Re: [Webster's: Cris, Daniel & Sam]
Cris' reassurance appeared to work. Daniel watched the other man's mouth as if the words coming forth had color and shape, neutral and smooth, and slowly Daniel's shoulders moved back along his spine slowly. His concentration was absolute on the two of them, the movement of his pupils now not so much like a cat's ready to pounce, but instead ready and watching, picking up changes in heat and vibration he wouldn't have been able to name. His eyes transferred through the conversation. At least Cris, he seemed to understand, that was good.
Daniel nodded slowly at him.
He had just enough wherewithal to realize that Sam was disappointed. Daniel did have a desire to see the sun again, a desire increased by the absence of years, but it was tinged with the fear of someone who had endured its gaze as extended torture both intended and unintended. He was afraid of it as much as he wished to see it, and the inundation of emotions was too much to deal with at the moment.
"Careful," he repeated to Cris, worriedly.
When Sam came close to peck his cheek, he wrapped an affectionate arm around her waist and gave her a warm little squeeze against his side, though he was distracted enough that he barely met her eyes when he did so.
"Good morning, belle cherie," he said in farewell. "Take care."