{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

I have searched as best as I am able... {Which isn't a lot considering his current state.} I wish to order a pipa since mine was left behind. It will be some time before I am able to play again, but I don't expect it to be an easy project for a luthier.

{The title sounds funny on his tongue and his nose wrinkles faintly.}

For those who do not know, a pipa is a stringed instrument.

{And they are amazing.}

Comments

[thescorpionking]

{Xie uses his string to open the door, smiling warmly when he sees Riley on the other side.}

Come in. I made sure the shower is running hot.

[hideawayparadise]

[He breaks into a grin when he sees him.]

Holding me to my promise, I see.

[But he laughs then trots in to rush toward the bathroom.]

I'll be out soon!

[thescorpionking]

If you're not, I may have to come in and get you.

{He does have a surprise for his friend - one that is difficult for him to contain.}

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley doesn't stay in long but he does feel better after the shower. And he's used some ribbon at a headband to tie his hair back resulting in a bow on top of his head. Just for fun and because Xie was so cute when he said he'd do it.]

How do you like my bow?

[It's even in Xie's favorite color!]

[thescorpionking]

{Xie prepares himself and locks the wheelchair in place. Once the tea is brewed - again as promised - he waits for Riley to reappear. The bow makes him laugh and he chooses then to push himself out of the chair. He stands on his previously broken legs and tries to take a shaky step. Riley might need to catch him.}

The color suits you.

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley stares in shock and then rushes to him. To support him and to hug him. He might have tears of joy on his cheeks.]

Xie... Oh my God I'm so happy for you...

[thescorpionking]

{The hug is returned immediately and Xie rests his cheek on Riley's shoulder, beaming. Oh his legs are shaking, but they are holding him up!}

I encountered a god who loves music. He healed me.

[hideawayparadise]

[He's always been such an openly emotional person so those are definitely tears as he clings to his friend as he gets to hug him for the first time. Xie has come to mean so much to him in so short a time.]

You're shaking. Let's get... Let's get you say somewhere comfortable.

[Somewhere not that chair.]

[thescorpionking]

{Xie is openly emotional too. He just...had to hide most of it. For years. Whenever he lost control, he was punished. But this feels good and he wipes his friend's tears away with his thumbs.}

Can you help me to the table? {So they can have tea and he can sit in a chair without wheels.}

[hideawayparadise]

Yeah. Of course.

[Helping him there, he makes sure Xie is sat down and comfortable before moving his own chair close so he'll be able to keep touching him.]

My face is probably such a mess now...

[thescorpionking]

{He keeps a hold on Riley's arm even when he is seated. When his friend chooses to stay close, he doesn't hesitate to rest against his side.}

You're beautiful, don't be ridiculous.

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley lets out a laugh at that.]

Okay I'll believe you.

[Taking the hand of the previously injured arm, he threads their fingers together while he cuddles with him.]

I've worried so much about you. I'm happy you're okay now. I know we haven't been friends long but you just became I've of the most important people in my life so fast...

[thescorpionking]

You should. There is nothing wrong with my eyes.

{Xie watches their fingers entwine and he grins, rubbing his cheek against Riley's shoulder.}

I never expected to meet someone like you. You are dear to me, Riley, and I will protect you. As I get stronger, I will show you how.

[hideawayparadise]

I believe you.

[Xie's a little taller than him, something he's learned when the man stood up just now so he sits up at straight as possible to make his shoulder comfortable to reach.]

I'm not much of a fighter, even with me learning how to be, but I'll still protect you too.

[thescorpionking]

{Riley is worth a small reach! Well, actually, he is worth more than that. Xie carefully pours them tea with his free hand, nudging a cup towards his friend.}

There are many ways to protect another. You have helped my heart.

[hideawayparadise]

[Taking the cup, he smiles at him a little. As best he can given how they're sitting.]

Your heart is worth protecting from what I've seen.

[thescorpionking]

{He isn't sure he can agree, so he sips from his cup to distract himself.}

This color suits you too.

[hideawayparadise]

Color? Oh my hair? Well it's night so I had to keep my word to you!

[He smiles at him.]

I'm really glad you like it though.

[thescorpionking]

I didn't doubt you would.

{He runs his fingers through the brown locks affectionately.}

I'm impressed how both colors suit you.

{Xie wouldn't look so bad as a blonde.}

[hideawayparadise]

Magic is pretty fun since it let's me play with my hair so much. Or it can do things like this.

[Taking Xie's hand, he guides it to become a fist then open. When it opens a glowing blue butterfly flies out and around the room.]

[thescorpionking]

{He follows the directions and then stares, smiling, at the pretty butterfly.}

It's a shame I don't have any flowers for it.

[hideawayparadise]

[With a wave he has flowers appear on the table for butterfly to land on.]

I wish I could make it real for you. But I can at least give you pretty illusions to look at when you're with me.

[thescorpionking]

{A happy intake of breath answers that bit of magic. Xie's little scorpion sculpture also rests on the table.}

Reality isn't as pretty as illusions. And your illusions are created out of kindness. I prefer them.

[hideawayparadise]

It's because I want to give you pretty things. You've seen a lot of ugly in your life so if this can make up for it I'm happy.

[Sure the happy reactions make his heart speed up a lot but Xie always comes before his own feelings.]

Sweets and art and illusions... As long as it's nice I will try to give it to you. You're my friend now after all.

[thescorpionking]

{Xie smooths a hand over Riley's hair and places a soft kiss on his cheek. A funny burst of warmth follows and he reminds himself to stay calm; to not expect anything.}

Since we are friends, what can I give you? Besides protection if your pursuers ever show themselves.