Given silent permission, he accepts and returns the embrace, giving and taking all he can through the wonderful warmth of the touch. It is all the comfort he could ask for, and he feels some of his ever-present tension ease out.

He controls his reactions expertly, giving Nathaniel a simple nod and gentle smile that doesn't quite match the lingering sadness and worry in his eyes.

"If nightfall comes and you need me, you know where I will be."

As much as he wants to stay close, he forces himself away, pulling back the curtain and stepping from the shower. A sense of urgency comes over him, and he tries to dry himself quickly. The pull is beginning. He will have to sprint.