[And Niko relaxes some, too. Because he understands, and has always understood. Because he felt Kate alive in his arms one moment, and then she was limp and gone another. Because all he's done is fail at protecting people, despite promises otherwise.]
[He nudges Boone's nose again, though. Expecting him to say to forget it, which, for some reason, makes him want to try and enjoy the moment more. He wants to savor it and commit it to memory, and that way when Boone tells him that whatever happened was a fluke he can accept it.]
[It wouldn't be the first time someone he liked didn't want him back, after all. It's just the first time it's been a man.]
[Then it occurs to him that he didn't answer immediately. That he squeezed his hand. He set himself up for failure so sternly that it is only long moments after the fact that he realizes.] And if you were not afraid for me?
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[And Niko relaxes some, too. Because he understands, and has always understood. Because he felt Kate alive in his arms one moment, and then she was limp and gone another. Because all he's done is fail at protecting people, despite promises otherwise.]
[He nudges Boone's nose again, though. Expecting him to say to forget it, which, for some reason, makes him want to try and enjoy the moment more. He wants to savor it and commit it to memory, and that way when Boone tells him that whatever happened was a fluke he can accept it.]
[It wouldn't be the first time someone he liked didn't want him back, after all. It's just the first time it's been a man.]
[Then it occurs to him that he didn't answer immediately. That he squeezed his hand. He set himself up for failure so sternly that it is only long moments after the fact that he realizes.] And if you were not afraid for me?