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[laughitoff]

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[laughitoff]

[he lets it be taken, but his fingers spasm violently, right on the edge of a flinch]

[strikingchords]

[he just holds it as lightly as a sparrow in his fingers, not trying to demand a grip in return or shying away]

...

The outcome was past bearing.

[laughitoff]

[helplessly, lost]

What?

[strikingchords]

[just, tired]

Many things led to this conclusion. Not all were your doing.

Would likely feel the same. Do, in part. And you would return the same reply to me.

[laughitoff]

I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want that for--anyone, now.

[strikingchords]

[soft]

All right.

[laughitoff]

[his shoulders slump; it's hard to tell if it's from relief or defeat.]

[strikingchords]

...

We have kept each other safe before.

I would try.

[laughitoff]

...

I can't stop you, can I.

[strikingchords]

You have before.

[laughitoff]

I don't--wish to fight about this.

[strikingchords]

No.

...

Dismissing me has not made me dismiss your life. Will not. That is my meaning.

[laughitoff]

...

[again, quiet]

I can't stop you.

[strikingchords]

...

Before. Were you trying?

[laughitoff]

Of course I was.

[strikingchords]

[exhales...]

[laughitoff]

[his head's lowered. he doesn't seem able to say much more.]

[strikingchords]

[...

squeezes his hand.]

[laughitoff]

[heaves a deep, slightly shaky breath]

Do they hurt?

[strikingchords]

Not here.

...

Wei Ying.

Of all that happened, I regret that least. Do you understand?

[laughitoff]

...I truly...don't understand why you'd do it for me.

Of all people.

[strikingchords]

[...

cups the side of his face and tilts his head so he can kiss the the crown, between his stupid wet ears]

It is how it is.

[laughitoff]

[startles and stares up at him]

[strikingchords]

[looks back, serious as ever...]

[laughitoff]

Lan Zhan...?