He watches quietly as Caleb weathers a surge of emotion. He has followed the news from the Empire and the Academy, he knows the crimes of Trent Ikithon and others. Caleb has been through so much at the hands of those who should have protected him and nurtured him. That he has survived and that he has not been utterly twisted or irreparably broken by their machinations is nothing short of remarkable. For now, Yussa keeps that to himself. If he keeps going, Caleb might be too overcome to teach.

Golden eyes meet blue as Caleb meets his gaze again, and the raw vulnerability there is recognizable. Yussa moves closer and rests one hand on Caleb's crossed arms while the other lifts to cradle his face.

"It is a good thing you have such a keen memory," he says, the barest hint of teasing in his voice. "Because I do not repeat myself."

His thumb sweeps gently across Caleb's cheek and Yussa leans up on his toes to press a chaste kiss there. Then he steps back to give Caleb space.

"Shall I wait in the corridor?"