36. “i would never let that happen.”

In the grand scheme of things, a minor burn to Ryis' hand shouldn't have sent him into a total fit. Really -- he's been injured before, worse even. It's just, it's never been his hands, and the idea of not being able to hold a hammer no matter how brief is nothing short of terrifying.

He's supposed to be the calm and collected one to March's hotheadedness and yet here they are, roles reversed as March applies burn cream silently and Ryis frets.

"I'm sorry man, I should have double checked with you before touching anything. I feel so stupid, imagine if I'd messed my hand up enough that I couldn't do carpentry anymore. Haha..."

Giving voice to the anxiety that roils within him makes it simultaneously better and worse and Ryis lets his head fall forward, exhaling hard through his nose.

"I would never let that happen," March says, gravely serious. "I'd find a way to fix it."

It can't even be called arrogance -- to March it is a mere statement of facts. He would find a way.

Ryis huffs, panic tempered by the sudden wave of affection he feels.

"You're not a doctor, March. Pretty sure you can't promise that, no matter how talented you are."

March finishes applying the cream -- so gently -- and looks up, dark eyes locked on Ryis. He's still kneeling in front of Ryis, still holding on to his hand. Where'd all the air in the room go?

"No, I can. I'd fix it."

"Don't make me hold you to that," Ryis mumbles, breaking eye contact.