Title: Small Tests of Resolve: Part 17
Fandom: Guardian
Rating: G
Length: 300 words
Notes: pre-relationship Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, triple drabble. Many thanks to trobadora for beta. No warnings.
Language note: In New Zealand English, a sweater/pullover/jumper is called a jersey, and "wool" and "yarn" can both mean spun wool.
Summary: A short, kinked strand of wool is dangling from the right sleeve of Zhao Yunlan’s jersey.


A short, kinked strand of wool is dangling from the right sleeve of Zhao Yunlan’s jersey. Shen Wei tries to concentrate on the crime-scene photos laid across his desk, but his gaze keeps returning to it. Did Zhao Yunlan snag his sleeve? Did Da Qing, in cat form, catch his claw?

The holes in Zhao Yunlan’s jeans, though no longer fashionable, are at least deliberate. This is not. This makes Shen Wei’s fingers itch. He could send a subtle thread of dark energy to stitch it up and splice the wool back together. But Zhao Yunlan would undoubtedly notice, if not immediately, then later. Holes don’t unmake themselves.

Zhao Yunlan is already suspicious, and Professor Shen of Dragon City University can’t be found out, not yet.

“Shen Wei?” Zhao Yunlan has noticed his distraction. Glances down and sees the loose yarn. He rubs it as if it’s a stain. “Ah.”

An offer to darn the hole sits on Shen Wei’s tongue like a small solid weight, until saliva pools in his mouth and he has to swallow. He can imagine Zhao Yunlan’s response: the rise of his eyebrows, the glint in his eye. The teasing, testing suggestion that Shen Wei just wants to get Zhao Yunlan out of his clothes. Can imagine holding the garment, warm from Zhao Yunlan’s body, and once in private, using his power to make it whole.

It would be an indulgence, and the risk too high. Zhao Yunlan is already eyeing him as if he can read his mind.

Shen Wei turns back to the photos – a mangled body on the steps of the Dragon City Museum. One day Zhao Yunlan will know him, and he won’t have to make these calculations, won’t have to hold back. For now, there’s more important work to do.



END