[For a minute or so, it's like Nate doesn't even realize they're still here.
But then there's a small twitch to his hand. A drop to his shoulder. And slowly, slowly, the trembling eases and then stops. He's not holding back sobs of grief or rage anymore.
It's not better. It can't be, when Elena died painfully and left him here alone and there's nothing he can do about either of those facts. But with Hawke and Tony on both sides of him, solid and alive and making him a little less alone, maybe he's a little better.
Eventually, he's able to lift himself back up and rest against the couch, exhaustion writ in all of his features. He doesn't speak, but he doesn't let go of Hawke's hand of shrug off Tony. It's enough to send a message.
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But then there's a small twitch to his hand. A drop to his shoulder. And slowly, slowly, the trembling eases and then stops. He's not holding back sobs of grief or rage anymore.
It's not better. It can't be, when Elena died painfully and left him here alone and there's nothing he can do about either of those facts. But with Hawke and Tony on both sides of him, solid and alive and making him a little less alone, maybe he's a little better.
Eventually, he's able to lift himself back up and rest against the couch, exhaustion writ in all of his features. He doesn't speak, but he doesn't let go of Hawke's hand of shrug off Tony. It's enough to send a message.
Don't go.]