[ In this instance there hadn't been anything deliberate enough for Will to be able to call it out. It could have been something as simple as a conversation that picked up a theme, or even his own teaching in a course, stirring up a memory of Quantico.
Regardless, he had learned that when he had episodes like this, it was thorny territory to try to stumble around in the dark of his own psyche with James. Not because he didn't trust that he could talk with James about anything, in truth the man often understood the shadows of Will's mind better than Will himself. But rather because he risked touching one of James' psychological landmines by accident and then they were both in a hell of a lot of trouble.
So instead, he leaned into the touch on his head. Pressed to the comforting strength of it, the way it anchored him in the reality of here and now. He shook his head slightly at the question about if he wanted to talk, then toyed with asking for what he really wanted, which was to be held.
Another thorny patch that they were working their way through, but where Will wanted to ensure he didn't ask for too much, too soon. Rather than use pesky words, the smaller man scooted a little closer to James, until he could lean more of his weight against him.
Lady watched all this with a suspicious eye, but after giving her master one last gentle nuzzle, she retreated to the dog bed that sat butted up against the far wall by the door. ]
no subject
Regardless, he had learned that when he had episodes like this, it was thorny territory to try to stumble around in the dark of his own psyche with James. Not because he didn't trust that he could talk with James about anything, in truth the man often understood the shadows of Will's mind better than Will himself. But rather because he risked touching one of James' psychological landmines by accident and then they were both in a hell of a lot of trouble.
So instead, he leaned into the touch on his head. Pressed to the comforting strength of it, the way it anchored him in the reality of here and now. He shook his head slightly at the question about if he wanted to talk, then toyed with asking for what he really wanted, which was to be held.
Another thorny patch that they were working their way through, but where Will wanted to ensure he didn't ask for too much, too soon. Rather than use pesky words, the smaller man scooted a little closer to James, until he could lean more of his weight against him.
Lady watched all this with a suspicious eye, but after giving her master one last gentle nuzzle, she retreated to the dog bed that sat butted up against the far wall by the door. ]