He clings so hard to the thread of his composure that he cannot answer Lan Zhan. If he does, everything else will slip, and he will lose himself to the black cloud that threatens to boil over.
It is a simple task. Squeeze out a little dollop of the ointment. Find a spot on his back that needs treating. Spread the ointment over it. There aren't very many, and soon, as if from a great distance, he realizes he's done. He stares blankly at the dense field of crisscrossing scars that rake Lan Zhan's back.
His skin is more marked than not, he thinks.
Was it for the same reason you were in seclusion?
With the same fragile care, he recaps the ointment. Sets it aside. Wipes his fingertips on the hem of his robes, to clear away any residual salve.
Then he scoots as close to Lan Zhan as he dares and wraps his arms around his waist, light as a butterfly's landing, before lowering his head to his shoulder.
no subject
It is a simple task. Squeeze out a little dollop of the ointment. Find a spot on his back that needs treating. Spread the ointment over it. There aren't very many, and soon, as if from a great distance, he realizes he's done. He stares blankly at the dense field of crisscrossing scars that rake Lan Zhan's back.
His skin is more marked than not, he thinks.
Was it for the same reason you were in seclusion?
With the same fragile care, he recaps the ointment. Sets it aside. Wipes his fingertips on the hem of his robes, to clear away any residual salve.
Then he scoots as close to Lan Zhan as he dares and wraps his arms around his waist, light as a butterfly's landing, before lowering his head to his shoulder.