[ Gansey hadn’t known Noah was so tactile. He’s used to his friends being the opposite of that, and in fairness, he’s used to Noah being shadowy and smudgy a good lot of the time. This is as stark a difference as the warmth in his skin and the flush on his face. He keeps a gentle hold of him, leaning back only when it’s impossible to resist looking at his face again.

Noah, alive and well. That’s not a sight that will get old any time soon.

That story, though. That makes his heart crack. ]

Jesus, Noah. You’re not a downer. Is that really how you see yourself?

[ He’s quiet, certainly, but that isn’t a bad thing. And right now, it’s clear that Gansey can’t stop smiling. ]

I can’t believe this is real. If there’s anything that would give me hope, it’s this. How does it feel, how do you feel? I know you were worried about that.

[ They’d talked about it. Briefly, privately, and very personally, and part of the reason why Gansey looks happy is that conversation. He’d understood Noah’s fears, and echoing them. It would be good, if he knew those fears could be healed. He wants that for both of their sakes. ]