Zixuan has mostly left such appearances behind him. Mostly. At least with those who matter to him, which she most certainly does. The loneliness Xie has helped ease in his heart vanishes at her touch, just feeling her in his arms again erases it all.

She doesn't protest, or pull away, or even say a word. But the state of her tells him why, and so he doesn't press her to talk. Only lifts her and carries her away. He knows how to get to the small cottage where he lives, though perhaps Koi Tower would be better for this. He still gets lost getting there, and it would take longer besides.

As it is, it takes a fair bit of time, but he doesn't even pause or complain, only rejoices in having her with him again. He doesn't ask if she remembers her previous time here. Even that doesn't matter.

Finally they reach the cottage and he opens the door with a bit of effort to avoid jostling her too much, and carries her straight to his bedroom, where he sits and finally sets her down on his lap. His tail drapes over her legs and he lifts a hand up to her cheek.

"I'm here, A-Li. We're alive here." Maybe he should have been telling her that along the walk, but he hadn't thought to before!