Chapter 74 - You Smell Like Him

Ying Yue heard Sheng Shui's voice and he neared it, wondering why his friend sounded sick. Rounding the counter, he saw the seam master huddled in the corner shivering. Quickly moving to him, Ying Yue kneeled beside him and touched his sweaty forehead.

Topaz eyes slowly opened to stare at him and the man smiled.

"Ah. Ah Yue, I am glad it is you and not Ah Li."

"What has happened, Ah Shui?"

"I just need rest, just tired," the blonde sighed and leaned against him, "You smell like him."

He felt Sheng Shui nuzzled up against him and closed his orange eyes. Ying Yue held onto the man and pressed his palm to the back. He could feel the flow of the man's blood move slower than it would and his spirit dulling. He held the man tighter and the blonde let out a laugh.

"Mm, hold me any tighter and Ah Li would be jealous."

"Ah Shui… how long has this been happening?"

"The very first time I fell in love with him."

Ying Yue shut his eyes and held him tighter, tucking his head into blonde locks.

"Don't tell him, Ah Yue. He would worry. You should see him when I first got sick, I've never seen him look so frightened before."

"I'm sorry, Ah Shui… if I never met him than maybe-"

"He would love me?" Sheng Shui finished and hummed, "Maybe. Who knows."

The blonde sighed and Ying Yue just held him feeling guilty. If he was not so selfish to be close to his lover, maybe Sheng Shui and Wang Li would be together instead.

"Ah Li should know, Ah Shui. He cares deeply for you. If you… you are sick, Sheng Shui."

"He would find out, Ying Yue, that he caused this."

"What?"

Sheng Shui sighed and pulled away from the blonde's warmth.

"Being friends with the Ghost King comes with a curse. It is said your lifespan would be cut in half because you've given up the other as a sacrifice. This is only a rumor, Ah Yue. I'm probably a sick child from the start," he turned to golden eyes and smiled.

"You should not joke about this, Ah Shui. You are…"

"Ah Shui?" The voice of their king spoke up.

Sheng Shui looked at him with a smile before taking a deep breath and standing from where he was.

"Ah, my handsome king, what brings you to me? Miss me already?"

"Always," Wang Li grinned, "Why is the shop not lighted?"

"Oh, just been a little tired," Sheng Shui sighed and placed his head in his hand, "Neh, don't look like that. I am fine."

"Ah Shui," the king frowned and neared him.

"I'm sure I'd feel better if I get to soak in that hot spring of yours. Why don't you invite me anymore? Is it cause of Ying Yue? Afraid I'd take him away from you?" The blonde grinned with wiggly brows. Wang Li curled his lips slyly as his eyes narrowed. He leaned close to the orange eyed man and saw the twinkle in those eyes.

"You can try, Ah Shui, but Ah Yue is mine."

"Oh my spoiled king, I've also tried and succeeded."

"What?"

Sheng Shui grinned and picked up a confused Ying Yue behind the counter who smiled at his lover.

"Hello Ah Li."

"What are you doing here?" The Ghost King frowned at him.

"I came to ask Sheng Shui about the robes. What are you doing here?"

"Wang Li came to pick on me like always, Ah Yue. Thankfully you are here to care for me," the seam master threw his hands around him and Ying Yue let out a laugh.

"Is it alright if Sheng Shui comes with us to the palace, Ah Li? The hot spring would be good for Ah Shui," Ying Yue asked and turned to the king.

Nodding his head, they walked out of the shop and headed through the village. Wang Li pulled his lover to him and kissed him deeply. When he pulled away, those golden eyes were dilated and mouth were wet with his saliva.

"You are mine, Ying Yue," the Ghost King whispered deeply in his ear and he shivered. Glancing at the other blonde who was watching with a sadden smile, Ying Yue swallowed and pushed his lover gently away.

"I will join you both in a moment, I just need… to go… do something," he cleared his throat and saw amusement in Wang Li's lips.

"Eh? Ah Yue, you can't leave me alone with this terrible king, he would torture me to death," Sheng  Shui pouted, but soon a grin spread over his lips.

"Ah Shui, do not make me regret it," the Ghost King stated though a smile stretched his lips.

"Of course my dear precious can do no wrong king," the orange eyed man bowed playfully and turned to a Ying Yue, "Don't take too long, Ah Yue. Who knows what indecent thoughts our king has when you are away."

"Ah Shui!" Wang Li stifled his laugh, "I am already regretting it."

"Fine fine, let's go then," the grinning blonde turned to walk but felt a hand wrapped around his wrist. He was pulled another way and he turned to see his king shaking his head. Glancing at the golden eyed blonde, he mouthed a thank you and followed his king.

Ying Yue watched them go and there was a slight sting in his heart. Was it jealousy? Was it pity? Was it guilt? He wasn't sure, but he knew giving them time together is all he could do for his friend. He walked through the village and his mind took him to how his life would be without his king. It only provided how much Wang Li was etched into his entire life.

"Who would I be without him?" He placed his hand on his cheek and frowned.

"Let me go! Don't touch me! Help! Please someone!"

Ying Yue parked up and ran toward the sound. He found himself out of the village and to a worn out home. He could hear a fuss going on inside. Breaking the door opened by slamming his body, he saw men and women surrounding a young female.

"What is going on?" He questioned stepping before the female.

"He is Heaven's Chosen," someone whispered but one of the female stepped forward.

"I don't care who you are. Leave and let us deal the punishment."

"What has this female done to deserve this?"

"She seduced a married man and flaunt it before his wife. Such obscene display must be punished," a thin man shouted and others joined in agreement.

"Is that true, miss?" He questioned the female and she quickly shook her head.

"No, no it is not. Please, I am just friendly and that man fell in love with me. I did not do anything but be nice. Is that so wrong?"

Ying Yue stared at her for a moment and kneeled down.

"I cannot help you if you lie, miss."

The female's eyes widened before her face scowled.

"I am telling the truth! Are you not supposed to protect me? How dare you question me! They should be punished for hurting me! Do something about it!"

"I am not here to protect only you, miss. I am here to help everyone. I understand what she has done is wrong," he stood and addressed the others, "What could she do to repent?"

"Nothing!" A few shouted.

"Kill her! She deserves to die."

"May I suggest exile?" Ying Yue offered, "She will keep her life and leave this village alone."

"I guess that's ok." "I don't see an issue with that." "I wish we could just kill her but I don't want blood on my hands."

"Wait! I don't agree to this!" The female stood up pushing him to the side, "You all dare to kick me out? Are you that afraid of me stealing everything from you? You should be! You're all pathetic piece of-"

A slap rang through the shack and the female felt the blossoming red pain against her cheek.

"Be honored Heaven's Chosen came when he did, or you'd be burnt alive by now. You have until sundown to leave our town or our promise to him would be nulled," the older female stared deadly at the culprit.

The slapped female got up and scowled before rushing out of the shack. Ying Yue frowned at the behavior of the female and turned to the others.

"Thank you for agreeing. May the heavens bless you all."

==

Sheng Shui was  soaking in the warm relaxing hot spring that only resided in the palace of the Ghost King. Leaning his head back, he stared at the petals of the plum blossoms flowing over him. Reaching his hands up, he held one in between his fingers and placed it under his nose. Closing his topaz eyes, he breathed in the smell of the petal before placing a gentle kiss upon it.

Smiling, he placed it in the water and watched it float.

"Ah Shui, I know something is bothering you. You are never this quiet."

He watched his king moved toward him and he let out a smile.

His king was too good to him.