The two men shortly found themselves outside, moving together to the back side of the residence. It seemed Jiehong wished to plant the sunflowers there, and though he never explained why, Zhi Yu knew enough of the empress to understand the reason. It would, after all, be less likely for anyone to stumble upon the back of the place, thus ensuring the best survival for the sunflowers possible in a place where everything Jiehong did was restricted. 

The two moved almost in unison as they began to till some of the old dirt with their hands. Though Jiehong had assured the other that such wasn’t necessary and that he would do it himself as to avoid the other dirtying his own hands and clothing, Zhi Yu reassured him by saying he was quite alright getting a little messy. In fact, he would never trade this experience for anything in the world.

It was while retrieving a sunflower seed from the pouch that Jiehong spoke. “You know, this brings back fond memories.” He spoke softly, a light smile appearing on his face. This created a stark contrast from from the scowl of torment that had been present earlier in the day. 

Zhi Yu glanced towards the Jiehong, a brow raised slightly in question. “Oh? How so?” He asked this softly, certain the others memory wouldn’t be the same as his own. He listened carefully for an answer as as he continued to mould the dirt the way he wished. 

“I once had a similar experience…” Jiehong continued, his eyes softening along with his hands as he cradled the seed. “I met a boy once, and this was something I recall doing with him… though it's a long story.” He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “I shan't bother you with the details.”

Zhi Yu froze, blinking at the man beside him. Meanwhile, Jiehong hadn’t noticed the look of shock on his face. He was still focused on the seeds and memories surrounding the event. The even, of course, was one for which Zhi Yu was present. “Please…” Zhi Yu began, “I’d like to hear it.”

~~~

The sky was blue and filled with the sun. It was for once warm in the forest. The heat warmed the house and in direct contrast to the dreadful weather which had caused the boy to need to come here in the first place. 

The surrounding nature seemed to be alive. The sound of birds singing and various small animals roaming about could be heard if one was to listen closely. A slight breeze blew through the various trees, causing a rustling sound to caress anyone close by. They were under shade, the trees forming a kind of cover from the overhead sun which beat down upon the area. 

Zhi Yu was watching from a window, his mind occupied with thoughts of how he’d ended up here of all places. How had he been lucky enough to have this man take care of him? For over the past few months since the incident, that's what Jiehong had been doing. He had looked after and taken care of all of the young boy’s needs. He’d given him clothes, food and water, ensured that the cut on his face had healed the best it could, and even when fever had overtaken him the other was there, to remind him he was not alone; to remind him he was safe. The two had grown rather close over the past few months. Zhi Yu had finally allowed himself to trust the other,.e had begun to learn various things from him now that he was well enough to do so. 

Previously he had learnt to mix medicinal herbs. The smell was something that took him a moment to get used to, the overwhelming urge to wipe at his nose was one he quickly learnt to not do, lest he sneeze. The other had been kind and patient, working with the boy to help him learn and grow in an area which interested him.

Today was no different. It was the late afternoon when Jiehong approached the boy. “Zhi Yu, would you like to accompany me to plant some flowers this afternoon?” He spoke with that normal calming tone, soft and delicate much like a flower.

Zhi Yu jumped at the chance, of course. He would never pass up  an opportunity to learn more from the man he now considered his mentor. “Yes! I’d love to!” He spun around bumping into the man standing so closely behind him.

Jiehong moved quickly to steady the boy. His hands reached out to grasp the other’s upper arms, helping him restabilize himself. He chuckled, eyes shining with fondness as he glanced down at the boy. “Careful now, we wouldn’t want you falling and injuring yourself again.” He spoke with a teasing tone, referring to  how the boy had previously fallen in excitement. He had tripped over his own feet, something that was somewhat of an embarrassment for the younger boy. 

“That was one time!” Zhi Yu whined, making his lower lip jut out into a pout. Over his time here, Jiehong had noticed the boy was acting more his age. For this he was thankful, though the child did have an air of maturity which wasn’t typically present amongst those so young. 

Jiehong removed his hands, bringing one up to ruffle the other's hair. A smile pulled at his lips as he slipped on his boots and moved to hold the door open for the younger. “Well then, come along. There's only so much daylight in a day.” He gestured for the other to put on his shoes and exit the cabin. 

Small huffs accompanied the boy’s quick movements as he shoved on his shoes, not caring how they looked or even bothering to check they were on the right feet. He then ran through the front door, a tilted smile on his face  as excitement coursed through him. He stood by the front door, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet  and waited anxiously for the other to follow.

Jiehong lets out a light laugh, before shutting the door behind him and moving to gesture for the other to follow him. He  led them to the left of the cabin where a patch of tilled dirt lay. The sun beat down heavily on this area of the woods, due to an open spot in the tree canopies which allowed a beam of light to shine down on the spot where Jiehong stood.

The younger boy's eyes lit up as he saw the patch of perfectly tilled dirt. He moved quickly, hands swaying side to side as he practically skipped up to the other man. He gazed upward in admiration and awaited instruction. Unfortunately, patience was not his strong suit, so he rambled off a list of questions, gesturing wildly as he did so. “Did you do this? Is this where we are planting? It’s super hot here isn’t it!? What are we planting?!”

Jiehong cut off the other’s excited rambling, concerned he would run out of air if he continued. “Yes I did… We will be… It is…and we will be planting sunflowers here.”

Zhi Yu furrowed his brow, teeth biting into  his lower lip as he often did whenever he was thinking. “Why sunflowers?” he questioned, thinking the other surely would want something more meaningful or beautiful. Sunflowers were dull… Weren’t they?

Jiehong smiled down at the boy before explaining, “Sunflowers grow to be very tall, but they are also resilient in most weathers. This area at this time of year is perfect for growing them. They are also easier to grow and plant, so I felt it best for you to have your first attempt be  with something I believed you could nurture correctly.”

Zhi Yu beamed, practically bouncing in excitement. “You’re letting me plant them?!” he exclaimed. “Where do I start?! Where are the seeds? Do I need water? What if they are too close to one another? What if they die? Is it not too hot?” 

Fondness shone in Jiehong’s eyes as he let the other ramble for a while. “Allow me to show you? You trust me, right?  You must also trust in yourself. I know this is something you can do, and I am  certain the plants will flourish just as you are.” 

Zhi Yu nodded, his face suddenly serious. “If you believe I can do it, I will do it to the best of my ability.” He nodded along with his words as if to solidify them. He would work hard to prove himself worthy to be near the other. He would be the best student he could be. He would give back to the man who gave everything to him.

~~~

The other was broken out of the memories by a hand brushing softly against his. He just managed to catch the end of Jiehong’s description as he remained still, not wanting to startle the flower God or break the moment of intimacy. 

“Unfortunately I do not remember the boy’s name… nor do I know where he is today. I just wish the best for him.” When Jiehong spoke there was a hint of melancholy in his tone. He gave a small smile and placed the sunflower seed in Zhi Yu’s palm, then let his hands rest against the palm of the other.

“I am certain with your guidance he will have grown into someone you would be proud of,” Zhi Yu said, almost in a whisper. He barely knew what words left his lips.  He was too busy fixing his eyes on the place where the other was touching him. 

“Perhaps,” Jiehong hummed, moving to tilt the other man's hands with his own to allow the seed to fall into the hole they had previously created. He paused looking over at the other, his green eyes fond and thankful. “Thank you for doing this with me,” he whispered softly, his eyes never leaving the other’s as sunflowers bloomed in his hair. 

“You are most welcome.” 

Their hands moved in unison to cover the seed with the soil they had tilled together. Zhi Yu took Jeihong’s  hands into his own, eyes earnest and added, “It was my pleasure.”