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[threedontknows]

 

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[threedontknows]

[At least he’s drinking water! He’s still pretty concerned though, and doesn’t bother hiding it.]

I thought dying once would be enough.

[creeksidealtarboy]

I wasn't planning on it! Fucking assholes around here.

Ugh.

[He takes another drink.]

[threedontknows]

[There is the desire for revenge, seeing Aaron like this.

But he doesn’t do violence. He’ll find a way.]

Drink more tea.

[creeksidealtarboy]

I'm fine, I'm fine. Don't fuss. [He doesn't quite know what to do about the fussing. He's never had someone care about him like this.]

[threedontknows]

I’m not fussing.

[He says, fussing over his cup and blanket.]

Don’t be stubborn. It’s foolish. I’m just trying to help.

[creeksidealtarboy]

[He settles back against the pillows, letting him adjust his blanket.]

I know, man. But - it's weird. To have someone give a shit about me this much.

[threedontknows]

It's the kind of thing friends do. [He thinks. Friendship's always been a bit hit or miss for Huaisang. Real friendship, that is.]

[creeksidealtarboy]

Nah, my friend's sooner leave you in your own place, sick as shit. Glad they're not around. [He reaches out to take his arm.]

I gotta sleep but - stay a while?

[threedontknows]

[They're bad friends -- but he gets it. Actual friends are hard to come by. He nods and tucks the blanket around Aaron's arms.]

Until I get bored.

[creeksidealtarboy]

Don't be an ass. What if I wake up and need some water, huh? You just gonna leave me here? Read a fucking book.

[He smirks as he says it, though, and turns to bury his face in his pillow.]

[threedontknows]

[He shrugs and settles back against a chair, fanning himself in a less-than-amused fashion.]

And what are you doing for me, huh? How do I know these books are any good?

[creeksidealtarboy]

[His voice is muffled from the pillow as he struggles to stay awake.]

Guess you'll have to trust me.

[threedontknows]

[Whether he does or doesn't trust him isn't outright said, but as Huaisang settles in for the long evening with one of Aaron's books it's clear that he intends to stay.]

[creeksidealtarboy]

[Aaron grows used to having him around. As he gets stronger, less miserable and more able to sit up and do things for himself, he enjoys having him there.

But then he spots the network and, when it's a quiet evening of them reading silently beside each other, he can't stand the waiting.]

Was that - really your brother?

[threedontknows]

[Huaisang is quiet following his conversation with his brother. It’s clear he’s shaken right down to his golden core about it, and unsure how to process getting something he’d daydreamed about for over a decade now.

His da-ge, alive and well, speaking to him as a peer.

He raises his head and, not trusting himself to speak, nods softly.]

[creeksidealtarboy]

[Aaron frowns, sitting up straighter at that reaction. Or rather, that lack of a reaction.]

That's a little fucked. But he didn't seem - upset.

[threedontknows]

[Why, why does this wound still feel so fresh?

Huaisang sets down his book and takes out his fan, just fiddling with it while he thinks about his brother.]

He knew he was dying. It just happened too soon.

[creeksidealtarboy]

[Aaron tilts his head a little.]

He seemed proud of you.

[threedontknows]

[Don’t cry, Huaisang, don’t cry.

He did, didn’t he?]

It was so good to see him again. [Not half-crazed and covered in blood.]

[creeksidealtarboy]

Hey man, that's gonna be your deal, ain't it? To get him back?

[threedontknows]

[Huaisang nods.

That’s a long way off, even for a man who’d waited ten years to take his revenge.]

I can’t remember the last time I saw Da-ge be so lucid. That’s how I want to remember him.

[creeksidealtarboy]

Yeah?

[He reaches over and places a hand on Huaisang's knee - the closest thing he can reach.]

Sorry, man.

[threedontknows]

[His eyes drift down to Aaron’s hand, gentle but steady on his knee.

This is all is hitting a little too close to Huaisang. He’s a little too real, too vulnerable.]

When I leave here I can see him in the next life.

[creeksidealtarboy]

That what you want?

Good thing you got paired, huh?

[A change in subject. Easy and quick.]

[threedontknows]

[ugh, paired.]

I was fond of my new warden before we were paired. I’m not sure this is going to end well for either of us.