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

[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.

[pinkblinded]

I'm used to having to start over. With jobs or places to live. I'll be okay.

[Gaura laughs softly but there's not really any joy in it.]

Thank you for wanting to be my friend. I haven't really been able to say that before about people back home.

[gentledawn]

You're strong. I...understand...a bit. I was blind when I arrived in this place. Finding my way around was difficult.

[Fortunately he had Zichen and Kexing and Zishu...]

There is another you can count as a friend. His name is Song Zichen and he is my husband. You are always safe with us.

[pinkblinded]

You...were blind?

[Were? He can't recognize his features to tell if he still is. But he doesn't move like a blindman?]

[gentledawn]

I was. [He sighs, smiling faintly.] In fact, I didn't have any eyes at all. But this land has...magic. I was able to find a spell to bring them back.

[pinkblinded]

[Frowning in confusion as he tries to distinguish what Xingchen's eyes must look like he soon realizes it's just impossible. Giving up because he doesn't know where eyes even are on a face, he looks down.]

That kind of magic must be so special...

[gentledawn]

It is. [He cups Gaura's face between his hands and speaks gently:] Would you like for me to look for a spell to aid you? You are very intelligent and kind; I don't like seeing any of my friends suffering.

[pinkblinded]

[Even now it seems that Gaura can't make eye contact, even though he's clearly trying. He's never had anyone pinpoint something about him so fast and then want to help him and he's touched. There are tears in the corners of his eyes as he swallows.]

I don't know if there's a spell for me. I can see. I just...

[Can't recognize faces. Which leads to so many other complications.]

[gentledawn]

Magic comes in many forms. The problem likely doesn't lie in your eyes, but your mind.

[Xingchen dabs at those tears with his sleeve.]

I will study and if I can't find something suitable, I will ask my friends. We will find a solution.

Then... [He is a little teary himself!] You can see your face and recognize it in a mirror.

[pinkblinded]

[This time tears really fall as he draws in a deep breath.]

It... It doesn't seem real. Like that could happen.