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Zhou Zishu

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[ Baiyi is at Zishu's waist, just as determined to protect them both.

The kiss softens the frown and he nuzzles their noses together at the end of it. ]

If I'd known, I would have come for you. I would have brought you back home with me.

I know that. [Kexing catches Zishu's hand and laces their fingers together.] I never doubted you, A-Xu. It was everyone else that failed them...and me. No one came. No one cared.

[ He squeezes those elegant fingers, pulling their joined hands to rest over his heart. ]

Never again, Lao Wen. I will never fail you again.

You never failed me. [It's so like Zishu to blame himself! Kexing laughs softly and kisses Zishu's cheeks.] You were just a kid too. I missed you...every day.

[ Of course he blames himself! His poor little junior had been left to the wolves. Or ghosts, in this case. And tormented throughout his childhood.

He clicks his tongue with a huff at the cheek kisses but leans absurdly against Kexing, resting his head on his love's shoulder. ]

I missed you too.

[Zishu had been in little better circumstances! At least his Ghosts don't hide their cruelty and malice behind a princely veneer!

Oh the things he would do to Prince Jin. Kexing captures his A-Xu and runs his fingers through his hair.]

What happened...after we left? I mean, what happened to you, A-Xu?

[ The fingers through his hair have his eyes close, enjoying this easy affection. Even with the question that comes next. ]

Nothing really changed until Master died when I was sixteen. You remember he chose me as his heir, over his own son? I failed him. I wasn't strong enough to keep our brothers safe on my own. So I went to my cousin for help. He agreed if we served him, if we helped him towards becoming Emperor.

I created the Window of Heaven. An army. The numbers grew...but one by one, the brothers who followed me died. After that...there seemed no point in my staying alive but in a cage.

[He continues the soft touches, his attention fixed solely on his A-Xu. It's fairly easy for him to imagine his love trying his best and doing what he thought right. Only to be betrayed.]

You were the perfect choice. Sixteen is too young to run a sect on your own. I don't blame you for looking for help.

[He was older when he took control of the Ghost Valley.]

A-Xu... The problem was never you. You should have been able to trust your family.

[ Zishu has always been someone who gives all of himself to what he believes in. Kexing's steady attention and support is all that keeps him going now though. This one precious person he cannot abandon again.

The laugh is still bitter. ]

I should have let them leave if they wanted. Our brothers deserved better.

Did it ever occur to you that they stayed because they loved you?

[Kexing lays a hand over Zishu's chest, right over his heart.]

I would fight and die for A-Xu. Leaving him would break my heart. What sort of life could I live then?

[ A wounded heart, but one that beats only for Wen Kexing now. He has no answer to that, only holds to that hand as he wrestles with his pain.

Then he gasps at the very idea of Kexing being dead, for him. Because of him. And he shakes his head hard. ]

If you die, I would only follow after avenging you.

[His heart lurches uncomfortably, fearfully and he swallows hard. Had A-Xu...? He hadn't checked. He had seemed...normal? Surely that meant he was okay? Kexing nuzzles this A-Xu - the one from his past - to calm his fears.]

Don't say things like that. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.

[ He lifts his head to claim a soft kiss, trying to offer comfort. ]

I haven't done anything to destroy your work, Lao Wen. You can check for yourself. But I have no interest in living if you are not with me.

[That settles it. The A-Xu in his time needs to be checked thoroughly. Kexing manages a small smile and he kisses Zishu harder.]

Death would be boring without you. I'm not looking to greet it. Besides I've worked too hard. No opponent is worthy of killing me.

[ Yes, yes he does.

Zishu presses into the harder kiss, welcoming it with all he has. ]

You are mine. I won't let anyone, or anything, harm you again.

[He is completely charmed by the determination and he tucks Zishu against his shoulder protectively.]

Enough. No one will hurt you and no one will hurt me. My biggest worry is your health, A-Xu. The rest is no big deal.

[ He is nothing if not determined! Zishu nestles against his love, an arm curling protectively, possessively around Kexing's waist. ]

You're seeing to my health improving.

[Kexing kisses Zishu's temple and rubs over his arm. He is so glad - so relieved - Zishu is here with him. He would go mad otherwise.]

Do you feel your meridians starting to mend? We'll keep going until every nail is out.

[ He'd been without Kexing for a month and it had felt wrong - though he hadn't let himself think on it. ]

Ah. Each day is a little better.

[Silly, stubborn man. Kexing smiles at the answer and lets out a soft sigh.]

You're strong and you've got me. How can some nails come between us?

[ Guilty~

He chuckles quietly and reaches up to give a lock of Kexing's hair a little tug. ]

They can't.

[He wrinkles his nose and pouts, pursing his lips again for more kisses~]

I know what I want to do when they're all out.

[ He grins and immediately kisses those pouting lips. Then smirks against those lips. ]

Aah?

[He wiggles excitedly and presses his lips to Zishu's ear.]

We will get some wine and I will spend the night showing A-Xu how much I love him.

[ The wiggling makes him laugh and he pinches one of those cute cheeks again. That answer has his heart race! And his cheeks pink just a little. ]

Only one night?