i can't stop thinking about kimharry, it's like an illness.
i don't think he can imagine ever being cared for with love by anyone. he doesn't remember exactly where it comes from, but this feeling, a gut instinct, a fight-or-flight reflex, whatever it may be, overcomes him whenever he expects to be hurt, yet isn't. it can be simple things, like a hug, but also more complex things, like sex. i assume he was used to it having nothing to do with anything loving, but rather serving as an outlet or a favour.
and then, of course, i think about all the kimharry potential inherent in it, outside of the general parts of it... it's not as if kim were a completely normal man, he is anything but, that becomes abundantly clear to anyone with eyes and ears who has played the game. he is just as broken, or at least just as in need of touch, as harry.
so there they stand, two men with problems that are similar, yet distinct, one is so terrified of gentle touch, simply because he is unaccustomed to it, that he instinctively recoils against it, he fears he must have done something wrong, that he deserves to be hurt, for that is precisely what his body has grown accustomed to. on the other side stands the one who grew up devoid of any gentleness, amidst severe trauma, and who for years has lacked the physical and emotional guidance he needs to truly comprehend love, and to be able to accept it without fear.