If he asked for more, if he pressed for just once inch more, he wouldn’t be denied. It’s clear now, as it had been when Raju touched and bathed and cared for him, when Raju was so angry at him for being so careless with his life, when Raju tucked in against him as they slept - it’s clear that Crozier isn’t alone in his feelings.

But it’s too much for Raju, who sometimes can’t tell which way is up with his feelings. He looks up at him and his bright eyes clouded with tears and smiles gently. Too much. He couldn’t ask or press, he won’t.

He turns his head ever-so-slightly and kisses a very simple response to his name into Raju’s palm.

They needn’t say anything more; Crozier expects nothing more. He’s understood, and what a wonderful feeling it is on its own. Understood, and not hideous rejected, and not made to feel ashamed. It just is, and if there’s nothing more than the touch of hands and amicable companionship then Crozier thinks he can be very happy indeed.

His hand reaches up, those numb fingertips swiping gently under Raju’s eyes to catch any fallen tears. “Raju, none of that, dear man. I’ll stop being petulant.”