( Basil would be heartbroken if he knew that any of this was just a lie. He's opened up more to Kel than anyone else in such a long, long time. Maybe to Kel, what he was seeing wasn't real, but to Basil it was just as solid, just as real as Aubrey or Kel himself was.

Let's not be hasty. He isn't sure if he has the courage to really bring it up on his own, anyways. Talking about anything concerning home is difficult. This conversation in itself has been exhausting.

His breath hiccups when Kel presses a kiss to his knuckles, fingers gently moving to once again take Kel's hand into his. When they're like this, it feels... warm. Safe. )

A... As long as you're here, Kel... I think I can keep trying to be brave. ( He stops for a moment, thinking of Kel's other words. )

And... I believe you. T-Together... We can try to sort out some of the problems at home, can't we...?