The readiness of Aerith's answer soothes some of his fear that he's taking too much of her time and energy. For a moment it rubber bands to feeling guilty that he didn't pick up on her wanting to stay. Some part of him realizes he's in a place where whatever he does, it feels like the wrong thing.
So when she offers to wash his hair he shakes his head. "You don't need to do anything more for me. Take care of yourself first." He doesn't give her time to answer him, crossing to kiss her, feeling more at ease with both of them stripped, with her hands gently stroking his sides. As his break from hers, he keeps his face close, noses touching.
I'm so happy you're here with me. It nearly breaks him, and he resigns himself that she's going to see him cry if he stays. "Me too," he whispers, and it's the truth, which is what he's promised himself to give her from the start. "I don't want to be any more of a burden," and yes, he feels his voice crack, that same pressure building in his face, "I just want to be near you. Hold you." And if she doesn't want that, he wants her to have the opportunity to say as much or excuse herself. He wouldn't be offended, not after how he had to touch her, and not with how much of a mess he is.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2022-11-10 08:05 pm (UTC)So when she offers to wash his hair he shakes his head. "You don't need to do anything more for me. Take care of yourself first." He doesn't give her time to answer him, crossing to kiss her, feeling more at ease with both of them stripped, with her hands gently stroking his sides. As his break from hers, he keeps his face close, noses touching.
I'm so happy you're here with me. It nearly breaks him, and he resigns himself that she's going to see him cry if he stays. "Me too," he whispers, and it's the truth, which is what he's promised himself to give her from the start. "I don't want to be any more of a burden," and yes, he feels his voice crack, that same pressure building in his face, "I just want to be near you. Hold you." And if she doesn't want that, he wants her to have the opportunity to say as much or excuse herself. He wouldn't be offended, not after how he had to touch her, and not with how much of a mess he is.