[Really, Kit knew he should have anticipated his companion's sudden change of heart, but he was still taken by surprise when Vincent pushed away from the wall and joined him. Once more, his theory was proven correct. Just when he'd given up trying to convince the other boy to come back with him to the Habitat's guest quarters, Vincent conceded.

Only this time his willing participation was disconnected from what Kit had intended to achieve by leaving.

He felt the same stirrings of concern, but they were polluted by an unrelenting nostalgia and selfishness. Lingering, let alone acting on either feeling any further than he already had, would only spell trouble for them both. That was why he had deigned to leave. With time and sleep he could recover from the fall he'd had earlier. He could calm his racing mind and beating heart, willing them both into submission. Only then could he keep his promise. Not as he was now, injured and overburdened by memories of days past...by feelings he could normally set aside so easily or shut off.

Now that escape wasn't an option and Vincent had joined his side, however, Kit was forced to put on a complaisant face.]

I suppose that makes sense.

[Better the roar of the lion than the mewl of a kitten and all that.

Which was a thought that brought him to a stop at the top of the stairs. Considering the difference in their height...]

There really isn't any need for concern but, out of curiosity, how exactly did you intend to prevent me from falling?