The groan almost makes him let go of Mick's hand. He's afraid. Rejection is something he's dealt with his entire life, and he isn't sure he can handle it. Not now. Not from Mick.

But then his fingers tighten just slightly, and the tension in his stomach relaxes. Maybe he can have this. It isn't much, but it's enough.

"Hey," he says softly. Mick's eyes are open, but they're a little unfocused. It doesn't make him any less worried. "You don't need to apologize."