jikan_network | [Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[ 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.

[The sound fills him with joy and he tilts his head, teasing in his own innocent way:]

The offer will never expire.

[Which is true! But he finds that he likes flirting with Zichen. He never had the courage to do so before; he had always been afraid of overstepping certain boundaries.]

[ If he could blush, his face would be a dark red! But he can't, and he's relegated to another laugh, head ducking as he marvels at this flirting! It's new, and adorable.

And so precious that it's hard to feel the fear that always itches at the back of his mind. Precious enough that his spirits are high enough he dares to press his lips to his sweet soulmate's temple in a kiss, not just for his smile to be felt. ]

I want some privacy before...exploring that offer.

[More laughter! Xingchen turns towards his soulmate in awe, lips slightly parted. That sound is adorable and he can't help nuzzling close, though tentatively, always aware of Zichen's discomfort.

But then he is kissed! He leans into it and laughs himself, the sound bright and sweet.]

Privacy... [Those words lodge in his chest, determined to keep him warm. He clutches onto the fabric over Zichen's chest, smiling giddily.] Yes, we do need privacy.

[ His arm tightens securely around Xingchen's waist, welcoming his sweet soulmate close. That bright laughter warms him, making this close embrace so much easier. He savors the sweet sound, holds it as close as he does Xingchen.

And that smile! He presses another kiss just over the edge of the blindfold. ]

We will.

[ Zichen encourages Xingchen to move forward again, wanting to feed him before they can do as those silly, flirtatious words hint at! ]

The tavern is not far now.

[How brave of Zichen! Xingchen's smile is proud and he welcomes his soulmate into his arms. The urge to kiss over that beloved handsome face is strong, but he holds himself back. With his Song Lan, he must be gentle and understanding. The man deserves no less.

Those lips giving him kisses, however, make it difficult for him!]

I'm sorry my stomach is so loud. It's difficult to find food that keeps me full.

[He follows his soulmate into the tavern and sits down with a sigh. It feels good to rest...and eat! The food smells delicious and he enjoys every last bite of it.]

[ Brave because he refuses to lose his Xingchen again. ]

I don't mind. I like taking care of you.

[ Zichen makes sure they find a table out of the way, and reads the menu - especially the foods he believes Xingchen will like the most. He doesn't order anything for himself, but he is happy to keep his soulmate company. And it means a great deal to see every last bite is enjoyed.

There's no hurry, either! Only when Xingchen is done and the meal paid for does Zichen help his sweet soulmate up and leads him outside again. ]

Xingchen, have you found a place to live while here?

[He won't. Now that Xingchen knows he is wanted, he will keep careful track of his Zichen.

That simple phrase has him smiling shyly and squeezing Zichen's hand.]

I like taking care of you too.

[He isn't sure how he can help the other, but he will try. The choices he is read are clearly chosen for his benefit and he beams at his soulmate. Zichen knows him so well! Eating a meal with him is one of the nicest experiences he has had in...so, so long.

With his stomach appeased, he accepts the aid and claims one of Zichen's hands. The strong fingers make him feel...strange, but good!...inside.]

Yes. A kind woman helped me secure a place. I have no idea what it looks like, however.

[With a gentle tug, he starts them off on a path leading back to where his lodging should be.]

[ Simple touches. Gentle, just like his Xingchen. He squeezes that hand right back!

Seeing that smile directed at him just for picking the options he thinks Xingchen would like most has him feeling things he's not used to. But it's nice, and he finds himself enjoying the time even if it's just sitting for him. It's with Xingchen, and that's what matters. It's taking care of him. ]

Do you think there is enough room for both of us?

[ He offers no resistance to the tug, walking at his soulmate's side and holding onto that delicate hand. ]

[Their fingers fit together - just like their souls. Xingchen feels blessed to have this time with Zichen and he doesn't even pause at the idea of them living together. That's how it should be!]

Yes! [He flushes and adds, softer:] The bed is large. I did notice that. We would have to share it. Would that be acceptable?

[Or...]

There is a couch I could use.

[ Sharing a bed...! But with Xingchen. A shiver runs through him, but not one precisely of fear or dread.

Anticipation. Unfamiliar, really.

Zichen squeezes those gentle fingers again. ]

There is no need for you to sleep on a couch, my Xingchen. I don't take up much space. And I do not mind sharing a bed with you.

[There are butterflies in his stomach at that answer and he bites his lip. The squeeze cements what he wants - more contact - and he quickens his steps.]

My home is yours. [He has some trouble with stairs and doors, frowning as he teaches himself. Then they are at his door and he nods for Zichen to enter first.] Tell me what you think.

[ Xingchen continues to amaze him with how accepting and forgiving he is.

Zichen helps him with the stairs and the doors, though he tries to let the other figure each out himself - he knows how Xingchen prefers to be as self-sufficient as possible. He squeezes that hand again as he's bid to step into the apartment first, then steps in, tugging on Xingchen's hand to make sure the other is right behind him. He looks around, lips parting a little at the strangeness of it all.

But then he bends himself to the task of describing everything, guiding his soulmate around the small apartment as he 'talks'. The bed is, indeed, big enough for two...and brings a flutter to his stomach as he pictures them stretching out side-by-side on the mattress... ]

I think it looks very comfortable.

[Zichen is so patient with him. Xingchen likes to be self-sufficient, but each time his soulmate assists him, his cheeks darken. Maybe he doesn't want to be completely self-sufficient, though that could be a dangerous decision.

Even if it seems alluring when he is with his Zichen.

He lets his soulmate enter the apartment first and then he follows, gracefully shutting the door behind them. The lock clicks into place without him having to do anything and he settles himself at Zichen's side, listening to the descriptions.

How strange indeed! But, yes, comfortable. Which leads him to brushing his fingertips against Zichen's cheek.]

We can stay together.

[ Xingchen deserves all the patience and care Zichen can give him. And he likes how those sweet cheeks flush when he does something to help him. They make him want to kiss those cheeks again and again!

But he restrains himself for now, guiding the other man around the small apartment as he explains what each thing is - especially the strange bathroom and the appliances scattered around.

Fingertips over his face draws his attention right back to Xingchen, turning him to face his sweet soulmate. Those words make him smile and he wraps his free arm around Xingchen's waist again - just for the growing joy of the contact. ]

I would like that very much, Xingchen.

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