[ And he's cupping your cheek in his hand, before he traces the line of your cheek and then affectionately flicks a finger gently over the tip of your nose. ]

As long as you tell me that you trust that I'll hold my own out there.

[ Because the fight isn't over. Amadeus is still out there, and if anything, this last engagement has confirmed that old monsters don't die as easily as most people hope. But a win is a win. Valkyrie had been that shadow looming in the back, the real shape and face hidden just enough from sight. Things can be better now, amends can be made, or if that conspiracy can't be made whole again, then he'll be content to let people like Brig, like his mother and Lincoln Hawke carry on the memory of a better what-could-have-been.

His hand is falling away and he tangles his fingers with yours. ]

I want to get stronger. [ He's not afraid to you show you his weaknesses, or be honest with the things he doesn't feel he has the luxury of showing to anyone else. The Hounds get it, he knows that much, and he knows that the people who count as family -- extended or otherwise -- believe in him already, but he's got a responsibility to them too. ] I want to get stronger for everyone who matters. [ Those blue eyes of his are fixed on yours now. ] For you.