[ He'd like her, he's sure. Just as he likes Xingchen.

Runyu stares at this gentle, kind mortal in amazement as he isn't pulled away from in fear or disgust. No, Xingchen reaches for him instead. He has no defense against such kindness, and slowly takes that offered hand. And it does help ease some of the ache, at least enough to remind him he's not alone. That he has to be careful, mindful of his power. ]

My parents, and my mother though she did so to try to protect me. [ And he'd only caused her pain, hadn't he?

He shakes his head, drawing in a shaky breath. ] I'd have destroyed everything in Heaven and Hell, even the Mortal world, for her. I was on the way to doing just that when she got in the way.

[ He bows his head again, fingers twitching in Xingchen's grasp. ]

I...yes. She has been reborn, and my brother found her. They're married, and have a child. I have not been forbidden from visiting.