He loves how his beloved trusts him like this. So completely. Zichen treasures this time together. Even when his sweet Xingchen looks back up at him, clearly with his heart aching. Zichen listens, and holds his beloved close.

The poor dog didn't make it. His eyes close briefly in understanding before he presses their foreheads together. "You made sure it did not die alone. Sometimes that is all you can do."