[ When Shino all but falls against him, Shi Qingxuan's worry flares. He feels very delicate like this, holding onto him with his hair still damp and unbrushed. Without a second thought, he wraps his arms snugly around his shoulders and back, keeping him close. He smells like himself and like oranges and vanilla and not like flowers, for once, after how those scents had permeated the city for much too long.

That isn't very important now, though. During that time, he was so focused on Gu Yun after he was captured, he hadn't bothered with the wine shop or anything else, and when Shino asks that small question, he guiltily wonders if he missed Shino's prayer, too. ]

Mm, though it's over now.

[ He lifts a hand to pet Shino's head and back in long, soothing strokes. ]

If you want me to stay right here, then it's not too greedy to ask me to stay beside you all night.