[ Hei already knows it's a compromise that spells future disaster. Like the arrangement itself. Nothing about this is normal. But normal's not something he subscribes to anyway, and it's enough that he grasps the value of her choice. Awkward, painful, surreal -- the conversation is all those things. But it's also the closest he can approach to being honest. He knows himself -- his limits and depths (on a good day). And he knows that he'll do his best not to hurt her. (Hurt her more? Hurt her again?). Fidelity isn't something he's trained for. But that's not the same as loyalty. Not the same as protection and comfort. And he can offer all three. ]
[ This feels like a workable, if not joyous, scheme. ]
[ From the window, the sunlight burns a darker orange. Equidistant between two shafts of light, Hei's face and hands are a pale gold. He kisses her fingers -- almost chaste -- and murmurs, ] I'm glad you came here. [ Another kiss to her palm. Less chaste, but with no pressure to go further. ] I'll try to make you glad too.
Sunday! \^^/
[ This feels like a workable, if not joyous, scheme. ]
[ From the window, the sunlight burns a darker orange. Equidistant between two shafts of light, Hei's face and hands are a pale gold. He kisses her fingers -- almost chaste -- and murmurs, ] I'm glad you came here. [ Another kiss to her palm. Less chaste, but with no pressure to go further. ] I'll try to make you glad too.