[ Before Blanca's able to begin the massage, when Ash's hair is moved out of the way to begin his work, he'll discover one more bruise that was hidden by the platinum strands. In spite of skin so pale as to almost be porcelain, Ash doesn't bruise from a simple touch. Like a canyon can be carved by water over time, rough and consistent treatment had left bruises dark enough that they were taking days to fade. Some liked to hold him down by his hair, some by his neck, some by his hips, some by threat alone. Some liked him on his back, some on his knees. No matter the position, the implication is clear: there were enough someones to do this when bruising was never their intention. These were men who really thought their misdeeds would go unpunished.
Now, Ash is a legal name in yet another system, photos of bruises and blood-stained thighs added to some file. Medical records use words like 'internal tearing' and 'infection caused by'. Psychological reports will mention the delirium and outbursts. All of it was legal and had practical purposes, but none of it can capture the way it feels to be so helpless and in the hands of men who want to harm you.
A bath is nice, and Blanca has taken enough of the burden from Ash's shoulders that he can relax. Nothing he's done is for naught. But none of it erases that ball of disgust or pulsating pain from Ash's body. Still, they're all steps forward. ]
no subject
Now, Ash is a legal name in yet another system, photos of bruises and blood-stained thighs added to some file. Medical records use words like 'internal tearing' and 'infection caused by'. Psychological reports will mention the delirium and outbursts. All of it was legal and had practical purposes, but none of it can capture the way it feels to be so helpless and in the hands of men who want to harm you.
A bath is nice, and Blanca has taken enough of the burden from Ash's shoulders that he can relax. Nothing he's done is for naught. But none of it erases that ball of disgust or pulsating pain from Ash's body. Still, they're all steps forward. ]