Krem relaxed the closer he came to the bed, until he was kneeling up on the edge of the mattress and could run his fingers into Gannicus's hair again. It was a touch as reassuring for himself as he hoped it was for the other man. That, yes, he wanted this, that Gannicus had said they could try; the indulgence was appreciated, but it went no further than Gannicus's comfort allowed.

With a soft sigh, Krem bent and pressed a kiss to Gannicus's brow, tracing the shape of his ear with his thumb.