[ He's not sure affection is the proper word. Its connotations -- warmth, tenderness, kindness -- are tangential in Hei's life. The moments where he'd unbent enough to offer them were mostly to achieve a calculated goal. But indulgent doesn't fit either. Their little fling is lopsided in many aspects, but that makes it sound like he regards her as a child -- or at least someone needing care and attention. ]
[ (Is that really too far off from how you treat her?) The implication is disturbing. As is the knowledge that Pai's absence has left parts of himself dispersed so far away, he has to snatch at echoes to fill the void. He tries to push it aside. ]
[ Thinking bad. Fruits tasty. ]
[ Quietly, he feeds her, and himself, with sticky slices. His fingertips smell strongly of orange as he touches her chin. Wryly, he says, ] Next time you let me tickle your tonsillectomy scar [ if her world has tonsillectomies -- or understands that euphemism ] it's a good idea to leave the clothes off. [ Face it. Damp hair and the scent of a stranger's detergent are as much a giveaway as stains. ]
⊕ action
[ (Is that really too far off from how you treat her?) The implication is disturbing. As is the knowledge that Pai's absence has left parts of himself dispersed so far away, he has to snatch at echoes to fill the void. He tries to push it aside. ]
[ Thinking bad. Fruits tasty. ]
[ Quietly, he feeds her, and himself, with sticky slices. His fingertips smell strongly of orange as he touches her chin. Wryly, he says, ] Next time you let me tickle your tonsillectomy scar [ if her world has tonsillectomies -- or understands that euphemism ] it's a good idea to leave the clothes off. [ Face it. Damp hair and the scent of a stranger's detergent are as much a giveaway as stains. ]