Aimless Ascension

Wang Li grumbled under her breath, angry at herself for being so helpless. She settled back down on the fur, realising that if she wanted to stay warm, she would have to stay close to Gale. Well, she literally had to latch onto him for warmth.

"I'll face the turnaround if you prefer," Gale offered before turning around, his tattered robe exposing the marks of his fate locks.

Wang Li couldn't help but gaze at them, her heart fluttering with a mix of curiosity and admiration. The burnt scar on his wing was particularly painful to look at.

"You know, you can help us both by wrapping your fur around us," Gale suggested, breaking her from her thoughts. "The cold is just as unbearable for me. I'm not suggesting this for any ulterior motive."

Wang Li hesitated for a moment before nodding, pulling herself close to him, her palm literally touching his back as she lay down. She laid the fur and draped it over both her and Gale.

Her exhalation brushed against his back. However, they still weren't completely under the fur. Gritting her teeth, Wang Li crammed in the little space there was between them and almost latched onto him.

They lay there in silence, listening to the howling winds outside, the sound of their breaths intermingling in the small space.

"How's your broken ribs?" Gale asked after a while.

"It's painful if I move even a little," Wang Li said.

"I recovered my Qi," Gale suggested, "want me to heal you, though I can't guarantee it would be healed within today with my diminished ability."

"Didn't you mention the healing power takes more than just Qi?" Wang Li asked. "You don't have to inconvenience yourself for me."

"Nonsense," Gale said as he turned to face her, cold wind entering the cover with his moment. "We're in this together and until this ends, you're my responsibility."

Wang Li didn't know what to say as Gale's palm was already glowing in soothing golden energy.

"Show me where they had broken," Gale requested.

Wang Li grunted and pointed towards her left ribcage.

A troubled look appeared on Gale's face as he considered. "Unfortunately, my diminished ability won't work with the obstruction of the clothes."

Wang Li frowned at him, shooting a glare.

"I'm telling the truth," Gale told her. "I assure you, I have no ulterior motive with this."

"Why is it that every time you say that, I believe you less?"

Gale sighed. "I didn't act indignantly, though," he said, staring at her. "Although I express my heart to you, I won't advance without your compliance."

A sad look appeared on Wang Li's face when she was reminded again of Gale's proposal.

"Is it only because of Xiaolin, you aren't considering it?" Gale asked.

Wang Li bit her lips.

"Or is it simply because I'm not good enough?" Gale asked again. "Well, that's not a shocker, I have--"

"No, it's not you. . ." Wang Li cut him off and then became lost for words. "It's me, I don't think I can do this again."

"Why?" Gale asked softly, their face close to each other, their hot breaths mingling together. "You'll be alive for hundreds of years after you break through a couple of times more. Don't you think it's a rash decision to abandon every notion of intimacy just because you failed once?"

Wang Li was lost for words.

"Have you discussed anything with your Grandma?" Gale continued. "Most people don't really know what's best for them."

"You think you are best for me?" Wang Li asked, her voice cracked.

"Probably not," Gale answered truthfully. "But I'll try my best to give you all the respect and love you deserved."

Wang Li's eyes were almost on the verge of tears, but she held them in. Gale sighed one last time and touched her on the broken ribs. Her clothes obstructed the radiance healing energy to enter her body. Gale pushed his energy more, as both of them remained silent for a whole time.

Gale cast the spell a couple of times and turned around. He could've cast that a few times more, but that would barely have any effect. Healing takes time, he would cast the healing spell again after a few hours.

The blizzard continued.

A few hours later, Gale found Wang Li sleeping soundly almost on top of him. He couldn't help but stare at her vulnerable form, reaching out to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ears. She snuggled closer to him, using his arm as a pillow.

After a while, Gale cast the radiant healing spell on her ribs, and warm, soothing energy flowed into her body. Wang Li stirred and mumbled something incoherent as she opened her eyes to find Gale staring at her with warm eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Why can't you leave me alone?" she said in a broken voice. "Why are you always so good to me? I don't like it, at all. I'm sorry, Linlin, I can't... anymore."

With that, Wang Li closed the distance between them and kissed him. Gale was taken aback, but he held her close, rubbing her back as they exchanged the kiss that broke the barrier between them.

Wang Li ended the kiss, panting heavily. Her chest heaved up and down as she rested on his chest, unable to meet his gaze.

"That means a yes, right?" Gale asked, his palm clasped to her shoulder.

Wang Li whimpered. "Maybe," she squeaked, her head full of conflicting emotions. "Perhaps. I'll consider it."

"Perhaps you won't mind a direct contact for the treatment," Gale said, but Wang Li didn't reply again. "Wang Li?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I be a little indignant with you?" Gale asked.

Wang Li looked up at him, unsure of what to say to her. Gale pulled her up and kissed her on the lips, her palms roaming on her back.

Wang Li had a dreamy look on her face whey Gale ended the sky. Her cheeks crimson as she stared at him.

"I meant every world I said."