"I know, I try to do the same thing, only you usually don't let me," he inhales roughly, holding Chris against him. "So I won't let you either. Right now I don't care what either of us deserve. I just want to hear what's in your head. Even if it hurts."

He takes another breath, harsh and sore, his arms around Chris like he can shield him with them both inside and out. "Maybe neither of us deserve to feel better, but..."

Leaning back a little, Wolfe shifts so he can press his forehead to his love's. Tears still run down his face, but slower and fewer than before. He sniffles, rubbing the back of one hand over his eyes. "So be it, then. We can be undeserving together."