"Shhh, shh, love." He appreciates the words more than he can say, but Nate's struggling. Anders leans in to slowly kiss the archer's lower lip, being careful to not make it difficult for Nate to catch his breath.

With his free hand he gently rubs Nate's cheek.

"I love you," Anders whispers after breaking the kiss. "There was a time when I thought there was no way I could ever be happy again. You've proven me so very wrong, and I'm thankful for that every day." He'd honestly thought he couldn't be loved anymore. Nate's proven that wrong too.

"Rest, and heal, and I'll return to your arms as quickly as I can."