Hugs to feel safe
Tom smiled, resting his chin on top of Harry's head when they sat in comfortable silence. Harry let out a soft sigh, his body slowly relaxing as he nestled deeper into Tom’s chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of his breathing.
"I didn't realize how much I needed this," Harry mumbled against Tom’s shirt
Tom chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest, and his arms tightened ever so slightly around Harry. "You deserve to feel safe. Always."
For a moment, Harry just stayed there, letting the safety of Tom’s arms wrap around him like a protective shield. It was something he hadn't allowed himself to feel for so long—vulnerable, yet somehow completely secure.
“Is it... strange that I don’t want to let go?” Harry asked quietly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Tom shook his head, his fingers tracing gentle patterns along Harry’s back. “Not at all. I could hold you like this forever if you'd let me.”
Harry’s face warmed again, but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment. He leaned in closer, his hands resting on Tom’s chest, closing his eyes. “I think I’d like that," he murmured, his voice more sure, as though he was finally accepting what he needed.
Every now and then, Tom’s hands would shift, running up and down Harry’s back in soothing motions, and Harry would let out a soft breath, his tension slipping away with every stroke.
“I’ve never felt like this before,” Harry admitted, his fingers lightly clutching Tom’s shirt as if grounding himself in the moment. “Like… I can just be.”
“That’s because you can,” Tom replied, his voice low and reassuring. “With me, you don’t have to be anything other than yourself.”
Harry smiled faintly against him, his grip on Tom tightening for a moment before loosening, his body surrendering fully to the embrace. "I think I could get used to this."