24 Fic: Uneasy Affection - Hugs and Cuddles Challenge 1/20 - (Tony/Michelle)
Title: Uneasy Affection
Fandom: 24
Characters: Michelle Dessler/Tony Almeida
Prompt: Hugs and Cuddles Challenge - 01. Platonic
Word Count: 274
Rating: PG
Summary: Affection and Tony Almeida don't always mix.
Author's Notes: I feel like I've named something with a similar title, but this is all I could come up with for this. So, if you feel like you've read something from me with this title before, sorry. This is new.
Affection doesn't always come easily for him. He's been single for a long time; his largely affectionless relationship with Nina doesn't count anymore, he's decided. Not to mention, the corps isn't known for being warm and fuzzy. He is long out of his getting hugs from mommy stage. Back slaps and firm handshakes have become his usual fare. It's manly affection. Not entirely satisfying, but nobody is really expecting a handhold over a basket of wings on football Sunday.
Even so, he's not immune to knowing when a girl just needs a hug. It's been a long couple of days for her. Admittedly, he hasn't been the nicest person in the world either, adding to her workload because Mason has dumped even more shit on his own desk. It's probably a little his fault that she looks like the world is both out to get her and coming apart at the seams.
This is why he's standing here just inside the break room, arms wrapped around her thin shoulders. Her stiff, thin shoulders. Michelle's more than just a little stunned, he's sure, but he risks the sexual harassment charge to continue the hug. It's actually kind of nice giving someone a hug just for the sake of hugging. No sex involved, just a friendly, platonic hug.
"Tony?" Every ounce of her confusion seeps into that single word.
"Shh, Michelle. I'm givin' ya a hug." He draws her in closer, finally feeling her arms come to life around him.
She still has no idea what's brought this on, he knows, but as she sags against him a little more, it's obvious it's okay either way.
Fandom: 24
Characters: Michelle Dessler/Tony Almeida
Prompt: Hugs and Cuddles Challenge - 01. Platonic
Word Count: 274
Rating: PG
Summary: Affection and Tony Almeida don't always mix.
Author's Notes: I feel like I've named something with a similar title, but this is all I could come up with for this. So, if you feel like you've read something from me with this title before, sorry. This is new.
Affection doesn't always come easily for him. He's been single for a long time; his largely affectionless relationship with Nina doesn't count anymore, he's decided. Not to mention, the corps isn't known for being warm and fuzzy. He is long out of his getting hugs from mommy stage. Back slaps and firm handshakes have become his usual fare. It's manly affection. Not entirely satisfying, but nobody is really expecting a handhold over a basket of wings on football Sunday.
Even so, he's not immune to knowing when a girl just needs a hug. It's been a long couple of days for her. Admittedly, he hasn't been the nicest person in the world either, adding to her workload because Mason has dumped even more shit on his own desk. It's probably a little his fault that she looks like the world is both out to get her and coming apart at the seams.
This is why he's standing here just inside the break room, arms wrapped around her thin shoulders. Her stiff, thin shoulders. Michelle's more than just a little stunned, he's sure, but he risks the sexual harassment charge to continue the hug. It's actually kind of nice giving someone a hug just for the sake of hugging. No sex involved, just a friendly, platonic hug.
"Tony?" Every ounce of her confusion seeps into that single word.
"Shh, Michelle. I'm givin' ya a hug." He draws her in closer, finally feeling her arms come to life around him.
She still has no idea what's brought this on, he knows, but as she sags against him a little more, it's obvious it's okay either way.