Raju takes a bracing breath in through his nose, drawing back inches, just far enough to look at him, close-up. He nods and leans forward again to touch their foreheads together, still nodding, and in a sudden movement pressing down on Francis' ribs harder. Not so hard as it feels like he is; harder than he should dare without being absolutely certain that it's safe. He takes in a sharp breath as he does it and his look into Francis' expression is urgent, worried. That would have hurt Francis very badly, once. Raju remembers exactly the way that it would sound.
His eyes are stinging, suddenly. He knows the way it looks; caught it in a mirror once and studied how easy it would be to hide. Not as difficult as he'd have thought, unless the other person is paying special attention, or is very close. He knows the way his eyes shine when they feel this way. His breaths are faster, feeling the pressure of his fingers there. His lips press too tightly together. But he has to know. Has to be sure.
no subject
His eyes are stinging, suddenly. He knows the way it looks; caught it in a mirror once and studied how easy it would be to hide. Not as difficult as he'd have thought, unless the other person is paying special attention, or is very close. He knows the way his eyes shine when they feel this way. His breaths are faster, feeling the pressure of his fingers there. His lips press too tightly together. But he has to know. Has to be sure.