The feeling of his hand moving along his side was a new one. Dolemeck was worried his body might give off a reaction that could spook the two of them and ruin the moment. Instead, he tried to focus on what Ilya was telling him.

"Ilya, you can tell me anything. I am not going to judge you, nor am I going to tell anyone else if you do." He did his best to reassure him, kissing his forehead to try and ease up on that headache he had. "You are not going to drive me away. And if you are not ready to tell me, I can just wait until you are, aye? No pressure."