Karim laughed breathlessly. Such proximity made him mildly anxious, but still, it was nice. To be held by someone he cared about, someone who treated him well, who cherished him. Karim ran his thumbs up Kiri's shoulder and arm. He smiled tearfully at him.<br/><br/>A freedman. The word hit him like a brick to the face. For a moment, he stopped breathing. He was free.<br/><br/>"I'll never leave, Kiri. Never again. Not if I can help it." His voice was thick with tears and hope.<br/><br/>"Don't be silly, Kiri, you can ask things of me."<br/><br/>"Thank you," he whispered, and pulled Kiri into another warm hug.