"All my life they've pushed me around just 'cause I'm different" Thomas was successfully keeping the tears in, if not for the sake of Lieutenant Courtenay, then for his own. But he was sure Courtenay could hear the shake in his voice anyway. His insides were trembling.
"How? Why are you different?" Lieutenant Courtenay spoke softly, mildly imploring. Polite, with an edge of curiosity. His eyes fell over Thomas, and an ache caught in his chest. They were so blue.
He gave Courtenay no chance to mull it over in his mind "Nevermind" he said, and looked away. He swallowed down dryness in his throat and stood abruptly, the chair beneath him grating the floor.
A hand reached out and brushed his "I'm different too" the voice was softer now.
Thomas looked down upon the seated figure of the Lieutenant, into his blue eyes. He reached out a hesitant and shaking hand, but thought better of it. He'd been down that road countless times before. It would be better not to tread it again.
He walked away, his shoes making soft leather noises.
Lieutenant Courtenay held the hand he'd reached out in his other, and played his thumb over the skin that had touched Lieutenant Barrow.