"Right here," Gabe assures, and suddenly he's there, all looming but gentle. His hands dance around the other's hand before lacing his fingers with Niles', soft hands on scarred palms.

"Right here, you don't have to say anything else." It's better if he didn't--it's better for both of them, with Yewll looking suspicious already. He kneels down so he's level with the bed, reaches out with his free hand and strokes the other's cheek.

"I'm here. I'm here, Niles. Have been." 'And you don't need her,' he wants to add. 'and you won't ever need her.' "Just close your eyes, go back to sleep..."