[He shakes his head in abject denial of the analogy, only his hard-won instinct to be mindful of his antlers keeping him from the vehement violence he'd otherwise put in the gesture. He reaches for L's hand with his own, catching at his Bonded's fingers. Touch is an anchor to the present moment and the needs of it, a way not to be swept up in emotions that could swamp them both.
But oh, Maker...]
I can't. I cannot think of it that way. [The words want an explanation and he's fumbling to give one, to come up with something suitably dispassionate that can put this logical monstrosity to rest--that cannot be dismissed as merely (merely!) a product of his overactive concern for his Bonded.]
A surgeon cuts believing he'll heal his patient, and the patient suffers in hopes of healing. You knew, [his voice nearly breaks,] you knew this would mend nothing in you. You numbed yourself, knowing what it would cost.
Consent means nothing if there's no world where you could've said no.
no subject
[He shakes his head in abject denial of the analogy, only his hard-won instinct to be mindful of his antlers keeping him from the vehement violence he'd otherwise put in the gesture. He reaches for L's hand with his own, catching at his Bonded's fingers. Touch is an anchor to the present moment and the needs of it, a way not to be swept up in emotions that could swamp them both.
But oh, Maker...]
I can't. I cannot think of it that way. [The words want an explanation and he's fumbling to give one, to come up with something suitably dispassionate that can put this logical monstrosity to rest--that cannot be dismissed as merely (merely!) a product of his overactive concern for his Bonded.]
A surgeon cuts believing he'll heal his patient, and the patient suffers in hopes of healing. You knew, [his voice nearly breaks,] you knew this would mend nothing in you. You numbed yourself, knowing what it would cost.
Consent means nothing if there's no world where you could've said no.