fated_dance | Open Post

{He has no reason to think he has any attractive features, though, in truth, he takes after his mother. She had been his father's true love, which is why, when she died giving birth to Tantai Jin, he couldn't bear to even look at his son. As if it was somehow a baby's fault.

Glancing up, eyes wild, he finishes the roll.}

Later. {If he eats too much too quickly, he knows it won't stay down.} You're not lying to me, are you?

[ The wild eyes aren't enough to make him back away. He meets them calmly. Then raises a brow and opens the small bag at his side, where he'd pulled out the roll, and reveals a few more rolls.

Oh, he's well aware this isn't what he's being accused of lying about! Still, he's curious to see how Tantai Jin will respond to this simple gesture. ]

{Tantai Jin isn't expecting to be shown...more rolls. He is surprised into laughing, the sound foreign to his ears. Then he grows serious again.}

I'm not talking about rolls. I'm talking about everything else you've said. You could be putting yourself in terrible danger.

[ The reaction delights him into grinning, shoulders shaking a little in silent laughter. He lets the bag fall shut as the seriousness returns, and he leans back against the tree, stretching out a leg casually. ]

I have no reason to lie to you. But, you have no reason to trust me either. It's up to you. I don't care how much danger I'm in, I've lived through plenty.

{He weighs Zishu's words carefully and it isn't difficult for him to make his decision.}

If I end up dead or abandoned because of you, that's a better fate than the one I have right now. At least I can be free.

If it is company you wish. Come home with me. Leave these traitors and abusers behind. None will learn where you are unless you wish it.

If it is revenge, we can mete that out after you have healed and eaten well.

...what if I want both? {Company and revenge.} Revenge doesn't have to happen today or tomorrow. I could grow strong with you and then seek it out.

[ That's even better! Zishu smiles. ]

I like the sound of that. Come, if you are ready. I will bring you home.

[ And teach this brutalized devil how he should have been treated all this time. ]