Balthier is already happy beyond any expectation, but hearing David so directly say he wants this makes his breath catch. “Me too,” he says. “So now you’re going to have to deal with me grinning like an idiot.”

Which, he thinks, is the best possible turn of events for today. “Let’s get this packed up, and then let’s do something to celebrate that what we’ve both built is still wonderful.” Because sometimes David needs that focused reminder, and sometimes Balthier does too. He gives David another kiss, the goes to start loading some of the equipment he feels confident moving.