can we hurt together

Iroh had trouble showing his emotions so easily, but being with Banshee it all flowed out easily. She didn’t judge him, and held onto him tightly as he wept into her fur. She cried with him, and in those precious moments he knew he would have her to trust for life. His words were meant to be a comfort, not a sermon. He didn’t know how much Banshee might know about the Abraxas religion but the boy wasn’t so devoted that it would hurt his feelings if he knew. Their god was some far off being, who took and took and rarely gave. Iroh did feel comfort in his suffering though, knowing that the divine suffered similarly.

Their eyes met again, and Ban leaned forward to kiss away his tear. No one had ever been so close to him. Sarabi sometimes, but her touch was different. Even his mother had never been so soft with him. Iroh wanted to drown in her, the feelings she brought out of him, the comfort and warmth she offered were both qualities he was coming to realize he wanted more of. He didn’t want to think about when they’d have to depart.

Her question surprised him, as though her thoughts were on the same track as his she asked if he’d remain by her side that night. She seemed uncertain of his answer as she took in a breath and explained herself further. She suffered too, her parents were no longer in the picture and she barely knew her sister. Iroh could commiserate easily. Zagan had been so caught up in keeping care of their mother that he was practically a stranger now.

”A hundred raging bulls wouldn’t be able to pull me away.” He spoke quietly, aiming to nuzzle her cheek supportively as he tried to capture her brilliant blue gaze. ”I’ll be your family.” He offered hesitantly, unsure how she might react. ”I don’t know my father, my mother is gone, I don’t know what my brother is going to do.” Other than Pyrrhic she was the one he cared the most about. He was still young yet, and didn’t realize what was happening but the boy knew how fond of her he was and wouldn’t want to let her go.