He's back.
Despite the whole argument and his own anger, Yasuo was still glad to have him here. That small confession went through his heart, something so sweet and desperate that he was tempted to forget and comply. But he couldn't.
It was still here, at the back of his mind and impossible to ignore. Unfairness. A bit bitter, it had urged him to leave and stay alone. Away from Yi.
Their link made it impossible to avoid and deeply, Yasuo always yearned any kind of contact. Although right now pettiness whispered to change side and turn his back to the latter. Fair indeed, after what he refused to him. It would hurt a little, just like Yi was doing to him by making him stay at the village.
Affection and reason stopped him from doing that. He wasn't able to stay too mad at the latter because there were valid reasons behind his decision. Yi wanted the best for him, for his health. It was logical to have him stay till he recovered.
This was why Yasuo couldn't push him away – the motivation wasn't even there – keeping the latter's hand against his cheek for the small comfort found. The war was unfair to both of them and sometimes decisions weren't the easiest to take and respect.
Yet it hurt so much to stay idle and do nothing. It hurt even more to remember Yi's words, how much he cared about it. Pain in a good way. Some people would rather see him dead. Maybe the war was just an occasion to risk it, repay the wrong done.
Mixed between lingering bitterness and overwhelming affection, Yasuo said nothing. Just held the latter as he could and stood this gaze going emotional by the second. Before finding his soulmate, he was sure no one would miss him except his family. Now there was a new person, truly able to keep him alive in this hell. That person leaving desperation to show in his gaze, just before he leaned against Yasuo, sort of hidding and hugging.
Oh to be loved. What a blessing. That love that clung to him just like Yi, light tremor impossible to miss.
« I'm sorry… » Muffled by their position yet too telling on the latter's mood.
No… This was why he couldn't come to be mad at Yi. He was doing his best and for now their 'missions' were in conflict, between his urgence to fight and the latter's worry. It was difficult, there was no perfect solution.
Beyond the apologies, it was the rush of emotion that struck Yasuo. Not his, he was certain but Yi's. So strange to explain but he felt it in return, a sort of echo.
Frozen there, he didn't dare to move or even make a gesture. It was too much. Yi held him with a certain strenght, as to match the powerful feelings seizing him.
Before he could even hope to calm this, the latter resumed : « I know you're angry and you're legitimate to feel so, especially against me. Just, I can't lose you. Not so soon, never. »
Almost small, shy in the way it was said. At the limit of breaking. Yasuo stayed there, emotion tying his voice too. Yes, he was angry but not to the point of holding it against Yi.
Unable to speak, he let him say all that he had over his heart.
« You're too precious to me. I know how selfish it is to keep you here, away from harm. But I need you to accept, stay here until you're back to health. Do it for me, please… »
Selfish…
Imagine, to be called a mistake, to be hated by everyone. Only to find someone thinking he was precious. That his life was worth it, worth pushing to selfishness for wanting him alive. Worth beyond his purpose.
It nearly killed his anger. Nearly, because he wouldn't stop feeling the injustice but it didn't mean he wasn't close to tears because of rare words. Yasuo smothered the rush of emotion, just so it wouldn't become too strong. A sob still broke out.
He heard it, the low gasp from the latter as reaction. It burned a bit under his skin, the faintest shame that had no reason here. To give a distraction, he held Yi back and gave as much of his strenghts as he could.
Try to be mad, after that. Impossible. He's killing me…
They hugged, rocking a bit as to ride the feeling out. Good thing there wasn't a lot of light in there or Yi would have noticed how close to crying he was.
Finally, when his voice seemed to work without any risk to betray his emotions, he spoke : « I will stay. For you. »
« Thank you. I will join the fights tomorrow. »
It hurt to hear but at least it was clear. When he replied, Yasuo's voice threatened to break : « I know. Just be careful out there, you're precious too. » Then a hard peck given to the latter's cheek, as to show his determination for this words.
Hand burried in Yi's hair, he held him close. All the contact he could find, as much for his own craving than for the latter. Restless.
« Just a few days. Then you will be free to join me and fight. Three days, three days… » Whispered in their embrace, soothing the hurt inflicted.
Three days, it wasn't so terrible. But he would be alone here, doing nothing. Just to imagine, Yasuo knew he would hate it deeply. Both because Yi wouldn't be there and because he would be useless. No other choice.
Silence settled after that, except a few hushed words to both soothe and love. Though the position wasn't the best. Yi was still sitting on the floor.
To change this, Yasuo pulled him to join him in bed.
« Come here. Please. » Too soft but could he help it ? The mood remained the same, careful embrace and lingering affection.
Without further request the latter complied and moved to bed, quick to lock again their embrace. Contact was appreciated to its fullest, limbs tangled and no space between them.
Now they could look at each other. Yasuo noticed that same expression from his soulmate, still marked by sadness even though care was taking over. Hands reached for his face, gentle carresses.
« Yasuo, there is something I want to ask you. »
It sounded serious, making him react accordingly : « Yes ? »
Small move nearby, Yi fumbling with something. Then he brought something to Yasuo's sight. It was rather dim in there, but he was sure to know what he showed him. The piece of scarf cut before, the one used as bandage before they could take care of his wound. Oh…
« Can I keep it ? »
New wave of feelings shook him, this one a lot more happy and innocent. Yasuo didn't know he could get sentimental like this just over a piece of his scarf but why not ?
« Take it. » Nothing more or Yi would suspect something. Really, that day got too many emotions at once.
« Thank you. I know it's a bit silly but I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. Anyway, there is still blood, no matter how much I washed it. » Thoughtful on the end, eyes on this soft fabric a bit torn. Surely it had known better days.
« It's…I could make you a better gift. You deserve better than that. »
Yet Yasuo was sure he would get too emotional again. It was really really cute and overwhelming to see such attachment to mere objects. Yes, this was a part of his scarf, one that he held dear particularly. No idea if Yi did it on purpose but to see him wanting to keep a part of such personal clothe, it held meaning. A souvenir.
« It's from you, I like it much. I wish I had something to give in return. »
How sweet to hear. Yasuo would love it indeed, to have a token, something to remind him of his soulmate. Till then, he would wait.
« You're my gift. Don't worry. »
A kiss to Yi's cheek was the proof of his affection, lingering shortly. Always so tempting to truly kiss but it wasn't time yet. I want… This would be an incredible gift too. Not yet, not yet.
In return to such profuse affection, the latter rose slightly and mirrored the attention given. Several pecks left over Yasuo's face, most landing on his cheeks. It was so good to be right there, loved equally.
« Oh you're really making it difficult. How am I supposed to leave you behind when you're so cute ? »
« Can't say I'm sorry, I'd die to go with you. » Truthful, even if the topic could slip and go back to sadness and reluctance.
Yi went silent, his gaze saying long about his thoughts. A last peck to Yasuo's forehead then he retuned to cuddle quietly.
« Soon, I swear. »
Later that day, Yasuo learned about what time it was because otherwise he was completely lost. After some time napping together – or rather him napping peacefully while Yi held him close – the afternoon ended and soon it was time to eat. This was mainly because at some point the same kid barged into the room calling for dinner time.
Nothing could put Yasuo in a better mood, sadly. It took some time for Yi to calm him down from going after the boy. No need to scare that one and any way, he didn't seem fazed by this pissed off swordman complaining about privacy and sleep time.
Otherwise, it went well. After a good meal, he and Yi spent some time in the village, keeping up with the other warriors present. Staying alert to any noxian move was important. Yasuo may not be able to join the fights so soon, he could still pay attention to what happened in the area.
This till Yi gently led him back to 'their' room for him to get more sleep. Priorities, again. He didn't groan about too much, he knew the latter was right.
After literally tucking him to sleep, Yi left to talk more with the villagers. Not without a good time together to hug happily. After that, Yasuo was left alone and he sure felt like a kid again. Very well, he would do as asked and try to find sleep.
However, it didn't work. After maybe a good hour lying in bed and struggling to find sleep, he was as close than at the beginning. Nothing to do. But his body still needed rest, he didn't understand. Lacking solutions, he just followed his instinct, which was finding Yi again at least to relax a little while he was at the village.
Oh the latter wasn't really happy to see him up at that time when he was supposed to rest. So he explained lowly his troubles and Yi's stance softened, before going with him to bed.
This time it didn't take too long. Probably it was because his body could only fully relax once he was with his soulmate. Not very practical in some situations but for now it worked. Yi stayed with him in bed and went to sleep too.
Late affection exchanged, in the silence of the night.
Next time Yasuo woke up, the sun was high in the sky and Yi was gone.