[ After that harrowing nightmare, contact isn't just welcomed, but encouraged. They drink it up eagerly, as much for their own comfort as for his.
It's important to let him know, they think, that it doesn't change their opinion of him. There's no fear or hesitation in the way they reach up and wrap their arms around his neck, burying their face in his shoulder.
(The void accepts. Pain, suffering, regret. What else can they do? It's over now.)
I'm sorry, he says, and they sort of...unlatch an arm and squish a hand against his face.
...
They push at his cheek a little like they're trying to make him take it back. Even if he's sorry, they are not; they did what was necessary to save him, and he is safe. So they're content. ]
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It's important to let him know, they think, that it doesn't change their opinion of him. There's no fear or hesitation in the way they reach up and wrap their arms around his neck, burying their face in his shoulder.
(The void accepts. Pain, suffering, regret. What else can they do? It's over now.)
I'm sorry, he says, and they sort of...unlatch an arm and squish a hand against his face.
...
They push at his cheek a little like they're trying to make him take it back. Even if he's sorry, they are not; they did what was necessary to save him, and he is safe. So they're content. ]