[Everett wants to take him in as he is, with all of his mangy strays that no one else had ever wanted, and with none of the forging powers to justify the allowance. How could Hector not love this man?]

They won't mind it, really? I don't want to disrupt your rats' habitats more than I have to.

[For this intimate moment, for Everett's consideration for Hector's pets, he's willing even to overlook the fucking season puns. He reaches a hand up to the back of Everett's neck and pulls him in to press their lips together. He can taste the salt, but also Everett's honeyed sweetness and the lingering taste of their mingled spent.

He scoots in closer, feeling Everett's warmth inside and out.]

What if I want more of your boldness?