If nothing else, at least he can still keep Shinjirou off-balance. There's the urge to kiss him again, followed by an urge to do even more, but Jade has plenty of practice at self-denial. He returns Shinjirou's nod with one of his own and reaches out for his hand.

"It looks like it's healing fine," he reports after a second. "I'm afraid you'll just have to put up with the itching for a few more days."

At least the cream should help. Jade starts applying it in quick, practised motions.

"So," he begins, deciding he may as well keep trying to throw Shinjirou off-balance. "It looks like the weather might be getting colder soon. Would you like to wear clothes again?"