( A pause, before he laughs, and it's a brief, short thing, that sound. )

I've done that well enough before. Doing so now helps no one, even if we both know I'll let myself come close without crossing that boundary as it's needed.

( But he breathes in, audible, and steadies himself. Breathes out, then answers what she'd first said. )

I'll ask. Jiang Cheng may have an idea. Past that—my hands and flute are yours.

( He'll be there, just as soon as he can. )