{ he doesn't have the heart to tell him it's too soon, and that the touch makes his skin crawl more than he'd like.

instead, he swallows. closes his eyes and takes a deep breath and then resumes trying to make the tea. the leaves are poured into the strainer. as long as aether doesn't try and make any sharp movements he'll be okay.

he has enough time while aether processes it to place the kettle back down before the other reaches for his hand instead. }

I knew I would. Someone happened to day on the social network before. I just wasn't sure of how long it would take, or where it would be I'd come back. { there's little warmth to his voice, but it sounds level. } And no. My body is fine.

{ maybe it seems distant, but he's coping like this. } But I thought you should know.