Inigo lays down next to him - close, because that's what the composition of the pillow pile demands - and a sudden bout of homesickness rolls over Ryo like a wave, subsuming him completely, to the point where, for a few moments, he forgets just how exhausted he is.
He's missed this.
Saash had cuddled with him on his bunk while she was here, sure, but it's not the same as lying next to another person; as hearing Endon murmur nonsense in his sleep; as feeling Orion's warmth, because fire mages always run hot; as knowing the contact was there, that he could simply lean in and feel warm, feel safe-
Oh gods he misses them. The only time he hadn't missed them was when the illusion had made him forget them, and now-
And now here's Inigo, lying next to him, smiling and asking him if the comfort that he's been craving and missing like a hole in his heart is okay.
"Yeah," he manages, voice quiet. And then, before he can stop himself - because it's okay to ask for what he wants; they'd taught him that and he still has trouble remembering it sometimes, but-
no subject
He's missed this.
Saash had cuddled with him on his bunk while she was here, sure, but it's not the same as lying next to another person; as hearing Endon murmur nonsense in his sleep; as feeling Orion's warmth, because fire mages always run hot; as knowing the contact was there, that he could simply lean in and feel warm, feel safe-
Oh gods he misses them. The only time he hadn't missed them was when the illusion had made him forget them, and now-
And now here's Inigo, lying next to him, smiling and asking him if the comfort that he's been craving and missing like a hole in his heart is okay.
"Yeah," he manages, voice quiet. And then, before he can stop himself - because it's okay to ask for what he wants; they'd taught him that and he still has trouble remembering it sometimes, but-
"Can I have a hug?"