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[swatsflies]

@ZD
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((OOC: Zell may show messages to Jim Hawkins. If you do not want Jim to see/know, then please let me know.))

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[swatsflies]

[ He notices, which gets his shoulders slumping. Hes starting to wonder if the cuffs will be enough. ]

I could leave, too.

[ Just offering it up there. Holding his breath and feeling his heart grow heavy again as he waits for the reaction for that. ]

[rattlingthestars]

You're not leaving.

[ It comes out a little more panicked than Jim meant as he jerks his head up to stare at Zell. ]

Don't - just, look, the handcuffs are fine. Don't leave.

[swatsflies]

[ He feels relief at that, but at the same time...

He can see the bruises on Jim's neck.

It hurts. Bringing his knees up to his chest to hug on to them because he won't reach out for Jim again. ]

It'll be safer for you.

[ He doesn't want to go, but he doesn't want to leave more marks like those you know without permission ]

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim tilts his head down in a display of stubbornness that Zell's rarely had reason to see. ]

I don't care. These are good enough.

[ Jim knows what it's like to want to flee, but he's not about to let Zell do it. ]

[swatsflies]

And if I hurt you with them?

[ He could do damage with them. Just imagining the ways he could hurt is making his stomach lurch in a sickening way. ]

I don't want to lose you, Jim. I don't want to hurt you.

[rattlingthestars]

You're not gonna lose me.

[ Jim can't promise that Zell won't hurt him, but he can promise that he won't leave. ]

I don't want to lose you either.

[swatsflies]

[ Zell offers up his wrists to Jim. Go ahead and cuff him. ]

If something happens... hide. You have to promise me you'll hide at least.

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim wraps his hands around Zell's wrists instead for now, and squeezes. ]

I promise I'll run. Not gonna stick around and let you kick my butt.

[swatsflies]

[ Letting out a grateful sigh at that. Then he'll pull his arms back slowly, not to disengage his hands, but to bring Jim closer. ]

Good. I love you, Stars.

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim goes, easy, and kisses Zell soundly as soon as he gets there. ]

Really missed hearing that, you know?

[swatsflies]

[ He wants to wrap his arms around him or to run his hands through his hair...

but neither of them can trust him now. He can see see the marks he left. Returning the kiss with a slow and drawn out one of his own. ]

I love you. [ He'll say it as many times as Jim wants to hear. ]