For a second Gray just hangs onto Javic, not sure if it’s the sun or just Javic that makes him feel so safe, so young with just a stupid hello hug.

For just an instant, he’s four years old again, soaked to the skin after chasing a crab into the water and getting pulled under by a wave, being carried home in Javic’s arms. He’s safe, he’s happy…he’s home.

Giving him one more little squeeze, Gray draws back with a smile of his own, one that turns a little rueful as he points skyward.

“Got caught in the sun.” He explains. “I figured I could ask your boyfriend where to find you if you weren’t here. It was…bad the last time, after? So…y’know.”

He knows he’ll be safe with you—and that maybe, when this feeling goes away, it won’t be so bad this time since he’s with Javic.