[ Dan Heng chuckles at that, the sound low and sweet, even as color comes o his cheeks, even as he shakes his head. ]

You're just saying that as an excuse to do this more often.

[ Not that he's complaining. He reaches up, brushing back the hair sticking to Yingxing's skin, and the smallest of frowns finds his expression, lips part in a silent thought—and close again for a moment as he processes, decides.

After a moment, he says, his voice quiet: ]

My heat is going to get worse over the next day or so, I think. So I... before it does, I should tell you. While I can.

[ Oh, he's bad at this. ]

March bought the wristband for me because I wanted it. It had nothing to do with her. I... I have wanted this for a long time now.