[And, again, Clay had kept his gaze away at first, even when Allen lifted his chin. It's not like he's never taken off the bandage before; he cleans it, makes sure it doesn't get nasty or infected and gets some air, and Apollo's the one person who Clay willingly showed it to before this. But he never wanted to show anyone else, because it was horrific looking, small as it is, and it always made tension seize his veins as his mind struggled to keep blocked memories at bay. He knows Allen won't think any less of him, but it's still nerve-wracking, still a huge display of trust. Clay could strip off all of his clothes and never feel as bare as he does right now.
But then Allen touches the scar, and the touch is so, so gentle, and Clay gets what he's saying. He understands, and that means so much. His gaze ticks back up when he holds the side of his face, and...
He has to smile. First in an almost shy way, and then it picks up until he has a big, happy grin on. He's just so touched by all of this that he can barely contain himself. He reaches up to cup Allen's cheeks, and he opens his mouth as if he wants to say something... but he's not sure if putting it into words would be best, and he's not even sure what to say.
So instead, he leans in to kiss him. It's different from their heated, passionate ones from before; it's utterly tender and sincere, a way of showing the deep amount of fondness, affection, and even love that he feels. He's so... deeply appreciative and crazy for the man in front of him that it's the only way he can think of to show it right now.]
action;
But then Allen touches the scar, and the touch is so, so gentle, and Clay gets what he's saying. He understands, and that means so much. His gaze ticks back up when he holds the side of his face, and...
He has to smile. First in an almost shy way, and then it picks up until he has a big, happy grin on. He's just so touched by all of this that he can barely contain himself. He reaches up to cup Allen's cheeks, and he opens his mouth as if he wants to say something... but he's not sure if putting it into words would be best, and he's not even sure what to say.
So instead, he leans in to kiss him. It's different from their heated, passionate ones from before; it's utterly tender and sincere, a way of showing the deep amount of fondness, affection, and even love that he feels. He's so... deeply appreciative and crazy for the man in front of him that it's the only way he can think of to show it right now.]