Prompt: “Tears Mingling with the Rain”

Pairing: Kris/Lay

Words: ~1100

Kris awakens to the sound of rain pattering against glass, ears ringing with muffled sobs of agony. He thinks the sobs will subside, that he was just dreaming, but when they continue on, and Kris’s eyes have finally adjusted to the darkness, Kris jolts from his bed, reaching across to the other occupant of the hotel room.

Kris rubs his eyes, waiting for them to adjust to the darkness of the night. He throws a quick glance across to his nightstand, reading 2:08 am on the glowing screen.

“Yixing?”

Kris hisses when his bare feet hit cold carpet, all too aware that he has left the warmth of his hotel bed behind.

“Yixing, are you alright?”

The sobbing stops for a minute, Kris hearing the shift of sheets, before it picks up again, louder than before. Kris hears the agonizing sniffles and the way Yixing’s breath catches in his throat. It makes him feel so mad, so helpless, and so angry at himself that he can do nothing to protect or help the other teen.

“Yixing?”

“Wu Yifan, I’m fine,” Yixing mumbles.

But Kris knows that Yixing is anything but fine.

Yixing doesn’t cry very often, and when he does he tries not to be with someone else, lest he hinder or cause annoyance to the other. Yixing likes to cry behind closed doors; he is not as open as Zitao or even Luhan about these things. Where others will immediately tell Kris their pains and grievances, Yixing will keep it hidden, stashed away and bottled up like an unfavourable secret.

“You’re not fine,” Kris states firmly, leaning on the edge of Yixing’s mattress.

If there’s one thing Kris has learnt over the years, it’s that everyone has a breaking point. People can be strong, both physically and mentally, but eventually with enough of a push, they will snap. Yixing chokes back another sob, turning to face Kris with tear-streaked and reddened cheeks.

“It’s my waist,” he finally accedes, voice cracking followed by a small whimper.

“It hurts.”

Another whimper escapes Yixing’s lips and Kris thinks his heart must be breaking. He presses the palm of his hand to Yixing’s chest, quickly flipping the other over and lifting his shirt just enough to reveal bruised skin. Kris in a breath, pressing his index finger to a particularly nasty bruise, eliciting a gasp of pain from the other teen.

“Yixing, I told you to take it easy,” Kris chastises, though voice filled with worry.

“You’ve been practicing so hard recently, it’s no surprise this has happened. You’re not a machine Yixing, don’t forget that.”

“I’m sorry,” Yixing whispers.

Kris sighs, knowing full well why Yixing pushes himself so hard. Yixing is driven and stubborn, just like the other eleven members in EXO, Kris included. He makes his best attempts to improve and please the fans with flawless performances; learning the dance moves until he can no longer stand. Kris knows he is the exact same way, and he feels slightly guilty for criticizing the dimpled teen when he himself would do exactly the same thing if he were in his position as lead dancer.

Kris shifts his weight, pressing his side into the mattress and pulling his legs up, snaking an arm under Yixing’s shoulder until he finds his perch, lying beside the younger teen with their foreheads pressed together. He lets out a small sigh, fingers gently the back of Yixing’s neck comfortingly.

“You don’t have to apologise to me,” Kris mumbles, eyeing Yixing carefully.

“I just wish you didn’t push yourself so hard. You could really hurt yourself, and not just in the short term, but also in the long run. I… I get worried.”

Yixing nuzzles himself into Kris’s shoulder, and Kris feels a teardrop fall and slip down the collar of his shirt. Yixing apologizes again, but Kris is quick to hush him, drawing him close. Kris uses his free arm to bring the younger teen’s face closer to his, tilting Yixing’s chin upwards with a finger so that their eyes meet. Even in the darkness, Kris can see the pain in his eyes.

“Shhh, don’t cry…” Kris whispers.

“I’m here.”

“I know,” Yixing responds, voice hoarse.

Kris notices just how beautiful Yixing really is. He sees the emotions in Yixing’s eyes and he can’t help but be drawn in by the sight; how Yixing’s dimple forms on his cheek as the younger teen gives him a loose smile, how cute his button nose sniffles even through his tears, how Yixing’s lips appear a smooth and gentle pink.

The pair stare at each other, Yixing’s eyes wet with tears and Kris’s eyes wet with the thought of Yixing’s pain and the overwhelming feeling of uselessness he has, unable to help his friend. Kris leans down, slightly, unable to control his actions as his emotions take control. Slowly, gently, Kris’s lips caress Yixing’s cheek, his dimples, his neck, his forehead, until finally their lips meet.

Both are in absolute shock. Kris cannot believe what he is done, and Yixing equally is confused by his actions. Kris’s eyes widen and he is about to apologise, before Yixing forces their lips to meet once again.

“Yixing?”

Kris can barely process his thoughts as Yixing pulls away, soft smile gracing his features. He pulls Kris closer to him, skin clashing with skin as Yixing burrows himself into Kris’s chest. Yixing sighs, and Kris is worried he has broken him, with the way their bodies have seemingly molded together.

“Thank you,” Yixing whispers in his ear, leaning across to kiss him on the cheek.

“For what?” Kris asks.

“For being here.”

Kris feels the beating of Yixing’s heart and how it slows to a steady pace, how Yixing’s tears seem to stop and how the sound of his whimpers slowly subsides into steady breathing. Kris sighs in relief, letting himself slowly slip into unconsciousness.

The next morning, Kris makes sure to fluff up Yixing’s pillow, and brings him in a couple of aspirin and a glass of water before slipping out.