threesentenceficathon

From:

CONTENT WARNING: references to haphephobia and past sexual assault.

*

"We can try again later," Kaz says quietly from behind her. He doesn’t touch her; despite her wishing that he would, she’s thankful that he doesn’t. She bows her head and closes her eyes tightly, wishing away the ghosts of hands and teeth from her past. But instead of replacing those ghoul-like feelings, all she can see is his flinch, his recoil, and the look of pure pain on his face as his hand had touched her bare clavicle.

Inej looks at him and sees his expression for what it is now. He flexes his fingers as though he wishes to reach for her, but he keeps his hand against the duvet. He doesn’t breathe heavily now; he’s calm like the sea beneath her hand, and he looks at her as though he wishes to keep her afloat rather than let her down.

"It’s not easy for me, either," he says. Inej places her hand near his, the tips of her fingers almost brushing against his own.