"it's good to see you, too!" though jian didn't seem to have noticed anything, meilin still felt something was off. "you don't have to stay all the way over there, you know." normally they would be close enough to hold. strange.

"you did?" he wasn't expecting that, surprise in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around them without a second of hesitation. "he didn't give you any- any trouble, did he?" taozian wasn't exactly known for his good manners.

"I'm glad!" he was happy they were getting along (somewhat, anyways), pressing a kiss to their temple. "I'm sure he appreciates it."

"oh!! that's definitely a good sign." he could still remember taozian setting a gifted tunic on fire simply because he disliked the color.

he's starting to wonder if his leg is ever going to stop hurting.

oh, he's fine!! just an old pain flaring up, nothing to worry about!!

he's certain!!!!! he's also certain he would feel a lot better if he could see them-

oh, are they busy? he doesn't want to get them in trouble if they are-!

o-oh! they can have all the time they need, of course!! he's not going anywhere.

of course!! it's always a good time for them! he's catching them with a laugh, immediately pulling them close.

"hello!" his cheeks are red, a shy smile blooming at the kiss. "I'm g-glad you're here..!" He missed them.

"how are you?" he tries to keep his voice steady, but it's hard to hide the excitement he feels when the other is nearby.

"I hope I didn't call you away from anything important." he glances at the ground, hoping to hide the anxiety in his gaze. he knew they would never be angry at him for such a thing, but...

he didn't know his heart could stop completely while simultaneously pounding as if trying to break his ribs. "I- you have so many responsibilities, and y- you have so much to do, and I wouldn't- I wouldn't want to keep you from that-" he was able to meet their gaze, for once.

he's gathering a bouquet for jian!! he hopes they like it, even if it's only wildflowers.

he hopes so!! there's no organization, but all the colors kind of look nice together!

he's missed them!! he hopes he can call them soon, but he always gets afraid that he's interrupting something important.

well!! he'll be calling them once he's done collecting flowers and fixing up his arm real quick. he'll wait by the stream as long as they need him to.