You find yourself surrounded by an undulating expanse of lush, verdant grass, its tiny, straw-like blades swaying with the breeze underneath you, the tips nearly tickling your skin as you stray further and further away from the city. You won't fail to notice the abundant amount of flowers you pass by as your attention falls on the delicate white daisies, the bright sunflowers, then the cluster of daffodils and clovers. There were plenty more you couldn't name, but a part of you felt like going wherever your legs took you at the moment. The sunlight basking in your skin makes you feel like you're right where you're supposed to be.

Ne Zha watches you take in the sight, his steps mindful as he follows you into the meadow. He invited you for a little stroll, and here you are, exploring and bending over to feel the warm touch of herbs and blossoms. He thinks you look free like this.

"I take it you are suffering from.. anxiety, yes?"

It was not the best query, the Lotus Prince couldn't find a better way to approach you of this. Not when he's been wanting to for a while now. Your befuddled expression was to be expected when you turned your head to face him.

"The little play you and the group rehearsed in Lantern City for a prize last week. You were shaking." Ne Zha stated, "I am aware of Wukong's stage fright, but that differs from your problem. He is fine when it comes to approaching people or making a fool out of himself."

He doesn't cite the times he recalls of you avoiding any kind of social event, walking behind the group whenever you feel uncomfortable— which is probably most of the time, denying and belittling yourself whenever given praise, worrying constantly about what people think about you— the list goes on.

"You are safe here, with me." Ne Zha tells you, his voice delicate and hushed. He finds himself speaking in a tone he never uses on anyone else but to you.

He doesn't know why he's doing this. Maybe it's because he knows you don't deserve this.

"And.. I want you to remember that you always are."