[ He looks down at that hand on his arm for a few seconds of pure surprise, then up at Nikolas's face again. Even with the improvement in their relationship, it's a strange and lovely rare thing to be touched this gently, especially by Nikolas Avis.

After a moment he smiles as gently as possible. ]

I cannot make any concrete promise, I'm afraid. But I've seen how poorly it can end, and I don't wish to end up that way.

[ He hesitates a moment, then covers Nikolas's hand briefly with his. ]

I will try.