{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

[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.

[hideawayparadise]

I hadn't even thought about it.

[He's just been so focused on Xie... That sweet kiss does make him smile though. So warm and sweet.]

People have asked a lot from you so I don't want to join them. But I'll accept whatever you give me.

[thescorpionking]

{He shakes his head, his braids and their various silver ornaments making a soft sound.}

I want you to think about it. Soon I will be as able to move as anyone else. You've been so good to me and I don't like taking without giving in return.

[hideawayparadise]

[He holds up the ring he always wears on his finger. The one Xie gave him.]

You haven't given me nothing. You've given me this. And protection if I need it. If I start asking for things I'll probably sound greedy or something.

[And since that's a Fae thing boy he doesn't want that.]

[thescorpionking]

{It's sweet to see his ring valued like a treasure. Xie knows the smallest of gestures speak the loudest.}

You could never sound greedy.

{Seriously. Ever.}

I don't think you have a greedy bone in your body.

[hideawayparadise]

I'm really glad. The Fae can be really greedy and I don't want to be anything like them.

[Does he use his magic? Yes. But if he doesn't it goes out of control and he doesn't want to hurt people.]

I want to be someone you can be proud to call someone special to you. I don't want to be someone who would demand things of you.

[Xie deserves the very best friendship. Nothing toxic to poison his life.]

[thescorpionking]

You think of others. Why else would you hurry to my hospital bed?

{The bed of a stranger who, at the time, had nothing to offer. Now that he can be useful, he wants to show his gratitude and, yes, his affection too.}

I know men who ask and ask... You are not one of them, Riley. Please don't associate yourself with them.

[hideawayparadise]

[He pouts a bit and shifts so he can cuddle closer.]

Okay. I won't. I believe you. I'll even try to ask for something sometime. Though honestly just getting to see you all the time means the most to me.

[It matters to him a lot that he get to see people that matter to him.]

[thescorpionking]

{The answer brings a flush to his cheeks and he wraps his arm around Riley tighter.}

You can come and see me whenever you like. There is always a place for you.

{Xie is the sort that will share what he has with those dear to him.}

[hideawayparadise]

[Leaning over, he gently kisses his cheek.]

I'm seriously so happy you're getting better now. You're gonna be able to discover the world here.

[thescorpionking]

{Xie's eyes close and he tries not to think beyond the peace of this moment.}

Are you going to give me tours?

[hideawayparadise]

Of the places I know. The rest we can figure out together. Hand in hand. You and me.

[thescorpionking]

I like that plan. {To not be alone... To have a friend he has come to care about so quickly...} Thank you.

[hideawayparadise]

For what? We haven't even gone exploring yet.

[thescorpionking]

We don't need to. You've been the best friend I've ever had. {Is that sad to admit?}

[hideawayparadise]

[That makes Riley smile and he shifts so he can turn and pull his friend into the tightest hug his slim arms can manage.] I'm going to keep being that too. I promise.

[thescorpionking]

{It feels good and Xie sighs, resting against Riley as he returns the embrace just as tightly. He hopes he doesn't have to let go too soon.}

I believe you. I'll be good to you too, I promise.

[hideawayparadise]

You're already amazing to me. I really mean that.

[Giving him the ring, wanting him around, always giving back just as much affection as he gives? It's amazing.]

You're special to me. You are doing great.