Privately, Devin is fairly certain that no longer wanting the Fool will be a problem. He has never left those closest to him because their bonds had weakened - he left because they were too strong. His particular brand of commitment issues had never let him get this far before, and Devin can't say exactly how far he would go to protect the Fool.

But if he would beg this promise, it's only fair that he be willing to give it in return. There are worse things to have as a ground rule.

Christ, this is really happening, isn't it? It feels surreal, standing here on the edge of an invisible precipice and desperately hoping he won't hit the ground when he jumps. The leap nearly destroyed him once before, but he reminds himself that this is one taken on more than just faith and infatuation. This is not framed by hotel walls or built upon a shared skill at violence. This is, he dares to let himself believe, real. Devin finds he can't speak past the swell of emotion, so he nods his affirmation instead.

Closing the distance between them to kiss the Fool may be the scariest thing Devin has ever done.