[ He wasn't expecting it, and he froze up, accidentally spilling a little of the hot chocolate onto his lap, but at least it wasn't scalding anymore. His face was warm again - maybe it was just perpetually warm in this forsaken place - and he carefully put his mug down before raising his hands to rest on Sizhui's arms, letting the boy hold him and... sort of returning it. He didn't really know how to do more than that. Not without embarrassing them both. ]

Don't be stupid. [ A little shaky, trying and failing to pretend he wasn't effected by the display of emotion. ]

Of course I see that. I've known you this long, haven't I? We've been through everything together. If I couldn't see that I would have to be blind!

Who other than a Lan would look at Hanguang-jun the way you and Jingyi do?

[ He faltered, swallowing, unable to quite ignore the stand by your side part, despite how it made his insides twist in a way he couldn't tell if it felt good or terrible. ]

... Who do we have if we haven't got each other? [ The question came out a little rougher, a little more honest, than he meant it to. ] Of course I'm standing with you, Sizhui, don't be stupid. If anyone gives you grief about where you come from, you just come to me and we'll make sure they remember their manners.