Okay, he can't actually argue with that. "It's easier," he admits. "Just not getting attached to people. Felt safer. Better to squash my feelings." Pretend they weren't there. And if York hadn't got to him, hadn't managed to break him out of that... things would probably a whole lot worse right now. Easier maybe. But probably worse.

He crawls into bed, letting York drag him close, and lets out a pleased sigh when Carolina presses up against him.