[The way those words twist at his chest. Unfamiliar as genuine kindness and friendship have become, their warmth nearly burns him from the inside out. He glances to the side after Zahliya speaks, unsure, at first, if he should say anything at all. It would surely be better for them both if Luca only nodded and let things be.

Instead, he opens his stupid mouth, letting all those halting and stammering words spill out at will.]

I am glad you are here as well. If only because it means you are not being poked and prodded elsewhere. [He really, really doesn't want to deal with this Add guy, he's realizing.

He moves past Zahliya, heading toward the bed. He peels away one single blanket and a pillow for himself, then moves to set up a little nest for himself on the floor.]

The bed is all yours. I have slept far worse places than the floor.