[ ... ] 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 an academic's curiosity to what truly hides behind the shadows of a jade's strength, has morphed into something else entirely ... something the very same paul from just mere months ago would call a weakness, an achilles heel to be exploited upon if a true foe were to know that he does, indeed, carry a beating heart that can still love — and yet, bright blues watch anden with something similar to a gentle affection, as much as someone like him can manage, anyway. " you're a terrible liar, do you know that ? " he doesn't press further, however, and instead urges anden to continue with a nod. approval, a sacred and silent offering of trust to not hurt him more than necessary. a show of strength that he is someone that the other can rely on. a proverbial hand held out, white flag in tow, to shake on being somewhere between foes, friends, and whatever lies beyond their invisible string.
" something tells me you'll want to see me writhe in pain a bit, though. perhaps you'll find it rather amusing, " words hinting at a tease, only diverting from anden for a moment to the wrist adorned in stone. pale emerald, holding secrets that are far beyond his current comprehension : who would've known that paul were to grow more of a care for the bearer of it rather than the magic he sought to conquer ? " go on, then. hurt me, heal me as you wish. don't hold back, even when you want to, " hues boring into anden's one spoke of intrigue and a challenge tied in a locked gaze, never once wavering as it locks on his saviour. he's heard of how strong anden is, yet has rarely been able to see it for himself. " show me what you're capable of, "
