#quanyin

They had been foraging for medicinal herbs and flowers, and Quan Yizhen’s baskets were full, after a successful walk through the forest. She had learned long ago how to identify every useful herb, mushroom and plant, yet having Yin Yu’s company and occasional commentary was the perfect way to make that peaceful activity something pleasant and that she looked forward to, even. They stopped to rest at the edge of a river, where Quan Yizhen playfully splashed water around and soaked her feet, though she tied the skirt of his dress to not get it all uncomfortably wet. Yin Yu, on her part, sat there and let the rushing water lap over her black leather boots. How disappointing, thought Quan Yizhen. I had hoped shijie would take that heavy thing off this time… But Yin Yu did not, simply resting there while holding her spade. Always on edge, always ready to jump to defend them. Fortunately, no strange happenings nor abnormal creatures had roamed close to them, but for some reason, it was as if she were always expecting the worst to happen, always wary. “Shijie should take a rest too,” Quan Yizhen said, approaching her from behind to catch her in a tight embrace. “She’s been working so hard the whole day!” Quan Yizhen’s face was plastered against Yin Yu’s nape, managing to find it even when she was still covered by many layers of clothing, and her face was still covered by that upsetting and probably uncomfortable leather mask. In that peaceful moment, Yin Yu truly felt a sting of sadness in her heart, for not being able to free herself from those burdens. A part of her desperately wanted to be able to embrace Quan Yizhen, feel the softness of that body without the barrier of her uniform and her mask… But if she wanted to keep them safe, if she wanted them to avoid the ruin that loomed over the horizon, she had a mission to accomplish. She had to achieve her vengeance, and end the reign of terror and injustice that had already lasted for too long over all of them. She still allowed herself the selfish pleasure of tangling her gloved fingers between Quan Yizhen’s dark amber curls, though, softly scratching her scalp until Quan Yizhen fell asleep, still leaning against Yin Yu’s back, her arms still surrounding her body, her breathing steady and warming the exposed skin of Yin Yu's nape. Ah, how bad could it be, to enjoy one night of rest like that? It was such a tempting idea, to lower her guard and cuddle her beautiful shimei, to believe there could be a moment of respite for her. The moths that always followed Yin Yu’s presence would alert them, if there was any need to worry, wouldn't they? But in the end, she couldn't risk it. She couldn't risk Quan Yizhen. She had to protect her. The night was still enjoyable, and the body hugging her was soft and warm. It was already more than she thought she would ever get.