[ at first the hand at his neck makes him tense - it's not graves at all, more a conditioned response to any touch after the past few days - but that drains out of him quickly and he practically leans into it, breathing out and letting his eyes flutter shut. when he pulls himself off of the stool reluctantly he nods, eyes flicking over to look at him. he manages a tiny smile. ] All right. I shouldn't be long.
[ he drinks some of the water before he disappears to take his shower, but he does take a little longer than strictly necessary. the reason why is immediately apparent when he comes into graves' room, looking exhausted. his skin is red and almost raw, a mix of nearly-scalding water and scrubbing himself relentlessly. even his face, where the split on his lip looks almost fresh because he's opened it again in his vigorous washing. he's in pajamas and his hair is very slightly damp but he sits at the edge of the bed, chewing on his lip even though that just makes it hurt more.
he's still not sure he feels clean, but it's a start. it's strange to be here and to sit on this bed, even if he knows he could have whenever he liked. ] Thank you.
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[ he drinks some of the water before he disappears to take his shower, but he does take a little longer than strictly necessary. the reason why is immediately apparent when he comes into graves' room, looking exhausted. his skin is red and almost raw, a mix of nearly-scalding water and scrubbing himself relentlessly. even his face, where the split on his lip looks almost fresh because he's opened it again in his vigorous washing. he's in pajamas and his hair is very slightly damp but he sits at the edge of the bed, chewing on his lip even though that just makes it hurt more.
he's still not sure he feels clean, but it's a start. it's strange to be here and to sit on this bed, even if he knows he could have whenever he liked. ] Thank you.