He had been asked if he could visit Lotus Pier the next time Jin Ling went and the answer had been of course he could. Jin Ling wanted to spend time with Sizhui even though he couldn't quiet bring himself to say those words, at least not yet. He had not told him what he wanted to visit for so the golden clad boy was in the dark to what his companion sought. It would become something special to Jin Ling later as it would be the nicest thing someone had done for him without expecting a favor or something in return. It was just how Sizhui was.
If he put his mind to it Jin Ling was sure he could cook, however he did not have that option when he was at Lotus Pier, or at Carp Tower as other's would handle that. He was expected to eat and likely complain about it. Though he had become more studious in the past year. His Uncle had been a touch spiteful asking him if he shouldn't be improving himself in Night Hunting rather than lurking around home like a petulant child. It had brought tears to his eyes, and he'd dropped his head and excused himself, he really didn't want Sizhui to see him cry--yet again. He had not gone to far just outside the building to sit on the steps.
Jin Ling had parted from him around eight thirty and had gone to take care of missives from his uncle in Carp Tower, from Zizhen who was home sick with the flu. He had the normal ones that he often tossed into the fire. Of nobles wanting him to meet their very eligible daughters. They wouldn't see him as more than a status, a title. He didn't want that. He wanted to be happy with his choices not wondering if he could tolerate another person for the rest of his life. Around nine he had gone to walk the pier and was surprised to see Sizhui pop up. He had waved the boy over and treated him to the delights of the food vendor as they went along. "There are even hot drinks served closer to the end of the Piers." he explained as he pulled a chunk of roasted carrot from the stick and offered it to Sizhui he had mentioned liking carrots after all. "There is one that is very spicy, but I am not sure it would be good for you, Gusu food is kind of---" he realized it could come off insulting and cleared his throat "Watery ?" he offered.
They had wound up at the end of his favorite pier, the rooms behind him had been his mother's and those had become his when he visited so he could feel closer to her. He spread his outer robe out for them. "This is my favorite place, I feel like I can be close to her, here look out at what she must have seen." he said his tone dreamy. "I--can't talk to the other boy's like I do you, because they make fun you actually listen to me." he murmured. Jin Ling leaned back on the sturdy planks of the pier and when Sizhui leaned into his shoulder he didn't pull away.
Seeing that the sweets was wearing off and how Sizhui looked like he might sleep siting up. Jin Ling was gentle with his touch as he guided the other boy close to him. Allowing him to settle over his legs and get comfortable. He didn't use words because he was terribly afraid of ruining everything by given voice to his thoughts or rather fumbling with them. Jin Ling hummed lightly and his fingers went into Sizhui's hair, gentle he did not try to untie the forehead ribbon. He had seen Jingyi's alarm before at anyone getting to close to it. He wanted the other boy to feel welcome and no pressed up, still his fingers stroked through dark locks.
His feet swung and he was watching the wind rustle the lotus flowers, when Sizhui spoke he wasn't even sure if he had heard right. Glancing down at Sizhui there was a questioning look tossed his way "I don't think I have done anything--" he volunteered he was unaware of what he meant "I mean if your talking about Night Hunts." he ducked his head down a little "I don't mean to be like that, I just do not tolerate stupid well." he whispered. Why was there color of Sizhui's face as though he were embarrassed by the words he'd spoken.
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