Ah. [Huaisang carefully sits up, shifting away from Xue Yang so that they're no longer touching. He blushes, focusing on stroking the birds for a moment so that he doesn't have to look at him.]
I understand. We kept... fighting about it, after all. [More than one of those fights had been held over Xingchen's sleeping body, and they'd kept not telling Xingchen everything that had been going on. And then there had been the marriage proposal, which had been so very swift, after they'd been together less than two months, which Huaisang had balked at for the bond and the contract but then agreed for the romance and the celebration. It's been a complicated relationship, and Huaisang is heartbroken to lose it, but also... not surprised.
He's completely calm at first, blinking a few times but continuing to fuss over the birds, but after a minute the blinks become more rapid and he rises to put the birds back in their cage.] I'd like to be alone to cry now.
[This feels awful and there will be a hole in him. Huaisang isn't dying, but he is losing him nonetheless and, stupidly, he never thought it would come to this; that somehow they could keep being happy.]
Will I never see you again? [Their apartments will feel a bit empty without Huaisang's laughter and mischief.] I want to protect you regardless...where I can. Where you allow.
[He pushes himself onto his feet, pale and sad.]
Be careful with who you choose here, A-Sang. Don't let them abuse you.
I'd like to still be friends. [Once the birds are safely away, Huaisang takes a handkerchief from his sleeve, using it to wipe his tears, though he keeps his back turned.] Maybe we should take some time first. So that it will hurt less.
I'd be grateful for whatever protection you can give. I trust you.
I'm glad that he can be what you need. I'm sorry that... in this place, with everything it involves, I can't.
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I understand. We kept... fighting about it, after all. [More than one of those fights had been held over Xingchen's sleeping body, and they'd kept not telling Xingchen everything that had been going on. And then there had been the marriage proposal, which had been so very swift, after they'd been together less than two months, which Huaisang had balked at for the bond and the contract but then agreed for the romance and the celebration. It's been a complicated relationship, and Huaisang is heartbroken to lose it, but also... not surprised.
He's completely calm at first, blinking a few times but continuing to fuss over the birds, but after a minute the blinks become more rapid and he rises to put the birds back in their cage.] I'd like to be alone to cry now.
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Will I never see you again? [Their apartments will feel a bit empty without Huaisang's laughter and mischief.] I want to protect you regardless...where I can. Where you allow.
[He pushes himself onto his feet, pale and sad.]
Be careful with who you choose here, A-Sang. Don't let them abuse you.
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I'd be grateful for whatever protection you can give. I trust you.
I'm glad that he can be what you need. I'm sorry that... in this place, with everything it involves, I can't.
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Knock on Xingchen's door or send a message. I'll come help you any time.
[It frightens him to imagine the other man alone in this world, but what can he do?]
You're honest. You could have lied to me and I might have believed you for awhile. But you didn't and that makes you a good man.
[He backs up and whispers a farewell to the little birds.]
Maybe we'll get another chance...somewhere else. You never know.