Yes. The Great War as it came to be known. [He rubs at the back of his hand idly, thinking about his time in the trenches and how awful it was. How he didn't want to be there.]
I get pains in my hand now and again, but I don't think there is anything I can do about it. At least I survived.
[He pauses, heaving out a sigh.]
There was a soldier who was blinded by mustard gas so he was sent home to the hospital in Yorkshire. I was home by then and had started helping out with the injured soldiers. I got to know him - I developed feelings for him. But he passed away.
Yeah, we know it by the First World War. [Since there were two in his time.
Steve sits back and listens, not entirely knowing where the story is going, but it's interesting to hear the perspective of someone who lived something he's only read about in History class.]
Oh man. I'm sorry, Thomas. That's probably even harder in your time. With everything you've told me about what gay people have gone through. Doesn't seem fair.
Thank you. [He gave Steve a grateful look.] It isn’t fair. I didn’t even know if he would have felt the same way either. And if he did, we would have needed to be discreet.
[Despite the painful memories, he felt a sense of relief at being able to talk about it.]
I appreciate you listening to me. I don’t trust people so easily and I feel like I can trust you.
I can't imagine having to go through all of that. [War, death, having to hide how much you care about someone. He has a deep respect for everything that Thomas has gone through. Gently he reaches out to put his hand gently on the other man's.]
Don't even sweat it. I'm glad you can feel comfortable here. At the very least you deserve that. I know it can't be easy, but you've got a friend in me. [At minimum. Steve might even consider it a little more than that, but he's also not the best with labels and things himself.]
[Thomas feels a swell of emotion when Steve's hand cover his own. He also felt vulnerable in that moment, but it was alright. Steve made him feel better about it.]
You also have a friend in me, Steve. I might need to work on it from time to time, but I will do my best to be there for you.
[He places his hand over Steve's before leaning in towards him slowly, pressing a light kiss to his lips, pulling back afterwards.]
That's alright. I kinda know what it's like to need to work on things. [He gives an understanding nod. When Thomas leans in, Steve reciprocates, wanting to kiss him now anyway. Thomas deserves to know he's safe here with him. It's not entirely heated, but he pulls away just slightly to look back at him.]
Promise I'll still be here. [He can understand someone trying to find themselves and learn more about how to sort of function.]
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notfoul
no subject
Date: 2023-04-12 09:14 pm (UTC)I get pains in my hand now and again, but I don't think there is anything I can do about it. At least I survived.
[He pauses, heaving out a sigh.]
There was a soldier who was blinded by mustard gas so he was sent home to the hospital in Yorkshire. I was home by then and had started helping out with the injured soldiers. I got to know him - I developed feelings for him. But he passed away.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-21 05:06 am (UTC)Steve sits back and listens, not entirely knowing where the story is going, but it's interesting to hear the perspective of someone who lived something he's only read about in History class.]
Oh man. I'm sorry, Thomas. That's probably even harder in your time. With everything you've told me about what gay people have gone through. Doesn't seem fair.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 10:48 am (UTC)[Despite the painful memories, he felt a sense of relief at being able to talk about it.]
I appreciate you listening to me. I don’t trust people so easily and I feel like I can trust you.
no subject
Date: 2023-05-04 08:24 pm (UTC)Don't even sweat it. I'm glad you can feel comfortable here. At the very least you deserve that. I know it can't be easy, but you've got a friend in me. [At minimum. Steve might even consider it a little more than that, but he's also not the best with labels and things himself.]
no subject
Date: 2023-05-16 01:16 pm (UTC)You also have a friend in me, Steve. I might need to work on it from time to time, but I will do my best to be there for you.
[He places his hand over Steve's before leaning in towards him slowly, pressing a light kiss to his lips, pulling back afterwards.]
no subject
Date: 2023-05-18 01:27 am (UTC)Promise I'll still be here. [He can understand someone trying to find themselves and learn more about how to sort of function.]
we can wrap here if you like c:
Date: 2023-05-25 08:45 pm (UTC)Thank you, Steve. That means a lot to hear you say so.
[He turns his hand over to take a hold of Steve's and gives it a light squeeze, holding onto it afterwards.]