Chapter Text
The full moon hung high in the sky like a luminous pearl, casting its radiant glow over the vast landscape below. Tonight, there was a slight chill in the air, a reminder of the changing seasons. The winds blew with a certain vigor, causing the vibrant autumn leaves to embark on a graceful descent towards the ground.
"Alright, it's getting late. You should all get some rest," said Ning Yuan Zhou to his Six Realms Hall comrades. They had been engrossed in planning the next segment of their journey. Time had slipped away unnoticed, and he had just realized that it was nearing midnight.
The room fell silent for a moment before Yu Shi San broke the quiet with his teasing remark. "Lao Ning, are you going to look for Beauty now?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Indeed, it's a perfect night for some romance."
Laughter rippled through the room as Sun Lang joined in. He sniggered quietly, his eyes dancing with amusement. In stark contrast, Qian Zhao maintained his stoic expression, his face revealing nothing of his thoughts.
In the midst of the laughter, Yuan Lu piped up. "Chief, I saw Ruyi jie in Her Highness’ bedchamber earlier," he interjected, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
Yuan Zhou's reaction was swift. "Mind your own business," he rebuked Shi San, his tone firm. He cleared his throat and looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I’ll...I’ll just go check on Her Highness before we retire for the night," he muttered, trying to deflect the attention away from himself.
Swiftly rising, he excused himself and exited the room, leaving behind a trail of mirth. The sound of Shi San and Sun Lang's chuckling laughter echoed in his ears as he stepped out into the cool night, his mind already turning towards Ruyi.
Yuan Zhou made his way to Yang Ying’s bedchamber, greeting the guards who were patrolling outside. Peeking inside, he found Yang Ying sleeping soundly, but Ruyi was nowhere by her side. Frowning slightly, he turned and left.
“She must have returned to her own room,” he muttered to himself. It was late, he ought not to bother her. Truth be told, he missed her. She had gone out in the morning to spy on the Crimson Guards and he only met her briefly in the late afternoon. He too was busy the entire day and could only afford to quickly ascertain that she had returned safely with no injuries. The last he saw her she was spending time teaching Yang Ying about An politics.
Yuan Zhou trudged back to his room, his mind filled with thoughts of Ruyi. He found himself grappling with the decision of whether he should pay her a visit or not. He couldn't help but wonder if his sudden appearance would be seen as an intrusion given the late hour. While it was clear they were a couple now, he was well aware that Ruyi was used to being independent. The last thing he wanted was to appear overbearing or controlling. He let out a sigh, his breath misting in the cool air. He wrestled with his thoughts for a moment longer before finally deciding that he would respect her space. As he reached his room, he reassured himself that he would see her the following day, when it was a more suitable time.
As he pushed open the doors to his room, he stepped over the threshold and was enveloped by the comforting warmth emanating from the multitude of flickering candles placed around the room. The soft glow of the candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls.
Much to his surprise, he found that his bed was already occupied. The sight was unexpected, but certainly not unwelcome.
A slow, amused smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Silently, he closed the door behind him, careful not to make a sound that could disturb the peaceful scene before him. He then made his way over to the bed.
There, lying on his bed, was Ruyi. She was sleeping soundly, oblivious to his presence. Her hands were delicately tucked under her cheek as she lay on her side, her breaths coming out in soft, rhythmic puffs. She looked incredibly peaceful, her face relaxed and free from the troubles that usually marred her beautiful features.
In the quiet of the room, Yuan Zhou found himself drawn to the sight of her sleeping form. He couldn't help but marvel at the serene beauty that radiated from her as she slept. The way she was curled up, lost in her dreams, held an inexplicable allure that he found impossible to resist.
A stray strand of her hair had fallen across her face, casting a slight shadow over her closed eyes. He reached out and tucked the errant lock of hair behind her ear.
His actions caused a slight stir in Ruyi. Her eyelids fluttered open slowly, revealing her eyes that were still heavy with sleep.
“Yuan Zhou,” she murmured. His name, spoken with such warmth and gentleness from her lips, sent a wave of affection through him. He loved the way his name sounded when she called out to him like this, replete with emotions that were uniquely theirs.
“Did you wait long?” he asked. “Our discussions ran longer than I anticipated. I wanted to look for you after but thought you might have retired for the night.”
Ruyi gave him a soft smile, her eyes still half-closed. “I thought I'd wait here for you. I guess I underestimated how tired I was and fell asleep,” she replied, her voice laced with a hint of sleepiness that was endearing. She patted the spot on the bed next to her. “Come, let's sleep.”
His breath hitched in his throat at her words. Even though they had shared a bed before, the mere thought of it still caused his heart to race. It was a simple invitation, yet it held an intimacy that never failed to quicken his pulse.
He rose from his spot, carefully removing his shoes and outer robes. He neatly folded them and set them aside before climbing into the bed. Drawing the blankets over the two of them, he made sure Ruyi was well covered and protected from the chilly night air.
Subconsciously, Ruyi shifted towards Yuan Zhou and his arm naturally curled around her in a protective embrace as she nestled her head upon his shoulder. He pulled her closer, his lips grazing her forehead. His thumb traced soothing circles on her back, gently lulling her back into sleep.
Holding her close to his chest, a contented sigh slipped past his lips as he tightened his hold around her. He couldn't help but notice the curve of her body, fitting perfectly with his, like a puzzle piece. The intimate proximity allowed him to feel every rise and fall of her chest, like a gentle tide ebbing and flowing under his protective arm. Her warmth permeated the cool sheets, seeping into his own skin and stirring a heat that was more than just physical. His heart pounded with a fervor he hadn't known before, every beat echoing the name of the woman nestled in his arms.
Yuan Zhou pulled back slightly to look at Ruyi's face. Her cheeks were softly tinted pink from the cold air, and her lips were rosy red. He was longing to kiss her, to taste her. His fingers ached to touch her, to trace the fine contours of her body. A sudden wave of intense love and affection consumed him.
Overwhelmed by an irresistible urge to express his emotions, he leaned in closer, his lips grazing hers in a feather-light kiss. Ruyi stirred in her sleep, her lips slightly parting in response. A warm sensation spread through Yuan Zhou, making his heart flutter. He kissed her again, this time more firmly, yet still with a soft and gentle touch.
"Yuan Zhou," her eyes slowly opening to gaze up at him, a look of confusion and sleep still present in her expression.
Feeling a touch guilty, he admitted, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself." His hand found her hair, fingers softly stroking the back of her head in a soothing rhythm. "Go back to sleep," he coaxed, his voice barely above a whisper.
A wry smile played upon her lips, lighting up her face even in the dim light. "Are you sure you want to sleep?" she asked, her tone teasing yet filled with an underlying question.
Stumbling over his words, he stammered, "Of- of course. What else would I want?" His tone was incredulous, as though the thought hadn't even crossed his mind. In the darkness of the room, she squinted at him, her eyes locked onto his, holding his gaze, searching for something more.
Before he could react, she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him on top of her. His heartbeat quickened, caught off guard by the sudden change in position. His body pressed on top of hers, overwhelming him with a surge of desire.
He gazed down at her in the dim room, her eyes twinkling with mischief and something deeper, something that set his soul aflame. "Ruyi," he whispered, his voice barely audible, thick with longing.
With a glint of understanding in her eyes, she offered him a small, knowing smile. Then, without any hesitation, she leaned towards him, pressing her lips onto his in a gentle, lingering kiss. He responded instinctively, his mind void of any thoughts but her. The kiss deepened, fueled by an intensity that stemmed from the depth of their feelings for each other. It was a passionate exchange that left them both gasping for breath, their hearts pounding in their chests.
As they finally broke apart, Yuan Zhou rested his forehead against Ruyi’s, attempting to calm his racing heart. His breath was coming out in short, uneven pants, a clear sign of the overwhelming emotions coursing through him. Ruyi, with a gracefulness that was inherently hers, moved her hand delicately. Her fingertips traced a path down his chest, each touch sending shivers down his spine, until they reached the knot securely holding his robes together.
"Tell me what you want," she whispered, eyes locked on his. He could barely breathe as he felt her undo the knot, allowing his robes to loosen and expose a tantalizing sliver of his bare chest to her. Her hand travelled back up, caressing his collarbone before slowly sliding one side of his robe over his shoulder. Every movement felt like fire grazing his skin.
“I want…you,” came his breathless response.
Allowing his desire to overtake him, Yuan Zhou reached out for Ruyi yet again. His fingers gently cupped her face, her skin soft and warm under his touch. His thumb traced the contour of her cheekbone, a tender gesture that had her eyelashes fluttering close in anticipation. Then, as if drawn by an irresistible force, he tilted his head and leaned towards her, his lips seeking hers in a kiss that was brimming with unspoken passion and need.
The moment their lips met, a jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them, a raw and primal connection that sent a shiver down Yuan Zhou's spine. His lips moved against hers with a hunger that was urgent, each brush and nip amplifying the yearning churning within him. Ruyi responded in kind, her lips moving in sync with his in a rhythm that was as natural as it was intoxicating. Her hands found their way into his hair, her fingers threading through the silky strands, anchoring her to him.
He broke away from her for a brief moment to remove his robes completely, leaving them discarded in a crumpled pile on the floor. Ruyi took a moment to take in the sight of this man kneeling on the bed before her. His long hair draped over his broad shoulders, cascading down his chiselled torso. His pants did nothing much to hide his evident desire for her. It made her insides bubble and she felt as though there were butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She had been a White Sparrow, and was not innocent to intimacy between a man and a woman. She had gone far enough before, but never as far as she knew she was about to go tonight. For Ning Yuan Zhou, she’d go as far as the ends of the earth.
His gaze was filled with an intensity and affection that left no room for doubt about his feelings for her. His eyes, dark and deep, pooling with desire, held her captive as he leaned towards her again. The world seemed to hold its breath as he pressed his lips against hers in a tender, loving kiss that spoke volumes of his emotions.
His touch was a gentle exploration, his hand trailing a path of desire down her body. He followed the curve of her waist down to her hips and thighs, his fingers lightly brushing over the soft fabric of her robe. His hand hovered over the delicate ribbon that cinched her waist, the anticipation causing a momentary pause in his actions. He lifted his head, his gaze locking onto hers, his eyes silently yet earnestly asking for her consent. A quiet understanding passed between them, and she responded with the subtlest of nods. That simple gesture of permission was enough, an affirmation of the trust Ruyi had in him.
Yuan Zhou's hands reached out for the silken ribbon that held her robe together. As he tugged gently at the ends, he felt the knot give way, the fabric of her robe slowly loosening under his touch. With painstaking care, he peeled back the layers of fabric, letting them fall away to the sides, revealing her lithe figure beneath. Laid bare under his gaze, she was a sight to behold. Even in the dim candlelight, her skin seemed to glow, her silhouette etched beautifully against the soft sheets beneath.
As he looked at her, he was reminded of the strength and resilience that lay within her, the same strength that had drawn him to her in the first place. The sight of her, vulnerable yet trusting, filled him with a sense of wonder and awe. He admired the beauty of her body, the gentle curve of her waist, the softness of her skin under his touch. Every inch of her was a testament to the woman she was; strong yet delicate, fierce yet loving.
"Ruyi," he whispered gently, his voice barely more than a breath as he intertwined his fingers with hers. His touch was tender, a stark contrast to the fiery passion that surged within him. Holding her hand, he leaned in, landing another searing, intoxicating kiss on her soft lips. This was no ordinary kiss. It was a pledge, a promise, a vow. "I promise I will love and cherish you always," he uttered, his words hanging in the air like a sacred oath. There was an undeniable sincerity shining brightly in his eyes as he made this heartfelt declaration. It was a sincerity that could not be feigned, a sincerity that was as real as the love that was pouring out from his soul. Ruyi knew, deep down, that he meant every single word. She knew it from the way he looked at her, from the way he held her, from the way he kissed her. She knew it because she felt the same way too. She wanted to give everything she had to him, every part of her being, every piece of her heart. And she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he would guard her love with his life, just as he had promised.
In response, she gently squeezed his hand, a silent acknowledgement of his declaration. Her eyes, slightly wet with unshed tears of emotion, communicated more than she could put into words. She leaned in, pressing her lips against his in a tender, lingering kiss. It was her reciprocation of the love he had so openly declared. As she nestled closer into his embrace, her actions spoke louder than any words, conveying her trust, her love, and her commitment to him. In that moment, they understood each other perfectly, their hearts beating in sync, echoing the same vow of devotion.
The next hours slipped away, seemingly out of their grasp, caught in a timeless bubble where only they existed. The anticipation was palpable, the air around them heavy with desire. Yet, there was tenderness in their approach, a gentleness that underscored their actions, a testament to the deep respect and affection they held for each other. Their exploration of each other was unhurried, filled with a reverence for the magnitude of the moment.
Yuan Zhou was careful, his every move deliberate and measured. His hands explored her body with utmost reverence, memorizing every curve, every dip, every peak. His fingers traced the planes of her body, from the softness of her breasts to the subtle curve of her waist, down to her hips and further still. Each touch was a question, an affirmation, a silent vow to prioritize her comfort above everything else. He was completely focused on her, his gaze intent, as if every detail of her was being etched into his memory. He could feel her shiver under his touch as he leaned down, his mouth replacing his fingers, tasting her, worshipping her.
Ruyi responded with passion that mirrored his own, her body moving in a rhythm that was synchronised with his. As he caressed her, she arched her back gracefully, a wordless invitation for him to explore her further. Her delicate, nimble fingers roamed the expanse of his back, tracing the hard, defined lines of his muscles with an intimate familiarity. Each stroke of her fingers was an appreciation of the strength and power that his body held. Her touch was soft yet firm, a contrast that sent shivers of anticipation down his spine. Each sound uttered from her lips was an unspoken encouragement that urged him on, assuring him that she was reveling in the sensations just as much as he was.
When the moment arrived, the moment they finally came together as one, Yuan Zhou found himself gasping for breath. The sensation was so powerful, so overwhelming, it was as though all the air had been sucked out of his lungs. It was an ecstasy that far surpassed anything he had ever dreamed possible, something beyond his wildest imaginations.
From the way their bodies entwined, to the way her warmth enveloped him, to the way her pulse echoed against his own, every sensation was heightened. He could feel her, all of her, against him, around him, within him. It was intoxicating, a heady mixture of love, desire and passion that threatened to consume him.
And as he moved, as he lost himself in the rhythm of their bodies, he could hear her. He could hear her breath hitch, hear her whispered encouragements, hear her soft moans that drove him to the edge. Every sound she made was a melody to his ears, a sweet symphony that played in perfect harmony with his own heartbeat.
Time seemed to stand still, the universe holding its breath as they danced their intimate dance. It was a dance of love, of connection, of two souls becoming one. The experience was unfamiliar, yet it felt like they had known each other's bodies for a lifetime, guided by an instinctive understanding of each other's needs and desires. Their world was reduced to the two of them, their naked bodies bathed in the soft glow of the candlelight. The room echoed with their quiet sighs, the rustle of silk sheets, the shared whispers that spoke of a love deepening with every passing second.
And when the climax finally washed over them, it was like a wave crashing against the shore. Powerful, all-consuming, leaving nothing in its wake but a sense of fulfillment and contentment. It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment that seemed to stretch on for an eternity.
The aftermath was a peaceful silence, a contented sigh, a shared smile. Their breathing slowed, their heartbeats steady, a comforting harmony in the silent room. As they lay entwined in each other's arms, spent and satisfied, Yuan Zhou found himself lost in a world of his making. A world where nothing else mattered but the woman in his arms, the woman he had given himself to, the woman who had given herself to him.
Ruyi’s eyes were closed as she drifted into sleep. Yuan Zhou gently caressed her cheek, his touch as light as a feather. As he succumbed to the pull of sleep as well, his last thought was of her. Of the way she felt against him, of the way she tasted, of the way she looked at him with those loving eyes. It was an image that would stay with him, an image that would haunt his dreams and fill his waking hours.