Pain is pain, I don't see why we have to compare whose is worse. What I know is that you're here, in front of me, and I will do everything I can to help, if you'll let me.
[ Dominic can't save the world, he can't even save all of the shifters that exist. But this place, this little town - anyone who comes here is who he can try to reach out to. ]
Wanting to be who you feel you are isn't selfish. You're allowed to want to feel safe, especially in your own home. That's why I took over this pack.
[Despite how he's still looking away, despite the brief tremble, he subtly leans into the touch.
A soft anxiety spike thankfully doesn't grow into something more, and it's clear he's maybe a little starved for more positive forms of touch. The hint of tears are belatedly hidden by pressing his face against his knees, once again. Quietly, he mutters the next words.]
[ Seeing that small reaction, he keeps his hand there, gently rubbing Cal's head. Dominic is making a note to himself to touch Cal more in positive forms. Head, shoulder, back pats - and then work their way up to hugs.
He hears that deflated tone, and can smell the hint of salty tears in the air. ]
Okay.
[ Accepting those sulky deflated words as an answer. ]
Now, there's a cartoon of ice cream melting in the kitchen. Want to come help me eat it and find something to watch on television?
[ Ice cream - a reward and a comfort food for most people. Dominic will use it to help associate talking about problems with good things. ]
[After taking a moment to fully process the question, to accept that this is genuine - not some trap, like it was with other people...
He gives a hesitant nod, almost like he's reluctant to move his head; he maybe, just maybe can admit to himself that he wants the hand to stay there a little longer. Something he'd wanted so much more of, as a cub.
It almost feels like too much, even pushing himself in this way, but something keeps nagging at him. He doesn't want to do something - he... needs to, in a way.]
Can... [Asking for literally anything has been something he tries to avoid. But this is different.] ... I learn how to... cook?
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Wasn't hurt that bad. [A lie, followed up with a shrug of his shoulders.] Other people've had it worse.
[He looks away.]
Dad usually just told me to stop being selfish.
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Pain is pain, I don't see why we have to compare whose is worse. What I know is that you're here, in front of me, and I will do everything I can to help, if you'll let me.
[ Dominic can't save the world, he can't even save all of the shifters that exist. But this place, this little town - anyone who comes here is who he can try to reach out to. ]
Wanting to be who you feel you are isn't selfish. You're allowed to want to feel safe, especially in your own home. That's why I took over this pack.
no subject
A soft anxiety spike thankfully doesn't grow into something more, and it's clear he's maybe a little starved for more positive forms of touch. The hint of tears are belatedly hidden by pressing his face against his knees, once again. Quietly, he mutters the next words.]
Yeah, right...
[It's said in such a sulky, deflated way.]
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He hears that deflated tone, and can smell the hint of salty tears in the air. ]
Okay.
[ Accepting those sulky deflated words as an answer. ]
Now, there's a cartoon of ice cream melting in the kitchen. Want to come help me eat it and find something to watch on television?
[ Ice cream - a reward and a comfort food for most people. Dominic will use it to help associate talking about problems with good things. ]
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He gives a hesitant nod, almost like he's reluctant to move his head; he maybe, just maybe can admit to himself that he wants the hand to stay there a little longer. Something he'd wanted so much more of, as a cub.
It almost feels like too much, even pushing himself in this way, but something keeps nagging at him. He doesn't want to do something - he... needs to, in a way.]
Can... [Asking for literally anything has been something he tries to avoid. But this is different.] ... I learn how to... cook?
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They're taking small steps, Dom doesn't expect giant leaps of progress. All he wants is some forward momentum. ]
Of course, I'll teach you anything you want to learn.