[ text & accidental video ]

[tellak]

[The message begins as simple text:]

England. I

[The movement of his hand, shaky as it is, accidentally activates the video function. This skinny young man is still writing in his NV scroll, unaware of the change. The lighting is dim, yet it's clear that he's been beaten. Severely. The bruises around his neck look as though someone tried to

Comments

[Voice]

[barebacking]

Ah, how sad...

[ video ]

[tellak]

[He presses his palm to his forehead, shutting his eyes. Oh this was really meant to be secret. Now everyone is going to yell at him.]

[Voice]

[barebacking]

Embarrassed? Shocked?

I suppose that I would be, too, if I were seen so vulnerable. But, vulnerability is also what makes people reach out for one another, right?

[ video ]

[tellak]

M-Mm.

[Still holding his head, all curled up.]

[ voice forever ]

[barebacking]

There, there ... it can't be all bad, can it?

Does it really hurt so much?

[ video & text forever ]

[tellak]

[These people. Why can't they be minding their own business? He writes quickly:]

It does not hurt.

[barebacking]

Physically? Perhaps, not.

But emotionally...

[tellak]

It does not hurt.

[barebacking]

Then, what is the meaning of tears that have already dried?

[tellak]

There were no tears.

[barebacking]

Still, you do make a lovely image.

The pain has already dulled to nothing, right?

[tellak]

[He hesitates, not sure what to say. Then he writes:]

Yes.

[barebacking]

Still, the anger is vibrant on your skin ... that is why I worry. Such marks should never be done in a rage...

[tellak]

[A longer pause. His gaze drifts away from the NV.

Oh.

They... believe he is the victim.]

...

[He writes slowly:]

Yes.

[barebacking]

It really does make me want to hold you.

[tellak]

[God but he's alone now. He's never been alone before and England isn't responding and what will happen if people get angry with him--]

You can hold me.