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]

The moment I find them, I will share them with you and him. [Xingchen promises, already planning on twining the blooms in Zichen's hair.] Now for you... Cherry blossoms definitely. But there might be other pink flowers that match you too.

[pinkblinded]

[He looks down shyly then before bringing his fingers up to his hair again.] I don't know. I know that Gaura is a flowering plant that can have pretty pink blossoms.

[gentledawn]

Is it? [He brightens and sets his teacup down.] Don't worry, I'll find one for you. You should keep it on your windowsill.

[pinkblinded]

[He smiles gently and looks up.] It's usually considered an invasive weed that people get rid of actually. I'm not sure where you'll find it.

[gentledawn]

Is it? [He frowns. Invasive! But...] How can a flower be invasive?

[pinkblinded]

It can grow uncontrollably and end up taking up the soil space of other plants. So many prefer not to have it around. [He hesitates to admit that's one of the reasons he named himself after it.]

[gentledawn]

What if it is watched? Or given its own soil? [He is imagining cute little pink flowers! How can they be pests?]

[pinkblinded]

If it has it's own soil it can thrive. I have some at home that I kept and I always liked when they bloomed. The rest of the time they're still pretty green foliage.

[gentledawn]

Then it's not a weed at all. I don't feel right condemning a plant for being...a little greedy. [He chuckles.]

[pinkblinded]

[He can't help but to laugh softly as he has more of his tea.] I like lots of other pink flowers though. They're why I picked pink as my favorite color.

[gentledawn]

Mm it's one of my favorites too. [There is something so happy about it!] In A-Shu's garden, we can find flowers you might not know.

[pinkblinded]

I hope so. I like to learn about new plants. What they are, how they grow, what they need, what they can do... [His eyes are sparkling just talking about it.]

I hope to get inspired for when I'm able to grow my own again.

[gentledawn]

Soon. [Xingchen loves seeing that enthusiasm.] There are places where you can buy land for a garden. I have a few plots of my own. I grow vegetables.

[pinkblinded]

I grew vegetables sometimes when I could. They always made the food I made taste so much more delicious. [Experimenting with cooking is fun. Especially when you're trying to distract yourself from loneliness.]

Maybe one day I'll be able to afford a garden like you said.

[gentledawn]

You will. [Without a doubt! Xingchen sips on the tea and makes a decision.] I know just what to cook for you tonight. I will use some of the vegetables I grew for it.

[pinkblinded]

Really? What are you going to make with them? [He can't help but to be fascinated by this!]

[gentledawn]

Stir-fry! [He announces proudly.] It's delicious and I can include a lot of vegetables.

[pinkblinded]

Oh! I love stir-fry! There's so many wonderful things you can do with it to make each dish special! [He lets out a little laugh then has a sip of his tea.] Thank you. I'm really looking forward to trying it.

[gentledawn]

Exactly! [This particular mix will always remind him of Gaura.] It won't take long either. I should get started and I will return in a few hours.

[He rises from the table and gives Gaura another little bow.]

Lock your door if it makes you feel safer. However you will find many friendly souls in this building.

[pinkblinded]

[Getting quickly to his feet so he can walk Xingchen out, he nods his head at the advice.]

I will. At least when I'm home since I won't know who is coming in otherwise.

[It's so freeing to be able to say that with someone who won't just abandon him for it...]

[gentledawn]

I will announce myself when I return. [He promises, moving to the door and making sure the lock works.] Anyone who is unwilling to do that much puzzles me. I feel blessed to have met Gaura today.

[pinkblinded]

[His cheeks color a little and he offers a polite smile.] I feel blessed too. Thank you for everything.

[gentledawn]

Rest and relax. I won't be long. [Xingchen promises, letting himself out with a soft smile.

And he keeps to his word! After cooking some tasty stir-fry, he places it in a covered dish and carries it back to his new friend's apartment. Knocking on the door, he calls:]

This is Xiao Xingchen, Gaura.

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura has been sorting through what his apartment has so he'll know what he needs to save up for when he hears the knock. Moving slowly to the door, he smiles when he hears who it is and unlocks it.]

Welcome back. It's nice to see you again.

[gentledawn]

[Anything he needs, he can ask for too. The money Xingchen makes goes to good use for himself, Zichen and his friends.

Hearing the door unlock, he smiles too and holds out the dish.]

I bet you're hungry. It's hot, so this is the perfect time to enjoy it.