carrion

however, the truth always finds a way out, one way or another. and of course it's the day you're struggling.

it's hot out, one of those days that rival someone’s first time being in the desert. and your tape is being particularly stressful. your boyfriend is out early today with nahida, having left you to wake up with a simple, "I won't be long."

you don't mind if he goes out, especially if it's per the dendro archon’s request. but as your sweaty hands peel the tape and it crumples yet again, you could admit, help would've been nice. not that he knows you do this though — he doesn't.

at least to your knowledge.

you don't try flatten your chest every day. sometimes, being a woman doesn't bother you at all. in fact, you smile when you accomplish something a "woman can't do." still, the fact it's said to you at all gets.. tiring.

so every now and then, like a magician would from a stage, you wish they'd simply.. disappear! and tape is the quickest and easiest option you have.

the sun burns throughout the room, and the tape just.. isn't sticking well. it's frustrating, but better than feeling dysphoric all day. "come on, come on.." you plead to no one in particular, finally managing to place the first pieces.

"would you like some help?"

you practically jump, closing your eyes. if it was any other voice, you would've probably thrown the tape, but you could recognize his quicker than you could your own name.

gripping the tape, you hide it behind your back as you turn to him. "you're home early.."

"it can't be ‘early’ if i never gave you the time I'd come home, it was just.. earlier than you seemed to expect," wanderer remarks coyly, crossing his arms up and down. it's not that he's judging, moreso.. analyzing. his eyes drift to the sides of your chest, then your hands, then the sweat covered tape.

he sighs, especially as you avert your eyes. but before he can speak— "are you mad at me?"

that almost makes him scoff, but instead he simply walks up to you. "why would i be?" he asks simply. that makes you pause. he waits.

"i hid it from you," you land on. that's true, you did hide it. that's a reason to be mad, right? of course. you didn't want to, it's just.. not an easy subject to bring up. 'oh hey yeah i actually sometimes wear tape to push these lumps on my chest away because it annoys me enough to not feel comfortable but not all the time and—' ..yeah. as you brace yourself, he suddenly grabs the tape.

"i hid my past from you for years, your point?" at your blank expression, he rolls his eyes. "look. does this make you happy?" that's what he's asking..?

you nod. and so then he begins rolling it out and retrieves sharper scissors. "good. that's what i care about. i want you to be happy." he looks away as you smile, your heart beating quicker. "or something i guess.." he mutters.

"you’re really not—?" "i’ll love you no matter what, you're mine. so shut up and come get me whenever you do this again, we've got places to be," he interrupts, all without meeting your gaze as he begins to wrap your chest, his hands not sweaty which makes it a lot easier. his hands move with both skill and grace you can't help but envy at times.

relief comes at his words. and so as you lift your arms, you can't help but feel more at ease. wanderer always feels like rain carried by a breeze, both steadying and soothing. you're sure he doesn't even realize just how much comfort he brings you, but you always do your best to show it. and he loves you for that.

"are you.. flustered, wanderer?"

you've always been so, so stubborn. and yet that's something he can't help but love you for. you anchor him when he feels like he's drifting, and so he promises to do the same. even if it's with the little things, like helping you feel more comfortable by fixing tape.

"..whatever."

he handles you with care, until it's tight and comfortable, his touch featherlight over your skin when he isn't sticking the tape. after a few minutes he looks at you, tilting his head like a curious cat, which makes you smile and nod. "you’re good at this.."

"obviously, it isn't that hard to grasp," he replies flatly, finishing up, though his eyes do look away for a moment.

once he's done, you take in a deep breath. it's exactly how you like it, out of the way. it's done perfectly, with such obvious thoughtfulness. and after you dress, he extends a hand. "tell me these things, yeah? it's inconvenient for you to be using the tape with your mortal ability to sweat when i can do it."

you take his hand with practiced ease, understanding the meaning behind the words, let me help you. he's adorable, truly.

he pauses at the way you're looking at him, then scoffs. "stop staring," he says, though it sounds more like a plea rather than demand.

he shakes his head, and then places his hat on your head before pushing the front down to cover your eyes. and then softly smiles at your chuckle. "come on, we have more things to do today," he says, taking your hand as you push the hat up and follow.

"thank you, wanderer."

"anytime."

and if the next morning there's rounded tape and different binders on your beside table as wanderer sleeps beside you? don't ask him.. must've been the wind.