"I know." He's standing, zipping his pants up, looking down at Tom on his knees and smiling very faintly. So far, this is... exemplary. Close to perfect. He hadn't dared hope it could be like this.

It almost feels like a shame to walk away.

He reaches down with one hand and strokes it gently through Tom's hair. The smile widens, becomes fond as his eyes roam over welts and faint bruises, marks that he hopes won't fade too soon.

"You okay?"