Koumyou doesn't protest at all, either, just holding on, stroking his fingers over the back of Devero's head. The sutra isn't the most comfortable thing to cry into, but its keeper is hardly offended.

No, the priest is fine to just sit here and hold him while some of that horrible pain is let loose.

"...Why can't you be the person you are?" he asks quietly, "The person I've gotten to know is wonderful. I've never met anyone half so sweet and kind... I couldn't have even imagined someone like you existing, before. You're absolutely amazing."