[Yes, he was preening, but only because Sorrel wants him to. Sorrel likes them best like this - teasing and light, loving and serious about one another. Adasse is happy to oblige, to let himself be the best version of Adasse there is. All for the man wrapping his arms around him, nestling into his spine.]

I love you.

[Simple enough words, but with more meaning behind them than just a platitude. Adasse's hands close over Sorrel's smaller ones, exhaling softly.]

I missed you.