[Video; UN: heavenly four seasons]

[eternallywandering]

[Climbing lighthouses is just...beyond him. Unless someone wants to carry him on their back? So he is resting in the garden with the chickens. What? They're cute. Except when they try to steal his food.]

Tell me what you've found, hm? I'm ready to help. [Thus the sword that rests across his lap.] I can get you free even if I pay for it later.

[Rolling his shoulders, he pushes himself onto his feet and takes hold of aforementioned sword. He moves in a blur - like a dancer - striking out at invisible foes. Why? Because he can and because he needs to strengthen his stamina.]

Comments

[eternallywandering]

Daozhang, you have eased my pain immeasurably. [Since that means so much to Xingchen, Zishu will make himself clear.] When we met, I was losing my will to try; to even move from that lovely garden. But after speaking to you, I made myself stand. I started my training again.

[He wraps an arm around the other man, unwilling to lose contact.]

That happens more than you realize. What matters is that you carry on and ensure it never happens again.

[binghua]

[If Xingchen weren't suddenly so deep in his regret, the words would hit him harder. They do hit him, but he doesn't know how to react. Of course, he's happy that Zhou Zishu found some strength in himself, prompted by Xingchen or not, but it can't fill the bottomless hole in his gut.

When that arm tugs him close, he goes without a fight, his head resting on Zhou Zishu's shoulder. A part of him wants to tell this man to take what's left of him if it gives him the will. At least let him be used for something good since he isn't sure he can do that himself. But he has enough cognizance to know that would be an upsetting thing to say and counterproductive to what Zhou Zishu is trying to do for him.

He puts on a smile, not really feeling it, but making some effort.]

Putting a stop to my actions isn't enough, though. I can't help those people or make things right for them.

[Maybe he's stuck looking at the trees instead of the forest, but every individual part of the whole is important, right?

Taking a breath, he gently pats at Zhou Zishu's chest.]

You have to be careful or I'll cry. I can't shed real tears anymore.

[Just blood.]