[ She doesn't mention Amber. But everything she's asked so far suggests that her thoughts have been looping and weaving in that direction. He understands the solitude, the lack of purpose, more than he'd admit. It's what he felt when he'd lost Pai, and the large chunks of himself that had slid away with her. He won't pretend not to understand how Amber's presence might relieve Pai's innate and specific loneliness as no one else can or will. Not even him. Family isn't the appropriate term to use for his old South American team. Yet the word is flavored like one in his memory. Disjointed and dangerous as they all were, they fit together. ]
[ That's what Pai longs for. It's the reason why she'd been willing to erase herself for a few thousand. She'd never said so. But there are certain things Hei doesn't need to ask to know. ]
You do. [ A beat, before he wraps a hand around one of the bars, leaning in. His gaze is soft. ] But it's not strange to want something more. If you do, I wish you'd tell me.
[ He may not be able to fix it. But he'll do his best to offer some anodyne substitutes. ]
no subject
[ That's what Pai longs for. It's the reason why she'd been willing to erase herself for a few thousand. She'd never said so. But there are certain things Hei doesn't need to ask to know. ]
You do. [ A beat, before he wraps a hand around one of the bars, leaning in. His gaze is soft. ] But it's not strange to want something more. If you do, I wish you'd tell me.
[ He may not be able to fix it. But he'll do his best to offer some anodyne substitutes. ]