[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

[fated_dance]

[ Just as it has for Zishu. He has his soulmate. He has his health restored. He has precious friends, like Xingchen and Runyu.

He treasures seeing Xingchen relax around him. Here is someone who doesn't fear his touch. Who will never feel it raised in anger, or betrayal to come from it.

He beams at that sweet smile and how his friend peeks at him so cutely. ]

I do. And immortality, if just of a sort.

[gentledawn]

[His A-Shu is a good man. Zishu might have been forced into making awful decisions in the past, but he only seeks love and peace now. Xingchen has cared for him since their first conversation and that affection has only grown through their shared experiences.

Leaning forward so his friend can reach his lower back, he murmurs:]

I need to come back for Zichen. If I knew how, it might make it easier.

[He could pretend that they will spend eternity here, but no. That would be a lie. Their world is waiting for them and Xingchen needs to prepare himself.]

[fated_dance]

[ Zishu has done horrible things. But his A-Chen has accepted him. His Lao Wen, too. People like them matter far more than any past. He'd felt comfortable with Xingchen almost immediately, and hasn't regretted it even once since then.

He moves the cloth down when his friend shifts forward and makes sure to give just as much attention there as the upper back and the lovely hair. ]

You will. The love between you two can be seen by anyone who sees even one of you. If I knew how...I would tell you.

[gentledawn]

[Being scrubbed clean is nice and he rests his chin on his knee, bending his leg towards his chest. Wet strands of hair fall against his shoulders and cheeks and he runs his fingers through them absently.]

I know you would. [He answers tenderly, sitting up and turning so he can kiss Zishu's cheek.] Your story gives me hope. I won't give up and I won't leave Zichen alone.