Even as Laurent winced, shuddered, tensed, Gansey did not let go. He couldn't. There was a feeling in his gut... something that told him that if he let go, Laurent would crumble away into dust. Cease to be. Which, while utterly ridiculous, terrified him. Losing this man was unthinkable.

So he held fast. Standing still, strong, keeping quiet except for a soothing murmur here and there. Those fingers tangled into his shirt and his heart skipped a beat. So desperate, needing. No one had ever needed Gansey like this. Sure, they wanted him. Enjoyed his company. Projected those princely ideals onto him, expected him to be a gentleman and the perfect prospective husband. Yet no one had ever needed him. Him. Gansey. Not Richard.

Not the rich, well-bred man. The fool that had messed up a thousand times.