THE SHADOW.

Who are you talking to, old man. No one's here.

Glubglubglub—

“That's not what I meant.”

A sigh. He stepped behind Jiaoqiu, careful to allow the fabric of his glove to make noise against the counter, that way he wouldn't jumpscare him.

His forehead pressed lightly into the other's back.

“Don't be dramatic.”

“He's bored. Wouldn't you be?”

Is he not invited then? I thought you liked him.

“Perhaps I am.”

He watches him. Clean and confident movements even with no sight. A proof of skill, yet his heart throbs painfully for him.

“Your hand.”

He places it over the cutting board. Carrots on the left, knife turned with the sharp edge away from the board.

“Here. Make them into small pieces.”

What would he need?

??

( He looks down at her, head tilted in a silent question. )

“Not at all. Come here and help me then.”

He looks at him, then at the knife, then at him again.

“Are you sure?”

( He feels like he doesn't need to say anything else. They will persist as always. That's how the general taught them.

He lightly pats her hair. )

Making breakfast for @jiaoqiudearest.bsky.social.

( He stares at her in silence, used to her antics. ..And then he winks at her. )

Sure.

Clank, clank.

Not nobody.

( He squeezes her hand back, his metal claws clanking. )

Learning from the foxian himself.

( He offers her a hand in silence. )

Mhm.

So?

Not your body, We. People are especially tense about borisin after what just happened.

He would much rather simply sit with him instead, how is he meant to protect Jiaoqiu if he is asleep?

Yet his head slowly tilts, his slow and peaceful breathing indicating Moze is already asleep.

Must have been really tired.

Watching from the shadows.

Mhm.

Are you fine?

Trying to sacrifice himself again? Wasn't he the one to preach speaking instead of suffering in silence.

“In an hour.”

Feeling the movements, he blushes once again, reminded of their proximity. It's slightly embarrassing. It is also sending tingles down his back.

What about you?

He simply shrugged.

“This is my job.”

What else was there to say? He simply watched the man, no longer invisible, but still very intense in his presence.

Our healers know what they are doing. I'm fine.

“Mhm. For a bit.”

And yet he sounds as if he's ready to doze off.