X-EXO!Lay (EXO) | Possession
- based on the prompt: finding dark bruises all over your body you have no recollection of getting by @urfriendlywriter
angst | 1k | gn!reader
It's been three weeks now since it started. You'd wake up each day with new bruises covering your body. Now - occasional bruise or two that you had no recollection of getting were fine. But this was getting concerning.
These are bruises that never fade. It seems like they change places, as if they mysteriously heal overnight only to appear in slightly different spots the next morning. These are bruises all along your collarbones, inching closer each day to your neck it seems. More yet there is on the inner side of your arms, covering some areas of your ribs. You went to the doctor to have it checked up but for all their tests, they didn't find anything out of the norm, not even a new allergy that could be causing this. They told you to watch out for other symptoms and come back if there are any.
Of course they didn’t find anything. Of course there weren’t any other symptoms.
Yïxing swoons when he sees you. The white uniform they have you wear at your job is just slightly see-through, just enough that the marks he left on you are visible. Though to be fair, he might have taken it a little too far this time. He can hear the people talk, gossip, and he sees how uncomfortable it makes you. But that can be dealt with later.
Right now he gives you a very appropriate smile as you bring him his order that is conveniently the exact same as what you're getting when you're ordering coffee. You seem just a little too relieved when he meets your eyes instead of ogling the marks hiding under the fabric of your uniform. Just as usual, you seem happy to see him. You seem excited to hand him his cup, although you never do it with other guests. No, he thinks contentedly, you always set the cup down in front of them, but for him you make the exception.
He also notices you're stalling. As if you were reluctant to go back to the front. He can't blame you, and he definitely doesn't mind.
"Looks like you're having a terrible day," he notes quietly and gives you a sympathetic smile.
"Something like that," you admit and it's so clear that you'd rather stay and chat but the manager is already calling you back to the front. They take you to the office off to the side, which Yïxing disapproves of because it's the one place where he can't see you. When you come out, you're obviously uncomfortable, and also now sporting one of those awful sweaters they have you wear during winter. He can't imagine that feeling great since the heating makes it feel like it's the middle of summer inside the cafe.
You're too busy to pay him much attention afterwards and his mood sours. He can't leave without politely asking to talk to the manager and explaining in no uncertain terms that their behavior is unacceptable. Seeing the staff in discomfort ruins the experience for the guests, surely they don't want that? Somehow, he actually manages to look concerned when he says that.
Before he leaves, Yïxing makes sure that the injustice is fixed. He catches the grateful smile you shoot his way. Yeah, he could get used to that - you smiling while wearing his marks so beautifully.
Nobody should blame him for visiting you on this night too. How could he resist? You look so peaceful when you sleep, your expression free of worries, and you’re so cute all curled up in your blanket. Only the bed is too big for you to sleep in alone. He sits down on the edge carefully. He doesn’t want to wake you, doesn’t want to make you scared of him. Should it happen, then he can of course take responsibility. He’s more than ready to take you with him, to care for you and cherish you as you deserve to be, but alas… these things are easier if one has patience.
He moves some hair away from your forehead and caresses your cheek. You lean into his touch and he smiles. He loves how affectionate you are. Sometimes when handing him his order, your fingers brush together and you never shy away, never flinch, and what means the most - never apologize, only blush.
He lets his fingers trace your face, down your cheek to your jaw and then lower to your neck. Bruises begin to bloom under his touch, faint splashes of red and purples. He can’t wait for the day he will get to mark you for real, with his lips right against your skin. He can’t wait for the day you will be all his to keep, and so there won’t be any need to work, to hide the marks declaring you as his.
He’s almost given in to the temptation many times. He could be careful. He could do it without waking you up, he’s sure of that. But he respects you more than that.
You stir in your sleep and roll over, the blanket and your shirt sliding up just enough to expose a patch of your skin on your ribs that has not yet been painted. He takes full advantage of it and remedies it straight away. Patches of yellows and purples blooming under the soft touch of his fingertips. He admits he hates to be the cause of your distress, but he knows once you’re his, you’ll feel so silly for ever worrying about the strange bruises. He’s sure you’ll beg for his forgiveness that you did not treasure them more.
He’s sure you’ll beg him to keep you despite making him wait for so long.
Summary: Vicious, strict and sexy... your dance instructor Lay is hiding a secret.
Genre: Suggestive, Enemies to Lovers
Word Count: 1.4k
Gif: @yixing-zhang
“Again! And for god’s sake, try and look like you mean it!”
Your dance instructor Lay’s voice rings through the sweaty studio. Everyone else in the academy went home hours back. Your class struggles on into the night.
Sweat drips down the flexed muscles of Lay’s neck, disappearing into his coal black tracksuit. His ochre eyes, rough and silky all at once, hide under a low bucket hat.
You know his full, forbidden lips better than your own name.
“Hey, Y/n! Stop slacking. You’re still lagging on the turns.”
Your heart races, but not from the exercise.
Your muscles are crying out for respite, but you turn again and again. It’s useless. The harder you try, the weaker you seem to get. After fifteen minutes, you’re the only one in the class who can’t do it.
“Y/n, get up. Stop that.” Lay’s voice is like thunder. You hate how delicious your name sounds in his mouth.
You stop spinning, and stagger to the wall.
“I know you think you’re working hard, but you’re not. You are the worst in the class, and unless you get your act together very soon, you won’t be in it much longer.”
You don’t dare to look up. A lump stretches your throat, and you beg for the tears to hold.
“Are you serious about being a dancer?”
“Y-yes,” you whisper.
“Well, at this rate, you won’t make it. You hear me? You’ll walk, head hanging, out of these doors, scrape a place in a second-rate college, and spend the rest of your life watching your classmates on Inkigayo.”
His words are shards of glass, slicing you into ribbons. You know Lay’s watching you, scanning for any signs of weakness. His eyes send heat waves rippling off your skin.
“That’s all. Class dismissed.” Lay turns away, and everyone files silently out.
You choke down a sob.
----
That night, you return to the studio. Lay’s words throb in your ears, egging you on.
As you spin around and around, your turns get sloppier and wilder. Your eyes prickle, but you keep pushing yourself, keep forcing your limbs to move.
Suddenly, your ankle collapses under you. A red spike shoots up your leg, and you land hard on the floorboards.
You silence your cry.
Tears streak down your face, and you swipe them away with a sleeve. You try to pull yourself to the wall, but it’s so painful that your vision sparks white.
As you wrap your arms around your body, you let a sole whimper escape your lips.
That was your biggest mistake.
Because all of a sudden, you hear footsteps approaching the door. Cursing, you pull yourself up to standing on a ballet barre, trying not to yelp from the pain.
It’s Lay. For the first time ever, his raven-black dance uniform is gone, replaced with an open white shirt and jeans. His carved cream chest is so distracting, you almost forget that he hates you.
“What are you still doing here, Y/n? Class ended three hours ago. Get to bed!” Your lips start to quiver. The pain is bad enough. You don’t need his contempt to make it worse.
“Yes sir, I’m just packing up.” You try to step towards your bag, but fire rips up your leg. A squeak escapes your lips.
“Wait, are you hurt?”
All of a sudden, the distance between you vanishes. Strong arms are lifting you into a chair before you have the chance to protest, heat rolling off Lay’s skin and onto yours.
Your cheek is pressed against smooth muscle. The nakedness of it sends shivers through you. “You’ve sprained your ankle! Sit right there.”
Once you’re seated, Lay fetches a roll of white gauze and kneels in front of you. The thumping of your heart turns silence into cacophony. Free from its hat, you notice Lay’s hair for the first time, dishevelled curls of ebony.
You realise what’s changed. He looks… human.
“Why are you helping me? Y-you hate me.” The question leaps from your lips, uncalled for.
“I don’t hate you,” Lay murmurs, hands gently wrapping your ankle with gauze. His tenderness leaves you breathless. “I’m just harsh on you because…”
Lay’s hands drop to the ground, and he leans on them like he might collapse. You might collapse.
“Can I be honest with you?” Oaky eyes flick up to meet yours. You just nod, afraid to speak in case he changes his mind.
“I haven’t been… teaching long, and-“ He sighs. “I’m worried that if I’m not… strict, no one will take me seriously.” He looks up, and for the first time ever, he’s wearing away at his lip.
“I’m not funny, or charming… or someone you can like. I’m just someone you can fear. So that’s why I’m mean to you.”
“There.” Lay looks to the side, flashing you a wry smile. “It’s out. God, I feel like a child to say this, but- could you keep this to yourself?”
Shivers ripple down your body. You swear to keep his secret.
Lay grins, and deep dimples spring up in his smooth cheeks. You can’t believe you didn’t know they were there. “I can’t believe you thought I hated you, Y/n! It’s the opposite…you’ve got what it takes. And don’t let an idiot like me tell you don’t.”
Flutters burst in your stomach. Lay kneeling, you sitting, you sink into a breathless silence. You cling to his serious gaze, trying to peer into the man beneath the thick chocolate lashes.
Then, he lifts his hand to wipe away a dry tear, and you narrowly avoid the urge to kiss his hand. Your body throbs with your pulse.
“You were crying.” Your conversation has broken down into fragments, swirling in the silent sea of the unsaid.
You don’t answer him, eyes glued to Lay’s slightly parted lips.
You lean in closer, and he doesn’t move away. This is the moment you’ve been dreaming of. Your honey-gaze slips to his mouth. Then, you press your lips against his, and they’re warm and oh-so-soft and-
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Lay springs back, clamping his hand to his mouth as if it isn’t his.
“I-I- uh..” The back of your neck burns, and your heart pounds faster than ever. “I thought you…uh-“ Your stomach twists into a tight ball, sinking like a weight inside you.
Lay’s blank expression is like a punch to the throat. You squint at him through screwed eyes, praying for a quick exit.
Then, a frown breaks through the fog on Lay’s face. He cocks his head to the side, sizing you up. “What were you thinking?”
Your shoulders drop; you can’t be bothered to make up a lie. Taking a deep breath, you decide to go for the truth.
“I know you see me as yourself as my instructor, and me as your student. But I-I see you as a man… and me as a woman. Is that so wrong?”
There’s a silence so sharp it could break glass.
The shadow of a smile lifts Lay’s lip as he speaks. “That’s not wrong.”
And then, he leans forward once more, and you feel like you’re in a slow-motion movie. You watch Lay’s tongue flick over his lips, leaving them plump and glistening.
This time, he’s the one whose midnight eyes trail down to your mouth, but slowly, as if he’s tasting your skin with his eyes. When his firm hand grasps your thigh, you feel him shaking.
That gives you the confidence to close the gap between you. You pull Lay’s head towards you, and kiss him on the mouth. It’s a searching kiss. A kiss that needs to be returned.
He kisses you back. Softly. Safely. Then impatiently.
His fingers trail up the fabric of your T-shirt. The cold mirror pushes up against your back. You gasp at his taste. You can hear him gasping too.
You imagine how you feel to him, tear-salted. Your wayward hand feels cream muscle you’d only dreamt of feeling.
The fumble, the awkwardness of learning something unknown… that only makes it sweeter.
When you pull back, you realise you now know Lay intimately, but at the same time, you barely know him at all.
Lay makes as if to speak, but you stop him with a finger.
Sometimes, the best things can’t be expressed in words.
He shouldn’t find himself coming closer and closer to you each time you find each other, and yet somehow that’s always where he ends up. How you always ended up where you could find him he wasn’t sure. You had been stripped of your title and since been confined to the human realm. If he had to guess he would say it’s likely knowledge you’re being gifted by the demons you found yourself in the company of more often than not. It made sense though, your actions assisted them more often than not after all. Choosing to ignore the pleadings of various covens who had been searching for a fallen angel and instead help create deliciously sinful chaos.
“Hello again, angel. What brings you here today?” Your voice is sultry, the same tone you use to lure so many human targets in. He’s not so gullible, at least he likes to think he’s not, perhaps he's playing into your hand all the same though.
Yixing debates answering your question, eyes flickering to the person he was supposed to keep an eye on. The one he was hoping to assist in avoiding temptation, something that became ever more challenging once you were involved seeing as how he had to keep himself under control too. The chuckle you let out when picking up on the action should serve as warning enough.
“Better get a move on then angel, we’ve already gotten a head start. Shouldn’t be long now before they crack under the pressure either.” You muse, smirk playing on your lips. That’s when he noticed it. Your wings had been stripped away, leaving horrid scars but otherwise, you’d remained angelic in appearance until now. Your appearance was slowly changing again. Canines extending some now, fangs forming if you knew what to look for. Something he picked up easily on after centuries of what he did.
“Can’t you just leave things be for once?” Yixing sighs, shoulders slumping in defeat over your statement already knowing how much he was going to have to work for it now if he was going to make any progress. Still, his nature showed through even when dealing with you, “Please?”
The way you bat your lashes as you saunter over to him is anything but innocent, gripping his jaw under your fingers, “Oh a please? Did you know you’re so pretty when you beg, angel?”
The way he flusters makes you chuckle. Watching as the angel sputters over his words, trying to form a response. You decide it’s time to back off again, letting him come to you. This being your favorite form of the game when it came to these things.
“It’s not like we’re killing anyone Yixing. You really should loosen up, we’re just having a bit of fun after all. Something I could show you if you’d just let me. It’s something like you’ve never experienced before, angel.”
[1:17 AM] “I told you I was sorry,” Yixing says softly towards your fragile figure. You sit with your knees close to your chest and your arms wrapped around them for comfort.
“Y/n-,” he says but you cut him off. “Where were you Yixing? Where were you when I needed you the most huh?” Your voice cracks as you turn to face him. Guilt immediately comes to his face when he sees the tears that were threatening to come out of your eyes. He starts to tear up himself because of how broken you looked.
“I’m so sorry sweetie,” he murmurs and brings your head to his chest. You grasp onto his shirt and let the tears wet his shirt. He mutters multiple more sorries against your head while kissing you over and over again.
Author's note: I have been feeling very depressed lately. I might just start crying without reason, so I wanted to write something, that would comfort anyone in need of love. Feel free to change pronounce as you see fit.
- - -
" The day was gray and dark, like your mood. Walking back to home from school you almost dragged your feet, because they were feeling very heavy. You got scolded by teacher and your classmates were laughing at you. That was more than enough to put you on a bad mood. As you got into bus and sat down you felt your phone buzzing, informing about incoming call: "Yixinggie <3" said the screen.
You just declined his call, because you didn't feel like talking to anyone. Not even to your boyfriend, Yixing. Putting on your headphones you put on music and looked out from window. It has started to rain. Very suitable for your mood right now. You listened to EXO's "Sing For You" and did all you can to hold yourself from bursting into tears. "
- - -
You were laying on your bed, staring up to ceiling, unable to fall asleep, because you were feeling very worthless and miserable. You even have muted your phone, because you really didn't wanna talk to anyone right now, you just wanted to vanish without anyone missing you. Tears fell down your cheeks, as you saw your phone's screen lit up again. Someone have been spamming you with messages. Sighing heavily you turned on your rib and grabbed your phone, checking the messages:
[Yixinggie <3] Where are you, baby????
[Yixinggie <3] Why aren't you texting me back??? :/
[Yixinggie <3] Please, answer to me, baby...
[Yixinggie <3] Pick up the phone, please... I'm worried... TT TT
[Yixinggie <3] Are you mad at me??? Did I do something???
[Yixinggie <3] Baby...? Please, pick up the phone... :(
[Yixinggie <3] Please... Be alright...
[Yixinggie <3] I love you, baby... <3
Reading the messages didn't make you feel better. You actually felt yourself the worst possible girlfriend in the world, because you kept ignoring your boyfriend, that was caring about you and worried about you. Putting down your phone you curled up to ball, and tears kept falling down your cheeks. You somehow ended up falling asleep for a moment, but got woken up by hearing the knock from your door. Snapping out you opened your eyes, and checked the clock. It was almost 11pm. Who could come visiting you this late? Forcing yourself up you made your way to the door and were about to give the person piece of your mind about bugging you this late, specially when you didn't feel like socializing.
You opened the door and were about to open your mouth, when you saw who was standing behind the door. Your eyes widened, when you saw Yixing standing there with bouquet of flowers and heart-shaped box filled with your favorite cupcakes. "Y-Yixing...? What are you doing here this late? I thought you were supposed to be at studio tonight..." You say then quietly, feeling very surprised about this visit. He just looked at you with his warm eyes. Situation felt little awkward for you, so you decided to break the silence.
"I... Uh..." You started but no words came out. "Since you didn't reply to my messages and kept declining my calls, I knew something was off. So, I decided to come and see you by myself. Now, you can't ignore me, so... May I come in?" He then asks and looks at you. Giving him small nod you moved away, so he could enter.
He entered the apartment and placed the bouquet and cupcakes down to the table, turning to look at you as you closed the door. "You know... About the earlier, I..." You started, trying to explain yourself, but your words got stuck to your throat. For your luck, Yixing seemed to understand the point, so instead of saying anything he just took your hands to his, rubbing your back of the hands gently and looked at you with his warm brown eyes.
"Baby... You don't need to explain yourself. I can tell by just looking at you, that you didn't have the best possible day. So, wanna talk about what happened? Or should we just cuddle?" He asks then, placing his other hand on your cheek, leaning in to place soft kiss on your forehead, waiting for your response. Yet again you felt like you just wanted to burst into tears, but also you knew you had to get it off your chest, before you'd lose your sleep completely for the night.
"Well... Just... At school I got scolded by teacher about not focusing on the studies enough, and my classmates laughed at me... In all honest... I felt myself biggest loser in entire class..." You then explained, while trying to hold back your tears, that were burning in your eyes. You were mentally and almost physically exhausted. Frown appeared to Yixing's face and he pulled you into warm embrace, running fingers through your hair.
You just allowed yourself to cry against his chest. "It's alright, baby... I'm here now." He whispered softly and kissed your head, closing his eyes, leaving his lips lingering against your messy hair for a bit, and held you in his arms, just letting you know, that he was there for you. You were blessed by such an amazing and understanding boyfriend. Sometimes words weren't needed, when actions spoke for one other.
Once you were done crying, Yixing moved a bit to wipe off your tears. "Feeling better?" He asks then, moving strand of your hair away from your face, leaving his hand resting against your cheek, keeping his eyes on you. You gave him small nod. "Yeah... A bit better, thank you..." You said then and met his eyes. Offering you soft smile, he moved his face closer and placed kiss on your lips. Kissing him back you couldn't help but smile a little about the tender feeling, that his lips on your caused. "So, how about movie and cuddles?" He then asks with smile, resting his forehead against yours, his arms now on your waist.
Smiling softly back at him you nodded. "Sounds like an good idea." You then admitted and couldn't help but smile. He was so silly sometimes, but that's why you loved him. He then took your hand, placing kiss on back of your hand, and smiled winking at you, causing you to blush and you playfully hit his shoulder, causing him to chuckle as he picked you up to his arms and carried you to bedroom, placing you down to bed and you took out your laptop and turned on Netflix. You agreed on watching some funny Chinese dramas and cuddle under the covers. He warped his arm around you, running his hand up and down your rib, placing small kiss on your shoulder.
Enjoying the movie along with his company you have forgotten all the negativity. All you needed was Yixing and his warm gaze he only showed to you. His eyes were always filled with love and warmth, everytime your eyes met. After some while the two of you decided to just cuddle, and you put away your laptop. You weren't tired yet, so you and Yixing just enjoyed each other's company. "You know... I still feel a bit guilty for not responding to your messages and calls..." You admitted then, rubbing back of your head a bit, feeling embarrassed about it, because you knew how much he cared for you.
Shaking his head he moved closer to you, warping his arms around your waist. "You don't need to... I understand. But let's not think about it any more." He says then, smiling warmly as he looked at you. Blushing a bit at his smile you bit your lip. "But I..." You started, but Yixing cut you off, by placing his lips against yours, kissing you deeply and lovingly. "Shh, baby... No more of it. I'll give you something else to think about." He says with playful wink, as he got on top of you and started to trail soft kisses down your neck, making you blush more and chills ran down your spine as you started to squirm a little.
"Yah, Yixing... You know how sensitive my neck is." You said, biting your lip a bit as the kisses were tickling you. He smirked against your neck, and placed kiss on it. "I know, baby. Your reactions are priceless." He admits then with chuckle and ends up getting pillow stuffed against his face. "I'll show you..." You growled and spun around, that you were now topping him. Getting little surprised about your actions he smirked. "Well isn't this quite interesting situation." He says then and makes you blush more as you hit him with a pillow. You both then started a pillow fight and ended up embracing each other's with chuckles.
"I love you, Yixing..." You whispered softly, smiling warmly. Yixing smiles and leans down to kiss your lips softly, running his thumb down your cheek. "I love you too, baby." He whispers against your lips, kissing you again more deeply and lovingly, holding you in his arms.
After some time you started to feel tired and snuggled against your boyfriend's chest. "Getting sleepy, baby?" He asks, running his fingers down your arm gently, while kissing your forehead. Giving him a small nod you looked up to him. "A little bit... But I fear you'll be gone in the morning..." You said quietly, not wanting him to leave while you'd be asleep. Smiling softly to you Yixing placed hand on your cheek, resting his forehead against yours. "I won't be." He then says quietly and pecks your lips gently.
"Do you promise...?" You asked him, looking up to him with little frown on your face. Chuckling he gave you nod. "I promise." He then says with smile and settles better down beside you, pulling you closer to his body and warps blanket around your bodies, softly singing "Sing For You" in Chinese.
His soft voice makes your mind and body relax. While he was singing softly he ran his hand up and down your back, soothing you into sleep. It was his voice and touch that made your eyes grow heavy and you just smiled, listening to his voice, while closing your eyes. Didn't take long until you were asleep. Even after you fell asleep, Yixing stayed up to admire your sleeping and peaceful figure beside him. After finishing the song he let his fingers brush through your hair and kissed your forehead, before laying his head to pillow as he looked at you with soft and loving smile on his lips.
"我爱你 (I love you)..." He whispered into your ear softly and places loving kiss on your lips, before closing his eyes and after a while he also ended up falling asleep, holding you in his loving arms the whole night.
Warnings: Smut (it’s been so long since i’ve written a smut omg), touchy Yixing? blood, but like a drop. Demons.
A/N:This fic is a part of an EXO collab! So excited to be a part of it, check out the 12 Days of Lust, masterlist for the other amazing fics! not quite sure if i did the Incubus thing right, but i think its okay for a first try haha I hope you like it!
Summary: Professionalism was always something you prided yourself on, being the personal assistant to the Zhang family, you were at the top of your league. Until their son came back from Korea. The Prince was different, and he could sense your reluctance towards him. He thrived off of it. Dreams and nightmares become one and reality becomes disjointed. One kiss was all was needed. Obsession and submission was all you knew. Zhang Yixing was all you knew.
Professionalism was always something you prided yourself on. You had been the personal assistant to the Zhang’s for a while, the King and Queen never leaving you far behind wherever they went. You seemed cold to other members of staff at the Palace, even the media had picked up on it. Though in your eyes you were only doing your job, and you were doing it better than anybody else. Being content as the King and Queen’s personal assistant, you didn’t see anything changing anytime soon. That was until their son came back from Korea.
You’d never met Yixing before, never knew why he was sent to Korea, you never cared to ask. It wasn’t in your job to know the personal reasons for the young Prince’s departure, nor did the King and Queen make it known. So, there was no need for you to ask.
The Prince coming back was a celebration for everyone. The announcement was made a month before his arrival, though preparation were being made throughout the palace way beforehand. The members of the city were preparing themselves, getting the streets ready for his arrival. Flowers and banners decorated the streets, bringing colour and more life to the Kingdom. You had not met the Prince yourself, you had only seen pictures and paintings of him in the palace. His mother and father speaking of him fondly in conversations with friends and neighbouring Royals. What you didn’t expect was for his arrival to impact your life in a way you didn’t ask for.
The eve before his arrival, the King and Queen asked to speak to you about a change in duties. You had thought it would be just a slight change, maybe more paperwork now that their son was returning. But that was far from what they had in store for you.
“Ah Miss Y/L/N, I’m glad you could make it, five minutes early as usual.” The King looked up at the clock behind him, used to you being exactly five minutes on time for every meeting. Bowing at them both, you gave a polite smile waiting for what was to be said.
“As you know, our son is coming back to us tomorrow, and with that, there will be some slight changes with the priority of our staff.” At this point you were wondering whether you would have to fire someone, not always your most favourite job, but what will be, will be.
“Yixing is quite out of practice with the ways of this kingdom, he’s been gone for so long that we worry that his direction would be out of sorts.” Shuffling some papers, the King nodded to himself at his choice of words. “We need our most trusted staff around him, to settle him back in, so to speak.” Hands behind your back, you nodded along even though you were unaware of the direction.
“Y/n dear, we have placed you as our son’s personal advisor.” The Queen spoke up, yet you could not hide the shock on your face. “We know its sudden, our apologies for the lack of preparation. But there is no one else in this Kingdom we trust with our son other than ourselves.”
“It won’t be long of course, just until he is settled and we can find someone just as good to assist him. You have been a godsend to us, and we couldn’t afford to give you away for too long.” The king smiled at you, the warmth I his tone settling your shock lightly.
After the details were finalised, with a time of 10am as his arrival, you were sent back to your private quarters on the grounds to ready through the documents given to you about your newly assigned job. As you slumped into the plush chair by your desk, you eyed the documents with disdain, wondering why it had to be you. But you were a professional. You could handle this, couldn’t you?
* * *
Yixing was late. It was now 10:30, yet the Kingdom was still abuzz. You on the other hand, were angry. As a believer in being punctual, you didn’t appreciate the lateness, yet this was the Prince, and if he was late then that was the way it would be. Waiting in the foyer of the palace, you checked your watch, hoping that he wouldn’t make his parents and his people wait any longer.
Trumpets and a band from the Kingdom started playing, notifying you of the Prince’s arrival. Brushing down the non-existent lint from your blazer. Poised and ready, you were waiting just behind the King and Queen, eyes locked on the door for the allusive Prince
.As soon as he walked through the door, you could hear the gasps from the female staff behind you, resisting the urge to roll your eyes at the unprofessionalism. Yixing strode towards his parents, dressed in a black suit you thought was quite simple for a Prince, though it certainly did something for the girls behind you.
.Yixing bowed to his parents, greeting them politely. You could sense the happiness of his arrival from the staff surrounding you, most of them familiar with the Prince, having met him before. Though as this was your first time seeing him, you couldn’t help but judge on your first impression. It was only human nature. Respecting that he was widely loved by the people around him, being the only so and heir to the throne, you wanted to think that he was as good as the current King and Queen. But something about him unsettled you, as polite as he was to his Mother and Father, you could tell there was something else about him. something that was unlike anything you’d seen before, the anonymity of that something made the pit of your stomach swirl. As Yixing looked up to meet your wondering eyes, you sensed he knew your thoughts, making the feeling even worse.
* * *
Sitting I the royal conference room, the higher-ranking members of staff were introduced to Yixing, some he knew and some he didn’t. As each member left to continue their duties, you were left to last.
“This is Y/n y/l/n, she has been are personal advisor for a while now, and we trust her wholeheartedly. This is why we have decided she would be the best person for you to have by your side whilst you’re here with us.” The Queen introduced you.
“Welcome back Prince Zhang, I look forward to being of assistance.” You bowed to him, straightening to see a smile on his face.
“I look forward to receiving your assistance.” Yixing raised his eyebrow at you, you bowed again, not quite sure if this was the best decision, though it was asked of you, and you would never deny your King and Queen.
* * *
The first few days of working with the Prince consisted of familiarising him with the Kingdom, which meant a lot of public appearances I nearby establishments, hospitals and schools. Meaning you hadn’t been alone with him, which you were happy for as you still didn’t quite trust his character.
Though today you were to stay with him as he worked through documents and his dealings from his stay in Korea.
His study was a deep blue, velvet lining the walls and the furniture. You felt like you had been in this room for hours, looking at the moon through the window, it must have been at least three hours since you had come to the room. Looking over your own paper work, marking meetings and benefits Yixing was to attend in the coming weeks, you couldn’t help but feel tired, hoping to be dismissed for the night. Though the order never came.
You lost yourself in your own world, trying to get as much done as possible. In your peripheral your saw movement, thinking it was just the Prince picking up another book, you took no notice. Until a hand was placed down on the desk beside you. Your eyes trailed up the arm until you were met face to face with Yixing himself. Frankly too close to comfort for your liking.
“It’s getting late.” He looked down at you, his intense gaze piercing through your own eyes. “surely all these numbers and names get pretty tiring after a while, do you ever take a break?” He moved the papers out of the way, his fingertips tracing your wrist before trailing their way up your bare arm, to the edge of your shirt, teasing your collar.
“Your Highness, this is a bit intimate for our professional relationship.” You turned your head so not to take notice of his ministrations.
“You’re very tense.” His voice was low, almost a whisper.
“Considering the situation your Highness, I’m not surprised. We should really call it a night, we have a brunch with the Mayor at 10.” You moved away from him, stacking your papers together into a folder before shuffling your seat back and making your way to say your goodbyes.
“I’ll call someone to set your room for the night, I shall see you in the morning Prince Zhang.” Your turned around to bow, but before you could, you were pushed into the bookcase beside the door, making you let out a gasp, dropping your folder on the floor.
“Don’t you want to stay for a bit? I’m quite tired yet.” Yixing’s wandering hands made their way back to your collar, sneaking under the fabric to graze your collar bone, before trailing down to take place on your waist.
“I don’t think that my company is needed anymore.” You could feel your legs shaking, never having been in this situation before, especially at work.
“Miss y/l/n, I think my Father may have put you here to tempt me, I think your company would be a lovely late-night treat.” You were speechless. Obviously the Prince had taken your position the wrong way, yet his eyes were holding you there, the feeling in your stomach from the first day coming back.
“The night itself can be very tempting. Don’t you agree?” Yixing moved closer to you, did you consent this? If you nodded then you didn’t remember the action. His lips were just a hair’s breadth away from your own, but you couldn’t move, couldn’t stop looking. Your mind was fighting with your body for control.
Soft. That’s what you thought when his lips pressed against your own. You should’ve been thinking about how wrong this was, yet it was as if you had left your own body. His tongue met your own, deepening the kiss for a fraction of a second before he pulled away from you completely. Setting you free.
“You’re right, it is getting late. Maybe you should go get some sleep.” Yixing had moved back to his desk, his eyes no longer on you, but looking back down to his papers. To say you were beyond confused was an understatement. Had that really happened? Maybe you imagined it all, after all you were tired. Picking up your folder, you hurriedly made your way out of the room trying to get back to your little home as quickly as possible.
As you settled for sleep, you grazed your own lips where you were sure Yixing’s had been only moments ago. But was it real? You’d never fantasized about someone you’d worked for before yet there was no way that could’ve been real, these things didn’t happen to you. Downing some water and some pain killers for the migraine you was sure was coming, you settled into sleep, hoping for some solace in your dreams.
* * *
Sleep didn’t come peacefully. Your dreams were senseless and dark, your dream self taking you to dark rooms you’d never seen before. Until you stumbled into one room, one that was eerily familiar to you. The smell of books and a candle burning filled your senses. The blue velvet confirming that this was indeed Yixing’s study.
“Hello?” You called out, not expecting an answer.
“I didn’t think you would be here to see me so soon Y/N.” Yixing emerged from behind you, two drinks in hand. “Take a seat.” Instantly you sat down on a sofa, you were pretty sure you had never seen before.
“I’m a little surprised that you’re here tonight, I thought you would hold off for a couple of nights, you’re quite stubborn you know?. Yet here you are.” Yixing sat beside you, sipping his whisky, intense eyes on you once again.
“Your Highness, I don’t quite understand.”
“No need to be so formal with me angel, call me Yixing.” His smirk was daring, you’d neve called him by his first name, was never allowed to, it was too personal. Yet here he was tempting it.
“Why so shy?” Placing his whisky down, his thigh met your own bare one, to your surprise. Squeezing at your flesh, his fingertips, oh so familiar to you, started trailing again. “No need to be so tense now darling, it’s just us two here, us and the demons in your closet.” He teased, fingers pushing up your skirt.
“Prince Zhang, this isn’t right.” Your eyes watched his hand.
“What did I say about formalities?” His face was once again close to your own, his lips grazing your own as he leant into you. “Say it, say my name, it’s all I need.” Closing your eyes, you could feel him, his fingers digging into your thigh, his nose brushing yours as his soft lips teased your own.
“Yixing.” One whisper was all it took and he was on you, his lips no longer soft but demanding, he took your breath away. Needy and possessive, his tongue searched for your own, yet this time he didn’t pull away. Deeper and deeper, you got lost in him, as if you were giving apart of yourself to him. Yixing bit down on your bottom lip, eliciting a moan from you. Hissing you could feel the cut there, stinging as he licked at the small trickle of blood.
“You taste amazing.” Squeezing your thigh once again, he kissed you one last time before whispering in your ear. “I’ll see you next time.”
With that, your body shot up in bed. Gasping for breath, you coughed. Feeling as if someone had dunked you in water. Your lip was throbbing, making you rush to your bathroom. Lo and behold there was a cut, right where your dream self had experienced the bite.
“What the fuck…” needless to say, sleep didn’t meet you again that night. As you watched the sunrise, you wondered what had happened to you, what had possessed you last night?
***
You had been sitting in the palace kitchens for a while. Sipping your forth cup of coffee, you waited for the announcement that the Prince was ready to be collected. Though, to your surprise, he walked straight into the kitchen himself, pouring a cup of coffee and sitting across from you at the counter?
“Late night miss Y/l/n/?” Again with that eyebrow raise.
“No your Highness, just an early morning.” You bowed your head at him.
“Didn’t I tell you to call me Yixing?” You snapped your head up at him, incredulous to his statement. “Now, we have a brunch to get to yes?”
Throughout the day you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him. you still had an uneasy feeling about him, yet there was something more about him, you needed to find out what it was, and why it made you want to give more than was necessary to him. you had been quiet, not at all like yourself. This made you receive more than one questioning glance from your colleagues.
The ride back to the palace was stone cold silence, the partition in the car separating you from the driver, Yixing stared down at his phone, ignoring your presence.
“Your Highness, I think we should discuss what happened yesterday.” Your voice was meek, unsure whether addressing the issue was right.
“And what would that be?” He continued to type on his phone.
“Please excuse me for speaking out of turn your Highness, but I don’t think that kiss yesterday was very appropriate of you, and I would like for it to not happen again.“ Turning to him, you were hoping for his attention, an apology maybe. Yet what you got was not what you were expecting.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Y/n. there was no kiss yesterday. Maybe it was a dream or the amount of caffeine you have consumed today.” Finally turning to you, his eye grazed your slightly dishevelled form. “Maybe you should go home once we get back Angel, have an early night.”
“You have a dinner with your family…” Your mouth was dry, mind reeling from the pet name he had just spoken. The name fresh in you mind from your dream.
“Will you be dressing me, or undressing me miss Y/l/n?” You nearly choked on your gasp, confused and speechless by this man’s words. Sensing you were not going to answer, Yixing carried on.
“No? well such a pity, you’re dismissed for the evening. Please rest up, we have some busy days ahead of us.” Upon Yixing’s request, you were dropped off at your quarters, left with a goodnight before the drove off. Out of sorts, you stumbled to open the door. Once in, you dropped your stuff by the door, moving to make some ramen and pour a glass of wine. Sighing you massaged your temple, confused and clutching to determine what was real and what was fake. Sipping your wine you slumped against your counter.
“Maybe I do need an early night.” You spoke to the air. Inhaling your ramen, you readied your things for the morning before downing the rest of your wine and heading to bed. Sleep came to you quicker than the night before, praying you would not be disturbed until your alarm in the morning. For a few hours that was the case, but we don’t get everything we want, do we?
***
Your dream started out pleasant, just a boring dream, with no meaning. Until your dream self found herself in your house. Looking into the kitchen an empty wine glass was left on the side. You were sure you cleaned that up. Trailing into your room, the smell of smoke met your nose, as if someone had just blown out a candle. Turning on your lamp, you were shocked to once again find Yixing, back against your headboard, wine glass in hand.
“You know, you really shouldn’t drink on a school night.” He took another sip of the bitter substance, before placing it on your bead side table.
“I’m a grown woman, one drink doesn’t hurt Yixing.” You were surprised at your tone, but this was dream right? formalities weren’t needed.
“You sure are, aren’t you?” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. “Come here.” Without any sense of hesitation, you walked towards him, meeting him at the side of your bed. “Sit.” You kneeled on the bed beside him, awaiting his next order. As if dissatisfied with your position, he moved you himself, directly into his lap. “That’s better right?” Nodding, you didn’t dare to speak, unsure where this was going, but not feeling the need to stop. Reaching over, Yixing picked up the wine glass, holding it to your lips.
“Drink.” Again you obeyed. Eyes not disconnecting from his as he watched you finish the glass. “Good girl,” Placing the glass back, Yixing pushed your hair away from your face.
“I’m going to need you to continue to be good for me, can you do that? Will you do what I want?” Nodding you agreed, still not speaking.
“I’m going to need you to use your words, you need to tell me you will do it.?
“Yes Yixing, I will do anything you want.” Smiling, he caressed your cheek, leaving a kiss on your lips. “Good girl.” Flipping the too of you over, he settled you into the bed. His fingers once again met your bare thigh, trailing higher and faster from the night before until they settled under your underwear, moving through the slickness behind them.
“This is what you wanted right/ this is what you need to make the tension go away?” His fingers never stopped teasing, dipping in and out of your hole to tempt you. “Tell me you need it.” Closing your eyes you nodded.
“Yes, please. I need it Yixing.” That was all he needed to slowly start working you open, stretching you on his fingers.
“I can feel your desire every day. Why do you push it down? Why do you never let yourself go? Were you just here waiting for me to take it? So easy.” You didn’t pay attention to his words, only to the feel of his finger inside you. Moving his mouth to your, his breath was hot, his body hard against your own.
“Tell me, you were here waiting for me to take you, weren’t you?” You agreed breathlessly, Yixing’s mouth once again hot and hard on yours. With every kiss he stole, it felt as if your soul was going along with it.
Ripping your skirt apart, Yixing spread your legs, looking down at his fingers moving in and out with you at a fast pace.
“I hope you’re ready for a long night, because there will be no going back after this angel.” Unbuckling his belt with one hand, Yixing pulled his jeans off, rubbing over his bulge. “You’re mine now.”
***
The next morning you awoke in a cold sweat, kicking your sheets off, you frantically looked around you, a knocking could be heard from your front door. Pulling on jumper you opened the door to see an assistant there with a letter in her hand.
“Hello Y/n, I came here to tell you, you are not needed at the palace for a couple of days. The Prince has taken leave into the neighbouring Kingdom with the King.”
“Without me?”
“This particular trip is just for the King and his son, so you finally get a break. Here are the change of schedules for the Prince.” Thanking them you made your way into the kitchen, boiling the kettle for some tea.
Reading the letters, you saw that the Prince would be going back to Korea sooner than planned. Next week to be precise. You weren’t sure why, but you were sad and deflated at the fact. You knew it was unprofessional of you and that the dreams were accountable, but a sense of panic washed over you at his looming departure.
Running your hands through your hair, you decided to call your best friend, maybe she would help you make heads or tails of the situation.
“Hey, Jade?”
“What’s up workaholic? I haven’t heard from you in so long!” Her light-hearted tone made your tension dissipate slightly, she always helped you that way.
“Something happened with work and I need you to talk me out of my head.” You chuckled, sipping your tea.
“Okay, shoot, wait are you allowed to talk about this?”
“Well it’s not work directly, just something with me. I think.” Her pause signalled for you to carry on. “Well, recently I’ve been having these dreams, sex dreams…”
“We all have those, you shouldn’t be worried b.”
“I know, I know, but this is about my boss.”
“EW! The King?” Your friend asked in disgust.
“No, no you buffoon! Gross. His son.” You chewed your lip, laughing at her reaction.
“Ohhh. I’m not surprised. He’s so hot.”
“That’s so unlike me though, and its as if he knows I’m having these dreams. Like he called me angel in my dream, then the next day called me the same thing.”
“Maybe he’s a sex demon.” You friend joked with you on the other end.
“A what now?” Your brow creased.
“A sex demon, like an Incubus.”
“I thought they were female/” You questioned.
“Nah that’s a succubus. Incubus is their male counterpart.”
“You gotta be kidding me.” You laughed at her.
“hey! I’m trying to help, you’re the one who’s sexually deprived!” After another hour on the phone, you decided you were overreacting and a nap was needed. Though you couldn’t help looking up Incubus, laughing at your friend’s suggestion. The nap was dreamless, as if you were on standby. When you woke up you couldn’t help but feel angry, sad and needy for Yixing’s touch even if it was in a dream world. All you knew was this wasn’t normal.
***
The few days Yixing was gone, your dreams never ceased to be filled with the man. Though everyday you needed more, being far from him seemed to leave you exhausted and you couldn’t take it anymore. You were going insane.
10am, knocking could be heard again. Lethargically you moved to the door, thinking it was another letter. What you didn’t expect was Yixing, a day early.
“Come with me.”
“Sorry, what?”
“You need to come with me, put your shoes on.” Pulling some trainers on , you flowed Yixing to the Palace, he was emotionless, and you wondered what had happened. You wanted to touch him, ask him what he needed. But you couldn’t. Not in this setting.
You followed Yixing all the way to The King and Queen’s study, where they both sat behind their desk.
“Here they are. Sorry to pull you away from you break, but we have some things to settle. Yixing here, as you have been informed, will be going back to Korea, and he seems to think you would want to continue your position and go with him. we told him you value your job here, but he is persistent.” The King was light-hearted, yet you were shocked with Yixing’s want to take you with him. Looking over at the Prince, his gaze was on you again, waiting for your confirmation.
“Yes. I will go with you. Whatever you need your Highness.” You bowed at the Prince before looking to the shocked faces in front of you.
“I guess it’s settled. You shall stay with our son, we will get your things packed and sent over.” You nodded to the King, following the Prince out of the room. Just like the first time, you were pushed against the wall. Yixing didn’t care for any wandering eyes that could be around, and quite frankly you were just happy he was touching you.
“I told you, you’re mine. There’s no going back angel. Anything I need you will do and now there will be no leaving me. Not until I’m done with you.”
All you could do was agree as you let him kiss you. You would agree until he no longer asked of you. Professionalism out the window, Yixing was now the man you served. Obsession easily overcame you, and you would give every bit of your life to this man if he would ask. And he planned on taking it bit by bit.
What you didn’t notice was that the demon I your closet was now the man that held you in his arms. And you had just given your life to him.
You would never be coming back to the Kingdom. The King and Queen knew that. Yixing knew that. And maybe you knew that too. Zhang Yixing was all that mattered and you vowed to serve him until your very last breath.
Author’s Note: I actually don’t recall how this story became like this I was just trying to write something these few days but also my first time writing such genres, is probably weird
Pairing: Yixing x Reader, written in yixing’s POV
Genre/ AU: Angst, Deity AU
Rating/ Warnings: mentions of torture, grieving, death
Word Count: 1.8k
I still remember that very fine day when I first met her. It was just me, being a brat as usual, and had came down to the mortal world just for the fun of it. Little would I have known that it’ll have so much impact on my life.
My father had many wives, and naturally, many children. I had eleven brothers, and five sisters, each of us gifted with a power that are meant for us to do good for Heaven, our home, and also for the mortal world which was controlled by my father. I was the third youngest among all of us, though often neglected by my parents, but I knew, both Heaven and mortal would be in chaos if I wasn’t here. I was gifted with the power of healing, nothing ever dies here in Heaven, because of me. Healing brings me joy, and I’m sad that I can’t say the same for the mortal world, for father had told me that every single life over there had a definite lifespan. I was closest with two of my younger brothers borne by the same mother, Baek and Hun, and they were gifted with the power of light and wind respectively. Mother had always told me to take good care of them, as they were the youngest among all of us, which I had tried my best to do so. I remember there was a time when brother Yeol had accidentally hit Hun with streaks of fire while playing, in which he cried in pain and I did whatever I could to help him ease it, but was still reprimanded by mother. At times, I couldn’t help but to wonder what it would be like to live life as a mortal, instead of what I was. Whenever I felt like these, I would quietly sneak down to the mortal world, and simply observed how it was like.
That particular day, mother had yelled at me for not taking care of Baek when he had accidentally fall into the lake taken care of by other deities. ‘Sorry, brother Xing. I wasn’t being careful,’ Baek apologised the minute after mother had walked away. ‘It’s fine, Baek. Just be more careful next time ok? I’m heading out for a bit,’ I answered as I patted his head. I knew clearly it wasn’t his fault, but I just had to leave home for awhile for a breather. This is where I called home, but sometimes, it just didn’t felt like it. There was this village that I especially liked, though rural and small, it was calm, quiet, and very peaceful. It felt more like home to me. I went there, and sat by the gentle stream alone, before deciding to take a bath since I knew that there won’t be anybody around. I undressed myself, folding my clothes neatly and putting them by the side, before diving into the crystal clear water. Looking around, making sure that there was nobody, I spread out my wings, giving them a proper cleanse in a long time. Just as I was about done, I heard noises coming from beneath the trees that was surrounding the stream. It was weak, but I could recognised such sounds anywhere. It was the sound of a dying life. I hid my wings and got dressed quickly, before hiding behind one of the trees to see her running over to the stream, a sickly kitten in her arms. I looked at how she was treating the kitten as though it was her child, trying to save it’s little life. I couldn’t bear to see her grieve, and though I knew that it was against the rules of Heaven, I plucked a feather out from my wings, walked towards them, and placed it over the dying kitten. She looked at me with eyes full of innocence and purity, something that I seldom, or had almost never came across back home. And that was when I realised, this must be it. This must be how love felt like.
The kitten was jumping around the two of us playfully the moment it had it’s life back, while we continued staring into each other’s eyes. Neither of us spoke, but I knew she must have felt it too. Just then, a strong gush of wind blew past us, it was Hun calling for me. I must be wanted back home. ‘I’m Xing,’ I managed, before asking for her name, and disappearing into the woods as I spread my wings and went back to Heaven. ‘Brother Xing! Father is looking for you,’ Hun said quickly and meekly the moment he saw me. I nodded, before I went over to where father was. I knew father had caught me, I had it coming. ‘Father,’ I called softly. Father was sitting in his throne, intimating as always. I had expected him to shout at me the moment I appeared in his sight, but yet, there was nothing of such sorts. It was, eerily quiet. So quiet, that it was starting to creep me out. ‘Xing,’ he started, finally. I looked up, to find no presence of anger in his eyes. He was very much unreadable, but not like I could read him on normal days anyway. ‘I have many children, but I know every single one of you inside out. I know your heart moved, but I can’t let you go. Both Heaven and the entire mortal world needs you. I know it’s unfair, so I’m giving you a chance to fight for it,’ he said, his tone strangely calm. ‘What is it, father?’ I asked, hopefully, as my eyes lit up. ‘You will have to pass ten challenges. If you managed to pass all of them, I’ll let you go. But be prepared, none of these are easy tasks,’ he answered.
The challenges father had for me were spread over ten different days, which I had gladly agreed. I was then held in a confined room, it was so cramped, and so dark, I never knew this part of Heaven existed. Anyone who was in here long enough will eventually lose their minds, this place barely had any signs of hope, any signs of life. Mother had came to visit me, and the way she looked at me was something I’ve never gotten from her before. I could tell from her eyes that it was full of sorrows and heartache. It was as though she knew what father was going to put me through, as she told me to give up the set of challenges before they’ve even started while she patted my head gently. ‘But mother, are you happy here?’ I questioned. I have no intention of giving up before it had barely started, I don’t know if I will be able to get past all, but I know I had to try, at the very least. I had to try and fight for what I want. ‘I’ll say I’m happy, Xing. Just not all the time. All of us are made for greater things, and love, is something that we just don’t have the privilege of,’ she replied solemnly and left, before I can probe her any further.
Just then, I saw brother Yeol. He was strangely silent, and a stern expression hanged on his face. ‘Sorry Xing, father had ordered me to do so,’ he apologised, before doing what he was told to. I yelled in pain before I could even realised that parts of my wings were in flames. The burning sensation was excruciatingly sharp, and so intolerable that I nearly fainted from the pain. He stopped immediately, and checked if I was alright as he wiped the off the excessive perspiration dripping from my face. ‘Why do you want to do this?’ He mumbled, but I was in too much agony to make out any sensible words let alone sentences. And this was only the first challenge.
By the fourth day, I already felt like giving up. I felt like, maybe I just couldn’t do this anymore. Maybe I should have just known my place from the beginning. Maybe I shouldn’t have even met her at all. I was consumed by the negative thoughts of my own, until the fifth day came. There was no pain inflicted on me physically, but what was shown to me had caused me so much more torments than what I’ve felt in the past few days. People were dying, and grieving over their loved ones. There was so much suffering, and all of these, solely because of my selfish actions. If I left Heaven, there would only be more of whatever I was looking at. I just couldn’t let that happen. I love her, I really do, but I realised I love the world much, much more. Mother was right, we were all made for greater things, greater things than love. I was born to heal, to make this a better place, and not to have people suffer and grieve. I had to let it go.
‘I’m sorry, father. I realised how selfish I was in the past five days,’ I admitted, when I was brought back to him. ‘It’s fine, Xing. Some of your brothers had been through the same thing, but I am glad that you’ve realise how crucial your role is,’ he answered, his voice gentle and husky. I’ve seldom seen this side of father, and it made me bold to ask for something more. ‘I only have one wish, father. Can I go and see her? Just once every year?’ I requested. Father sighed, and it made me think that he had experienced something similar before, but I chose not to question about it. ‘You may. But remember Xing, a year here is ten years over there. You’ll see her age, and soon faced with death,’ he replied sternly, sadness overflowing in his tone.
That very year, I saw that she had found someone else, someone who was able to give her a normal, simple, yet blissful life. The following year, I saw that she had two lovely children. And the next, I saw that traces of age were starting to catch up with her, but she was still beautiful. The purity in her eyes was always there, even with the loss of time. And eventually, like what father had warned me about, I was witnessing her on her deathbed. Her husband, the first to send the love of his life away, and her children, now grown-ups, were grieving. I had to resist the urge to disobey the rules of Heaven again, for I know that it was already a privilege that father had granted me to see her, once every three thousand six hundred and fifty two days. I saw her passed, as a tear fell from my eyes. I plucked a feather out from my wings, and yes, they still hurt from the burns sometimes, and placed it on her grave when I visited her another year later. I stood in front of her in silence, the only sounds coming from the steady, slow-moving stream, when I felt something ticklish brushing against my ankles. Intrigued, I looked down to find myself forming a smile unknowingly. It was a cat, that cat.
