[ He knows that the initial grip of his fingers as they catch near-frantic on your wrists is hard, so he softens his touch so it doesn't bruise ( your hands are small, your fingers fine and delicate, nevermind that they belie a strength comparable to a god's. ]
Babe, [ that's choked out ] Hikaru don't-- [ Don't apologize, please. Don't pull away, or hide behind a mask of composure. ]
I'm sorry.
[ One hand lifting now, cupping your cheek and drawing your gaze back his way. He can feel the tears falling, trickling down because the sight of you like this brings back not only memories of the nightmares that had plagued you out there, in the Bone Hills, but his own recollections of your history.
( Don't think of Coach just yet, Josh. Of the Bargain you broke in a bid to reach for something more. Don't think of Makoto and the keys the geist -- your friend had gathered with each victory in Arcadia; that wish for something else whatever it could have been because you cut the rope without thinking, dropping him back down into the Underworld. ) ]
This was on me.
[ Please. Let him own it. Let him own the selfishness that's brought you pain. It's the least that he could do. ]
I'm sorry. [ His voice is so soft now. ] I'm so sorry, love.
no subject
Babe, [ that's choked out ] Hikaru don't-- [ Don't apologize, please. Don't pull away, or hide behind a mask of composure. ]
I'm sorry.
[ One hand lifting now, cupping your cheek and drawing your gaze back his way. He can feel the tears falling, trickling down because the sight of you like this brings back not only memories of the nightmares that had plagued you out there, in the Bone Hills, but his own recollections of your history.
( Don't think of Coach just yet, Josh. Of the Bargain you broke in a bid to reach for something more. Don't think of Makoto and the keys the geist -- your friend had gathered with each victory in Arcadia; that wish for something else whatever it could have been because you cut the rope without thinking, dropping him back down into the Underworld. ) ]
This was on me.
[ Please. Let him own it. Let him own the selfishness that's brought you pain. It's the least that he could do. ]
I'm sorry. [ His voice is so soft now. ] I'm so sorry, love.