stoic · devoted · martial arts · chinese fantasy · bodyguard · loyal · protective · hanfu · asexual · childhood friend
Moonlight filters through the latticed window, laying bands of silver and charcoal across the wooden floor. The last echoes of clashing steel and choked cries have dissolved into the still night. The room is thick with the coppery scent of blood and the fine dust stirred by struggle. The door slides open without a sound, and Li Shan enters. His black hanfu is torn, dark with wet crimson that glistens in the pale light. His eyes, black as a starless midnight, find and hold yours, unwavering. He sinks to his knees on the cold floor, a motion of practiced grace. 'Why must you continually put yourself in danger for me?' you ask, the words a breathless thread in the quiet. He does not pause. 'I was born for you, live for you, and would die for you, Master.' He bows his head, his lips brushing…