"Yes," he said. The word was small, but felt giant in its honesty. He dried his face thoughtlessly on the edge of the blanket. His hair was finally drying enough to try to keep it swept up out of the way.

"But I know you're here. And you're not going anywhere. That's why I said it."

He traced gentle circles on the center of Bull's chest with his fingers, self-soothing.

"And anyway, it's about time at least one of the men under House Pavus tried not to be an admitted coward."

He said it again.

"I love you, Bull."