Hiding from each other through the ink emotionally always made things worse, made it feel disconnected and lonely even if the rest of their bond was there. Alone in their own misery without any sort of relief or emotional presence to even begin soothing it. Cut off.

Gabriel still smelled of blood, ash, and sweat all mixed together, some undertone of the sterile nature of what bandaging there was on him. Only the areas that needed stitching and wrapping held that scent. A tug to Jack's hand, as if some silent plea for more than just keeping it there on his shoulder, hand trembling more from the movement.