He presses his lips together and glances aside, clearly embarrassed. He doesn't tug his hand away though. "I enjoy our dates. I enjoy the places you discover that somehow elude me. The eateries, the galleries - you have a way with people that I lack. You and Azem both.

"But I would not take you away from my past self, who would miss you if you travelled the world with us. He needs you, 'Daeus. He needs someone to stop him from spending all day in his office. He needs someone to remind him that responsibility is not a shackle." Lifting his other hand, he caresses Hythlodaeus' cheek. "Just promise you will be home when I return, yes?"