[ As Hunter speaks, Dylan can feel the anxiety in his chest loosen. The tangled mess of emotions starts to unravel, with every pull of a strand dragging out another soft sob.

But he nods, face still against Hunter's shoulder as he does so. He hears what Hunter is saying — believes it, even — but... that doesn't mean Eddie didn't deserve to hear it.

Dylan doesn't protest when Hunter pulls away. He wants to, but his thoughts short-circuit when he's taken by both hands and led to the loveseat. When Hunter puts an arm around him, brings the free hand to his face... Dylan's certain he must be blushing. His face feels hot.

Hunter wipes his tears away, and the soft graze of his fingertips is electric. Dylan brings his own hand up to take Hunter's in his own, cupping it against his face. ]

Thank you.

[ He's not sure if he's thanking Hunter for the comforting words, or the comforting contact. Or both. Dylan's heart is suddenly racing. ]

I'm... I'm glad it was obvious, at least. How much I cared. I don't really think that's the sort of thing you should hide, you know?