[Prior's feelings have... never really been in doubt, but what's noticeable is that he hasn't quite learned to kiss without expecting some sort of recoil. He kisses like he's surprised to be kissed back - not used to feeling tentative, but learning how to unlearn it as he goes along. To be pulled close this fearlessly with his past self foreshadowing his future barely a few feet away is as close an antidote to everything toxic in Louis' words as it's possible to get.

Being in love again, for all that it's a foolhardy, stupid-fucking-thing to do, it helps, too. Louis closed the door and for the first time replaying this memory, Prior doesn't want him to open it again.]

Oh, he bleeds over everything, he'd barely notice. [Pressing his forehead briefly to Byerly's, Prior takes a moment to find some fortitude before looking across at himself again. Empathy now, not horror or shame. He's got enough to live through, without that.] I think I'm done here now. They make coffee at the nurses station more bitter than a jilted lover. Want to stop for a cup?