Title: A Single Stone Sentinel
Fandom: Dynasty Warriors
Rating: G
Length: 485 words
Content notes: Zhuge Liang and Yueying
Author notes: This is seriously my favorite canonical pairing from any of my preferred fandoms.
Summary: Sometimes the toughest obstacles are the ones we place for ourselves.

     "You promised me that you'd stop pushing yourself," Yueying said with some heat as she helped her husband to their bedroom. "You also promised that you would tell certain people in certain positions of authority that you needed a break." She helped him to sit, then began to undress him like a small child. "Don't give me the 'Lord Liu Bei finds me and my counsel indispensable' line again, either. How indispensable would you be if something happened to you?"

     Zhuge Liang sighed, too weary to argue. He instead took Yueying's hand, arresting her progress as she continued to unknot belts and robes. Her eyes met his, her concern clear. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile, caressing her cheek.

     "You're far too good for me, my love." Her mouth pursed at the compliment, but the concern didn't leave her eyes. "You're more than my match in this battle."

     "Battle, is it?" She resumed undressing him. "I think I much preferred it when we didn't have to think of things in terms of battles and strategies and who has the sun at their backs or the higher ground." She yanked off his top-most robe with perhaps more force than she intended, but did not pause or apologize. "When our biggest worry was whether or not you were going to bother to catch any fish for dinner, or if you and your friends were going to stay up all night again, arguing history and philosophy instead of political schemes and the next advantageous move."

     Zhuge Liang chuckled. "And would you chase Lord Liu Bei out of the house with a broom, like you would with my friends when we'd had a little too much wine than was good for us?" Yueying grinned at her husband.

     "The thought has crossed my mind," she admitted. "Shoo him and his brothers out like a bunch of over-grown cats." She slid her arms around his waist, pulling herself in for an embrace, which was eagerly returned. "I miss our little farm and house very much."

     "As do I." He held her tightly, resting his cheek against her head. "I wish...no, I believe too much that Lord Liu Bei is the only one who can stop Cao Cao. I will support him in his endeavor." Yueying slumped helplessly against him. He supported her sagging weight, lifting her up to look him eye-to-eye. There was no surprise in seeing tears there. He wiped them away gently.

     "However," he continued, "a few day's rest will not cause us ruination. I will stay away from my plots and plans, and enjoy a day of leisure with you, my love. And if anyone come to our door tomorrow--" He pulled her into his lap, fumbling with her robes with new-found energy. "If anyone even shows as much as a whisker, then you are free to use the broom as you see fit."