Guangyao waits, and waits. It's agony. If he's going to be rejected, he'd rather it be quick and swift so he can retreat to lick his wounds in peace. It's a big ask. It's more than he deserves, he knows, but Xichen told him to say it, didn't he? If Xichen has anyone to be upset with, it's himself for encouraging the confession-- And, Guangyao admits, himself for bringing it up in the first place.

He swallows hard and leans away as Xichen moves, wary, but there's no blow. There's no yelling or a shove away. He watches Xichen with wide-eyed awe, disbelieving that it's happening. Was this a dream? Was there something accidentally laced in the tea??

His throat feels dry as he rises to his knees, reaching for Xichen. The ribbon being placed out of his reach hurts. He gets it, but it stings and he loves Xichen with all his heart--for what little of it remains. Whatever that means anymore.

With a shaking hand he cups the side of Xichen's jaw, leaning in to brush his mouth to Xichen's. "Please," he begs all the same, a whisper against Xichen's mouth. "Please."