[ credence doesn't know how to respond for a long time. graves isn't anything like he's used to and that makes him feel strange; he's not used to feeling positive emotions about people and while he's liked the older man since nearly the beginning but this is different, better, easier. he doesn't think about the past anymore, doesn't think about any of the assholes he's had to deal with before.

(okay, graves can be an asshole, but not like that.)

he looks at him for a very long time, dark eyes searching his face. he exhales a shaking breath and leans into the touch again, eyes lidding almost shut. it's so nice, gentle, not what he's used to. he licks his lips and it's a little nervous again but for a different reason. ] I... like you.

[ he winces - it sounds like such a stupid thing to say, like he's a child. he knows he's young, but... ] You're different. [ he turns his head, hands grasping for graves' wrist so he can nuzzle against his palm, press his lips there just barely. ] But you'll be patient with me? I don't... want it to be like that. I want it to be like this. [ gentler, slower, better. he makes credence feel like he might actually be worth something.

(this is not to say he won't feel more comfortable later.) ]