jikan_network | [Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[ Gentle hands. Familiar hands that help shake off the worst of his fear. It feels good to hold Xingchen so close. He's missed that smile fiercely, seeing it again warms his soul.

He sees that pinking of skin and can't hide the smile that he's the cause of it. Much better than adding more pain to this poor man's shoulders! He sees the scars on those poor lips too. His fault. He must do better now. And make sure Xingchen eats better. He's too thin! ]

I am here. I won't leave you again. You have my word, Xingchen. I'm sorry for causing you so much pain.

You didn't - ! [He is quick to deny that claim, fingers resting briefly on Zichen's lips. The smile is felt and he flushes harder, ducking his head to hide a rush of giddiness. This is a dream, part of him screams. Yet he doesn't care. If this is a dream, it's a good one.]

I only missed you.

[ He nuzzles those gentle fingers, smile growing at how adorably that sweet head ducks. But his hold doesn't loosen, remains supportive and (he hopes) reassuring. That they aren't dreaming. ]

I missed you too.

[It's then that he sags against Zichen, resting his tired, aching body for the first time since they parted. He won't admit to any weakness, but his soulmate knows him too well. Having his precious one back with him - in any form - eases his soul.]

What does this world look like? It sounds strange.

[ He only shifts to adjust, supporting Xingchen with ease. He rests his head against his soulmate's, there is no need for any weakness to be announced. He knows. The world feels right, with them reunited. Even if this isn't their world. ]

I'll tell you everything I see with your eyes. But only after you have eaten. I walked by a place that looked like it sells good food, will you let me guide you?

[He thought he would die from the pain when they parted ways. Maybe he did. Xingchen can't find the strength to fight that possibility. For once, he allows himself to be a little selfish. Besides, Zichen needs him.]

They are yours, my Zichen. I don't want them back.

[So don't get any ideas on that score. The offer of food makes his stomach growl and he laughs at himself softly.]

You can guide me anywhere.

[ They need each other. That has never been more clear before than it is now. ]

I know. With this gift, I will look at this world for both of us, and speak of it to you.

[ That poor stomach! But he loves hearing that laugh. Zichen doesn't release his sweet soulmate though, only shifts so he can support Xingchen while they walk, and guides the way back the way he'd come. ]

I love hearing your perspective. [The way they are now, he feels spoiled. Zichen is promising to tell him about their new - temporary? - home and that means they will spend a lot of time together. Xingchen can't stop himself from smiling, snuggling against his soulmate as they walk.]

I may need to find a new stick. I had one for a time and it was useful.

[ He feels the same! No longer alone or adrift. Even if this is some odd reality, he's content as long as he has Xingchen back. ]

I will help you look. Anything you need, just tell me and I will see it done to the best of my ability.

[ He wishes he could do everything, but the pragmatist in him knows there are always limits. ]

I wonder if there's a spell, or some technology that will help me speak in a more natural voice. And maybe something to help you see again.

Oh... [His voice wavers and his steps are less steady. But just for a moment.] If a spell could let me see your handsome face, I -

[What color his cheeks had before doubles and he bites his lip. To hear Zichen... To see him... He doesn't want to hope for too much, yet he pleads - prays - for those possibilities.]

Your voice too. No sound pleases me more.

[ Handsome? If he could flush, he knows his cheeks would be just as dark, and his steps falter briefly before steadying. He must stay strong! Zichen's arm tightens just a little. ]

Then I will start inquires. I won't rest until I have a good solution.

[He hums at the tighter grip, clearly not minding it. His head comes to rest on Zichen's shoulder as he puts his full trust in his soulmate to guide them.]

Your poor tongue. I will make inquiries too. You should not be forced to live without your voice.

[ He hums softly in answer - that much he can offer. He keeps them moving though, even if there isn't a massive hurry. And he doesn't want to walk too fast that would make holding his sweet soulmate difficult. ]

I only mind the loss because it hurts you.

Yes, your injuries hurt me. I would rather they had happened to me, so you could be spared.

[Xingchen grips Zichen's robe with one hand, keeping hold of him. Making sure he isn't an illusion or some cruel product of his broken mind.]

If your tongue can be restored, I will do everything in my power to bring you back to life, too.

[ Zichen shakes his head immediately. ]

No. I accept what was done to me. I'd rather suffer than you.

[ Maybe that's part of why they're soulmates? They'd rather suffer than see the other hurt. ]

[His smile is a little sad and he lowers his voice, meaning his words for Zichen only:]

How about I look after you and you can look after me? Does that suit you?

[Two halves of a whole.]

[ Impulse, strange yet so strong, has him reach up to gently trace that smile. ]

It does. Thank you, Xingchen. For letting me come back to you.

[He is motionless, barely breathing, his focus entirely on where Zichen touches him. Before he realizes what he is doing, he purses his lips to kiss those fingers.]

Letting you? It has always been your choice. You're too wonderful for me to chain you.

[ His fingers tremble at the kiss, at the sweet words his soulmate says to absolve him of all guilt or blame. He leans forward to rest their foreheads together, foregoing continuing to walk for the moment. This is more important even than making sure Xingchen eats what he needs. ]

I hurt you. You are far better a man than I ever could hope to be. I promise you that I will not repeat my past mistakes. I will not let you hurt again.

[His smile grows by leaps and bounds and he gently holds Zichen's hand against his chest.]

This has always belonged to you. [By "this", he means his heart, which drums under Zichen's hand.] All I ask is that you be honest with me. If you are in pain, I won't abandon you. As long as you need me, I will be near.

[ The meaning behind those words makes the trembling increase, but he doesn't pull away at all. Only rubs gentle fingers over that beautiful heart. ]

I will not lie to you, my Xingchen.

[ Typing the claiming addition makes him smile. ]

Our souls are only complete when together. I am tired of being incomplete. I won't abandon you ever again.

[He feels each shudder and he rubs his hands over Zichen's arm in what he hopes are soothing motions. Zichen means everything to him; his world had been plunged into the darkest Winter when they fought. Now he is surrounded by the first green shoots of Spring.]

You don't ever have to be incomplete. [Xingchen hopes he isn't too clumsy as he leans forward to kiss Zichen's cheek.] I am here.

[ It works. Of course it does. Xingchen is too pure for their world, this one is no different. Zichen answers by stroking his hand over the other's chest. And the sweet kiss brings warmth to him, makes him hum before wrapping both arms back around Xingchen in a lingering embrace before pulling back enough to answer. ]

Neither do you.

[ Then it's his turn to be a little clumsy and awkward. ]

Your lips are...warm.

[Zichen's arms are a safe place for him to rest and he sighs happily into the embrace. His arms sneak around his soulmate, returning what he is given, and he understands that he could spend an eternity, happily, just like this.]

If you need help feeling warm, all you have to do is ask.

[Being blind makes him braver sometimes, speaking what is on his mind and in his heart without pause. This is one of those times.]

[ Those brave words inspire a sound that's barely more than a huff, but is as best of a laugh as Zichen can manage without a tongue. ]

Let's get you fed. Then we will find a place to stay...and I may take you up on that generous offer.

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