuo in bed, facing the opposite direction.
« Yasuo ? » So low whisper, to be sure not to wake him up if he was asleep.
Though soon enough Yi heard an answer, quiet mumbling : « Mmh yeah ? » Small move in reaction, as to find the source of that noise.
Oh. I hope he was already awake.
On reflex he went to the bed and sat on the floor so he could be on Yasuo's level. Without any chance to hold back, Yi reached for him gently, only to find some sweet contact.
Difficult to forget that anger and worry, many emotions felt recently. Yet all of it was born from love, care for each other. It couldn't be ignored.
Careful gesture over his soulmate, as if it would burn him in case this wasn't welcome.
There he found Yasuo looking back at him. The lack of light in here didn't make it easy but he could still see his expression. Not necessarily angry or sad. Just tired, 'muted'.
« Hey. I won't bother you for too long. » He couldn't help but let that tone soft. Not matter how angry he was to force him into recovery, how scared to lose him, he couldn't hold this back. « I…I still long to hold you close. »
How could one be so selfish to ask so much and give so little ? He didn't like a bit of this. First to ask him to stay here against his wish then to ask for the slightest comfort he could get.
That hand so scared to fully commit was taken by Yasuo, nuzzling his palm quietly. This was all that was needed. Acceptance. Innerly Yi's heart ached, from both joy and sadness.
« It's fine. »