Whatever resentment still within Crozier drains when it becomes clear that Raju's trying to smother the little fires - ones he'd helped create - by pressing handfuls of snow to his own chest. It's gut-wrenching; he feels like an absolute monster.
Slowly he steps through the door and down the crooked stairs, letting the creak of the weakened wood give away his position, and crosses snowy footprints with loud crunching noises until he's standing just behind where he's crouched on the ground. He hesitates. What if Raju's still angry with him? What if getting near makes it worse? Then Raju shivers, arms still holding snow to himself, and he knows what must be done.
Crozier drops to his knees beside him and brings his hand to Raju's back. He lets it rest heavily on him, so he knows his intent, where he stands, where they stand together. Raju is not his enemy, and this fight is not like them at all. But things are difficult, and sometimes two people can become overly passionate or riddled with so much pressure and anxiety that it all just explodes out of them. He's almost certain that's what this is, and not a change in how they feel about each other.
His feelings for Raju may be complicated, but altogether they're affectionate and adoring and admiring. If Raju wants to speak he'll listen, truly listen this time, instead of talking over him or trying to win some sort of perceived argument. He's level-headed now, he can take his own personal feelings out of it for a spell.
no subject
Whatever resentment still within Crozier drains when it becomes clear that Raju's trying to smother the little fires - ones he'd helped create - by pressing handfuls of snow to his own chest. It's gut-wrenching; he feels like an absolute monster.
Slowly he steps through the door and down the crooked stairs, letting the creak of the weakened wood give away his position, and crosses snowy footprints with loud crunching noises until he's standing just behind where he's crouched on the ground. He hesitates. What if Raju's still angry with him? What if getting near makes it worse? Then Raju shivers, arms still holding snow to himself, and he knows what must be done.
Crozier drops to his knees beside him and brings his hand to Raju's back. He lets it rest heavily on him, so he knows his intent, where he stands, where they stand together. Raju is not his enemy, and this fight is not like them at all. But things are difficult, and sometimes two people can become overly passionate or riddled with so much pressure and anxiety that it all just explodes out of them. He's almost certain that's what this is, and not a change in how they feel about each other.
His feelings for Raju may be complicated, but altogether they're affectionate and adoring and admiring. If Raju wants to speak he'll listen, truly listen this time, instead of talking over him or trying to win some sort of perceived argument. He's level-headed now, he can take his own personal feelings out of it for a spell.