Sizhui appreciates the tranquility of the little glade, opening his mouth to say as much when, as though by magic, he catches sight of a baby bunny with cloud-white fur jumping across the grass to sip from the pond.
“A-Ling,” he whispers, eyes sparkling as he stares at the young rabbit, “look!”
Ah? Wh-Where are we going—hey, A-Ling—!
[He laughs giddily, keeping pace with him.]
[He opens his mouth to tease him a little—that blush really is quite fetching—but is quick to close it, allowing Jin Ling to finish speaking.]
Oh? Please show me.
[He laces their fingers together with a soft laugh.]
You won’t have to go far, then. Because I’ll be here in Jinlin Tai with you.
Of course I’m for real.
[He’s so enamored with the naked wanting he sees in Jin Ling’s eyes.]
I just want to be by your side.
Oh, A-Ling, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere…
[He kisses his cheek.]
What if I said I’m here to stay?
[He makes a soft, satisfied noise as they kiss and kiss and kiss.]
I don’t, either. I can’t get enough of you.
[He giggles and clings to Jin Ling, only pulling back far enough to catch him in a kiss.]
You missed me that much?
Hi.
I would.
I do. I mean, I promise.
Oh!
Yes, I’m fine.
[His ears redden the faintest amount.]
Me? I’m fine; why wouldn’t I be fine?
He’s…interesting.
[Smiling diplomatically, practically a mirror image of Xīchén.]
I suppose I’m just not certain what to say to that.
Jīn Líng…
He’s more like an older brother.
Well, not really. It’s complicated…
I don’t know what to say.
You—you are?
…thank you. For listening to me, I mean—it would be fine if you disagreed with me, obviously, but…ah, I’m happy you didn’t.
Do they?
I don’t think he’d see it that way.
[A complicated expression creases his face.]
He did.
It can’t be that simple.
Ah, well…I’m sure he wouldn’t want me to feel this way. And it’s not exactly filial of me…
[He doesn’t huff at him—it’s a near thing, but he was brought up too strictly to ever allow for such an obvious breach in etiquette.]
I hadn’t meant to imply that it was.
Zéwú-jūn…he’s clearly not doing well, but they just left him behind to roam the world together.
I’m…angry. At Hánguāng-jūn and Wèi-qiánbèi. And I feel terrible for even feeling this way.
…I know you will, but promise me you’ll keep it a secret.
