There. That's the ticket. That's Anders finally believing him and not qualifying it with a but I don't deserve it. Nathaniel laughs softly, arms circling Anders' waist.

"I do. And you love me so much." It feels good to say that, to receive and understand it. He pulls away just enough to draw something out of a pocket.

"I got this for you," he says, presenting Anders with a silk scarf of a deep emerald green. "One of the merchants had it. I thought it would look beautiful on you. But...I have a very particular way I want you to wear it. I want you to take off your clothes and lie on your back, first."