[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

[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.

[gentledawn]

[Getting tucked in makes him chuckle. It has been a long time since someone fussed over him!]

Apparently! I walked down a road and there he was, my Zichen.

[pinkblinded]

[Smoothing the bedding out like the natural caretaker he is, he sees that Xingchen could use some water.]

He was where you needed him to be. Give me a moment I'm going to go get you water.

[He leaves then comes back with a glass of it, offering it to Xingchen to drink.]

[gentledawn]

[He is very blessed to have friends who care about him so much. Xingchen makes sure none of Gaura's work is undone, letting his sore body relax under the blankets.]

I loved him the moment I saw him.

[He takes the glass and drinks, his fever making him thirsty.]

[pinkblinded]

[Reaching out, Gaura just starts tending to things. Making sure that Xingchen's hair is loose, that his sleep attire isn't bunching, that the bedding stays nice...]

That means he was the one for you.

[gentledawn]

[And he is assaulted with nuzzles and small kisses for his care! How awful.]

Just as Henry is the one for you. Once your heart knows, there can be no doubt.

[pinkblinded]

[He ends up laughing gently at the assault he endures for helping. But it doesn't stop him, making sure Xingchen is well cared for.]

I think my heart knew before I did.

[gentledawn]

Sometimes I wonder how many lifetimes we share with our loved ones.

[Maybe Gaura recognized Henry from a past life? Xingchen is delighted to think he and Zichen were somewhere else, in a different era and in love.]