Lucas hums deep in his chest, thinking. He turns so that he walks backward toward the bed, pulling Brody along after him until he can sit and then draw him down to lie beside him. Then his hands move, wandering, touching, smoothing.

It is easier for Lucas to speak when he doesn't try to also follow someone else's thoughts. He closes his eyes so that he can talk into that black vacuum, outside of uncertainty, restrictions, and language barriers.

"I have found books. I do not often read, but I have thought there may be books that will give me the words I lack for speaking of my position."