Dimitri's already sliding out of his chair. The movement bumps the table; his cup rattles in its saucer, and a ripple of tea spills over the edge.
All this time, every time it's been offered, Dimitri's hesitated. His grip breaks every fragile and precious thing. He is horrible, ugly and demanding; he must always, always be careful never to grasp at more than is given, never to hold anything so it can't be taken away, never to reach for anyone so they can't recoil. All kindness is conditional, all patience has its limits, and if Dimitri dares to cling, he'll feel the wire beneath the cloth.
This time, it's Ossie reaching for him. He pulls Dimitri in, and Dimitri hugs him back.
There are more words -- Dimitri's had time and time again to think of what he needs to say -- but for now, he tucks his face into the shoulder of Ossie's cardigan, and everything is soft.
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All this time, every time it's been offered, Dimitri's hesitated. His grip breaks every fragile and precious thing. He is horrible, ugly and demanding; he must always, always be careful never to grasp at more than is given, never to hold anything so it can't be taken away, never to reach for anyone so they can't recoil. All kindness is conditional, all patience has its limits, and if Dimitri dares to cling, he'll feel the wire beneath the cloth.
This time, it's Ossie reaching for him. He pulls Dimitri in, and Dimitri hugs him back.
There are more words -- Dimitri's had time and time again to think of what he needs to say -- but for now, he tucks his face into the shoulder of Ossie's cardigan, and everything is soft.