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One of these days, he would learn to say "No".
Usually this wasn’t a problem for Huo Daofu at all. In fact, whenever someone dared to even appear before him and start with that they needed to ask for a favor or outright asked for one, his first instinctive reaction was always to shut the person down with his trademark stoic and dismissive “No.”.
Most of the time he was doing the sensible thing, hearing them out to see what he was offered in exchange, to weight whether or not it was worth the effort and consequences as a result. Some times he already knew what was up and took a secret delight to send them packing without even properly letting them settle down.
There was an advantage to having some power left, even if it wasn’t the same as to when he’d taken over the remains of four of the Mystic Nine families.
He made the most of that situation, taking a vindictive pleasure especially when it came to ‘his own’ family.
“Usually” unfortunately didn’t include the menace called Wu Xie.
He still didn’t quite understand how the man worked. The skill to make people bend to his wishes, without taking offense in most cases was one that he would rather like to acquire for himself.
Back to the matter at hand thought: He really needed to learn to say ‘No’ when it came from Wu Xie, never mind what exactly it was he was asking for. It always tended to end up in disaster when the Wu heir was involved. Combine that with tombs and you were just asking for it.
He knew all of that, yet still… Here he was getting dragged away, while bound in a sticky web tying him together, by an over-sized mutated spider that occasionally glowed a sickly green.
One of the many giant critters that had decided that they were trespassing their territory, but they’d would make a fine meal.
Why was he here again, “agreeing” like an idiot to provide medical support – “just in case” – for this exploration?
Ah. Right. Stupid Wu Xie and his stupid uncle and the stupid amount of money offered along with the knowledge that the Wu family – as a whole, not just Wu Xie – would unofficially own him a favor. Something that held more power than money ever could.
He could have said no of course. Would have said no, probably, if not for that last extra bit.
The creature seemed to have arrived at it’s destination, dragging his unfinished cocooned self up a wall and hanging him there.
It likely would have either taken a bite right then and there or finished with wrapping him up, if not for a shrill cry that resonated painfully in his skull cutting through the air.
He was sure this sound was one, that he wouldn’t forget anytime soon, especially seeing as it had been what had called out these tomb guards in the first place.
The skittering sound of it’s long feet over the stone ground was making his skin crawl and he did a double take through his askew sitting glasses, noticing a second spider making off along with the other, simply letting the cocoon it had been holding drop to the floor.
It was too slim to be Wang Pangzi – and perhaps that was at least a small blessing, because gods knew the man never knew when to shut up – and too still to be Wu Xie. He was certain that Zhang Qiling would have somehow already made use of the opportunity and gotten free, that left only the minions that Wu Erbai had sent with them and…
He nearly banged his head back against the wall. Of course. The specialist going by the name of Liu Sang. The one that Wu Xie nearly had gotten killed and permanently damaged when he himself had been about to die.
Swallowing back a curse or groan, he instead focused at the matter at hand. Getting out – preferably in one piece – and perhaps even dragging the other along with him. If he felt especially generous, he’d maybe try and see if he could find a certain trio, but right now he didn’t feel particularly like it. It was so typical for things like these to happen when those three were involved and of course THEY were unlikely to have gotten separated.
Granted, they were by now a team that worked together perfectly fine, but it also had the disadvantage that they were too focused on the three of each, that others slipped their notice. It was natural to focus on self-survival and those that one considered close first and he didn’t begrudge them for doing so, when he certainly would put himself first as well.
But the fact they brought someone lacking experience, young and basically a non-combatant – no matter what few skills he’d managed to pick up in the short time he’d ended up involved with the tomb exploring business – and couldn’t actually take care of him…
It irked him a lot.
Wiggling his arm free, he took off his glasses and unsheathed the hidden blade, making short work of the upper threads and made certain he had a good grip on the remains, before cutting his legs free. Luckily these threads where able to be cut with the simple scalpel-like weapon. If they had turned out to be mutated and thus having some kind of re-enforcing… Well, there were some more options he had had at hand, but most would have held the risk of damaging himself or drawing unwanted attention. Both things he preferred to avoid.
Securing the blade back in it’s place and the glasses back behind his ears, he carefully, but speedily made his way back down, not hesitating to jump the last bit to the floor.
Pain flared up along his left upper tight and he noticed a dark, wet spot, slowly spreading. There must have been a sort of numbing poison or something on the claw that had scratched him at one point, because he hadn’t felt any pain until the drop just now.
While leaving a wound unattended, he didn’t wished to still be around when the arachnids returned – especially not hungry from battle and within what seemed to be their pantry, if the other hanging, unmoving cocoons in various sizes and shapes were any indication.
A moment later he was back in motion, crouching down where Liu Sang was still curled up in a fetal position, but making progress on tearing himself an opening on top to wiggle out of the rest from.
With him lending two helping hands, they had him freed and onto his feet only a short while later, but the way he was swaying, grimacing in pain and needing to hold onto his arm to steady himself didn’t make things look good.
Before he could ask about the other’s status, this one pointed the hand which he had just pressed to his skull in the direction of one of the tunnels leading in and out of the cavern they found themselves in, illuminated by small glowing fungi.
“That way.” he rasped out.
“Are the others?” Huo Daofu couldn’t help but ask, raising an eyebrow, watching him keep swaying lightly with his eyes still closed and obvious pain still painted on his face.
The younger man shook his head, making himself wince. “No. Safe.”
Realizing the other was currently in no condition for further talk and they really should get going, he just accepted this for now and got going, leading the other along by the arm he was still tightly gripping. It made him wonder if he was afraid that he would leave him behind. Not an unreasonable fear. He would if the other turned out to be a burden and he deemed his chances of survival better on his own.
So far what he’d witnessed himself Liu Sang was skilled and actually his best option to make it back out. Perhaps send in back up for the others too, thought he wasn’t too sure that any of Wu Erbai’s minions would actually be able to handle these things, if the other one’s hadn’t. Perhaps that one boy, Kan Jian, who had a deadly accurate aim, but he was only one man and those spiders were many.
The terrain was uneven and more than once the other ended up stumbling a little as he dragged his feet along.
He still had his eyes shut and was likely nursing a large headache. Given how he himself still felt a dull throbbing sound vibrating inside his own skull, he actually didn’t want to know how it felt for the other.
He only stopped when they came across a small trickle of water, feeling like they’d been walking for hours, but actually it had only been 36 minutes according to his watch.
“Is it safe to make a stop here?” he asked, not being able to hear anything other than the water himself.
The other’s eyebrows drew even further together for a moment, before he nodded. “Clear for now.” he said, as he attempted to pry his own eyes open, but scrunched them up a moment later, despite the dim light.
The soft glow by the spare mushroom vegetation growing in patches here and there was enough to find their way, but not truly lighting up the area. It might help them stay hidden thought, if they regulated their breathing and didn’t move should any of the monster spiders come across them. Unless they had a sort of infrared view.
As he helped the other settle down onto the ground, he routinely checked for visible wounds, but couldn’t spot many, except for a cut along the other’s cheekbones. Didn’t mean there weren’t others, but unless the other spoke up with something urgent, he would prioritize his own well-being for now.
Also, he didn’t want to end up attracting enemies to their location in case they could smell fresh blood.
Taking off his backpack, he checked himself over, noticing another gash he hadn’t felt on the lower part of his dominant arm and bit back the urge to cuss, thought he was highly annoyed. Whatever was numbing the sensation of the injury was an annoyance and meant he would have to properly check the other over as well, as he likely wouldn’t be able to tell himself if and where they had gotten him.
As he fumbled with the first roll of bandages, he started to notice that he was more handicapped that he had initially thought, struggling with precise coordination.
“Can… I help you?” the youth at his side suddenly spoke up.
He was squinting at him or rather where he struggled to wrap the fabric around his lower arm. “I don’t know, can you?” he couldn’t help but sass snap back at the other.
That got him a risen eyebrow, before the other actually leaned forward and snatched the roll from him, grabbed another disinfecting pad from him, dabbing it over the wound – which still didn’t sting – plucking a fresh dressing pad from his open medical kit and ripping the wrapping open with his teeth with what seemed practiced ease, before properly applying it, fixing it in place and then wrapping the bandage just right all around it. At least from what he could tell in visual terms, it was neither too loose nor to restricting.
“Huh… You got some skills.”, he found himself saying, making the other glance up, before glancing back down. Lower than before.
“You might need to take off your pants.” the other stated dryly and matter-of-fact.
Yes, that had been his original plan, still hearing it voiced out aloud like that made his lips twitch upwards for a moment. “That eager to get into my pants?”
The other threw him a look that said ‘Really? Dirty jokes NOW?’, which only amused him further. With a sigh he got to his feet and undid belt, button and zipper, pushing the fabric down and pulling a bit of the black boxer shorts up, so it wouldn’t get n the way or wrapped up along. Thought with how Liu Sang was working, the later was unlikely.
The cut was pretty high up, but the moment he sat, the other was already upon him and he couldn’t help but actually enjoy watching the younger.
The way he was moving spoke of experience. He knew what he was doing, that much he could tell for sure. “If you ever are looking for a job as a nurse, I might feel favorable to take you in.”
That startled a chocked off laughter from the other. “Thanks, but I doubt you could afford paying me.” the other threw back, still shaking his head a little, while finishing up and moving back from his spread legs and back to where Huo Daofu had sat him down just a bit ago. “Are you calling me poor?” he drawled, while fixing himself up, then letting his eyes roam over the other.
“Time for you to loose some clothes. You might think you are fine and they didn’t get you, but they have some sort of anesthetic, that makes you unable to feel the pain. Might inconvenience you otherwise too.” he waved at his hand for empathize, which he was able to flex and control better now, but still not to a point where he felt ready to stitch someone back up if needed.
Liu Sang sighed at the way he kept their banter up and let go of his own backpack and then took off his green cloak and started checking out his limbs not unlike the older male himself had done.
“Hip.” he suddenly said, noticing a stripe of flesh shining out through a hole in the black t-shirt. The line was long, but luckily not deep, just a few centimeters above the line of his pants. An easy fix in general, but a bit more complex with wrapping it. “Just put the patch on and tape it there. Should be good for now.” he advised, watching the other nod after a moment and proceeding to just do that.
“You might as well take off the whole shirt.” Huo Daofu added with a sigh as the other bend over to return the items.
He got another ‘look’ for his comment, but the older only sighed. “You got a cut over your back too. Around the shoulder line. Better check your backpack later, I think it might have also gotten the straps.”
For the first time the youth hesitated to follow the instructions and it took the doctor a few moments to realize where the problem was. “I’ve already seeing your as good as naked when Wu Xie brought you back nearly dead from Thunder City.”
Something he’d been sure to give the man an earful for. He’d agreed to look after Wu Xie only, but with the state the young ones dragged along on this ‘adventure’ had been, he couldn’t stand aside unless he was alright with the damage becoming a more serious and potential permanent problem.
Wherever the burn marks originated from, he could only assume they were very personal to the other. He’d noticed the worst of them having gotten covered up by tattoo ink lines, but hadn’t bothered to check it out in closer detail back then.
He certainly recognized the creature curling over the back and side towards the front now, that he was exposed to it again.
The gash on the back was…
“I need to stitch this.” he said, while mentally cursing that his condition was not quite up for that. “Or rather, for now we need to glue it shut. We can switch to stitches if necessary later.”
Obediently the other handed him the item from his package along with another swab of disinfectant, then sat between his legs again and pulled the ponytail aside as he bent forward, to give better access.
It would usually be a quick job, but Huo Daofu was taking his time to make certain he pinched the skin tight enough together and applied the proper amount of skin glue, letting it settle, before moving on. Beneath him, the youth broke into goosebumps without anything to cover him up and the cool temperatures.
By the time he finally tapped the other’s shoulder, to signal he was finished, he had started to occasional shiver. “You might want me to check your blood pressure once we are out of here. You might be running low if you always tend to run cold this easily.”
Liu Sang gave him a slightly confused look over his shoulder, before slipping away, hurrying to get back properly dressed, absently rubbing along his arms for a quicker warm-up.
“Let’s have a quick snack and something to drink, who knows when we’ll get an opportunity again.” he continued, packing up the medical equipment he brought and storing it back where it belonged, before retrieving his water bottle and one of the bars he had packed. Liu Sang was in agreement with him, following his example, thought he closed his eyes and leaned back, resting his head.
“I have some pain killers for your head.” Huo Daofu allowed, already reaching for the package, but the other dipped his head left and right. “Can’t. That would mess with… my mapping skills.”
Of course it would. Because this one never got any reprieve, now did he? He had made Pangzi spill the details about the parts he had not been involved personally AND learned about the proceedings of warehouse 11.
If there had been a person getting the short stick – other than Li Jiale – than that certainly would be Liu Sang.
“Can you even map? With your head like this?” he couldn’t help but ask as he saw the other fumbling for the whistle he carried around like a necklace.
His question had the other pause mid-movement, before turning to look at him and smiling a grim smile. “Not like there’s another choice, is there? Not if we want to get out of here fast. I’ll have to.”
He really disliked the other being right. Of course they could try to get out without a map, but that was like playing a high risk gamble at the casino and chances were high that they’d rather ended up even further away from the exit, lost or running into whatever else was crawling around and willing to make them their meal.
Earlier, even with Liu Sang warning them of the incoming danger, that hadn’t been enough for them to actually fight back. Especially since their ‘hound’ so to say had been rendered useless by the scream shortly after, making further communication with him a mot point as he was hunched over and pressing his hands against the sides of his head in pain.
No, he’d prefer to have a map at hand, so he could at least try to get both of them to the surface if the leader of the arachnids decided to ‘summon’ it’s fellows over again and thus disabling the only one he had on his side right now.
The sound was clear and bounced back of the walls, that much even Huo Daofu could hear. But watching the other as he transferred the audio feedback onto paper, that was certainly a skill unparalleled which no one could compete with. That much he was certain off.
Three more times did he sound out their surroundings.
Luckily his way of mapping didn’t seem to attract trouble to them.
As he voiced as much, the other actually gave him the hint of a smile, despite the pain straining his features.
“No, they are further away and probably didn’t even hear anything at all.” he muttered, while forcing himself up.
This time Huo Daofu was prepared and already up and ready to grab his arm again to give him some sort of support.
As expected the other swayed and actually leaned some of his weight against him for a moment, before straightening again and holding the map out between them.
It was hard to make out all the lines and details, but the medic could get a good gist of their surroundings anyway.
“We are here. This should lead towards the surface. But we need take some detours to avoid running into any trouble.” he listened as the other whisper-explained as he pointed.
“Even Wu Xie?” Huo Daofu couldn’t help but snip, which would have made the other laugh again, if he didn’t immediately break off with a pained groan.
“Especially Wu Xie.” Liu Sang grimaced, half-joking, before sighing.
“Taking those pills now?” the older male asked with an elegant brow lifted. The other nodded, holding out his hand and swallowing dry the moment the two items hit the surface of his skin, knocking them back like other’s would whiskey to make a point.
He wasn’t impressed, nor particularly amused and offered his own water bottle, which the other accepted after a moments hesitation, swallowing large, greedy gulps, before whipping his arm over his mouth and returning the object.
“Let’s get going. I should still be hearing just fine to adjust according to the enemies movement.”
That was perfectly fine with the older, who pushed his glasses back up his nose, watching the other squinting again. “You don’t carry any spares?” he couldn’t help asking.
“I did. But the container got bend out of shape as I was dragged away.”, the younger replied, lifting his shoulder’s in a shrug.
A shame, but it was still a pleasant surprise to have someone at least making an effort to be prepared.
As the other took more or less command of where they were to go, he couldn’t help but feel he had misjudged him and the Iron Triangle.
Liu Sang was a survivor, that much he became certain very fast. He didn’t try to be witty or funny, but was all serious and no-nonsense in a situation like this. An approach that he highly appreciated and preferred over how two thirds of the Iron Triangle tended to handle it when things got out of control.
“Seriously now.” he broke the silence after they had made some progress. “Were you able to locate the others?”
Not that he had any issue with leaving them behind for now and getting to safety first themselves, but…
“No. But I have a vague idea of where I believe them to be. But first we need to get out of this part and then check again on the situation. Whether we go to try and collect them or leave and come back with backup… We’ll have to see how things are when we reach that point.”
After that exchange they felt quiet, as Liu Sang used easy to understand hand signs to show when to pause and listen and when to move on. He also deftly lead them around some webs, partly covering the ground until they reached the cavern that had become a battle field.
One of the large spiders was laying on it’s side without a trace of life. Unfortunately so did most of the men accompanying them.
“That one is still alive.” Liu Sang whispered, pointing to a man, who seemed to have been thrown into the stone wall with enough force to knock him out.
Huo Daofu was quick to bring them there and check him over. He also didn’t fail to notice the machete still in his grip.
Glancing over at the other male, this one nodded immediately, catching on quickly. “It’s safe for now, you can treat him.”
It was surprisingly easy to trust into the other’s words and by the time the man finally stirred awake, the younger man had gone and gathered some of the weapons and placed them within quick and easy access.
“Where’s Wu Xie?” Huo Daofu asked, which made Liu Sang bring out the whistle again and place it between his lips. He watched him visibly brace himself, before closing his eyes and letting the sound spread out.
“Further down this direction. The other two are with him and they are making use of the terrain and taking them on one by one. Right now they are fighting one of two of the big spiders at the front. The leader has split off with two others and is trying to circle around through some other corridors.” He paused, eyes still closed as he listened in some more, before blowing the device again. “All of them are at least lightly injured, but none of it seems to be life treating yet. If we are to aid them, we should go now and help them finish off those two, before the others get the jump on them from behind.”
The older of the two nodded his understanding, before standing up and pulling the man they had just rescued to his feet. “You’ve heard all that. The way back out currently seems to be free. Grab one of those and leave that machete with me, then head back up and give Wu Erbai a status report.”
The man was gone the moment he let him go, making him ‘tch’. What a coward.
Without another word they both hurried down the path at the same time, Liu Sang now stable enough to no longer need his support.
“Once we are out of here, let’s have a drink together.” Huo Daofu suddenly mused, surprising even himself a little at the offer.
Liu Sang turned to him, head tilled slightly tilled in question, before declining hesitantly. “I don’t really drink.”
“That’s… rather surprising, given the company you keep. Can’t understand how you can stand being around them constantly in a sober state.” he couldn’t help mouthing off or the missing trio.
“Hey, Ouxiang isn’t as bad as the rest!” the other protested in a sort of reflex, but obviously also amused. “So you agree the other two ARE a menace.” he immediately picked up on the lack of denial with a smug expression.
“Who that knows them well wouldn’t?”
“Fair point. Wu Xie brings trouble wherever he goes and Wang Pangzi just keeps adding fuel to the fire and often riling him up. And your Ouxiang just stands there, watching them as they dig themselves in deeper until things are getting too hot.”
The younger shrugged, before raising his arm as he slowed to a stop, Huo Daofu immediately following his lead.
A moment later he could hear it to, the scratching and skittering of the multi-legged creature as it almost seemed to dance back and forth, occasionally letting out weird hissing sounds.
“Do you have a better set of those to protect your ears if you are going to fire that?” the part of him that had studied to help people made him ask.
Liu Sang looked at him again with that unreadable look, studying him for a few moments, before turning his gaze away again. “I can handle this much.” A moment later the eyes narrowed back on him. “And I coordinate my hearing and aim well enough that I can provide enough fire protection. You need not worry about me shooting you in the back.”
Well, he hadn’t been thinking about that actually, but it was a good thing to know. And another impressive knowledge of just how versatile Liu Sang could use his hearing.
“Then let’s get to it. Time to burst out the Iron Triangle.” he smirked, which made the other roll his eyes. “You are going to hold this over them forever, aren’t you?”
“You can bet on it!”
“No bet.” the other immediately declined, before adding. “But I’ll bet you that Wu Xie wants to keep going after this.”
It was Huo Daofu’s turn to roll his eyes and step out along with the other from their cover, both aiming the weapon almost in unison. “Of course he will want to.” he agreed, while undoing the safety.
Bulletts were soon litering the floor as they rained the fire onto the one spider unable to squeeze into gateway along the other one. It shrieked high and made as if to charge, but then suddenly green blood burst forth from one of the bend leg joints, making it buckle in. It gave him perfect view of the neck as the creature tipped over, flailing at being suddenly off-balance.
Another load unleashed and it fully crumbled onto the floor, legs sling away to the side, while the two men glanced at one another and dashed forward.
They were just in time to see Xiaoge use the distraction of a shovel wack of Pangzi to slide his long sword into the side of the creatures neck and pulling through in a wide arc.
The other two men inside cheered loudly, exhaustion evident despite their joy.
“Three incoming behind you!” Liu Sang called out in warning. “From above!”
All three whirled around just in time for the first one already having slid down most of the way by a thread, before jumping towards their direction, making them scatter.
Without thinking about it, Huo DaoFu gave Liu Sang a boost up to help him climb over the dead body now half-blocking the entrance, before jumping up to follow suit.
The following fight was a typical Iron Triangle mess. Bloody, chaotic and absolutely unpredictable.
The first one was a quick take down, as they united forces to make it fall, the other two were more challenging, as they had to work around the bodies of the fallen ones, while their enemies made use of the walls and webs to gain the advantage onto them.
At one point Huo Daofu hadn’t been able to dodge to the side fast enough and his arm gotten netted to the wall by the leader. Before he could cut himself free, the other creature was already upon him it’s fangs snapping before his face. The barrel of a rifle got between him and the creature just in time, even as Liu Sang grunted from the obvious effort it took and his arms were shaking from the strain.
The machete luckily was still within easy reach and even thought his other hand was his dominant one, he’d trained with the other one well enough to be able to land a jab at the right angle. The scream of death incoming was painful and the foul smell came along with the dripping and squelching sound as he pulled the weapon back out, blood and other stuff dripping out from the gap he had created when twisting the blade around it’s insides.
He was breathing hard, sweat on his forehead as he pushed against the head and then there was a hand on his arm, pulling and then he stumbled out and into the other, before taking him down with him. Behind them the spider crashed face-first into the wall he’d just been cornered against, head breaking off from the rest of the body at the impact and rolling next to them.
They stayed on the ground for a moment, him on top of Liu Sang, with his head onto his chest, hearing his heart hammering a rapid pulse against his ear.
The sounds of battle still going made him push up at last. They weren’t done yet.
With a groan he staggered slightly – he was now finally feeling the wound on his leg and going by the spreading stain, he’d broken it open with all the action.
Still he leaned down, offering his hand to the younger, who took it and let himself be pulled up.
“Can you still do your aiming thing with your hearing?” he asked, while placing a hand on his hip and catching his breath, eyes trailing the almost dance-like movement Xiaoge and the main adversary pulled off.
The other shook his head, swaying slightly again, which made him wrap an arm around his hip immediately, bearing some of the weight with ease. Wasn’t Pangzi feeding him? He’d have assumed so, given that the three seemed to have taken him in under their wings.
“Then let’s just try to aim for the main body mass.” he suggested and felt the other nod against his shoulder, before this one pushed himself away and straightened up, already taking aim.
Their shoots didn’t land any vitals, but provided enough of a distraction along with Xiaoge’s still rapid movement of jumps, flips and running along the wall, that Wu Xie and Pangzi could make a sort of combined attack, that nearly cost Wu Xie his arm as he forced the shovel into the creatures mouth and Pangzi his head as he stuffed some explosives in and then stumbled as he tried to doge and get away from the impact.
Luckily Xiaoge was there to pull the man aside as the two of them rained more bullets onto the creature, making it let out a roar again, just a split second, before the blast tore it apart from the inside and rained bits and blood down onto the ones beneath it.
Huo Daofu looked on rather unimpressed as Wu Xie lifted his arms to protect himself from the splatter, while Pangzi was whining about it, even as he was let go by Xiaoge and just flopped onto the ground.
Beside him Liu Sang dropped the weapon with a “Finally.” groaned and sinking to the ground swaying more dangerously, which made him grab for the other’s arm again, to keep him from falling over and hit his head.
Following him down he set his own gun down and brought the other closer to check upon him, forcing one of his eyes open, which made the other flinch back and head loll backwards and away.
“Don’t pass out on me now.” he demanded with a low hiss. “I’m not enduring their stupidity on my own.”
A laugh, slightly hollow, but still a laugh, escaped the other. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Just… need some rest.”
“No closing your eyes either. I need you to look at me.” the medic demanded, giving the other a moment to react accordingly and nearly sighed in relief when the other managed to do so.
He was still squinting a little, but as he checked up on him, it seemed that he was only suffering another headache. One that was close to overwhelming him and thus messed with his sense of balance.
“Okay, you can rest a little now. It should be safe for the time being. I’ll check on the others.” he told him, already noticing the three exchanging looks and slowly picking themselves up to come over as he leaned the other against the wall.
A hand captured his wrist. Liu Sang’s eyes were already nearly shut and he looked as if he wanted to say something, but nothing came out. Remembering his early thought, where he wondered if the other had a fear of being left behind, he simply nodded at the other. “I’m not going far and will wake you when it’s time to move again.”
He wasn’t certain if his words had reassured the other enough, or if he had simply reached the limit of his body and passed out, but his eyes shut and his head lightly tipped forward and to the side as tension slipped out his body.
“Is he alright?” Wu Xie asked concerned, which made him bite his tongue before he turned to face the other man. “Of course he’s fine. He’s only been exposed to sounds of high frequency repeatedly, gun fire, heard people die and dragged across half the tomb, before coming to your aid, so what could be wrong with him, right?” he couldn’t help list coolly and lowering a stare at the man, who fidget nervously, realizing how stupid his question had been.
He sighed as the other looked like a kicked puppy and pushed his glasses up. “He’s hit his limit, but he’ll be fine. Now let’s check up on your injuries and then get out of here.”
“Wha-? But! We are fine, really! I mean, of course we got some hits, but they don’t even really hurt!” the Wu hair waved his hands, while Huo Daofu’s frown deepened, especially as Pangzi agreed with his friend.
Of course the other had intended to go on. Just like they had expected.
“Has it ever occurred you to question WHY they don’t hurt?” he started, before lifting a hand, effectively cutting off any more talk. “No. Nevermind. I’ll be checking up on each of you carefully and then the ONLY way we’ll be going is OUT. Are we clear?”
“But… most of the danger should be taken care of now, no? Liu Sang wouldn’t let himself rest if it wasn’t safe enough to.” Wu Xie protested.
His eyebrow twitched at that statement. So he was at least aware of that much, huh?
“Other than us, you’ve lost 6 of 7 men. Liu Sang could tell you were injured just from listening in from further away and will be nursing a headache when he wakes up. Tell me again: Why do you think we should go on RIGHT NOW rather than withdraw and return after recovering?”
The other only mumbled something unrecognizable, which made him scoff and grumble “Yes, that’s what I thought. Now OFF with the clothes and show me your wounds!”
The last sentence he snapped in a commanding voice that didn’t allow for any argumenting.
By the time he was done checking up all three of them and finally paying attention to his own bleeding wound, Wu Xie himself had realized that it was a fool’s errand to keep going. As usually the excitement of exploring the unknown had taken over – especially since they hadn’t felt any of the pain they should have been feeling.
As it was, they were not handicapped enough that they wouldn’t be able to proceed, but they weren’t in the best shape for that either.
And really, with the Wu camp right outside the entrance and the fear of someone else coming in and making off with whatever might be inside was stupid.
Despite the fact that he would prefer to let their youngest rest, he had made a sort of promise, so he carefully woke the other up and informed him that they would be heading back to camp and decide on who to proceed from there.
Liu Sang only nodded and let himself be helped to his feet and even accepted him pulling his arm around his own shoulders and sneaking the other arm around his hip, taking some of his weight onto himself. Seeing how he was actually in the best shape of all of them, he denied the others offers of help.
“Look after yourselves first.” he sneered and rolled his eyes, before pushing on, taking the lead and heading for the exit. “We’ve gotten free and made it here all by ourselves, we are perfectly fine of getting out on our own as well.”, he grumbled some more, as shoved with one foot against the cadaver of the spider in the gate, to push themselves sideways out and onto the path.
Wu Erbai was already waiting for them and took his ranting off the various injuries with a slight frown, giving a concerned glance at Liu Sang, who was now resting even more weight against him, eyes closed as he focused on keeping his breathing even.
“He’ll be fine after a few days rest.” he reassured the man, who nodded at him and gave his thanks, before turning to Wu Xie and his friends.
Long story short, they were spread out among cars going back to the hotel with a good number of Wu men staying behind in the camp to guard the tomb entrance while they would recover, before trying again.
Huo Daofu ended up making sure the younger one was with him and when he dropped him off in his room he made certain he took some more medication with water, to lessen the impact on the next days awakening. Two more pills and a fresh bottle of water were placed within easy reach on the bedside table and he left after the other reassured him, that he was perfectly fine getting cleaned up and changed.
He had the hotel service open his door on the next day around midday when no one had seen him up until then to check in on him. As the other was deep asleep and didn’t even rouse when he carefully took temperature and looked for some other signs to confirm everything as it should be, he left again, exchanging only the empty water bottle for a fresh one from the mini-fridge and added new pain killers.
Like all other survivors his body heat was slightly above the norm, but that was natural as their bodies worked through whatever numbing substance had been entered into their system.
Liu Sang made an appearance that evening, looking a lot more put together and barely nodded at everyone else, before heading straight for the buffet set out that evening. Huo Daofu found himself joining him at the table, placing two large water bottles next to him, which actually made the other look up from his plate and give a small smile and a thanks, before focusing back on getting food into his body. Despite how ravenous he must be, he still took care to chew properly and also was quick to uncap the fresh bottles to wash enough liquid down. It appealed to the doctor in him to see the other being more conscious of his well being than most people he knew.
“Up for that drink I own you?” he found himself asking as he watched the other polish the remains of food of his plate and settle back to finish the water. “I’m sure they can make an anti-alcoholic one.”
Liu Sang blinked, but then smiled that small smile once again. “Sure, why not? But I have a better idea. Let’s put it on Wu Erbai’s tab. We’ve certainly earned a couple of drinks for saving his nephew and friends, don’t you think?” he answered, leaning in as if to whisper conspiratorially.
This made the other actually lough out aloud and he could practically feel Wu Xie whirling around in his seat to make certain it was really him making that noise.
“I most certainly agree.” he said, intentionally not following Liu Sang’s surprise gaze over to the other man and instead pushed his chair as soundlessly as he could back as he stood, considerate of not creating too much irritating noise to the other.
The bar was at the other end of the room and pretty much deserted. They were nearly the only guests, so it worked in their favor and Huo Daofu actually found himself enjoying himself with the younger man, who was a delight to poke fun with over the others.
“Aren’t you some sort of expert on Zhang Qiling?” he couldn’t help but ask after the third drink. “Does he even HAVE an outfit other than his black and blue hoodies and black pants?”
Liu Sang flustered a little a that question, before shaking his head and answering back in a completely serious voice. “I’ll have you know that Ouxiang also at least possesses one pair of perfectly normal jeans.”
It actually wasn’t that funny, but the way the other made it sound like a grand revelation made him crack up and Liu Sang actually joined him, before breaking off and glancing over at Wang Pangzi, who had leaned in to whisper to Wu Xie.
“What are they up to this time?” he asked while sipping his drink.
The other slowly looked back at him. “Pangzi is wondering if the two of are hooking up.”
At that Huo Daofu paused for a moment, before a devious idea entered his system. “Want to make him regret his gossiping like an old woman?”
“What do you have in mind?” the other asked, curiosity clear as he turned his full attention onto him, the hint of a little gremlin lurking in his eyes. It seemed he wouldn’t mind for some payback for all the times the other man had teased him.
“Close your eyes just as he’s about to drink.”
The other blinked and he could see him mulling the thought over in his head, before his eyes felt shut without warning and then he was already leaning in.
It wasn’t much of a kiss. Just a quick brushing together of their lips.
Going by the spluttering and chocking sound from the other side of the room and a panicked “Pangzi!” by Wu Xie and even Xiaoge raising from his seat to slap the other onto the back to get the liquid going down the wrong way out… Full success.
Liu Sang also didn’t seem like he particularly minded, even if there was a light red dusting his cheeks now and his lips were curling up into a small smile, that grew wider as he listened into loud man’s despair.
“Did… Did you SEE THAT?!” said man almost hollered, making Wu Xie back a bit away with a wince. “Did I see what?” the other asked.
“They… He….” he sputtered, pointing, before suddenly getting out of his seat and marching over like he was on a personal war path.
“What do you think you are doing to our Jinx?!” he demanded, which made both males at the bar exchange a look.
“I’m not sure what you might be referring to?” Huo Daofu drawled, lifting his glass to take another sip and toasting to their success.
“You!!!” Pangzi nearly ranged, before turning towards the younger one. “You! Say something too!”
Liu Sang tilled his head to the side an seemed to be contemplating what Pangzi was saying, before nodding as if to himself. “Ah. I think I know.” he said, before placing his hand onto Huo Daofu’s cheek and made him face him instead of the trio now assembled before them, Wu Xie and Xiaoge having followed their friend’s lead.
He couldn’t claim to have seen it coming, not expecting the other to be as bold as he was in front of his idol, but there he was pressing his lips less innocently to his own than he had done.
Pulling back, he even had the nerve to lick his lips as if enjoying the lingering taste – or maybe he actually was, the drink he was having was good. Naughty.
“Is this what you were seeing?” the younger asked, turning to face Pangzi. His hand was still lingering on the other man, thought had drifted down from his cheek to his shoulder during the kiss.
The man was frozen stiff with surprise, mouth opening and closing, but no sound coming out. Wu Xie was actually gaping unattractively as well and even Xiaoge’s eyes were rounder than he’d seen them before.
“I think we accidentally broke him.” he continued their casual act. “Shall we leave before he recovers?”
“Sure.” the other shrugged, slipping of the barstool and letting him put his arm around his shoulders.
Once they were a safe distance away, he broke down into giggles, which made Huo Daofu wonder if the barkeeper hadn’t ended up slipping in some alcohol into his drinks after all, even as he himself was breaking into a wide smile.
In all the years he’d known Wu Xie, he never had managed to make him look like a fish out of the water and the image of a speechless Wu Xie was certainly one he’d remember for life.
“You know he’s just going to be insufferable about this tomorrow, don’t you?” he warned the other, thought he was still in high spirits.
“Tomorrow?” the other snorted. “I promise you he’ll break into my room at some ungodly hour and shake me awake, demanding that it was all just his eyes playing tricks on him.”
After a moment he grinned devilishly. “Worth it thought.”
“Indeed.” Huo Daofu agreed, pausing, before tilling his head over. “I admit I didn’t expect you to be actually so bold as to kiss me in front of them. That was actually kind of sexy. Trying to get into my pants after all?”
He got knocked slightly into the wall for his words as the other used his meager body weight and the arm still wrapped around his shoulders to his advantage. “You won’t ever let that go, will you?”
The older grinned at him devilishly, before he suddenly turned thoughtful. “Say… Wouldn’t it be a shame if Wang Pangzi would come to check in with you later… only to find the room empty?”
The other looked at him a bit more wary now. “What exactly are you proposing?” he asked. He didn’t fully trust his intentions after all. Good. It meant that the other was indeed a bright one.
“I’m just saying the beds in this hotels are big enough to easily fit two.” he shrugged, thought kept looking at the other out of the corner of his eye, before stopping their movement and withdrawing his arm to look fully at the other. “It doesn’t have to mean any more than just that. Nothing different from sleeping in a tomb with everyone else, except in a more comfortable hotel bed. IF you want it to mean something else...”
He let the words drift up, looking the other up and down, before meeting his eyes again, making his meaning obviously known. “I can’t say I would be opposed either. It’s your decision. You don’t have to make up your mind right away either. Just send me a text if you want to come over and I’ll go open the door for you.”
“All that just to mess with Pangzi?” there was … something else in his voice, that he couldn’t really pinpoint, so all he could do was shrug. “And Wu Xie by extension.” he admitted. “And because I find you interesting enough to have caught my attention. That doesn’t happen to often.”
The other’s tongue peeked out, wetting his lips as he swallowed with a bit of a nervous energy to it. “Certainly sounds you are trying to get into my pants now.”
A chuckle tore itself out of his throat, the joke now turned onto him – and this was exactly what made the other attractive to him. “As I hinted at… I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to that… IF you want that as well.” Making clear that nothing was going to happen if he didn’t have the other’s consent was important to him. Even if the other should change his mind in the middle of it… Well, he had meant what he said. He didn’t care too much for sex, even if felt good to participate in it from time to time, but finding people he actually found appealing to him was tricky. A pretty face or good looking body just wasn’t doing it for him. He supposed it was part of his study of bodies, that tore any charm that held into shreds. No, the person to catch his attention must be an interesting individual. Able to handle his personality and with wits of his own.
Looking over Liu Sang again, he mused he probably did also have a type. A survivor against all odds. And him being handsome might not be a plus to him, but it certainly didn’t hurt either.
“Okay...” the other finally breathed, never taking his eyes of him, not even now, as he took a step closer. “I’ll keep that offer in mind.”
And with that he lightly bumped his body into the other’s and walked past him, towards the staircase leading up to their rooms.
It made him grin smugly despite himself and follow after. No matter what the other choose, he doubted that they’d stop their way of bantering any time soon and he was already looking forward to more.