Calloused. Reed was a jaded man, all rough and tumble, not afraid to sink to more violent and ugly habits. But right now, it would be nearly impossible to match that man to the one before Julian now. How chest heaves softly as he traces his rough fingers along the other’s pale skin, how tender his eyes look as he beholds him in the afterglow of such a tender moment. Closeness was not something Reed oft got, content with burying all traces of himself beneath a bitter front to stay safe. And for a while it stuck, but how he gave under the little touches and the glances of Julian, every little word exchanged slowly growing less and less venomous and he lays his trust in him now. Shows a side of himself that no others were permitted to see, something raw and gentle as he tenderly explores his form, cups his face as he leans in and presses soft kisses against his cheek and jawline. Kisses that pleaded him gently to stay, kisses fuelled not by some boozed up hunger to silence the storm in the detective’s chest, no power or control aimed to be gained from such an encounter. No, all they spoke was delicate little things as he peppers him with kisses, scruff lightly brushing here and there as he traverses his form, lips aiming to translate the feelings his words never could. Quietly still, ever so softly, Gavin gives pause as a thumb brushes along pale cheek, reassuring him as he whispers against his skin.