Video; un: petalpink

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura is honestly rather used to getting lost. He's been fired from enough jobs for being late to work because of it, after all. So now he feels like maybe that happened here? Yes, he's had everything explained to him but that certainly hasn't stopped the confusion.

But after going in circles for several hours he's finally discovered this feature and he's giving it a go.]

Hi there. [He gives a smile. A look he's figured out is usually the thing to get someone to help.]

Could someone help me out? I seem to have lost my way to my apartment and nothing is really looking that familiar. Is Koreatown familiar to anyone at least?

Comments

[gentledawn]

[Unless he draws his sword, Xingchen is one of the least intimidating people Gaura will likely meet. He smiles at the returned bow and motions for the other man to follow him.]

There are apartments meant for us this way. They have maps of the city, too.

[pinkblinded]

I'm not always the best at following maps. I try to look for signs but sometimes it's hard to recognize turns...

[He's done a lot of research on his condition since running away from home. So he knows that it's part of having it. But it doesn't really make things easier.]

Back home I've been fired from a lot of jobs for being late to work because I kept getting lost.

[gentledawn]

[His brow furrows in concern and he worries his lip, trying to think of a solution. That must be scary and frustrating! But, in the end, he can only offer his help.]

If you find yourself lost, feel free to call for me. I will always be happy to guide you. I know the city pretty well now.

[pinkblinded]

[He looks surprised by the offer, looking over at Xingchen.]

I don't want to inconvenience you. You're already doing me such a huge favor.

[gentledawn]

I left my Master's mountain to aid others. It would be an honor to guide you, Gaura.

[He softens and adds:]

Besides I like making new friends.

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura lowers his gaze and smiles softly.]

I've never really had friends before. It would be nice to have one. Thank you, Xingchen.

[gentledawn]

[Color rises on his cheeks; a happy pink.]

I hope you consider me worthy. [He keeps close to Gaura's side until they reach the right building. Then he opens the doors for them.] I think an apartment close to the bottom floor would be best.

[pinkblinded]

[Looking around for an attendant to help them, he's surprised that they not only can walk in but that it seems they're on their own for picking a place too. Still, he trusts Xingchen and stays at his side.]

Yes please. I usually try to do that whenever I've had to move.

[gentledawn]

[Grabbing one of the maps, he circles the apartment building.]

Write your room number on this and keep it with you. Then, even if you are lost, someone can direct you easily enough.

[He leads the way to the stairs, preferring them to the elevator. After all, he only intends on going to the first floor.]

[pinkblinded]

[Taking the map, he nods and holds it close like it's a treasure. One from someone who wants to be his friend and help him.]

Thank you. I'll keep it with me.

[He hopes to not get lost but he does know himself well.]

[gentledawn]

[Gaura has a new protector! Xingchen feels a bit like a mother hen, but he doesn't mind.]

When I first came here, I didn't recognize any of the ah...technology? You seem to be more modern than I am.

[pinkblinded]

I have a phone at home. I use the tracking on it to guide me so I don't get lost. And I'd use my computer to order groceries so I wouldn't have to go out sometimes. But technology kind of stops working of there's ever a broken signal.

[Gaura shrugs because what can you do? It's just what you have to learn to deal with really.]

I've lived in places where I didn't have access to any of that either. So I'm kind of used to whatever I end up living with.

[gentledawn]

[He's...lost...at that explanation, but that is an answer in and of itself! Gaura should be fine with the appliances in the apartments. The nearest apartment to the stairs is the one he tries first, knocking and then opening the door. It seems to be...free?]

Look for yourself. If you like it, I'll gather the key for you.

[pinkblinded]

We can just...go in?

[That's very different from apartment hunting that he's familiar with. Still, he goes in to look around. It's the very basics, nothing fancy. But he doesn't really need more than that. He'd been living in worse until recently anyway.]

These places are nice.

[gentledawn]

These apartments are for us; we can choose any one we like - granted that it isn't taken - but all of them are similar.

[Xingchen watches Gaura protectively.]

I can bring you food later, if you like? I tend to make too much.

[pinkblinded]

[Looking back at Xingchen, he blinks.]

I don't want to impose you've already done so much for me. I can always get food when I find a market tomorrow.

[He should figure out where the market is actually. But for right now he feels bad that he has nothing to offer this person who has done so much to help him.]

[gentledawn]

You're not imposing! I love to cook and I'm always looking for people to try my new recipes.

[He keeps it basic for the most part - good, warm, home-cooked food.]

Are you allergic to anything?

[pinkblinded]

No. I can eat anything.

[Looking down at the floor, he hesitates a moment. He's feeling emotional right now. Xingchen is being so nice to him and he's done nothing to deserve it. Doesn't even have a way to repay him. Drawing in a slow breath, he speaks quietly.]

I'll find a way to pay you back. For showing me a home, for being willing to help me when I'm lost, for giving me food my first night...

[gentledawn]

[He beams, pleased, before hesitating. His expression falls and he walks up to Gaura, laying a hand on his shoulder.]

I am merely returning what I was given. We take care of each other, Gaura, since we come from very different circumstances. I just want you to be safe, warm and fed on your first night.

[pinkblinded]

[That hand is so warm. He looks up at him, to look at his face even though his eyes can't seem to make contact with Xingchen's, and offers a little smile.]

May I ask for one small favor?

[gentledawn]

Of course. [Xingchen tilts his head, smiling encouragingly.] Anything.

[pinkblinded]

Whenever you visit me... [He shakes his head.] Whenever you see me, could you greet me by telling me who you are?

[gentledawn]

[...and his heart breaks. Xingchen draws Gaura into a soft embrace.]

You have my word. I won't leave you in confusion, friend.

[pinkblinded]

[He tenses at the embrace at first, not used to even getting them. But he quickly melts into it, lifting his arms up so he can return it.]

...thank you.

[gentledawn]

[He has found great comfort in hugs. Gaura must be uncertain, at the very least, and Xingchen wants him to know he is never alone. All he has to do is send a call out for help and he will have multiple people checking on him!]

Don't be frightened. Jikan can be strange, but I've never come to great harm and neither will you.