"I wanted to say it while I still could." He combs through Hythlodaeus' hair, small, regular strokes so he doesn't have to quite look at his lover. "I love you. Even if I may be a fool for doing so. I love you, and Felih, and Irhya..."

And Jophrey, he admits silently to himself. He's not yet worked out how he feels towards the man. The mage had hated him upon first sight and yet when they last spoke...he was no longer sure.

"...What is so wrong with wanting this to last forever?" he whispers, eyes heating up. He ducks his head and hides it against the other man's chest, trying to stifle the tell-tale sounds of his crying.