[ Self-preservation -- for his cover, for himself -- is a habit Hei usually has no idea how to break. But it's surreal how little that matters in the City, in the face of Yin being snatched away and returned like it's nothing. Anger, relief, pleasure, reluctance, confusion, all pop up like a stupid game of whack-a-moles as she passes her arms around him. But he doesn't try to examine any of the feelings too closely. ]
[ It's enough that being around her makes him capable of feeling at all. ]
Don't -- [ Not a croak. Not a whisper. His tone is even and controlled as always. But there's an edge to it that's almost threatening, if only because Hei has no idea how to beg. He's can't react to vulnerability except with barbs and shields. ] Don't leave me like that again.
[ Such an irrational demand. She didn't leave by choice. The City took her away. But it's another sign -- among the many -- of how out-of-balance Hei's restraint is just now. The implication unsettles him, enough that he loosens his hold on her. Drawing back, he frames her face in his palms, then clasps her shoulders, arms and hands, doing the head-to-toe inspection as he tries to get his bearings back. His gaze is dark and shuttered, but it's not without emotion. He looks like he's not sure whether to hug her again or interrogate her. ]
action;
[ It's enough that being around her makes him capable of feeling at all. ]
Don't -- [ Not a croak. Not a whisper. His tone is even and controlled as always. But there's an edge to it that's almost threatening, if only because Hei has no idea how to beg. He's can't react to vulnerability except with barbs and shields. ] Don't leave me like that again.
[ Such an irrational demand. She didn't leave by choice. The City took her away. But it's another sign -- among the many -- of how out-of-balance Hei's restraint is just now. The implication unsettles him, enough that he loosens his hold on her. Drawing back, he frames her face in his palms, then clasps her shoulders, arms and hands, doing the head-to-toe inspection as he tries to get his bearings back. His gaze is dark and shuttered, but it's not without emotion. He looks like he's not sure whether to hug her again or interrogate her. ]
[ Eventually, ] Let's get you indoors.