Somehow, in the way of dreams, he has become both himself and A-Yuan, comforter and comforted. It is a strange double vision as he tucks his head protectively over the boy's, long wet hair forming a curtain around them, at the same time he clings tight to a person far bigger than him and cries so hard there is no space left for fear.

It's all right. Shh. You are safe. He is old enough to offer it like a prayer; young enough to hear it as a promise.

Against Lan Zhan, he is boneless, untroubled, his breathing deep and even as he returns to sleep.