The scenario was unknown to both of them. Neither of them ever expected to be in the positions they are to begin with. But here they are, facing each other on the edge of a military camp. So vastly different then when they first met as a poor farmer and a sheltered daughter. Different then when they married and separated as a reluctant soldier and a worried wife. Now, after years apart, they stand as a hardened general and a dutiful warrior. As newlyweds, Chen Le had said goodbye to Zhihao as did many other wives that summer. Neither of them ever thought the roles would reverse. Zhihao has always been a quiet man and the many years away in war has not changed that quality. He did not know what words to say to his estranged wife. So different from when he last saw her but the love is still the same. He sees the strength that Chen Le now carries within her and the pride behind her steely eyes. There are no words to dissuade her and Zhihao doesn't wish to either. Zhihao can now understand the bitter pain a wife feels when sending off her husband. So instead of words, Zhihao does what he knows best and reaches to adjust her armor. It's the only affection he can display beyond the flaps of his tent. Two nights. Two nights was all the time they had after five years apart before having to separate once again. His fingers untie leathers straps only to tie them again, buying time to remain close. Chen Li remains patient, indulging and enjoying the last moments they may have together. Zhihao takes the helmet from her hands, his own scarred hands treating it as a sacred item. In a rare moment of softness, Zhihao tucks a stray hair behind Chen Le's ear. The movement was swift and quick but the affection was translated nonetheless. Zhihao places the helmet on her head without letting the moment settle in for Chen Le. She knows it's for the best. His hands brush under her chin as he ties the straps, bordering the line that goes beyond a general caring for a valued soldier. Time has been stretched for all it's worth and Chen Le can no longer make her comrades wait. She steps back, letting Zhihao's hands fall to his sides. They are no longer husband and wife in this moment, the familiarity between the two of them has to be buried again. Chen Le bows, swallowing her words as she did so many years ago. Zhihao raises his chin and stares ahead at the awaiting warriors. He doesn't react when Chen Le turns promptly to join them. Zhihao watches silently as any general should as the group of warriors mount their horses. There is no backwards glance or whispered words, just the sound of marching horses leaving the camp.

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