Alvin...

[ jude hangs his head and puffs out a small sigh, resigning himself to his fate. he can't deny alvin. not when he just wants to help. ]

You're a really good friend, you know that?

[ the warmth of alvin's larger hand on his is steadying. grounding. that warmth reminds him just how much alvin's changed, and just how lucky jude is to have him here with him. jude's thumb grazes against his. ]

But you have to promise not to laugh at me. Or tease me. Or— or— just promise.