Krem dozed, longer than he had expected. When he roused, it was a slow thing. He ached, extremely pleasantly, and the ache reminded him that Gannicus might as well, and that he ought to assure that Gannicus was alright with what they had done, and that they didn't have to do it again, now that the indulgence had passed. It had not felt like indulgence, though, with Gannicus's quiet, building enthusiasm and the way he'd come apart.

He opened his eyes slowly, slightly, and found himself looking up at Gannicus's unsleeping face and worried brow. For a moment, he lay very still, trying to puzzle out this melancholy. It was not the first time he'd seen it, but the first he'd seen of it so close to him.

Krem found one of Gannicus's hands and touched it. His voice was sleep-rough. "What is it, carissime?"