Well before the Fool quiets, Devin finds himself rooted to the spot where he stands with shock evident on his face. Point by point, he can agree to having many of the same experiences - especially the Fool lingering in his thoughts. He's still not expecting nor prepared to hear it. He's not prepared to be so wanted. The Fool is holding out his heart and Devin is frozen with the weight of that responsibility. That may be the only reason why he doesn't tear his gaze away.

This would be the moment to utterly ruin what's grown between them, comes a vicious whisper in the back of his mind. It's fear that speaks as much as training. Devin has always been better at destroying things than creating them, and the mere idea of a relationship is an incredibly fragile one. Will his touch bring ruination? As inexperienced as Devin is, even he knows that his damaged state is a poor foundation from which to start.

He blinks pinpricks from the corners of his eyes and takes a shaky breath. "I told you-- it's not about what I want to give," he says softly. "There is-- so much I want to give." Too much to put into words, or more than Devin has vocabulary for. The possibility that he only has the capacity for desire is daunting, and he can only hope that X's belief is enough to convince himself to try.

Abruptly, he turns towards the window, clinging to composure. "But I don't know how. I've no idea how to be a-- partner, much less a decent one."