[Later, perhaps, he'll kick himself for not picking up on that particular scent sooner. For not realizing that there were far more important things to deal with than testing the limits of the newest cage he's been trapped in. But even once its sunk in, even once he's finally aware of just who he's pressed up against, he doesn't move. Doesn't want to risk looking up and finding out that this is just his mind playing tricks on him yet again. Even with the kiss, even with that all too familiar voice breaking the silence, it's a chance he isn't ready to take. Its not like this'd be the first time he imagined this particular reconnection afterall.
But then the silence stretches on for a few beats too many, and he's finally able to force himself to move. Finally musters up some small piece of courage so he can straighten back up.]
You're not real.
[Sure, he may still be holding Ash's- No, this imposter's -arms. It doesn't make it any easier to believe that any part of this is really happening. Its been over a year since he last saw Ash in person. Since it was more than just a very good (or extremely bad) dream that brought them back together again. And now, here in this whole new location, he's supposed to believe that they've been reunited? Maybe he was wrong to think he'd escaped Duplicity. This really does feel like the kind of thing those assholes would do to their captives.
His hold drops abruptly, as though he's been burned. As though the space he puts back between them will be enough to stamp down that part of him that desperately wants to be wrong. Losing Ash had been one of the worst things that'd happened to him in that city. He isn't sure he could survive it a second time.]
no subject
But then the silence stretches on for a few beats too many, and he's finally able to force himself to move. Finally musters up some small piece of courage so he can straighten back up.]
You're not real.
[Sure, he may still be holding Ash's- No, this imposter's -arms. It doesn't make it any easier to believe that any part of this is really happening. Its been over a year since he last saw Ash in person. Since it was more than just a very good (or extremely bad) dream that brought them back together again. And now, here in this whole new location, he's supposed to believe that they've been reunited? Maybe he was wrong to think he'd escaped Duplicity. This really does feel like the kind of thing those assholes would do to their captives.
His hold drops abruptly, as though he's been burned. As though the space he puts back between them will be enough to stamp down that part of him that desperately wants to be wrong. Losing Ash had been one of the worst things that'd happened to him in that city. He isn't sure he could survive it a second time.]
What the hell do you want?