( there's a startled sound as he's pulled into his arms, freezing at first as he feels what he already knew — his state of undress —, only to be genuinely distracted by both his words and the truth of them. )
You're...very cold. Xiao Hua....Xiao Hua...are you okay?
( the abrupt panic from being flustered becomes panic from worry, the squeeze of xie lian's heart undoubtedly felt through the connection he still has not fully understood nor recognized. blindly he reaches back with a hand, tripping through the long soft black hair until he can pet him, however awkwardly. with his other hand he soothes along his arm back and forth as he might have along the whole of his cat form's back. )
Mm...that...um. Well.
( nerves dance in the borderline laugh of xie lian's voice, still confused, but then finding composure, not able to use magic so much anymore due to the shackles on his ankle and neck, but not everything is bound to his magic. there's a separation between that and his qi, which is part of what has endured him this far. still petting as much as he can, he relaxes, and there it is again: a near overwhelming flood of warmth and power. his heart beats a little faster, and though he's as warm as a small sun right now, xie lian shivers. he can feel it, this magic or magic adjacent thing right down to the tips of his fingers. not his.
but...?
the curious white strip of fabric that has been with him so long now unfurls itself to fly around and investigate xiao hua's new form, leery but also drawn. and xie lian gently chides, )
no subject
You're...very cold. Xiao Hua....Xiao Hua...are you okay?
( the abrupt panic from being flustered becomes panic from worry, the squeeze of xie lian's heart undoubtedly felt through the connection he still has not fully understood nor recognized. blindly he reaches back with a hand, tripping through the long soft black hair until he can pet him, however awkwardly. with his other hand he soothes along his arm back and forth as he might have along the whole of his cat form's back. )
Mm...that...um. Well.
( nerves dance in the borderline laugh of xie lian's voice, still confused, but then finding composure, not able to use magic so much anymore due to the shackles on his ankle and neck, but not everything is bound to his magic. there's a separation between that and his qi, which is part of what has endured him this far. still petting as much as he can, he relaxes, and there it is again: a near overwhelming flood of warmth and power. his heart beats a little faster, and though he's as warm as a small sun right now, xie lian shivers. he can feel it, this magic or magic adjacent thing right down to the tips of his fingers. not his.
but...?
the curious white strip of fabric that has been with him so long now unfurls itself to fly around and investigate xiao hua's new form, leery but also drawn. and xie lian gently chides, )
Ruoye leave him alone.