China X Reader - Sunburned

You rested your head against the cherry oak desk, in total misery.

Today was the sixth day on your week long vacation to China to visit your friend, Yao.

You had been having a great time with your Chinese friend. Sadly, he couldn't get time off his job of taking tourists through Changbai Mountain. Refusing to let that take away your time with him, you accompanied him on every one of his trails, traveling the same path over and over, so you could be with him.

The only problems you had faced up until now were some sore legs and a couple of burrs on your shoes.

Unfortunately for you, five days of solid sunshine did not go without its consequences. That coupled with your thin shirt material and no sunscreen left you with a terrible sunburn all over your back as well as across the bridge of your nose and cheeks.

In all honesty, you really didn't even like hiking. If it were any other person, you would have left them to the wilderness and relaxed at the Angsana Spa. But Yao wasn't just anyone to you. There was no denying you had deep feelings for the Chinese man. Even when you had first met him at the age of nine, you had to admit you had a little crush on him. His carefree manner that was always tainted by his hard work; the way he could squeal like a child over something cute but carried the weight of four thousand years. His personality was flexible but familiar, and you loved everything about it.

He certainly wasn't lacking in the looks department, either.  He might have seemed a tad feminine, but you had known him long enough to glimpse the powerful, rough side of his personality. You often found yourself daydreaming about moving here permanently to live with him, having a beautiful wedding ceremony, starting a family...

You sighed wistfully. They were just dreams. In all the years you'd known him, it was unlikely that he would all of a sudden show interest now.

Still, you hadn't given up hope completely...

But now wasn't the time to think about these things. You stretched your arms back as you yawned and instantly cringed in pain.

"Ah-ow..." You moaned, lightly rubbing the area in your shoulder where the wood pressed into your burn.

You gave a slight frown. Even though you wanted to accompany Yao today, there was no way you would be able to hike like this.

A knock was suddenly heard from outside. "Ready to go, (Name)?"

Well, speak of the devil...

Slowly, you walked over, trying to cause as little friction between you and your cloths as possible. You opened the door to revel your friend, with a wide grin an a full backpack.

You smiled when you saw his eager face. "Hi Yao!"

He looked confused. "(Name), those aren't very good hiking clothes, aru."

You glanced down at your pajamas. No, they weren't.

"I don't think I can go today. I'm sorry."

"Oh." He appeared crestfallen. "Why won't you be able to come?"

"I got a really bad sunburn." You winced as you slid some of the fabric down to expose your shoulder.

Red creeped up Yao's cheeks. Oh gosh, is it inappropriate to show someone your shoulder here? You thought, embarrassed.

"O-oh! I'm so sorry, aru! I should have given you sunscreen! But I think I have something that will make it feel better, if you'll excuse me..."

He dashed away, running up the stairs with a blush still on his face.

When he returned, he held a small jar of green ointment.

"This is a very old formula! It is the best thing for relieving sunburns."

He put his hand out, as if to give you the jar, but pulled it back as you grabbed for it.

"Hmm. The sunburn is on your back, aru. Can you reach it? Or would you like me to put it on, aru?"

You gulped nervously. "Oh, um, you can put it on Yao. I-if you don't mind or anything..."

"Nonsense! It is my fault you are burned in the first place."

He twisted open the jar.

"I'll start with your back. Now, lie down on the bed, aru."

Your heart jumped. That sounded...well...

You walked over to your bed and sank on your stomach, wrapping your arms around a pillow to support your head

You could feel the bed shift as he sat down next to you. There was a slight tug at the bottom on your shirt, and you felt your pajamas being rolled up to your shoulders.

Your heart rate quickened; all of this felt fairly intimate: you basically lying down on a bed with your shirt off. Your mind was flipping between feeling awkward and...something unfamiliar.

As the cool gel made contact with with your hot back, you relaxed and gave an involuntary sigh. It felt soooo good; not only was the medicine soothing your burning skin, but Yao's fingers were amazing!

He rubbed his hands slowly down your back, gently massaging the ointment into your scorched flesh. You had a small start when he traveled lower, his thumbs rolling the small of your back as his other fingers rested lightly on your hips.

"I am sorry you are in pain, (Name). I will try not to hurt you." He said in a voice lower than his normal up-beat chirp.

His hands worked their way back up and rubbed your shoulders. He made sure to cover the back of your neck and front of your arms with the medicine.
You were very aware of his breath as it tickled the top of your spine.

He ran his hands back down your back for good measure. "All done!" He lowered your shirt back down. "Does it feel any better, aru?"

You sat up and smiled. "It feels so much better! That stuff is fantastic! Thank you, Yao!"

He grinned. "You are very welcome, (Name)! Now you should go back to bed. Sleep will help your skin, aru! I could tuck you in, if you..." He suddenly frowned, staring at your face. "Oh! Your face is burnt too! Here-"

He dipped his fingers back into the ointment and started to spread it over your nose before you could tell him you could do it yourself.

Not that you didn't appreciate his help.

You couldn't help but stare at his eyes as he grazed over your cheek. If your face wasn't already red with heat, the blush that spread across your face would be obvious. His eyes were a deep honey brown, and, at the moment, were full of concentration and concern. Your own eyes softened. He was so beautiful...

His thumb lingered for a moment on your cheek as he finished. He glanced down at you and was very surprised to see you staring deeply back at him. He blushed, interpreting your look with wide eyes.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then shut it abruptly, the ghost of a grin playing on his lips.

He took another swipe of the medicine. "It looks like your lips are also burnt, (Name). This will make it feel better." His finger traced your lips slowly, coating them in the thick gel.

You gulped, most certainly blushing now.

He drew his finger away, looking closer at your lips. He faked surprise. "I am so sorry, aru! I was mistaken! Your lips are not burnt at all! You do not need the medicine, then. Let me get rid of it."

He placed two slender fingers under your chin and tilted it up, capturing your lips with his.

You nearly burst with happiness as you kissed him back. Yao had kissed you! All the years you spend dreaming we're nothing compared to this perfect moment. His mouth pressed against yours, your hands resting on his shoulders, and the sunlight streaming on your faces.

After licking and sucking all the ointment off your lips, Yao pulled back, satisfied. Smiling, he hugged you and drew you to his form.

"Nǐ duì wǒ hěn zhēn guì, (Name)," He murmured into your hair.

You signed contently as you rested against his torso. "You too, Yao."

You could feel him smile into your scalp before he moved back. "It is time for your nap, (Name). You still need your rest." He kissed your forehead and leaned back, letting you settle into his arms.

You snuggled into his chest smiling sleepily. You were just about to doze off when a thought suddenly occurred to you.

"Yao?"

"Hmm?"

"Was that medicine safe to eat?"