A storm raged, battering Xueye from all sides. It was freezing cold and the wind had whipped the rain up to be almost painful as it hit him. Xueye was confused, trying to look around for anything familiar but the rain water stung his eyes. This was different, nothing around was familiar, there were no voices nor sense of being watched like he'd expected with such strange scenes. Rather it was as though whatever was watching him before was focused on something else entirely and for some reason he felt a sense of panic rising.
Within the hazy darkness, light flashed. Before Xueye could even think he was running towards it. The ground was flooded up to his knees, making it difficult to trudge forward. As he moved Xueye felt as though his body were being wracked with pain, each step worse than the last. He felt worse than he had following his fall in Vual.
All this felt too real. It was like a memory but it wasn't one he recalled. Yet there was this feeling that if he didn't hurry, Jinse would die.
The lights flashed more and more. Beastly growls and snarls started resounding through his chest, as he grew closer. Xueye would normally be terrified by such vicious sounds but for some reason it was a relief to hear them. It was the long drawn out hiss that was startling, especially upon seeing the large sea serpent drawing back to strike at Jinse from behind.
Again, his body moved before his mind could comprehend what he was seeing. Xueye stood between the two and sharp fangs tore into his flesh.
It was then that Xueye woke up. Coughing, panicked, trying desperately to comprehend why he was still alive after such an experience. It felt so real, he was wondering if it was repressed in some way, but Xueye had no scars where he could feel the phantom pain, he knew that. He even glanced down at his chest and felt at his neck to be sure there really wasn't anything there.
Xueye took in a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves as he still trembled. He buried his aching head in his hands as his heartbeat pounded in his ears. His eyes ached to close but he was worried if he did so for too long then he would end up back in that storm.
Xueye eventually looked towards the window of his room. Though the curtains were closed he could tell from the amount of light leaking around the edges that it was definitely daytime. He didn't recall closing them but he was grateful they were blocking the light as even looking at the little bit that was there made his head hurt even more.
The perpetual chill that Xueye often felt, especially following his usual nightmares, was stronger than usual. Xueye realized he wasn't shaking out of fear anymore, even if it lingered, rather he was shivering. He wrapped his blanket over his shoulders and tucked his knees under his chin. He wanted tea but he felt such a deep set ache as he shifted and he was hesitant to come out from under the warmth of the blanket. He knew a bit of his misery was just a hangover but the lingering ache was similar to that he felt in his dream, just duller. It wasn't the first time he'd experienced phantom pain from his nightmares but it usually stemmed from the site he'd been impaled. It made sense when it was a pain he'd experienced before. His mind felt too hazy the more he tried to think about it.
It was then he heard a distant yet gentle knock, if it weren't so quiet he wouldn't have heard it. He was starting to wonder if he really did sleep in if Jinse or Yushi were at his door, even if he didn't feel very rested. Still he was more than willing to have their company in that moment than deal with the haze he'd been in.
Xueye dragged himself out of bed, bringing the blanket with him. He stumbled as his foot caught on the blanket. He collapsed to the ground, hissing as the jostling aggravated his aching body even worse. When the next knock came a little more urgently, Xueye wondered if they heard him. He groaned as he climbed to his feet and adjusted the blanket so it wouldn't trip him again.
As Xueye shuffled through his house he was surprised that the rest of the curtains in the house were closed as well. He wondered if Yushi was the one who closed them since Xueye was certain now that he didn't, after all he rarely did even in his own room. For the first time that morning he couldn't help but smile a little.
He opened the door and squinted at the bright sun before it was quickly shadowed by Yushi's large frame. "Shujing, welcome back," Xueye stepped out of the way to let him in.
"Honestly surprised you answered as quickly as you did," Yushi stepped inside, closing it behind him. Xueye looked rather worse for wear so he couldn't help but flash a worried smile, especially after hearing the commotion. "Are you alright? I thought I heard something."
"I just stumbled a bit getting up, nothing to worry about." Xueye grumbled as he tried to massage his temple a bit. "Other than that… Well, I've been better…"
"A good thing I stopped by early then," Yushi reached out and cupped Xueye's cheek. His skin was cold to the touch and his concern deepened. "You're so cold…"
"I was just thinking it felt worse than usual just before you arrived," Xueye closed his eyes, leaning into Yushi's warm touch. "I never thought someone could feel it. Did you notice it when I was staying with you?"
"You never were cold to the touch like this," Yushi sighed. "Let me make you some tea. If it doesn't help then you should see Dr.Jingji right away."
"Tea does sound perfect," Xueye briefly chased after the warm touch as Yushi pulled away. Xueye slowly drifted after Yushi as the older man quickly went to the kitchen.
"I did stop by the doctor's on my way here," Yushi said as he busied himself with making tea. He was a little relieved to know his way about Xueye's kitchen from last night. It meant he could get the young man something warm to drink that much faster. "I suspected that after how much you drank you could use something this morning."
"Thank you," Xueye said ever so softly as he leaned against Yushi once he'd set the kettle on the stove. The warmth of the flame was nice but it wasn't quite the same as being close to Yushi.
Yushi knew Xueye was close but hadn't expected Xueye to seek contact. Yushi turned and wrapped his arms around Xueye. Feeling Xueye faintly shivering was starting to weigh heavily on Yushi's heart. This certainly wasn't normal and yet Xueye seemed to experience it even in smaller bouts rather regularly based on the way Xueye was speaking about it.
"You're so warm," Xueye sighed contentedly, tension bleeding from his shoulders.
"Take as much as you need," Yushi rested his chin on Xueye's head. "I'm worried as to what the cause might be. Whether or not it's right away I think you should bring it up to the doctor."
"Mn, you're probably right," Xueye closed his eyes. He felt so exhausted It was tempting to fall asleep in Yushi's arms. "I think I always ran a little cold. After returning from Vual it just seemed worse, like when I fell in those ruins the ice and snow seeped into my very bones. After a nightmare even more so."
"You had another one then?" Yushi's face darkened, his concerns about what was really affecting Shizhe and now Xueye was only growing. It was difficult to be patient about it all when he just wanted Xueye safe and happy.
"I did, it was very different this time…" Xueye took a deep breath. "I was in a vicious storm, everything hurt. I was running towards strange lights. Somehow I knew Jinse was there but so was this massive serpent. When I saw it striking him from behind I stepped in the way. I was certain I died, but I woke up. I know I've never experienced that before but it felt so real. Like a memory, but I know it wasn't mine. At least, I don't think it is… I don't know. It hurts to think about right now."
"Try not to push it," Yushi still couldn't shake the sense of danger being near. It was a presence lingering near Xueye that he could sense, not unlike when he first met Jinse, however this was even more foreign like some other unfamiliar presence. If it weren't for the need to help Xueye being his first priority Yushi would be more likely to look for answers. At least the antsy dragon deep in his chest felt much better with the young man in his arms. "We can figure it out when you feel better."
"Already starting to, even just a little," Xueye smiled, savoring the warmth that was starting to seep in. At the very least he was able to stop shivering.
"Good, hopefully the tea and this remedy will help," Yushi reached over and removed the kettle from the heat as steam was spouting from it. "Let's take it easy for now. There's no need to rush. I'm here quite early so there's plenty of time to take it at your own pace."
"Alright," Xueye leaned back so as to not impede Yushi, but not very far, in hopes of capturing the lingering heat that their closeness fostered.
Xueye quietly watched as Yushi finished preparing the tea, feeling the chill creeping back in again. A shudder ran through him and he let out the softest of whimpers before he even realized it. Of course, Yushi's sensitive hearing picked it up, so he placed a hand between Xueye's shoulders, drawing him a little closer.
"Come along, let's go somewhere more comfortable and warm you up," Yushi picked up the tray with one hand, his other remaining on Xueye, guiding the young man over to the seating area where they spent a similar time together the night prior. Once Yushi set the tray down he pulled Xueye against him. This closeness was becoming so natural, it felt just right, to both of them. It was like missing pieces were falling into place.
Even the comfortable moment didn't ease Yushi's concerns. There was something nagging at him. A lingering sense of unease had him wanting to steal Xueye away to the palace.
"Xueye, are you sure you're going to be up for going out later?" Yushi asked tenderly.
"I'd like to," Xueye sighed softly. "This should pass… I hope so anyways."
"It will," Yushi hummed thoughtfully. "Tea should be ready, surely it will help." Yushi released Xueye to pour the tea but Xueye rested his head on Yushi's shoulder. Yushi couldn't help but think how precious the young man was. "Here," Yushi held out the steaming cup of tea, waiting patiently for Xueye to untangle his hands from the blanket.
"Thank you," Xueye clutched onto the cup. He hadn't realized his fingers felt numb until the stinging sensation the warm cup caused. He breathed in the steam, letting the warmth sink in. He took a tentative sip but it was still a little too hot to drink. "A little hot still. The warmth feels nice, though."
"Good," Yushi wrapped his arm around Xueye's shoulders again. "Very good."
Xueye could hear the concern in Yushi's voice, "Sorry to worry you."
"You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault I care about you," Yushi chuckled softly.
"When you put it that way…" Xueye smiled softly as a new warmth suffused through his body.
Yushi's fond smile was the picture of pure devotion. Combined with the gentle strokes along his arm, Xueye couldn't even remain in denial over it. However, he couldn't help but shy away, trying and failing to focus on his tea and warming up. Thankfully, even though the chill was worse to start off, Yushi seemed to chase it away just perfectly. A fleeting thought of waking up next to him had definitely warmed him to his core more than the tea he started drinking down.
"Starting to warm up?" Yushi voiced softly, seeing a little color return to Xueye's cheeks.
"Y-yes…" Xueye managed to squeak out. It was then he felt Yushi's hand on the back of his neck, the one that was around his shoulders moments ago. He had to bite his lower lip to refrain from making another noise.
"Hmm? You certainly don't feel cold to the touch anymore." Yushi could feel Xueye briefly tense but just as quickly Xueye leaned back into the touch. Xueye looked up at Yushi with some unspoken want in his eyes. Yushi ran his thumb across Xueye's lower lip to get the young man to stop chewing on it. Yushi's amused smile still carried that overwhelming fondness. "What's on your mind, Snowdrop?"
Xueye gasped softly. It had been so long since he heard anyone call him that. It was something his mother always called him, on occasion his siblings did when he was younger. He stopped hearing it after his mother died. It sounded somehow sweeter coming from Yushi's deep voice, he wondered if he was dreaming.
"Say that again," Xueye pleaded softly as he leaned in closer. He had to know that it wasn't his tired imagination but also he desperately wanted to hear Yushi call him by that name some more.
"Didn't hear me, hmm?" Yushi teased with a soft chuckle. He hadn't expected Xueye to respond so eagerly. Yushi considered messing with him a little longer but relented the moment he saw Xueye's pout. Yushi brushed Xueye's mussed up bangs aside, his expression returning to the sweet affection. "You like it when I call you Snowdrop?" Yushi punctuated the little pet name by dropping his voice lower.
"I do…" Xueye admitted breathily. It sent a delightful tingle down Xueye's spine.
Yushi's gentle caress and their close proximity made Xueye's head spin, but it was a pleasant feeling. Xueye found himself wanting more. He was warring with the temptation to close the minuscule gap between them, as was Yushi in that moment. Having brushed his thumb across Xueye's lip just moments before he felt how soft it was. How desperately Yushi wanted to know how those lips felt on his own.
A knock on the front door startled Xueye out of his reverie and he shrunk back, his face bright red. He absolutely wasn't cold any longer.
"Jinse, I'm guessing…" Yushi narrowed his eyes bitterly towards the door, getting sour about yet another time being interrupted from an intimate moment with Xueye by a visitor. He was a little more put off by the person behind the door this time.
"P-probably…" Xueye mumbled softly as he was still trying to calm his heart and rampant thoughts.
Yushi couldn't help but smile upon seeing how much he'd affected Xueye. It made him quickly forget his annoyance.
"Finish your tea and I'll go answer the door," Yushi rose up. Xueye just nodded, bringing the cup up to his lips. Yushi found himself still wishing to feel those lips on his instead.
Another knock finally drew Yushi away from lingering. He sighed and opened the front door. Sure enough it was Jinse standing there, his coy smile vanishing into disappointment upon seeing it was Yushi who answered instead of Xueye.
"Here I thought I would be here first…" Jinse sighed.
"Unfortunately for you, I had decided to take care of him this morning," Yushi crossed his arms with a deadpan expression.
"Is he alright?!" Jinse asked a little too quickly. Worry firmly etched on his face.
"It's complicated, but he's doing better already," Yushi gestured for Jinse to come inside.
Jinse quickly gravitated towards Xueye, setting the wine bottle he brought down on the table as he knelt on the ground next to the young man, "Hey, you okay?"
"Doing much better than when I woke up," Xueye smiled sweetly, trying to dissuade his concern. Xueye still couldn't help but recall his dream, seeing Jinse below him with worry. It was then that Xueye realized the person in front of him wasn't quite like the one he'd seen in his dream. The most notable difference was that his hair was darker, but Xueye didn't recall ever seeing Jinse with lighter hair before. Xueye thoughtlessly reached out, his fingers wrapping around one of the longer strands that framed his face. "Was your hair always this color?"
Jinse's eyes widened. As far as he knew Xueye had never seen his form slip. Since he'd introduced himself properly to Xueye, this was the same shape he'd been in for many years now, only occasionally did his form slip but never around Xueye, as far as he was aware.
"Sorry! That's silly of me to ask," Xueye quickly retracted his hand upon seeing Jinse's stunned expression. "I just had a strange dream, and you had lighter hair. Strange, I know."
"What kind of dream?" Jinse's brows knit, knowing who was likely after both of them, it was concerning. After all, gods affecting mortal dreams was something easily in their repertoire.
"There was a storm…" Xueye pressed a hand to his forehead. It almost hurt for him to recall the details of the dream now. "I think I was hurt but panicked to find you. There was some serpent that was going to attack you and before I realized I stepped in the way. I woke up after that."
Jinse sucked in a sharp breath. That was exactly the way Xinyi died. There were only three beings there, and one of them was exactly the one he feared was behind this. He stood up and started pacing, trying to keep panic from overtaking him. This was a blatant threat. He thought he would have more time but now he was worried he had none.
Jinse glanced at Yushi who had returned to sitting next to Xueye, gently rubbing the young man's back. Xueye looked up at Jinse with concern and confusion. Jinse didn't want Xueye to know anything about the danger he was in, especially after just being liberated from such anxiety, however he wasn't sure what to say.
"Dreams are strange things," Yushi spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "Best to not dwell on it too much, right?" Yushi was smiling but when he glanced up at Jinse there was just the same worry reflected in Jinse's. A look that seemed to indicate Yushi wasn't done with the matter with Jinse but it was obvious he also didn't want to let Xueye fret.
"Yes of course," Xueye smiled and nodded. "It's not as though I have the abilities that Shizhe does. It's no omen, surely."
"Yes," Jinse nodded, a sense of relief washed over him that Xueye was so willing to write it off. "I'm just worried about you. It must have been quite distressing."
"It's just a nightmare, I'm used to them," Xueye shrugged. "Honestly it's nice to be able to talk about it after waking up. I never expected it to be such a relief."
"You can always talk to me about such things," Jinse meant it but he really wanted to know if Xueye had any more dreams like that. He would have to inquire with Wuye if there was a sure way to shield Xueye's mind later. It was honestly a miracle that the difference in Jinse's hair was the only thing that Xueye noticed. Back then, especially fighting the Water God, Jinse's form was a lot less human.
"You should know by now that I'll gladly listen to your worries, as well," Yushi gave Xueye's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"I appreciate you both," Xueye giggled quietly. He set his cup down on the table and rose up. "I really ought to get ready for the day. Just give me a moment, I'll be back shortly."
"Take your time, there is no rush," Yushi said with a gentle smile. Once Xueye vanished into his room and closed the door, Yushi looked at Jinse with a dark expression. Before Yushi could say anything to coax more information out of Jinse, he spoke up first.
"Don't look at me like that…" Jinse rolled his eyes and sat down. "I won't discuss it with him near."
"So it is something to worry about. And you call me dangerous," Yushi scoffed.
"As if you don't have enemies," Jinse shrugged with a smirk that quickly faded. "How did you realize?"
"I suspected something was wrong when he told me his nightmares changed in a similar time frame when Shizhe started having her own," Yushi sighed heavily. "She wishes to speak with you after we keep Xueye company."
"I was hoping to speak with her anyways," Jinse pinched his brow. He glanced over at Yushi. "Will you be joining me there?"
"I was intending on it," Yushi raised a brow upon seeing a slight relief overcome him. Yushi hadn't expected Jinse to be so amicable to the idea. "Why do you want me there anyways?"
"Because I will need anyone's help I can get to keep Xueye safe," Jinse stated resolutely. "I may be petty at times but not when it comes to this. Besides, she'll surely scold me for not making good on my promise to help with your problem just yet. The last thing I want to do is anger her."
"No wonder she seems so adamant on me trusting you," Yushi didn't know the details but he was starting to suspect that the solution to his dragon problem might require Jinse's help, based on Shizhe's cryptic advice. He still wasn't certain how he felt about it, especially now given Jinse's willingness to have Yushi's assistance.
"You don't have to trust me," Jinse shrugged. "Just trust I will do anything to ensure Xueye's safety."
"So long as you realize that the same goes for me," Yushi let out a relenting huff.
"We'll see if you still feel that way when you find out more," Jinse voiced solemnly. "I'd rather not have to beg."
"Some humility might do you some good," Yushi teased.
"Do you realize who you're talking to?" Jinse glared at him with a mocking grin.
"Do you?" Yushi chuckled.
"Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to here," Jinse snickered.
"You're right. Don't answer that," Yushi grumbled bitterly.
"Thank you for redirecting his attention before…" Jinse closed his eyes. "I can't believe I was so caught off guard…"
"I understand not wanting him to worry," Yushi smiled sympathetically. "Today, he really shouldn't have anything more to worry about."
"Did he tell you?" Jinse asked softly.
"Yes," Yushi closed his eyes. "One thing I'd like to know. I may not know you well but if your threats to me before aren't empty, then what did you do to that woman that hurt him?"
"She was met with terrible misfortune…" Jinse's smile was dark and twisted. He did steal all her good fortune as he did with Jianhong but she also didn't escape him without a scratch or several. It took a lot of self control to not kill her outright but he knew it was very unlikely she would survive in her profession without any luck.
"Good," Yushi visibly relaxed. "I would hate to have to track her down myself."
Jinse was a little surprised. Given Yushi's position, he wouldn't have expected such a vicious comment. He underestimated the dragon's spite over the humanity of Yushi's public image. The more he thought of it he should have expected it. The initial impression of the emperor among the populace was that he was vicious and ruthless after all. A rumor that never really seemed to fade entirely. It was actually quite promising in the face of the events to come.
They both heard Xueye's bedroom door opening and looked in that direction. Xueye was wearing a few more layers than most do this late in spring so Yushi couldn't help but worry the young man was still feeling a little cold. The white fabrics that draped his form were quite telling of how Xueye felt about visiting his mother's grave as well but it came as little surprise.
Despite the mournful implications, he seemed quite comfortable as it wasn't the usual fine state of dress he often wore out. He still hadn't fixed the messy braid either, though his bangs were much less of a mess. Even with such a casual appearance, it made him look quite ethereal.
"Too strange?" Xueye asked fiddling with his sleeves amidst their silent stares.
"Not at all," Yushi smiled fondly. "Are you trying to emulate something, Snowdrop?"
"It wasn't my initial thought…" Xueye's cheeks flushed just a little but it stood out against his pale hair and attire. "I was wondering, though, how did you know?"
"Know what?" Yushi tilted his head in confusion.
"My mother used to call me that…" Xueye smiled wistfully as he wandered closer to Yushi. "They were her favorite flowers. Xinhua didn't tell you, did she?"
"Not at all," Yushi shook his head. He understood why Dr.Jingji had them in the shop. "I simply saw some earlier that made me think of you."
"Hard to think there are some blooming this late in spring," Xueye hummed thoughtfully.
"It was in the good doctor's shop," Yushi supplied. "Are you feeling up to going? If not, we can bring him here instead."
"What's wrong, truly?" Jinse looked at Xueye with worry.
"I'm feeling better, please don't fret!" Xueye waved his hands back and forth.
"Aside from what was likely a hangover, he was cold to the touch when I arrived," Yushi explained when Jinse looked at him with desperation.
"That's not normal…" Jinse's face darkened, imagining it was some remnant of the Water God's influence, worse yet a curse. Jinse got up and closed the space between them. If there was something magical wrong he'd be able to tell with just a touch. He also wondered if it was still the case.
Jinse caressed Xueye's cheek. The young man was feeling a little cooler than normal. However that wasn't what disturbed him. Xueye's good fortune was completely gone despite Jinse having greatly replenished it yesterday. The amount should have lasted Xueye a month at least, even at higher interaction rates. Jinse glanced at Yushi even though he didn't think Yushi could deplete so much in such a short time. Even an enraged dragon being calmed wouldn't completely deplete it, at least he didn't think so.
"Jinse?" Xueye grabbed his wrist, shifting it to clasp Jinse's hand in both of his own. "I'm okay. Since returning from Vual, I've always felt cold following nightmares. The doctor thought it was just a response to the trauma I experienced when I fell."
"It would make sense if your nightmare consisted of just that event," Jinse tightened his grip on Xueye's hand. "It was different this time…"
"That's why I think it's best we bring it up to him, even if you are feeling better," Yushi had also stood up, he placed a hand between Xueye's shoulders.
"I agree," Jinse nodded. "Let's go."