[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[Poor Xingchen isn't immune to stray illnesses - though his golden core is strong enough to heal him quickly. However he has had a tough week regardless and his hair is loose against his fever red cheeks.]

To those who haven't seen me attending to my usual duties, I apologize. I have been feeling under the weather.

[He blinks suddenly, realizing he pressed video instead of voice. Ah. Bowing his head, his long rabbit ears pressed against his head, he looks ashamed and embarrassed.]

I'm... well. Please don't worry.

Comments

[pinkblinded]

He's also sick?

[gentledawn]

Yes. I must have given it to him.

[pinkblinded]

I did gather a lot of extra. Please make sure he gets them.

[gentledawn]

I will. Anything given to me will be shared with my Zichen.

[pinkblinded]

[He nods, grateful for that.]

If I find trouble there are others I can all though. Please don't worry about me.

[gentledawn]

I will always worry about you. [It comes with loving Gaura.] Call on me and I will help. There are others I can reach out to too.

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura is clearly fretting about calling on someone who is sick for help. He doesn't want to do that to Xingchen.]

Please rest. I'll find a way...

[gentledawn]

Remember the street names and ask for help along the way. [He sends Gaura a map - directions from Gaura's house to the temple.]

[pinkblinded]

[He nods, accepting the help because Xingchen clearly needs to give it to him.]

Thank you. You're very kind to me.

[gentledawn]

[He loves Gaura and traveling is...difficult, he realizes. But he also trusts that his friend can do this.]

We're friends.

[pinkblinded]

[He nods and offers a smile.]

I'm going to hang up now so I can navigate...

[gentledawn]

Good luck. [No matter what shape Xingchen is in, Gaura will be hugged at the end of this journey.]

[pinkblinded]

[It takes a little longer than he means to due to one wrong turn. But soon he arrives and he lets himself inside. Then there's another wrong turn before he finds the bedroom with Xingchen waiting inside.

To the man he offers a gentle smile as he comes over.]

[gentledawn]

[And Gaura will be wrapped in a weaker than usual hug. He made it. Xingchen strokes over the adorably pink hair and smiles against his friend's shoulder.]

Thank you for coming.

[pinkblinded]

[He shifts closer to make it easier for Xingchen to hug him, gently rubbing his back as he does.]

You're my friend. A dear one at that. I had to come.

[gentledawn]

[His eyes close and he lets out a tired sigh. Having Gaura here is soothing and Xingchen smiles as he pulls back.]

You are always welcome. Pink flowers are charming in any room.

[pinkblinded]

[He lowers his head a little with a smile aware that Xingchen means him. Then he reaches down to get his box up so he can offer it to his friend.]

This has a variety of herbs in here. If you prepare them with tea it should help with the fever and any congestion you have. For you and Zichen.

[gentledawn]

[He smiles, grateful, at the assortment of herbs (and they are all such a healthy green!). He runs his fingertips over some and nods.]

I will make him tea. Thank you so much. They look like they came from happy plants.

[pinkblinded]

I hope so. I try to take good care of them.

[He certainly pours his heart and soul into that garden every single day.]

There's enough for both of you but you can call me if you need more.

[gentledawn]

I sense that they love how you care for them.

[Xingchen sets the box on the table by the bed and peers at his friend closely.]

How are things between you and Henry?

[pinkblinded]

Things are going well with him. We haven't made wedding plans yet but I don't think that we're in a hurry. We're so happy just being together.

[He messes with the ring on his finger.]

He makes me happier than I've ever been.

[gentledawn]

There is no hurry. When the time is right, both of you will know.

[Happiness is what matters most. Vows and oaths can wait. The ring gets a small smile.]

You deserve that.

[pinkblinded]

[He smiles almost shyly.]

I always dreamed of being with someone special. I didn't know I'd find it in him.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen settles back against the pillows on his bed and nods.]

When I left my Master's mountain, I didn't expect to have a soulmate at all.

[pinkblinded]

[Reaching out, he makes sure that the pillows are fluffed and that the blanket is up at Xingchen's chest.]

You just had to go discover him.