A soft smile wanes upon Zhang Liao's face. How could he feel anything other than satisfaction? Being with his lord as more than his General but as his lover as well?

Fate had joined them together as a powerful well-joined pair of General and Lord. They merely had to find within themselves the love that had dwelled there since the beginning. Strange how it had taken so long and so much to discover. But it was well worth every rising and setting of the sun to find this, this love. For what was more divine, more rich then a pure love shared between two warriors?

The loyal General gathers up armour that lies strewn about the makeshift bed Lu Bu and him had shared. Awakening with head upon Lu Bu's chest and an arm resting against his back would take some getting use to. Though not an unwelcome beginning of the day, it was without doubt different. Of course, Zhang Liao had dozed off with the sensation of Lu Bu soft stroking his lower back. When he had woken the second time he was alone, but tucked under a blanket with a silken goose feather stuffed pillow to rest his head upon.

Zhang Liao grabs the long strands of his hair. Pulling them tight to the back of his head, he ties them with a deep blue ribbon. Having his hair in a bun reduces it has possible distraction or any of the such. The General grabs up his helmet. Stroking the disarrayed of horse hairs that are attached to the back, he leisurely walks towards the ten flaps. He puts the helm on as he approaches the exit. Moving it to a position of comfort, he walks out into the brightness of late morning.

The warrior blinks in rapid succession to adapt to the great light difference. Approaching his horse, he gives the mare a few affectionate strokes to the neck.

Li is already saddled. It is a thoughtful notion from Lu Bu no doubt. Fortunate for Zhang Liao, as the General's shoulder suffers a consistent ache. Last night's endeavours had roughen the wound.

There is a dull ache that sharpens with any great movement to the injured shoulder. Sucking in a deep breath, Zhang Liao lifts himself onto his saddle with an audible grunt of pain. Enduring the punishment for the motion in silent, the General notes Lu Bu approaching.

The Flying General rides Red Hare threw the deserted encampment at a steady trot towards Zhang Liao. When he approaches within hearing range Liao says, "Thank you for saddling Li." Lu Bu nods. "I hope she was not a bother. I know she has spirit, but I'm certain it is nothing compared to Red Hare." Lu Bu smirks at the comment. The pride that he holds for his magnificent stallion is ever obvious. His face turns serious quickly, however. "We must find Dong Zhou." Zhang Liao nods,
"Of course." Though, he can't help but to wonder how they hope to discover where their former lord had hidden. As though reading Zhang Liao's mind, Lu Bu says, "I found a maggot that managed to survive. He knew where the swine planned to retreat to."

So Lu Bu had been scouting while Zhang Liao slept? The General considers this as his lord's normal initiative. Of course the great General would not have the patience to wait. Though, he could have tried to awaken Zhang Liao...

Gestures of newfound respect and emotions are quite evident in Lu Bu's actions. The great General has a noticeable hard time showing affection threw words. Being a person who is able to express emotions with his words is not who Lu Bu would be compared to. Actions are the Flying General's words more often then not.

Turning Red Hare so the steed faces the way he had come, Lu Bu nudges the horse into a walk. Zhang Liao follows closely, but quietly.

Thoughts are the General's loud company for now. Last night is a memory that has etched deep into him. The actions with Lu Bu had not been regretted. Zhang Liao had no regret, only strange satisfaction in a great way. It feels as though falling love to Lu Bu and giving the great General his body was and is the most brilliant decision of his life. Just being beside his lord is enough to draw a smile upon his normally straight face and give him a soft strange feeling in his stomach.

No matter the distance or place they ride, Zhang Liao knows in his heart and soul that as long he is with Lu Bu he is home. And even now as they ride off to face unknown odds, the only negative feeling the General feels is hatred towards Dong Zhou and worry over Lu Bu safety. The Flying General is a magnificent warrior without doubt, but sometimes can over indulge himself within the flames of battle.

As they continue along the dusty road. Zhang Liao quickly notes the path is different from the one they had come from and had been going down. Trees grown thick beside the fortunately tamed trail. The sweet scent of their luscious greenery fills the air. It is a most relaxing smell to behold, one that reminds of the desired sanctuary of peace.

The farther along the path the rogue warriors travel slowly less dense the forestry becomes. Though, the trail remains flanked by plenty of greenery. Considering the long moment of silence, Zhang Liao figures they have been riding for an hour. The sun blazes at its peak above them. The denser path had at least sheltered them from most of the glaring heat. As well, Liao feels the dull sensation of hunger. Hopefully Lu Bu did not want to attack now. Certainly the great General planned to rest a few moments?

"We'll stop here for a meal and to rest the horses," Lu Bu says suddenly jolting Zhang Liao from thought.
"Alright," he agrees without much thought. Dismounting, they lead their horses off the trail into the forest a short ways. There is not as much greenery to hide them, but the location is much more suitable then the road.

Their meal consists of meat buns taken from Dong Zhou's deserted encampment. Water is drunken sparingly along with the meal. The horses graze upon the grass nearby.

"Did you follow this path to Dong Zhou's camp?" Zhang Liao questions after they have both finished the meal. He absentmindedly draws his hand threw the soft grass awaiting a reply. "Yes. The swine has at least fifty or more maggots. The worms destroyed yesterday were his main force. Foolish cowardice swine. His forces hide in an old fort," Lu Bu says. Zhang Liao nods, considering the information. "There are great odds against us," the General notes. Lu Bu snorts at these words. "No matter. Insects are nothing."

Moving next to his lord, Zhang Liao silently watches their horses. Li and Red Hare graze together. It is easy to see the two steeds do not just tolerate one another.

Lu Bu's hand guiding him towards the great General. Fixing eyes with Lu Bu's, Zhang Liao feels a soft smile cross. The Flying General's face remains straight, eyebrows furrowed slightly. Then he slowly begins to lean forward. Liao lightly closes his eyes as lips embrace his gently. Each time they kiss, the loyal General is refreshed by how amazing the gesture is. Something seemingly simple, yet a motion that speaks so many words. Good things are felt and seen.

"Lu Bu..." Zhang Liao says. The great General hums in acknowledgment. "This... idea seems dangerous. How many men can we take? You could-" Lu Bu presses a finger to Zhang Liao's lips.
"No need to worry."
"But what if...?" Liao persists, feeling the worry burst forth.
"No need to say good-bye, Wenyuan you are safe in my heart." A deep flush blankets Zhang Liao's face. Such romantic words... "Thank you, Fengxian."

Hello everyone. Forgive me for delaying for so long. Alas, feeling great guilt :/. Hopefully this chapter makes up for the wait.

Hope you everyone enjoyed. Thank you for reading and please be sure to review! Every review serves to make me that much stronger! ;)