Touch had always hurt him; he remembers the first time he was used and the scars that left on his body and in his mind. He had felt safe with his Master, but that couldn't last forever, and when he left the temple, he had been afraid. Defensive. Until he met Xiao Xingchen. Then his fear began to ease, bit by bit, yet it never disappeared. And his Xingchen never pushed.

Xue Yang has managed to cross that barrier, to break it into pieces and show Zichen that touch can feel amazing. He recently shared that gift with Xingchen too and found new joy. All thanks to his A-Yang.

"I'm going to make dinner. You can sit at the table while I work." he smiles, pleased that he is the exception. Or one of the exceptions.

Zichen takes hold of his lover's hand and squeezes it warmly.

"I'll carry you. Just wrap your arms around my neck."