[they help, and they also don't-- they're what he wants, but affectionate gestures like that still sting a little considering the situation. not enough for him to give them up, but his grip tightens on wei wuxian's hand as he exhales a slow breath.

not enough, but he's used enough to that.]

-then I'll try not to make you see it.

[a brief huff of a laugh, there--]

Probably for the best anyway, yeah? Even if we did run into each other again-- criminals aren't the best company to keep.