Re: [Lake: Misha/Damian.]
Damian did not need to think anyone loved him. In fact, if it was a coping mechanism, it was likely his was the opposite. He would have preferred that no one was attached to him, as he wished to be attached to no one. (Save Misha, obviously.) He did not require forgiveness from himself. Again, this might have been inverse from Misha. But, when he gave it, and then was stung again, he felt only stupid, and he did not enjoy this sensation. He had not grown close enough to Dawson to warrant this reaction, but thus it had been with Father, et cetera.
The embrace did help. Very much. Damian simply needed to weather the emotions he felt, he knew, and then they would pass. Misha's presence allowed him to do this and to not feel entirely stupid and ridiculous while it happened.