Chapter Ten: Closer

Yi Lian leaned forward and nestled his head into Nie Asreal's neck. Nie Asreal tensed and immediately released his hands.

Yi Lian reached up around his neck and tugged him down next to him. Nie Asreal complied in shock at having the light and broken breaths grazing his throat and wrapped his arms around him.

Yi Lian's voice shattered and he cried out desperately, "I don't know why I don't remember! Why didn't I remember you at the event? How did I forget?"

Nie Asreal's heart broke. He pulled him closer and down against his chest so that he could rest his head atop his.

Nie Asreal soothed, "I know Orchid. I know it's hard to understand but that's what I'm trying to do, but don't worry I'll keep taking away the pain."

The truth was that Nie Asreal has been working senselessly since they had arrived back. He wouldn't take any guests or visitors, he only had trusted attendants in the palace itself. Onlookers were confused beyond belief at these sudden changes in behaviour. The palace usually had visitors in and out every minute. It was almost a hotel in its size so when the doors were suddenly shut in their faces everyone was concerned.

Though Nie Asreal gave no mind to anything else in the world. No matter what politics or drama, he didn't care.

Yi Lian stiffened. "How do you take away the pain."

Nie Asreal didn't reply, only held him tighter.

Yi Lian said sternly, "Nie Asreal tell me how you take away the pain, now."

Nie Asreal, "I take it on. Don't worry-"

Yi Lian, "No. No more. I'll go through it."

Nie Asreal chuckled. "You're telling me to hurt you, that won't happen."

Yi Lian stayed quiet. He didn't know why he felt so at ease, so comfortable with him, but he had grabbed him, wanted him closer, trusted him enough to almost shed a tear. He felt a happiness he couldn't explain.

Yi Lian, "Why do I feel this way. Am I sick? Do I have an illness, is that why you're fixing me?"

Nie Asreal sighed. He could read him like an open book even in this reserved state. "Do whatever your feeling. You will only have to do this a few more times."

Well he definitely wasn't gonna do what he felt like doing. Why was he having such intrusive thoughts? His mind and cultivation were brought up on peace of mind and purity yet the closer he was to Nie Asreal the more he wanted to say and do bad things. This couldn't be.

Yi Lian bolted upright. He scrambled off of the bed and stood at the curtains opening. It was as if the clouds began to clear. This was all nonsense. "No. This is improper. I am sorry Nie Asreal I have made a fool of myself and you. Forgive me."

Nie Asreal lay back and banged his head against the bed. "I- forgot- you were- like this."

He sighed and sat up. "Yi Lian. I think it best you just come and sleep for a bit."

Yi Lian contemplated it for a moment. He could stay and sleep, but he felt restless. He didn't know where he was, why his mind felt so muddled. He had to find Lantern.

Once again he bolted. He pushed through the curtain into a large bed chamber. It looked to be a Sect Leaders chamber but Yi Lian didn't have time to think about these things. He spotted his outer robe and grabbed it before dashing out.

As he pulled it on he took in his surroundings. It looked like a palace. Yi Lian stood in awe at its golden lining and polished surfaces. It looked like the halls were deserted so Yi Lian chose left and ran.

He ran down pristine corridor after corridor. It seemed like he was at the centre of the maze and every corner made his legs feel weaker and weaker.

He got to a point where he stumbled and had to support himself against the wall.

Nie Asreal, "Don't run about, you'll get lost. Yi Lian I think we should start again. You are my guest and you will come back."

Yi LIan looked over his shoulder to see Nie Asreal walking slowly towards him.

Yi Lian, "This place is yours?"

Nie Asreal nodded.

Yi Lian, "Am I your guest or your prisoner?"

Nie Asreal chuckled, "Whichever you prefer Sect Leader Yi."

He felt a jolt. Yi Lian didn't like that. He didn't like him calling him that at all.

Yi Lian felt his face burn. "Stop that."

Nie Asreal put on an innocent face. "Stop what? Does Sect Leader Yi have an issue I can take care of?"

The blush on his face thickened. Why did he react this way? It was like his body and parts of his mind had an existence of their own.

Yi Lian, "I don't want to go back."

Nie Asreal stepped closer. Yi Lian looked over his shoulder at an advancing figure. When Nie Asreal spotted his attention had shifted he looked.

Someone was running towards them, already out of breath and Nie Asreal seemed to straighten up.

This person was young, in white and gold and breathing heavily.

Nie Asreal said with a harsh tone, "I said no one was to enter during this time-" Nie Asreal seemed to stop then continue, "Nie An…"

Nie An squinted but forgot quickly to stress, "It's Bai Hua. He says they want to see you immediately."

Nie Asreal rolled his eyes. "I told everyone I will not accept anyone, even those snobs."

Nie An bit his lip. "I told them that."

Nie Asreal, "And?"

Nie An, "And they insist- Is that….."

He tried to peer around him but Nie Asreal stepped to the side to hide Yi Lian from view.

Nie Asreal, "Nothing. Pay no mind- Why don't you go and tell them to calm down and I will see them in a month's time."