[He doesn't jerk away or even lean out of Héctor's reach. It doesn't take as much effort as he thought it would, especially when he's remembering his muzzle wet with blood and look Oscar had given him. His lame not-even-an-excuse that was a blatant way of avoiding being alone with Cliff. He'd told the man then the same thing he'd told Héctor out of more hurt than he'd ever want to admit.

He doesn't have to admit the feeling to Héctor because he already knows, nor would he have had to explain away or apologize for moving away. Maybe it's because of that that he lets Héctor hold onto his clothes and slowly brings his hand over to tough the side of his finger against the other's.]

Yeah.

[Thrilling commentary.]

So we're cool, okay? I'd rather you not have to fake it around me because you're worried I'll be afraid of you. ...I trust you.