There's something in that sentiment that feels like a cold heaviness in his chest. He wants to believe it. Desperately. But, right now, he's having a hard time thinking about it. After all, what strength has he shown over the years? Kougami had been his pillar of support, and when the other man pulled away, he'd sent his foundation toppling. Gino hates that he worries about his ex-partner so much, hates that tone his father had spoken to him in, telling him he was in over his head.
Sybil was close to pushing on his last nerve, his therapist had said as much. So he clenches his jaw as he wills himself not to crumble entirely in front of Zuko, who's being kind to him, even if he didn't ask for it. There's so much he wants to disagree with, but he can't bring himself to. Because the younger man is right– he's not alone. The tension bleeds out of him gradually and he feels like he's sinking, gravity finally having its way with him. Reaching out, he curls his fingers into Zuko's shirt, holding onto him for balance as he bows his head (his neck, his back, he's collapsing into himself, in a way).
It's quiet; his breathing shakes. There aren't any tears left. ]
wails
There's something in that sentiment that feels like a cold heaviness in his chest. He wants to believe it. Desperately. But, right now, he's having a hard time thinking about it. After all, what strength has he shown over the years? Kougami had been his pillar of support, and when the other man pulled away, he'd sent his foundation toppling. Gino hates that he worries about his ex-partner so much, hates that tone his father had spoken to him in, telling him he was in over his head.
Sybil was close to pushing on his last nerve, his therapist had said as much. So he clenches his jaw as he wills himself not to crumble entirely in front of Zuko, who's being kind to him, even if he didn't ask for it. There's so much he wants to disagree with, but he can't bring himself to. Because the younger man is right– he's not alone. The tension bleeds out of him gradually and he feels like he's sinking, gravity finally having its way with him. Reaching out, he curls his fingers into Zuko's shirt, holding onto him for balance as he bows his head (his neck, his back, he's collapsing into himself, in a way).
It's quiet; his breathing shakes. There aren't any tears left. ]