Wen Ning looked at the Dandelion and immediately thought of Li Hua. He allowed himself not to think of anything else but the expression on her face when he gave it to her.

He plucked it's tender stalk from the ground and stared at the vibrant yellow strands; petals soon to transform into white fluffy seedlings. People called them weeds, tried to remove them from their gardens, but Wen Ning had a plot especially reserved for these hardy plants, so persistent in growing anywhere.

Li Hua liked yellow flowers.

Wen Ning had returned to live in his cottage outside Cloud Recesses, as the threat against Master Wei was gone, and he didn't want to unduly upset Uncle Qiren and the elders.

Besides here, Li Hua could come and visit anytime she liked. Wen Ning could tell she was troubled, even though she never actually said it. She often left JunJie Kang drinking in the taverns in Gusu, just to come and sit with him.

Sometimes they would sit outside in the garden, admiring the pretty blooms. Wen Ning had planted some flowers such as sweet jasmine, moonflowers and wisteria, just for these occasions.

Wen Ning was a big believer of kindred spirits. He was sure his and Master Wei's relationship was one such connection. Even his sister. They had been so close, she understood everything he didn't say. Li Hua was also one of these.

Li Hua didn't have to talk to him either. She never made him feel uncomfortable, or awkward. There was only simple companionship.

She had started their flower giving gifts. One night, while they were travelling to Hui Wu village, and everyone else was asleep, Li Hua placed a lily in his hand.

He had stared at it, and then her. She had simply smiled and sat down beside him. Even when he explained that he did not need to sleep, that he could watch over all present, she had refused to leave.

He had been amazed at her endurance, because he was never sure when she actually slept.

So the next night, after they had passed through a meadow of wild flowers, he had picked an assortment, not sure of her preferences. He was worried she would reject his offering, but no, she smiled quietly and took it.

So it became a thing, this passing of flowers as gifts, whenever they met. Wen Ning began to look forward to these little tokens, an acknowledgement of their friendship, although he was uncertain if that was all it was.

Tonight, she came and put a red rose in his hand. The stalk was long, yet he could find no thorns.

"I picked them off." She explained, when she saw him checking.

"Why?"

"I didn't want you to hurt yourself."

Wen Ning felt something melt inside him. Nobody had ever thought so much about a simple flower, just to give to him. In fact, not even his sister had ever given him a flower.

"Thank you." He gave her the dandelion.

She was so happy, she hugged him.

Wen Ning stiffened. Master Wei was the only one who did that.

"I'm sorry." She shifted back, red faced. "Well, that's a lie."

He had recovered enough to raise a brow.

"I'm not sorry I did that, but I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable." She clarified.

"Not uncomfortable." He managed. For some reason, he couldn't look at her.

"Then?"

"Unexpected."

"So do I have to tell you first?"

He stared at her. In the cold moonlight, her face glowed with warmth. Was that for him? He had never seen her look so beautiful. The fierceness was gone, replaced by wonder...and... something else.

"I...I like you." She held his gaze.

"Wen Ning! How come you're out here, in the dark?" Wei Ying shouted, running towards them.
He jumped over the low gate as they quickly sat apart, faces now blazing.

"Li Hua? What are you doing here?" Wei Ying came closer, carrying a couple of jars of Emperor's Smile. "I thought we could share a drink."

He stared at both people looking down at the ground, silent.

"Oh my!" He grinned, naughtily.
"I've totally caught you! Is it a talent? I keep finding people together..."

"Master Wei!" Li Hua stood up, anger burning in her eyes.

Wei Ying stepped back, not at all afraid. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Wen Ning quietly threaded his fingers through hers and stared back at Master Wei. Li Hua was so surprised, her fury vanished as she looked at Wen Ning instead.

"Don't worry, I'm perfectly capable of drinking these by myself! I'll even make a toast to you. I wish you both every happiness!" He continued, beaming at them.

Li Hua took a step forward.

Wei Ying ran off laughing.

Wen Ning pulled her back down to sit as they were.