[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

I... I have ears. [He is afraid to show himself, but the ears are too long to hide. The tip of one can already be seen, fuzzy, white and shivering. When he finally sidles into full view, he reveals the effect Kizuna has had on him. Yes, those are white rabbit ears. He runs his hands over them, frowning in dismay.]

Are they...permanent? [To make matters worse, when he thinks of a certain soulmate, they spring upright in unison!] I can't walk around like this.

Comments

[soakedinvinegar]

You're adorable!

[gentledawn]

[He hides his face behind his hands.]

A-Xing...

[soakedinvinegar]

Don't be embarrassed! It suits you.

[gentledawn]

You...can touch them if you...like.

[soakedinvinegar]

May I?

[gentledawn]

Yes. I think they are very soft.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing reaches up to catch one of those fluffy ears between his fingers, dragging them from base to tip. His smile softens but his eyes seem brighter. ))

Very soft.

[gentledawn]

[The ears perk up, nice and tall, and Xingchen's eyes almost close. A funny shiver runs up his back and he has to laugh at himself.]

I guess I would be a white rabbit.

[soakedinvinegar]

It suits you, sweet A-Chen.

[gentledawn]

I wonder if I will start to crave carrots? [He's trying to be funny.]

[soakedinvinegar]

If so, I'll get some for you. (( Though he's trying to tease in kind, he actually would buy some for Xingchen if the craving arose. ))

[gentledawn]

[The offer earns a bright smile. Xingchen is charmed by the bright colors of fruits and vegetables, so he wouldn't be able to say no to some pretty orange carrots.]

I visit the market as often as I can. What are your favorite foods?

[soakedinvinegar]

I enjoy Wolong nuts. I'm not sure they exist here.

[gentledawn]

Is that...a store?

[soakedinvinegar]

Yes.

[gentledawn]

I can find you nuts, but you will have to try them to see if the quality can be matched.

[soakedinvinegar]

Why don't we go together? I can't let A-Xu go hungry.

[gentledawn]

I would like that. [Zishu will never go hungry with both of them around! Xingchen is more than happy to bring him fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole dishes...]

[soakedinvinegar]

We can get some carrots for you.

[gentledawn]

I saw some that were red! [Yes, that does excite him.]

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing lifts a hand to hide his giggle. Then he loops an arm around Xingchen's and gives him a small nudge. ))

Shall we?

[gentledawn]

[There have been times Xingchen has gone without a meal or two. He never makes a fuss about it. But seeing such ripe, beautiful produce thrills him. He loves making sure everyone has something to eat.]

Yes. [Beaming, he holds onto Kexing's arm and hurries towards the markets. His white robes flutter around him like feathers or butterfly wings.] Do you have a favorite type of nut?

[soakedinvinegar]

(( And the embarrassment he felt toward having rabbit ears is suddenly gone. How easy that was! Kexing is pleased with both himself and Xingchen, smiling as they make their way to the market. ))

Walnuts! What about you? What are A-Chen's favorite foods?

[gentledawn]

[Distracting him isn't difficult - he is a bit like a happy bird. Or...a rabbit. And no one will dare to make fun of him with Kexing near!]

Walnuts are delicious. [One of his ears flops against his hair as he thinks.] I like fresh foods. And stews.

[soakedinvinegar]

Then let us buy some fresh vegetables to stew!