Guo Xing He

           Guo Tianye ( 过恬夜) knelt on the bloodstained grass, taking the hand of the hyperventilating man who had a severe gash on his neck. He was beyond help. The panic in his eyes said only one thing – “I don’t want to die.”

           While the chaos continued in the forest, Guo Tianye squeezed the man’s hands, casting an illusion where it was only them. Instead of the bloodcurdling cries and horror-stricken screams, the noise was replaced by the chirping of swallows on the beams in the pavilion they were in.

           Guo Tianye shushed him and soothed, “You’re safe. It’s okay now.”

           The white lotuses shimmered with morning dew in the clear lake filled with lanterns. Guo Tianye gestured towards the lake and urged the man, “Look over there.”

           Still choked with blood, the young guard turned his head, and the lantern light gleamed in his eyes as tears poured down his face. His lips turned up into a faint smile, his teeth stained red. He coughed and rasped, “B-B-Beautiful…”

           “Yes, it is.”

           “I…I’m…s-s-scared…”

           “Don’t be. No one will punish you,” Guo Tianye calmly reassured him, “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

           It was true.

           Guo Tianye had glimpsed into the young soldier’s memories, seeing him grow from a small child into a steadfast young man, working to support his ailing mother by becoming a guard for an esteemed merchant.

           But, who knew they would get attacked on the road by rogue cultivators?

           Compared to cultivators, these ordinary guards were nothing more than duckweed billowing at the wind’s mercy. One of the cultivators lured this young man out and struck, slicing open the side of his neck and leaving him to die.

           And, here was Guo Tianye, performing his duty for Yanluo.

           He repeated, “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

           The young guard’s eyelashes fluttered. “T-Tell…mom…I’m…s-s-s-sorry…”

           Guo Tianye lied, “I will. Rest now.”

           “Will…you….s-s-stay…?”

           “Mn.” Guo Tianye whispered, “The road is long. I will accompany you.”

           A few minutes passed, and the young man’s pupils dilated. His chest stopped shaking, and his hand fell limp in Guo Tianye’s. Guo Tianye’s closed his eyes before taking out his qiankun pouch. From it, he grabbed the soul lantern. Quietly, he extracted the young man’s soul which was a shimmering verdant color. He placed it in the lantern and let the illusion fade their surroundings returning to the chaotic scenario.

           There were more he had to comfort, more souls to gather.

           Quietly, he leapt into the canopy of trees, ready to search for more victims. The yuanlingpao fluttered through the breeze, the blood red spider lilies a stark contrast against the pristine white of mourning clothes.

           Guo Tianye never shirked his duties since he was born centuries ago.

           How many human lives have passed in this mortal realm?

           The human world was very good, and people were reluctant to let go.

           Indeed, the Infernal Realm was chilling, and the road was long.

“Well, what’s it gonna be, runt?”  Kenny’s grin was sardonic as it stretched to his hollow cheekbones.  He laughed darkly, the haunting sound echoing off the bare walls.  “Isn’t this the cliché situation?  The needs of the many?  Or the needs of the few?”

Levi remained poker-faced, despite the turmoil raging inside.  He should’ve expected a situation like this to happen.  When didn’t misfortune favor the strong?  Now, he dragged you into this.  Was there even a way out?

“Answer me, Levi.” His uncle stood behind your prostrate form, long fingers clenching your jaw to yank your head up.  His knife brushed against the smooth skin of your neck, barely pressing into it.  “What’s your decision?”

The captain willed himself to stay calm, not letting his mask slip to display the agony rushing through his veins.  He knew it was pointless to beg for your release.  

This was Kenny after all – Kenny the Ripper.

“You have two minutes.  Are ya gonna go back and help your comrades?  Or will you abandon them to save this bitch you’ve grown attached to?”  Lethal venom dripped from his tongue with every word.  

Your own heart thrummed unsteadily, but you gulped down the thick lump of bile in your throat.  Voice hoarse, you said, “Go help them, Levi.”

Levi’s expression betrayed him as his eyebrows rose in surprise.  He didn’t budge.

“Levi Ackerman.  You’re a captain!”  Blinking back the tears, you continued despite the knife threatening to carve a red smile into your neck.  “Aren’t you?! Fulfill your duty!”

Kenny didn’t bother silencing you.  He was already threatening your life, and besides, he didn’t believe his dear ole’ nephew would waver so easily.  

“Y’know, Levi…”  Kenny pressed the blade harder against your skin, breaking it and causing little beads of red to collect on the surface.  He drawled, “If you don’t hurry, you’ll lose everyone.”

Levi’s eyes darkened at the sight of blood dripping down your neck.  

You managed a tiny smile, saying, “I don’t have any regrets meeting you.  It was a good fight, yeah?  You can keep fighting.”

His lips contorted into a tight grimace as he looked towards where Eren and the rest were stationed.  If Kenny was telling the truth, they’d be ambushed any second now.  Leaving now, he’d make it in time by efficiently navigating on his gear.  But that meant abandoning you to die.

He’d made sacrifices before, right?

Hell, if you were killed, would he even be able to bring back your body?  Or would Kenny throw it off the walls to be devoured?  It’d be like you never existed.  

Steely eyes darted back to you and up to Kenny.

You could see it in his gaze.

Levi decided.

With a strained smile, you said those words for the last time.  “I love you, Levi Ackerman.”

After echoing the sentiment, he sprinted away, firing off the wires into a building before disappearing like a ghost.  

And when he brought the edge across your throat, his final words to you resounded in your head.

           “Milo! Milo!” An Zhi (安支) shook his shoulder, being mindful of the two IVs. “Baobei, you need to get up!”

           Milo groaned, reaching up to pull his ears down and block the noise.

           “It’s noon!” An Zhi’s annoyed expression looked like he was in a sitcom, about to turn to the camera and walk off stage dejectedly. Gripping the blanket, he pulled it and the sheets away from Milo, but Milo gripped them, not wanting to lose the warmth. “I don’t care! You’re getting up now!”

           Eventually, An Zhi got Milo to sit at the table, the latter still half-asleep. “Have some food. It’ll help.”

           An Zhi placed a bowl of oatmeal before Milo. Milo took a bite, chewing slowly and swallowing before his head lulled. Seeing he was about to conk out again, An Zhi grabbed the first thing he saw which were Milo’s ears. He gripped the end, causing the Lovirium to whine in protest.

           “Sorry, sorry.” An Zhi switched to holding him up by the shoulders, letting Milo’s head rest against the chair’s back. “Wake up, Baobei. We have a date.”

           Immediately, Milo perked up, eyes widening, and he turned to face An Zhi. “We’re going on a date?!”

           An Zhi’s annoyed scolding erupted from the small apartment, “Milo were you just pretending to be half asleep?!”

           “No, sweetheart!” Milo wrapped his arms around An Zhi’s waist, burying his face against his stomach. “I was really sleepy, but I can wake up if we go on a date!”

           An Zhi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so he only sighed, patting Milo’s head. “Yes, yes. Get dressed.”

           When Milo dashed to the bedroom, An Zhi shook his head.

           What a coquette.

             Milo latched onto An Zhi’s arm as they walked through the park. Milo’s scarf fluttered in the autumn breeze. It was the tail-end of fall, the grass coated in a layer of frost as winter approached. An Zhi stood a head taller than him, so he slowed his pace so Milo wouldn’t be forced to walk quickly.

           Before, this would’ve attracted quite a few stares considering the two bunny shaped IVs, but Lovirium have become more common in the world. With so many Lovirium needing caretakers, the sight of human/Lovrium couples became commonplace as well. An Zhi didn’t smile much, but that never changed how Milo felt about him. Milo loved him unconditionally even when he himself was being a brat. As for An Zhi, he was strict about many things with himself and others. For some reason, that same strictness didn’t apply as much with Milo. Ever since they became a couple, he couldn’t help but think, ‘Damn, I’ve grown soft.’

           “A-Zhi, you’re so warm.”

           Ever since An Zhi told him what his parents used to call him, Milo started calling him A-Zhi too. It never failed to make his ears slightly warm and pink like peach blossoms. In return, An Zhi calls him Baobei.

           Honestly, it’s probably a miracle that these two got along so well considering how they’re polar opposites, but then again, they understand each other the best. An Zhi wraps his arm around Milo’s shoulders, pulling him close.

           “Mn. This feel better?”

           “Yes, A-Zhi. Ahhhhhh-Zhi~.”

           An Zhi snorts in amusement. “Yes?”

           “Just felt like calling your name.” A tuft of Milo’s hair curled up like a flower sprouting, waving back and forth in the air. “A-Zhi.”

           “Just felt like calling again?”

           “I like it.” Milo stood on tiptoes, placing a kiss on his cheek. “A-Zhi.”

           An Zhi’s lips turn up. “You are being a coquette.”

           “But I’m yours.”

Now the house was silent all the time.

‘She said she’d never run away.’  Ice shifted like faults in the earth, chilling the amber liquid.  The heavy glass was half empty as he sipped, letting the alcohol sear his throat in a slow burn.  

Where did you even go?  

He wracked his brain, battling thought after thought, trying to form an idea of where you’d fled to.  Maybe you returned to your family, staying with them until the tempest died into a gentle wind once more.  You never dealt well with confrontation, always choosing flight over fight.

“I won’t run.  Ever.”  You held up a pinky and smiled.  “Promise.”

 And you two had been fine!  Normally, you’d just request a little time apart until the atmosphere cooled down, and then you’d be able to talk it out.  This was the first time you’d actually left though – without coming back.  

Damn, what did he even say to you?  He picked around his hazy brain, trying to fill in the pitfalls of his memory.  He’d been sloshed in the kitchen when you returned home.  He yelled, you screamed, a door slammed, and then silence.

“Oh, [name]…” He set the drained glass down on the little coffee table you two picked out together.  Burying his face in his calloused hands, he groaned, “Where did you go, brat?”

You left.

You found peace in the rain.  

           The soft pitter patter of water droplets hitting the earth created a steady beat that bled into a sonorous song, lulling you into a state of bliss. Looking out the window, your eyes grew weary as you fiddled with the blade between your fingers.  When you nicked yourself, you didn’t even flinch.  No, you just observed.  You watched the little beads of red collect on the surface of your marred skin.  They grew larger until they lost their shape, breaking apart to drip in rivers down your hand.  

           A knock sounded on your door.  You wiped the blood on your trousers and stood from your chair to answer it.

           “Yes?”

           A broad man with short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes stood before you. “Bertholdt and I were wondering if you wanted to train with us.  We wanted to do some extra sparring.  You in?

           “No thanks.”  You were about the close the door, but he stopped you.  “Hm?”

           He was staring down at your pants.  “What happened?”  When you flashed a look of confusion, he said, “There’s blood on your pants.”

           Your face returned to its stoic expression.  “Really?  That’s a surprise?  I just nicked myself.”

           Reiner scratched the back of his neck.  “Oh, okay.  Well, I’ll see you later then.”

           With that he strode down the hallway, leaving you in silence.

             It was only an hour later that you heard about the next expedition.  Called into the captain’s office, you knocked on his door.  His voice sounded lethargic.  “Name and business.”

           Well, so did your own.  “[name]. You wanted to see me?”

           “Enter.”

           Opening the door, you stepped into his immaculately clean office.  Not a single thing was out of place.  Levi sat at his large mahogany desk, fiddling with a pen between his digits.  Cutting to the chase, you asked, “What did you need, sir?”

           “The expedition in a couple days,” he began and spared you a glance.  

           “Yes?”

           “You’re ready for it?”

           “Yes, sir.”

           “Did something happen?”

           “What?”

           Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, fixing his gaze on you.  “You’ve been acting strangely lately.  Did something happen?”

           You shook your head and asked, “Does it matter?”

           “Yes, it does.”  His tone picked up.  “Is something going on that I should know about, cadet?”

           “No, sir.”  Your response was automatic as if it’d been recited.  The quiet lingered between you two.  The rain hitting the window and the low rumbles of thunder were the only noises in the small room.

           “Stay here a while and help me out.”

           “Yes, sir.”

           The storm persisted through the day, continuing into the night.  The tempest suited your mood though, and you welcomed the downpour.  Lightning flashed.  Thunder snapped like a bullwhip seconds later.  Unfazed, you wandered into the armory and grabbed your ODM gear. Strapping on all the various belts and securing the buckles, your heart beat calmly despite the threat of being caught after curfew.  

           Finished, you ambled outside with your hands gripping the triggers.  You broke into a sprint towards the forest and fired off the wires.  You flew forward into the canopy of trees and whirled with serene grace through the dense trees.  

           At the speed you were traveling, it wouldn’t take long to reach the wall.

           After scaling the wall, you stood on the wet stone.  Completely drenched, you wiped your brow as you stared down at the ground below.  Lost in your own thoughts, you didn’t feel the sense of vertigo overtaking your senses. Before you could stumble, you caught yourself and tested the triggers again.  Feeling satisfied, you took one last look at the monsters below you.  All of them were too weak, unable to break through the barrier, but they could still kill a person easily enough.  At night, they were settled, not moving much at all.

           With a light step, you dove off the top and fired the cables once more.  You latched onto the largest one, and you gracefully sliced through the nape.  This alerted the others to your presence like you anticipated.  They still moved slowly, unable to catch you.  The downpour concealed you like a curtain, rendering you a phantom to them.  

           One more.

           Two more.

           Three more.

           Four more.

           You continued with the silent onslaught, knowing it could be your last. You were doing this without backup after all.  Maybe you’d run out of gas.  Maybe your triggers would jam.  Maybe your blades would dull too much.  All of these would lead to a hasty end, but you didn’t care.  It’s not like you wanted to die, but you faced it with indifference.  That’s why you joined the Survey Corps after all.  You wanted to do something other than just hang back to defend the populace from each other or just survey the landscape from the relative safety of the walls.  No, this was preferable.  

           Nobody knew about your little excursions during severe storms like this one. You remained an enigma to everyone, and that’s how you wanted to keep it.  You noticed Levi keeping tabs on you.  It wasn’t hard to see at all.  Like earlier, he called you in to help with paperwork or cleaning despite you not being on his squad.  When he tried asking you a question, you’d answer vaguely, refusing to elaborate further. Remaining unmemorable was better for everyone.  

           Anchored to the wall, you tossed your dulled blades at the eyes of a titan below you.  He grasped at the injured sockets and screamed.  Taking out new ones, you moved with the flash of lightning and struck with a clash of thunder.  Letting the triggers fire again, you moved to the next one, effortlessly felling the beast.

           Only a few remained.

           Rolling with the blustering gale, you sliced the napes of the last few, flying high in the air.  Ascending the wall again, you landed on top with a heavy sigh leaving your lips.  

           “Cadet!”  A familiar voice called over the roaring skies.

           Turning, you saw the raven-haired captain soaring your way.  You remained rooted to the spot, not able to move. Wait, why couldn’t you move?

           Looking down, blood pooled below your feet.  Then it hit you.

           Your knees buckled with the sharp pain, blood pouring out your side. Falling to the ground, your vision blurred when hands gripped one of your frail ones.  

           “What the hell were you thinking?!”

           You slurred, “Hey, Levi…”

           “Is this why you’ve been acting weird?”

           “Eh, I got the job done…”

           He remained expressionless and only sighed.  “How long?”

           “A while now…”  Your eyes fluttered.  “Figured it’d be good to take advantage of the weather…”

           Levi smirked bitterly.  “Of course. You’re the only one that’d think that. I’m gonna have to haul your body back to base though.”

           Your breaths came in shallow intervals.  “Just drop me off the wall please.”

           Dark spots formed in your vision, but you noticed his eyes widening with his mouth agape.  “Why?”

There was Fuxi in Heaven.

There was Yanluo in Hell.

There were the Draconier in the mortal realm.

Guang Poyun (光破云) was your average Earth Clan Draconier with black pansies growing from his horns, hair, and tail, adorned in exquisite dress with long lopped ears. There wasn’t anything unusual about him – no rare traits.

This year was his eight hundredth birthday.

How many human lifetimes had passed in this mortal realm?

Living on Nanping Mountain (南屏山), he’d observed the small village of Linling (霖铃) grow into a bustling hub filled with food and liquor stalls selling peach blossom wine, a famed wine in the lower cultivation realm. Children ran around, chasing each other or begging their parents to buy them a small red lantern to hang in their rooms.

Never backing down from the wind or rain, Guang Poyun would journey down the mountain into Linling, sneaking around to check the crops of villagers. If he noticed any wilting, he’d repair the damage, breathing life back into them so their efforts wouldn’t fall to the quagmire. Then he’d return to the mountain, letting them believe a deity had taken mercy on their situation and spared them from a bad harvest.

He didn’t mind. He didn’t need the recognition, and more importantly, he didn’t want it. He’d rather be the type to cast a barrier for someone in the cold snow, letting them believe it was a passing Elder instead of him. If people knew it was him, surely, many would come knocking, begging for this or that. So, he did his deeds silently, but of course, the nature spirits, plants, and animals would know.

When he repaired the plants, he’d hear them whisper a soft “thank you.”

His lips would turn up into a small smile, displaying his blossom like dimples while the tips of his ears grew warm and pink. He’d nod with a small “Mn” and slink away.

He was a single Draconier, tiny in the vast galaxy. In his youth, he was allowed to be arrogant, greedy to become the darling of the heavens. As he aged, Guang Poyun found that living a humble life of simplicity and prosperity was more enjoyable than living in the higher cultivation realm, surrounded by those that’d shut out the civilians during a calamity to save themselves.

The greed and corruption he witnessed in Kunlun dirtied his eyes, and when his tenure expired, he promptly left, going into seclusion on Nanping Mountain. For the last five hundred years, he watched people pass by, and sometimes they’d get lost. Quietly, he’d help them find their way off the mountain without saying much. The people would believe he was just a silent spirit since Draconier usually didn’t openly reside in the lower cultivation realm.

Hell, the populace didn’t even know they existed. There wasn’t a lot of communication between the upper and lower realms. The lower cultivation realm had only a single sect, and that was all the way in Sichuan. So, the lower cultivation populace didn’t interact with cultivators much. Unbeknownst to them, they interacted with Draconiers more than cultivators, but again, they just believed them to be spirits.  

 Guang Poyun peeled a loquat, licking some of the juice from his fingers when a little Osmanthus demon ran up to him, flailing its little arms.

“Shenhua-Jun! Shenhua-Jun! (神花君)”

Yes, they addressed him as “Lord Spirit Flower” due to the pansies growing on him.

“Hm?” Guang Poyun looked up to see Osthmanthus demon with black beady eyes and chubby cheeks stomping its tiny feet.

“The tree is sick!” It started crying pitifully, making wuwuwuwu~ sounds.

“Huh?” Guang Poyun blinked a few times, wondering which of one hundred some Osthmanthus trees on Nanping was sick. “Which one?”

It adjusted the leaf on top of its head and continued crying, “Come help us please, Shenhua-Jun!”

Sighing, Guang Poyun set the loquat on the table and brushed the dirt off his clothes. He stood and calmly ordered, “Show me.”

 It took half a shichen to reach the sick Osmanthus tree considering that even running, the little Osmanthus demon’s legs didn’t stretch much. So, Guang Poyun walked at a snail’s pace behind the little demon. His sleeves fluttered in the breeze, and he noticed other spirits poking their heads out from behind trees, under rocks, to watch him. He was their revered Shenhua-Jun after all.

The Osmanthus demon was breathing heavily, collapsing face down on the dirt upon reaching the wilting tree. Guang Poyun crouched, picking it up by the armpits, standing it upright again.

“T-Thank you.” It adjusted the leaf on its head again and waved its arms frantically. “Please save it!”

“Mn.”

Flicking his sleeves, Guang Poyun placed his slender fingers on the trunk. This tree had already cultivated a spirit. He could hear the heavy labored breathing in the roots as they struggled to absorb nutrients. The Draconier channeled qi through his meridians into the tree’s, repairing the core at a steady pace.

Gradually, a crowd of benevolent monsters gathered in the vicinity, watching their deity work. The aroma of pansies grew stronger, but it soothed their anxieties. They watched the white flowers regain their color, the leaves becoming green again, the branches being repaired. After ten minutes, Guang Poyun cut off the flow of spiritual energy and nodded to himself in approval.

He turned to the little Osmanthus demon. “The tree will be okay now.”

All the monsters started making various noises of celebration, some squeaking loudly, some making chittering noises, and the Osmanthus demon hopped up and down, its whole body jiggling. It exclaimed, “T-T-Thank you Shenhua-Jun!”

“It’s no problem.” Forming a hand sign, he placed a sigil on the tree. “This should protect it from corruption.”

The chubby demon hugged the tree, petting it like one would a cat. “Shenhua-Jun healed you!”

I only wish to remain a constant in your life at your side for as long as I am able because in the time we’ve known each other, I’ve already fallen this far for you.

But I’m always willing to fall further, deeper, sinking below the surface of your scarred skin, the sun reflected in your eyes, and you shine so brightly when I lose light in myself.

 Zhongli worked Childe open further by adding a third finger, increasing the speed of his hand. He shifted his position back over his beloved, lowering his head to take a hard nipple into his mouth. He gasped as Zhongli’s fingers twisted around inside. Along with his sensitive chest being touched, his lashes grew moist from the stimulation.

Argh, why was he so sensitive?

Zhongli’s teeth bit down lightly on the nipple, and Childe choked out a sob in pleasure. His own erection throbbed. He pleaded, “Zhongli!…I can’t take anymore.”

“What would you like, Baobei?” Zhongli bit down on his shoulder, licking the spot and sucking until it was red.

“You…I want you.” He blinked a few times, trying to calm down the pitter-patter of his heart. “Please.”

“Oh?” While the Archon wanted him desperately, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tease his sweet Childe. He placed a kiss to his jaw. “Tell me exactly how you want me, Baobei.”

“…You’re such an ass.”

Sniggering, Zhongli just kissed him again on the lips, whispering, “I won’t know unless you tell me.”

Childe pouted. “I want you inside me.”

While Zhongli was delighted, he wanted to make sure. “You’re certain? There’s no shame in backing out.”

At this point, Childe became impatient. Zhongli’s worked him up this much, and he had the audacity to suggest stopping here? Bastard!

Those dark eyes sharpened, looking slightly irritated at the suggestion. “I’m sure.”

“Okay.” Zhongli slipped his own underwear off.

Shit.

Oh, shit.

Fucking hell.

‘How will it fit?! I wouldn’t be able to fit it in my mouth! Those rumors were true! Am I going to die?’

Childe’s face burned horribly at the thought of Zhongli spearing him open with his length. The thick head flushed dark red with two large veins wrapping around it. Good lord, it was thick all over. The ridge was prominent enough to rub deliciously against his walls. There’s no curve to it. It was ramrod straight unlike the man himself. His hair was neatly shaved down as if to accentuate the size on purpose. It was a few inches above average, making Childe whimper inside like a beast submitting to his master – his Archon.

Zhongli slicked himself up with extra lubricant, hoping it’d be enough to make this bearable for his virgin lover. If not, he’d stop, and they could try again another time if Childe wanted.

“Baobei – Childe,” Zhongli whispers against his lips, the head nudging against the entrance, “May I?”

Childe nodded, whispering back, “…Yes.”

Zhongli pushed in, wet and hot, breaching the entrance slightly with a stifled groan. Childe breathed deeply, letting his legs fall open further, trying to open up as much as possible. Zhongli continued pushing forward, inserting the entire head.

Dammit, he’d hoped it’d be bearable, but holy hell, it hurt. His face wrinkled, fingers grasping the sheets for purchase as warm tears dripped down his face. He stuttered, whimpering, “Zh-Zh-Zhongli…ah…”

“Hey, shh, shh, hey. I’m here.” Immediately, he stilled. Zhongli cupped his face, swiping a thumb to wipe away the tears. “I’ll stop, okay?”

Zhongli already made to pull out, but Childe protested, “No, no…ngh. I’ll be fine. I want to keep going.”

He blinked back the pain, turning his teary gaze to the man above him whose brow was furrowed in concern. Those gentle eyes were filled with affection. The man was ready to drop everything if Childe desired. All it’d take was a word, and they’d stop.

“I want this, Zhongli… Please keep going.”

Zhongli kissed away the tears, voice dropping an octave seductively, “Okay, but don’t hold onto the sheets. You’re my man. You can hold onto me.”

Tentatively, he let the satin sheets fall from his fingertips. He reached up with shaking arms, wrapping them around Zhongli’s neck. “…Okay.”

Zhongli lifted Childe’s hips up and gripped the base of his length, slowly sliding in further. The young man underneath couldn’t ignore the burning sensation of being stretched, his lip quivering while whimpering incoherently. More tears poured down his face, and Zhongli continued kissing them away, whispering sweet nothings in encouragement. Both of their bodies were covered in sweat already.

Ah, what kind of mess would there be after finishing?

Childe’s nails dug into Zhongli’s back, leaving scratch marks that the Archon would look fondly on the next day. If anyone noticed and asked about them, of course, Zhongli would make up an excuse, but he’d remember the feeling of his Baobei squeezing so tightly around him.

“Childe, you feel amazing.” Zhongli nuzzled his nose and kissed him deeply, sending the rest of his length in.

“Agh…T-Too….big….” He whimpered, “Zhongli…ah…”

“Are you okay? Does it still hurt?”

The sharp pain passed, leaving him with a dull ache, but his legs wouldn’t stop trembling. He wanted to wrap them around Zhongli’s waist. They refused to move though. With his hands still on Zhongli’s back, he felt the Archon’s body shaking slightly. He must be mustering all his willpower to not just fuck him senseless.

Childe’s head slammed back against the pillow, exposing his thin neck. Zhongli licked along his Adam’s apple, feeling him trying to swallow down his tears.

Zhongli murmured, “Childe? Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah. It’s okay. I’m okay.”

“Baobei, try to relax. I’m going to move now.” Zhongli kissed his eyelids, sighing in pleasure. Childe had become soft through the pain, so Zhongli gripped him, coaxing him back to hardness to distract him as he moved shallowly. “God, you’re incredible, Childe… My Childe.”

“Zhongli…” His red cheeks remained moist as new tears fell, not from pain, but from the intense stimulation.

Zhongli propped both his legs over his shoulders, shifting to thrust at a different angle. Hitting this exact spot drew out ragged little sobs from Childe’s throat. Being taller than him, Zhongli was able to lower his face enough to kiss him passionately, their tongues dancing together. The pain in Childe’s lower body fell away, the pleasure finally overwhelming it. Each time Zhongli pulled out, that ridge caught on the rim, making him whine. Gradually, Zhongli quickened his pace but continued to hit that same exact spot which made Childe’s vision blur with tears and become white.

“So sensitive, Baobei…” Zhongli asked breathlessly, “Childe, does it feel good?”

With all coherency and ability to speak fucked out of him, Childe could only nod. Zhongli licked the column of his neck, suckling at his jugular. At the same time, he began stroking Childe’s hard and wet erection. Underneath him, this usually composed Scryer thrashed, losing himself as he moaned and cried. He was soft and dirty in Zhongli’s embrace, being fucked deep and steady by the man he loved.

“Childe,” Zhongli licked his lips, wearing a devilish grin as he whispered, “I want you to come for me, Baobei.”

Zhongli kissed him again, muffling Childe’s moans as he quickened the pace of his thrusts and his hand. If it were up to him, he’d have his beloved underneath him like this every single goddamn day for the rest of their lives. He loved seeing him fall apart between his fingers like a crumbling statue of fine white jade. In his hands, he broke him down into fine crystalline dust that scattered in the west wind.

When he pulled away, Childe’s eyes were shut, his kiss-bitten lips parted with harsh pants and whimpers.

“Look at me,” Zhongli commanded softly, that last shred of possessiveness demanding this as he marked him. “Look at me when you come, my Childe.”

Slowly, he opened his watery eyes to see that silver gaze staring back at him. Sweat was dripping down Zhongli’s face as his own breathing became ragged. Zhongli pressed their foreheads together, whispering encouragement for him to finish in his grasp.

“You’re so beautiful like this.” Zhongli kissed him again and growled low, “And you’re mine.”

With those words, Childe’s called out his name brokenly, scratching at Zhongli’s back as he released, still looking him in the eye as he ordered.

There was no disobeying the Archon after all.

Zhongli continued working him through his orgasm, hand milking him with the last few spurts of his release. Childe’s hips arched off the bed, breathing unsteadily, the overstimulation making him scream Zhongli’s name as if pleading for mercy.

Zhongli’s eyes were dazzling in the light of the setting sun that filtered through the window blinds. Shifting his position, he groaned next to his ear, “Childe, I’m going to give you exactly what you need, leaving it all inside you. Nobody else can see you like this, can fuck you like this. You’re all mine.”

He choked out, “God, Zhongli! It’s too…too much!”

Zhongli snapped his hips harder on each thrust, burying himself completely inside each time before pulling all the way out. He licked along his neck again, murmuring his name again and again like a mantra.

Lacing their fingers together, Zhongli nuzzled against his cheek, whispering, “Take it all for me. Be good, Baobei.”

Once he said this, Zhongli’s body shuddered through his own release, and he continued thrusting to leave every last drop in Childe.

Pulling out, he lowered Childe’s legs, but kept them spread to examine where they were just joined. There were some thin streaks of blood mixed with semen, but it didn’t appear anything was torn.

‘Thank goodness. Looks like I wasn’t too rough with him.’

Leaning over, he kissed his brow, his cheeks, his eyelids, his lips, and he asked, “Are you okay?”

Still out of it, he just nodded weakly while trying to catch his breath. Confident he was telling the truth, Zhongli got up and returned with a towel, gently cleaning up the mess on his backside and stomach. After wiping himself off, he joined Childe, pulling him against his chest, letting his face rest in the crook of his neck. He pressed a kiss to his forehead and to the brand on his neck.

Zhongli asked, “Did it feel good?”

“Yes, but I’m going to be sore,” Childe answered quietly almost like he was pouting about that last part.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have been so demanding of you.” Zhongli kissed him again, tightening his hold. “I’ll go slower next time.”

Childe reassured his lover, “It’s okay. I’m okay. It was amazing honestly.”

“Really?”

He smiled against his neck, kissing it. “Yes, really.”

“Good. That’s all that matters to me.” Zhongli sighed in relief, saying, “I wanted your first time to be good at least.”

“Zhongli…”

“Hm?”

Childe closed his eyes, feeling himself drift off. “I love you.”

Seeing that his dearest about to snooze, the Archon closed his own eyes and smiled, feeling at peace. “I love you too.”

In those words, there was another silent prayer for the future to be filled with light, blooming flowers, the soothing spring winds, and love.

 I’m begging someone, please cut this fragile branch off to keep the thorns from wrapping further around me, strangling, and piercing the brittle bark of my body.

Snowflakes danced around the both of you, collecting on your eyelashes.  The frigid gale quickly turned your cheeks red and dry as Makoto and you walked down the sidewalk.  A strong arm was wrapped around your shoulders, holding you close to him, ensuring you didn’t slip on the small patches of ice.  You always seemed to find them under your feet, and too many times, you fell on your ass, bruising it for a couple days. That was before you met Makoto though. Even before you started dating, he’d always hold onto you when out and about during winter.  

Upon reaching the door to your apartment, Makoto ushered your shivering self inside, saying, “You’re freezing. I don’t want you catching a cold, love.”

“Mako, you don’t get a cold from the cold,” you remarked, but then you ended up sneezing multiple times into your sleeve.  Before he could say anything, you grumbled, “Not one word, sweetheart.”

Sighing in exasperation, he led you over to the plush sofa and grabbed a couple blankets from the large wicker basket.  You wished he didn’t worry so much, but asking for that was like asking Haru to never swim again.  So, you remained still as he wrapped blanket after blanket around you, pressing the back of his hands to your cheeks to help warm them up.  

Deep down, you appreciated these gestures because you frequently forgot to take care of yourself. For example, you tended to be a night owl, staying up well after midnight.  You really did try to sleep earlier, but you always got sidetracked and distracted by something.  You’d only realize how late it’d become if Makoto sent you a text if he woke in the middle of the night.  It was usually along the lines of “Get some sleep please, sweetheart” or “It’s really late.  You can finish what you need to tomorrow, love.”

After you’d become a sufficient blanket burrito, Makoto flitted about the kitchen, grabbing a couple mugs you’d been gifted for your birthday by Gou.  The aroma of freshly heated cocoa filled the apartment as he poured the chocolate into the mugs.  A small smile curved your lips when he returned with two piping hot cups of hot chocolate.  Settling next to you, Makoto immediately pulled you into his lap, holding you flush against him.  Your head rested against his firm chest, cradled in his arms.  

Kissing your forehead, he asked, “Warm?”

You giggled and nuzzled against him, relishing in his affections.  “Very.  Thanks, Mako.”

“I worry about you,” he said, brow wrinkled, “I’m worried you’re going to get really sick one of these days because you didn’t eat enough nutritious food, or you stayed up too late on too many nights.”

Frowning guiltily, you sighed.  “I know, I know.  But you don’t need to worry so much.”

“Nonsense.  Of course, I worry because I love you.”  After taking a sip of his hot chocolate, Makoto covered your lips with his in a chaste kiss.  “I love you more than anything.”

Not letting him escape, you reached up to let your palm rest against his nape, pulling him back down to kiss again.  Immediately, he melted into the kiss, probing you for entrance with his tongue.  You eagerly greeted him with your own, twining them around each other, savoring the taste of chocolate and him.  He groaned lightly into the kiss, bracing himself against the armrest with his free hand while the other wrapped securely around you.  In a swift motion, he stood causing you to squeak in surprise.  He carried you bridal style into your cozy bedroom down the hallway.

Pressing one more kiss to your nose, he set you down on the bed before stripping off his shirt, revealing hardened muscle underneath.  His pants sat low, teasing you with the sight of the sharp v of his hips. It was enough to make you rub your thighs together in anticipation underneath all those blankets.  

Leaning down, he cooed in your ear, “Just let me take care of you, love.”

A blush formed on your cheeks because you knew when he said that, you were going to be completely wrung out afterwards.  Slowly, he unwrapped the blankets from around you, causing you to shiver momentarily. Still, you’d be warm again soon enough, and you coyly bit your lip at the thought.  Large warm hands slid underneath your shirt to caress your sides. You sighed happily with his half-lidded gaze pinned on you underneath him.  Arching your back, you allowed him to sneak a hand around to undo the clasps of your bra.  He lifted your shirt up, stripping it off along with your bra, leaving your upper body bare.  Instinctively, you crossed an arm around your chest and averted your gaze, anxiety pooling in your gut.

Makoto frowned slightly, but he wasn’t upset at you.  No, he could never be.  He knew how terribly the voices whispered, calling you bitter names that never did fit you; ugly, hideous, disgusting, unlovable.  He didn’t miss the glistening tears welling in your eyes or your lips thinly pursed together in rumination.  Brushing a finger underneath your chin, he tilted your gaze back towards him.  Your eyes were wide in trepidation, and he could see the gears turning in your head.

He soothed, brushing a thumb along your cheek, “Focus on me, okay?”

Swallowing hard, you nodded meekly.  Gingerly, he brought your arm away from your chest, bringing your fingers up to his lips. He kissed each knuckle in turn, cradling your hand in the warmth of his own.  Smiling encouragingly, he squeezed your hand as he trailed kisses along your neck, the warmth of his tongue sparking prickles along your skin.  His free hand snuck down to your pants, caressing your hip underneath the fabric.  You inhaled sharply, goosebumps forming along your skin.  Pulling away, he snuck his other hand under your pants and slipped them off you, taking your panties with them.  Stripped completely naked, you scooted further up the bed, trying to keep your eyes fixed on Makoto.  His eyes never left yours as he trailed kisses down your stomach, along your hips, and brushing your inner thighs.  

Face to face with your arousal, he praised, “Pretty girl.”  Taking your hand again, he licked along your clit.  You squeezed his hand in turn, making him chuckle.  “You’re always so sensitive for me, sweetheart.”

Before you could say anything more, he slid his tongue inside, flicking it upwards in just the way you like.  You whimpered, hips wiggling involuntarily under his ministrations.  He smiled against you, bringing his tongue up to flick at your bundle of nerves again.  Slowly, he inserted a couple fingers, curling upwards to rub against your walls.  Groaning lightly in pleasure, your body finally relaxed in his hold.  

“Oh, Mako,” you breathed shakily as he caressed that sweet spot inside of you while sucking hard on your bud.

He pressed his fingertips harder, causing your legs to slightly quake as you shifted from the sensation.  It never took you long to come, and he always could tell when you needed just a tad more stimulation to push you over the proverbial cliff.  He rubbed faster, groaning against you when you bucked your hips. A couple more strokes had you gasping, writhing on the bed, legs threatening to clamp around his head.

Once your body calmed again, he decided to hazard a glance up at you.  Your forearm was laid across your forehead, chest heaving shakily with each breath.  Stepping back, he quickly removed his pants and boxers, stroking himself a couple times before joining you again.  Caressing along your inner thighs, he crawled back up along your body, kissing and suckling patches of skin, leaving small marks in his wake.  Nibbling slightly by your collarbone, his hand slid to cup your breast, thumb rubbing against the rigid tip.  

He whispered against the shell of your ear, “Ready?”

Hearing you hum in confirmation, he lined himself up and slowly pushed into your entrance. Groaning softly, he watched your expression for any signs of discomfort.  When he rocked forward another fraction of an inch, a sharp whimper escaped you.  Makoto froze, concern evident in the otherwise peaceful verdant of his eyes. Willing yourself to relax, you took a few deep breaths, letting tension melt into desire.  When the pain dulled, giving way to pleasure, you wrapped your arms around his neck, nodding for him to keep going.  Hips moving meticulously, Makoto cradled you in his arms, dropping kisses along your neck.  You shivered in delight, feeling his hardened muscle rub against your stomach.  

Pulling away, he watched your face scrunch up in pleasure.  Smiling, he pressed his forehead against yours.  “You’re so beautiful like this, spread bare beneath me. I’ll tell you as many times as I need to.”

Blushing, you hid your face in the crook of his neck, whimpering, “M-Mako…”

As you grew more accustomed to his size, his thrusts came faster, making you writhe underneath him from hypersensitivity.  Reaching down, he rubbed a finger against the aching bundle of nerves, never faltering in his movements.  There was no way in hell he was gonna finish first before you came a second time.  No, he wanted – needed – to draw out every bit of pleasure from your body which he adored so much.  He watched your eyes slip in and out of focus with each movement.  Groaning at the sight, he swallowed your whimpers in a passionate kiss, tongue twining with yours lazily before oxygen called him to pull away.  

He purred, “Can you give me a second one, sweetheart?”

You whined, hips bucking against his touch.  “M-Mako, I’m c-close…”

Kissing your forehead, his finger rubbed harder as he angled his thrusts deeper, hitting consistently against that sweet spot inside.  You could tell he was losing himself to desire too, shuddering and panting through ecstatic bliss.  Your legs trembled underneath him from all the stimulation.  It was like trying to hold cupped water in your hands, your mind slipping until the pleasure was all you could think about.  Thrusting one last time, Makoto felt you contract around him as your body tensed, chest heaving and gulping for air while you came undone beneath him.  You came with the cry of his name, and God, he had to kiss you for that.  Your hands had slipped from his neck to grip the pillow beneath you.  Cradling you in both arms again, he quickened his thrusts.

 “See?  This,” he moaned with a harsh gasp, like he could barely keep his composure through each shaky breath, “This is what you do to me.  You’re the only one who can make me feel this way, love.  I don’t have a problem reminding you.”  He chuckled breathlessly and smiled.  “Believe me.”

You cried, “Makoto!”

Capturing your lips again, he moaned as he came hard and uninhibited, trembling through his release.  Tightening his hold on you, he kept you under his protective warmth as he came down from his high.

Pulling out, he grabbed a towel on the side table.  Your body was like liquid, unable to move, but you certainly had no complaints.  Gingerly, he began wiping at the residue between your legs, stroking your hips with tenderness.  After cleaning himself up as well, Makoto settled down beside you and gathered you in his arms.  Your head rested on his chest, eyes fluttering closed with exhaustion. Fingers stroking your upper arm, he pressed his lips to your hairline.  You smiled sweetly and craned your neck up, asking for a direct kiss.

Draconier by Yingrutai on Deviant Art

Guang Poyun

Lovirium by Yulteaful on Deviant Art

Milo by Kajipurin

Tasselbun by Mimona on Deviant Art

The silence woke him.

Cold silk sheets wrapped around Sosuke as sunlight filtered in through the blinds. Nothing stirred in the small suburban home.  Even the coffee maker failed to run which was highly unusual, considering how you could never function without the bitter substance.  Heavy solitude weighed on his shoulders.

After all, you were gone.

Rubbing the sleep away from his weary eyes, he stood and prepared to get ready for another day.  Like every other morning, Sosuke got dressed, brushed his teeth, ate breakfast, drank his tea, and made to leave.  His routine didn’t change.

But you still held his heart in your hands.  You clenched it in a steel-clad grip without mercy.  Usually, you’d attempt to make breakfast and fail miserably at this new recipe you just had to try.  That’s when you two would fall back on toaster waffles and cereal as dirtied pots soaked in the sink.  You’d kiss him goodbye before rushing out the door to work.  

When did those little moments begin to end?

His phone rang with a text message.  “Hey, buddy.  How’s it going?”

“Still hurts.”  His mouth contorted into a grimace as he continued to type.  “It doesn’t feel right.  It’s so quiet now.”

Rin texted back, “It’s gonna be okay.”

 Instead of responding, he opted for switching his phone to silent and pocketing it. He couldn’t bring himself to believe everything would be okay after your departure.  Not much time passed, so of course, the raw pain’s intensity didn’t abate. Would it ever though?  Or was he doomed to be miserable, stewing forever in his despair?

  Hell, he hoped, with every fiber of his being, that you’d walk through that door, saying you still loved him and had changed your mind.  There’d be no hesitation to scoop you up in his arms, kissing every inch of your beautiful face, apologies spilling from his lips like his unbidden tears.  He’d bare his heart with every word of endless affection as he made love to you. With every touch, your body would be worshipped by him because you were his everything.  Afterwards, he’d lay there in contented silence with you engulfed in his strong embrace.  Never again, he’d take those moments for granted.

  The day progressed as always.  When he arrived at work, he didn’t miss the flashes of pity in his coworkers’ eyes. They could see his change in demeanor by the way his shoulders slumped slightly and the permanently knitted brow. His jaw remained clenched as the gears turned in his head.

Where did everything go so wrong?

He’d always been scared of losing you.  He was terrified of waking one day to not see you next to him anymore.  To wake up with the realization that you left him. Now that it was reality, it pained him even more because he could’ve prevented it.  If he hadn’t been so stubborn, he would’ve worked less hours. But his own pride kept him from giving you more attention.  

“Hey, Sosuke,” Rin greeted.

 Sosuke nodded in acknowledgement.  “Anything new pop up?”

The shark-toothed man shook his head.  “Nothing serious, but I guess Gou is back for a visit.”

A dark brow quirked in surprise.  “How long’s it been since you saw her?”

“A year.”  Rin rubbed the back of his nape and sighed.  “I guess she met with [name] last night.”

His best friend debated even bringing it up, but he figured that keeping him in the dark would be worse.  Besides, Sosuke always had a way of finding out.  His intuition was certainly uncanny.  

Sosuke shifted his gaze to the floor.  “How is she doing?”

 “She seems to be doing okay.  She’s staying with a friend.”

“I see.”  A bitter smile ghosted his lips as he mused, “I hope that whatever she does, she’ll be happy.”

Rin tentatively asked, “Have you tried talking with her?”

“No.”  His response was immediate.  “It wouldn’t change anything.  She was pretty adamant when she left.”

The scene played in his head like an endlessly looping film.  

 Sosuke returned from work earlier than usual.  When he entered the house, he noticed the packed bags tossed onto the couch.  You didn’t have a lot of stuff, so there were only a few filled duffel bags and a backpack.  

When you strode out of the bedroom, you only spared him a glance before zipping up your coat. Sosuke blinked hard, clearly in disbelief at what he was witnessing.  His uneven breathing was only a small indicator to the pangs of anxiety rushing through his blood.  

Swallowing hard, he asked, “What are you doing?”

Your response was toneless with a face void of emotion.  “I can’t do this anymore.  I’m leaving, Sosuke.”

One by one, you slung the bags over your shoulder and walked towards the door.  Still, he couldn’t just let you go.  Before you passed him, Sosuke gripped your shoulder, but you didn’t even look at him.

“Wait… [name]…”  He glanced down at you carrying everything on your shoulders like the god, Atlas. You’d shouldered everything by yourself.

Yes, you shouldered everything.

Blinking slowly, you exhaled sharply through your nose.  “Let go.”

He started warily, “I know I haven’t been around much, and I’m so sorry, but I swear, I can fix that – this!  Please, just…don’t go.”

His teal eyes were cast dolefully downwards at your stiff frame.  You looked so small like that.  

“I made my decision.” You shrugged off his hand and looked him in the eye.  Your words were cold and biting.  “It’s too late for you to start caring now.”

With that, you stepped out of the house and his life.

 Once he returned home, Sosuke shucked off his coat and dumped his keys into the little wooden bowl on the rack by the entrance.  The whole house remained silent save for his heavy footsteps as he trudged into the bedroom.  When he flipped the light on, he glanced at his worn-down self in the vanity mirror. It’d only been a couple days, but it’d already took its toll on him.  His posture lost the trademark confidence and authority that he always carried.  Now, it was broken and frail.  

The two of you chose this house.  It was supposed to be for you and him to live in and grow old together.  This bed was meant to be shared with you and you alone. The idea of lying in it with another woman was unfathomable.  

You had always been there to support him ever since high school.  When he wallowed by himself because of his uncertain future in swimming, you lent him your shoulder no matter how heavy the burden.  You wrapped him in warmth before his shoulder surgery, whispering reassurances that he’d be okay.  You helped give him that future.

But when you two married years later, everything began descending at a barely discernible pace. It started with him picking up an extra shift here and there.  Here and there became once a week.  Once a week became four times a week.  The shifts grew longer, and the time he saw you grew shorter.  Even when you asked him to spend more time at home, it crashed down as he denied you.  All the pleasant moments turned to ash that fell between his fingers, and so did his relationship with you.  

Sosuke grew more cross with you, delivering short and curt answers to your simple questions. He shrugged off your affections, barely reciprocating them.  Little did he know, the nights he returned after midnight, you often cried yourself to sleep, wondering why everything had gone so wrong.  He never noticed the tears staining your dried cheeks or the way your hands clenched the sheets as you bit back the sobs.  

After your departure, he couldn’t help but wonder why.

Why didn’t he change before it was too late?  Did he think you’d stay no matter what?  That you’d stay to support him when he failed to reciprocate?  

He’d wasted your love.

Regret was all you left him with.

 Years passed.

The divorce was actually finalized within a year of you leaving.  Honestly, there wasn’t anything to dispute about since you didn’t buy anything together except the house.  You were content to leave everything except your essential things behind. Sosuke stayed in that home, always waiting for you, but he knew it was in vain.

Since then, he hadn’t heard from you.  You didn’t really have a reason to contact him in the first place considering the fact you didn’t have kids or pets you needed to keep tabs on.  Still, he heard about you from Rin and Gou since you remained in touch with them.  You’d finally gotten that job you always wanted and strove toward since graduating high school.  You entered another serious relationship with this one guy a couple years after leaving Sosuke.  Gou was reluctant, but she told Sosuke that you were happily engaged to the new guy a couple years after dating.  

A couple days after she brought the news, a wedding invitation was mailed to your old house. It was addressed to him, and he vaguely wondered if you just wanted to rub salt in the still raw wounds.  He knew you didn’t bear that kind of malice though.  At the same time, the same scenario began playing in his head over and over.

You were standing at the altar, ready to begin saying the vows.  When the officiant asked if anyone objected, Sosuke would bravely stand amongst the crowd and declare his love for you.  Overwhelmed with emotion, you’d cry as you ran into his arms, returning to him.  As for the one sobbing hysterically, it’d definitely be him.  Yes, it was like one of those cheesy romantic dramas he hated.

When the occasion finally arrived though, no protests left him as he watched you stand at that altar.  You were in another man’s arms, and part of him desperately wanted to pry you away. That was impossible though.

Because you looked so happy.

The way you looked at your new husband was the way you used to look at Sosuke.  Your new husband returned the loving gaze like Sosuke used to.  That’s when Sosuke knew.  He knew this man would love you unconditionally for the rest of your days. He wouldn’t fail in being a pillar of strength for you.  He wouldn’t let his pride go unchecked and wound you with calloused words and actions.

During the wedding reception, Rin approached Sosuke.  “Hey, buddy.”

“Hi, Rin.” Both of the men turned to watch you dancing in the arms of another man.  With a solemn smile, Sosuke remarked, “She looks happy.”

What else could he say?

Your eyes sparkled in the dim light as you swayed back and forth with your husband.  Your grin exuded relaxed contentment.  When was the last time he saw you in such bliss? At least a year before you left.  

Mustering up the courage, after you finished dancing with your husband, Sosuke approached you.

He asked you to dance, and you smiled warmly.  “I’m glad you made it.  It’s been a while.  How’ve you been, Sou?”

“Okay.”  His arms wrapped gingerly around your waist. Both of you rocked back and forth to the slow music.  “He seems like a good guy.”

Giggling, you mused, “I never thought I’d be so blessed.  It’s amazing he puts up with all my troubles.”

Pangs of guilt caused his chest to ache.  Swallowing down the mounting lump in his throat, he murmured, “I’m glad.”

“What?” Sosuke didn’t miss the hitch in your breath.

He offered the most genuine smile you’d ever seen.  “You’re happy, and that’s all that matters.”  He left a chaste kiss on your cheek.  “That’s all I needed to know.  It’s enough.”

Warm tears trickled down your face.  “Thank you, Sosuke.”

After the song ended, you embraced him one last time in a final goodbye.  Yes, he could let go now.  So long as you were happy, even though it wasn’t with him, he could finally let go.  You watched his back retreated into the crowd, and you wished him the best because he’d always remain your first love.  Nothing could replace that.