[ even the process of undressing to get comfortable feels simple and easier, and it's even only when she has that brief stumble that she even draws a momentary wide eye of his attention, like his hands are prepared to reach out to catch her, managing a brief and subtle smile at the corner of his lips for her self-save before they slide in together, side by side.

from there, it feels as natural as it had the first time, even more so now where it doesn't even require the intimacy to end up together like this. he can't remember the last time he slept by someone's side just for the sake of sleeping without seeking anything else.

but he doesn't expect the words she adds, his eyes watching her quietly as he thinks about what she's telling him,as he tries to piece together the idea of anyone being happier around him.

for a moment, he doesn't say anything at all; holding a conversation usually isn't a difficult task, but with words like that,he isn't sure of what to make it. ]

Clara, I — [ his thumb gives a gentle stroke to her shoulder, lips slightly parted as he peers down to her eyes, like a point of inspiration to better stitch his words. ] I'm not really ... someone who's good with any of this. And chances are, I'm the last asshole whose bed you should be in right now. But —

[ he's definitely no good with this. but he swallows, eyes earnest even in the darkness. ]

I ... like this. With you. [ he raises his fingers, giving a gentle tuck to her hair, combing it back behind her ear. ] Whatever it is.