I'm such an asshole.
All I wanted was to get an answer, not scare Conan until he broke down in front of me. I didn't expect tears. Not from him.
But once they came, I didn't let go. I just held him, arms wrapped tight around his trembling shoulders, rubbing circles into his back until the sobs faded into hiccups and silence.
Now, sitting beside him on the couch, I handed him a glass of water. "Feeling better?"
He sniffled, clearly embarrassed as he took it. "Yeah..."
"Why were you crying like that?" I asked softly. "Was it me?"
"No... it's just..." His words trailed off as more tears welled up. He bit his lip, clearly trying to hold them back. His little scrunched-up face made something in my chest squeeze tight.
"Here, use this." I passed him some napkins.
He nodded, blowing his nose, avoiding my eyes. I didn't push. Not yet.
"I must be overwhelming you," I said instead. "Things did move at lightning speed between us. It probably freaks you out a bit, huh?"
