Overture Downs collision

It didn't occur to Clarence that Santiago's comfort wasn't genuine - why would it? This was the first time anyone had offered the boy physical touch that didn't bring pain in so long, and he melted into it, body trembling and eyes closing as he absorbed the touch like a sponge. The smell of blood and musk still hung in the air, but Santiago was warm and soothing, and he couldn't help but leech at the contact. 

And all too quickly, it was gone again. The man had stepped away, and Clarence wobbled slightly as he tried to regain his grasp on reality. The fog was back in his mind, comfortably blocking out most of the fear and pain and terrible memories. It was so nice. 

"What does cariño mean?" he asked quietly, slightly dazed and still trembling. The boy shook his head slowly and looked down at the rabbit at his paws. "I am strong. They always said that. But my fur showed blood too much." That was said more comfortably. If he didn't think about it while he spoke, he felt better.