He could feel her gaze on him, and just as soon as he could he turned to meet it. Her sunny expression warmed him and spread a small smile across his face, and Gareth did his best to steel his wavering lips. Today had been very, very trying. That must have been why he was so unbalanced, so wobbly. It was like his heart was navigating along a tightrope one foot at a time. "I trust you too," he managed. It was why listening to her request to spirit not only Zelly, but himself away in a moment of danger... it had been so hard. It still was, even just thinking about it.

Gareth startled at the sudden thump she gave his chest, and felt her fingers very keenly through his thin tunic. "I--" he started, but suddenly couldn't continue. Like a caravan traffic jam all the words stuck in his throat and not a single one could emerge. He looked away, shoulders shivering. His hand squeezed her shoulder strongly, maybe a little more than was comfortable, and his hand was the single steady part of his body. Tears came unbidden to his eyes and though he tried to restrain them, Winter just continued. It was hopeless. The warmth from her hand felt like it was spreading all through his chest.

The sorcerer tried his best to keep his face averted from her warm, open face. For some reason he knew he might fall apart completely if she met his eyes just then. It took him a long time to answer. Then,

"I would like that," he admitted, shivering, whispering brokenly.