[Perhaps no truer words had been spoken by his lover. He made a soft noise of agreement, reminded again what had brought them together in the first place. A curiosity of two terrible people in each other that others would not dare delving that deep with. Yet, this body with all of its uniqueness paired with Richard's hints of ambition and similar traumas were deeply attractive to him.

So much so that he curled his arms around the younger man one last time for a brief squeeze. No one could pull in a monster quite like another, it seemed. Perhaps even their goals might align someday and wouldn't that just be a treat?]

I won't. I see you, and it doesn't frighten or discourage me. [He slowly dropped his arms away again.] Of course, running has never been an activity I enjoy, and despair is something I actively avoid.

[He leaned into the touch to his face, enjoying the fleeting contact. Richard was now the only one he would allow to touch him like this. Would it become a weakness that he would pay for? Only time would tell.

He followed his lover to the bedroom where his folded clothing awaited.]

Of course. She will potentially need to have another go at me this morning. No matter, I will deal with it. [Because it was his responsibility, and he didn't shy from it.] We keep things as they are between us and myself with her. I'll come by tonight once I've concluded my business.

[They both needed that.]