[ By the time Alhaitham is done, he's actually half-asleep, eyes drooping and breathing even against the other's neck. But he stirs all too willingly when the other sprawls back into the chair and brushes his hair back to leave a kiss on his face; his eyes open again, soft and vulnerable and bright with curiosity. Even then, though, his voice is low and almost more mumbled than anything: ]

What did I do that gave you an idea for a paper? And...

[ He doesn't give him time to answer, instead continuing on, giving a soft voice to the anxieties that have bugged him. ]

What now? I mean... what are we? Apart from...... I just, I think I need to hear you say it.