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With careful and gentle gestures, Jing Yuan wrapped a bandage around Blade’s hand, tending to one of the many injuries the Stellaron Hunter inflicted on himself on a regular basis. Ever since he had realized the length of the sacrifices Blade went through to win battles, mutilating his own body as if it meant nothing, he had taken it upon himself to patch him up afterward. As he proceeded quietly, the other man was looking to the side, purposely avoiding his stare.
“You do not have to do this,” He scoffed, which had the General look up at him.
“And why would that be?”
“Do I really have to spell it out for you? You are not a fool, Jing Yuan. You must realize that only death could truly release me from this suffering. You are only losing your time trying to alleviate the pain of someone like… No, of a weapon like me. This is useless.”
Jing Yuan frowned at this answer. He kept covering up Blade’s wound nonetheless, only stopping when he was satisfied with his work.
“And yet, even the finest of weapons require to be polished and sharpened to retain their strength.” He pointed out. “I may not be able to erase your pain completely, but I will do my utmost to make it more bearable.”
With that said, he lifted the Stellaron Hunter’s hand, mindful not to hurt him further, and pressed a soft kiss against his palm, all while keeping eye contact with the object of his affections.
“It isn’t useless. Even a blade deserves to be taken care of.” He added as he stared straight at him.
“You…”
There was a tremor in Blade’s voice, one that no amount of self-control would have managed to hide. Conflicted feelings were at war within his blood-red eyes. Although he denied it, Jing Yuan could tell, in that instant, that he still longed for the kindness of a tender touch, despite of how the mara had reshaped his whole being and clouded his mind.
Knowing this, how could he leave him aching?
“Please. Let me be there for you again.” Jing Yuan pleaded.
He let go of Blade’s wrist so he could cup his face in his hand instead and slowly pulled him closer, giving the Stellaron Hunter more than enough time to push him away if he so wished. But Blade gave no signs of wanting to resist his embrace. On the contrary, he melted into it with a small sigh. Only then did Jing Yuan realize how tired he truly looked.
“Well, since you insist…”
The General had to refrain himself from chuckling. Blade could pretend all he wanted, but his every gesture betrayed how relieved he felt to have someone look after him. It didn’t matter if he would not admit it out loud for now. So long as he allowed Jing Yuan to stay near him, to protect him as best as he could from his curse, then it would be more than enough.
“Now, let’s take a look at your other injuries, shall we?”