[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A very different sight greets the network this time (as compared to his first recording). Xiao Xingchen gazes back at anyone watching with eyes. Said eyes are gentle and wise - if a tad shy.]

Greetings. [He bows respectfully, properly, smiling softly.] I was wondering if there are any gardens or...parks?...nearby? I miss the trees and the flowers.

[The next subject is less wholesome and he bites his lip, pausing, hesitating.]

I have heard certain things said about the dead. I beg of you to leave them in peace. Any spells that could awaken them should not be done by our hands. There will be a price to pay for those responsible and I would rather you be innocent.

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[gentledawn]

[Hearing Zichen's beautiful voice is just an added blessing to being able to see his handsome face! Xingchen flushes and reaches out, knowing that he has been spoiled by the contact Zichen has allowed.]

I will go anywhere with you.

[Though he has no need to hold onto his soulmate, he does it anyway, hugging onto one of Zichen's arms.]

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Only Xingchen. Zichen meets him half way, gently catching his hand as he steps closer than he would have before. The immediate agreement makes him smile a little, shyly. ]

Are you hungry? We could get some food to eat while there.

[ Even if he can't eat yet, they are working towards that goal. And he can keep his precious soulmate company. He turns, tucking Xingchen's arm close to his side, and leads him outside. ]

[gentledawn]

[The closeness brings more color to his cheeks, but his smile speaks for itself. Zichen is his precious one and he is determined to help bring him back to life fully. His soulmate deserves no less.]

I would like that. [One day, they will share a meal. He turns his head to kiss Zichen's cheek.] How do you feel? You've adapted well to the change.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ That smile gives him the courage to not pull away. If he can bring his soulmate even a little happiness...He will. The kiss to his cheek sends a shiver through him and he manages to lean just a little into it. ]

It is...strange. But nice. I am grateful to be able to speak again.

[ But his own comfort pales next to his Xingchen. ]

How about you? Is it still too bright for you?

[gentledawn]

[Zichen is his happiness! Xingchen feels a shy flutter in his belly when his soulmate leans into his kiss. He nuzzles his lips against the spot afterwards, following Zichen step for step.]

I like hearing your voice. I missed it.

[He smiles at the concern, warmed by it.]

I have been teaching myself. I sit by the window and let my eyes adjust. I'm not...confident...I can see very far, but it is getting better.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ He's constantly amazed by Xingchen's gift of compassion. Even the way Zichen is for now doesn't turn the other man away. ]

Good. The sky is a little overcast, so it is not as bright as it has been. And the shade in the park will help. Will you let me help you retrain your eyes?

[ He turns them in one direction, essentially retracing his steps from the morning. ]

[gentledawn]

[His compassion is a product of those who have taught him and befriended him. Zichen has no idea how good he has been for Xingchen.]

Zichen... [He is moved at the offer and he raises a hand to brush against Zichen's cheek.] Was it difficult for you too? At first?

[That was something Xingchen had never considered. Of course Zichen had had to adapt!]

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Not as good as Xingchen has been for Zichen! He'll never really forgive himself for pushing his poor Xingchen away. His expression softens at the care and he manages to lean into the gentle hand against his cheek. ]

Some changes have their challenges. It is our task to adjust, overcome any difficulty.

[ Zichen guides his sweet soulmate down one last street before nodding ahead with a small smile. ]

Look, Xingchen. What do you see? [ There's a pretty park just ahead, but he wants to see this one man's expression when the trees and flowers are noticed. ]

[gentledawn]

[There is nothing to forgive! His poor Zichen had been in agony and he hadn't understood what he needed most. They never had to suffer grief together. Xingchen strokes his thumb over Zichen's cheekbone.]

Whether it is our duty or not, we can make it easier for one another.

[His attention is so focused on Zichen that he isn't paying attention to their journey. When he turns to see the park, he gasps and immediately smiles at the gentle green of the trees...and the colors (oh the many hues!) of the flowers.]

Zichen! It's lovely...

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Now they have. And now they're together again, becoming whole. Zichen settles under the gentle touch, dismissing his fears and unease. ]

You always do.

[ Xingchen's amazement makes his smile grow and he squeezes his soulmate's hand gently. ]

There is more, come.

[gentledawn]

[He wishes he could send those fears to the moon! He would never harm his Zichen. Never. Not knowingly, at least.]

You can always come to me.

[The park is so full of color and birdsong! Xingchen's vision is a little blurry, but he enjoys every inch of what he sees. Even the fuzzy caterpillar on a nearby leaf!]

Look at him! He looks like he is wearing a warm cloak.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Zichen knows this! And the feeling is mutual...when he has his head on straight. ]

So can you.

[ Watching Xingchen look at the world again is a gift. He's even reluctant to look! But only at first, that adorable comment is enough he looks over at the caterpillar and he almost laughs. ]

He's enjoying the weather.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen would never blame him for what he did as a Fierce Corpse. His Zichen was a victim then; nothing more and nothing less.]

I like going to you.

[He bends closer to see the caterpillar scooting its way onto a yummy leaf. Then he laughs, delighted, when he sees the small creature take a bite.]

Aw this must be his lunch! [Xingchen rises and nestles against Zichen.] There are little creatures everywhere.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Zichen blames himself enough for both of them. ]

I like when you do.

[ That laugh is a treasure he holds to his heart.

He startles just a little when Xingchen stands again and chooses to lean against him, but then shyly wraps an arm around his sweet soulmate's waist to welcome him there. ]

And animals, too, Xingchen. There is much to see here.

[gentledawn]

[He turns to face Zichen, cupping that handsome face between his hands. Xingchen rests their foreheads together and smiles at his soulmate lovingly.]

I'm happy I get to share all of this with you.

[Thus why he doesn't leave Zichen behind! He wraps an arm around his waist too and walks towards the flowers. Butterflies are hopping from bloom to bloom, fluttering peacefully.]

I didn't know they came in so many colors.

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ How can he resist this man? He can't! Those hands are safe. He lets out a breath, needless or not, and settles into the gentle hold. Getting to see love in Xingchen's eyes is better than having his tongue back. ]

Mm. I feel more blessed to get to share things with you again.

[ Teasing while being utterly honest~ Zichen immediately moves at Xingchen's side, keeping his arm around the other's waist, and lets himself admire the beauty in the world around them. ]

I hadn't either. What do you think of painting them?

[gentledawn]

[The expelled breath makes his smile widen. His Zichen is so brave! Xingchen kisses the other man's brow and happily snuggles against him as they walk.]

My life is yours. It always has been.

[Cheeks pink, he blinks and peers at Zichen curiously. Painting... The thought pleases him and yet...]

I'm not talented enough to capture their beauty. But I could try?

[tobrushawaysnow]

[ Anything for his soulmate. The snuggling melts his heart! He shakes his head, holding Xingchen closer. ]

Our lives belong to each other. Just as our souls do.

[ That flush makes him smile shyly. ]

I would like to see anything you paint.

[ And put it on their wall. ]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen grins giddily and rubs his cheek against Zichen's shoulder, making the most of the embrace.]

My soul needs to be with yours.

[If he painted them... If he tried... What colors would he use?]

I'll make something for you.