🌳🌟🐛🌷🐛🌟🌳

[ The way Kaspar leans his head against Trahearne's, how he strokes the back of his neck--it soothes him. The anxiety and guilt dips and rises with each thought that passes through his mind, about second chances. About what he should or should not be doing. To offer wordless comfort is a powerful skill, a testament both to Kaspar's character and their own bond as friends and housemates, but all of the worst parts of Trahearne seem to be doing their best to fight back. And they're winning.

He does eventually speak up, not long after. He lifts his head, ever so slightly, not particularly aware of how close they are. When he speaks, his voice is quiet and quivers slightly. ]

I don't deserve this.

[ The peace. The comfort. Kaspar's caring warmth. And these nightmares are doing well to remind him. ]