1. About walking

Xiao Xin jogged a little to catch up to Huo Linghun but was slowly left behind again. It was partly because he didn't walk as fast, and partly because there were lots of things to stop and look at on the way. He also liked to look at Huo Linghun. His gait was steady and his posture was upright. He carried his tail at medium height and it swayed back and forth with his steps in a mesmerizing way. He didn't look around so much, he seemed more focused on reaching their destination. And he sure walked fast!

Huo Linghun peeked over his shoulder now and then to make sure Xiao Xin was still there. He often saw him peering closely at a low branch or crouched to look at something on the ground. It made him smile, even though he had to remind him all the time to brush the dirt out of his fur where his tail frequently swept against the ground. He slowed his own pace so as not to leave him behind. The next time he looked over his shoulder he saw Xiao Xin trip over some fallen bamboo. Huo Linghun was far enough ahead to get away with a quiet laugh.

Conclusion: Huo Linghun walks fast and with determination. Xiao Xin is curious and trips a lot.

2. About eating

When they arrived at the next town they were both hungry so they found a little restaurant. Huo Linghun ordered the town's specialty, as he always did, and made sure to order what Xiao Xin liked too.

"Would you like to try any of this?" he asked.

Xiao Xin scrutinized the offered food and wrinkled his nose up at the smell. "No thank you," he said.

Huo Linghun found him cute when he wrinkled his nose up like that. He didn't blame him for not wanting to try the new food- this town was known for its spicy dishes. But Xiao Xin rarely wanted to try new food anyway. He seemed to prefer berries, nuts, seeds, anything made with those. He also liked potatoes very much. Huo Linghun thought he was unaccustomed to trying new things, that he found it a bit daunting.

Xiao Xin didn't like the smell of Huo Linghun's food. He recognized this smell from other dishes Huo Linghun had tried. He noticed that he always liked to try new things whenever they were somewhere different, and that he was particularly fond of things that smelled this way. He called it spicy. Xiao Xin didn't know why he liked it so much, especially since it always made him-

"ACHOO!"

Xiao Xin had known it would be coming but he still dropped his half-eaten berry paste bun in surprise. He returned to eating, and so did Huo Linghun despite the numerous sneezes that followed. He even said, "This food is very good!"

Conclusion: Xiao Xin doesn't like a variety of food, or to try new things. Spicy food makes Huo Linghun sneeze but he likes it.

3 About being together

During another night of stargazing Huo Linghun found himself admiring Xiao Xin instead of the stars. His hair was just slightly messy in a charming way. His scars did not detract from his beauty. His one working eye caught the starlight, the curiosity and wonder within him shining back out at it. That eye turned toward him, his gaze as gentle and kind as it was curious, a small, questioning smile on his lips. "Hmm?" he hummed, his voice always so soft, like a whisper.

Huo Linghun lifted his hand to brush his fingers over his face. Some parts of his skin were not soft but Huo Linghun still liked to touch him. His hand continued back over his furry ear, which was soft indeed. Quietly he murmured, "You're very... soft..."

Xiao Xin liked the gentle way Huo Linghun's hand had slid over his skin, over his ear and back through his hair. His entire expression was filled with tenderness as he looked at him. His eyes were soft and kind. His ears were turned back slightly in a shy kind of way, a loving kind of way. His voice had been soft too, he always spoke to him so sweetly. And his mouth was smiling, his lips looked so...

Xiao Xin leaned forward and kissed him. His arm wrapped around him, his hand burying itself in his lightly wavy hair. Huo Linghun embraced him too, pulling him against himself as they kissed. Everything about him was warm and soothing and gentle and... Xiao Xin pulled back just long enough to whisper, "You're very soft too..."

Conclusion: Huo Linghun loves Xiao Xin. Xiao Xin loves Huo Linghun too.