Violetgrass

Warmth

"I'm starting to get used to this," said Chaoxing, as Baizhu knelt beside her. She sat on the bed, and he was patching up a long scratch on her leg, a reminder of when she'd fallen off the cliff.

"Unfortunately, so am I," he sighed.

Yelan walked in with a pair of Millelith guards, and Baizhu gave her a smile.

A smile Chaoxing hoped she would never be on the receiving end of.

"We're sorry," said the Millelith together, with a bow. "Our actions put Chaoxing in danger."

"Er... I'm pretty sure it was an accident," said Chaoxing, raising a hand. She didn't ask why they hadn't come when they said they would, but figured that there was probably a reason for it.

"No, they're right," said Yelan, her eyes on the scratch on Chaoxing's leg. "I'd like to apologize as well."

"There's really no need. But did you get them all?"

She smiled. "We have a lead to go on. Thank you for your assistance."

Chaoxing smiled as well. "Glad to help." Baizhu tightened the bandages, and Chaoxing winced.

"If that's all..."

Baizhu nodded, and Chaoxing waved goodbye as Yelan and the Millelith left.

"I wanted to ask you something," said Chaoxing, as Baizhu stood up. He took a seat beside her and nodded. "Yelan told me something..."

She recounted Yelan's words about how Bubu Pharmacy never engaged in anything that wouldn't give them profit.

"And?" asked Baizhu, not getting what she was trying to say.

She decided to go for it. "Why did you let me stay? Isn't my being here a loss for you?"

He looked at her incredulously, and then understanding passed through his eyes. He considered his next words carefully. "You've been an immense help. You've helped with the medicine, and taking care of other patients who have had to stay temporarily." His gaze softened as he held her cheek. "You didn't even think twice about looking after me either. You're not any sort of profit or loss. You're human, and you deserve to take up the space you do. Existence itself is beautiful, no?"

Chaoxing looked away, feeling her eyes glisten, and Baizhu pulled her to face him. To her surprise, he kissed the tears that trailed down her cheek.

"This is too mushy for me," said Changsheng, finally speaking up. She slithered off Baizhu and headed out, probably in search of Gui or Qiqi.

"We made a snake uncomfortable," said Chaoxing, momentarily distracted from her moment of insecurity.

Baizhu just smiled.

***

"It's Lantern Rite again," said Chaoxing, looking down the stairs. The city was bustling, and people ran around with last minute decorations. The air itself held a liveliness, as though the city herself was alive. Baizhu put a hand on her shoulder, joining her in her newfound hobby of people-watching.

"The noisiest time of the year," hissed Changsheng. Chaoxing had a feeling Changsheng didn't dislike Lantern Rite however.

"Qiqi wants to see from the harbor."

Chaoxing wondered when she'd get used to Qiqi popping up out of nowhere.

"Why not?" asked Baizhu, lifting her up. They headed down the stairs together, and Chaoxing watched the shadows of the buildings and people getting longer as the sun set. Little children were running down the streets, and Chaoxing had to pull one by the scruff of his collar to stop him from falling into one of the pools.