Those words bring up memories unbidden. He too knows what burning flesh smells like. Has burned it himself. Has seen the horrors of war. Thought he could outrun it.

But this is different. He was targets for his career choice but not what he was. Not his body. Not when he was fleeing. He knows others were. Knows he’s always had a cloud of privilege around him. So he just holds David close, marveling that this sweet man had held onto that sweetness at all.

And to feel powerless to protect people. Wasn’t that why he’d left Archades in the first place? To preserve some illusion that he had control of his life and his actions and his loved ones?

He didn’t know, in David’s situation, if he’d have kept his heart. But it’s soft and full tonight and he cradled this man he loves, who he cannot protect but he can comfort, and he is glad to be able to do it.