His heart was beating faster, and his breath caught when Dolemeck pressed their heads together. The concept this is romantic is as terrifying as it is amazing. He'd never thought about his orientation because he'd given up hope on that front so long ago he couldn't even remember when it happened. Maybe he's reading too much into it. But he hopes he isn't, or if he is, he'll at least get to pretend that's what this might be for a few more seconds.

"I'm not any kinder than anyone else is. Or any more good." He's kind of proud he got the grammar right, there. "I'm just some kid from Chukotka who somehow ended up here. And I am happy. I have you now." They're so close Dolemack can probably see that Ilya's eyes are a dark blue instead of brown as they appear from a distance. Other people might find it repulsive, the trademark blue of the Chukchi, but he doubts Dolemeck cares.

"The only reason I'm nervous is because I just got here, but I already don't want to leave this school. Or you." His cheeks must be on fire at this point, with how warm they feel. Did he really just say that? He's not sure what's worse, that it's so unromantic or that it's so painfully true. What's wrong with him? He didn't bond to his SHIELD handlers at all, so why is Dolemeck so easy to care about?