[ Aoba rolls Clear over (of course Clear accommodates the movement) and he meets the man’s laugh with another of his own, throwing his arms around Aoba and cuddling him tight to his chest. And well now, this is a nice position too, come to think of it. Two bodies fit together in a narrow space much better when arranged vertical than horizontal….

But Aoba tucked into his neck puts that apology very close to his ear. Clear turns his head to rest his cheek against Aoba’s hair (gently, always gently) and smooths one hand up and down the man’s back. ]

I forgive you, [ he says, though he was never truly offended. Even so, Aoba offers an apology so Clear naturally accepts it, and the feelings that go with it. ]

Saying it like that did surprise me, but…Aoba-san, you’re the one person in the world that’s believed in me more than any other. [ He nuzzles towards Aoba’s ear as best he can, speaking softly into it. ] As soon as I thought about it, I knew you wouldn’t say that kind of thing meaning to hurt me.