Wheeling Gull Isle Put my finger on the spot

the fur along the edge of his spine ripples, though he contains the rest of his prickling.  he did not expect to be greeted so coolly, with such accusation!

did we not grow up together, huazhen?  did you not leave me alone, without a word or second thought?  he tilts his head to the side, eyes sharp as the tongue he is holding back.  ying told me that the jiangs had settled here, and i —

his mouth clicks shut.  there is a pause before he continues again, and there is less indignance and accusation in his tone.  everyone just left, he says finally, and i wanted to see them again.  whatever frustration had fizzled out rekinled again as he tacked on, i wanted to see you again, too.