[ That tight, clenched feeling in his chest loosens when Onni rubs his thumb against Reynir's hand. It's such a small gesture, but it's undoubtedly a gesture of comfort. Onni supporting him, encouraging him. Showing affection in that tiny, monumental way.

Reynir sighs. ]

It's real most of the time.

[ The objection sounded a lot better in his head, before he said it out loud. He huffs a soft laugh, an edge of sadness in it, and gives a silent nod, feeling his eyes swimming, welling with sudden, hot tears. He blinks them back right away, and if it weren't for the Bond, he thinks Onni wouldn't have noticed. But connected as they are, there's no hiding how close to the nerve that hit.

Onni is saying he wants the truth of Reynir, not for Reynir to be what is easiest and most pleasant for him. It's not something that's ever been told to him, before. People wanted him to be cheerful, and helpful, and dumb, and safe, and without complications or rough edges. The Reynir they were used to. The Reynir they could rely on. ]

I'll - remember that.

[ His breath catches when Onni asks if he's hurt him before, heartbeat skipping in sudden emotion. He is halfway to saying no, to insisting that even if Onni had, it wasn't a big deal. But he thinks about what Onni had just said. Thinks back. And gives a tiny shrug. ]

Not - well, I mean. A few times, I guess.

[ He exhales shakily, and adds: ]

I don't want to yell at you, Onni. I'm not angry.