[ The moment Shino throws himself against him, Shi Qingxuan curls his arms around his back, hand stroking the back of his head. So many pent up feelings, and Shi Qingxuan can understand that. He can at least understand Shino's simple words and honest tears, and he can understand how much he wants to be held.

So he settles down in the bed to make holding him more comfortable, to make it feel more natural to nuzzle into his hair. ]

Whatever you are is fine, as long as you're still yourself.

[ There's a warm, almost amused not to his voice as he answers that. ]

I'll be with you for as long as you want me. [ And a squeeze around his back. ] Didn't I already say? It's not greedy to ask me to stay as long as you want.

[ So he'll stay, and he'll hold him, and he'll love him, and he'll protect him, as he always has. ]