The years had been very different to the two of them, that much was certain. But the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Karim's hands were larger, perhaps rougher than Tykiri remembered, but he had always had the body of a athlete and adventurous spirit. The callouses his hands were worrying-- he certainly hadn't earned them climbing trees and scaling rocky cliff sides, though Tykiri would have wished that he could have. He cherished every brush of skin or fur that he could have, going with him easily into the next room.<br/><br/>Delaney watched them go, doing well to keep his jaw from going slack. But he knew better to intrude. He left the two to each other, excusing himself to the study. He was sure he would be able to learn more about it later.<br/><br/>Tykiri settled among the still fairly new cushions with Karim, catching his hands to instead bring them closer to his face. "I never thought..." He faltered and rubbed his cheek against his palm. The sensitive skin on his face was able to detect with more clarity just how weathered Karim's skin had become. Years of labor, of tasks not befitting of such a beautiful boy corroded the surface of his skin. But just as time could cause them, he knew that time could take them away. He was safe here now.<br/><br/>"I never thought that this would be how we met again..." He whispered, closing his eyes, just allowing himself to enjoy how real things had become. "I'm sorry I hadn't come to you sooner... I tried, I swear to you I did..."<br/><br/>Carefully, he ran his hands along Karim's arms. His delicate touch picked up every rise upon Karim's exposed skin, every scar old and new. He worked his way up to his shoulders, gripping them lightly to test their broadness, then moved to his neck, thumbs rubbing into his skin and subconsciously checking his pulse. A strong and steady heart. He was healthy, at least from a first glance. He would be sure to be more thorough one the shock wore off.<br/><br/>"Welcome home, Karim..." Tykiri cupped his face, bringing it closer so he could press a tender kiss to his forehead. "You will never know another. I am not your Master, but you will never be taken from me again."