* 白龍馬

“ you had a nightmare, kid, remember? ”

“ lean on me, kid. ”

“ kid, i’m worried about you. ”

“ shh, shh. i’ve got you, kid. ”

“ get some rest, kid. ”

“ you okay, kid? ”

“ don’t be rude, kid. ”

“ run, kid! ”

“ you were sick, kid. ”

“ it’s good to see you, kid. ”

“ easy, kid, easy. ”

“ kid? can you hear me? ”

“ everyone gets scared, kid. ”

“ watch your mouth, kid. ”

“ you could’ve hurt yourself, kid. ” 

“ you don’t look too good, kid. ”

“ i’m here, kid, shh. ” 

“ stay with me, kid. ”

“ how do you feel, kid? ”

“ kid, you need rest. ”

“ i’m sorry, kid. ”

“ get behind me, kid. ”

“ kid, you had me worried sick. ” 

“ relax, kid, it’s me. ”

“ open your eyes, kid. ”

“ talk to me, kid. ”

“ i’ll handle this, kid. ”

“ oh, no you don’t, kid. ”

“ it’s okay, kid, it’s okay. ”

“ kid, you stay put. ”

“ you can trust me, kid. ”

“ help’s on the way, kid. ” 

“ take my hand, kid. ”  

“ do you want a hug, kid? ”

Carefully tucking the change away (enough for one night's stay at a nearby hostel, maybe some dinner), Xiaomin finally lowered the staff and rose to her full height. Though...her full height wasn't that much more impressive than Ao Lie's show of social skills.

●﹁🍑﹂○ ❝ Folks not knowing I exist is kind of the idea. Powerful people in powerful places should stay in the dark about things. ❞

The two disagreed often, spectacularly, but Xiaomin still held many values and habits she'd been taught to a high standard to maintain. As much as she wished to stick it to those who would harm the mortal realm she'd come to love so much the young monkey did not have the power her grandfather had. This secrecy was safe.

Her head tilted curiously, a hand placed on her hip as she scrutinized him up and down. The telltale signs of crying not too long ago especially did not escape her. He was so...soft. How'd he make it out here for this long?

●﹁🍑﹂○ ❝ Though...I imagined the Ao Lie 爷爷 spoke of so fondly would look a little more...different. ❞

he knows a thing or two about that . if the clan knew he had slipped away to hide here

" y-yeah that's fair . " the young dragon admits , wiping his face with his sleeve as if he had suddenly remembered the traces of shame that had been left upon his pale face . " i has been an 'off' sort of day for me , heh . "

maybe he should have waited to officially meet her . sometime after getting some much needed rest to preserve some dignity of the dragon line , but giving to how he was at wukong's-- and to an extent , xiaomin's-- hospitality , lielie felt that it would be inconsiderate of him simply set up shop without as much as a greeting .

besides , what dignity was there left ? certainly she is more family by association than his own blood .

" i suppose since he speaks to me in such esteem , you probably already know why i am here . " a hand pushes back the chopped locks . fingers are tracing a specific place in his skull that is invisible to the eye .

" your grandfather is allowing me to stay for a while . i just wanted to let you and , to thank you too . " lielie meekly smiles .

" i won't be getting in the way or anything . i just hope we can be friends . you seem really cool . "