"I love you," Asher whispers back, inwardly trembling and unsure and terrified of making another mistake, even as he appears utterly composed on the outside.

He leans in, kisses Nathaniel's forehead softly.

"Come, mon chat," he murmurs. "Come to bed with me." He very much wants to curl up with Nathaniel, share body heat and comfort, nap with his arms around Nathaniel.