Lan Xichen strokes over Huaisang's hair one more time in gratitude, relieved to let the subject go - at least for now.
"It has been a challenge," he agrees, a tiny smile tugging at his lips. "It means we must be creative - another reason I'm glad you're here."
He's quiet for a moment when Huaisang says he doesn't want to let go. He doesn't know how many of the times that Huaisang ended up in his arms, over the years, were a pretense, how many were genuinely seeking comfort, how many were a mix of both. He should ask, probably, because asking is what he is trying to do now, but does the answer really matter?
No. His response would be the same.
"I have not asked you to. You can have this, Huaisang, whenever you want. You do not have to be upset to want to be held."
no subject
"It has been a challenge," he agrees, a tiny smile tugging at his lips. "It means we must be creative - another reason I'm glad you're here."
He's quiet for a moment when Huaisang says he doesn't want to let go. He doesn't know how many of the times that Huaisang ended up in his arms, over the years, were a pretense, how many were genuinely seeking comfort, how many were a mix of both. He should ask, probably, because asking is what he is trying to do now, but does the answer really matter?
No. His response would be the same.
"I have not asked you to. You can have this, Huaisang, whenever you want. You do not have to be upset to want to be held."