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[bringingdowndisaster]

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[gentledawn]

What a cutie. Xingchen grabs a comb once those dark strands are dry. He brushes out the tangles gently, never tugging too hard on Xue Yang's scalp.

"Getting sleepy?" he wraps an arm around his friend and leads him back to their room.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang nods, yawning. It's been a long day so the thought of another night's sleep in a proper bed is definitely tempting. He leans into Xingchen as they return to the room. "Will you stay here too?" he asks, a little hopefully.

[gentledawn]

"Of course." Xingchen motions at another bed near Xue Yang's, "I won't be far while you rest." which means he can help the boy if he has nightmares. Besides, adjusting to a new place is...scary...to do alone.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang nods, relieved. "Can we... push them together?" he asks, a little shyly. He wants to be as close to Xingchen as possible to feel safe.

[gentledawn]

The request is too adorable for him to deny. Xingchen goes to his bed and makes the proper arrangements, pushing the piece of furniture over to Xue Yang's bed.

"Get under the covers. I don't want your feet to get cold." he encourages, ready to tuck his little friend in.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Pleased, Xue Yang gets under the covers and curls up. He can hardly believe that he's going to stay here. To have his own bed to sleep in... No more cold nights spent shivering in some alley, or worse - nights where he lets some man use his body so he'll have a warm place to sleep.

[gentledawn]

Xingchen tucks the covers around his little friend and smooths over his hair affectionately.

"Don't be scared of the dark, A-Yang. Do you see that candle over there?" he points to a tall candle across the room, "My Master keeps it lit every night with her core. You will never be in complete darkness."

[bringingdowndisaster]

"I'm not scared of the dark," Xue Yang says, but he can't deny that the words are comforting. Without even thinking about it, he then moves close to Xingchen and snuggles up to him.

[gentledawn]

"It's still something to look to if you wake unexpectedly." Xingchen soothes, beaming when he suddenly has company! He tucks himself under the covers and wraps an arm around Xue Yang.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Mmm..." Xue Yang falls asleep quickly, feeling safe and warm in Xingchen's arms.

[gentledawn]

Xingchen stays awake for a little while and then snuggles against Xue Yang, letting himself sleep too. The morning light is somewhat dimmed by curtains, but Xingchen stirs out of habit anyway, lifting his head from their warm cocoon.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang whines out a soft complaint as he feels Xingchen stir next to him. He doesn't want to get up yet! And he doesn't want to lose the warmth of the older boy, so he clings onto him like a stubborn little barnacle.

[gentledawn]

Oh no! Xingchen is immediately enchanted by his cute bed-mate. He lays down again and hugs Xue Yang to him, stroking over his hair. His barnacle is wonderful and no one can tell him otherwise!

"Mornings are difficult."

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Mmmm..." Xue Yang grumbles, though he's feeling pretty content when Xingchen lays back down with him. He presses his face into Xingchen's chest and nuzzles him. Much better.

[gentledawn]

"Mm you've been through a lot." Xingchen kisses Xue Yang's forehead and simply holds him, content to give his little friend a sense of security.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Mmm... gege makes it better," Xue Yang murmurs into Xingchen's chest, snuggling even closer. He really does feel safe already... at least with Xingchen. He's not so sure about everyone else.

[gentledawn]

"I'm glad." Xingchen smiles softly and rests his cheek against Xue Yang's hair, "Everyone will love you, Xue Yang. Just be yourself and tell them about your past. You'll find you're not alone."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang scrunches up his face a little. "I don't wanna tell them about that." He doesn't care if they can relate. That's too personal!

[gentledawn]

"Then tell them about your interests. There will be plenty who will duel you as you learn." Xingchen grins at the cute expression, "Take your time, alright? Be patient with yourself."

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Mm..." Xue Yang hums, a little reluctant. Maybe with time he'll be able to trust the others, but right now he only trusts Xiao Xingchen. "...I don't know if I have any interests." He hadn't exactly been able to partake in any real hobbies on the streets.

[gentledawn]

How can he push away his cute little friend? The reluctance is adorable and Xingchen gently helps Xue Yang sit up.

"You need to discover your interests. Remember how I told you about the barn? We can visit the sheep and the cats this morning if you like."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang brightens a little at that, and lets Xingchen help him up. Petting cats seems a good way to start the day, after all. He leans into the older boy and nods, though he stays cuddled up in the blankets for a little while. The bed is too warm and comfortable!

[gentledawn]

Breakfast has been brought to them - a kindness on Xue Yang's first day. Xingchen smiles and slips free of the bed to bring the tray over.

"Eat and then we will go together."

There are lambs to see and soft kitties to pet!

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang brightens further at the sight of the food. He eats quickly - it's definitely going to take a while to get rid of the habit to eat as fast as possible - and once he's done he feels more awake and energized, ready for a new day on the mountain.

He gets out of bed and dresses in the new robes he'd been given and then he turns to Xingchen. "Let's go!"

[gentledawn]

Poor boy. Xingchen eats his share, slower, and then changes his robes and washes his face. He then takes his little friend's hand and smiles.

"This way, A-Yang." he guides them to the barn where fluffy sheep are just waking up. Tiny lambs bleat and Xingchen giggles.