Of course. And why don't we make it a little longer this time? Just step back when you have had enough, all right?
[Regis' smile is both warm and understanding. He pulls Ardyn back into a hug, giving him a squeeze, but then letting his arms loosen so the redhead can step back when he is ready to.]
[Ardyn hesitated a second or two, not sure where his arms were supposed to go or how to react--but he figured it out quickly enough, fingers curling tightly in the back of his shirt and clinging to Regis like his only lifeline. A faint tremor made its way from hands to arms to shoulders, Ardyn trying and failing to cope with what felt like a complete sensory overload after an eternity of deprivation.]
[...It was probably going to take him a minute to realize he even could let go.]
[The reaction is quite a bit stronger than what Regis is expecting, but he keeps his surprise hidden, focusing only on Ardyn, his voice gentle when he speaks.]
Easy, it's all right. Breathe. You're safe and you can step away or stay as you wish.
[It took a moment longer before Ardyn pried himself away, not looking directly at Regis and fidgeting with his scarf for lack of knowing what to do with his hands.]
We can look for other colors if you like. There were a few more displays up front, but first, lets pick out a few more shirts and pants. I have a feeling with as tall and thin as you are, we will have to play with sizes a little.
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[Regis' smile is both warm and understanding. He pulls Ardyn back into a hug, giving him a squeeze, but then letting his arms loosen so the redhead can step back when he is ready to.]
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[...It was probably going to take him a minute to realize he even could let go.]
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Easy, it's all right. Breathe. You're safe and you can step away or stay as you wish.
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I-...forgive me, I, er-...
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There is nothing to forgive. I suspect I would have reacted much the same if I had to go so many years without contact with another.
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Even so...f-forgive me if I have unsettled you at all.
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[He reaches out and pulls playfully at the end of the scarf.]
So, do you think you will keep it?
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[he is astonishingly out of his depth and trying very hard.]