[ He views the permanent contracts in a similar way - aside from what he holds now with his husband. That's special. What he offers for Thranduil is special too, just in a different way. ]
I would. [ Xingchen meets the Elf's gaze steadily, affection clear along with that desire to protect him. And what he sees makes him delighted! He gently squeezes that hand back and rubs his thumb over the back. ]
You are irreplaceable as well. Your company is one that I rely on. Soothing and warm.
{He is humbled by the offer and the flush of color on his cheeks says that he is pleased. Xingchen had been right to hope.}
I will keep you and your husband safe. No one will tear this home apart on my watch, either.
{He frees his hand only to wrap his arm around the Man, drawing him against his side.}
You have suffered, I know, but your trials are over.
{Thranduil presses his lips to Xingchen's brow to seal his words. They are a promise. He will do all he can to make sure this remains a place of healing.}
[ That flush is rather attractive~ He lets out a quiet breath of happiness. ]
We are safe with you. I know it.
[ Xingchen smiles and snuggles into the Elf's side, resting his cheek on Thranduil's shoulder. He listens to the sweet words, arms curling around Thranduil's waist in return. ]
As are yours. [ That sweet kiss makes him hum and he turns his head to answer with a kiss to the cheek. ]
Besides the happiness of my Dominant? {He phrases playfully, his body warm and relaxed as Xingchen settles against him. His cheek comes to rest against that dark hair and he watches the water flowing between the various plants.}
I miss my son. {Thranduil doesn't like complaining; he considers it a waste of time. But since Xingchen asked...} Each time I start a portrait of his face, it's wrong. I cannot forget him, I know, but the fear is with me nonetheless.
[ The playful question makes him laugh and he settles comfortably in his Submissive's warm arms. He loves this garden for the gentle trickle of water and the sweet smell of the flowers.
He cherishes the fact Thranduil answers honestly, and he considers the words the Elf shares with him. He's silent for a long moment, thinking. ]
Would you let me try? I could take some images from your mind of him and put brush and paint to parchment.
Do you believe I am too close to the subject? {That is something he has considered. Legolas is dearer to him than life itself. His worry for him makes his hand falter.}
I will gladly share my memories of him with you. His features are gentler than mine.
{That is his way of saying his son is cute. Thranduil embraces Xingchen a little tighter, peering down at him.}
Possibly. It is why I have not drawn Zichen. [ Not even just because any time he's tried, he's only ended up picturing the last time he'd seen his poor soulmate - no eyes. Painful words. Even in his dreams, that is how his mind chooses to show Zichen to him, rather than whole and how they'd once been.
Xingchen draws in a steadying breath and presses into the tighter hold with a grateful little smile. ]
If he is at all like you, he is stunning and kind.
I could draw your Zichen if you like. {He speaks slowly, carefully, understanding that this is a painful topic. But the way Xingchen nestles against him gives him hope that he hasn't offended him.} I have a sketch of your husband, too, though he does not stay still unless he is sleeping.
[ He draws in a startled breath before a shudder runs through him. ] ...Please. That would mean...a lot. Thank you.
[ Then he laughs at the comment about how wiggly his husband is. ] He has a lot of energy. Remind him you sketch him for me, that may help for a few minutes.
[ Xingchen smiles and shakes his head, fond. ]
I find that difficult to picture! You are so very bright.
[ Xingchen nods and focuses on Zichen and sharing them with Thranduil. But his memories of his poor soulmate are... scattered. He's seen what Zichen looked like as a Fierce Corpse, in his husband's memory. But there are some good slivers in there too.
The comment on Thranduil's son being full of life makes him grin suddenly, sensing the pure pride and love from the Elf. ]
I would watch after him too, should he be brought here.
[ He has the sense of the memory being the last his friend has of Legolas and he tightens his embrace on him as he memorizes that face. ] I won't forget.
{The memories are viewed and kept close, though Thranduil purposefully ignores those images of Zichen as a Fierce Corpse. No, he needs to draw the Man from life; not death.}
You would befriend him. I understand that Cultivators are sometimes interested in archery? Legolas is the best archer on Middle Earth.
{He feels the squeeze and smiles sadly, pressing a kiss to Xingchen's lips}
If you need to see him again, I have many memories of him.
[ When he sees what Thranduil gives him, Thranduil will be clung to. ]
I would do my best to be a good friend to him. Yes, though I admit it has been some years since I practiced myself. I would be honored to see him work.
[ Xingchen relaxes into the kiss, letting his sweet friend dictate how deep he wants it to be. ]
I cherish any memory you wish to share with me, my friend.
[ Hearing his friendship is important to Thranduil makes him happy. He smiles at the sweet kiss kept just like that, and nuzzles their noses a little, fond.
His smile brightens in gentle mirth at the irony. ]
I am still new to it. You have many more memories to keep track of.
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I would. [ Xingchen meets the Elf's gaze steadily, affection clear along with that desire to protect him. And what he sees makes him delighted! He gently squeezes that hand back and rubs his thumb over the back. ]
You are irreplaceable as well. Your company is one that I rely on. Soothing and warm.
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I will keep you and your husband safe. No one will tear this home apart on my watch, either.
{He frees his hand only to wrap his arm around the Man, drawing him against his side.}
You have suffered, I know, but your trials are over.
{Thranduil presses his lips to Xingchen's brow to seal his words. They are a promise. He will do all he can to make sure this remains a place of healing.}
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We are safe with you. I know it.
[ Xingchen smiles and snuggles into the Elf's side, resting his cheek on Thranduil's shoulder. He listens to the sweet words, arms curling around Thranduil's waist in return. ]
As are yours. [ That sweet kiss makes him hum and he turns his head to answer with a kiss to the cheek. ]
Is there anything that you need or wish?
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I miss my son. {Thranduil doesn't like complaining; he considers it a waste of time. But since Xingchen asked...} Each time I start a portrait of his face, it's wrong. I cannot forget him, I know, but the fear is with me nonetheless.
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He cherishes the fact Thranduil answers honestly, and he considers the words the Elf shares with him. He's silent for a long moment, thinking. ]
Would you let me try? I could take some images from your mind of him and put brush and paint to parchment.
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I will gladly share my memories of him with you. His features are gentler than mine.
{That is his way of saying his son is cute. Thranduil embraces Xingchen a little tighter, peering down at him.}
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Xingchen draws in a steadying breath and presses into the tighter hold with a grateful little smile. ]
If he is at all like you, he is stunning and kind.
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{The compliments have him chuckling.}
He is brighter and better in every respect.
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[ Then he laughs at the comment about how wiggly his husband is. ] He has a lot of energy. Remind him you sketch him for me, that may help for a few minutes.
[ Xingchen smiles and shakes his head, fond. ]
I find that difficult to picture! You are so very bright.
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{His smile is soft and amused.} He is full of life. I have no desire to pin him down, however I have no doubt that he would do anything for you.
{Thranduil shares a memory of Legolas. His last, in fact.}
That is him.
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The comment on Thranduil's son being full of life makes him grin suddenly, sensing the pure pride and love from the Elf. ]
I would watch after him too, should he be brought here.
[ He has the sense of the memory being the last his friend has of Legolas and he tightens his embrace on him as he memorizes that face. ] I won't forget.
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You would befriend him. I understand that Cultivators are sometimes interested in archery? Legolas is the best archer on Middle Earth.
{He feels the squeeze and smiles sadly, pressing a kiss to Xingchen's lips}
If you need to see him again, I have many memories of him.
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I would do my best to be a good friend to him. Yes, though I admit it has been some years since I practiced myself. I would be honored to see him work.
[ Xingchen relaxes into the kiss, letting his sweet friend dictate how deep he wants it to be. ]
I cherish any memory you wish to share with me, my friend.
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{Thranduil won't have it any other way, frankly. Legolas can be hard-headed, but that won't affect Xingchen.
He smiles as the kiss ends, keeping the contact soft. That feels right with Xingchen.}
I forget so easily! {Which is ironic since he adds:} Your memory is almost as impeccable as my own now.
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His smile brightens in gentle mirth at the irony. ]
I am still new to it. You have many more memories to keep track of.
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Think of them as leaves on a tree. You can have a hundred, a thousand or more and each of them is precious and unique.