Andrew hadn’t explicitly told Neil what his nightmares …show more content…
He didn’t want to, but if Andrew needed space to fall apart and pick up the pieces on his own, he wasn’t going to deny him that.
Andrew didn’t answer. After waiting for another few seconds, Neil moved to stand, not wanting to push Andrew too far too soon. Andrew lifted his face just enough to glare at Neil. The way he curled so tightly in on himself made him seem too afraid and too much like he was trying to hide for the glare to be effective, but Neil got the message and sat back down.
He didn’t know where to look. Staring at Andrew felt a little creepy and more than a little invasive, but there was nothing else in the bathroom to look at. So he settled for staring down at his palms, twisting his fingers carefully together. He didn’t know what to say or do to maybe make things easier for Andrew. After a moment, he glanced over at Andrew again and found Andrew already watching him contemplatively. Neil met his gaze and held it, trying to convey with his eyes everything that would only end with violence if he vocalized it. I’m right here, I’m not leaving, you’re safe, I promise. I’m not going anywhere. Please trust