[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A white rabbit stares at the camera.

And stares.

Then a back leg thumps impatiently against the floor. A flash of magic follows and then Xingchen is sitting where the rabbit had been, his black hair scattered with white strands. He quickly dresses himself and clears his throat.]

Forgive me. I meant to say: if you are near the Temple and find yourself in need of rest or refreshment, you are welcome. All are welcome as long as you come in peace and do not mind cats.

Or... [Another cough.] Rabbits.

Comments

[pinkblinded]

[Come over, he looks at the shrub then back to his friend.]

Can you tell me even more about it? How big the flowers are? The shrub? How many petals? What they smell like?

[His cheeks color then.]

I'm sorry. That was probably so many questions...

[gentledawn]

No, I'll do my best! [Xingchen frowns pensively.] The flowers were about half the size of my hand. The shrub itself was a cluster of blooms; that was why I liked it so much. As for petals...five. They were like stars.

[Scent... He breathes in, taking himself back.]

Sweet? But there was a spice to it.

[pinkblinded]

[He tries to think of it then pulls out a pair of pink gardening gloves to put on. Filling a large pot with dirt, he closes his eyes as he rests his hands on the soil. He lets himself picture the plant Xingchen is describing until it starts to grow up from the soil. He doesn't know if it's right but he knows he can keep trying too.]

Is this it?

[gentledawn]

[He peers over Gaura's shoulder, holding his breath. When the little white blossoms begin to bloom, he gasps and nods excitedly.]

Yes! We called it dùjuān huā. [It's Chinese Rhododendron.]

[pinkblinded]

When you were describing it I realized I'd seen it before. Where I'm from we call it Chinese Rhododendron.

[He smiles gently and looks back to him.]

I can grow some more for here and grow some to send to your home so you can have them there too.

[gentledawn]

It's well-known? [The news delights him and he pats the soil around the little shrub fondly.]

I would love to have some in the Temple and around my home.

[pinkblinded]

It is if you know flowers like I do.

[He smiles at him.]

I can come to both places to grow them for you. Wherever you'd like them there.

[gentledawn]

My clever friend.

[Xingchen smiles proudly and uses his golden core to lift the pot into the air.]

Our home is connected to the Temple. So if you visit one, you are technically visiting both.

[pinkblinded]

That will make it easier!

[He laughs and brushes the dirt away from himself again.]

Here. Come inside. I'll show you our place and make you something.

[gentledawn]

We have always wanted to teach and the connection makes it easier.

[The sounds and scents of the Temple are also comforting. Both he and Zichen need healing for their souls.]

Thank you. [He bows his head and sets the pot by the entrance to the garden so he can retrieve it before he leaves.]

[pinkblinded]

[Bringing him inside, he shows him around his new home. When they get back to the kitchen, he moves around to get some tea started.]

It's like having a fairytale home. I love it so much.

[gentledawn]

[He almost feels like he in a forest! Xingchen peeks into the various rooms and laughs, delighted.]

It does feel magical. I feel like those birds on your ceiling are real!

[pinkblinded]

Maybe they will be at some point. Pretty birds to fill the house with their song!

[gentledawn]

Leave out some seed and dishes of water and you might get your wish.

[pinkblinded]

[He laughs softly and bends over to tend to making some snacks, revealing what might be some feathery fluff between the strands of his hair.]

I think they'll be happier outside. But I could get something set up for them in the garden.

[gentledawn]

Mm you're likely right, but a small visit now and then wouldn't hurt.

[He takes a seat carefully and smiles curiously at the fluff. A bird? How sweet.]

There will soon be one pink bird to keep them company.

[pinkblinded]

There will?

[He looks out the window to look for it, not realizing he means him since he's forgotten about the fluff he has.]

[gentledawn]

There are feathers in your hair.

[Xingchen grins before softening to a small smile.]

I'm glad to see them.

[pinkblinded]

[His cheeks color as his hand goes to the back of his head. He remembers how he learned about them. A very intimate moment with Henry honestly...]

Oh. Yes. I'd forgotten. Henry found them recently actually...

[gentledawn]

[As it should be. Xingchen had discovered his tail in much the same way!]

I suspect he is the cause of them.

[pinkblinded]

[He blushes even more and nods.]

...I think...because we said we love each other not too long ago...

[gentledawn]

Love is powerful. [He smiles softly, thinking about his Zichen.] You deserve it, Gaura.

[pinkblinded]

[He blushes a little more then brings a tray over with the tea and some snacks.]

I was scared he would think it too soon. But we had to confess secrets during the recent trials. It was the only secret I haven't told him. And then he returned my feelings. Then I was given this house and he wanted to live with me and...

[He smiles as he sits.]

He's amazing.

[gentledawn]

[His smile grows with each new detail and he offers to pour them tea since Gaura was nice enough to brew it for them.]

You are both amazing. Time has very little to do with love. Of course over time you can learn more about your partner, but I remember loving Zichen when I first saw him.

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura nods at the offer, murmuring a thank you.]

I think I loved Henry when I first saw him too. I just didn't realize it until later.