It didn't connect, one minute his arms around his partner, trying to plead with him to let go and then a spray of warmth over his face, the body he's holding going limp and Wangji sinks down with him, his arms still around Wei Ying as he looks down at his face, his fingers reaching to stroke his cheek.

"...Wei Ying.." It's soft, shaky, his eyes widening slowly as what just happened sinks in. The noise of the gunshot, Wei Ying in his arms unmoving and his voice cracks this time.

"Wei Ying, please..open your eyes. I need you to look at me."