"In that fake future, it was gone." Jesper sighs. "I was free for the first time on like every level. And I know it wasn't real but coming back to this was rude." It's been a few months since they all went through that but he feels like it's still hanging around. It's so vivid in his memory, he remembers it as readily as he does his time in Ketterdam. Logically understanding it was just a vision doesn't stop the feeling of its realness. And the absence of pain and anxiety was a relief.

Plus he was Claude's lover so that is a great thing to remember!

Jesper threads their fingers together when Claude takes his hand. He did come here instead of giving into his instincts. His fear drew him away and he followed that. He found some place safe, and someone safe to be with. It's better than the last time. He didn't really protest at all that time, he sank right into the corruption, swept away within seconds. No matter how hard he fought, he couldn't fully get out of the pit of it.

"I am here, it's true. And I'm just ... not going to touch anyone until this is over." Their touching doesn't count, he's thinking the way it happened before, when he tried to help the person. And the last time, when he touched them intentionally to cause trouble. It's better if Jesper keeps his hands and concerns to himself. It might not be kind to avoid helping people, but it's the only way for him to stay sane. They'll have to fend for themselves, sometimes that's the only way.

He kisses the back of Claude's hand. "You have to be careful, love. It's not just me they're going to come for."