and the child remained peacefully asleep despite how Amir seemed to hover threateningly over his vulnerable figure. Suddenly, the older man reached out and used his much larger hand to cup the young boy's jaw. It was much too easy to pry Tanaka's mouth open, and the Zafarian used his other hand to unbutton the top of the other's nightgown. Slowly, he bent down until their faces were aligned and slid his hand on top of the child's bare chest.

He easily began to summon his magic, concentrating it to his palm and allowing it to flow into the boy's chest where his magic core should be. As little one exhaled, the Zafarian inhaled, and every time they both released or took a breath, the red sheen on the child's face slowly faded away and his breathing became smoother. Amir watched this progress with a steady stream of magic and a flash of gold in his eyes.

...--------...

Author's Note:

Lots of Amir/Tanaka (Tamir?) interaction in this chapter~（*'∀'人）♥

Too bad Tanaka's too young for any legit romancing lololololol

That time skip won't be happening any time soon, considering my updating rate Q.Q

Please know that I love you all very much and that I didn't mean to make you wait as long as I did >.>

I mean, this chapter was already 3/4th done since last November, but it got pushed back because of real-life things. Things had now calmed down, Editor-chan is back to school (technically, even though her classes will all be online now...) and I'm already working on chapter 18 while I was waiting for Editor-chan to have a break in between her real-life stuff. 

I honestly tell you when chapter 18 will be finished, mostly because I work at a private diagnostic lab for molecular high-complexity testing and our boss just confirmed that we will be validating and test for the COVID-19. So, while the COVID-19 panic is happening, I'll be busy in the lab, testing who knows how many patient samples shoved in our mailbox.

Don't worry, I'm honestly not in danger of being infected by it. Unlike in public, I won't look strange wearing goggles, a lab coat, and two layers of gloves while I'm working. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus so those that are sick, please stay inside to avoid getting others sick. Cough or sneeze your sleeves or in a handkerchief of some sort. Don't cough/sneeze on your hands. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. 

Also avoid going into crowded, public space if it can be helped. Which shouldn't be a problem to most of our introverted asses ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Well, that is my public service announcement as a health profession.