[ This time, when he's kissed, he sharply inhales. He's less caught by surprise this time, more overcome with the emotion behind it. Even if he can still taste the iron in his mouth, even if the injuries haven't fully healed and his tongue is coated with blood, Cain's kiss is practically warm honey. He closes his eyes, hurting now more than ever, but he can't keep his vision clouded for too long before falling in danger of sleep again. ]

Idiot. Even if you don't care if you die, I care, and you're truly a fool if you think I'm going to allow that to happen.

[ This blind trust is dangerous, especially when he can still feel the ghost of Cain's throat against his fingertips.

Why is he still smiling, even now? ]

I'm truly... sorry. I'm— [ His words cut off, attention diverted by the darkening of their world again.

Someone else has called forth the nightmare. ]