(( Ouyang hums thoughtfully, tracing his fingers a moment more along those horns before returning his full attention to Runyu's hair and scalp. He savors the feel of the dragon's hair in his hands, knowing that his touch is wanted and not simply expected as another task to be accomplished. In moments like this, it was easy for Ouyang to forget he ever disliked touch.

Like Runyu, he found this sort of intimacy comfortable. Perhaps even preferable to sexual intimacy. Maybe he's still getting used to that. He smiled to himself as he began to rinse the lather from Runyu's hair. They did have much in common: their dislike of their bodies, their love for someone they could never have. But they also understood the importance of companionship and respect. ))

I once thought I would never find the sort of understanding we share. My Lord Esen, for all his good intentions, treated me like a favored pet. We were never equals.