It was a complicated admission, and saying it wouldn't have happened if not for Aoba's patience and the constant corrections made to him by his Ghost and the other guardians he traveled with, most notably the warlock. Mac had very specific ideas about relationships between people, considering himself something of an expert - though in what regard, Declan couldn't say. The man was an abysmal failure, romantically. Not that Declan had romantic feelings for Aoba.
No matter what Mac said.
But some things had rang true. A person who wasn't friends with you wouldn't have the patience that Aoba did. Wouldn't stick around, make or share efforts in making life and home better. He could content himself believing they were friends, and eventually the reality sank in and became acceptance, which finally turned into genuine pleasure at the idea. That didn't make it easier to fathom, but every climb had a starting point.
Physical contact, though...that made him nervous. He didn't understand why, of course, since plenty of people came into contact with him casually in the Tower. Aoba touching him felt different. It wasn't about camaraderie. Not quite. And on his bare skin it felt very, very different. It didn't feel bad. He'd even hazard to say it was a good feeling. Nice, was the best word. Something nonthreatening, at least. H hadn't been upset by it, either way.
"I'll make sure to call when I'm on missions for very long. Usually it's just an evening of patrols somewhere. Big missions like that aren't as common. But I'll always let you know where I am. While you're here, I won't let you feel alone." Probably as much a promise for himself as Aoba, but the sentiment was the same.
no subject
No matter what Mac said.
But some things had rang true. A person who wasn't friends with you wouldn't have the patience that Aoba did. Wouldn't stick around, make or share efforts in making life and home better. He could content himself believing they were friends, and eventually the reality sank in and became acceptance, which finally turned into genuine pleasure at the idea. That didn't make it easier to fathom, but every climb had a starting point.
Physical contact, though...that made him nervous. He didn't understand why, of course, since plenty of people came into contact with him casually in the Tower. Aoba touching him felt different. It wasn't about camaraderie. Not quite. And on his bare skin it felt very, very different. It didn't feel bad. He'd even hazard to say it was a good feeling. Nice, was the best word. Something nonthreatening, at least. H hadn't been upset by it, either way.
"I'll make sure to call when I'm on missions for very long. Usually it's just an evening of patrols somewhere. Big missions like that aren't as common. But I'll always let you know where I am. While you're here, I won't let you feel alone." Probably as much a promise for himself as Aoba, but the sentiment was the same.