Welcome to Gaia! ::

The movement beside the bed once again made Oliver seem to shrink in place, made smaller by his own shame and fear of disapproval. He didn't expect the hug. Such a gesture of care and acceptance was becoming less and less of a surprise now that he had friends who gave hugs willingly and for little apparent reason, but he didn't expect it from Lex, who had always been caring in a more clinical manner.

Tears finally spilled over, and Oliver began to sniffle and sob quietly while he was hugged. He knew Lex did not like tears, but there was no helping it. Thankfully he was quick to wind down, the stress and lack of sleep made for a short-lived outburst that soon dissolved into ungraceful snuffles and hiccups.

There was one more nagging thought in his mind, but it took another minute before could whisper, "W-what if I can't be brave next time?"