[ Bastien’s tickled grin at the seagulls cuts promptly short. ]

That was never a risk. Not ever.

[ A subdued sort of urgency, because they’re in the bright morning light, surrounded by people. If they were curled up alone somewhere he might be holding By by the face, to mandate eye contact. Here he only gives his hand an emphatic squeeze. ]

That has never been something I have worried about. I knew you better. I’ve known you better since we met.