Yeah. We're stronger, like that. But- you know. Chains, and weakest links.

[ He chuckles, and it comes out darker than he meant it to. But he leans down as he does, moving his face forward experimentally, like an animal sniffing at something, until his nose brushes against hair and he can push his face into it. ]

We fucked him up, though. And if this is temporary, I can find him again. And we can fuck him up some more. If it's not- I'll tell you how to do it.

[ It's the first 'if it's forever' thought that hasn't ended horribly. ]