[It's far from the first time he's been slapped like that.
Is it truly all he knows?
For a while, for a long time, perhaps it has been. Growing up in a world of nobodies with a hierarchy determined by little more than who could beat who down further. Years before he could ever come out on top. Being made to kneel, endure, suffer, but instead of staying cowed, resentment bred defiance and defiance led to being so much more than he ever could have been otherwise. Than he ever should have been.
Worthless. Nothing. Dirt. Blood. Pain. Ground up bone and broken spirit and then there he was, twisted and destructive, against the world and himself, held together by resentful energy. Lashing out the only way he's ever known.
So, yes, it is familiar. Expected. That sting on his face, the taste of metal in his mouth.
And then there is his breath hitching the same moment as Xingchen's and his eyes are wide, they show need and want and the desperate clinging to someone caring about him, no, to Xingchen caring about him, and his lips stay parted as he stares up at him, holding his position.]
no subject
Is it truly all he knows?
For a while, for a long time, perhaps it has been. Growing up in a world of nobodies with a hierarchy determined by little more than who could beat who down further. Years before he could ever come out on top. Being made to kneel, endure, suffer, but instead of staying cowed, resentment bred defiance and defiance led to being so much more than he ever could have been otherwise. Than he ever should have been.
Worthless. Nothing. Dirt. Blood. Pain. Ground up bone and broken spirit and then there he was, twisted and destructive, against the world and himself, held together by resentful energy. Lashing out the only way he's ever known.
So, yes, it is familiar. Expected. That sting on his face, the taste of metal in his mouth.
And then there is his breath hitching the same moment as Xingchen's and his eyes are wide, they show need and want and the desperate clinging to someone caring about him, no, to Xingchen caring about him, and his lips stay parted as he stares up at him, holding his position.]
One.