[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]

[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.

[gentledawn]

[Pouring the tea gracefully, keeping his sleeves out of the way, he sets a cup before Gaura and then himself.]

Our hearts know. Trust what you feel. He might be your soulmate.

[pinkblinded]

My soulmate...

[His cheeks color a little more. He doesn't know about that. But he knows it would be lovely.]

Even if he isn't I'm just so happy I get to have this time with him.

[gentledawn]

I have discovered that I can love others without them being my soulmate. The love is different, but very fulfilling.

[He sips the tea, blushing.]

Either way, what you have with Henry is special.

[pinkblinded]

I met someone else that I love. But he's like a little brother to me. He's very sweet and protective. And there's you as well who also feels like family.

[He smiles gently and sips at his tea.]

I think what I have with Henry is special too though. It always feels that way.

[gentledawn]

I had a feeling you would form your own family. [He isn't shocked. Gaura is a light - he draws people to him.]

I will always be here for you. Zichen will too. I hope you extend that message to Henry.

[pinkblinded]

I've never really had that before. It's so new but it feels good.

[He doesn't fault his parents for struggling with him. But to have the family he has now is... It's magical.]

Of course. I will let him know. I promise.

[gentledawn]

I'm sorry you were denied a family. That shouldn't have happened.

[Xingchen is less merciful to Gaura's parents. He knows what his Master would have said about them and to them.]

I know you will. While we are here, I like the idea of us acting as a family. That way, everyone has somewhere to go if circumstances take their home from them.

[pinkblinded]

It's alright. They can live their own lives now.

[Some tell him he shouldn't be so forgiving but he really can't help it honestly.]

I like having you as my family. It makes me really happy.

[gentledawn]

[Empty lives, he thinks, because they lack a pink flower.]

I'm honored to be your family, Gaura. It's not something I take lightly.

[pinkblinded]

You've always been so kind to me, Xingchen. It means the world to me to have you as a brother. Truly.

[gentledawn]

[A brother? His cheeks turn red and his smile wobbles happily.]

I've never had a brother. Tell me if I am being too protective.

[pinkblinded]

[He laughs softly.]

I won't mind if you are. I promise.

[gentledawn]

You deserve the best. [Even if a "brother" needs to be reprimanded.]

[pinkblinded]

It just means you care and you're taking care of me. How could I ever hate that?

[gentledawn]

Care can be abusive. You must be aware of that. [Xingchen grows serious, frowning faintly.] When you feel trapped, speak up.

[pinkblinded]

[He tilts his head and blinks in surprise. To be honest, he's never had care like that at all. He's always been so content to have any attention at all that he's never known it to become cruel.] ...I will. I don't feel like you'll ever make me feel that way though...

[gentledawn]

I wouldn't intentionally. Never. [Xingchen promises solemnly.] You are dear to me.

[pinkblinded]

You are dear to me too. I trust you. [He reaches over to gently touch his wrist.]

[gentledawn]

[His hand turns and he grasps Gaura's hand.]

I will work to be deserving of your trust always.

[pinkblinded]

You don't have to. Really. Just you being you is so wonderful.

[He offers him a smile and squeezes his hand.]

You're amazing, Xingchen. I sometimes want to be more like you.