[ He hadn't expected this to be easy, but even so, watching David's reaction feels like someone's scooping Patrick's heart out of his chest and dumping it on the ground. He stands there, feeling empty and helpless and like the absolute worst person in the world, as David wipes away a tear and tries to be brave.

But as soon as he realizes what David's trying to say, the way he's completely dismissing his own comfort and needs in order to give Patrick what he thinks he wants, Patrick's shaking his head, rushing over to sit on the bed next to him. ]

No - no.

[ He shakes his head again, adamant, and then after a moment of prolonged hesitation, reaches out to take David's hand in both of his, empathy bond and all. ]

You're allowed to have boundaries. Okay? I made a committment to you. A promise.

[ He squeezes David's hand, and though he knows and hates that David will feel the undercurrent of regret that Patrick does, he's hoping against hope that the love and devotion and sincerity he's sending his way will be enough to at least make up for it. ]

If that's not - something you want - we don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Ever. We don't even have to talk about it, ever again. Okay?