He's breathing hard, staring at his shade in fear but clutching Felih tightly to himself. No, he doesn't want to lose them. Felih had accepted him wholeheartedly, had done more for him and given him far more love than he deserved.

"Felih," he begins numbly, glancing down. Whatever else he's planning to say dies on his tongue. His lover is crying, shaking even as they cling to him. Heart clenching, he bows his head and kisses the salty tracks away.

"I'm sorry," he says quietly. "I am not the perfect partner for you."