in another life

prompt: in another life

MDZS modern AU, xiyao. References a canonical death.

–

The sword plunges through his chest and he wakes gasping.

“What’s wrong?” Xichen mumbles from the adjacent pillow.

Although Xichen’s skin is hot where he touches it, Meng Yao shivers.

“Nightmare.”

“No more horror before bed.”

Xichen’s arms engulf him. Against Meng Yao’s ear, his heart beats. Beats.

“I asked you to die with me,“ he whispers.

“It’s only a dream, baby.”

But Meng Yao inhales the earthy damp of an ancient temple, and within another Xichen’s eyes, fixed on him at the far end of the sword, sees regret. An unspoken yes.

Unseen, Meng Yao smiles into the dark.