Xian's POV

With the day coming to an end, we had finally made it to the campsite, and as expected, Jun had gotten to work, setting up our shelter, immediately. Like always, he had not asked for my help. Why would he? He was a pro at it. So, I had done what I do best: I had stood and observed the play of muscles on Jun's forearms and back.

I could do that forever. For, it was a sight to behold. Of course, I am careful not to get caught ogling at him. I am sure that wouldn't sit well with him.

As soon as he was done, I had crawled inside the tent seeking warmth. Jun was right. Cold didn't agree with me. Unnaturally so.

I had set up the tent, arranging all of our gear and supplies, before letting Jun know that it was all set.

Unexpectedly, however, I don't hear Jun respond. Worried, I leave the warmth of our shelter and crawl out. I find Jun lost in thought. "Jun?" I call, placing a hand on his shoulder, "What's wrong?" I ask and watch as he looks at the tent and then closes his eyes, "Stupid." He mutters under his breath and goes silent.

"What's stupid?" I question, pulling my jacket tighter around myself and rubbing my arms.

"I will build a fire." He declares abruptly, and a few minutes later, a happily dancing campfire pulls the chill from my body and fills me with warmth.

Jun takes a deep breath and smiles at me, "Better?"

"Much," I respond, and direct a thumbs up at him. He nods and disappears into the tent, only to return a few moments later with his backpack and a straw mat.

He neatly sets it on the ground and gestures me to take a seat whilst he opens the backpack and sets out dinner on the paper plates.

When I keep looking at him, he quirks his brow, "Did I forget something?"

I nod, "Mn."

He looks over the items on the mat and peers into the backpack, "Xian, that's all there is. You can have my share too. I am not hungry."
I sigh and walk over to him, "Jun, " I say dragging him by his forearm and making him sit on the mat.

"What are you doing?" He enquires, resisting halfheartedly.

"Open your legs." I urge, and he questions while complying, "Why?"
Without answering, I make myself comfortable between his legs and lean back, pressing my back to his front, "Now, I am good." I inform, and feel him go still behind me. "Lighten up, Jun." I chirp, and he relaxes, "Your wish is my command, My Prince." He teases, and handing over a plate to me, he commands. "Now eat."

Wolfing down my dinner, I notice that he hasn't started his yet, "Jun, why aren't you eating?"
"I told you, I am not hungry. Eat." He urges guiding my hand to my mouth, and I understand what he is doing; He is making sure that I have enough, like always, taking care of me.

I purse my lips and shake my head. Yes, I am aware that I am behaving like a child.

"Why? What's wrong?" He asks, touching my forehead, "Do you not like it?"

I hold his hand, "Eat with me." I request, and he smiles, "A Xian, I am not hungry." He ruffles my hair and gestures me to eat again.

Why do you always treat me like I am a child, Jun!?

I feel irritated and angry, "Eat with me!" I command, feeling hot all over, and Jun's eyes widen for a second, as if scared. Then he picks up a plate and takes a bite of his burger. "Don't use that tone with me," he whispers, before cradling my face, "Please," he adds weakly.

I nod, and we finish our dinner in silence. I feel terrible for having spoken to him that way. He knew he did what he did against his will, but I was sure that even if I didn't want to, or mean to, I would use that tone with him again.

Clearing away the mat, I lean my back on Jun's chest once again, and he starts rubs my arms; I don't think he is aware of his actions. I turn to look at him, and my doubts are confirmed. There is a faraway look in his eyes. And unshed tears are making his eyes glisten.
"Jun, " I call, and he blinks, setting the trapped tear, free. "Mn?"

"I am sorry." I apologize and turn to face him, "I didn't mean to, " I start hesitantly. But before I can say more, he shakes his head and puts a finger on my lips, "No need to apologize, A Xian."

He strokes my cheek, and all I see is affection in his eyes, "I am sorry. I promised to do as you asked and I didn't. I will try to remember that from now on." He reassures before pausing and looking at the slowly dying fire, "Time to sleep." He announces trying to get up, but I stop him.

I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arms around his middle, "Not yet." I whisper, and he gives in, "Mn. Let me know when you are ready. Okay?"

I nod. "Okay."

He leans away a little, and I crib. "Junnnnn..."

He chuckles, "My Prince, I already gave you my word. I am not trying to sneak inside." He reassures and picks up his jacket. He drapes it over my shoulder, "The fire is dying and it's cold here." He explains, and I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. It has nothing to do with the fur coat wrapped around me.
It's Jun, I know it.

Considerate...Boundless... Mine.

I bury my face in his chest and breath him in. It's lovely and comforting. "I love the way you smell, Jun." I blurt out without thinking, and his hands on my arms still. He tilts my head up, and our eyes meet, "How do I smell to you?"

"Sandlewood." I answer, and his brows crease for a second, but he schools his features immediately, "Xian, you mustn't say such things out loud."

"Why?" I ask, and he smiles, "It's something personal... Amm" He contemplates for a few seconds before adding, "I don't think Qing will approve if you say something like this to anyone other than her." He tries to explain.

"But you are not just anyone. You are my... " Jun once again puts a finger on my lips, "Rest, My Prince. You must be tired." He urges pulling me closer, sighing deeply.

"It's getting colder." He observes, "I wish I was warmer." He mutters under his breath, and once again starts his ministrations.

"You are warm enough." I voice my thoughts, and he smiles, "You weren't supposed to hear that."

"What can I say, I have super hearing power." I tease, and he laughs. I look up at him once again, "Jun..." I start; I want to ask him what I smell like, but I change my mind. I don't want to make him uncomfortable.

"Mn?" He looks at me questioningly, and I shake my head, "Nothing." I nestle my face in his chest and close my eyes.

"Vanilla," Jun says after a few seconds, and I smile. "Thank you, Jun."

"Mn." He nods and kisses the top of my head. I close my eyes once again and sleep takes me.

The next time I open my eyes, I find myself wrapped in two heavy blankets. I look around and find the place next to me empty. "Jun?" I call out, and toss the blankets out of my way. I pull on my jacket and peep outside the tent.

What I see, pains me. With his back turned away from me, Jun is sleeping on the straw mat, completely exposed to the elements.

I crawl outside and shake Jun's shoulder, "Jun...." I whisper, and he sits up. His pose defensive, and his eyes alert, "What's wrong?"

"What are you doing outside?" I question, and he relaxes. "I like it here." He answers, without looking at me.

I can tell that he is hiding something and I know that I can make him tell me, but I didn't want to put him in that position again, so I do what I do best, I lie and tell him that I had a nightmare.

His brows knit together, "I will stay with you." He states in a strained voice and touches my forehead, "Do you remember it? The nightmare, I mean." He questions unexpectedly, and I am left speechless. Too sleepy to come up with a made-up nightmare I lie again, "I don't remember. But it was cold... I was cold." Well, at least it was not a complete lie.

"I am sorry." He apologizes, "Go back inside. I will join you in a bit."

I nod, "Your clothes are wet." I observe, and he sighs irritatedly.

"Do you have another pair?" I enquire, and he nods, "I will change and join you."

As I go back inside, I realize why Jun had chosen to sleep outside. The tent was not big enough to accommodate two grown men. The last time we had used it, I was still in my preteens, and the tent was big enough for us then. But now, things were different. I had grown.

I move to make space for Jun, till my body is touching the moist walls of the tent and realize that it's still not enough. I try to think of alternatives but just then, Jun crawls inside and our heads almost bump each other. Almost.

Jun stops and looks around the tiny space while I look at him. Gone are his outer layers, leaving him in a thin white T-Shirt and black shorts. He looks delicious. I try to reign in my thoughts and try to control my heartbeat; I fail, miserably.

{Note :- That's it for today's update.

First of all, thank you for the love and support you all have shown to this book. I know that it's slow paced and the updates are not regular either 😭☹️ but you guys are still here.
So ❤❤❤❤❤

Secondly, the next two updates will be of TLB, as I want to complete it as soon as possible. There are about six chapters to go till it's over... I reckon.
I had updated that book a couple of days back... Some of you may have missed it since I updated it with my WangXian one-shot 'Ever After'. Please give that book a read and let me know how you guys liked it, if you can spare a few moments.

On a personal note, my eyes are not recovering as fast and as much as I had hoped moreover things at home are a bit 😞. So my replies to your comments might be delayed... Also I am still unable to read my favorite books 😭😭😭
That's it for the rant. Sorry.

Please Vote for this update if you have enjoyed it.

Thank you for reading.
Have a nice day.}