In his gratitude, Adrien only hoped that he could bring the same happiness to Val, as well. He'd come to understand that, within his gentle kindness, Val concealed a great sorrow, too great to bring to words; it lived in the quiver of his breathing when he hesitated to speak, and in the distance unreachable when his gaze became lost. Adrien could not guess what it was, and he would not ask; but he hoped that one day he would learn, and he hoped to be there for him and help him with his pain.