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 When Snowe helped Astra convince Erio to go visit his mother and sister again, after everything started clearing up, Snowe actually had an ulterior motive, his own reason for wanting to accompany Erio. He didn't really want to visit Soria personally- Snowe's pretty sure she doesn't care for him much anyways. But he did need an excuse to go there, to see someone else- Xiri; or, if not him, Zilia.
 
 Xiri hadn't gone home right away, all fret and worry over Snowe, making sure he was safe and sound and comfortable and settled into his home in Aldcoast again before Xiri gave his goodbye, promising to visit soon, before he swiftly made his way home at long last. But soon was starting to become later- Snowe hadn't seen hide nor hair of Xiri since then, not even having word sent, and it left him worried. He knew Xiri wanted to go home, but... Snowe, still insecure, couldn't help but worry that maybe he'd been forgotten. And Snowe, a bit of a worrywart, also couldn't help but fret that maybe something was wrong.
 
 So, while Erio was finally taking as much time as they could, no longer on any time constraints, to catch up with his sister, and to get to know his mother, Snowe tried to find his demon- but that red hair and those red eyes and that shark-toothed smile was nowhere to be found. So he went to Zilia instead, apologizing for taking her from Erio and Soria, but this was important to him.
 
 "Oh, sweetheart," She'd said, in such a motherly, patient tone, gentle smile on her face, when Snowe asked her about Xiri. "Xiri needed a lot of rest after that ordeal- not just the spell, but from everything before, too. He needs a nice, extended nap in a real body, in a real bed. I promise you he will wake soon with renewed energy, and I'm sure he'll want to see you."
 
 Snowe felt terribly relieved, even if a bit sad and guilty at how much rest Xiri apparently needed. That whole mess and more had taken so much out of his demon... But he knew Xiri wouldn't stand to hear it if Snowe tried to take responsibility. Zilia went on to explain that Xiri was currently laid in the sanctuary she had previously been sleeping in, if only because his home wasn't quite ready for him- not the land of demons itself, but his personal home. Long ago, he'd had his own house, like all the other demons, like Soria and Parin and of course Zilia. (But not Erio because he was a baby who was still being looked after before he left). In all the years Xiri had been away, his home had gone dark and forgotten, full of dust and webs with no one to care to maintain it. Zilia was planning on getting it cleaned up, so the sleeping King of Dreams could be allowed to wake in his own bed, in his own home. And, with a soft smile, she'd asked Snowe if he'd like to help- to which he of course eagerly agreed.
 
 Snowe didn't stay long to help, though, because Erio only wanted to stay a little while before going back to Aldcoast, to his shop and his second, found family. But in what time he had, Snowe was plenty happy cleaning the dust from Xiri's old home, getting it out of the windows and furniture and nooks and crannies. Zilia didn't let him do too much or examine too many things, though- she'd said Xiri would most likely want to show Snowe all of his things himself, and for some reason that made Snowe's cheeks go a little warm.
 
 Upon their return to Aldcoast, Snowe felt a lot better, and was able to relax again. He didn't have to worry about Xiri, and now he knew Xiri was going to wake happy and more energetic than he's been in years... probably, more than he'd ever been since before Snowe was born. Still, Snowe was a bit impatient. He made excuses to accompany Erio (and sometimes Astra) whenever the demon went to visit his mother and sister, so Snowe could tug Zilia aside and shyly ask for any update on Xiri's nap. And she was always ever so patient, each time he asked, smiling fondly and telling Snowe that she promises to send word to him the moment Xiri is awake, if Xiri isn't doing so himself immediately. But still, Snowe couldn't help but keep checking in.
 
 On one of Snowe's visits, though, he wasn't just checking in. He'd brought something- a little gift he'd made, that he wanted to leave for Xiri almost as a get well soon present... Sure, Xiri will probably already be delighted by waking up among all his old personal affects, but Snowe thought it might be nice to wake up to something new and just for him as well. But he didn't give it to Zilia to give to Xiri- he'd tried to sneak away, to visit Xiri himself- only to be stopped by Zilia when he was approaching the curtain that covered the gentle, low glow of Xiri's doorway.
 
 Still so patient, she'd pointed out to him that Xiri would really like to show Snowe his home, now all clean, himself, and that if Snowe had something to give, she could leave it for him. But though Snowe nearly faltered, he stayed his ground, insisting he wanted to leave it for Xiri himself. What didn't go said, but Snowe had a feeling Zilia somehow already knew, was that... Snowe maybe wanted to see Xiri himself, too. Just... see him. He knew Zilia would never lie, but Snowe just really wanted to see his demon with his own eyes. With a soft sigh, Zilia relented and stepped aside, but only after Snowe promised not to look around too much, just go in and out.
 
 Snowe was extra careful to make sure not to let his eyes linger on anything in the house too long, which was easy enough, seeing as it was very dimly lit, probably so as not to bother Xiri's sleep. Snowe found his bedroom/sleeping nook easily enough, and... there he was. In comfortable sleeping clothes, fast asleep under warm blankets, red lashes closed against his cheeks and just as red hair strewn about in terrible bedhead, and yet framing his pale face so nicely. Snowe couldn't help but stop, and take a minute or two to just... look Xiri over, a soft smile on his face, a warmth of happiness swelling in his chest, seeing his long-suffering demon so relaxed and comfortable and at ease. Snowe left his gift, wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, near Xiri's bed, where he'll hopefully see it upon waking; it's a small package with a small gift- that old bead bracelet Snowe had once been given by one of the children of Sabine, only altered, little tiny seashells from Aldcoast's beaches strung up between the wooden beads, all in soft colors, pale ivories and creams and pinks, with shimmery mother-of-pearl on their insides, little clam shells and bubble shells and scotch bonnets, tiny ark shells and cockle shells and cowrie shells and olive shells, even a moon shell and a wentletrap. Snowe had actually had to remove about half the beads to make room for all the little shells, but that was fine, because he'd made a whole new bracelet from them, with shells of his own. Astra had found the idea adorable and had been eager to help him, even if she'd teased a little about Snowe and Xiri having matching bracelets...
 
 Snowe looked Xiri over a moment longer, before... before reaching out, to brush some of that silky red hair from his eyes, Snowe beaming and relishing in how very, very real Xiri felt, how real and silky his hair was, how real and smooth his skin was. There may have been a couple tears in his eyes when he'd finally stepped out, Zilia waiting, but she didn't say a word, not even about how long Snowe had taken, only smiled knowingly.
 
 
 After that, Snowe didn't feel the need to check in so much, apparently finally satisfied simply seeing Xiri sleeping for himself. So it actually startled him when word finally came; he was helping out in Erio's store, organizing the dried herbs, with the demon off to the side mixing medicines, when the air suddenly tingled with magic and- suddenly, Soria stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips and face just as prickly as Erio's usually was, and her sudden appearance startled them both. Erio nearly spilled the contents of his pestle, and Snowe actually spilled a container of herbs- which he promptly got to cleaning up, while Soria relayed her message- which, to his surprise, was towards him instead of her brother.
 
 "Hey kid, my mother asked me to tell you the King of Spoiled Brats is awake, and he wants to see you." She said, and though she was teasing and rude, Snowe could see the slight quirk of her lips that indicated she was just having a joke. She's so much like Erio, her tells were getting just as obvious to him. "You'd better hop to it, before he gets annoying."
 
 Soria, of course, didn't just leave right away- she had to greet her brother and chat with him a little! Which was perfect, because Snowe was now a little busy. The moment he finished cleaning his mess, he excused himself to run out and find Vera, and then Richard, telling the both of them that he had to leave and he was very sorry it was short notice, he promises nothing's wrong, he just needed to see someone. And despite their understandable worry, at how many times he'd left Aldcoast in a hurry with those same words and never coming back okay, they believed him- that bright smile on his face was undeniable. Snowe packed up a travel bag and changed his clothes and he was back in the apothecary shop in no time- asking Soria if it wouldn't be too much trouble to teleport him with her back to the land of demons. She rolled her eyes and sighed and made a bit of a show of it, only to tell him that was the original plan.
 
 Soria kisses and hugs goodbye with her embarrassed baby brother, before taking hold of Snowe, asking him if he's sure he's ready, and then teleporting them both away with a lurch. When Snowe's eyes could see again, it was in the middle of the main street in the land of demons, one he's starting to get familiar with. Zilia's there, and she smiles, and repeats the message again- Xiri is awake, and he wants to see Snowe. Just like she promised. She offers to walk him there, but before she even can, Snowe is running off on his own- he thinks he knows the way this time, and Zilia can only chuckle at his enthusiasm, and chuckle even more at Soria grumbling about manners.
 
-"Xiriii!" Snowe shouts the moment he sees his demon's house around a bend, startling demons with his raised voice and running by so quick, nearly bumbling right into a couple like the clumsy dolt he is. He's already out of breath upon his approach, but he won't slow down until he reaches that curtained doorway, and the warm, bright glow beyond it, a great big smile on his scarless face.
+"Xiriii!" Snowe shouts the moment he sees his demon's house around a bend, startling demons with his raised voice and running by so quick, nearly bumbling right into a couple like the clumsy dolt he is. He's already out of breath upon his approach, but he won't slow down until he reaches that curtained doorway, and the warm, bright glow beyond it, a great big smile on his scarless face.
 [10:30 AM] Xiri feels... refreshed! He hasn't felt so fresh and bright in a year, and not for a very, very, long time before that; it's like being freshly made again, brimming with energy and humming around his house eagerly. There's so many things here, things he'd forgotten he'd had, things he'd missed holding and touching-- like Lady Flamepuff, The Mighty Dragon, that Zilia had tucked at the foot of his bed to greet him when he woke up, her felt scales freshly washed and smelling faintly of flowers and her lopsided face grinning happily as he hugs her to his chest, wandering around his home. His mother had popped in, and given him a kiss hello, holding him close-- and she smelled like flowers, too, and like love, and Xiri had maybe cried a very small amount in happiness to be able to just... hug her for a while, his head on her shoulder, the beloved stuffed toy squished between them.
 
 He had forgotten to ask how long he was asleep for, but apparently it was long enough for his house to be cleaned, warm and full of cozy light, new flowers just starting to grow in the window boxes and the murmur of his neighbors filling the air with life.
 
 Xiri spends a long time just wandering through the house, touching things, feeling them on his palms and remembering how they fit to his touch, when he hears someone calling his name, and-- well, he recognizes the voice, of course he does, it's the voice he's heard the most over the past eleven years, and he can't help the grin that breaks across his face as he turns from his kitchen nook and pushes through the hangings in his house to find Snowe just outside his door--
 
 "Snowe!" he says, joyfully, and wraps the boy in a hug, tight and one-armed (his other arm is still holding Lady Flamepuff close), cheek pressed against his hair.
 [10:35 AM] Prince Snowe throws open his arms the moment he sees Xiri appear from behind he curtain, and pretty much tackles him in a tight hug, skinny arms wrapping around his demon's middle and holding him close, Snowe grinning against Xiri's shoulder. "Xiri!!" He says again, his voice raised, and he's just frothing with excitement, nearly glowing with it. He's still grinning so very bright when he lifts his head to look at Xiri's face, green eyes alight with joy and excitement. "I m-missed you! You were asleep so long!"
 [10:38 AM] Xiri says, "Was I? I-- haha, I don't remember! I was asleep!" and grins back, eyes bright and hair still totally unbrushed. "It was nice, though. And look who kept me company!" He raises the stuffed toy, and boops her snoot against Snowe's, telling him, "This is Lady Flamepuff! She watched over me in my sleep. Tell her thank you for looking after me!"
 
 The dragon toy is worn and faded, but clearly used to be red and blue; now she's salmon pink and grey, but her pearl button eyes shine brightly even in the dim warmth of the land of demons, and her mouth is embroidered in a brilliant shark's grin, matching Xiri's own in excitement.
 [10:41 AM] Prince Snowe makes a funny noise when he's suddenly booped by a stuffed toy- and then he blinks, staring at it. And then he laughs. "Lady Flamepuff! Wh-What a name! How l-long have you had that? Did you n-name her? That's so cute and d-dorky!" He teases, cheeks pink and all smiles and giggles. But then he does as asked, petting the stuffed dragon's head, grinning ear to ear. "Thank you, madam, f-for looking after my demon for m-me. I was very worried about him."
 [11:03 AM] Xiri makes a noise of offense, and tells Snowe, "She is very cute and not dorky at all, and Zilia gave her to me when I was a child." So a very long time ago. But it's so good to see Snowe smiling and giggling, and Xiri dissolves into giggles, too, pressing the dragon into Snowe's arms so he can hug him again, this time with both arms, and rub his face in Snowe's hair. "It's so good to be home!" he says, excitedly, and adds, "and it's so nice to see you, Snowe! You look so good, look at you, you look so happy-- and like you've been eating--! Oh, it's so good to be free!"
 [11:06 AM] Prince Snowe suddenly has a stuffed dragon in his arms, and he instinctively wraps his arms around her, holding her against his chest as Xiri pulls him into a proper hug, which just sends Snowe into another bubble of delighted giggles. "L-Look at me??" He says, sounding almost flabbergasted, "Xiri, look at [b]you[/b]!"
 
 And he wriggles out of the demon's arms, still holding the stuffed dragon, so he can give Xiri a proper look. "You look so c-comfy!" He says with another giggle. "And h-happy!! You look so happy, and- and so real, you're really r-real, Xiri." And then Snowe melts a little, looking at Xiri, being so real and so free and so safe and happy and here where he belongs, in his home.
 [11:12 AM] Xiri could cry with happiness, and takes a step back, to do a little turnaround for Snowe, arms held out. "I am real! I'm really real! I'm out of your head and I have my body back and I can feel things with my own hands-- and smell things with my own nose--" and he demonstrates by stepping in and cupping Snowe's face, and rubbing his nose in Snowe's hair, breathing in the smell of him. "You smell wonderful!" he says, delighted, and makes warm, satisfies noises as he nuzzles his face into the soft blondness of Snowe's hair. "I missed smelling things, and feeling things, I could see and hear but-- oh, I haven't even eaten anything yet, it's going to be so good to [b]taste[/b] something, Snowe!"
 [11:12 AM] Xiri does not, unfortunately, demonstrate taste by licking Snowe.
 [11:19 AM] Prince Snowe probably smells like sea breezes and a little bit of burnt, and pomegranates and medicinal herbs. He's all bubbling giggles as Xiri touches his face and smells his hair and talks about having real senses again, nuzzling and making such happy noises, and Snowe can't help but throw his arms around Xiri again, one hand still holding onto Lady Flamepuff. "Oh, Xiri, look at you..." He says again, even more fondly and even wistfully, nuzzling his face against Xiri's shoulder, "I'm s-so happy... you deserve this. I s-still can hardly believe I can r-really touch you now. You're so real and you're here and free and... And you look s-so happy!"
 
 Snowe sniffs- he's getting a bit emotional. "Look at you!!" He says again, raising his voice a little, even if a bit muffled. "You're wearing p-pajamas and you could totally e-eat something right now!"
 [11:22 AM] Xiri giggles and-- "No, no, don't cry, you'll make me cry!" he whines, and presses kisses to Snowe's hair, and giggles some more, clutching Snowe to him. "Here, come on, I'll get something to nibble right now," he says, and pulls back a little, so he can lean down and press his mouth to Snowe's shoulder and make noises like "omph nomph nom mmph", mouthing at him through his clothes. "Delicious!" he declares, and then pulls at Snowe, tugging him inside. "Come on, let me show you around," he croons.
 [11:25 AM] Prince Snowe snuffles and takes his face from Xiri's shoulder so he can wipe at his eyes, even as he has giggles to match Xiri's, and he nods as Xiri talks about getting something to nibble on- only to be the thing getting nibbled!! Snowe shouts in surprise, only to laugh loudly, face all pink, and he playfully shoves at Xiri. "You're g-goofy!" He says, all grinning, and lets himself be tugged inside, probably to the comfort of Xiri's neighbors who have probably been wondering when those two would just go inside and stop being so goopy out in the street already. "I c-can't wait to see your house!"
 
 He fails to mention he saw it a little bit when he helped get it all clean, and again a little more when Xiri was sleeping... Besides, he didn't see much! Now he can see it properly, all lit up and bright and with a happy and safe Xiri living in it.
 [01:27 PM] Xiri chirps, "It's so nice! My mother must have worked really hard to clean it all... and I think all the hangings are new. Ahhh, it's so nice to have a place all to myself again!" He tugs Snowe deeper into the house, grinning, and says, "I haven't checked the pantry yet, maybe there'll be something to eat in there?"
 
 His hand slides down from Snowe's wrist to his fingers, squeezing them with enthuiasm as he pulls him around.
 [01:36 PM] Prince Snowe thinks absolutely nothing of Xiri holding his hand- it's hardly the first time they've held hands. It's almost become second nature for Snowe, having become so used to tangling his hand with Xiri's, while Xiri was still in him. Only this time, it feels so much more real, and Snowe has to rub at his eyes a little as he intertwines his fingers between Xiri's.
 
 "Zilia is your mother?" He asks curiously as he looks around Xiri's house, admiring the lights and colors. The houses in the demon world are so... immensely charming. "You kept calling her by name, or as your 'friend', before... Is it d-different than how she's Soria and Erio's m-mother?" Unlike Erio and Soria, Xiri looks nothing like Zilia, that's for sure. Maybe Xiri was made differently. But from what Snowe's seen, she certainly treats him like a son, and he treats her like a mom.
 
 A thought occurs to Snowe as he lets himself be tugged around, and he looks to Xiri with a grin. "Were you embarrassed about t-talking about your mom??"
 [02:01 PM] Xiri actually flushes-- he hadn't realised he'd called her his mother just now-- and says, flustered, "Well, she asked me to, when I came back..." before clearing his throat, and saying softly, "and she made me, even if she didn't expect me to live long." He looks pink through the cheeks, bright against his pale skin, as he opens the pantry doors and discovers something wrapped in paper-- "Oooh," he croons, and unwraps what looks like a full meal, a few apples and dried meat and a round of wax-wrapped cheese, letting go of Snowe to pull it out of the pantry and set it on the kitchen table. "Here, have some with me!" he tells Snowe, smiling at him, and finds a knife to slice the food.
 [02:06 PM] Prince Snowe smiles even more seeing Xiri get all flushed and flustered- how cute!! Snowe has already definitely decided that he enjoys seeing Xiri like this more than how he'd seen him in the last eleven years. Free and relaxed and kinda goofy and dorky sometimes, getting flustered... He's so genuine. So good and real and wonderful. Snowe is so, so happy, and he sniffs again, rubbing at his eyes as Xiri finds himself a meal.
 
 "Okay!" Snowe says, and he pushes a couple chairs close together, fully intending to sit right next to Xiri as he wriggles into one of the chairs. "You should eat most of it, th-though, since it's for you... And you haven't gotten to eat y-yet!" Though, that cheese does look good, and Snowe definitely wants some.
 
 The paper the food had been wrapped in reminds him of something, though, and he chews his lip a moment as he tries to thing of it- oh! "Oh, Xiri..." He starts, cheeks going a little rosy. "Um, actually, I, uh... Th-There was supposed to be something beside your bed, when you woke up... d-did you see?"
 [02:08 PM] Xiri perks up, and says, "Beside my bed? I-- I don't think I looked, haha! Should I go look now?" He was posed to start cutting things up into bites, but he sets the knife down, practically bouncing on his toes (he's wearing warm looking socks, knit out of creamy woolen yarn).
 [02:11 PM] Prince Snowe can't help but smile so much- gosh, even though Snowe knows Xiri looks exactly the same as he did before, only realer, he just seems... younger. So full of energy and enthusiasm, so... so cute! Snowe feels his cheeks heat up a bit more. "Uh, w-well, if you w-want to! It's s-small, so I don't blame you for missing it, it's a l-little paper package tied with string..."
 [02:14 PM] Xiri leans down and kisses Snowe's cheek, and then takes off for the bedroom at an eager trot; the curtains muffle him, but Snowe will definitely hear a cry of delight after a few seconds, and when Xiri returns, the bracelet is already around his wrist, and he leans down and kisses Snowe's other cheek, and tells him, "I love it!"
 [02:17 PM] Prince Snowe's cheeks just grow warmer as one of them is kissed, and he gets all bashful in his seat, tucking his feet under the chair with crossed ankles and hunching his shoulders and a sheepish little smile on his face, fiddling his fingers. The smile grows when he hears Xiri's delight from the other room, and his face gets even pink when the demon returns and smooches his other cheek.
 
 "Oh, good, I was r-really hoping you'd like it!" Snowe says, pretty much glowing with pride. "I picked all the s-seashells myself, and I had to take off half the beads to make r-room, but..." He pulls back one of his sleeves, to show a similar bracelet, with identical beads and similar shells but a different string, sitting comfortable around his wrist. "I w-was able to make another bracelet with them, s-so we can match!"
 [07:11 PM] Xiri makes an EVEN MORE delighted noise, and takes Snowe's hand in his, and lifts it to admire the bracelet around his slender wrist. "We do match!" he agrees, happily, and kisses Snowe's nose and cheeks and forehead, delighted beyond words, before pulling him close into another hug, his head pressed under Xiri's heart as the demon stands over him, making pleased noises, and just holds him...
 
 "I'm so happy you're here, my little prince," he murmurs, and pets his hair with one hand, the other curled around the back of his neck. "I'm so glad to see you safe and whole and here with me."
 [07:16 PM] Prince Snowe can't help but laugh brightly at Xiri's utter delight, and even more at the demon peppering his face with smooches, and pulling him into another embrace, one where Snowe can hear his heart beating as Xiri pets at his hair. He closes his eyes for a few moments, to just melt into the hug, relish in it, curling his own arms around Xiri's middle, hugging him right back.
 
 "Me, too." He murmurs, nuzzling against Xiri's chest. "But I'm happy for y-you, too..." And then, after a few moments, Snowe lifts his head, to look up at Xiri with pink cheeks and uncertainty and hope in his eyes. "Uhm... by th-the way, I packed a travel bag, just in case you wanted m-me to stay over a little while..."
 
 Please invite him to stay in your house for a few days, Xiri, he would really like to have a sleepover with you.
 [07:19 PM] Xiri makes an excited noise, and says, "Yes! Please! I'd love to have you here! Oh, but if you're going to be my guest, I should feed you, my Snowe!" He leans down to give him another peck on the forehead, and lets go of him, to start slicing up the meat and apples and cheese, asking Snowe, "Can you find some plates for us?"
 [07:22 PM] Prince Snowe kinda maaaaybe wanted that hug to last a bit longer, but this is fine! Besides, since Xiri is apparently just as eager to have Snowe stay over, they've got plenty of time to squeeze in more hugs. "Of course!" He says as he hops to his feet- and finally putting down Lady Flamepuff, by the way, as well as his travel bag, both of which he leaves on the table as he goes to rummage through the cabinets. It takes him a few tries before he finds the plates, which he quickly sets at the table before sliding right back into his seat, all smiles and excitement. He's not even hungry, he's just terribly happy to be here.
 
 "I'm so excited." He says in a slightly hushed voice, clearly stating the obvious. "Now I can get to know you p-properly!"
 [07:26 PM] Xiri hums, happily, and pauses his work to reach out and cup Snowe's cheek, fondly. "And I can teach you some magic tricks, if you want! I always wanted to, you deserved to learn more than your parents allowed..." Stroke stroke stroke... "And we can spend time with my mother... and she said that lord friend of yours is down here, too. If you wanted to spend time with that guy." Xiri would much rather spend his time with Snowe, personally...
 [07:29 PM] Prince Snowe smiles EVEN MORE!! "Y-You mean, like you used to?" He says, and then continues, his cheeks going a bit pink again, "I-I mean, I've been... remembering more. Sort of. A l-little." He gives a nervous chuckle, and tilts his head into the stroking against his cheek.
 
 But then, he lifts his head up in surprise. "You m-mean Beliaz? I didn't even..." Wow, he... kind of forgot about Beliaz, in all that confusing, painful mess. He hadn't even known Zilia had apparently taken custody of him- she'd never even mentioned it. And yet, somehow, it's not actually all that surprising. "... I h-haven't even seen him around. M-Maybe he's still recovering?"
 [07:30 PM] Prince Snowe supposes Beliaz has a lot to recover from, and not just physically...
 [07:35 PM] Xiri did mean Beliaz, yes! He nods, and strokes a fingertip along Snowe's nose-- it's so cute!-- and goes back to cutting the food. "I haven't seen him, either. But Zilia said he's here, so he must be." She would never lie to him, after all! "Here, open your mouth!" he says, holding out a piece of apple to pop in when Snowe does.
 [07:38 PM] Prince Snowe figures he must be right this time- he hadn't seen hide nor hair of Beliaz in any of the times he's visited. Poor guy must be having a hard time right now, after what happened at the tower. And Snowe had never known how badly he'd been falling apart...
 
 He's brought from his thoughts at Xiri telling him to open his mouth, and he does so without even thinking, but that's fine, because his reward is apparently going to be a nice apple!
 [07:41 PM] Xiri pops the nice little slice of apple into Snowe's mouth, and-- mmm!-- it has a slice of cheese on it, too, tartness and sweetness and brightness and the mellow saltiness of the cheese blending together. Then he kisses Snowe's nose, affectionately, and starts serving onto his plate, pretty pink-rimmed slivers of apple and creamy white cheese and red slices of dried meat all waiting to be nibbled. Xiri takes an equal serving for himself, then sets the knife aside and sits down, one leg tucked up under him on his chair and a smile on his face. "Mmmmmm!" he says, at the first bite of food, and then "MmmmMMMMmm!!" at the second, and then he maybe starts crying again, it taste so good and real and present on his tongue.
 [07:49 PM] Prince Snowe hadn't expecting the little bit of cheese to go with the apple slice, but it's terribly yummy, and he gives a pleased "mmmh!" and takes his time savoring his morsel before swallowing, while watching Xiri serve their plates- and polite enough to serve Snowe first. Or just that affectionate. Both work.
 
 And then Snowe finds himself caught up in watching Xiri instead of eating. At the way he sits, his mussy red bedhead, his eyelashes that stand out against his pale skin and black sclera, red irises that stand out even more, the little intricacies of how his face moves between expressions, the sharp tips of teeth whenever his lips part... Snowe can see him in such clarity now, after so long of only seeing him in dreams. Sure, he'd seen him so real once before, but... well, he still doesn't remember quite as much of the previous version of the world as he should, but that's fine. And despite being so integrated into his dreams, despite even being able to create a library of books so perfectly from memory that Snowe could study from them, compared to a Xiri so real and free, Xiri as he'd appeared in Snowe's head and dreams and visions was... almost unfocused, like he was viewed through water, or slightly foggy glass.
 
 But Xiri now is so real, so clear and crisp and Snowe can see every little thing about him- even the tears brimming in his eyes just before he starts to cry in joy at being able to really, truly taste again, and Snowe is alarmed. He scoots his chair closer, scoots himself closer, and puts an arm around his demon, fretting. "H-Hey! Xiri, are you okay??"
 [07:51 PM] Xiri goes "Mmmmmmhhhhhnn," and leans against Snowe, his knee nudging against his, and takes another bite of meat. "'S good," he says, around a mouthful of food, like a gross person, and wipes his face on Snowe's shoulder.
 [07:53 PM] Prince Snowe can't help but give a soft chuckle at that, and he pulls his friend into a hug. "Oh, Xiri..." He says with a little sigh, and nuzzles the demon's red, red hair. "I'm s-so glad you're here. That you're h-home."
 [07:59 PM] Xiri sighs, happily, through his nose, and makes a noise of agreement, curling a hand in the back of Snowe's shirt. "It's everything I ever wanted," he mumbles, once he's swallowed his food, and nuzzles his face into Snowe's neck, and tells him, "especially with you here with me, my prince."
 [08:01 PM] Prince Snowe loves how warm Xiri feels against him- even though Snowe doesn't feel chilly all the time anymore (except when everyone else does, thanks to the weather), Xiri's warmth is still something pleasant and notable, something comforting. "You meant it, didn't you?" He asks, voice soft, "Wh-When you said... you said you were glad I w-was born?"
 [08:04 PM] Xiri nods, firmly, and says with almost fierce certainty, "I meant it. I mean it! I'm so glad for you, Snowe, you're so wonderful..."
 [08:06 PM] Prince Snowe makes a soft noise, his cheeks going red, and he says, quietly, "I can't say I'm glad you were put in me... that'd be s-selfish, and cruel." He pauses, and his hand moves to find one of Xiri's. "But I'm g-glad I met you! I just w-wish it wasn't under circumstances that m-made you so miserable..."
 [08:12 PM] Xiri breathes a laugh, and agrees, "Your parents were bastards. But it still brought me you..." Nuzzle nuzzle! "And you're the most wonderful gift I've ever had, my little prince."
 [08:14 PM] Prince Snowe makes a funny noise, going all flustered, and he lightly shoves at Xiri. "Shut up!!" he shouts, and laughs sheepishly. "C'mon, that c-can't be true..."
 [08:19 PM] Xiri makes a soft, thoughtful noise, and admits, "Well, the bracelet is climbing the ranks pretty quickly..." as he's shoved back into his chair, and grins at Snowe, and crunches into another bite of apple.
 [08:22 PM] Prince Snowe gives another laugh, and settles back in his own chair, all smiles and bashfulness. "I-I'm really glad you like it, I w-wasn't sure if you would..." He murmurs, trailing off and going quiet for a moment, nibbling a little on his own apple slices and cheese. And then, he looks over at Xiri shyly, and says, "I like your p-pajamas, by the way. They're cute."
 [08:25 PM] Xiri turns pink again, but grins at Snowe. "I think I might have another set... they would be really cute on you, too, if you want to borrow them while you're here." Share clothes with him, Snowe! It's super heterosexual!
 [08:26 PM] Prince Snowe laughs softly, and says, "Well, I mean, I packed my own pajamas!" He pauses, and his cheeks rosy, he says, "But, if you wanted, I wouldn't mind t-trying them out... they l-look really comfy! Mine's just a n-normal button up shirt with trousers..."
 [08:27 PM] Xiri says, enthusiastically, "Finish eating, and you can try on anything you like!" He'd be happy to help Snowe into new clothes! (And out of his old ones...)
 [08:27 PM] Prince Snowe xiri das gay
 [08:29 PM] Prince Snowe nods, "Okay, okay, don't rush me! I d-don't wanna choke!" But despite that, he still hurries a little, powering through his nibbles, until his plate is clean. "Okay! All done!"
 
 But first, Snowe takes both their plates to go rinse them in the sink, like a good noodle.
 [08:30 PM] Xiri watches him go, smiling, and then stands up and goes to snuggle up against his back, linking his hands over Snowe's belly button and resting his cheek against the back of Snowe's head, with a satisfied little sigh. Sure, being trapped in him sucked, but being close to him is so, so wonderful...
 [08:34 PM] Prince Snowe can't stop a laugh from bubbling forth at how snuggly Xiri is being, but it's not like he minds. Having Xiri close to him, touching him, being affectionate to him, just feels so very Right. Despite how much of their time together before was spent with Xiri either silently alone and angry, or lashing out. But even then, there were still so many moments where Xiri would hold him or touch him or just be affectionate with him. And maybe with just having Xiri be a part of him so long, closeness just feels natural.
 
 "Y-You're still really clingy!" Snowe says, albeit in a joking tone. Done with the dishes, he dries his hands, and wriggles around in Xiri's arms, so he can face towards the demon. "You're kinda g-goofy, though, did you know that? I n-never expected you to be s-such a dork!"
 [08:37 PM] Xiri snorts back a laugh, and grins at Snowe, teeth and teeth and more teeth, and says, "I'm not a dork! You're a dork!" and presses a giggling smooch to the center of Snowe's forehead, fingers wiggling warmly against the small of his back. "See, look, a dork," he says, head tilting back to look up, and there above their heads is "D O R K" written in flames, with a little arrow pointing at Snowe.
 [08:38 PM] Prince Snowe laughs and laughs, and when he sees the accusatory word written in flames and pointing directly at him, he laughs some more, even as he playfully fake-shoves Xiri. "Rude!" He says, mock-offended, and then gives Xiri a quick, squeezing hug. "I'm n-not the one introducing my friends to my stuffed animals!"
 [08:47 PM] Xiri snickers, and says, "Lady Flamepuff is very important to me!" before squeezing Snowe back, then tugging him away from the sink, hand sliding down to loop around his wrist, fiddling with his bracelet. He does grab Lady Flamepuff on his way, though, and gives the dragon doll a kiss on the head as he pulls Snowe through curtains, back to his room and back to the wardrobe there, handing off the toy and opening the drawer under the doors. And there it is! Another set of pajamas, these in soft orange instead of warm red, with flowers embroidered around the bottom edge instead of butterflies.
 
 "Here you are, Snowe!" he says, happily, and lifts them up. "Do you want to try them on?" Here, he'll help him strip...
 [08:53 PM] Prince Snowe thinks Xiri is so cute! So much cuter when he's free and happy and relaxed, and not feeding nightmares and threatening and being angry and hurt. And especially cute when he's kissing little toy dragons, and Snowe can't help but grin ear-to-ear at that as he's pulled along to Xiri's bedroom. He accepts Lady Flamepuff, and while Xiri digs in the wardrobe, Snowe goes to tuck her in at Xiri's bed, because he is also a big dweeb, let's be real.
 
 And then Xiri's got his other pair of pajamas, and Snowe's smiling brightly. "Yes! S-Since I'm staying over, unless you w-want to take me somewhere else," And he figures Xiri's not planning on any tours outside of his house today, what with him still being in his own jimjams and with bedhead still, "I might as well change and get comfy n-now, right?"
 [08:55 PM] Xiri laughs, a little, and says, "I don't know where else to go, yet. If my mother wants to see me, she can come here... but I don't know where the market is, anymore. Or anything else. It's been so long..." He sighs, a bit wistfully, but then he smiles some more, and tells Snowe, "It isn't any trouble to stay in and relax, though! I can go exploring tomorrow."
 [09:02 PM] Prince Snowe practically wriggles with excitement, and says, "I can go exploring with you!! We c-can make a day of it!" Gosh, he loves exploring, and the land of demons is so charming and homely, he'd love to go poking around and sightsee with Xiri... "It'll be f-fun!"
 
 And with that said, Snowe starts to get undressed, getting out of his tunic and toeing off his boots- only to pause in the middle of unfastening his shirt, as it hits him that he's undressing right in front of Xiri. But, well... then he remembers that Xiri has been in his head for half his life. He's probably already seen everything by now. Hell, he's probably seen Snowe touching himself- haha, wow, that is an incredible awkward avenue to go down, Snowe is gonna quickly go the other way and pretend he didn't think of that!!
 
 His cheeks go red, and he goes back to undressing, until he's down to his underpants, when he quickly snatches the pajamas from Xiri, tugging on the shorts, and then pulling on the short robe. "D-Does it really only have the one fastening at the t-top?" He asks, confused, not really sure how he feels about it just hanging loose and flappy. "I'd th-though maybe your other ones had j-just broken off or something, but..."
 [09:06 PM] Xiri has happily watched, smiling a little-- mmm, Richard and Vera must have been feeding him well, he doesn't look so skinny as he did before they fixed the world-- and he just as happily goes, "Ah, right! I don't like the belts, the knot always seems to prod me when I'm trying to sleep, but--" He digs around a bit, and finds the belt for his set, red and butterflies, folded in a corner of the drawer. Hmm. "I don't know where the orange belt is," he says, offering the red one up, "but this ought to do." And, also: "You look really cute in that, Snowe..."
 [09:10 PM] Prince Snowe is definitely looking better fed when he's not a nervous wreck with an uneven sleeping and eating schedule. Snowe can't help but snicker- Xiri is so picky! It's kinda charming. He's so dorky, but it makes him more genuine, so real, so much more than an angry, hurt demon. He takes the belt meant for Xiri's set, and says, "W-Well, butterflies compliment flowers, don't they?" He jokes, "And r-red to orange."
 
 With that said, he ties the belt on, keeping the robe shut over his belly, and it looks terribly cute. Which Xiri informs him of, making Snowe go all red. "You look p-pretty cute in yours, you know!" He retorts, and with a snort, he takes the attached hood, and pulls it over his head, right over his eyes, crossing his arms and pretending to look gruff and mysterious ... only to falter and break into little giggles.
 [09:14 PM] Xiri coos, and says, "Ohhh, I'll show you cute!" and beckons Snowe to come sit with him on the floor, smiling in a way that's probably meant to look innocent and mostly looks terribly wicked. Do you trust this man, Snowe?
 [09:35 AM] Prince Snowe UNFORTUNATELY DOES TRUST THIS MAN, and he snickers a little at that wicked look on Xiri's face as he comes over to plop cross-legged on the floor next to Xiri. WHAT ARE WE DOING ON THE FLOOR, XIRI..
 [09:38 AM] Xiri smiles even wider, and leans in, and boops his nose against Snowe's, a hand resting on his knee...
 
 And then the hand slips down to tickle the bottom of Snowe's foot, Xiri's other hand going for the ribs in a VICIOUS and SUDDEN attack on Snowe's ticklish spots. What a monster!
 [09:40 AM] Prince Snowe gives a soft little giggle at the nose boop, and is ABOUT to turn that into a butterfly kiss maybe, but then SUDDENLY HE IS VICIOUSLY ATTACKED WITH TICKLES! He squeals and promptly falls over on his side, wriggling and kicking and laughing loudly and smacking at Xiri's hands. "Xiriiii!! Nnnoooohohohoooooo!!! Ahahaha!!"
 [09:42 AM] Xiri crows, "Xiri YES!" and falls upon Snowe, his body warm and heavy and real and his fingers quick and clever as they dart around Snowe's body, one slipping inside Snowe's robe above the belt to do terrible, terrible things to his belly, the demon giggling excitedly. This is what cuteness really is!
 [09:46 AM] Prince Snowe makes a noise like some kind of dying seabird, his head thrashing back and forth, wheezy laughs and giggles spilling from his mouth as he struggles to wriggle away from Xiri's evil tickly fingers. His feet thump against the floor as he kicks them wildly, his hands smacking at Xiri.
 
 "I'm d-dying!!" Snowe shouts, and starts scrabbling his fingers at Xiri's side in desperation...
 [09:47 AM] Xiri makes an alarmed noise, and stops, flattening his hand against Snowe's belly and the other one coming to rest on the side of his neck. "Are-- you're not REALLY dying, are you?" he asks, suddenly alarmed. He was just having fun, he doesn't actually want to hurt Snowe...
 [09:49 AM] Prince Snowe is out of breath when Xiri stops, his head falling back against the floor, and he gives a loud 'phew!' of relief... only to open his eyes to a very concerned demon, and Snowe's stomach drops a little and he feels terribly guilty. "N-No, I'm f-fine..." He breathes, face red, and guilt written all over his face. "I w-was just joking... I'm sorry."
 [09:52 AM] Xiri sighs, relieved, and drops his head down to nuzzle Snowe's neck, opposite his hand, thumb stroking to match the nuzzles. "Good," he murmurs, "I don't want you to hurt anymore."
 
 He's still warm and solid atop Snowe, his hands bare on Snowe's skin, all his movements suddenly gentle and affectionate. Guess who loves you, Snowe...
 [09:55 AM] Prince Snowe makes a soft little whine, and loops his arms around Xiri's waist. "You're too sweet, what the heck..." He murmurs, turning his head to nuzzle the demon's hair. So unbelievably sweet, Snowe can hardly stand it. It makes his heart ache. "Maybe I am dying. The sweetness overload is g-gonna kill me! See? Dying now. Blehhh..."
 [09:55 AM] Prince Snowe lets his head loll to the side and closes his eyes, sticking his tongue goofily and dramatically out the side of his mouth. And then he giggles, ruining the totally accurate illusion.
 [09:56 AM] Xiri goes, "Oh no!" and kisses Snowe's dead, giggling face. "What have I dooooone," he moans, "I killed my sweet little prince! Ohhh noooooo!" Mwah mwah mwah mwah mwah!
 [09:58 AM] Prince Snowe goes "Aahhhh!" at all these kisses because oh God, how is he supposed to process so many smooches at once? Snowe is not being a very good dead person, turning his face back and forth against all the kisses and giggling like crazy. "Xiriiii! You d-dork!"