back on the table when you’re done. I’ll leave you be when you’re finished.”

you will find me being here uncomfortable.”
It’s said simply. Blunt and almost tired. But he does at least shift further away— Slowly inching toward the seats of the car so that he could at least be as far away as he can so that there was at least some semblance of privacy.

“…. Just put the bowl +

together as he slowly forced himself to relax again. Blade didn’t need a reason to possibly lash out right now— Not when he was trying to get him fed, to ease Welt’s concern and, admittedly, a twinge of his own.

“Even if I were to turn away and wait somewhere else in the main car of the Express, +

he took a few more steps back, arms still crossed and hands gripping slightly against the folds of his elbows when the distance carefully kept between them slowly grew smaller. A sharp, silent breath held in his throat as jade eyes flickered down to the bowl as the other took it, lips pressed +

Dan Heng knew that he could take advantage of the distraction— Knew that, because of their shared history, it would probably even be justified to retaliate in some kind of way. To lash out against the older with the intent to hurt like Blade’s done to him over the years.

But he didn’t.

Instead, +

him to keep at least some distance between them. You could never be too careful. Not with them.

“…. They’re dan dan noodles. And everyone else ate the same thing, besides the amount of chili oil in this.”

been coming to Dan Heng about his lack of eating habits.

“Thank you.”

He couldn’t exactly relax. Not yet. Reaching out, he gently nudged the food just a bit closer; lips pressed together as he glanced to the slowly cooling noodles inside, then easily taking one, full and proper, step back for +

with just mentioning the Xianzhou alone.

“…. You need to eat. I would rather not have anyone come across a corpse and need me to monitor you so you don’t lose control once you wake up again. I doubt you would enjoy that experience either.”

fact you haven’t eaten like you should. Asked me if there would be anything I could make that might be more palatable. Seeing our shared homeland.”

Shared past, their history. The similarity in taste due to it. In preference. But none of that needed to really be said, not with how implied it was +

already. I’m not sure how much clearer I have to be either. Eat.” Nods down to the bowl of noodles again. Brow quirking up a little, clearing his throat.

“No one else will be able to eat this anyways.”

cooperation and make this easier for both of us or…. I guess I will just stand here until you eventually do.”

back from the bowl so that he had the room to come get it. Though, the way he said his name made him shift. A slight squirm. Barely there, but enough to show his unease.

“All this is, is me waiting so I can take the bowl to wash it with the rest of the dishes. So you can continue with your +

it a suggestion.”
Pauses— Hands patting at his pockets a moment before pulling out a wooden case to place it down next to the bowl. Chopsticks. For whenever Blade comes to take the food.

“As I said…. He’s currently busy. And I am the guard of the Express. This is my job, unfortunately.”