{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{Guess what he located? A pipa. It isn't his pipa, but it is a pretty instrument, carved out of golden wood.

For the enjoyment of the network, he performs a piece. The name of the piece is ironic (and fitting). "Attack on All Sides" does nicely summarize his current predicament.

When the piece concludes, he looks into the communicator with a faint, sad smile.}

Any requests?

Comments

[thescorpionking]

{She is stunning like this. Xie presses into the kiss, letting her feel a flicker of his desire for her. But he has never pushed her - never forced her - and he won't.}

Good. They will see her well in no time.

{The next part startles him and he blinks down at her, face paling. The pipa is set aside and he tries to pull her into his arms...into his lap.}

A-Qiao, you shouldn't have...

[heartsgambler]

[ Feeling it makes her heart flutter. But not fear - he doesn't frighten her now. She knows his heart and understands him better.

That paling before he pulls her unresistingly into his lap, combined with those words, has her expression firm as she settles against him. ]

I do not want to see your death when I can prevent it. Deserved or not, I do not care. You are mine.

[thescorpionking]

{Xie remembers being struck and abused by Zhao Jing when he made even simple requests. If those requests displeased the man in any way, Xie paid for it. He has to remind himself that Kexing is a far, far better man. All the same, he checks her for signs of bruising, holding her protectively against his chest.}

I am yours. I trust Wen Kexing won't strike out at you for speaking on my behalf, but that scares me.

[heartsgambler]

[ He won't find a single mark on her, and no signs of any being disguised. Qianqiao curls in his arms, resting their heads together. ]

He would never harm me, A-Xie.

[thescorpionking]

{He kisses her cheeks nonetheless and leans in close, breathing in her soft scent.}

I won't harm you either. I love you, A-Qiao. What I did...

I don't forgive myself.