Noah's elation was infectious. Krem smiled at him, nuzzled a little as they kissed. He sighed and, with his free hand, cupped the back of Noah's neck to hold him in place.

It tamped down on the guilt, for the moment. At least long enough for them to get out of the kiss and start walking. He had to say something. He had to learn how to talk about things, even when he didn't have all the words.

"I love you, amatus."