Cheng Xiaoshi

Link click Rp blog || crossovers welcome

[fallbackin-time]

“How precious it is to be with trustworthy partners in our life”

< “I’m Cheng Xiaoshi, a partner here at the time time photo studio alongside Lu Guang!” >

Headcanons ( + facts )

[ very welcome to crossovers!! Please interact ]

Tags:

“ a quick photo! 📷“ -> answered asks

“ Just out for a bit 🎞️ “ -> open posts

[ stories :

Turn out the lights ]

@watch-time-flow pspspsp

[watch-time-flow]

It’s the middle of the night, on one of the hottest nights of the year and Cheng Xiaoshi is no longer next to Lu Guang.. he’s migrated down to be curled at the bottom of the bed

- @fallbackin-time

He wakes up slowly, immediately worrying once he sees the spot next to him be empty

[fallbackin-time]

Meanwhile he’s trying not to overheat, he’s laying like you’d expect an oversized dog, curled in on himself with his head between his arms

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[watch-time-flow]

"Am I not allowed?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You are but still”

[watch-time-flow]

Loser tilts his head

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m worried”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nothing just worried

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm worried, too"

[fallbackin-time]

“about what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"What if you disappear again?"

[fallbackin-time]

I won’t”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[watch-time-flow]

"Am I not allowed?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You are but still”

[watch-time-flow]

Loser tilts his head

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m worried”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nothing just worried

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm worried, too"

[fallbackin-time]

“about what?”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[watch-time-flow]

"Am I not allowed?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You are but still”

[watch-time-flow]

Loser tilts his head

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m worried”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nothing just worried

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[watch-time-flow]

"Am I not allowed?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You are but still”

[watch-time-flow]

Loser tilts his head

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m worried”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[watch-time-flow]

"Am I not allowed?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You are but still”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re following me

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“Back to bed”

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't be able to sleep anyway-"

[fallbackin-time]

“Please try”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fine,” he sets him down so he can go to the bathroom to gab medicine

[watch-time-flow]

He's sliiightly pouting. And following him around

[fallbackin-time]

Dudes just faking pills, nothing to be worried about

[watch-time-flow]

He's being a loser, just standing in the doorway

[fallbackin-time]

“You okay?”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“Back to bed”

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't be able to sleep anyway-"

[fallbackin-time]

“Please try”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fine,” he sets him down so he can go to the bathroom to gab medicine

[watch-time-flow]

He's sliiightly pouting. And following him around

[fallbackin-time]

Dudes just faking pills, nothing to be worried about

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“Back to bed”

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't be able to sleep anyway-"

[fallbackin-time]

“Please try”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fine,” he sets him down so he can go to the bathroom to gab medicine

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“Back to bed”

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't be able to sleep anyway-"

[fallbackin-time]

“Please try”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“Back to bed”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[watch-time-flow]

"We were sleeping earlier"

[fallbackin-time]

For how long?”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not tired"

[fallbackin-time]

“You need sleep!”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”

[watch-time-flow]

"I do"

[fallbackin-time]

Go to sleep”

[fallbackin-time]

The studio's door is open, though the sign is flipped to say "Closed". Probably in case Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't have a key, or maybe because Qiao Ling might visit anyway. Lu Guang is currently in the sunroom though, stressed out of his mind and worried because he's so far failed to locate Cheng Xiaoshi. So now he's just silently trying not to have another breakdown

-@watch-time-flow

Cheng Xiaoshi doesn’t return home until nearly five in the morning, the joys of a 24 hour bar he found after told to leave by Juno. He’s trying to quietly enter but the bell really doesn’t help, so he just curses while stumbling into the counter - really hoping Lu Guang isn’t home

[watch-time-flow]

He wipes his hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's shirt and tries to just burrow under the blanket- still cling though

[fallbackin-time]

He tries to wiggle

[watch-time-flow]

He's the leech now

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang my head hurt”

[watch-time-flow]

"So does mine..."

He lifts his head. He looks like he had three break downs in quick succession... technically four

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang? Whats wrong?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm fine"

A blank expression does not currently work properly, probably. He's trying it anyway

"Do you remember what trip you were talking about?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Uh.. probably meant the dive? I don’t really remember last night”

[watch-time-flow]

"You kept saying trip"

Wary idiot

[fallbackin-time]

“Oh, uh.. I don’t think I went on a trip. Maybe I fell?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... when?"

^concerned

[fallbackin-time]

“Guang. I don’t remember”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what do you remember?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Fighting with you, having a weird chat with a bartender and then going to a different bar”

[watch-time-flow]

"Weird how?"

Aaand here comes protective husband mode. Nevermind the fact that he looks like he'd lose a fight to a gust of wind

[fallbackin-time]

“He was being all therapist-like”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks slightly relived, then buries his face against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest. Back to leech mode

"... I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Why are you sorry?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm a terrible husband"

[fallbackin-time]

“No??”

[watch-time-flow]

"You thought I'd ever prioritize the timeline over you- I'd never see anything as more important than you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Wow you’ve changed.. or gotten more honest I can’t tell”

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, staring at him. He looks pretty close to having a fifth breakdown

[fallbackin-time]

“Sorry that’s a bad joke- for the wrong reaction”

[watch-time-flow]

He is just staring. He can't tell if he was actually joking or trying to calm him down

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You know I tried breaking time and space for you-"

^running with the assumption that he wasn't joking

[fallbackin-time]

“Lu Guang, I wasn’t serious. I was just really stressed because it already felt like you didn’t trust me and I proved you right”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd trust you with so much, Xiaoshi. I swear. I'd trust you with my life, anyone's life- but you don't care enough about yourself. That... it scares me, Cheng Xiaoshi"

He looks so so miserable

"... and you didn't mess up the timeline. The broken ankle was going to happen either way"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do care about myself, it just happens.. I would rather save other people”

How does he think that helps

“…fuck”

[watch-time-flow]

"If anything happens to you, if I lost you, I'd never forgive myself. Do you understand that?"

It definitely isn't helping

[fallbackin-time]

“If I had to chose between me or you I’d lose myself one way or another, I could never chose me. The guilt would eat me alive”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about you and others- especially strangers"

He sighs, still kinda miserable

[fallbackin-time]

“I understand your worry but I wouldn’t be able to keep a promise not to, I care about people Lu Guang. I can’t help it”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t think I can escape my fate forever.. so if I can prevent someone else from dying prematurely then I’m happy”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't want you to die prematurely"

Uh oh, his voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t want to die!”

[watch-time-flow]

"Then don't throw yourself into harms way. Accept that you and your power have limits- Please. If for nothing else, then for my selfish piece of mind"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can’t promise anything, but I won’t argue when you remind me to take breaks.. that’s a lie I problem will argue then listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't mind arguing. I just want you to be safe"

[fallbackin-time]

“Well as far as we know I only get hurt in dives when it’s my own body, so I’m all good on the physical front”

He’s trying to be reassuring

[watch-time-flow]

"You aren't. I don't want you getting hurt at all if it's avoidable"

[fallbackin-time]

He flicks him,

“Fine, you tell me what not to do so I avoid that when we dive. I’ll handle the mental stuff, cool?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'll agree if you stop pushing your limits so much. Also ow"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll do better if you promise you’re not gonna deny dives”

^ so glad admitting there is a mental side got passed over

[watch-time-flow]

"I won't shut down dives fully, but I will continue to reject jobs if I think they're not something we can handle"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’d like to be included on these conversations”

[watch-time-flow]

"... fine"

[fallbackin-time]

“good”

[watch-time-flow]

He flops back down, face buried against Cheng Xiaoshi's chest again

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you, promise”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I'm still sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

“Don’t be, I’ll flick you again”

[watch-time-flow]

"You can. I deserve worse, but you already said you'll never hit me"

He shrugs. How does he think this will help? Who knows. Idiot is not thinking before speaking

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m considering knocking some sense into you, I’m not gonna hit you because you’re protective of me”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm also a terrible husband, so I'd deserve it"

[fallbackin-time]

“Excuse me? No you aren’t”

[watch-time-flow]

"Considering last night, I definitely am"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’d be a better one if you listened to me! I’m telling you than you’re not, and considering the fact you are my husband I think I’d know”

[watch-time-flow]

"... that was contradicting"

^dumbass

[fallbackin-time]

“Let me lecture you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... keep talking"

[fallbackin-time]

“You don’t get to decide how good a husband you are, I do.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Why do you get to insist you're a bad husband, then?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t remember saying that”

[watch-time-flow]

"You did. So I get to say it too"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then I’ll quit saying it”

[watch-time-flow]

"Hm"

He is still face down on Cheng Xiaoshi's chest

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too. More than the timeline. I swear"

[fallbackin-time]

Idiot”

[watch-time-flow]

"What"

[fallbackin-time]

“Changing your ideals for me. I might think you have a crush”

^ teasing

[watch-time-flow]

He's too tired and stressed to catch on, head snapping up

"We're married-"

[fallbackin-time]

“I know?”

He blinks, he looks surprised

[watch-time-flow]

"Then why-?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I was teasing you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... oh"

And back down his head drops

[fallbackin-time]

..how damaged do you think my memory is?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I don't know"

[fallbackin-time]

“You thought I forgot I married you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"You seemed to have last night..."

[fallbackin-time]

“Ah.. sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“..any memory issues I have after a dive usually go away within an hour or so”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I know. It just..."

Whoops, voice cracks

[fallbackin-time]

“I could never forget you”

[watch-time-flow]

".... you don't know that"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. well if I did, I know for certain I’d fall in love with you al over again”

[watch-time-flow]

".... what if you didn't love me in the original timeline"

^doesn't even actually know

[fallbackin-time]

“What? I don’t.. well I don’t know”

[watch-time-flow]

"Exactly. We don't know. What if... what if I did something different and that's why you like me?"

Someone knock him out, the lack of sleep is not helping the overthinking

[fallbackin-time]

“How does that matter? If I didn’t love you in a different timeline then does that make my love matter less?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... no"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... what?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Then what’s the issue”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you could've found someone who's more honest than me or who listens. You did say I'd be a better husband if I did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I love you but you do need to listen”

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm trying"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm.. okay. We’re gonna try something I had to do at therapy.”

[watch-time-flow]

He lifts his head. So so tired and cautious

[fallbackin-time]

“Well I didn’t do it but it was something I was told about- anyway. Five questions, we will both be completely honest”

[watch-time-flow]

Yep, he looks on edge

"... okay"

[fallbackin-time]

“No judgment, no argument. You can go first”

[watch-time-flow]

"... am I really that bad at listening to you?"

[fallbackin-time]

“No, but when you don’t it makes me worried that you’re hiding something.

Is there a reason you think I’ll forget you?”

[watch-time-flow]

"... I don't hide things intentionally anymore. Mostly..."

He's avoiding eye contact so bad

"... you did before"

[fallbackin-time]

“Hm”

He looks shocked,

“What?!”

[watch-time-flow]

He looks nervous

"... what's something you never told me before?"

[fallbackin-time]

“You’re really moving on?”

He says despite the fact he will answer, cause this is a trust exercise,

“A high school counsellor told me I needed to go to family therapy so I showed up alone”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's... been a long time"

He shrugs so so awkwardly

"Oh, love...'

[fallbackin-time]

“When did I forget you?”

He shrugs,

“I had a lot of parent teacher conferences like that”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we... briefly knew each other when we were younger. When we met at the basketball courtyard, you didn't remember me"

He frowns

"I'm sorry"

[fallbackin-time]

He looks horrified,

“Oh god- I’m so sorry”

[watch-time-flow]

"It's fine- we were kids and it wasn't like we knew each other long. In hindsight, it makes sense you forgot"

He turns his head away

"Do you... are you upset with anything else I do that you didn't mention yet?"

[fallbackin-time]

“If I.. why didn’t you tell me?”

He looks bury,

“I don’t like when you keep things from me”

[watch-time-flow]

"You didn't remember, I was just happy to see you again"

He frowns

"You said that before"

[fallbackin-time]

“..I won’t forget you again. Even if you have to beat some sense into me,

I don’t like being lied to,” he shrugs, “your question

[watch-time-flow]

"I'd never beat you"

He blinks

"Isn't it your turn? Hm... is there anything you lied about?'

[fallbackin-time]

“I know sorry-

Is it? Oops. Uhm.. Probably more than I can recall, but I’m not a good lair. I lied about how severe the dive consequences can be I guess.

Did you love me in the past timeline?”

[watch-time-flow]

"I could tell. I know how severe they can be. Will you please trust me when I say not to push the limit?'

He sighs, then frowns

"I always loved you. Well, maybe not when we were children, but... when I saw you for the first time in the courtyard..."

[fallbackin-time]

“..I will try, but I can’t promise I won’t want to push myself. I hate letting people down even if it’s pretty frightening not to know who I am.

Oh.. I’m sorry it took so long”

[watch-time-flow]

"... we'll work on it together.

Its fine. I'm glad we ended up together"

[fallbackin-time]

“I didn’t want to tell you incase you cut off our best income,

Mhm me too. Last one, Do you ever regret meeting me? You wouldn’t have been stuck in a time loop if you hadn’t..”

[watch-time-flow]

"Oh"

He looks like he just got slapped

"What? No. I... Xiaoshi I'd do anything to be by your side in every life"

[fallbackin-time]

He nods, hugging him as tight as he can,

“Okay.. I just needed to know”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings

"I promise, I love you. I'd never not love you"

[fallbackin-time]

“Neither would I, I’ll fall inlove you with in every timeline”

[watch-time-flow]

"... promise?"

[fallbackin-time]

“I’ll love you til the very end”

[watch-time-flow]

"... mh. A very, very far away end I hope"

[fallbackin-time]

“Yeah, I hope so”

[watch-time-flow]

He clings sliiightly more

[fallbackin-time]

“I love tou@

[watch-time-flow]

"... love you too"

Loser goes limp. Still on top of Cheng Xiaoshi

[fallbackin-time]

“And I love you more but please let me pick you up or something my head is killing me

[watch-time-flow]

He just nods. Either in agreement or because he heard him talk and registered nothing

[fallbackin-time]

He scoops him up

[watch-time-flow]

He blinks, mildly startled

[fallbackin-time]

“I told you”

[watch-time-flow]

"... you did"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can put you down”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

[fallbackin-time]

“Good”

[watch-time-flow]

He's absolutely dead weight

".... unless I'm too heavy"

[fallbackin-time]

“Nah I’m fine”

[watch-time-flow]

"Good"

Loser actually snuggles closer. He is that tired

[fallbackin-time]

“I’m gonna put you on the couch to sleep”

[watch-time-flow]

"No"

And he's back to being a leech

[fallbackin-time]

“Guabg0

[watch-time-flow]

"I'm awake"

[fallbackin-time]

“Not for long”

[watch-time-flow]

"I just need coffee"

[fallbackin-time]

“No”

[watch-time-flow]

"Excuse me?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Go to sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're opening in... probably half an hour"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"We have work"

[fallbackin-time]

“I do not care”

[watch-time-flow]

"I care. We have rent"

[fallbackin-time]

“I can do it”

[watch-time-flow]

"We're a team, aren't we?"

[fallbackin-time]

“Sleep.”

[watch-time-flow]

"Xiaoshi"

[fallbackin-time]

“I don’t care.”