Even a few months earlier and Kaz would be sweating at this contact. The intimacy of their closeness when clothed he had come to handle so much easier but the skin on skin contact, especially with some things in the city of late... Hell, with the announcement that Jesper had made coming into the room - they made it not easy for Kaz but he wouldn't hold back. Not now. Not when Jesper needed it most.

He's been there for Kaz when the city has thrown their worst at them. In times when Kaz hasn't been sure he'll survive what's happening because of sheer fear and panic, and he can't let himself be anything less than there for Jesper in the same moments. Like now.

"Jesper Fahey, listen to me. You are not going to fuck up. I won't let you."

His voice is hard then, his gaze steady and firm as he refused to look away from Jesper and won't let him either as his hand curves to the side of his face to hold his attention.

"And you're not going to give in this time. You're going to fight it, and you're going to prove to these bastards and the powers that be and everything else in this place that you are the Patron of the Cherished. You are Jesper Fahey. They will not drag you down. Do you understand me?"