The only response Ash can make to that is a pained little whimper, because he can't imagine lasting half that long without going out of his damned mind--because he couldn't last half that long, and they both know it--and here Kieran is, cracked and exhausted but still intact, still himself. He slides his cheek against Kieran's to kiss over his jaw with slightly chapped lips, feathery and reassuring.

"Oh, my heart. You're so strong."