#Mistflowers ;; Tighnari & Chongyun

[ironbloodcd]

While napping with Tighnari is cozy, Chongyun's dream's take a far less cozy turn.

In their dreams, they see flashes of fire, hearing angry, muted voices screaming at each other from a distance. There's a name being called, and they turn, as though answering said call. It's not their name though, is it?

They start walking toward the mysterious voice, sounding so very familiar. They need answers, they want to find... family? There are figures up ahead. All flashing by too fast for the exorcist to keep track. But there's still fire, and it's so warm, and the air is tense and chaotic. But those voices are too hypnotic to ignore.

In reality, the still-sleeping form of Chongyun rises up out of bed. He sits upright for a moment before rising to his feet, stumbling ever so slightly as he makes his way out of Tighnari's house. Utterly silent, eyes barely open in slits, but he's moving forward regardless, step by very small step. (yakshaverse.)

Despite the many ailments that Tighnari has assisted with and treated, sleepwalking is one that he's never encountered before. Prior to this particular incident, he would have said that was likely fortuitous, given the fact that Gandharva Ville is situated high up in the trees and would certainly make for a very dangerous path for a potential sufferer. At the moment, however? The ranger wishes that he had some form of experience with the matter.

He's always been a relatively light sleeper, and the sound of the mattress creaking from movement, followed by the loss of a warm body that had been previously curled up around him, is more than enough to rouse the Forest Watcher. Groggy eyes blink blearily through the vestiges of sleep, with Tighnari turning over in bed as he murmurs out his partner's name in confusion. Even more bewildering, however, is that Chongyun doesn't reply to him.

Turning himself around, Tighnari quickly spots the exorcist as they stumble towards the doorway, certainly not as steady as they normally would have been. Shaking off whatever remains of his nap, the fox quickly climbs to his feet, sensing that something is off as he follows after his mate, brows furrowing with concern.

"Yun? Are... you alright?" A hand reaches out, settling upon the cryo-user's shoulder and giving a small squeeze. "Is something wrong?"

[ironbloodcd]

FOR TIGHNARI'S EYES ONLY

your  name: Chongyun your age: 19 your perfect date: Somewhere more cool than the desert, clearly. But you don't like that either, so that's not an issue. As long as we can explore, I'm happy. make out in private or in public?: Outside, I like making out outside. Underneath a tree. Or underneath the stars. Or in a haunted temple. I'm not picky. do you like to cuddle?: Very much. You're comfortable. tell me something about you: I was once able to tie a knot with a cherry stem, but I was yang drunk at the time, and I haven't been able to do it since. why do you want to be my valentine?: You're my mate, do I need another reason? I love you.

A Valentine's Application

@cryoexorcist

Really, they shouldn't be allowed to be this... cute. Archons, it's no wonder that he's fallen for the exorcist. There's a small smile tugging at his lips as he folds the slip of paper and tucks it into his clothes (yes, he's keeping it), before gloved hands cup Chongyun's face in his and he leans over to press a quick kiss to their lips.

"And I love you," he says with a fond chuckle, stroking the curve of the cryo-user's cheek with a thumb, "and so long as it's just the two of us... any of those locations sound lovely."

[ironbloodcd]

Chongyun takes off running, not stopping until they reach Gandharva Ville. Surprisingly, Chongyun isn't as winded as they expected to be, but that doesn't mean they're not panting with exhaustion.

Leaning against Tighnari's home, Chongyun just gives the forest ranger a look, before walking in and throwing himself against the bed and whining incoherently over drunk people and explosions and various shenanigans.

"-And I jumped out the window at the end of it," Chongyun groans. "I did not want to be around that."

Unprompted Asks - Always Accepting

@cryoexorcist

He's not sure where the exorcist has been, but it's certainly late when he hears footsteps at his door. Looking over, Tighnari is met with the sight of a very exhausted looking Chongyun and the Forest Watcher's brows immediately furrow with concern, though he isn't given time to ask what, exactly, has happened. Standing up from his desk, the ranger follows his partner over to the bed, dropping down to sit next to the exorcist's form even as they begin to groan.

"... I'm sorry, something exploded?" Had he heard that right? Just what has his poor mate been tangled up in? Shaking his head, the fox reaches over to card his fingers through Chongyun's unruly hair before leaning down to try and peek at their face, "Your friends sound rather unruly, my love. I can't say that I blame you for jumping out a window."

He might've done the same, if he were in a similar position. "C'mere - I'm done my work for the day, so would it be alright if I held you?"

[ironbloodcd]

Chongyun can distantly feel himself being carried back, and while his mind is still confused as to what had just happened, he knows he's safe with Tighnari. So Chongyun allows himself to doze, deciding to take a long cold bath later to wash the pollen off.

However, as Chongyun dozes, their mind begins to be filled with strange images. Nothing they can make sense of at first, but strange images consisting of foxes, masks, voices calling out to one another. Voices that sound so familiar, and yet, are completely strange to the exorcist.

The dreams don't seem to stop. They get more vivid, and even more strange the more they flicker through his mind, so when Chongyun eventually wakes from the pollen-induced slumber, he's dizzy, with a pounding headache, and staring up at the ceiling. They recognize being in Tighnari's bed, they recognize Tighnari's home, but everything else has that feeling of being slightly off, as if everything had shifted just barely.

Chongyun isn't sure this is real, either. It feels real, but those voices from their dreams, however faded those dreams are now, are still calling out a name that Chongyun doesn't recognize.

"Where am I?" (yaksha verse ;D )

Unprompted Ask - Always Accepting!

@cryoexorciist

In the hours that pass, Tighnari keeps a close eye on Chongyun, despite knowing that the pollen is unlikely to have any negative effects on the exorcist. While the Liyuen sleeps, the Forest Watcher sets to work on removing some of the clothing that's still stained by the pollen (and doing his best not to stare at the partly undressed exorcist during the process), as well as wiping some of the remaining residue away with a cool cloth. From there, it's simply a waiting game - and though normally patient, the fox can't say that he isn't eager for Chongyun to wake up and provide Tighnari with complete assurance that he was okay.

He's in the midst of looking over his notes in an attempt at distracting himself when the sound of a soft groan reaches his sensitive ears. Immediately, Tighnari's eyes shift towards the recovering cryo-user, and his notebook is forgotten in favor of returning to Chongyun's bedside, though he pours his companion a glass of water before allowing himself to take a seat next to the Liyuen.

"Easy," Tighnari murmurs softly, in case Chongyun has a headache. It's not uncommon for pollen victims to experience one upon waking. "You're in my room. I brought you here after I found you in the forest -and I wouldn't try to get up just yet. You might still be pretty dizzy. I can help you to sit up though, if you want some water..."

Reaching with his free hand, Tighnari brushes icy blue bangs out of Chongyun's face before settling his palm against their brow. It's a habit that he's picked up whenever treating the exorcist, as he knows how prone to fevers they are. There's no sign of a heightened temperature though, which has Tighnari's shoulders relaxing somewhat with relief. It wasn't like him to worry when he knew that there was likely nothing to be concerned about, but... well, he's been finding it more difficult to do otherwise whenever Chongyun is involved.

"Do you remember what happened?" he asks, giving a slight tilt of his head, "You ran into a Sumeru Boartrap - the pollen they release helps them to sedate and ensnare prey. It was definitely about to make a meal out of you when I showed up..."

Thank the gods he'd been in the area, really. Without thinking, he smooths some of Chongyun's hair back, his brow furrowing with what might have been lingering worry. "You gave me quite the scare, you know..."

[ironbloodcd]

Even though Sumeru is starting to feel like a hone away from home for the exorcist, there are still a lot of flora and fauna that is mysterious to Chongyun. The plants are unusual, and even with trying to learn about them, Chongyun can't remember which ones are edible or not.

Avidya Forest is vast, and Chongyun is realizing at this point the should have asked Collei for help. Not that they're lost or anything, but it's easy to get turned around, especially with a lack of open spaces. He knows he's close to the villagethough, so he can just as easily call out for help if it's needed.

Being alone is never a great idea in the first place. Because unfortunately for Chongyun, he manages to stumble into a rather large looking plant...creature... thing, hiding in a nearby bush. Chongyun KNOWS it's sentient by the way it's swaying ever so slightly, and stupidly, Chongyun inches forward to get a better look.

The thing seems to sneeze. That's what it's movement's resemble -- Chongyun can see spores flying off the plant like creature, landing on him instead.

With a startled yelp, Chongyun flings himself backwards, immediately wiping the (pollen?) spores off. Or trying to. What they're actually doing is smearing it more into their clothing, and breathing it in. It's thick, it sucks, and Chongyun feels heavy.

Wait.

"Tig...." They call out, right as their legs give out. Sitting heavily on the ground. Chongyun tries to remain sitting, but not entirely successfully.

"....Nari....?"

The sudden sleepiness is a bad sign, they know. They just don't know how bad it is.

Unprompted Ask - Always Accepting!

@cryoexorciist

The rainforest has the tendency to drown out noises for most. From the constant din of the many birds who make their homes amongst the canopy, to the frogs grumbling down in the streams and even the rustle of leaves in the wind, there's constant noise, even if the volume isn't particularly loud. As such, it's easy to miss a singular voice amidst it all, save for the loudest of cries.

At least, this is case for the majority. Tighnari, however, has something of a advantage when it comes to hearing, however, and it's this that allows him to pick up on a familiar voice, crying out in what sounds like surprise. His previous observation of a cluster of the local water lilies is almost immediately forgotten, notepad tucked away as he hurried through the underbrush towards the source of the noise. It sounded like... Chongyun? That can't be good. While the exorcist is perfectly capable, Avidya Forest can still be dangerous to those who aren't fully aware of all the dangers that it houses.

As beautiful as the rainforest is, it's deadliness isn't to be underestimated - and as it turns out, the cryo-user is very much in a perilous situation when Tighnari comes upon him.

"Chongyun!" He sees the exorcist on the ground, barely managing to stay sitting up - and looming over them is a particularly unique variety of flora that's know for carnivorous tendencies. The Sumeru Boartrap is a plant quite unique to the nation's jungle, aptly named for its favored prey, shroomboars, though it has been known to target people on occasion as well. Tighnari doesn't need to be told that Chongyun's likely breathed in the pollen that it emits, used to sedate its intended meal so that consuming it will be far easier, for the exorcist's unsteady appearance is revealing enough.

Cursing under his breath, Tighnari rushes forward and hooks his arms beneath Chongyun's armspits, dragging them away and out of the plant's reach. The fox is careful to hold his own breath until there's a considerable distance between them and the unique predator, for he's no good to the Liyuen if he too inhales the spores and passes out.

"I've gotcha," he says softly into the exorcist's ear, maneuvering to prop Chongyun against a tree as he kneels down in front of them, "you're alright. It's okay if you go to sleep - the pollen's not dangerous. You'll feel better if you sleep it off."

Even so, he begins checking Chongyun for signs of injury, or anything else that might hint at him being effected by something other than the pollen. Concern is etched into his features as he checks the exorcist's pulse, his temperature, the dilation of their pupils - anything and everything that he can check in that moment, though thankfully, Chongyun appears to be otherwise unharmed. That means that Tighnari just needs to get them back to the settlement, where they can sleep safely.

"You're okay," he murmurs again, though it's hard to tell if he's saying it to himself or the exorcist more. Sighing with relief, the ranger gently begins to move Chongyun once more, pulling the exorcist up and onto his back so that they might make the trek back to Gandharva Ville. Whether the cryo-user is awake enough to actually hear him or not, Tighnari can't say for certain, but he continues to whisper soothingly nonetheless in hopes of easing any fear that might flitting through Chongyun's half-conscious mind.

"I'll get you back home - I won't let anything happen to you, Yun..."

[ironbloodcd]

Chongyun doesn't like this feeling. They don't like anything about this pain, or the heat that comes it. The only thing keeping Chongyun grounded in reality is the knowledge that Tighnari, just a couple months ago, had this same issue and Chongyun offered to help.

With a groan, Chongyun rests his head on Tighnari's lap. Nevermind that they're in public, and Tighnari's busy. Chongyun needs attention now.

"Can we go retire?" Chongyun manages to ask. Even now they can feel their fever spiking to unreasonable levels. The only indication that something needs immediate attention is Chongyun's hidden tail wrapping around Tighnari's leg. Hopefully Tighnari understands what that means.

"I think I'm sick."

Unprompted Ask - Always Accepting!

@cryoexorcist

He'd been deep in his work when the sensation of a slight weight settled upon his lap. He knows from scent alone who it is without even looking, but Tighnari glances down nonetheless, blinking at the sight of his mate. Setting down the notes that he'd been working on, Tighnari pulls one of his gloves off and sets his bare hand against the exorcist's brow, immediately feeling the heat radiating from their skin. Chongyun is often feverish, but there's something more to it this time - he can smell that too, truthfully.

And he understands all too well how uncomfortable this particular condition can be. Normally, there's little that can pull the Forest Watcher away from his work, but in this case...

"Alright," he says softly, threading his fingers through Chongyun's hair in an effort to soothe them. Though it can't be seen, Tighnari can feel Chongyun's soft tail around his leg, and his hand drifts down to stroke at the Adeptus' cheek in return, his ears twitching slightly at the sound of his mate's pained breaths. "Lets go now. The sooner we leave, the sooner that I can help you to keep better."

And given that he's the only one who can help with this particular ailment, it would be cruel for Tighnari to leave them to suffer for longer than needed.

[ironbloodcd]

// tired yun

they're just plopping down next to Tighnari, dragging the ranger down with them. No more work, the body language says. It's sleep time. Cuddle time.

@cryoexorcist

"Is something-- ack?!" The Forest Watcher barely has enough time to register that there's a set of arms around his waist before he's dragged down onto the mattress along with the exorcist. Though he'd been in the middle of going over his notes, it's clear that Chongyun wants his attention - or, at the very least, his company. Ears twitch as he glances towards his mate, an eyebrow raising as an amused grin tugs at the corners of his lips.

"I suppose this means that I'm done for the day, hmm?" Twisting in the other's hold, the fox chuckles as he lays on his side and faces his partner, his tail swishing slowly behind him, "Are you tired... ?"

[ironbloodcd]

Chongyun holds back a snort as they make sure Tighnari's not actually sick. Other than being in a seemingly deep sleep, Tighnari seems fine, though Chongyun is still a little concerned. "You can't sleep out here," Chongyun says quietly, knowing there won't be any response.

He gathers up Tighnari, carrying him piggy-back back to the village. It's slow going, for Chongyun has to watch out for shroomboars trying to ram into them and knock them over. It's hard enough to not drop the unconscious ranger, even harder when these creatures seem to make a game out of trying to knock over travelers.

When Chongyun finally makes it back to Tighnari's home, the ranger is carefully placed down on his bed, where Chongyun immediately loosens clothing to make him even more comfortable. Then, the exorcist sits at the desk and waits for Tighnari to wake up.

continued from here~

@cryoexorcist

A soft groan is the only noise that leaves Tighnari as he's settled upon the exorcist's back, though he soon settles as his head rests against his partner's shoulder. Despite being in a deep sleep, the exorcist's scent has the effect of relaxing the ranger further, and he's blissfully unaware of how humorously treacherous the trip back to the village is. Only when he's moved to his bed does Tighnari stir a little, though he drops off again just as quickly, and for a few hours, he simply sleeps.

"Mmmm..." Awareness comes back to him slowly, with the fox drifting in and out of consciousness drowsily for a time until, at last, he's able to properly wake. Blinking slowly, it takes Tighnari a moment to recognize where he is, and to spot the figure sitting nearby - one who looks rather concerned, he notes groggily.

"Ch'ngyun... ?" Long ears twitch as he blinks at his mate sluggishly, still feeling a bit too sleepy to want to sit up. "When did you... get here?"

[ironbloodcd]

Sees Tighnari sitting in the ground. It doesn't seem as if the ranger notices them, though. Crouching down, Chongyun waves a hand in front of his face. "Nari? You in there?"

Unprompted Ask - Always Accepting!

@cryoexorcist

And Tighnari doesn't - not even when Chongyun calls for him and when their hand waves to try and get his attention. This is due to ranger having dozed off an a result of whatever mushroom he'd been trying this time. The effects of it, evidently, are nothing of the hallucinogenic variety - he hasn't been made sick either, for he seems to be sleeping rather peacefully.

Obviously, he won't be able to record these findings until he wakes up, however, and poor Chongyun likely won't get a response out of him until then either.

[ironbloodcd]

"I would prefer if you held me all night and never let go. You're currently the only one I trust, love. I can deal with the rest of them later, if ever again." There's a snort, because Chongyun clearly doesn't mean it."

"Tusnk you for listening to me."

Unprompted Asks - Always Accepting

@cryoexorcist

"Of course." A chuckle leaves him as he shifts a little, reaching to draw Chongyun up and onto his chest. His arms settle loosely around the exorcist as he leans back so that the two of them might relax together, "I'm rather good at listening, in case that wasn't apparent."

One of his long ears twitch, as if to punctuate the joke, as one of his hands slips up to knead at one of Chongyun's shoulders. They certainly sound as if they could do with something to help them settle down after a... rather busy evening. "You'll feel better after a quiet night, I'll bet. Get some sleep."

[ironbloodcd]

" nodding off... " (for nari)

send in " nodding off... " for the exhausted sender to fall asleep against the receiver's shoulder, and for the receiver's response to this

@cryoexorciist

He's not terribly surprised when fatigue gets the better of Chongyun. Despite how humid it had been that day, - the hot, lingering dampness a result of last night's thunderstorm - the exorcist had been rather insistent on accompanying Tighnari on his patrols, though the Forest Watcher had told them that it might be a better idea to remain inside, where the temperature was at least somewhat more controlled. The fact that Chongyun had held on until the end of Tighnari's shift was a testament to their will, though the exhaustion that had followed felt invevitable.

He isn't, however, expecting the exorcist to fall asleep against him. The slight weight against his shoulder draws Tighnari's eyes up from his notebook and to his companion, who appears to have dozed off then and there. The urge to scold Chongyun tugs at the back of his mind, but Tighnari hasn't the heart to wake the other when they're so obviously drained. Carefully, so as not to jostle the cryo-wielder too much, Tighnari tugs one of his gloves off and reaches over to rest the back of his hand against their forehead, quietly checking to see if they have a temperature.

A little warm, but not feverish, at least. Good. A quiet sigh of relief leaves his lips, followed by a soft smile as his fingers idly brush strands of pale, blue hair from Yun's face. It's good that they're sleeping - they need it, after pushing themselves through the heat all day. They look much younger in sleep, he notes - perhaps its the relaxed expression on Liyuen's face.

"Thank you," he murmurs gently, shifting his arm slightly to wrap around the exorcist, in case they slipped from their resting place, "You were a big help today. ... I'll have to bring you again, when the temperatures are a bit lower..."

He can't help but hope that Chongyun might be willing to accompany him again sometime in the future. Ah, but he'll have to wait a see, he supposes...

For now, he wonders if he can get some of that cooling ointment on Chongyun without waking him up.

[ironbloodcd]

He’s teasing - mostly. Crocodiles are a possibility in any body of water in the forest, really, which is why one should take care to remain vigilant while taking a dip in any of the various streams and ponds found throughout. Tighnari is, however, quite confident that Chongyun isn’t in any danger. The Forest Ranger certainly wouldn’t be having such a lighthearted exchange with them, if that were the case.

The valuka shuna remains up on his perch for only a beat or two longer before he complies, using the lower branches to assist his descent until he lands in front of the Adeptus with ease. He wastes little time in pulling Chongyun into an embrace, evidently caring very little about the fact that doing so will dampen his own clothing - the jungle is quite humid most of the time anyway. If anything, the slight chill of the water from Chongyun’s body is something of a relief in this weather.

“I missed you too,” he murmurs softly, pressing a kiss to the side of the yaksha’s head before drawing back to flash his partner a grin, “I wasn’t expecting a visit.” He’s certainly not complaining though. Far from it.

“Are you here for business? Or just to see me?”

Chongyun doesn’t particularly like the idea of crocodiles swimming near them. They could easily make short work of said creatures, but that doesn’t mean Chongyun is going to willingly put themself in danger.

But of course, when they glance up at Tighnari, to see him so casually leaning against the tree trunk, looking so pleased with himself, Chongyun is sure he nearly goes weak. It had been too long since they’d been able to meet like this, and Chongyun is already itching to get back into his arms and stay there.

Pulling themself out of the water, Chongyun shakes themself, almost sensing fur on their body, but that fades rapidly as they approach the tree and glance upward with a large grin on their face.

"Come down and greet me properly, I miss you."

[ironbloodcd]

"It's hardly rude when you're still recovering," Tighnari states with a small shrug of his shoulders. He would never fault someone for resting when they were unwell, after all, and given that Chongyun had been unconscious and feverish for several hours, the fox certainly wasn't going to take offense. If anything, he would be glad to know that the cryo-user was getting the sleep that they needed.

It seems as if Chongyun didn't intend to do that for a bit, however, so there isn't much point in denying his guest a conversation. Mention of the Akademiya draws his attention, admittedly, and Tighnari pauses in his mixing. The information comes as no surprise to him, since he knows that the Akademiya guards their knowledge against any who they deem to be unworthy of it. It's one of their many ideologies that Tighnari disagrees with, and represents a single example as to why he had left upon graduation, despite being offered a position at Sumeru's most famous institution. The Akademiya, for all its wonders, has a number of glaring faults.

Their policing of knowledge is, in Tighnari's eyes, their most blatant.

"Getting into the Akademiya is very difficult," Tighnari says at last, dropping down to sit in a chair at his desk as he pushes up one of his sleeves to bare his arm. Taking up the mixture that he's been working on, the Forest Watcher dips his finger into the ointment then rubs it into a small section of the flesh of his arm to test it. Within seconds, he can feel a cooling sensation settling into his skin, though he'll have to leave it for several minutes to ensure that it performs the way that he wants.

"There are those who begin teaching their children from a young age with the hopes of them being granted access, but even that's not enough sometimes," Tighnari explains, shifting his attention back to Chongyun, knowing that he can only wait now to see how his body will respond to the new ointment. If it's safe, applying it to Chongyun will be his next order of business. "In order to be admitted, one generally needs to know which of the Darshans - or which of the Great Schools - they want to study under. From there, it involves writing a thesis that can convince your chosen Darshan of your knowledge in their particular area of study. Another way is by letter of reference, but you would need to receive that from someone who is held in high regard by the Akademiya. Exceptions are sometimes made as well, but those instances are few and far between, from my understanding."

Glancing back down to his arm, Tighnari notes that there seems to be no chance in it with regards to appearance - no sign of a rash or any other type of irritation. Good. The cooling still seemed to be lingering too, so this might prove to be quite effective in treating Chongyun. It's certainly quite promising.

"I'm not certain as to what method the member of your clan used when applying, but their rejection could be for any number of reasons. I can't say that I'm shocked that they've given you a hard time, however - I doubt you're the only people who they've barred from the information that they're looking for."

The comment about him staying awake has Chongyun giggling. Rolling onto their back, Chongyun draws a leg up, shifting their hips to get more comfortable. Then, they stretch their arms up above their head. It does nothing to stir Chongyun more awake, but after being still for so long, the fidgeting feels almost nice.

"I didn't want to be boring or rude," Chongyun admits. "I'll sleep in a bit. I guess I was more curious about you for the time."

Chongyun falls silent for a moment, rolling over Tighnari's backstory. Sumeru City- his clan had visited there before. Chongyun's well familiar with the stories of how busy it is, along with the immense distaste for the Akademiya: a dislike that Chongyun personally shares.

"Haven't been to the city before," Chongyun continues. "Myself and my clan don't much care for it. There's...knowledge there that we'd like, and the Akademiya keeps blocking our attempts to get at it." Chongyun doesn't want to elaborate now, as Tighnari is correct in that Chongyun desperately needs rest. Except, now his thoughts are straying from the conversation at hand to how he could access the knowledge there.

Isn't that why Chongyun had traveled to Sumeru in the first place? Was to actually try again? They don't even remember anymore, everything feels fuzzy and blurry. It's probably the fainting spell from earliler doing their head in, along with the heat (now no longer much of a problem). It all probably doesn't even matter at this point, because whatever the initial reason for the trip to this nation is now being replaced with Tighnari's information. Or intelligence.

"How does one even become a student in the first place?" Chongyun asks. "I remember a clan member tried to apply once, and was rejected." Maybe with Tighnari providing some extra knowledge would be beneficial. In this case, Chongyun is incredibly lucky to have run into someone who actually graduated from there. They hadn't planned on this encounter, but fainting near this ville led to some good things.

[ironbloodcd]

Hazel eyes follow Chongyun as they move from the chair to his bedside. Though the ranger would have been fine to wake up alone, the exorcist's presence is certainly soothing - he knows that his partner was likely watching over him to ensure that nothing bad had happened. Lids flutter halfway as he feels the other's gentle touch, a sleepy sort of hum emanating from him. Even with how drowsy he is, however, Tighnari can tell that Chongyun is concerned.

They're always so very sweet. The thought has his heart fluttering in his chest, a fondness rivaled only by that of the girl who is like a daughter to him making itself known. It would be easy to fall asleep again like this, but he pushes himself to remain awake - he's probably slept for far too long as it is.

And yet, as Chongyun leans down, Tighnari can't resist letting his eyes fall completely shut, the warmth of his mate's skin coaxing him to lean up a little and nuzzle clumsily. "I'm fine," he assures softly, arms reaching up to loop sluggishly around the exorcist's form, "just... sleepy. If 'm not feeling anything else yet, then this is... probably the worst of it..."

Even so, he's not so out of it to not realize that his condition has distressed poor Chongyun. "I'm s'rry, Yun... I promise that I'm... that I'm okay..."

@ironbloodcd || continued

There's a sigh of relief when Tighnari finally wakes up, and Chongyun's able to relax sore muscles, stretching his arms out to get blood properly flowing again. Drowsy as Tighnari may be, Chongyun's glad to see not many other side effects.

"I've been here," Chongyun responds, lifting themself up from the chair to sit on the bed. They smooth hair out of Tighnari's face and smile down at him. "You went and did it again, love." It's not a lecture, not exactly. More a statement of concern. "I found you asleep in the forest, mister forest watcher. What if a shroomboar came and attacked you?"

Not that the creatures would've done any damage, being sort of harmless enough. "Do you feel alright otherwise? You're not sick or injured?"

He cups Tighnari's cheek, bending down so their foreheads are touching. This is probably how Tighnari feels every time he has to care for Chongyun. The tables being reversed is not a fun feeling.

"You worried me."

[ironbloodcd]

Had this been any other circumstance, Tighnari likely would have accepted Chongyun's help - and really, it's sweet that the exorcist is, clearly, concerned for him. Still, he doesn't reach out for that hand and, instead, shakes his head, ears flattening against his skull. Common sense says that he should just be honest with them, but this particular situation is - well, personal, to put it lightly.

Personal, and certainly not appropriate for him to accept help from just anyone.

"It's-- fine, Chongyun, I'm--" He sighs and reaches up to rub his face, ignoring the way his body says the exact opposite. "I'm not sick, and-- this isn't something that you can help with. You... may actually want to avoid me for the next few weeks..."

If only to prevent anything awkward from transpiring. The last thing he wants is to make Chongyun uncomfortable.

He hates this time of year. His body always feels far too hot, his pulse far too quick, and his needs... nearly impossible to ignore. Even just trying to focus on his work feels like an impossible task, when normally, Tighnari's able to throw himself into it completely. Even notetaking is a difficult task, and it's incredibly frustrating.

Whatever Archon had decided that his people needed a mating season had truly been a cruel one.

Shoulders stiffen at the sound of footsteps entering his room, but the Forest Watcher doesn't look back, his gaze fixated on his notebook instead. The archer immediately regrets taking a breath in as a familiar scent fills his lungs, and inwardly, he curses. Now is not the ideal time for visitors.

Especially not this one in particular.

"Is... do you need something, Yun?" He hopes that his voice doesn't sound as strained as it feels.

Traveling to and from Avidya Forest is getting easier. It's easier to wait until rainfall, to make the journey less exhausting too, so by the time Chongyun ever arrives, they're nice and cool, if not only slightly warm.

But this time, something feels different. Tighnari, at first glance, doesn't seem all that great. Chongyun had never thought the forest ranger would get sick, but he looks sickly now, and Chongyun's immediately stepping inside, offering a hand out.

Nevermind the clear tone that indicates this isn't a good time.

"Are you alright?" Chongyun asks. "You look similar to me when I'm running a fever." There's a small smile on their face at the crack, but the smile quickly vanishes as Chongyun scans the home for any water that Tighnari may be keeping. Chongyun has the idea he can get fresh water for Nari.

"I can take care of you for once, since you're always taking care of me."

[ironbloodcd]

"Alright - but if you need anything, you only have to ask." And with that, the botanist returns his attention to his work so that he might continue working on the mixture. Setting to work, the fox begins the task of separating a small portion of his original mixture aside for 'testing' before he starts crushing a few of the petals that he'd been given with his mortar and pestle. It's actually rather fortunate that Chongyun had used these in their popsicles, for it seems as if freezing them had help to keep flower components relatively fresh. New ingredients were always more effective than old, dried ones, and while Tighnari certainly could have made due, he theorized that these would be far more helpful.

For a time, a silence hangs in the air, though it's hardly uncomfortable for Tighnari. He's always been a bit of a loner by nature, though for whatever reason, he's never had any issue with drawing others to him anyway. It's easier to work when it's quiet though, as he can put all his focus into whatever he's doing. There were a few of his fellow Forest Watchers, in specific, who weren't terribly good and keeping quiet unless he outright tells them to be.

And even then, they often end up resuming their chatter shortly afterwards, so so Tighnari, it's a losing battle at best.

He's well absorbed into his work when Chongyun's voice reaches his sensitive ears once more, and they twitch as he, once more, looks back towards his patient. He can tell by sound alone that the exorcist is fighting sleep, for whatever reason. Honestly, the fox is a little surprised by that, because Chongyun must be exhausted. Unconsciousness and a restful sleep were hardly the same thing.

"I suppose it's been... Mmmm..." Glancing up, though at nothing truly in particular, the Forest Watcher thinks about it for a few moments, making the calculations in his head. "Five years now. I came here after graduating the Akademiya and found that this work suited me quite well." In fact, he quite preferred it, given how loud Sumeru City tended to be. There was also the matter of his disagreements with the Akademiya's practices as a whole, but that was hardly a discussion for the moment.

"I would inquire on your experiences as an exorcist, but you likely shouldn't be using your strength trying to remain awake." Though he's chiding Chongyun, there's a small smile at Tighnari's lips and his tone is gentle. "As fascinating a topic as I imagine that it is, you really shouldn't be fighting your need for sleep. ... or is it that you're having difficulty... ?"

They'd almost forgotten about the leak until Tighnari pointed it out again. Glancing back down, Chongyun feels around the mattress for any wet spots. There aren't any that they can find, but Chongyun does remove their jacket. If it leaked from the pouch onto the bed, it probably got on their clothes.

"The bedding is fine," Chongyun confirms. "I'm not overly worried about rolling into anything else." He does get comfortable again, lying back down. Tighnari's suggestion of getting more rest does sound tempting, even if Chongyun is curious about what exactly the forest ranger is doing or going to do.

They manage to watch Tighnari for a little while. While they can't properly see his actions, Chongyun can see enough that it's drawing their attention. Some sort of mixture, with mist flowers by the look of it. It's honestly incredibly touching that someone who is near a perfect stranger would go through this much trouble for someone from a different nation. A small grin appears on their face as they continue to watch, growing more fascinated by the minute.

Even while dozing now, being in and out of sleep, Chongyun can't bring himself to stop... staring. Chongyun had never really had the time or patience to watch someone at work before, and there's a certain grace to him. It's not just the ears and tail (as tempting as they may be to touch), but the style in which Tighnari's dressed up in. Chongyun's initial thought had been that the outfit was far too heavy for this climate, but Chongyun is also more sensitive to the heat than Tighnari might be.

He's really fascinating.

"How long've you been a forest ranger?" Chongyun forces himself to ask. He knows he should actually sleep, but he also doesn't want to be boring.