I watch him sleep peacefully and with a kiss on his forehead I walk towards my robe lying unceremoniously on the floor. Quietly taking out the precious crumpled paper from my inner robes, I walk out to the porch and under the moonlight I read his letters to me.

My Lan Zhan,

It's been two days and I am drunk with your memories. Today I was trying to find a girlfriend for Wen Ning and let me tell you it's not easy. He's too shy to talk. He's hopeless. Just like me. I am hopelessly in love with you.

By the way I am scared of this girl who keeps following me. She says she knows me and she did help me out. She sang a tune that only few of The Yiling Patriarch's followers knew so maybe she isn't that bad.

Do you know anything about taking care of a girl?

I should have asked you to come with me. Why didn't I?
Yes, because you're Hanguang-Jun. I miss you.

Yours,
Shameless.

I laugh at his letter. Shameless? Yes, you're my shameless. Picking up the next one I read further.

My love,

It's been a week Lan Zhan and I am on my third jar of wine. I dreamt of you last night and don't ask how it ended. No wait I'll tell you something was wet and it was me.

I tried to set up Wen Ning with a lady but she ran away. But on a lighter note he seems to have bonded with that kid who has been following me. He takes care of her and I am glad. I think he misses the boys.

Come to think of it, do you think I could play a matchmaker between one of them and this kid?

Lan Zhan, I miss you. Let's meet soon.

Yours,
Shameless.

Dear Lan er-gege,

It's been two weeks since I basked in your warmth. I missed your sandalwood scent so much that the other day I landed up buying sandalwood oil. Let's say I still miss your scent. It's unique. Maybe because your unique.

Did I tell you the kid's name? It's Wu Meiming. Her father was my follower and when she told me that Wu is a tribute her father gave me, that night I secretly cried. I cried because it made me feel I wasn't all that bad. Maybe I was a good person afterall. It felt good to cry Lan Zhan but it would have been better if I could have used your shoulder or lap.

Lan Zhan, I am close to finding something. When we meet I shall reveal.

I love you. I miss you.

Yours,
Shameless

Lan Zhan,

I am changing.

I am scared.

Help me.

Yours,
Wei Ying.

The last one surprised me. This could have been more recent one. He was scared that he's changing. Wei Ying, you have me. You have people who love you. We won't let anything remotely untoward happen to you. As I tuck the letters back into my drawer where the my letters to Wei were placed, I hear a scream.

It was Wei Ying's scream.

Rushing back to my chamber I witness him tossing around the bed with his back arched, eyes shut tight. Sweat coverd his body as he gripped the sheets and screamed "No" repeatedly.

"Wei Ying" I clutched his shoulders "wake up" he stilled for a minute and then roared "Leave my Lan Zhan!" my grip must have triggered him for he held my wrist and unconsciously flung me back on to the bed, pinned my arms above me and sat astride on my waist. When he opened his eyes, they were crimson red and his breathing was heavy.

"Wei Ying!" I yell his name but what surprised me was his strength. He was much more stronger than before, than ever. His breathing became a lot more calmer and his eyes started changing. My voice was bringing him back to the present and I kept repeating my plea "Come back to me, please".

"Lan Zhan?" He was shocked to see me below him and the next moment he sprinted away. Before I could catch him, he snatched his robe from the bed post and was on the porch the next second. Slumping onto the ground he clutched his head and I knew he was berating himself for hurting me.

Walking back to the chest I picked up one letter for him to read. I knew this would calm him down. Walking back to him, I placed it by his side and ambled out of Jingshi. He needed his time and I was well versed in giving him that. I knew his curiosity would get the better of him and right now he'd be reading the letter.

Dear Wei Ying,

It was your smile that stole my heart. It was you're chaste heart that stole my soul. I wished I had told you the truth but who knew I couldn't anymore.

One day if I ever get a chance to tell you how much you mean to me then I would tell you this that no matter where you are or with whom you are, even if you would merely just see me as your friend or foe but for me, you'll always be my soul.

I love you, Wei Ying.

I just wished I had the heart to tell you this much sooner. One day maybe you and I could be together forever. If I have to come down to the diabolical realm then I will. If they won't let me then I will be in the purgatory for infinity waiting for The  Yiling Patriarch, just to inform that Hanguang-Jun's soul belongs to you.

I love you, Wei Ying.

I hope we meet soon.

Yours,
Lan Zhan.

"The Yiling Patriarch's soul belongs to Hanguang-Jun too" he found me and I smiled against his words. Turning side ways, I stretch my hand for him and he takes the seat by my side.

"How did you know I would be here?" I tuck his hair carefully and kiss his cheeks. He leans into my kiss and places his head on my shoulder "This spot holds lot of memories for us. This pool is not simply sacred just for others, it's sacred for both of us too. We started our journey from here" he sighed and the continued "I read your letter".

"I read yours too" I tell him truthfully as he backs away and his eyes widen "What? Why? That's embarrassing. I wrote them when I was drunk" he whined and I smiled.

"You were trying to find a girl for Wen Ning?" I tease him and he sighs "you were also trying to set up Wu Meiming with one of the boys?" and he was quiet. His quietness was something that I wasn't used to because that meant he was planning "Wei, were you serious?" and when his gaze found mine I knew he was.

"Lan Zhan, second chances are rare. We both know that. Let it be for now" he kissed my nose and I knew whatever he was planning, he would eventually tell me.

"Let's get some sleep Lan Zhan. There's still some time left before your morning routines and anyways we have a big day ahead" he threaded his fingers with mine and I followed him dutifully.

It didn't bother me that he was changing because this time I was with him. He was mine to protect and love and that's what I would do best. I would be the anchor in his life to bring him back safely to me.