"If I didn't have them before, I definitely have them now. Knowing you requires them, after all." With a small smile, he curled up on the bed and shuffled close to Barty, pressing his head against the other's chest for comfort. He made him feel -- more alive? Strong and safer? The connection they had was important, he didn't want to stray too far.

"Thank you." He hadn't said it yet but he felt it was time. "My hero."