"I understand", Adrien said. "I won't tell anyone". He swallowed again, then lifted his head. "I promise".

"Thank you", Val's voice replied. "Thank you, Adrien... Thank you so much".

Adrien lowered his head; Val's sincere gratefulness shone a light on his sense of guilt. He had failed him so much - and he could not tell him how and why; and maybe he could not tell himself, either. Only one thing was clear to him in that moment: he wanted to be at Val's side. He couldn't even imagine how hard it must have been for him: forced to conceal himself in his own house, afraid that his secret would be known, guilty of no crime. He knew that what Val needed was his understanding; and he would do all he could to offer that safety to him.

"Isn't it about time that I open the door?", Adrien said with a smile.

"It is for me, if you are ready", Val's voice replied.