[ For a moment he had feared he'd gone too far in opening up about his emotions. But that simple touch of their hands joining and it's enough to help ease any worries he might have had.

In truth he didn't regret it, not in the least. No matter how things went. ]

Wow, a guy like that sounds like this place would eat him alive. He must be lucky to have those that help him through the worst this place throws at them.

[ and Chris had been doing that since the moment they met. He thinks about the golden bracelets, running away as they had, the exhilaration and relief in that moment.

Chris says those words though and something in Caleb feels like it blooms, bright and vivid and wild.]

Chris, all I need and want is the man you are. Someone that has been through so much and who reminds me of what it takes to be a good man even if he doesn't think so. Someone who helps keep me grounded when I could so easily just drift away.

And I love you because of who you are, not what you could be for me or give me.