Do you think your muscles still remember all that training? Not the coordination, but the strength?

[ He chuckles with affection at David's obstinance. ]

When it comes to facts, anyway. [ Truth be told, he'd missed David's wit and observation, felt weirdly dull without it. He'd reached for his illusions more than once, missing David each time he realized what he'd done. ]

I wish I could have had you with me. So many beautiful places. And good food.

[ He did write David while he was gone, and he'll slip that bundle of letters in his things before he leaves. For now, he's reluctant to let the other out of his arms. ]