@intolerablexsacrifice continued from [x]
The laugh had been nice – and any other day, any other moment – Thomas would have committed it to memory, and made note to headbutt his lieutenant more often, until the edge of nerves that hinged along the edges of the sound fell away. As it was, his own nerves kept him from doing anything more than seeking the tactile comfort he needed, and praying it would not be asking too much of his reserved and circumspect friend.
He could feel the discomfort radiating off James, and he had enough grace in him that he might have risen, apology falling listlessly from his lips – but as it was, a hand rose and settled on his back, and in an instant any shame that might have pulled him away from the warmth and comfort of his lieutenant was completely dashed.
Pressing his face into the crook of the man’s neck, resting where the curve of his shoulder rose, Thomas was grateful for the cravat that barred the heat of his sigh, for it was not his intention to seek anything here but an embrace. A sense of comfort and security as the world swayed beneath his feet.
“I will be,” He assured after a moment, “I just need some time to remember how to breathe on my own.” His own hand came up then, resting flat against the stiff fabric of the other man’s coat and shifting just a bit, as if to cling on to him but possessing just enough wit not to. “I trust – you won’t mind helping me, until I do?”
It wasn’t often he asked permission for small changes in their routine – but this was not small – and he knew it. Even if James didn’t fully understand, it was momentous enough it required some – form or shape of consent before Thomas allowed himself to succumb entirely to the upsetting emotions rotting within him.
Ocean Archive 