Ascending the Demon Realm

Xiaoxue nodded calmly, his tiger eyes glinting yellow-green. "You forget - I'm a white tiger. My sense of smell is exceptional."

With a soft poof, two snowy ears sprouted from his hair, fluffy cotton balls perched atop his head that begged to be touched.

"Haha!" I reached out before thinking, fingers sinking into the impossibly soft fur. 

Embarrassed, I withdrew my hand. "Sorry. I forgot you're grown now."

His pale cheeks flushed pink as he shook his head, citrine eyes glowing. "You can touch them. You're my best friend."

That trademark Xiaoxue purity radiated from every word. His simple statement flooded me with memories:

"You're my best friend - have my jerky..."

"My tail's yours to pet..."

"I'll protect you..."

"Xiaoyao...am I your best friend too?"

My nose stung unexpectedly. Damn it, he was getting to me again. 

These supernatural beings and their painfully pure emotions always made me feel unworthy. 

His earnest gaze held mine. "Seeing you today...can we still be friends?"

"Obviously. Why else would you be here?" I swallowed the lump in my throat.

His tiger eyes glistened. Four years together meant I could read every microexpression - the slight quiver of his muzzle, the extra blink. 

"Let's exchange contacts!" I pulled out my phone, ignoring my trembling fingers.

His jade-pale lips curved minimally as he produced his device. Even fully grown, he maintained that porcelain-doll stillness, watching me with undivided attention.

I pointed behind me without being asked. "Go ahead. I know you're stressed."

Moisture rimmed his eyes. "Thank you," he rasped, voice rough with emotion despite his controlled posture. 

Silver light engulfed him as fur rippled across his form. Where once stood a German Shepherd-sized cub now loomed a mythic White Tiger, massive enough that I had to crane my neck. 

His velvet paws made no sound as he circled behind me. Warmth pressed against my back - his entire belly flush against me, giant head resting atop mine with a contented sigh.

"You weigh a ton," I grunted.

"Adjusting," rumbled above me. The pressure lessened as his form flattened curiously.

"Are you...turning into a tiger rug?" I choked back laughter, remembering how he'd shape into a living cloak during our childhood winters.

"Mmm. Comfortable this way." 

Of course. His earlier look had screamed "cuddle time" - our old winter ritual. 

As I painted my nails with angry strokes (work frustrations required emergency cuteness containment), his words began tumbling out. The reserved White Tiger prince finally unleashed his pent-up thoughts:

"The Divine Cultivation class is brutal...constant injuries...Why pursue godhood?...I still want to run that snack shop, Xiaoyao...Father insists on politics..."

I chuckled. "What about rebel types like Mingjin? His music practically oozes anarchy."

"Stay away from him." Xiaoxue's head shifted against mine. "We...were close once. Now he pushes everyone away." 

The carefully neutral tone couldn't hide his lingering concern. Somewhere out there, a certain rebellious fire deity was burning bridges even with those who still cared.