Alexei lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, listening to the running water and noting the absence of his love's loud, earsplitting singing. He doesn't mind it. It is charming. Of course, his ears are no longer human.

When Reinhardt at last comes to bed, Alexei smiles warmly and he gives a soft, wistful sigh.

"Of course."

He immediately reached out his hand for his knight's.

"Anything with human skin is safe to touch."

Hold...kiss...anything like that. His extra limbs flutter when he links their fingers together. Stukov pulls the other man's knuckles to his lips and kisses each one before letting their linked hands rest on his chest, just enough away from any exposed molting.

"I'm...I'm so glad you are here. Thank you...for everything...for helping."