The defensive reaction saddens him and he watches Xue Yang hurry off to clean up with a frown. Words are difficult for him and even when he is gentle with him, he knows his A-Yang fears rejection. Zichen pulls out the carving of the little wolf again and rubs his thumb over it.

Dinner is cooking when his husband rejoins him and Zichen pulls him immediately into his arms again.

"Are you angry with me, A-Yang?"