When you put it like that, you sound like a most devoted follower.

[Shi Qingxuan's tone is light, bereft of haughtiness. Shi Wudu has always worn his pride like a crown, but it was never Qingxuan's armor. Appearing in the flesh in the mortal realm to the devout was one of the many taboos the heavens had set upon them. However, a year on the island has lowered Qingxuan's guard. His pride and status are of vastly less use here.

The words should leave him shy, should leave him giddy unlike a young man or a woman being professed to most ardently. He's had his share of that as a mortal, and it has been a while since he's heard such sincerity since his ascension.]

It was different, you know, when you were gone. [he confesses, voice quieter than he hopes for or intends.] It made being around the fortress almost unbearable. But--

[the tension in his body is very brief before he relaxes into Huaisang's hold, once more.]

Things have changed around here in the past few months, ahaha... Even our dwellings... It's as if it's not the same place anymore.