They kissed for a while, then parted lips because QinXiao couldn't stop crying.

He tried to hold back tears, but QiLu was always better than him in doing it.

-Why are you crying like that? Xiaoge? Don't cry......

-You know, I used to refrain myself from this feeling too much, that it burst out like a broken wound, it couldn't heal, my feelings for you, the more I tried to cover it, it was just getting deeper, and deeper, like with every breath I take, I love you more.

-Xiaoge I love you. Don't worry, I'm here.

QiLu held him tighter, as much as he could.

-I thought about you every night, I gazed at your picture every night, I couldn't sleep, I thought I was so reckless, I regretted when I couldn't stop your father from beating you, on that day, if I did something right, you wouldn't have been hurt. I thought I couldn't even protect you, how can I love you? QiLu, do you understand? I was always doing you wrong. I thought I'm not the right person for you.

-Xiaoge.. I knew you lied to me when I asked you to stay that night, but I didn't think you truly cared.....

-I care, I do. But I feel useless and weak, and.....

He kissed QiLu on his neck, his tears fell down on his sweater, QiLu wiped his cheeks with both hands, kissed him back on his eyes. The night was getting cold as ever, and they're both shivering in each other's arms.

-Didn't you know, Xiaoge, your sharp words eventually hurt me, but I still believe in my feelings, I know you have feelings for me, somehow....

-Im sorry, QiLu, I always love you, I was wrong.

They kissed again, it was a wet passionate kiss, and QiLu's cheeks are getting red, his eyes became watery and their hands are shaking from the cold.

-Lets go back to the campsite QiLu, you might get sick....

-And you thinks you won't? Xiaoge!! Don't keep talking like I'm a chick. I'm still surviving all these years, I don't need your protection. I need your love. If you wanna stay here and get sick, I'll stay with you.

-Hm, I know, I was just saying, QiLu.... Let's go back. Maybe Lao Liu's still waiting.

QiLu held him tighter, kissed him more passionately and gently bit him on his lips - I don't wanna go back to my room, I don't want to sleep there, my roommate is there....

-Let's just stay by the campfire, I'll bring my picnic blanket.

-Fine.

When they came back, the fire was already firing out, just a bunch of glowing embers were left, faintly crackling, casting a soft light around it.
The deep red core of the remaining logs
were slowly pulsing like their heartbeats.

-QiLu, come close.

QinXiao opened his sleep bag and put his legs inside, almost getting exhausted, QiLu was lying on his chest, touching his nose.

-What did you like to draw best on my face?

-Your lips, your nose, your eyes.... Your everything. Even what I shouldn't draw.

He laughed.

QinXiao also laughed.

-Like what? You wanna draw what?

-Life drawing.

QinXiao let out a hearty laugh. -You dare?

-Why not, If you dare to take off your clothes, I can draw you.

-Ok let's do it later.

He started to tickle QiLu. They cuddled for a while until QiLu decided he was tired and fell asleep.

QinXiao kissed his forehead and held his hands, couldn't help but kiss his finger, where skin was dried and flaky, he was drawing for a long time, there were small scars and hardened skin around his nails, he held them tight, put it on his chest, letting out a deep sigh.

-QiLu, are you sleeping already?

QiLu didn't answer.

QinXiao embraced his shoulder, and slid his other hand on QiLu's cheeks, silently smiled. He then, couldn't stop himself from kissing his forehead, his ears, QiLu's nose was cold and soft.

He touched his neck, slowly feeling his heartbeats, that was too comforting, and he nearly forgot about time.

When they woke up the sun had risen.

They all got on the bus to go home, QiLu was tired but kept asking QinXiao to go to his home first, QinXiao, at the time said he has to rush home to see his grandfather, and he'll come later.

QiLu was disappointed, as later on that day his father called him in just to see his paintings was all abandoned halfway, got angry and beat him again, leaving several bruises on his shoulders.

-You should, at least show me 10 completed pieces, before this Sunday, or you won't be able to continue at Yibo?Boyi? Whatever it's called. I won't let you go there anymore.

QiLu didn't say a word.

He thought about this year, he used to wish time can speed up so much, but now, with QinXiao's love, he may endure it, forever.

He packed his stuff, and moved into Boyi's dorm that evening without telling QinXiao. He just wanted to finish all of his paintings in time, now 6 days left.

Later that night QinXiao came to his apartment and called, and immediately went to the dorm when QiLu said he had been there.

-Why didn't you tell me?

-I was in a hurry, I just wanna finish these paintings this Saturday.

-Its not impossible. But are you going to stay up all night? I'll help you.

They finished 2 paintings that night, both exhausted and QinXiao decided to sleep over at the dorm. He was somehow a bit furious when they went to bed. The dorm's bed is small, and without a mattress, QinXiao still insisted on sleeping on the floor.

-QiLu, why didn't you tell me? I was so worried about you. I thought your father came and...

-And beat me like a dog, isn't it what you thought..

-QiLu.... I thought about everything I could, I didn't know...

QiLu smirked.

-Yeah. You're right. Because he did.

He took off his sweater, showing several bruises and scars on his shoulders and back. QinXiao frowned, he embraced him, gently rubded his back and cried.

-If your father also beat you like this, would you still hope he's still alive, Xiaoge?

-I.... I do.

-Yes, he's my dad anyway. Don't be angry. It will all pass.

-I love you. I'm just heartbroken to see all these scars.

-It all shall pass.

-QiLu, I thought I was strong. But now, I think you're even stronger. All these years. Knowing your parents are still there, but can't feel their love.

QiLu felt a wave of shivers cascade over his body, leaving him trembling, he cupped QinXiao's face and put a kiss on his lips.

-Let's sleep together on the floor. Just put the bed's mattress down there, Xiaoge.

They slept together in each other's arms. Seeing all those bruises and scars made him speechless, he wanted to do something romantic but his emotions anchored him back in place. He didn't know how long those scars were there, how long QiLu had to survive all this alone,he felt overwhelmed and powerless.

Kissing QiLu's shoulders, caressing his cheeks, couldn't sleep at all, QinXiao kept thinking about their future.

How can they escape from this reality, to love freely as they've always wanted to?