[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[He too heard the broadcast and he has questions he can't stifle:]

Please, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could someone give me guidance on what is expected of us? Releasing my...my regrets...

I'm not sure I...can.

[Just like that. In a blink. How can anyone? He closes his eyes, expression pained.]

As for being here before... Do you think that is true?

[His head aches and he rubs at his temple.]

Our lives are complicated enough, I think, without time misbehaving.

Comments

[gentledawn]

I must...return to him. That is the only solution I can envision. But rebirth is out of my hands. I must prove myself worthy of that and with all the mistakes I make...

[His soul will be fractured too and contained in a spirit pouch.]

We would be indebted to you. All I ask is you help me bring my Zichen peace. If he wishes to be with me, give us a chance to make that happen.

[dragonrising]

I will do all that is within my power. Even if you two are unable to know that it is I aiding you.

[He knows he's not meant to interfere so heavily in mortal lives and yet... He loves them. Runyu knows he cannot avoid it. Will not.]

I will find a way so you are both happy.

[gentledawn]

I will find a way to thank you. [That is a promise. Xingchen doesn't take; doesn't expect. Runyu will be loved and appreciated by them and they will reach him. Somehow.]

To be safe, I feel we should remain close to the manor - unless we must work. What do you think?

[dragonrising]

I think that wise for now. If people are close to the manner I stand a better chance of creating a barrier to protect us if it becomes necessary.

[reliesondirtytricks]

[ He reaches up and rests his hand over Xingchen's where it was on his chest. ]

You're only curious seeing as you haven't seen the full form yet.

[ At the mention of singing, however, he laughs. ]

I play the xiao, I don't sing.

[gentledawn]

Zichen and I will spend our time in the manor for now. We can place talismans around the perimeter, but I do not know if they will be of any use.

[dragonrising]

I do not know what use my abilities will be either. But I know that I can at least extend a barrier over the entirety of the manor to at least offer some protection to the residents.

[gentledawn]

[The simple touches make him feel bold and he presses a kiss to Mingye's lips after he hears his laughter.]

You're right. I would like to see it.

[Blushing, he sits up straighter and adds:]

I also wouldn't mind hearing you try to sing.

[gentledawn]

We stand together, Runyu. I do not expect you to protect us single-handedly. Mingye reminded me that our strength lies in our bonds with each other.

[dragonrising]

[His mouth opens and then closes again. He's so used to having to do so much alone and yet he knows Xingchen speaks the truth.]

You are both right. Thank you for reminding me.

[gentledawn]

[He is guilty of the same thought process. But Mingye is right. They need to rely on each other. They need to treat each other as equals.]

Hold onto our hands. I won't let you go.

[dragonrising]

I feel that even if I were to let go then you two would cling harder.

[A fact that makes him smile.]

I'm grateful.

[reliesondirtytricks]

[ The kiss pressed to his lips throws him off. That? It wasn't something that he'd expected. It doesn't, however, stop him from kissing him back. Xingchen should be careful. He might want more of that. ]

I could show you.

[ The transformation was just a bit painful. ]

Why would you want to hear me try to sing?

video | un: wwx

[diabolique]

Uncle... Will you be alright?

(( Cue a very worried looking Wei Wuxian on the screen. ))

text | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

They have not given us much time to deal with this.

text

[gentledawn]

No and that makes it more difficult. There is no time to become accustomed to the idea.

[theatrics]

Perhaps if we had known sooner we could have done what needs to be done.

video

[gentledawn]

[There's his cute nephew. Xingchen smiles a little at just the sight of him.]

I can...overcome...my past. I only hope I do not face my future.

What about you? Will you be alright?

[gentledawn]

We are very stubborn. You would leave marks on your hands from our grip!

[He doesn't have talons, but he does have nails! And he will use them to hold on if he must.]

Runyu, I know this is cowardly of me, but will you...help...me if...

If my future is shown to me in full. I... I will need a friend.

[gentledawn]

[So much of what they have done has been unexpected, but good. Xingchen loves Mingye and his heart flutters happily when his kiss is returned. Being...physical...has become something he thoroughly enjoys.]

Will it hurt you or tire you?

[If so, then no. He smiles softly and nudges their foreheads together.]

I like your voice. Why else?

[gentledawn]

The regrets...need to be forgotten. For now. That is the only way.

[diabolique]

I don't know...

[gentledawn]

I will come to keep you company.

[theatrics]

How do you suggest we accomplish that?

[diabolique]

(( He shakes his head quickly holding up his hands. ))

Don't worry about me! I have Lan Zhan. You should focus on Song-daozhang and any one else you care about.