It's been a long, long time since he's been held like this. The last person... maybe Eugene? Maybe when they were small and not rough at the edges yet. He can't quite count the years. He's always more the holder than the one held. The role reversal feels uncomfortable and strange, but Yamagi is warm and he feels a lot steadier than he ever felt before when Shino'd had to cradle him in his arms for safety.

His breath releases and he relaxes against him, his fingers at Yamagi's back, mirroring the other's hand and holding onto him by the fabric of his shirt. He stays quiet, breathing him in and swallowing down his delicate pride to let Yamagi take the time to comfort him. He's afraid to speak and break the moment. It feels too precarious and he knows how important this is for the both of them. It's the first step towards breaching a lot of things they're both afraid to dip into.

He doesn't think he's a very bright man, but he can read a moment well when he wants to. He knows they need this a little more than they'd ever admit.