[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.

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[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.]

[pinkblinded]

I don't know. If you're soulmates with someone I'd imagine you'd spend every life with them somehow. Finding your way together.

[gentledawn]

Mm I think that too. [Destined. His throat tightens.] That means I will be reborn.

[pinkblinded]

[Gaura smiles gently at him and rests a hand on one of his arms.]

You will. I believe that.

[gentledawn]

I want to be. [For his Zichen. Then he can spend the rest of their lifetime healing and loving his husband.]

I don't want to be a coward.

[pinkblinded]

I don't think that you are one. I don't think you ever were.

[This time, he gently takes one of his hands to hold.]

You're one of the bravest men I know.

[gentledawn]

[His stomach curls guiltily and he bites his lip.]

I try. I lost my bravery before I came here. Being here has healed me.