Felix steps back as his hand curls tight around Jim’s, seeking to lean into his warm presence. But he shakes his head at Jim’s honest offer, pulling him all the closer. “You went through as much as we did. I couldn’t let you do that for us.”

It’s hard to fathom the depth of feeling in Nereus’s gaze when he turns it to Jim. There’s worry there, and love, and a new gratitude for this strange young man… and a touch of contrition. Quietly he hangs the cloak back up before he speaks.

“I’m afraid I must apologize to you, Jim. I came… terribly close to making a grave misjudgement of you. I’m glad my fears were misplaced, and I hope you understand my reasons for being concerned about any new addition to our family, but…” he looks back at Felix, and his voice softens, “Clearly I owe you a better welcome than that, to make an understatement."