An emotional reaction like that doesn't go unnoticed, but it doesn't frighten Dan, or make him want to back off in the slightest. He understands; there hasn't been anyone to take care of him since the Overlook.

That it seems so possible now is staggering.

He answer it all with a soft sigh, like the relief of an itch scratched, as Marcus settles next to him, leans against him. The fleeting image of those nights spent wrapped around each other only reinforce how much he wants that again, only with this too. His mouth opens up under Marcus's, and he lets himself go into the kiss like he's been wanting.