[ Matt's thoughts were already wending down a dark and particular labyrinth. The one he can never quite escape from, that seems to color all his feelings about violence. Tezcatlipoca's phrasing--life and death, fight hard for their survival--therefore strikes a specific chord.
Maybe he undersold the level of hardship he's been through. Underreported its depth, at least.
Tezcatlipoca draws his fingertips over Matt's smooth hand. Over his fingers, used to handling small tools and typing at keyboards, propagating plants and intimate touches. Matt's lips twitch.
Gently, he reaches out to encourage Tezcatlipoca's fingers back down his hand, over his fragrant, oiled palm to the much-bitten wrist. If he'll allow, Matt lifts Tezcatlipoca's hand up to his left cheek, guides it along the faint, hairline scar that he doesn't need a mirror to trace.
But before too long he pulls back, steps away. Reaches for the faucet to stop the water. With rose oil still lingering on his hand, it takes a moment's careful work. ]
Unless you want it a little fuller? [ he says. ] Otherwise, it's ready for you.
no subject
Maybe he undersold the level of hardship he's been through. Underreported its depth, at least.
Tezcatlipoca draws his fingertips over Matt's smooth hand. Over his fingers, used to handling small tools and typing at keyboards, propagating plants and intimate touches. Matt's lips twitch.
Gently, he reaches out to encourage Tezcatlipoca's fingers back down his hand, over his fragrant, oiled palm to the much-bitten wrist. If he'll allow, Matt lifts Tezcatlipoca's hand up to his left cheek, guides it along the faint, hairline scar that he doesn't need a mirror to trace.
But before too long he pulls back, steps away. Reaches for the faucet to stop the water. With rose oil still lingering on his hand, it takes a moment's careful work. ]
Unless you want it a little fuller? [ he says. ] Otherwise, it's ready for you.