"Then why did his voice wake you?" Ilyan asked, his voice softer than earlier.
Ren froze at the question. His mind went blank as Ilyan's fingers traced the curve of his cheeks, trembling as if afraid to let go. He followed the movement of those hands with his gaze, searching for his words. He had no idea what to say, and what to not.
"I just heard a voice," he murmured. "That's all…" He lowered his gaze, unsure of his own answer.
Ilyan's smile softened, his thumbs brushing the corners of Ren's lips. He didn't say anything for a long moment. At least not until Ren pressed his forehead against his, their noses touching each other.
"Do you really think it would have reached you," he whispered, locking gaze with the man, "if you had nothing for him in your heart?"
"Stop saying nonsense, Ilyan."
Ren pulled himself from the man immediately, turning his head away, shutting his eyes tightly. It was not fury but guilt that overwhelmed him.
