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Soft morning sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm glow over the two bodies entwined on the bed. Jiyan lies undisturbed, his arm curled protectively around his head, his vibrant blue hair spilling across the pillow like a river. Beside him, the Rover sits upright, his elbow bent and his head resting in his hand as he gazes adoringly at the peaceful figure beside him.
A tender smile plays on the Rover's lips. "You're so beautiful when you sleep," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the quiet hum of morning.
Inspiration strikes, and the Rover lifts his hand to gently cradle Jiyan's face. His thumb traces the curve of Jiyan's lips, a featherlight touch that sends a shiver through the sleeping man. Jiyan stirs, his brow furrowing in his sleep, but he doesn't wake.
Emboldened, the Rover leans in, his breath ghosting over Jiyan's lips. He presses a soft, chaste kiss to Jiyan's mouth, his heart pounding in his chest. Jiyan's eyes flutter, his lips parting in a silent sigh, but he sinks back into sleep, a look of serene contentment washing over his face.
—————
The warm, sunny evening casts a golden glow through the open window, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of tea. Jiyan sits, his head bent over a book, his brow furrowed in concentration. The Rover enters the room, two steaming cups of tea in hand, and settles beside him. Jiyan looks up, his eyes bright with a smile as he takes the offered mug. "Thank you," he murmurs, his fingers brushing against the Rover's as he accepts the drink.
The Rover's heart skips a beat at the simple touch, and he leans in, drawn by the magnetic pull of Jiyan's presence. Jiyan's breath catches in his throat as the Rover cups his face, calloused fingers tracing the line of his jaw. The Rover closes the distance, pressing his lips to Jiyan's in a tender, unhurried kiss. Jiyan melts into the embrace, his book forgotten as he loses himself in the moment. When they finally part, foreheads resting together, their eyes shine with unspoken affection.
—————
Hand in hand, Jiyan and the Rover stroll along a moonlit path, their fingers intertwined. The cool air wraps around them, but their clasped hands create a warm and intimate feeling.
Walking in comfortable silence, Jiyan steals a moment to admire the Rover's profile lit by the gentle moonlight. The Rover senses his gaze and tightens his grip on Jiyan's hand, silently reaffirming his affection.
In an unspoken understanding, they stop under a blossoming cherry tree, its delicate petals falling like snow around them. Jiyan turns to face the Rover, their eyes locking in a wordless exchange.
Without hesitation, the Rover reaches out with his other hand and caresses Jiyan's cheek. Jiyan leans into his touch, closing his eyes briefly to savor the warmth and tenderness of it all.
In a soft whisper, the Rover breaks the silence. "I've never felt this way with anyone else," he confesses, searching Jiyan's eyes for a response.
Jiyan's heart swells with an overwhelming rush of love and affection, ready to return the confession that hangs on the tip of his tongue. “I–”
“Jiyan! Rover! Where did you two go!?” Chixia’s voice echoes in the distance.
“… I suppose we’ve ought to go, then,” Jiyan finally says, slipping his hand out of the Rover’s.
“… Yeah,” the Rover answers, a twinge of sadness tainting his words.
—————
Jiyan, with a determined look in his eyes, reaches for the Rover's hand. He gently pulls the Rover towards him, closing the distance between them. The Rover's eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn't resist as Jiyan brings their hands to his lips and presses a soft kiss on the back of the Rover's hand.
Jiyan then unclasps one of his gauntlets from his wrist and holds it out to the Rover. "I want you to have this," Jiyan says, his voice steady and earnest. "It's a symbol of my trust and commitment to you."
The Rover looks at the gauntlet, then back up at Jiyan, confused by the sudden gesture. "But why?" he asks, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Jiyan gives him a small smile. "Because I want you to know that I'll always have your back, just like this gauntlet will protect your hand in battle," he explains. The Rover's eyes soften with understanding, a warmth blooming in his chest at Jiyan's thoughtful gesture. He takes the gauntlet, sliding it onto his hand with a sense of reverence.
"Thank you, Jiyan," the Rover says quietly, his voice filled with unspoken gratitude and emotion. Jiyan nods, a silent understanding passing between them as they stand there, hand in hand, united not just in their shared mission but in their bond of trust and love.