The cold is searing and his shoulder especially aches, reminding him of what he lacks. He loses track of time and he distracts himself by clenching whatever his only hand can grab. How long will he be left here? They, at least, won't abandon the horse.
Surely that means another fate awaits him?
He flinches at the first touch, holding his breath as he fights to stand on his feet. The warm cloak is positively heavenly and he turns his head to thank the one responsible - only to freeze.
"Zewu-Jun..." he falls to his knees, bowing his head lower than ever before.
Every single time. Since they'd first met. Probably forever.
Xichen slowly, slightly, shakes his head, helping him up the steps and on inside. The house is a prison, yes. But a comfortable one. He guides Meng Yao to the bed and helps him sit, fussing a little with the cloak and checking the state of the shoulder above the missing arm.
"I wanted you here. It only took more time than expected." But he knows it had given Meng Yao time to heal.
He draws in a quiet, centering breath before finally meeting his sworn brother's eyes. There's an echo of pain, of regret.
A prison near Xichen - a prison wherein he can see Xichen - is no prison at all. Meng Yao almost tries to help remove the cloak before he remembers...
He has learned to do much with one hand, but there are tasks that are difficult. Like cloak clasps.
"Why would you go to such lengths for me? Forgive me, Zewu-Jun, but I am a danger to you." Meng Yao frowns, shifting forward subconsciously, "Sorry? For saving my life?"
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Maybe an hour.
It starts to snow, and still he must wait.
But eventually, there are quiet footsteps approaching from behind, where Meng Yao can't see. Ropes are untied and gentle hands help him off the horse.
His benefactor's face is finally revealed as he drapes a warm cloak over Meng Yao.
Lan Xichen.
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Surely that means another fate awaits him?
He flinches at the first touch, holding his breath as he fights to stand on his feet. The warm cloak is positively heavenly and he turns his head to thank the one responsible - only to freeze.
"Zewu-Jun..." he falls to his knees, bowing his head lower than ever before.
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Seeing Meng Yao again has his heart clench painfully. But it's secondary to the relief that the other man is alive.
"We need to get you inside."
Not to the main houses. No. He guides the other man to the small house his mother had once used.
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If he is given the smallest chance to show...
No, that is a dream of a dream.
"I didn't know..." he murmurs, "I did not mean to burden you."
However... He glances at the other man.
"But this is a gift. I can see you again."
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Xichen slowly, slightly, shakes his head, helping him up the steps and on inside. The house is a prison, yes. But a comfortable one. He guides Meng Yao to the bed and helps him sit, fussing a little with the cloak and checking the state of the shoulder above the missing arm.
"I wanted you here. It only took more time than expected." But he knows it had given Meng Yao time to heal.
He draws in a quiet, centering breath before finally meeting his sworn brother's eyes. There's an echo of pain, of regret.
"I am sorry."
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He has learned to do much with one hand, but there are tasks that are difficult. Like cloak clasps.
"Why would you go to such lengths for me? Forgive me, Zewu-Jun, but I am a danger to you." Meng Yao frowns, shifting forward subconsciously, "Sorry? For saving my life?"