You too? Myr thinks, on catching the edges of the loneliness that lurked--had lurked--about his Bonded's heart. You too--even you? I'm not the only one?

It would move him to tears, too, if he had any to shed--knowing Everett had felt like that for Maker knew how long. He wraps the other man in an abrupt, lopsided bear-hug (wounded arm weaker than his good one, enough the difference is palpable) as if he could eradicate that feeling by mere touch.

"You'll have more than that out of me, dearheart." His voice is hoarse with emotion, muffled where he's got his face pressed against the taller Faun. More than that; oh, only be patient with me, I'll fight my own fear and shame for you. "You deserve the best I can give."

Thank you for this. Thank you.