[ he tsks gently, setting the bowl aside so he can drape his arms over xie lian's shoulders, fingers winding into his hair and petting at his nape. ]

You won't let me break them for you. We'll manage until others do. [ he rubs his thumb over the skin behind one of his husband's ears. ] Which ghost, do you think? The one that taunted you, were I to make the choice. The audacity of it.