When their kiss breaks, Yussa rests his head against his pillow. He looks at the man in front of him and strokes his cheek, his jaw. His touch drifts down to brush over Caleb's chest, near his heart. How close did he come to losing this man? For all the horror Uk'otoa could unleash, it is that thought that haunts him still now that the best is put to rest. How long before there is some other danger that calls to Caleb? There is yet more waiting for him in the Empire, though perhaps a different kind. No less dangerous in the ways that matter.

Yussa breathes a soft sigh and tucks his head down against Caleb's chest, closing his eyes as he takes comfort in the warmth of his presence, the beat of his heart and the sound of his breathing. He will at least have Caleb in the morning. A treacherous voice in the back of his mind whispers of the comfort and joy of having him longer. Tell me to stay.

"Then stay," he murmurs, answering the voice in his head or the gentle reassurance from Caleb. That is how Yussa falls asleep, absolutely wrung out by his lover in every way possible.